The Miami football team getting off to a good start against Central Connecticut State will be critical to getting the first-team rest. Miami will have a quick turnaround before playing Virginia on Thursday. The game against Central Connecticut State will be important to get young players snaps.
Miami starters need to play with a sense of urgency against Central Connecticut State. The quicker the Hurricanes start against the Blue Devils will enable the coaching staff to get starters out of the game and rest them ahead of the ACC opener against Virginia. Quarterback is the position to watch on Saturday.
With starter D’Eriq King “really doubtful” according to head coach Manny Diaz, second-year freshman Tyler Van Dyke and true freshman Jake Garcia are expected to split the playing time. Diaz said they are evenly sharing the first-team snaps in practice this week. Van Dyke has received more second-team snaps previously.
Van Dyke has taken only four snaps this season and Garcia has never taken a collegiate snap. Garcia and Van Dyke could provide a glimpse of the future for the Miami football team at QB. It will be difficult to gain anything against what has been a bad FCS, Central Connecticut State defense this season.
Manny Diaz says D'Eriq King is "really doubtful" for Saturday vs. Central Connecticut State.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) September 22, 2021
King suffered an injured shoulder on Saturday against Michigan State. With Miami playing five days against Virginia there is a good chance that King will not be ready against the Cavaliers. Whoever emerges between Garcia and Van Dyke against Central Connecticut State could start against Virginia.
Several other young Miami players will have a chance to assert themselves against Central Connecticut State. Wide receiver Romello Brinson had the first significant playing time of his career against Michigan State. Brinson had three receptions for 33 yards against the Spartans.
Miami has received inconsistent play this season from starting safeties Bubba Bolden and Gurvan Hall. Freshmen Kamren Kinchens and James Williams are likely to receive extensive playing time against Central Connecticut State. Williams showed his elite talent last week chasing down a MSU wide receiver to prevent a touchdown.
Miami backup freshmen running backs
and
are likely to receive the first carries of their collegiate careers. The Miami football team lost second-team RB
Jr. to a torn ACL two weeks ago against Appalachian State.
needs to get as much rest as possible before Virginia.
Against Michigan State, Miami lost second-year freshman left guard Jalen Rivers for the season with a knee injury and starting linebacker Keontra Smith through at least the North Carolina game on October 16. Offensive line coach Garin Justice could use Saturday as a time to experiment with different lineups.
Veteran Waynmon Steed will start while Smith is out. Young LBs Avery Huff and Tirek Austin-Cave should be expected to receive plenty of playing time on Saturday. Five-star defensive tackle Leonard Taylor is also likely to make his collegiate debut against Central Connecticut State. Miami fans should get a glimpse of the future.