Miami Hurricanes start against North Carolina State keys win
After anemic starts offensively in losses to Virginia and North Carolina the last two weeks, the Miami Hurricanes outgained the Wolfpack 90-69 in the first quarter. Miami forced North Carolina State to a three and out on its first drive, then the Hurricanes took eight plays to go 75 yards in 2:37 to take a 7-0 lead.
Miami second-year freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Charleston Rambo for a 7-0 lead. Van Dyke finished the opening quarter 6-10 for 77 yards and the one TD. Miami exited the first quarter with a 7-3 lead. Miami led after the first quarter for just the second time in 2021.
The Hurricanes last led at the end of the first quarter 21-0 against Central Connecticut State four weeks ago. Miami led at the end of the first quarter against a Power Five team for the first time this season. Van Dyke combined to go 4-10 for 21 yards in the first quarter the last two weeks against Virginia and North Carolina.
The Miami offense was assertive and played with a sense of purpose in the first quarter on Saturday night. North Carolina State was 38th nationally entering Saturday night’s game allowing 4.2 points per game in the first quarter. Miami was 101st averaging 3.8 PPG in the first quarter and nearly doubled that on Saturday.
The Hurricanes were consistent offensively throughout the game. Miami scored in every quarter for the second game in a row. The Hurricanes have now scored in 11 straight quarters dating back to the Virginia game. Miami is growing as a team offensively led by Van Dyke. The experience Van Dyke is gaining is valuable.
Van Dyke is putting skill-position players in positions to make plays. Running back Jaylan Knighton ran 21 times for 83 yards and added six receptions for 83 yards and a TD. Wide receiver Charleston Rambo had nine receptions for 127 yards and two TDs. Tight end Will Mallory added three receptions for 34 yards and a TD.
Rambo had two receptions for 30 yards and one TD in the opening quarter and Knighton one for 16. The Miami defense forced three and outs on the first two North Carolina State drives and three of the first four. NC State went eight plays, 52 yards in 3:34 that ended with a field goal to cut the Miami Hurricanes lead to 7-3.
Next. Miami makes big plays late defeating North Carolina State 31-30. dark
If Miami can continue to get off to good starts, it will be able to build confidence and not bury itself in a hole that is difficult to rally from. Miami plays at Pittsburgh on Saturday before being favored to win all four games in November. The Hurricanes host Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech and play at Florida State and Duke in November.