Miami Hurricanes early offensive production set tone last two games
After the Miami Hurricanes struggled in the first quarter against North Carolina and Virginia, they set the tone in the opening 15 minutes in their last two games against North Carolina State and Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes had only 16 total yards combined in the first quarter in the losses to Virginia and North Carolina.
Miami had 90 yards in the first quarter against North Carolina State and exploded for 237 against Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes led 7-3 at the end of the first quarter against the Wolfpack and 21-10 after 15 minutes against the Panthers. Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has been more confident early the last two weeks.
Van Dyke was 6-10 for 77 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter against NC State. In the first quarter against Pittsburgh Van Dyke put up video game numbers. Van Dyke was 8-11 for 237 yards and two TDs in the opening 15 minutes against the Panthers. The Miami defense allowed 69 first-quarter yards versus NC State.
Miami did just enough defensively for the 21-10 lead after one against Pittsburgh. The Panthers had 214 total yards, but just four rushing in the first quarter. Miami extended the lead to 31-17 with 80 total yards and two more TDs in the second quarter. The 14 point cushion was just enough in the second half to earn the win.
Despite leading 14-3 against North Carolina State in the second quarter Miami trailed 17-14 at halftime after allowing a late TD drive to the Wolfpack. The Hurricanes and Wolfpack traded the lead three times in the second half before Miami won 31-10. Miami only trailed 7-0 after the first drive against Pittsburgh.
The Miami Hurricanes scored touchdowns on their first three drives. Miami stopped Pittsburgh on downs on the Panthers’ second drive and forced a three and out on their third drive to lead 21-7. Expected to be favored in their last four games, Miami needs to continue the strong starts they have had in the last two games.
The Miami Hurricanes were also able to pop a 40 yard TD run by running back Jaylan Knighton in the first quarter for their third TD of the game against Pittsburgh. Knighton added a second TD in the second quarter versus the Panthers. In the last three games, Knighton has 422 total yards and six TDs.
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Miami had 18 carries for 83 yards and two TDs rushing when adjusted for yards lost on sacks. The Miami offense should be able to continue rolling early against Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech is 119th nationally allowing 10.0 points per game in the first quarter. Miami is 48th averaging 6.7 PPG in the opening 15 minutes.