Miami Hurricanes RB Jaylan Knighton helps lead offensive resurgence
Miami Hurricanes running back Jaylan Knighton has helped an offensive resurgence in the last three games. The Hurricanes are averaging 37 points and 443.67 yards in their last three games. Knighton has 422 total yards and six touchdowns over the last three games. With injury problems at RB Knighton is receiving most of the carries.
The resurgence for the Miami offense began in earnest in the second half against North Carolina. Miami trailed 31-17 at halftime to North Carolina and had only 80 yards in total offense. The Hurricanes produced 341 yards in the second half in a 45-42 loss. A late North Carolina interception halted a Miami comeback.
Knighton had 150 total yards and two TDs in the second half against North Carolina. The three best games of Knighton’s Miami Hurricanes career have been against North Carolina, North Carolina State and Pittsburgh the last three weeks. Knighton had 83 yards each rushing and receiving with one TD against the Wolfpack.
In the 38-34 Miami victory over Pittsburgh last weekend, Knighton had 91 total yards and an explosive 40-yard TD run. The speed and big-play ability Knighton adds have energized the Miami offense. Knighton has become the primary Miami RB with Don Chaney Jr. and Cam’Ron Harris lost for the season.
True freshman Cody Brown has become the primary backup to Knighton since Miami lost Harris in the North Carolina game. Brown has 10 carries for 25 yards and one TD in the last three games. Knighton has 55 carries for 255 yards and four TDs and 13 receptions for 167 yards and two TDs over the last three games.
Knighton should continue to thrive as Miami plays two mediocre defenses and two poor ones over their last four games. Georgia Tech who Miami hosts on Saturday has the 104th ranked defense nationally. The Hurricanes offense finishes the season against number 68 Florida State, 63rd ranked Virginia Tech and 122nd ranked Duke.