Tyler Van Dyke has career game in loss to North Carolina
Tyler Van Dyke threw for a career-high 496 yards and had three touchdowns and one interception in a 27-24 loss by the Miami football team to North Carolina on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Tyler Van Dyke turned in an exceptional performance after Miami fell behind 14-0 and in spite of an anemic running game.
Van Dyke was hot in the second quarter completing 13 of 17 attempts for 215 yards, two TDs, no interceptions and leading three scoring drives to cut the North Carolina lead to 21-17 before halftime. The 496 passing yards were the second-highest in Miami history. Stephen Morris had 566 versus North Carolina State in 2012.
Several Miami receivers had career games versus North Carolina. Tight end Will Mallory set career highs with eight receptions and 110 yards. Multiple Miami wide receivers also set career highs on Saturday. Clemson transfer Frank Ladson had a career-high eight receptions and his 67 yards were the third most in his career.
Junior college transfer Colbie Young made his first big impact with three receptions for 43 yards and a TD. Two of the three receptions for Young including the TD came on the penultimate drive of the game that brought Miami within 27-24. Freshman TE Jaleel Skinner produced his best game with three receptions for 43 yards.
The performance by Van Dyke was encouraging after his worst game against Middle Tennessee State two weeks ago. Van Dyke was 16-32 for 138 yards, one TD and two interceptions as Miami lost 45-31 to the Blue Raiders. Miami was in scoring position on nine of their 11 drives versus North Carolina.
In the red zone, Miami finished with three TDs, a field goal, a fumble, and one drive that ended on downs. Van Dyke was also able to regain his ability to complete deep passes. Van Dyke finished 6-11 for 140 yards on pass attempts of 15 or more yards. There were six completions by Van Dyke for at least 20 yards versus North Carolina.
Next. Miami unable to overcome early mistakes losing to UNC. dark
The deep passing game is what Miami explosive offensively in 2021. The resurgence by Van Dyke is a good sign for the remainder of the Miami season. Miami should be favored the next three weeks at Virginia Tech, versus Duke and at Virginia before hosting Florida State. The Hurricanes and Hokies kickoff next Saturday at 12:30 PM.