Miami football overcomes 7 missing starters in 2nd half versus Virginia Tech

The Miami football team defeated Virginia Tech 20-14 on Saturday despite missing seven starters. Cornerback Tyrique, Stevenson, offensive linemen Jakai Clark, Zion Nelson and Justice Olawaseun, running back Henry Parrish Jr. and wide receiver Michael Redding III were all declared out before the game.

Wide receiver Brashard Smith and tight end Will Mallory left during the game with injuries and did not return. Mallory left the game after apparently suffering a concussion. Nasir Peoples of Virginia Tech was ejected for targeting against Mallory. Miami was also without linebacker Waynmon Steed versus Virginia Tech.

Without Stevenson, Te’Cory Couch, D.J. Ivey and Darryl Porter Jr. played all 67 snaps for Miami per Pro Football Focus via Inside the U. Ivey was the highest-scoring Miami defensive back on Saturday with an overall grade of 71.6 and 71.1 in coverage per PFF via Inside the U. Ivey allowed three receptions for 43 yards on four targets.

The starting Miami offensive line from tackle to tackle beginning on the left were John Campbell, Jalen Rivers, Jonathan Denis at center for Clark, Logan Sagapolu and DJ Scaife. Freshman Anez Cooper earned playing in place of Sagapolu at right guard. Scaife was the only healthy Miami OL of those six on the 2021 roster.

Thad Franklin, Jaylan Knighton and Lucious Stanley shared the carries for Miami with Parrish out. Knighton had 10 carries for 27 yards, Franklin four for 24 and Stanley four for 23. True freshman quarterback Jacurri Brown had two carries for 22 yards in short yardage. Expect Brown to be utilized more often this season.

Colbie Young started in place of Redding III and had a breakout game for Miami with nine receptions 101 yards and a touchdown. Young provides Miami with a big target at 6’5, 220 pounds. Frank Ladson also had a good game with five receptions for 58 yards. Ladson is becoming a reliable receiver for Tyler Van Dyke.

Mallory had three receptions for 62 yards before leaving in the first half. Smith had six receptions for 76 yards and two punt returns for 13 yards. Freshman TE Jaleel Skinner had two receptions for 30 yards in place of Mallory. Dominic Mammarelli added one reception for a loss of two yards at TE.

Mario Cristobal said in the postgame on Saturday he did not think any of the injuries suffered on Saturday were serious per Manny Navarro of The Athletic. Cristobal has not been very informative about the Miami injuries during his inaugural season. The injury disclosures might not come until pregame warmups versus Duke.