Miami football offense far more productive with Tyler Van Dyke healthy

Oct 8, 2022; Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

The offense for the Miami football team has been far more productive when Tyler Van Dyke is the quarterback than when Jake Garcia has replaced him. Van Dyke has completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,729 yards, 7.3 yards per attempt, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions this season.

Garcia has completed 60.3 percent of his passing attempts for 595 yards, two TDs, three interceptions, 7.6 yards per attempt and lost two fumbles. Van Dyke also lost a fumble. After inconsistent performances early this season, Van Dyke regained form before being injured versus Duke last month.

In consecutive games versus North Carolina and Virginia Tech, Van Dyke completed 68.9 percent of his pass attempts for 847 yards, five TDs and one interception. Van Dyke has started every game for the Miami football team this season except last week at Virginia when he was out with a shoulder injury.

Garcia has played in five 2022 games. With Van Dyke out last week, Garcia made the first start of his collegiate career. Following the eight-turnover debacle against Duke last month, with five by Garcia, Miami played extremely conservatively in the win over Virginia. Garcia was 15-29 for 125 yards, no TD and no INTs versus Virginia.

Garcia had uneven performances against Middle Tennessee State and Duke. Miami took an ineffective Van Dyke out against Middle Tennessee State. Garcia was 6-8 for 112 yards in the third quarter against Middle Tennessee State. With Miami trying to come back, Garcia was 4-11 for 57 yards in the fourth quarter versus MTSU.

Garcia had a similarly inconsistent performance against Duke. After Van Dyke suffered the shoulder injury in the second quarter, Garcia was 4-6 for 34 yards with one interception at the end of the first half that potentially cost the Miami football team at least three points. Miami trailed 17-7 at halftime versus Duke.

Behind Garcia, Miami scored two TDs in the first two minutes of the third quarter to take a 21-17 lead versus Duke and seemed to put the first half behind them. Garcia finished the third quarter 5-9 for 123 yards, two TDs, no interceptions and one lost fumble. Miami imploded after taking the lead.

Garcia was 4-6 for 41 yards, no TDs, two interceptions and two lost fumbles in the fourth quarter versus Duke. Reportedly, Garcia was given strict instructions to take care of the ball versus Virginia. Henry Parrish carried the offense for Miami at Virginia with 24 carries for 113 yards rushing and one reception for four yards.

The reports that Van Dyke is participating in practice and could play versus Florida State are encouraging for Saturday. Miami has been far more efficient and productive with Van Dyke at QB over Garcia. Van Dyke has a 135.96 passer rating this season and Garcia is at 125.11. Van Dyke has 152 completions in 237 attempts.

Garcia has 47 completions in 78 attempts. With Van Dyke at QB Miami has 78 first-down completions, 45 completed passes for 15 yards or more and nine of 25 or more. Garcia has 27 pass completions for first downs, 10 of 15 plus and four of 25 or more. Under offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, Miami has been more conservative.

With Rhett Lashlee as the offensive coordinator last season, Miami pushed the ball downfield more. Miami had 153 first downs via the pass in 2021, 89 for 15 yards or more and 40 for 25 or more. The experience Van Dyke has at QB is beneficial to the Miami offense. Miami is more efficient and explosive with Van Dyke at QB.

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