Three Miami Hurricanes who could have breakout games versus Florida State

Having a big game for a Miami Hurricanes player against Florida State will make them memorable to the fanbase for a lifetime. There are numerous examples of Miami players who had breakout games for Miami against Florida State. Miami will likely need breakout games from a few players to defeat Florida State.

Miami enters the game against Florida State as a significant underdog via consensus metrics and point spreads. Florida State enters the game on Saturday with a record of 5-3, 2-3 in the ACC. Miami is 4-3, 2-3. The Miami Hurricanes need significant improvement on offense to have a chance to defeat Florida State on Saturday.

There are many questions for Miami offensively with injuries and after not scoring a touchdown in the 14-12 quadruple overtime win over Virginia last week. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke missed the Virginia game with a shoulder injury. The initial prognosis was that he would miss two weeks. Van Dyke has progressed better than expected.

Jake Garcia threw for an anemic 125 yards without an interception against Virginia. Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis called an extremely conservative game following the seven turnovers Miami had on offense versus Duke two weeks ago. That led to Garcia’s paltry performance against Virginia.

Expectations are increasing that Van Dyke will start versus Florida State. Consensus predictions give Miami a far better chance if Van Dyke is the starter. Garcia has shown the ability to get the ball downfield this season. If Garcia can limit turnovers he can live up to the high ranking he had as a 2021 signee with Miami.

Henry Parrish potential Miami Hurricanes breakout player versus FSU

Parrish has established himself as the lead running back for Miami throughout the 2022 season. Parrish leads Miami with 542 rushing yards this season. Last week at Virginia, Parrish set season highs with 24 carries and 113 rushing yards. Florida State is 11th in the ACC allowing 145.63 rushing yards per game.

Florida State has allowed at least 167 yards rushing four times this season. The Seminoles have also allowed four players to rush for over 100 yards in a game this season. With Florida State having a good pass defense and the Miami passing game questionable expect Parrish to have a breakout game versus Florida State.

Xavier Restrepo ready to contribute again

Restrepo was on pace to lead the Miami Hurricanes in receptions this season with 11 receptions for 172 yards and a TD in the first two games. A foot injury sidelined Restrepo until he returned on a snap count with one reception for 11 yards last week against Virginia. Restrepo should have significantly increased snaps versus FSU.

Other receivers have stepped up with Restrepo out. If Van Dyke plays on Saturday that will increase the chances for Restrepo to have a breakout game versus Florida State. Restrepo would be fourth in the ACC with 5.5 receptions per game based on the first two weeks. Expect him to be critical for Miami versus FSU.

Mitchell Agude showing what he can do

Agude had seven tackles, one tackle for loss and a 0.5 sack against Virginia last week. The production by Agude against the Cavaliers was lost in the shuffle behind the breakout performance by Miami defensive tackle Leonard Taylor. Agude had an increase in snaps versus Virginia when Akheem Mesidor got hurt.

Miami will need a good performance from its defensive line against Florida State who ranks first in the ACC allowing only 10 sacks this season. Miami is second in the ACC with 29 sacks. Winning the battle on the line of scrimmage will be critical. The Hurricanes have had three or more sacks in each of the last four games.

Rivalry games frequently bring out performances from players who elevate their games. Miami will need those performances on Saturday versus Florida State. The Hurricanes far too often play down to their opponents. Miami needs to be ready on Saturday and have elite performances to earn a win versus Florida State.