The Georgia Tech and Miami football teams could both start backup quarterbacks when they play on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Tyler Van Dyke has missed most of the last two games for Miami. Jeff Sims has missed the last two games for Georgia Tech. Jacurri Brown is expected to start if Van Dyke is still hurt.
True freshman Zach Pyron has started the last two games for Georgia Tech. Brown would be making his first start for Miami. The Miami football team could start a different QB in three straight games. Jake Garcia started in Miami’s win at Virginia two weeks ago and Van Dyke received the start versus Florida State last week.
Van Dyke reinjured his shoulder against Florida State after completing four passes in eight attempts for 24 yards. Garcia was replaced by Brown after completing one pass in two attempts with an interception. That was the fourth interception thrown by Garcia this season added to multiple lost fumbles.
Brown completed the first pass of his career on Saturday versus Florida State and finished 5-9 for 37 yards and an interception. Brown did thrive on the ground with 13 carries for 64 yards and provides the Miami football team with a dimension they do not have if Van Dyke or Garcia is playing QB. Pyron is also a dual-threat QB.
Preps to Pros: If I’m Miami, I’m riding with Jacurri Brown the rest of the season. I’m also trying to put him in position to succeed. pic.twitter.com/DdQGyPP5y5
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) November 8, 2022
Pyron received his first playing time two weeks ago against Florida State in relief of Zach Gibson who started in place of Sims. Georgia Tech gave Pyron his first collegiate start in a 28-27 win over Virginia Tech last week. Pyron is 37-60 for 451 yards, five TDs and three interceptions with 61 rushing yards. and two TDs.
Pyron threw for 253 yards versus Virginia Tech which was the second-highest output for Georgia Tech this season. The 28 points Georgia Tech scored were its most this season against an FBS opponent. Georgia Tech also ran for 210 yards which were its second-highest total versus a 2022 FBS opponent.
Pyron has helped Georgia Tech have a more balanced offense. Miami needs Brown to continue to develop. The criticism of Brown when he signed with Miami was his accuracy. Brown could have a chance to make his first college start in his home state. Brown grew up in Valdosta, Georgia which is about three hours South of Atlanta.
The struggling Miami offense will play against a Georgia Tech defense that is 13th in the ACC. Georgia Tech allows 410.4 total yards per game. The Yellow Jackets are last in the ACC allowing 180.67 rushing yards per game and 10th in the ACC with opponents averaging 229.8 passing yards per game.