Miami football overcame lowest 2023 offensive output beating Clemson
The Miami football team was able to overcome its lowest offensive output of the 2023 season to defeat Clemson 28-20 in overtime. With starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke out with a bruised leg, Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson had an extremely conservative game plan with true freshman Emory Williams starting.
Miami finished with 362 total yards against Clemson. The previous low for Miami in 2023 before Clemson was 451 yards in the 48-33 win over Texas A&M. The 17 points Miami scored in regulation were a season-low for the Hurricanes. Miami previously scored 20 in their loss to Georgia Tech on October 7.
Williams was 10-16 for 31 yards no touchdowns and one interception in the first half. The Miami football team was tied at seven with Clemson at halftime primarily behind an 80-yard run from Breshard Smith. Smith fumbled at the goal line, but Jacolby George recovered in the end zone for a Miami TD.
Miami had 139 total yards in the first half. The Hurricanes amassed 108 yards rushing. Miami had 59 yards on 23 plays other than the explosive run by Smith. Dawson opened up the offense more in the second half with Williams settled in. Williams was 14-17 for 120 yards, one TD and no interceptions in the second half.
Miami had 103 yards rushing after halftime. The Hurricanes were criticized at the end of regulation for playing for overtime.
Dawson said during his weekly press conference on Monday
about the end of regulation
“We don’t want to do anything stupid and we’re the more physical team…it was the right decision.”
Williams made big plays in the fourth quarter to help Miami rally from a 17-7 deficit. Miami controlled the ball for 13:40 in the fourth quarter, ran 24 plays to six for Clemson and had a 115 to five advantage in total yards. With the game on the line, the Miami offense was as productive as it has been all season.
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Williams had completions of 25 and 16 yards to Colbie Young on the final drive of the fourth quarter that culminated in an Andres Borregales field goal that tied the game and eventually sent it to overtime. Van Dyke is expected to be healthy and play Saturday. With Van Dyke back, expect more diverse play calling from Dawson.