Multiple sites reporting Emory Williams Miami football starter versus Florida State
David Lake of Inside the U and Brett McMurphy of the Action Network reported on Saturday afternoon that the Miami football team will start true freshman Emory Williams at Florida State. Williams won his first career start last month versus Clemson. Miami also has the option of playing redshirt freshman Jacurri Brown.
Williams has completed 36 passes in 48 attempts for 295 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Against Clemson, Williams had 24 completions in 33 attempts for 151 yards, one TD and one interception in the 28-20 double-overtime win over the Tigers. Tyler Van Dyke played himself out of the starting QB job.
Williams starting on Saturday burns his redshirt. Players can compete in four college football games and maintain their redshirt. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson called a conservative game with Williams at QB versus Clemson. Williams was 10 of 16 for 31 yards and one interception in the first half versus Clemson.
With the Miami football team trailing Clemson by 10 in the second half, Williams was 14-17 for 120 yards, one TD and no interceptions in the final 30 minutes and the two overtimes. Williams had clutch throws to rally Miami in the fourth quarter and win the game in the second overtime. Williams has to minimize turnovers.
With Williams at QB for Miami against Clemson, the Hurricanes offensive line held the Tigers without a sack. Miami held the ball for 37:30. The Hurricanes held the ball for 9:58 in the third quarter and an astounding 13:40 in the fourth quarter. Williams was the perfect game manager.
Miami will need Williams to create big plays in the passing game. Florida State has a far more explosive offense than Clemson. Williams had only two completions of over 15 yards versus Clemson. Expect a large dose of the Miami running game. The top four Miami running backs are reportedly healthy versus Florida State.
Williams faces an elite Florida State pass defense. Florida State is fourth nationally with a 101.68 passer rating against and first holding opponents to a 48.4 completion percentage. Dawson will likely ease Williams into the game by using a short passing game early. Miami is banking on Williams protecting the football.