Miami falls to Florida State as Emory Williams exits due to injury

Miami, Florida –In spite of a monumental effort by Emory Williams and the defense, the Miami Hurricanes fell short 27-20 to undefeated Florida State. With just under three minutes remaining on fourth and two, Williams rushed left in a seemingly broken play, desperately diving forward and stretching his arm out for the first down. He paid dearly in the attempt. The freshman quarterback did not get up, visibly crying out in pain. Minutes passed before Williams was carted off the field with a cast on his arm. Able to keep their hopes alive, coach Mario Cristobal called in Tyler Van Dyke. Down seven points, Van Dyke moved the chains, however, the drive stalled ending with the former starter throwing his 11th interception of the season sealing the outcome.

Emory Williams with a huge play to extend the #Canes drive. Looks like he injured his arm pretty badly. In comes TVD to finish the game#GoCanes #GoNoles #MIAvsFSU pic.twitter.com/EM0Wqtf2Kj

— Mike McDaniel (@MikMcDaniel) November 12, 2023

Heavily favored to win, the fourth-ranked Seminoles faced stiff resistance. FSU scored first after both teams punted on their opening possessions via Trey Benson’s five-yard rushing touchdown. On the ensuing series, Williams flung it to Jacolby George who slipped off his defender and broke a tackle for an explosive 43-yard reception. The possession was stopped and in a rare miss, Andy Borregales failed the 51-yarder.

Another look at that 85-yard touchdown pass from Emory Williams to Jacolby George pic.twitter.com/RQS7hb3TvR

— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) November 11, 2023

A pass breakup by true freshman Damari Brown forced FSU to settle for three. Midway through the second quarter, Donald Chaney Jr. rushed twice for a combined 55 yards ending with a three-yard TD throw to George. Miami tied it by halftime. Florida State regained the lead on Benson’s 38-yard breakout recording his second touchdown of the afternoon. Additionally, Keon Coleman helped the ‘Noles pull away with both a big 57-yard punt return and the subsequent 6-yard strike making it 27-13. Prior to injury, Williams rallied the team with a deep ball to George completing the 85-yard TD. At 6-4, UM returns home for Louisville.

Impressions

The bad officiating is getting ridiculous

The Miami Hurricanes had another safety taken away from them. This time it was so blatant, so wrong that even the announcers were surprised not only at the ruling on the field but also at how it was still upheld upon further review. The broadcast was told they would get an explanation at halftime. None came. Furthermore, they were met with silence when they contacted the replay booth adding to how embarrassing the entire incident was. It wasn’t the only dubious call either. The incomplete pass that saved the Canes from an interception was also a bit iffy. Lastly, looking at the replay, James Williams might’ve gotten away with targeting. The ACC needs to address the officiating issue sooner rather than later.

SAFETY OR NAH?????? pic.twitter.com/sJGHWTHSnO

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) November 11, 2023

Emory gave it his all

You gotta feel for a kid that left it all on the field. Emory Williams faced Florida State in his second career start and like Clemson, this was no easy task for a freshman. Regardless, Williams threw two touchdowns as part of a 175-yard day. His top target by far was Jacolby George compiling five receptions for 153 yards scoring twice. He wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line. During the second quarter, Williams scrambled for the first down lowering his shoulder to do so, firing up the sideline. Sparking the offense, this led to Don Chaney’s two big rushes culminating in the team’s first TD. Although the Hurricanes were 4 for 16 on third down, they were two-for-two in the red zone. Miami avoided turnovers, that is until Van Dyke took over. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for the youngster.

EMORY WILLIAMS 😤 pic.twitter.com/cwcEGtGRL3

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) November 11, 2023

Defense was good but…

There were no takeaways. Sure, they made crucial plays and were excellent against the rush holding the Seminoles to 57 yards on the ground, however, FSU never lost the ball. Francisco Mauigoa missed a couple of tackles yet with just over a minute left in the third quarter, Kiko dropped Travis for a loss of 13. The opposing QB looked visibly frustrated at moments in the contest too courtesy of the defense. We also can’t forget Wesley Bissainthe chasing down the ‘Noles signal caller for the non-safety that’s really a safety. Another example is the important James Williams tackle preventing the 62-yard connection to Ja’Khi Douglas from turning into a TD. Fighting from their own five-yard line the Canes’ defense held on forcing the Seminoles to settle for three. I’m giving credit where it’s due but what separates a good defense from a great one is takeaways.

True Freshmen Damari Brown on the coverage vs Keon Coleman pic.twitter.com/u5lRCpAu5w

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) November 11, 2023