Tyler Van Dyke Exits Game as Canes Commit Eight Turnovers in Loss

Miami, Florida – Week 8 became an utter disaster for the Miami Hurricanes with Tyler Van Dyke departing prior to an embarrassing, turnover-filled 45-21 thrashing. Despite a promising start, the Canes fell apart in the second half suffering five fumbles and three interceptions. Miami’s starting quarterback went down hard after getting sacked resulting in a fumble during the second quarter prompting the insertion of Jake Garcia. The backup’s final line for the day was 198 yards in the air, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and two fumbles.

Digging deeper, Duke’s D feasted scoring 24 points off Miami’s mistakes. The ground game, meanwhile, was held to just 48 rushing yards. Only one player had a good day: Colbie Young. The sophomore was targetted nine times making six catches for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Tyler Van Dyke exits todays game after taking this sack and fumble. Jake Garcia is now your QB1. #GaCanes // @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/hFHcaYASkW

— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) October 22, 2022

Seeing blue

The defense started off on the right foot as Miami forced a turnover on Duke’s first drive of the game. Jalon Calhoun fumbled after catching the 20-yard pass from Riley Leonard. James Williams jumped at the opportunity scooping up the pigskin for the Hurricanes. UM converted with a seven-yard connection to the endzone for Young’s first of the afternoon.

Miami then experienced its own fumble.

In the waning seconds of the first quarter, Jaylan Knighton coughed it up on a screen pass giving Duke an excellent field position. Starting deep within Canes territory on the 23-yard line the Blue Devils eventually scored via Leonard’s nine-yard rushing touchdown. UM’s special teams then faltered when Key’Shawn Smith fumbled on the kick return. Once more the Dukies prevailed. Leonard showed off his legs, stretching out for the five-yard score making it 14-7.

As I previously stated in my preview article, this guy leads his team in rushing for a reason. #GoCanes #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/Ym6lXIasCI

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 22, 2022

Miami’s defense came up big midway through the second quarter. Caleb Johnson sacked the QB for a loss of seven, forcing the Blue Devils to settle for a 28-yard field goal.

It was a devastating blow when TVD exited the game. Garcia filled in and initially struggled. With 18 seconds left before halftime, he was picked off by Jaylen Stinson in a throw intended for Frank Ladson Jr. A not-so-subtle preview of things to come.

However, Garcia seemingly came back a different player after the half as UM rumbled with 14 unanswered points. Primo hit Young for another TD, a 71-yard reception followed up with a 34-yard strike to Will Mallory who evaded the last defender taking it to the house.

It brings me great joy to see Mallory play at his best.#GoCanes // @CanesFootball // #CanesFootball https://t.co/jOi91ZQhke

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 22, 2022

The wheels fall off

Duke regained the lead late in the third quarter. In an 18-play drive covering 79-yards and over nine minutes Leonard tossed it to Nicky Dalmolin for the two-yard touchdown reception.

HAVE A DAY @bj_three 😈 pic.twitter.com/a09EYHt6qW

— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) October 22, 2022

The Blue Devils added to their lead to begin the fourth quarter as Leonard recorded his career-high third rushing TD. It was all Duke from that point forward pulling further and further away. Miami’s last five drives ended in turnovers. That’s two INTs, two fumbles, and a turnover on downs. The loss puts the Hurricanes’ season at 3-4 (1-2, ACC) with the next game on the road at Virginia.

Post-Game Presser

Mario Cristobal: If someone stops playing hard they gotta go play somewhere else.

Coach didn't mince words. #GoCanes || #CanesFootball https://t.co/ECtkTuusy3

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 22, 2022

Coach Mario Cristobal didn’t hold back in calling out his players for the horrid performance. Although Cristobal mentioned that they’ll review the tape and see who quit on the team for him to say that publically speaks volumes. There was no official update on Van Dyke’s status, even so, there’s a feeling Garcia will be taking over under center next weekend. The coaching staff felt good going into Saturday noting the team has certainly regressed. There were positive moments, however, there’s lots of work to do. Ball security has been a theme and in spite of their best efforts remains a problem.

Mario emphasized taking responsibility as both a head coach and a program. He went on to state that while there are inevitably painful steps, some of the extra painful ones are unnecessary. The focus remains on complete program development from top to bottom. Back to work they go.

Impressions

The team has hit rock bottom. They potentially lost Tyler Van Dyke making their turnover issue the least of their worries. I really hate to say it but this has all the hallmarks of one of the worst seasons in recent memory. Heading into today’s matchup, UM was a 10-point favorite. Looking at the schedule these are the teams that remain: Virginia, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Pittsburgh. The best-case scenario here is ending the 2022 season 5-7.

Awesome start to the second half for @CanesFootball. 2 TDs for Colbie Young and counting today#GoCanes #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/PotJ1fJASW

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 22, 2022

Of course, had TVD remained in the game this likely would have been a completely different story. Unfortunately for the faithful, el primo did not step up and Garcia is not Van Dyke in terms of quality. Onwards to week nine.

Photo | Edwin Garcia