Tyler Van Dyke throws new career high 5 TDs in win over Aggies

Miami, Florida –In arguably the best performance of his college career Tyler Van Dyke found the endzone five times as part of a 48-33 win over the Aggies. Generating 374 yards in the air, Van Dyke threw zero interceptions completing 21 of 30 passes in a game marred in the fourth quarter by an injury scare. Kamren Kinchens went down after a late-game hit to the upper body. He was carted off the field and airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital. In the post-game presser Coach Mario Cristobal reported that he was in stable condition.

The victory is Miami’s first over an SEC opponent since 2013 (Florida Gators) snapping a five-game losing skid. A perfect 4-for-4 in the red zone the Hurricanes rallied down 17-7 in the second quarter to take the lead at the half. An advantage they would not relinquish showcasing Shannon Dawson’s Air Raid offense.

THERE'S YOUR AIR RAID!💪#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/Q9dFKcirKh

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 9, 2023

Van Dyke wasn’t the only standout. Xavier Restrepo caught six passes for 126 yards while Colbie Young nabbed just as many for 75 yards and a touchdown. The top receiver, however, was Jacolby George who played the best game of his college stint recording five catches for 94 yards and three TDs despite a costly mistake resulting in a fumble on a punt return.

Both the reception yards and touchdowns are new career highs. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry has plenty to smile about with the team producing three takeaways. In sharp contrast to week 1, the Canes leaned heavily on the pass with only 77 rushing yards totaling 451 yards of offense.  The combined effort overcame initial struggles on special teams and 10 penalties committed (some questionable) costing 115 yards.

HOW ABOUT THAT! 🙌

Tyler Van Dyke 52 yard pass to Isaiah Horton for SIX!

📺: ESPNEWS#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/flDvpR4bXF

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 9, 2023

With less than a minute left in the half, Shannon Dawson’s air raid really took off. Van Dyke demonstrated his quality arm with three impactful throws. First, he spiraled it to Young for the 32-yard completion. Then TVD targeted Restrepo for another 19 yards before hitting George for the go-ahead 11-yard strike.

Keeping up the pressure

Love to see a terrific play from special teams. Fancy footwork from Brashard Smith. #GoCanes https://t.co/7DKdxwJJS4

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 9, 2023

Impressions

The U is now 2-0 and looks poised to go 5-0 to begin the season. Miami not only defeated a formidable SEC opponent but a familiar foe: Jimbo Fisher. Fans are definitely loving that. Van Dyke was sacked twice (and fumbled), however, the O-line generally kept him upright insulating their QB from most of the pressure.

The defense came up big on three occasions after failing to make any takeaways last weekend. Weigman was picked off twice and although he was never sacked the D was credited with four QB hurries. To me, this was hands down TVD’s best game with the Hurricanes and I’m really happy George, and the special teams for that matter, rebounded. The unit was terrible in the beginning with a tipped punt, a botched punt return, and a missed field goal.

TVD's confidence level in the aftermath of tonight's win.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/9HMEFEad9J

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 10, 2023

Borregales shanked the the 54-yard attempt but nailed the next two including a 50-yard try late in the fourth. The run game was irrelevant. Nobody surpassed 50 yards. In the post-game conference, Van Dyke mentioned the team they faced tonight was better than last year’s. Even more telling, TVD said if this was the same 2022 Hurricanes team they would’ve frankly given up due to the early adversity. Overall, the win is huge for the program that’s finally trending upward.

Photo | Edwin Garcia