The University of Miami on Saturday lost its fifth consecutive game at home and failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2007, losing 42-16 to Pittsburgh in another inept offensive display at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Hurricanes were lifeless, listless and just plain bad, ending their season at 5-7 (3-5 ACC) for the first time in 15 years.
Miami’s unfortunate home streak began Sept. 24 against Middle Tennessee State. The Hurricanes were outscored at home 101 to 6 across eight quarters until redshirt freshman QB Jake Garcia threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to senior Will Mallory at 11:52 of the final quarter. Garcia followed with another 4-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Restrepo with 7:22 left and cut Pitt’s lead to 42-16.
Garcia finished 17-of-28 for 192 yards and two touchdowns. TE Mallory had nine catches for 103 yards and the touchdown in his final game as a Hurricane.
QB Tyler Van Dyke lasted all of 2 minutes 41 seconds Saturday before his season ended for good when he threw an interception at 12:19 of the opening quarter and fell on his previously injured throwing shoulder. Van Dyke, who started after missing three of the past four games with the injury, finished 4 of 8 for 83 yards, with the interception.
Freshman QB Jacurri Brown (2-of-3 for 4 yards, with an interception), who started the two previous games while Van Dyke was recuperating his shoulder. Brown was intercepted on his third play and second pass.
Hurricanes fans will soon be monitoring if any quarterbacks, including veteran starter Tyler Van Dyke, announce pending departures when the transfer portal opens after conference title games.
Photo courtsey of DAVID SANTIAGO [email protected]
