Passing Offense Leads Miami’s 48-7 Drubbing of Bethune-Cookman

Led by its efficient passing attack, Miami routed Bethune-Cookman 48-7 to secure a 3-0 record for just the second time in the last seven seasons.

Tyler Van Dyke was precise as he carried over the momentum he created in his five-touchdown performance against the Aggies. The redshirt junior quarterback completed 19 of his 23 passes for 247 yards and two touchdown passes. He found paydirt once more as a runner, keeping an option play and scampering into the endzone for a 10-yard touchdown, which gave the Hurricanes an early 7-0 lead.

The Glastonbury, Connecticut native was taken out of the game at halftime after leading Miami to a 34-0 lead at the break. His last drive and touchdown pass might have been his most impressive of the night.

With 1:02 remaining in the second quarter, Van Dyke led UM’s offense on a four-play, 74-yard drive that took up only 35 seconds. The possession ended after Van Dyke scorched a 27-yard touchdown pass down the middle of the field to junior wideout Brashard Smith.

Like Van Dyke, veteran receiver Xavier Restrepo only played in the first half and was productive in these limited minutes. Restrepo caught a game-high six passes for 120 yards, extending his 100-yard streak to a pair following a stellar performance against the Aggies.

Behind Restrepo, starting wideouts Colbie Young and Jacolby George each had five receptions. George’s highlight of the night was on a 15-yard screen pass that he sprinted with to the endzone.

“Tyler [Van Dyke] operated at a very high level and so did the receivers. Xavier [Restrepo] had another great day. Jacolby George played well. I know Colbie [Young] is kicking himself a little bit but he played hard. It wasn’t his best performance, but he did some good things,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. 

First-year quarterback Emory Williams subbed into the game for Van Dyke to start the second half. His opening drive was methodical, as he led the ‘Canes on an 11-play, 69-yard drive that ended in a four-yard touchdown by Ajay Allen to extend Miami’s lead to 34.

In his first full half of playing collegiate football, Williams connected on nine of his 11 passes for 102 yards. He nearly threw his first career touchdown on a downfield pass that was intended for freshman tight end Riley Williams.

“I think [Williams] looked really good when he had the supporting cast, most of the ones [first string] and some of the twos [second string]. He understands the offense really well. He was protected well. He seemed to operate at a relatively high level and did a good job,” Cristobal said about the freshman signal-caller’s performance. “And then, as the game went on a bit, we were a little bit sloppy … Overall, a solid day by him.”

Miami also leaned on its balanced running game for much of the contest. Four Hurricanes ran for over 40 yards. Fourth-year back Donald Chaney Jr. led the committee with 73 yards, and Allen had two touchdown runs, both of which were a game-highs.

“I feel good. It’s all about practice, everyday we’re practicing hard, getting ready for the game [and] treating everybody the same. It just felt good to get out there and do what I do best,” Chaney said about his performance.

Maintaining a shutout for much of the game, Miami’s defense also had a strong showing.

The Wildcats ran the ball for 33 yards on 30 carries, and their passing offense wasn’t much better. Three Bethune-Cookman quarterbacks combined to throw for 11 completions on 17 attempts but were unable to effectively move the ball until their final offensive drive of the game, which resulted in a touchdown.

Next up, Miami will travel to Philadelphia for its first road game of the season against Temple. Kick-off from Lincoln Financial Field is set for Saturday, Sept. 23 at 3:30 p.m.