It’s seem strange that a top 15 ranked Miami team is under the radar, but that’s where they are. They shouldn’t be. Miami got outclassed in their biggest matchup of the season when they lost 42-17 Clemson. Clemson is just another level, and that overshadows what’s happening with the Hurricanes this season. There is something good going on in South Florida.
In a chaotic bizarre 2020, consistent play week in and week out will be tough. Players will be out, games will be rescheduled, and simply finding ways to win is probably bigger this season than how you play. Miami now 6-1 after a 44-41 comeback win over NC State is doing just that, and it’s because of QB D’Eriq King.
I remember in the off-season some folks being skeptical of just how much of a difference the transfer would make. Without King, Miami is 4-3 or 3-4 rather than 6-1.
Friday night he was spectacular.
Against NC State King threw for over 400 yards ran for over 100 and had 5 Touchdown passes. In a 4th qtr than had Miami down 41-31, King led Miami to 3 4th qtr scorings drives of over 50 yards including 84 yard 5 play drive that became the game clinching touchdown.
With NC State moving the ball at will, and a number of Miami offensive players out it fell on King to carry the offense. He delivered making play after play with his feet and arm. At the most important on the field, Miami has a QB playing at a level that can mask a lot of issues. This is not a vintage Miami team, and it’s not a U is Back team, but King makes them better than the sum of their parts. The Canes are winning games they would have lost last year.
A loss to a NC State without their starting QB, would have sent Miami’s season into tailspin with dangerous games against Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and UNC still remaining. I’m not sure Miami can run the table, but a 9-2 finish with a nice bowl is very much in play.
Miami has been known for in recent years for wild swings of play. They lost games they weren’t supposed to. They simply didn’t know how to win consistently. In 2020 D’Eriq King is changing that.
