Scouting the Opponent: Three Players on Miami's offense to know vs. Georgia Tech

Miami brings one of the top offenses in the country into this game

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Oct 6, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

In this story:

Georgia Tech's struggles this year have been on the defensive side of the ball and after not being able to stop one of the worst offenses in the country last week, the Yellow Jackets get to face one of the top offenses in the ACC and the country.

In terms of yards per game, Miami leads the ACC, averaging 519 yards per game. The Hurricanes have scored at least 38 points in every game and Georgia Tech has had struggles on that side of the ball. Miami has the top running attack in the ACC, averaging over 220 yards per game on the ground and the offensive line is one of the best in the ACC.

Which players on the Miami offense should Georgia Tech fans be aware of on Saturday night?

Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke

Tyler Van Dyke gets set to throw during a game vs Duke — Tyler Van Dyke has been one of the top quarterbacks in the country this season
Tyler Van Dyke. Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

During the 2021 season, Tyler Van Dyke emerged on the scene for Miami at quarterback and looked like the next great quarterback for Miami. He took a big step back in 2022 under former offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, but head coach Mario Cristobal went out and hired Shannon Dawson to run the offense and he and Van Dyke have been a perfect match so far.

The Miami quarterback is off to a great start in 2023. He has thrown for over 1,000 yards in four games, along with 11 touchdowns and only one interception. He is completing 75% of his passes and is the second-highest-graded quarterback on PFF (Pro Football Focus). He has the ability to stretch the field with his arm and when given time, he is very accurate and on time in this offense.

Playing behind one of the best offensive lines in college football, Van Dyke is well-protected. Georgia Tech has struggled to consistently get pressure on the quarterback and if they can't on Saturday, Van Dyke might have a great day.

Running Back Henry Parrish Jr

Miami running back Henry Parrish II — Henry Parrish is the leading rusher for Miami this season
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The leading rusher for the top ground game in the ACC is Ole Miss transfer Henry Parrish Jr. Parrish was the leader in the Miami rushing attack last year, but there was some thought Nebraska transfer Ajay Allen or true freshman Mark Fletcher would pass him on the depth chart. Parrish has reminded everyone why he was the starter in the first place and the improved Miami offensive line has been great for Parrish.

So far this season, he has 331 yards on 42 carries and three touchdowns, while averaging nearly eight yards per carry. He had over 100 yards in the Hurricane's last game against Temple and Georgia Tech has one of the worst run defenses in the country. If the tackling woes continue for Georgia Tech, Parrish will have a big game.

Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo

I don't think Miami has a first-round caliber talent at wide receiver, but they do have one of the most reliable slot receivers in the country. Xavier Restrepo is Van Dyke's favorite target and he is going to be the guy that Georgia Tech has to keep an eye on.

The Miami passing attack is much improved this season and Restrepo has been a huge benefactor. He has 355 yards on 24 catches, as well as two touchdowns.

Miami has guys who might have more raw talent than Restrepo, but he is the most reliable weapon for them in the passing game and Georgia Tech's defense has to take him out of the game and make Van Dyke find other receivers.