Miami Hurricanes Freshmen & Transfers Come Up BIG | Top Five Takeaways After UVA Win

My heart is still racing after TWO straight overtime wins. Miami is 6-2 after out-lasting Virginia 29-26.

Here are my top five takeaways:

1. True freshmen and transfers had a major impact on this game.

In other words, new arrivals in 2023 are helping change the culture and turn Miami into a winning program again.

Freshman Rueben Bain Jr recorded another two sacks in a dominant performance. Branson Deen, a transfer, had two sacks of his own, and helped smother Virginia's pocket. Freshman tailback Mark Fletcher Jr scored the game winning touchdown in OT. Transfers OL Javion Cohen and TE Cam McCormick helped block on that play. Freshman edge Jayden Wayne had an impact on this game with three tackles, half a sack and a half tackle for loss. Transfer running back Ajay Allen scored one of the nicest touchdowns of the season with a that HURDLE.

AJAY ALLEN HURDLE ALERT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/84N0aAKGya
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 28, 2023

2- The Miami Hurricanes have one of the best kickers in America.

Andy Borregales is so clutch!

Sometimes, fans just don’t give enough love to the kicker. If he misses even one of his three attempts, Miami loses. He was clutch from 47, 48 and 50 yards. Cristobal says they’re almost at the point where they’d trust him from 60 if needed.

3- Miami’s safety duo had a massive impact on the victory. James Williams was all over the field and led the team with 13 tackles. This was one of his best games. Kam Kinchens struggled in coverage, but completely redeemed himself with a pick 6. Miami doesn't win the game if not for his touchdown.

4- The offense has slown down since conference play began, and fans can’t seem to decide whether to blame Shannon Dawson, Tyler Van Dyke, or Mario Cristobal.

I see plenty of debates being thrown around Canes Twitter/X. Is Dawson failing to adjust? Has he been figured out by opposing defensive coordinators? Is Mario Cristobal now micro-managing the offense and influencing Dawson to go conservative? Is it just a matter of the quarterback struggling and making the coaches look bad?

We need Tyler Van Dyke to start taking more check downs. He's forcing too many throws into coverage. I have no doubt that TVD is playing through pain. I respect his toughness. He can make things easier for himself by not trying to do too much. He's being given great protection and plenty of time to throw by his offensive line.

5- Although reaching six wins was not the ultimate goal for the season, let's take a moment to reflect on the progress this team is making.

Going 5-7 last season makes me appreciate being bowl eligible already. The next four games will decide how important of a postseason this will be. Whether Miami makes a New Years Six or one of those bowls named after a weed eater, progress is progress. This team has gotten tougher. Significant talent has come in through the transfer portal and in recruiting.

Miami is on to NC State. The Hurricanes will face the Wolfpack this Saturday at 8pm in Raleigh.

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