Five takeaways on Miami’s offense against Pittsburgh

Miami’s offense had another rough outing on Saturday.

Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke gave it a go to start the game, but sustained a shoulder injury early on and threw an interception on the first drive. Jake Garcia played the most of the UM quarterbacks and completed 17-of-28 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

Tight end Will Mallory caught nine passes for 103 yards. 

Running back Jaylan Knighton rushed seven times for 72 yards. 

On Miami’s first possession of the game, Van Dyke drove the ball down to the Pittsburgh 11 yard line, thanks to a 39-yard pass to Will Mallory down the sideline. The drive ended with an interception, however, as Van Dyke forced a throw under pressure into coverage that was picked off by linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who returned the ball down to the Miami 30 yard line. Pittsburgh made UM pay with the strong field position, scoring a touchdown and taking a 7-0 lead with 10:13 remaining in the first quarter.

Back-up Jacurri Brown entered the game for Van Dyke on the next series and threw a bad interception to Javon McIntyre.

Miami’s other back-up quarterback, Jake Garcia, entered on the next drive.

With 12:31 remaining Will Mallory fumbled the ball on Miami’s own 19 yard line to give Pittsburgh good field position and the Panthers scored a touchdown to take a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

At halftime, Miami generated 141 yards of total offense. The Hurricanes converted only 1-of-7 third down opportunities. The three quarterbacks combined to convert 9-of-21 passing attempts. UM ran the ball for 50 yards in the first half.

Midway through the third quarter, Miami got the ball down inside the ten yard line, thanks to a 56-yard run by Jaylan Knighton. UM, however, had to settle for a field goal to cut into Pitt’s lead, 28-3.

Miami scored its first touchdown of the game with 11:52 remaining in the game on a four yard pass from Jake Garcia to Will Mallory to cut into Pitt’s lead, 35-9. Miami scored another touchdown later in the game. 

UM’s offense struggled for the majority of the game. 

Read on for our five takeaways on that side of the ball.

Note: These takeaways are published immediately after the game.