Hurricanes QB battle enters second week after Emory Williams’ season-ending injury
The Hurricanes made a quarterback change for their rivalry game against Florida State on Saturday, benching veteran Tyler Van Dyke in favor of freshman Emory Williams.
But Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes staff will have to make another quarterback choice this week after Williams suffered a season-ending left arm injury at the end of the 27-20 loss in Tallahassee.
When asked how Miami would proceed at quarterback for its home finale against Louisville on Saturday during his interview on WQAM’s The Joe Rose Monday morning, Cristobal declined to name a starter.
“Always, as the week before, we never disclose that kind of stuff,” Cristobal said. “But confident we’re going to be ready to play and we’re going to be in good shape.”
The Hurricanes’ options are Van Dyke, the fourth-year junior, or Jacurri Brown, a sophomore who has not played this season.
Van Dyke entered the game against FSU after Williams’ injury. He went 2 for 7 during the Hurricanes’ final drive, throwing an interception to end Miami’s last chance. He has thrown 11 interceptions in his last five games.
This season, Van Dyke has thrown for 2,086 yards with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Brown has not gotten into a game this season but played in eight as a freshman in 2022. He started two games last season, picking up a win over Georgia Tech. He completed 60 percent of his passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 223 yards.
“He’s doing well,” Cristobal said about Brown after the loss to FSU on Saturday. “I would say he was even on the docket to play regardless of the situation. He’s played really well. He has.”
Cristobal said Williams and Van Dyke both practiced with the first-team and second-team offense last week, and that is how he handles position competitions in general.
“When you have a quarterback decision to make — really at any position — you make sure guys get the same amount of reps with the ones and also get some reps with the twos so that come game time, they’re ready to play,” Cristobal said.
Williams, who finished his second career start with eight completions on 23 attempts, racked up 175 passing yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against FSU. He was taken to a local hospital after suffering his arm injury but was released and flew home with the team. Hurricanes freshman tight end Jackson Carver posted a picture on Instagram with Williams; the quarterback had a bulky cast and a sling supporting his left arm.
“He’s going to be OK over time,” Cristobal said. “Obviously, a significant injury. He’ll be back for spring football.”