Mario Cristobal calls Emory Williams' performance excellent

Few ACC matchups throw you into the fire quite like a game against Clemson. Even so, in his first collegiate start, Miami QB Emory Williams left it more than unscathed as he excelled against the Tigers.

Mario Cristobal had more positives to say about Williams’ outing in the Hurricane’s 28-20 double overtime win over Clemson on Monday. He thought his backup turned starter was “excellent” and did several things well that you maybe wouldn’t expect to see from a true freshman in that position.

“I thought Emory was excellent. I do,” Cristobal said.

“He went through his progressions extremely well. He articulated the play calls since we’re a huddle operation for the most part. When we didn’t huddle, he was able to communicate very well as well. There was no communication issue,” noted Cristobal. “He was very decisive. He got some balls batted earlier. I think, as a freshman quarterback, sometimes you don’t find that throwing lane. As the game went on, he got really comfortable. I thought he really started settling in. He really made some big throws.”

Considering all things, Cristobal also credited Williams for his adjustment and flexibility. To him, Williams handled the step up in his role well, especially after learning in practice.

“I think we all know – I know it sounds like a broken record. If that’s your first start? There’s going to be a speed adjustment. It’s just going to happen a little bit faster, things are going to move just a little bit crazier than what you can provide,” Cristobal explained. “We do practice a lot of good on good during the season. So he does get a lot of speed on speed.”

Williams had to take the place of Tyler Van Dyke as the junior was absent due to an injury. He took it in stride, though, as he went 24-33 (72.7%) for 151 yards, a touchdown, and an interception against the Tigers.

Alongside a quality rushing attack, that was enough to bring Miami back from 10 down, get the game to overtime, and win it in the end.

Being thrust into action isn’t the easiest place to perform from. However, since Williams did, Cristobal couldn’t do anything but give him credit and was happy to see their team do the same.

“Very pleased with his performance and I know all his teammates were really excited for him,” said Cristobal. “A really good job by him.”