Report: Miami expected to start Jake Garcia vs Virginia

Miami has made a huge decision at quarterback, and Tyler Van Dyke will not be starting on Saturday.

According to Brett McMurphy of The Action Network, the Hurricanes are rocking with Jake Garcia as their starting quarterback as Van Dyke nurses an injury against Virginia.

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“Miami QB Jake Garcia expected to start vs. Virginia, source told @ActionNetworkHQ,” tweeted McMurphy.

Alas, the news come after Miami coach Mario Cristobal declined to answer whether Van Dyke or Garcia would start earlier this week, as the former deals with an injury he suffered against Duke.

“Tyler has improved a bunch,” said Cristobal on Wednesday. “Status still unknown, we’ll determine that a little bit later.”

Additionally, Cristobal offered more insight on the process while updating the plan for Garcia, who stayed ready throughout the week in case his number was called again.

“Jake has practiced really well,” said Cristobal. “So we feel confident, obviously, in the room.”

Continuing, Van Dyke received X-Rays in the locker room Saturday after injuring his shoulder, but Cristobal was unable to say whether he would be healthy enough to play this week at the time. Evidently, he wasn’t, as Garcia will lead the Hurricanes into battle.

Miami’s loss last Saturday marked their fourth in the past five games. On the season so far, Tyler Van Dyke has 1,728 yards passing, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions, while Jake Garcia has 470 passing yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

More on Tyler Van Dyke, Miami Hurricanes

Meanwhile, Pete Thamel of ESPN believes the biggest concern for the Hurricanes is the future of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. While the signal caller came into 2022 with high expectations and the NFL in his future, it’s been a nightmare season for him. 

“The biggest concern for Miami moving forward has been the regression of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke,” added the ESPN analyst. “The Hurricanes have the country’s No. 67 scoring offense. Talking to head coaches who have played Miami this season, the Hurricanes feel like they’re more calling plays than running a cohesive offense. 

“The question for Miami is, can they find a style and tempo to fit Tyler Van Dyke, and let him avoid going to the portal, giving him a path forward to the NFL.”

Indisputably, Tyler Van Dyke will look to improve his play over the remainder of the season, just not this weekend against Virginia.