Game Day Notes: Miami Hurricanes vs. Clemson

RV/RV MIAMI HURRICANES (4-2, 0-2 ACC)

HEAD COACH: Mario Cristobal (Miami, 1993) | CAREER: 71-69 (12th season) | AT MIAMI: 9-9 (second)

VS.

RV/RV CLEMSON TIGERS (4-2, 2-2 ACC)

HEAD COACH: Dabo Swinney (Alabama, 1993) | CAREER: 165-41 (15th full season) | AT CLEMSON: 165-41 (15th full season)

Saturday, October 21, 2023 8 PM ET | ACC Network

Miami Gardens, Fla. Hard Rock Stadium (65,326)

THE GAME

• The Miami Hurricanes continue their second season under the direction of head coach Mario Cristobal on Sat., October 21 vs. Clemson at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Kickoff for the Miami Hurricanes’ fifth home game – and third of eight straight ACC games – is set for 8 p.m.

• The game will be broadcast on ACC Network with Wes Durham (pxp), Tim Hasselbeck (color) & Taylor Tannenbaum (sideline) on the call. Joe Zagacki (pxp) & Don Bailey, Jr. (color) are in the 560 WQAM radio booth for the 22nd season. americaradio 1260 AM and WVUM 90.5 FM will also broadcast. THE SERIES

• The Hurricanes trail the all-time series with Clemson by a slight 7-6 margin. The Tigers have won four in a row dating back to the 2015 season.

• The all-time series between the two in Miami is tied, 3-3. Clemson’s last visit to Hard Rock Stadium came in 2015, which resulted in a 58-0 CU victory.

• Miami and Clemson played in the 2017 ACC Football Championship Game in Charlotte, N.C., a year when the Hurricanes won the ACC Coastal Division.

THE HURRICANES

• The Hurricanes continue Year 2 of the Mario Cristobal era on Oct. 21 when they host Clemson for their third of eight straight ACC games to close 2023.

• Coming off a 41-31 loss at #12/#12 North Carolina, Miami was receiving votes in both the Associated Press and US LBM Coaches Poll. Sunday marked the first AP poll in six weeks to not include UM, which was ranked in the last five such polls. Clemson is also receiving votes in both polls.

• Last time out, the Canes fell to the host Tar Heels, 41-31 on Oct. 14. UM led at halftime, but UNC QB Drake Maye orchestrated a second-half comeback.

• The Hurricanes picked up an impressive win over #23/#22 Texas A&M, 48-33, on Sept. 9. Miami’s win was its first ranked win during Cristobal’s tenure.

• Cristobal, a double alum of the University, was named the 26th head coach in program history by school president Dr. Julio Frenk on Dec. 6, 2021.

• Cristobal returned home after spending the previous four seasons as head coach at Oregon, where he won two Pac-12 titles and captured a Rose Bowl.

• Cristobal is regarded as one of the nations top recruiters, and in his first recruiting cycle as Miami head coach, the Hurricanes signed the best class in program history according to the 247Sports Composite; it was the top-ranked class in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the top class in the state.

• The second-year Miami head coach hired Shannon Dawson from the University of Houston as the team’s new offensive coordinator and Lance Guidry from Marshall as the team’s new defensive coordinator entering 2023. In total, there are new faces in seven of 10 assistant coach roles; in addition to Dawson and Guidry, Cristobal hired Derek Nicholson (from Louisville) to coach linebackers, Tim Harris, Jr., (UCF) to coach running backs, Kevin Beard (Toledo) to coach wide receivers and elevated both Jason Taylor (defensive line) and Cody Woodiel (tight ends) from analyst roles.

• QB Tyler Van Dyke entered his second full year as a starter with high expectations after an injury-riddled 2022 season. Van Dyke, named to the watch list for the Johnny Unitas Award, earned ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors as a second-year freshman in 2021.

• After a breakout season where he earned All-America honors, Kam Kinchens was named to the watch list for nearly every major defensive award, including the Bednarik Award, the Nagurski Trophy and the Thorpe Award. He was also named a Preseason All-American by the Associated Press.

• TE Elijah Arroyo (Mackey Award), K Andy Borregales (Lou Groza Award), OL Javion Cohen (Outland Trophy), OL Matt Lee (Rimington Award) and DL Leonard Taylor (Bednarik) were also among those recognized with preseason watch list selections for major awards entering 2023.

• The Canes feature a 2023 transfer portal class that ranked among the best in FBS; it includes starters OL Javion Cohen (Alabama), Matt Lee (UCF) and LB Francisco Mauigoa (Washington State), DB Jaden Davis (Oklahoma) & others like DB Davonte Brown (UCF) and RB Ajay Allen (Nebraska).

MIAMI ON HUNT FOR WIN VS. TIGERS

• Following a 41-31 loss at #12/#12 North Carolina, Miami continues its second season under Mario Cristobal on Oct. 21 with an ACC home matchup against Clemson.

• Miami is looking to snap a four-game losing streak to the Tigers that dates to 2015. The Hurricanes’ last win against Clemson came in 2010, when UM picked up a 30-21 win on the road.

• The Hurricanes and Tigers met in the 2017 ACC Championship Game, a year when UM won its first Coastal Division in program history. Miami and CU also met in 2020 and in 2022 (both games in Death Valley).

WIDE RECEIVER TRIO EMERGING IN 2023

• The Hurricanes’ offense has impressed in Year 1 under OC Shannon Dawson, and a trio of wide receivers have emerged as go-to targets for QB Tyler Van Dyke.

• WR Xavier Restrepo (47 catches, 574 yards), WR Jacolby George (29 catches, 462 yards) and WR Colbie Young (23 catches, 318 yards) account for 1,354 receiving yards this year – 72.6% of Miami’s total (1,865).

• Restrepo ranks No. 1 in the ACC in receptions per game (7.83), No. 1 in total receptions (47) and No. 2 in receiving yards per game (95.67).

‘D’ IMPRESSING UNDER GUIDRY’S GUIDANCE

• In his first year at The U, DC Lance Guidry has helped the Hurricanes put together an impressive six-game stretch to open 2023.

• The Hurricanes ranks No. 9 in FBS in rushing defense (87.7 yards allowed per game), No. 18 in the nation in total defense (308.3 yards per game) and No. 25 in the nation in scoring defense (19.0 points per game)

• Miami has allowed only 93 first downs on defense this year – the sixth-fewest in FBS and the second-fewest in the ACC – and also rank as the top-performing team on fourth down conversion percentage on defense in FBS (12.5%, tied with Florida for #1).

MIAMI LOOKS TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS, HOSTS TIGERS OCT. 21

• RV/RV Miami continues its second season under the direction of head coach Mario Cristobal on Sat., Oct. 21 with its third of eight straight ACC games to close 2023 – this one vs. RV/RV Clemson at 8 p.m.

• The Canes are looking for their first win over Clemson since 2010; the Tigers have won four straight.

• Clemson leads the all-time series by a slight 7-6 margin, including the lone matchup between the two programs in the ACC Championship Game – a 2017 tilt that saw the Tigers emerge with a 38-3 win.

• Clemson is traveling to play UM at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time since 2015 – a 58-0 CU win.

• Joining Cristobal on the sidelines in 2023 are seven new faces in full-time assistant coach roles, including both coordinators – offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson from the University of Houston and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry from Marshall – who are both in their first seasons at The U.

• Miami’s game vs. the Tigers is also slated for broadcast on 560 WQAM and americaradio 1260 AM.

A LOOK BACK: SECOND-HALF SURGE PUSHES #12 TAR HEELS PAST MIAMI

• Miami took a lead into the halftime locker room, but a dominant third quarter by the #12/#12 North Carolina Tar Heels propelled the hosts to a 41-31 win at a sold-out Kenan Stadium last time out.

• QB Tyler Van Dyke threw for 391 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. RB Henry Parrish, Jr. had a 74 yards on 13 carries, while WR Xavier Restrepo had 11 catches totaling 96 yards and two touchdowns. WR Jacolby George had a career-high 125 yards on six catches with a TD.

• UNC QB Drake Maye tossed for 273 passing yards with four touchdowns – three to WR Tez Walker.

• Defensively, Miami was led by DB Kam Kinchens (nine tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack), LB Francisco Mauigoa (six tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 10-yard sack) and DL Rueben Bain, Jr. (1.5 TFLs, one sack).

UM RANKS AS MOST IMPROVED POWER-5 OFFENSE IN YARDS PER PLAY

• Shannon Dawson, who was named offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach at Miami in February 2023, spent the past four seasons at the University of Houston (2019-2022) before joining The U.

• He has already made his impact felt, with Miami ranking No. 7 in all of FBS at an average of 7.33 yards per play. The Hurricanes ranked No. 104 in FBS last season in yards per play, averaging just 5.3.

• Miami’s jump in yards per play (+2.00) is the highest of any Power-5 team and third-highest in FBS.

• Among other categories where Dawson’s work has been clear: Miami ranks No. 12 in FBS and No. 1 in the ACC in completion percentage (70.), No. 14 in FBS and No. 2 in ACC in passing offense (310.8), No. 13 in FBS and No. 2 in ACC in scoring offense (37.7) + No. 7 in FBS and No. 1 in ACC in total offense (501.8). Under Dawson’s direction, UM is one of only eight FBS teams averaging more than 500 yards.

• In Dawson’s three seasons as quarterbacks coach with the Cougars (2020-22), Houston quarterbacks combined to throw 87 touchdown passes (13th nationally) behind a 65.3 completion percentage (19th) and 10,008 passing yards (21st). Dawson tutored signal caller Clayton Tune to a record-setting career. In 2022, Tune set the American Athletic Conference single-season TD passes record (40).

• Dawson’s Cougars ranked eighth nationally in passing offense (314.0) in 2022. Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell led the nation in receiving touchdowns (17) and receiving yards (1,398).

• Other impressive numbers: Houston ranked 15th nationally in scoring offense (35.6), 22nd in first downs offense (314), 23rd in passing offense (271.6) and 25th in red zone offense (.891) in 2022.

• Dawson linked up with former Kentucky coach Hal Mumme, considered a godfather of air raid, in 2003-04 to help revive a program at Southeastern Louisiana that had been dormant for 17 years.

GUIDRY’S DEFENSE IMPRESSING, RANKS #18 THROUGH FIRST SIX GAMES

• Lance Guidry, who was named defensive coordinator at Miami in February 2023, spent the previous two seasons as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Marshall University in 2021 and 2022.

• Guidry has already made his impact felt in a short amount of time in Coral Gables. Among ACC teams, Miami ranks No. 3 in scoring defense (19.0 points per game), No. 3 in total defense (308.3 yards per game) and No. 2 in rushing defense (58.2 yards per game). Among FBS teams nationwide, the Hurricanes also rank No. 9 in rushing defense, No. 25 in scoring defense and No. 18 in total defense.

• The Canes are one of just 18 teams in all of FBS allowing fewer than 310.0 yards per game in 2023.

• Miami had held its opponents under 100 rushing yards its first five games of the season – a streak that ended at North Carolina Oct. 14. It was the Hurricanes’ longest such streak to begin a year since 2006.

• In Guidry’s final year there, Marshall’s defense ranked in the top five nationally in FBS in several key statistics, including third down defense (first), stop rate (second), pass efficiency defense (third), defensive efficiency (third), yards per play (third), turnovers gained (fifth) and rushing defense (fifth).

• In a dominant 2022 campaign under his watch at Marshall, the Herd also finished the season ranked sixth in scoring defense (16.0) and passes intercepted (18), eighth in total defense (294.5) and ninth in first down defense (200). Guidry’s first game as an assistant coach in college was as defensive backs coach at his alma mater, McNeese State, vs. the Miami Hurricanes in 2000 at the Orange Bowl.

“FOURTH QUARTER PROGRAM” EFFECT; UM FOURTH IN 4Q SCORING

• When Mario Cristobal arrived to Miami in 2021, one of his first hires was strength & conditioning coordinator Aaron Feld. The duo’s “fourth quarter” spring workout program has become a staple.

• In games involving only FBS teams across the country, the Hurricanes are tied for fourth in the nation in fourth quarter scoring at 11.6 points per game in 2023. Through its first two games in wins over the Aggies and the RedHawks, Miami outscored its opponents by a 31-7 margin in the final frame.

RESTREPO BREAKING OUT, PART OF KEY TRIO WITH YOUNG & GEORGE

• While Miami’s offense has impressed under OC Shannon Dawson, WR Xavier Restrepo has emerged as one of the nation’s top wide receivers this season. He leads the Hurricanes with 47 receptions – including a career-high 12 catches in a start against Georgia Tech and 11 more last time out at UNC. Restrepo ranks No. 5 in FBS in receptions per game (7.8) and No. 11 in FBS in total receptions (47).

• In UM’s game with Georgia Tech, Restrepo (123 yards) recorded his third game of the season with at least 120 receiving yards. He became the only Hurricane over the past 25 years to record three such games within the first five games of a season – he also managed to do so vs. Texas A&M and Temple.

• Restrepo’s game vs. Georgia Tech was one of only seven games by a Power-5 student-athlete to feature at least 12 catches and one of only two in the ACC (Nate McCollum of UNC had 15 on Sept. 16).

• It was the first game to feature 10 catches since Mike Harley had 13 vs. Duke on Nov. 27, 2021. Restrepo is only the third Cane in the last five years to have 10 in a game, joining Harley and Charleston Rambo.

• Restrepo, WR Jacolby George (29 catches, 462 yards) and WR Colbie Young (23 catches, 318 yards) account for 1,354 receiving yards – 72.6% of the Hurricanes’ total yardage through the air (1,865).

• Restrepo, who also paces the Hurricanes in receiving yards with 574, struggled through an injury marred 2022 where he caught only 21 passes for 240 yards total, seeing action in just seven games.

• Restrepo and former roommate Tyler Van Dyke have a special connection; Restrepo learned how to play golf based on TVD’s love for the sport, and the duo is ultra competitive in everything they do.

• The fourth-year junior surpassed the 1,000 career yard mark at Miami vs. Georgia Tech- he has 93 career catches for 1,199 yards with eight career touchdowns. He has started all six games so far.

REVAMPED LINE NAMED TO JOE MOORE AWARD MIDYEAR HONOR ROLL

• One of the most important components to Miami’s start has been the impressive play of its offensive line. The Hurricanes have started LT Jalen Rivers, LG Javion Cohen, C Matt Lee, RG Anez Cooper and RT Francis Mauigoa for all six of its games, and the group has been pivotal to UM’s offensive success.

• The group was recognized for its outstanding play when it was selected to the midseason honor roll for the Joe Moore Award, which annually honors the top-performing offensive unit in college football.

• Cooper was named ACC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week as well as Outland Trophy National Player of the Week after a dominant game vs. Texas A&M, where he graded out as Miami’s top lineman.

• Lee was named a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, honoring the nation’s top center, after a standout career at UCF. Cohen was named a candidate for the Outland Trophy after transferring to Miami from Alabama. Cooper and Rivers both started for Miami in 2022, while Mauigoa is a freshman.

GEORGE ONE OF ONLY SEVEN IN ACC WITH FIVE RECEIVING TDs IN 2023

• Entering Miami’s Sept. 9 matchup with Texas A&M, Jacolby George had just one career touchdown catch. He had three alone vs. the Aggies, becoming the first Cane to have three touchdown catches in the same game since former WR Leonard Hankerson did so against at Clemson on Oct. 2, 2010.

• George had a career-best 125 yards last time out at North Carolina, totaling six catches and one TD.

• George is one of seven players in the ACC to have at least five touchdowns catches entering Week 8.

• George put together only the 24th game of three receiving touchdowns by an FBS player this year.

• For his efforts, the third-year player was named ACC Offensive Receiver of the Week on Sept. 11. He had just 13 catches in all of 2022 and already has 29 – second-most on the team – through six games.

TVD AMONG PFF’S TOP PERFORMING QBs, ENJOYING RETURN TO FORM

• QB Tyler Van Dyke is enjoying a return to form in 2023 after putting together an ACC Rookie of the Year campaign at Miami in 2021. Van Dyke’s 2022 season was marred by injury, forcing him to miss significant action during the second half of the year while battling a right shoulder injury.

• Van Dyke is Pro Football Focus’ fifth-best starter’s position grade behind only Michael Penix, Jr. of Washington, Jayden Daniels of LSU, Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and Conner Weigman of Texas A&M.

• Van Dyke has already surpassed last season’s touchdown pass total despite playing in just six games.

• Van Dyke ranks No. 1 in ACC (No. 13 in FBS) in completion percentage (70.5), No. 1 in ACC (No. 10 in FBS) in passing efficiency (171.8) as well as No. 1 in ACC (No. 8 in FBS) in passing touchdowns (16).

• In Miami’s win against Bethune-Cookman, Van Dyke became the first Hurricane to record multiple pass touchdowns, a rush touchdown and complete 80 percent of his passes in a single game. over the past 25 seasons. He finished 19-for-23 for 247 yards with two touchdowns and no picks.

• Van Dyke entered Week 4 ranked 10th on UM’s career completions list with 419. He’s now No. 7 with 491, having passed Craig Erickson (420), Ryan Clement (427) and Bernie Kosar (463).

• Van Dyke’s five touchdown passes vs. Texas A&M marked a new career high. The performance was TVD’s eighth career start with multiple TDs and zero picks. He had his ninth such start vs. Bethune.

• Van Dyke became the third Miami Hurricane to win ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, joining QB Brad Kaaya (2014) and RB Duke Johnson (2012) to do so.

• Van Dyke has throw multiple interceptions in a game just five times in his 24 career starts at The U.

• Van Dyke took over starting duties three games into the season in 2021 and ended the year with 2,931 yards, 25 passing touchdowns and just six interceptions. He completed 62.% of passes.

BRASHARD SMITH ONE OF NATION’S MOST DANGEROUS, LEADS FBS IN KOR

• Though he has only had 10 returns in his six games, WR Brashard Smith has made them count, ranking first in the nation in kickoff return average averaging 34.7 yards per return so far this year.

• Smith’s 98-yard kickoff return TD vs. Texas A&M was tied for the eighth-longest return in 2023. BORREGALES RANKS AMONG FBS’ MOST PROLIFIC ACTIVE FG KICKERS

• Junior K Andy Borregales has delivered another dominant season for the Hurricanes in 2023. Ranked as a preseason candidate for the Lou Groza Award, Borregales has tallied 44 career field goals on 52 attempts (84.6%), which ranks him as tied for the fifth-most accurate among those with 50 attempts.

• Borregales, whose older brother Jose is the lone Lou Groza Award winner in Miami history (2020), is 10-for-11 on field goals this year. His lone miss was on a 54-yard attempt vs. Texas A&M on Sept. 9.

CANES HADN’T STARTED WITH THREE IN A ROW AT HOME SINCE 2013

• The Hurricanes had not started the season with a 3-0 mark at home since 2013. Coincidentally, during that early stretch, they also played a ranked SEC team (No. 12 Florida) and won in Week 2.

KINCHENS RANKS HIGH IN CAREER INTERCEPTIONS, RETURNED VS. GT

• Following a breakout All-American season a year ago where he finished with six interceptions, Kam Kinchens added to that total Saturday with his seventh career interception vs. Texas A&M.

• Kinchens average interceptions-per-game mark (0.27) is among the top 20 best marks in FBS..

• A team captain, Kinchens left the Texas A&M game on a stretcher in a scary late moment scene. He underwent evaluation but was discharged the next day and rejoined the team on Sunday, Sept. 10.

• Kinchens will rejoin the team on Saturday against Georgia Tech, it was announced this week.

GAME FIVE: GEORGIA TECH TOPPLES CANES ON LAST MINUTE DRIVE

• Georgia Tech staged a fourth-quarter comeback to top Miami, 23-20, in the Hurricanes’ ACC opener.

• QB Tyler Van Dyke threw for 288 yards on 24-for-36 passing but tossed three interceptions in the loss. RB Don Chaney, Jr. had the first 100-yard game of his career (106 yards, 24 carries), while WR Xavier Restrepo posted a career-best 12 catches totaling 123 yards. WR Colbie Young had 56 yards.

• Miami’s defense impressed for most of the night, holding Georgia Tech to 99 yards rushing and 250 yards total in the loss. The Jackets averaged just 3.7 yards per rush and threw two interceptions.

• LB Francisco Mauigoa delivered a strong performance, totaling four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble. DB James Williams also returned an interception 44 yards.

GAME FOUR: UM MOVES TO 4-0 WITH DOMINANT ‘W’ IN ROAD OPENER

• Miami took care of business in its first road trip of the season, enjoying a 41-7 win over host Temple at Lincoln Financial Field. The Hurricanes rushed for 323 yards and totaled 543 yards in the victory.

• RB Henry Parrish, Jr., led the Hurricanes with a career-high 139 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first Miami running back to total that many yards and multiple scores in a road game since Duke Johnson did so at Duke in 2012 (176). Don Chaney added 61 rushing yards and Mark Fletcher had 51.

• QB Tyler Van Dyke threw for 220 yards on 17-of-24 passing with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. • Defensively, Miami held TU to just 11 yards rushing and added two interceptions by DB Te’Cory Couch.

• Lincoln Financial Field marked Miami’s fifth NFL stadium in the last six years; in addition to their home venue (Hard Rock Stadium), UM has also played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (vs. Alabama, 2021), Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (vs. Pitt, 2019 / 2021) and AT&T Stadium in Arlington (vs. LSU, 2018).

GAME THREE: HURRICANES POWER PAST WILDCATS ON SHORT REST

• The Hurricanes opened their season with three straight home games for the first time since 2013, and ensured a perfect September at home thanks to a 48-7 win over Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 14.

• Miami overpowered the Wildcats, recording 589 yards of offense. QB Tyler Van Dyke completed 82% of his passes (19-for-23) with 247 yards and two touchdowns, while Miami finished with 240 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns – including two scores from redshirt freshman transfer Ajay Allen.

• WR Xavier Restrepo was Van Dyke’s favorite target, finishing with an impressive 120 yards on six catches.

• Despite missing four defensive starters due to injury – including three on the defensive line – the Hurricanes finished with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. DL Rueben Bain had his first college sack.

GAME TWO: MIAMI KNOCKS OFF #23 AGGIES, 48-33, FOR RANKED WIN

• Miami showed resiliency in its Game 2 victory, a 48-33 decision over a top-25 Texas A&M team that took two separate 10-point leads in the first half. A 27-point second half sealed the hosts’ win.

• The victory was Miami’s first over a team ranked in the top 25 since a 38-34 win over No. 17/19 Pitt in 2021, while head coach Mario Cristobal picked up his eighth win against top-25 teams since 2018.

• Four Hurricanes were honored by the ACC for standout performances last time out; Anez Cooper (Co- Offensive Lineman of the Week), Jaden Davis (Defensive Back), Jacolby George (offensive receiver) and Tyler Van Dyke (quarterback). Cooper was the top-graded offensive lineman, Davis had a key forced fumble and eight tackles, while three of Van Dyke’s five touchdown passes went to George.

• Van Dyke’s five touchdown passes marked a new career high. The performance was TVD’s eighth career start with multiple touchdown passes and no interceptions thrown. George became the first Hurricane receiver since Leonard Hankerson in 2010 to haul in three touchdown passes in one game.

GAME ONE: MIAMI TROUNCES REDHAWKS, 38-3, IN SEASON OPENER

• The Hurricanes delivered a strong season debut on Sept. 1, toppling the visiting RedHawks of Miami University, 38-3. Miami piled up 493 yards in a well-balanced offensive attack, and held MU to just 215.

• Behind a dominant offensive line, the Canes finished with 243 passing yards and 250 rushing yards.

• Miami was one of only 16 teams in FBS to rush for 250 yards or more in their 2023 season opener.

• The Hurricanes had four running backs with at least eight carries, with RB Henry Parrish, Jr., leading the way at 90 rushing yards and one score. RB Mark Fletcher added 76 yards and one TD in his debut.