Mario Cristobal declined to reveal Monday if struggling quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will remain Miami’s starter when the Hurricanes visit fourth-ranked Florida State on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Since returning from a one-week absence due primarily to knee swelling and bruised ribs, Van Dyke has struggled mightily, completing only 60.2 percent of his passes for an average of 4.9 yards per attempt with no touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s thrown 10 interceptions compared to only five touchdown passes over his last four starts.
• Back in September — before Miami’s coaches said they made the collective mistake of not running out the clock against Georgia Tech to seal a fifth consecutive victory — the Hurricanes offense was humming. Van Dyke was completing 74.7 percent of his passes for 10.5 yards a pop with 11 touchdowns and only one interception.
• Until last week’s struggles, Cristobal had always stood behind Van Dyke as Miami’s starting quarterback.

Why is Van Dyke struggling?

Life’s been a little different since teams began rushing three and dropping eight into coverage against him. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said Van Dyke’s injuries definitely affected him but also said Van Dyke has needed to make better decisions with the ball.

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He threw three interceptions in the 20-6 loss to NC State last weekend and struggled in the red zone.

“Most of it probably has to do with trying to do too much. Just let the defense dictate where the ball goes,” Dawson said. “I thought we would have hit a couple more shots on (NC State) and we didn’t hit any.”

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Van Dyke said Saturday night that he was well prepared for NC State’s defense in film study and had a good week of practice. He said he simply didn’t execute.

Who could replace Van Dyke?

Freshman Emory Williams started Miami’s 28-20 overtime win against Clemson on Oct. 21. He was 24-of-33 passing for 151 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Miami’s passing game was very conservative against the Tigers, with Williams throwing 13 of his 33 attempts behind the line of scrimmage and another eight passes within 9 yards of the line of scrimmage.

The Hurricanes have yet to play redshirt freshman Jacurri Brown this season. Brown started two games in 2022, including a road win at Georgia Tech, where he ran for 87 yards and completed 14-of-19 attempts for 136 yards and three touchdowns.

How big a challenge is FSU?

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Florida State ranks fourth in pass efficiency defense. The Seminoles are allowing only 6.3 yards per attempt (18th) and have six interceptions compared to four touchdown passes allowed. FSU ranks 16th in scoring defense and 30th in yards per play allowed.

FSU is plus-7 in the turnover margin and protects the ball well on offense with veteran quarterback Jordan Travis.

“Turnovers have cost us football games,” Cristobal said. “We have progressed as a team in so many different areas. In the last four weeks, we have regressed in the passing game. It’s a combination of things. I think sometimes we have created separation as receivers. I think sometimes we haven’t. I think there is effort, and sometimes there’s lapses. I think man coverage at times we beat it. Other times, we get snugged up pretty good.”

(Photo: Lance King / Getty Images)

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Category: WHY