After a quick start to the season against FCS opponent Bethune-Cookman, the Hurricanes’ offense stalled out.
They started slowly against Southern Miss before recovering for a victory, but they failed to score a touchdown against Texas A&M. The next week, Miami fell in a 24-3 hole against Middle Tennessee State, thanks in part to two interceptions by Tyler Van Dyke. The game ended with Van Dyke on the bench, and Jake Garcia leading the Hurricanes.
But Van Dyke kept hold of the starting job through the bye week and into Miami’s stretch of October games. The third-year sophomore quarterback said he just stayed positive during the lead-up to the North Carolina game, and he has rewarded the coaching staff’s faith in him, putting up his two best performances of the season.