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Miami Hurricanes News and Notes: More QB News, Gerald Willis is a beast, and 3rd Down Successes

Check in with all the news coverage on the Canes ahead of tomorrow’s ACC opener

NCAA Football: Florida International at Miami
The Canes open their ACC slate tomorrow against UNC
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Hurricanes hoping in-season QB questions fuel both Malik Rosier and N’Kosi Perry - Sun Sentinel

“This somewhat unexpected midseason quarterback competition seems to be bringing out the best in its top two contenders, Rosier and Perry.

With Miami (3-1) forced to prepare for the Tar Heels (1-2) on a short week, the Hurricanes have seen a more assertive Perry in recent days, the redshirt freshman seemingly thriving after his 17-of-25, 224-yard, three-touchdown performance against FIU on Saturday.”

Here are some revealing numbers behind the Hurricanes’ Rosier/Perry change at UM - Miami Herald

“If N’Kosi Perry starts against North Carolina — as many around the program expect — we will start to see if several clear differences with Malik Rosier sustain themselves in larger sample sizes. A couple notable ones:

1) Perry, completing 66.7 percent of his passes this season, has been more accurate than Rosier, whose 52.1 percent completion rate ranks 113 of 128 major college quarterbacks.

But the accuracy issues particularly come into play with intermediate throws.

According to records kept by the Herald and Herald correspondent Daniel Gould, Rosier has completed just 6 of 13 passes this season on balls thrown between 10 and 19 yards. That’s simply not good enough.

By comparison, Perry was three for four on those types of throws, for 52 yards, and two touchdowns, against FIU.”

The Eliminator: Who is already out of the playoff race? - ESPN

Still in Contention: Miami Hurricanes | Trending: UP | Redshirt freshman N’Kosi Perry took over for Malik Rosier at QB, throwing for 224 yards and three touchdowns against FIU. He’s the future. And perhaps the future is now for the Hurricanes, whose path in the ACC looks manageable.”

Gerald Willis III Taking The Nation By Storm - State of the U

“Though just four games into the season, Willis’ stats are straight ridiculous. In those four games, Willis leads the team with nine solo tackles, TFLs and also sacks. Willis has eight TFLs, which is tied for second in the country.

With the departure of fellow d-lineman like R.J. McIntosh and Chad Thomas, it was unsure how the Canes unit down front would hold up. However, if you look at the defense and their production in 2018, its even better than last years.”

ACC Power Rankings: Week 5 - State of the U

2. Miami Hurricanes 3-1 (LW: 3), Week 4 Result: 31-17 W vs FIU, Next: vs North Carolina 9/27 8:00pm ET

The Canes handled FIU, although not by as much as many fans would like. That shouldn’t be taken for granted, as you’ll see throughout these rankings. Miami still has questions to answer (such as the QB situation), but should hopefully be able to handle North Carolina on Thursday night.”

Film Preview: UNC Tar Heels at Miami Hurricanes - State of the U

“UNC quarterback Nathan Elliott is entrenched as the starting quarterback. Elliott averages only 6.43 yards per passing attempt on the season while tossing three touchdowns and four interceptions. Antonio Williams has ran for 257 yards averaging 6.6 yards per carry and three touchdowns on the season. He’ll be the main threat to stop for the Miami defense in the run game. Flanked out at receiver the most dangerous Tar Heel is Anthony Ratliff-Williams. Ratliff-Williams is averaging 20.9 yards per catch but the issue will be can Elliott find enough time to connect with his star receiver against the Miami defensive pass rush?”

Signs of Improvement: 3rd Down On Both Sides Of The Ball - State of the U

“So far in 2018, LSU loss included, Miami’s defense has been nothing short of suffocating on third-down. In four games, the Hurricanes opponents are averaging 17% on third-down, and the Canes rank first in the country in that category.”

Recruits Game Recap — Week 4 - State of the U

“LB Anthony Soloman (St.Thomas Aquinas) — 9 total tackles in 43-27 loss vs. Central.

LB Avery Huff (St.Thomas Aquinas) — 8 total tackles in 43-27 loss vs. Central.

DT Jason Muñoz (St.Thomas Aquinas) 3 total tackles, 1 interception in 43-27 loss vs. Central.”