N’Kosi Perry set to start for Miami Friday night against Virginia

Almost exactly a year ago, the #16 Hurricanes were in Charlottesville fresh off a massive come from behind win against rival Florida State. The Hurricanes starting quarterback was the same guy that is set to make his first start of the 2019 season this Friday night — N’Kosi Perry.

That October 13th matchup last year was a forgettable one for the redshirt sophomore. He threw just six passes and two of them were intercepted. Malik Rosier was inserted into the game and Miami fell 16-13.

That loss ignited a four-game losing streak for the Hurricanes, but that is all in the past now.

There is nothing sweeter than a shot at redemption, which Perry has on national television in just two days.

“I didn't play well last year and we didn't get the win last year so the whole team didn't play well and we just want to go out and show that we can compete with them now,” Perry said following Wednesdays practice.

Last week, Perry entered the game for Jarren Williams, who left the game after throwing three interceptions, and threw for a career-high 422 yards and brought his team down from a four touchdown deficit in a 42-35 loss to Virginia Tech.

“You know he could do it, right?” running back Deejay Dallas said regarding Perry rallying the team last weekend. “Florida State last year, remember? 28-points — he did it. N’Kosi is a baller, gamer. I knew he could do it from when he stepped in. I’m proud of him, he’s been through a lot.”

The hope is that Perry and his capability of igniting the passing game will give Miami an edge that they haven't been able to fully take advantage of this year. An example is getting the ball into the hands of Jeff Thomas, Miami’s most explosive playmaker who caught six passes for 124-yards and two touchdowns Saturday.

Daniel A. Varela/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Perry will be making his seventh career start and is 35 for 55 with 501 yards and five touchdowns so far in 2019.