Miami Football: Quarterback controversy created in Week 2 win
Miami football bounced back from an ugly opening weekend loss to LSU with a big win over Savannah State, but are the Canes in even more trouble?
Hurricanes’ backup quarterback N’Kosi Perry was suspended for the opening game against LSU. He watched from the sideline as his team was throttled by the Tigers thanks in no part to the efforts of starting quarterback Malik Rosier.
Rosier was ineffective in his 2018 debut, completing 15-of-35 passes for 259 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His QBR registered a meager 12.8 — that’s not good. After getting out to a three-score lead, Miami head coach Mark Richt opted to give Perry a chance.
Not only did Perry take advantage of his chance, he matched Rosier play for play, creating a difficult choice for Richt next weekend when Miami takes on Toledo. The Rockets will offer the Canes one more opportunity to work through the competition with live-game action, but sooner or later the Canes are going to have to make a decision.
Both quarterbacks made their starting pitches on Saturday:
Rosier’s line: 8-for-12, 131 yards for two touchdowns with a 1-yard rushing touchdown
Perry’s line: 9-of-14, 93 yards for three touchdowns and one interception
Aiding the strong performance by both quarterbacks was a rushing attack that featured eight different ballcarriers other than Rosier and Perry. Freshman running back Lorenzo Lingard led the way with 82 yards and two touchdowns on four carries.
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On defense, the Canes’ turnover chain got plenty of work. Miami picked off two passes and recovered two fumbles in a shutout performance. Savannah State picked up two third down conversion on 16 attempts in what was an all-around dominant performance by Miami to earn their first win of 2018.