Cristobal: Miami about to enter ‘Wild, Wild West of college football.’ UM braces for change

And now, the waiting begins.

Will starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke still play for the Miami Hurricanes in 2024?

Will UM backup quarterback Jacurri Brown stay at Miami?

Will either of them be here for the soon-to-be revealed bowl game?

Any other comings or goings, including the coaching staff?

The day after the University of Miami secured a winning season (7-5, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) by dominating Boston College 45-20 at Alumni Stadium, Hurricanes fans and those involved in the program could celebrate the decisive victory and take a collective breath — but not for long.

A full Saturday slate on the final regular-season weekend of college football will be followed by conference championship games on Saturday, Dec. 2, and then the Dec. 3 announcement of College Football Playoff games and the rest of the bowl schedule.

After that, the next significant date is Monday, Dec. 4, when the NCAA transfer portal opens for 30 days, during which dozens of players throughout the nation will test the college football waters. The other transfer portal window goes from April 15-30.

UM will undoubtedly be looking to bolster, first and foremost, its quarterback position through not only young recruits, but through the portal. Several high-profile quarterbacks are expected to enter the portal, including, for example, Mississippi State’s Will Rogers, according to multiple reports. He has one season of eligibility left, and has 12,315 passing yards in four seasons, second all-time for the SEC. Rogers has thrown for 94 touchdowns, with 28 interceptions.

Van Dyke

Van Dyke, who had his second straight strong game Friday (23 of 36 for 290 yards and two touchdowns), was asked shortly after the win how he’ll treat the next couple weeks as far as decision-making. Some speculation has Van Dyke contemplating transferring to SMU, which is coached by former UM offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Lashlee was Van Dyke’s coordinator/quarterbacks coach when Van Dyke was named the 2021 ACC Rookie of the Year.

“The game just ended,’’ Van Dyke, from Glastonbury, Connecticut, said. “My mind is not really there right now. I’m just proud of being a Hurricane. We went out there and got the dub out in my neck of the woods.’’

UM coach Mario Cristobal was asked after the game if he hoped to see Van Dyke back next season.

“I’m not going to comment on that,’’ Cristobal said. “I think it’s time to let these guys get their space and breathe. It’s only fair and it’s only right, and I certainly don’t want to speak for anyone or anything. We’re not ready to do that yet.

“Strictly here, I would respectfully ask that we stick to this game and the guys that played in it because after this, we’re in the Wild, Wild West of college football. And it is completely unpredictable for everybody, including ourselves.”

Cristobal described Van Dyke’s performance Friday as “excellent,’’ adding that some of the quarterback’s best plays were ones “that never make the stat sheet: getting rid of the football under pressure, taking off with the football and putting you in second-and-6 when everybody’s covered up and he’s under pressure.

“He’s done a great job. Tremendous credit to him. He’s a great competitor. Awesome young man and a really good football player.”

In 11 games played this season (10 starts), Van Dyke is 219 of 333 (65.8 percent) for 2,703 yards and 19 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions.

Van Dyke said last week, regarding if he would return to UM, that he was focused on the Boston College game and “staying in the moment.’’

He also was asked last week if he will play in the UM bowl game, regardless of any decisions on where he’ll be next season. “Like I said before, I’m in the present moment,’’ Van Dyke said. “That’s all I’m worried about right now.’’

Jacurri Brown

As for Brown, the sophomore signal-caller who has yet to play in a game this season after competing in eight games last season, including two as starter, most are wondering why he hasn’t played and if he’s entering the transfer portal.

Is it possible Brown will play in the bowl?

“Him and a bunch of other guys,’’ Cristobal said, continuing that UM “played a good football game [Friday].’’

“His time is coming. He’s a good football player. I know the question’s coming weekly. He’s a good football player and he’s going to be playing.’’

More, from Cristobal

▪ On the team’s resilience after three straight losses: “It’s continued progress. A year ago, that was some tough sledding. A roster nowhere near capable of sustaining a high level of play. Improved roster, improved systems, improved schematically, improved culture. Now every game is either we’re winning it or it’s coming down to the wire. ...Then, at the end, when your back’s up against the wall and you’ve got a short week and you’ve got to get on the road, just came out in weather that we’re not used to — but it’s beautiful weather... our guys came out and really attacked it schematically, effort-wise. Really played hard and played really well.”

▪ On running back Henry Parrish Jr., who rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries (10.1-yard average): “Obviously, I’m very [tight] about injuries, but for a reason. He’s dealt with a lot, and this was the first week where he was practicing at — not 100, no one is ever 100 — but 90-percent-plus, and it showed...in some really, really, really big plays.’’

Cristobal, now 12-12 in his first two regular seasons as the head coach at Miami, was asked about his own schedule regarding dealing with everything about to unfold, including the transfer portal.

“Relentlessly going forward,’’ he said. “We made a huge jump in our roster this year and we expect to turn it over by a large chunk again. We don’t want to slow down. Excited about the opportunities that come with it. You’re going to gain some, you’re going to lose some, and you go full throttle. And every opportunity that you have is an opportunity to get better.

“ I see it that way as it relates to personnel, as it relates to coaches, as it relates to everyone and everything. That’s the way this business rolls.”