Podcast: How dire is Miami’s WR issue? And why we’re still optimistic after loss to TAMU

The Miami Hurricanes’ first loss of the season — and of the Mario Cristobal era — was frustrating for so many different reasons and none more than the sudden, startling disappearance of any consistent passing attack.

Tyler Van Dyke’s numbers are way down and it won’t get any easier for him after a rash of injuries at wide receiver in the last two weeks.

On a new episode of the Eye on the U podcast, David Wilson and Susan Miller Degnan, the Miami Herald’s Hurricanes beat writer, talk through what has gone wrong, how much it might hurt No. 25 Miami and what the Hurricanes (2-1) can do to withstand it.

Xavier Restrepo is out for at least six weeks with a foot injury and fellow wide receiver Jacolby George, who just returned from a two-game suspension Saturday, is now out indefinitely with a hand injury. Restrepo was clearly Miami’s most reliable wideout — and Van Dyke’s favorite target — and George flashed more signs of brilliance in the Hurricanes’ 17-9 loss to the then-No. 24 Texas A&M Aggies before an injury derailed his promising sophomore season.

Now, more than ever, Miami needs a wide receiver like Key’Shawn Smith, Brashard Smith, Michael Redding III or even Romello Brinson to step up. Atlantic Coast Conference play is only a little more than two weeks away and, even though the Hurricanes might not face a defense tougher than Texas A&M’s for the rest of the year, the games really start to matter once October arrives.

The one positive sign in the passing game is Will Mallory had his best game of the season last week. Miami is going to need even more from its star tight end moving forward.

At the same time, there are plenty of other reasons for optimism about the Hurricanes after their loss in College Station, Texas, and it starts in the trenches. Miami bullied the Aggies up front, racking up three sacks on defense and rushing for nearly 5 yards per carry on offense. If they can beat up Texas A&M up front, the Hurricanes should be able to handle just about anyone they’ll face in conference play, besides the No. 5 Clemson Tigers.

As many flaws as it has, Miami proved why it’s the team to beat the Coastal Division, even with its one-score loss at Kyle Field.

As always, thanks for listening and please continue to rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.