He’s back. Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jarren Williams is starter for Independence Bowl
He’s right back where he began.
After reopening the quarterback race on the heels of consecutive losses to FIU and Duke in the regular-season finale, Miami Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz has chosen usual redshirt freshman starter Jarren Williams to start against Louisiana Tech on Thursday in the Independence Bowl.
Williams beat out redshirt sophomore backup N’Kosi Perry and redshirt sophomore transfer Tate Martell for the final start of 2019.
On Tuesday, Diaz said during an Independence Bowl news conference that he would use Tuesday’s practice to help him determine his starter. UM’s last game was played Nov. 30.
The Hurricanes (6-6, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) are trying to end the year with a winning record, while the Bulldogs (9-3, 6-2 Conference USA) are going for their first 10-win season since 1984.
Williams, who originally earned the starting job in fall camp, has started nine games this season, including every game since Florida State on Nov. 2. He broke a school record with six passing touchdowns Nov. 9 in a dominating 52-27 performance against Louisville, but subsequently had two poor performances the past two games. His offensive line hasn’t helped, allowing nine sacks against Duke.
Williams numbers this season: 160 of 256 (62.5 percent) for 2,093 yards and 19 touchdowns, with six interceptions that came in two games (Va Tech and FIU).
Perry’s numbers: 80 of 146 (54.8) for 993 yards and eight touchdowns, with two interceptions. He started three of his seven games in 2019 after starting six of 11 games last season.
Martell, who transferred to UM from Ohio State last January, took a leave of absence the past two games. He also didn’t attend the game at Pitt. Martell has yet to throw a pass at Miami.
This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 4:05 PM.
