Story by
Miami Hurricanes' Jordan Lyle Making 'Huge Strides' to Full Resurgence
- Story by
- Miami Hurricanes' Jordan Lyle Making 'Huge Strides' to Full Resurgence
(Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – The winner between the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes and the Pitt Panthers this Saturday could be determined by which side runs the ball better.
Both Atlantic Coast Conference competitors are top two in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing defense. Panthers freshman Damon Ferguson Jr. has proven to be a threat; however, the Hurricanes have a plethora of options for the backfield. Mark Fletcher Jr. and Javian Mallory will likely be at the top of Pitt's scouting report, which can lead to junior Jordan Lyle picking up on the workload to give the offense a different boost.
It's been a slow start to the season for the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native. After facing a legal setback during fall camp, then serving an internal suspension, Lyle has slowly been absorbing more snaps. He first appeared against Central Michigan, then against Clemson, but primarily in a fullback role.
Advertisement
Progress was being made in Lyle's acclimation to in-game physicality; however, all the rust might finally be off. Coming off a 43-35 double-overtime win against the Florida State Seminoles last weekend, he finished with a season-high 42 rushing yards on nine carries. Lyle had one explosive play that could be a great sign of resurgence.
The 21-year-old had a 12-yard dash in the second quarter to get a first down on a first-and-10 situation. What is most impressive about the play, as Lyle ran towards the right sideline, is that he broke two initial tackles then stood tall against multiple defenders before being brought down. He had excellent ball security as Seminoles fifth-year linebacker Mikai Gbayor threw three punches in an attempt to knock the ball loose for a forced fumble.
As the drive progressed, it finished with a touchdown by junior tight end Elija Lofton.
When asking offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson about Lyle's progression in Monday's media availability, he's encouraged by the film.
Advertisement
"Jordan is making huge strides," he said. "I thought [the FSU game] was big for him. He did some great things."
Despite all the adversity and setbacks, Lyle still had the trust of the Coral Gables program. Given CharMar "Marty" Brown's season-ending injury, he is a greater asset to the offense. Lyle has proven to be a versatile running back, which makes the Hurricanes' depth very dangerous.
The Panthers will likely look to limit opportunities for Fletcher Jr. and Mallory, who have been the top options in the backfield. However, a breakout performance by Lyle could be the final piece to the resurging puzzle. The former four-star recruit stuck with the process rather than transfer, returning from an injury-riddled sophomore campaign, and is looking close to being at full force once again.
Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.
Advertisement
More Miami Hurricanes News:
- " Could No. 1 UM Push No. 4 Notre Dame Out of the College Football Playoffs? "
- " UM Ranked New No. 1 in AP Poll "
- " Javian Mallory Boosted UM's Run Game as Mark Fletcher Jr. Went Down "
