Mario Cristobal Declares Extended Playing Time For Miami Hurricanes Offensive Playmakers

The Miami Hurricanes' 31-24 loss to Notre Dame last Saturday in South Bend (IN) marked the first time the offense didn't feature superstar wide receiver Malachi Toney; however, it presented an opportunity for others to step up.

Wide receiver Cooper Barkate and tight end Elija Lofton were the leading playmakers, combining for 205 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Yet, the biggest jump from the back-half of the depth chart was arguably from wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs.

The redshirt junior hadn't gotten many opportunities this season. Prior to the Notre Dame matchup, Jacobs had caught just 10 passes on 12 targets for 152 yards and one touchdown while logging 108 snaps. The 22-year-old is more than capable of being a contributor.

In the latest edition of The Mario Cristobal Show, the head coach will be looking to rely on Jacobs more, as Toney is sidelined.

"He's going to play more," he said. "He's earned that. He played fast and has been on the big stage before."

Last season, at South Carolina, Jacobs was a consistent playmaker. He caught 32 passes on 48 targets for 548 yards and scoring four touchdowns, one of which was an explosive play against Clemson. Jacobs is known to be a deep threat, which should mix in well with quarterback Darian Mensah's elite accuracy.

Cristobal even mentioned the freshmen trio of Somourian Wingo, Milan Parris, and Vance Spafford seeing more time on the field.

Last season, at this juncture of the season, the Hurricanes relied on freshmen, such as running back Girard Pringle Jr. and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, to make strong contributions and they delivered. The same will be asked of Wingo, Parris, and Spafford.

The absence of Toney left a significant void. He leads the offense in all-purpose yards (1,157), catches (73), targets (85), and touchdowns (13). It will take a collective effort, from up and down the depth chart, to make up for the sidelined star.

Wingo, Parris, and Spafford were each four-star recruits. Although the opportunities this season have been mostly limited, Toney's absence allows them to showcase potential and earn more trust from Cristobal, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, and quarterback Darian Mensah.

The Hurricanes will need to boost in production with the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoffs at stake. Unlike last season, when two of the final four regular-season games were on the road, the remaining schedule is favorable and at home:

- Nov. 14: Duke (12:00 p.m. E.T. kickoff; ABC)

- Nov. 21: Virginia Tech

- Nov. 28: Boston College

More Miami Hurricanes News:

- "Why the Miami Hurricanes Struggle to Generate Quarterback Pressure"

- "UM Men's Basketball Dips in Latest AP Poll, Dominate North Florida"

- "Does the Miami Hurricanes' Offensive Line Need Immediate, Drastic Changes?"