The Miami Hurricanes got great contributions in Saturday's win over the Syracuse Orange, especially from a freshman running back.
The Miami Hurricanes are coming off a strong victory over the Syracuse Orange on Saturday, with a final score of 38-10. As the season reaches the final stretch, everything is on the line for them in terms of competing for an ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoffs, perhaps also Mario Cristobal's future as the team's head coach.
Against Syracuse, the Hurricanes were without some notable starters, especially junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who exited the SMU Mustangs game early in the fourth quarter. It would take a collective effort to make up for his absence. The running game has played a crucial role in the Hurricanes' success, especially early in the season.
The team saw a great step-up from freshman Girard Pringle Jr., who only appeared in three games for limited snaps before the Syracuse matchup. He carried seven times for 55 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown.
"Great eyes, he sees it really well, very explosive," Cristobal said after the Syracuse game about Pringle Jr. "He has a different gear as well. He really kicked into high gear on that outside run because he was out-leveraged and he still put a foot in the ground and outran those guys. I think he had a couple of really tough yards as well. People sometimes mistake him for being a guy that's just a speed guy, a quick guy. He's got some power to him. He broke some tackles, was tough, secured the football, most important part. He was effective, at least, on his two pass protection reps. He did a good job seeking out the blitzer and providing protection."
Pringle Jr. was "appreciative" of the extensive opportunity.
"It meant a lot," he said postgame. "Thanks to my o-linemen. They worked hard, I worked hard for this moment."
He alluded to patience being the biggest lesson this season, given his limited time on the football field.
"I've been learning a lot from them guys," Pringle Jr. added. "They teach me patience as well, and I just take it and run with it. Great things happen from there."
In every sport, the phrase, "be ready so you don't have to get ready," is a strong and tough message for every athlete, especially those on the far side of the depth charts. However, it worked for Pringle Jr. when the opportunity presented itself.
"I was prepared," he said. "Patience is key. All I got to do is keep pushing. I was ready and prepared."
The performance from the 19-year-old may have kept the Hurricanes' season alive, but only time will tell how it ends for them.