With their biggest game of the year coming up, the Miami Hurricanes are proceeding as if starting QB Stephen Morris will not be back from the ankle sprain that took him out of last week's North Carolina game.
Backup quarterback Ryan Williams, who completed 9 of 13 passes for 80 yards in a failed comeback attempt against the Tar Heels, took all the first-team snaps on Monday while Morris received treatment on his left ankle.
Miami coach Al Golden exuded confidence in his backup. "If his number is called, he's ready to go," Golden told the Miami Herald on Monday. "He had good command [in Monday's practice], understood everything, ran the show. We didn't do a lot, but I think he's ready for the opportunity."
Golden did not have anything new to report regarding Morris' injury on Monday. "We just have got to hang in there and see how he goes."
When asked about Morris' recovery, Williams answered, "He seems to be doing all right. I don’t know how far his ankle is coming along."
In the fourth quarter last Saturday, Morris landed awkwardly on his left ankle, and had to be helped off the field. Williams took his place for the two drives of the game, but the Canes failed to score, losing 18-14.
Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch cautioned that no decision regarding Saturday's game has been made yet, with a depth chart released Monday listing "Stephen Morris or Ryan Williams" at starting quarterback.
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"We can make a decision as the week goes by," Fisch told the Herald. "Stephen has started for us a bunch of games."
Williams transferred to UM after the 2010 season, when started 12 games for Memphis as a true freshman. He threw for 2,075 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions that season. A Miramar High grad, Williams wears number 11 in honor of Ken Dorsey, his favorite Cane.
Williams' wife, Deanna, told the Herald that she made a special meal for Williams on Monday. "I'm making tacos — double meat tonight, chicken and beef. I'm trying to have him in good spirits the whole week."
So at least Williams has that to look forward to if the FSU game does not go as well as he hopes on Saturday.