When Phillip Dorsett spliced together a pair of the best performances ever by a University of Miami receiver earlier this season, the folks who oversee the Biletnikoff Award noticed.
Dorsett was placed on the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, given to college football’s best receiver, a few days after completing a two-game barrage against Georgia Tech and North Carolina State in which the 5-foot-10, 185-pound sophomore combined for 16 catches, 375 yards and 3 touchdowns.
But it wasn’t only UM fans and those associated with post-season honors that began paying increased attention to Dorsett.
Opposing defenses took to focusing on the speedy receiver. Wherever Dorsett went, multiple defenders tagged along. The result has been a drastic drop-off in production. In his last three games — all UM losses —Dorsett has managed only six catches for 54 yards. He hasn’t managed to get into the end zone since his 62-yard touchdown reception with 29 seconds left beat North Carolina State 44-37 on Sept. 29.
Dorsett’s reduced output has had a direct effect on UM’s sputtering offense, which has scored 37 points in its last three games after averaging 35.2 points in the first five games.
In Miami’s most recent loss, a 33-20 defeat to FSU on Oct. 20, Dorsett was limited to two catches for 15 yards by a Seminoles’ defense that allowed only two pass completions beyond 20 yards.
Dorsett didn’t get much breathing room against North Carolina on Oct. 13, either. According to offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, the Tar Heels “did everything they could to take [Dorsett] away” including doubling him on virtually every play. Dorsett finished with three catches for 33 yards in UM’s 18-14 defeat.
Of course, not all of Dorsett’s troubles have been caused by opposing defenses. He dropped several passes in a 41-3 loss to Notre Dame, including two on UM’s opening possession that would have resulted in long touchdowns.
Some have theorized that Dorsett was thrown into a mental funk by the Notre Dame debacle and has yet to emerge. Dorsett also allowed a Stephen Morris pass to bounce off his helmet against North Carolina and has a total of five drops in his last three games, compared to six receptions.
Dorsett discounts that he’s suffering from a Notre Dame hangover.
“A lot of people are still thinking about what happened in the Notre Dame game, but stuff happens,” Dorsett said. “I’m over it. I’ve been over it.”
Coaches agree that Dorsett has to do a better job of catching the ball, but Fisch adds that more has to be done to get the ball in his hands.
“I think Phillip will get going again,” Fisch said.
Thursday night would be a good time to start. The Hurricanes (4-4, 3-2 ACC) face Virginia Tech (4-4, 2-2) at Sun Life Stadium in a game that will go a long way in deciding the Coastal Division representative in the conference title game.
At his best, Dorsett has proven this season to be a game-changer. Following a relatively quiet start, Dorsett blew up against Georgia Tech, opening with a 65-yard touchdown catch on UM’s first possession and finishing with 9 catches for 184 yards, the eighth-most productive game by a Hurricanes’ receiver in school history.
Dorsett followed that with an even better game the next week against North Carolina State, beating All-American cornerback David Amerson for two touchdowns, including the game-winner, and piling up 7 receptions for 191 yards, the sixth-best outing by a UM receiver.
“I don’t look at the numbers,” said Dorsett, who leads UM with 32 catches for 503 yards. “I’m not a stat guy. Whatever I can do to help this team, I do.”
Coach Al Golden said the coaching staff has to help Dorsett by “designing plays to get him the ball more.”
“We have to do a better job as a staff making sure he gets his touches because he is explosive and he has shown the ability to make plays,” Golden said.
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