31 - 24 Some teams lose when the other teams are just better. Other teams lose becuase the opposing team has more talent.
When I watch Miami I don’t see a team that’s often out-talented, or that the other team is clearly better. Miami loses becuase they have multiple fundamental breakdowns a game. Sometimes they can overcome them, but judging by Mario Cristobal’s 12-13 (6-10) record they usually cannot.
We all remember the collapse against Georgia Tech from the failure to kneel to the defensive breakdown. Then against Louisville the Canes had a 28-23 4th quarter lead at home, only to lose 38-31. The Cardinals final scoring TD was a 3 play 75 yard drive in 75 seconds.
Against Rutgers in the Pinstripe it was more of the same. Up 17-14 in the 3rd quarter, Miami allows a punt to blocked for a TD, and that was effectively the game.
Sure Miami had opt-outs, and back up QB, but when the same things keep happening it’s more about the where the culture is and less about the players.
Miami is fundamentally unsound program under Mario Cristobal. After finishing 7-6 but matching the 3-5 ACC recording, it’s debatable whether any true tangible progress was made.
The Hurricanes continue to pin their hopes on good recruiting rankings. Yes Miami recruits well, but it’s not translating to success. After 4-0 start, the Canes collapsed to a 3-6 finish and have been lapped by instate rival Florida State.
2024 comes and again many will look at Miami’s roster and feel it’s a team capable of finishing with 9 or 10 wins and in the top 25. It’s remains to be seen if Miami can turn the corner under Mario Cristobal. He’ll get a year 3 in Miami, but if it doesn’t happen next year will it ever under Cristobal?
