42 - 41 Miami stood on the brink of the season their fans have been waiting on for some 20 years. At 9-0, an ACC Title and playoff appearance were there for the taking. Cam Ward was a Heisman contender, and a legitimate chance to win the award. Even Saturday, Miami was on the cusp of an 11-win season, and a possible top 10 finish.
Miami’s defense couldn’t stop Georgia Tech’s offense when they alternated a freshman QB, and a Haynes King that couldn’t throw a forward pass. They couldn’t Syracuse and QB Kyle McCord, as their defense got shredded to pieces. Against Iowa State in the bowl holding onto a 41-35 lead, the defense wilted as they gave up a game winning drive to the Cyclones.
It was a fitting end, to what should should have been a magical season. It’s not often you will have a QB the caliber of Cam Ward, and the offensive talent the Hurricanes had in 2024. You have to take advantage when the opportunity presents itself.
Miami didn’t, but when have they since they joined the ACC?
They change coaches, they change personnel, but the result is always the same. What could have been?
Even in the bowl game itself QB Cam Ward played the first half, but not the second half creating yet another what could have been scenario.
Mario Cristobal is now a pedestrian 22-16 (12-12) at Miami after three seasons. You don’t fire a coach that goes 10-3 with a top-20 season, but you can ask questions after the late-season collapse.
Cristobal now has to decide if Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry should continue to guide the Cane’s defense after repeated collapses. The unit just kept getting worse as the season progressed.
If it didn’t happen for Miami this season to win the ACC, when will it happen? The offense is losing Cam Ward and a ton of offensive talent.
I think even after a 10 win season, there are more questions for Cristobal and the direction of the Miami program than there should be. It kind of feels Miami is right back in the same spot they are after every season wondering when will the U be back?
