Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal addressed his team following a shocking 28-23 loss to Georgia Tech, pointing out key issues and taking a hard look at the program’s struggles. Cristobal’s candid remarks highlighted breakdowns in both the offense and defense, as well as critical errors in coaching strategy, all of which contributed to the disappointing upset and cast doubt on Miami’s College Football Playoff aspirations.
A major factor in the loss was Miami’s defense, led by coordinator Lance Guidry, which failed to contain Georgia Tech’s ground game. Georgia Tech racked up 271 rushing yards—an area where Miami had typically shown strength. This defensive lapse included a critical third-and-18 play where Miami allowed Georgia Tech to convert and ultimately score, extending their lead to an insurmountable margin.
Offensively, quarterback Cam Ward—who had been integral to Miami’s winning streak—struggled to find a rhythm. Although he posted solid stats with 348 passing yards and three touchdowns, his missed opportunities on critical downs and tendency to overlook open receivers hampered Miami’s comeback efforts. Ward’s failure to convert two key fourth downs further hindered the team, resulting in lost opportunities that could have kept Miami in contention.
Finally, Cristobal’s late-game decision to call a timeout as Miami tried to rally was questioned by fans and analysts alike. Although this move didn’t directly impact the final score, it underscored the game’s overall disorganization. Cristobal acknowledged the challenges ahead, urging his players to stay focused as the Hurricanes regroup for a potential ACC title run.
Leave a Reply