The Miami Hurricanes are on fire, charging into the season with a perfect 6-0 record and eyeing a spot in the Championship. And while close calls and heart-stopping finishes have been part of their journey, many are pointing to head coach Mario Cristobal as the mastermind behind Miami’s success. Former tight end and college football analyst Adam Breneman recently credited Cristobal for Miami’s growth, stating, “It’s a sign of a mature program… a head coach learning how to win games and giving that confidence to his team and players.”
Breneman notes that Miami’s close-call games were the kind that slipped away from them last season, but this year, they’ve managed to clinch the wins. Week 5 against Virginia Tech saw them survive a potential upset after an overturned Hail Mary sealed their 38-34 victory, and in Week 7, they pulled off a miraculous comeback from a 25-point deficit to edge out Cal 39-38. It’s clear that Cristobal has instilled resilience and confidence in his team.
Of course, a good quarterback makes all the difference. Cam Ward, Miami’s star QB, has been pivotal in their success, even amidst some high-pressure decision-making errors. He’s been consistently pulling off wins and racking up stats, dethroning Alabama’s Jalen Milroe as CBS Sports’ top QB after a 437-yard, two-touchdown game against Cal. Named ACC Quarterback of the Week for the second time in a row, Ward’s star is rising fast, creating a potent duo with Cristobal at the helm.
So, what’s driving Miami’s success—Cristobal’s leadership, Ward’s clutch performances, or just a bit of luck? Either way, the Hurricanes are undeniably one of this season’s teams to watch, with Championship hopes closer than ever.
