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It’s All About The “U” Baby!
How does a program that doesn’t have the prestige, funding, or large alumni base as the “Blue Bloods” of college football still have as much, if not more, national brand recognition?
It’s simple.
THE MIAMI SWAG!
From Howard Schnellenberger and Jimmy Johnson in the 80s to Larry Coker in the early 2000s, you couldn’t deny the amount of talent, swag, and demeanor coming from The-U.
It was something never seen before.
College football is known for its pageantry, tradition, and exemplary institutions. Miami raided the party as the new kids on the block and became home to fans who felt like they didn’t fit in anywhere else.
Located near one of the best cities in America and a recruiting hotbed, you would think Miami would be in the national championship conversation annually.
After two decades of mediocrity, the polarizing program has found itself reminiscing on yesteryear instead of being among the best in the country.
Insert Mario Cristobal, the newly appointed head coach.
Known for intensity and elite recruiting, the former Hurricane is tasked to bring Miami back into national prominence.
I’m going to make a bold statement.
If Cristobal can’t turn this Miami program around, no one can. If he fails, then I don’t see the program ever returning to its glory days.
In my opinion, Cristobal is everything Miami was and wants to be. The hard-working head coach brings culture to Coral Gables that hasn’t been there since his playing days as an offensive lineman.
Per Manny Navarro of The Athletic, an anonymous former player, stated,
“I’ve been coming here since I left in the late 2000s. The first time I came out here a couple of weeks ago, I probably saw about four people throw up, and it was great to see. Mario is about going 110 percent every single drill. So you’re going to see sprinting in between every single play. These kids don’t understand how beneficial it will help them when it comes to the game. They’re going to be laughing in the fourth quarter because they’re going to be used to going 110, 120 percent in practice.”
Mario Cristobal breathes toughness and discipline.
Not many Division 1 football coaches can brag about being experts in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and muy thai. That’s just the type of man Cristobal is; anything that will challenge him to reach a new level, he’s all in.
For current Miami program players who have failed to meet expectations, either you’re all in, or you can get out.
Aside from his tenacious attitude, Cristobal knows a thing or two about winning.
Cristobal won two national championships at The-U as an offensive lineman.
He led FIU to its first bowl game.
He coached under arguably the greatest college football coach Nick Saban.
Lastly, Cristobal led Oregon to two Pac-12 Championships.
Success follows Cristobal wherever he goes, and Miami hopes this statement reigns true during his tenure.
Nobody predicts Miami to compete with Alabama and Georgia this year, but improvement is expected.
The cupboard is loaded with tools for a quick turnaround.
Cristobal says the Hurricane signal-caller, Tyler Van Dyke, is one of the best quarterbacks in America. The staff, highlighted by defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and Broyles award-winning offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, is one of the best in the country.
With Clemson coming off a down year, the ACC is primed and ready for somebody else to take the throne.
I can’t help but wonder, with Cristobal at the helm, is The-U back?
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