Cristobal Laments Mistakes as Miami’s CFP Hopes Fade

Miami’s hopes for a successful College Football Playoff (CFP) campaign have taken a significant blow. The Hurricanes faced a 26-20 overtime defeat against SMU, marking a frustrating moment in the season for head coach Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal Reflects on Mistakes

In this second consecutive season of November struggles, coach Cristobal emphasized the impact of “self-inflicted” mistakes. The game’s loss has left Miami with a 6-2 record, significantly hurting their chances for the ACC championship.

Critical Errors and Penalties

• Miami committed 12 penalties totaling 96 yards.
• Notably, defensive end Marquise Lightfoot was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct during a crucial moment.
• This penalty allowed SMU to extend their drive, leading to a 38-yard field goal that forced overtime.

Cristobal noted that many penalties came from false starts, an issue he acknowledged has become a recurring theme for the team. He pointed out that SMU was able to mimic Miami’s cadence, which confused the offensive line.

Offensive Struggles

Quarterback Carson Beck threw an interception in the overtime period, which contributed to Miami’s defeat. The Mustangs won the game when T.J. Harden rushed for a touchdown from one yard out.

SMU’s victory was particularly historic as it marked their first win at home against an AP top 10 opponent since 1974, with the home fans celebrating by storming the field.

Impact on Miami’s Season

The loss has severely impacted the Hurricanes’ CFP chances, dropping them to just a 9% likelihood of making the playoffs, according to the Allstate Playoff Predictor. Cristobal reflected on the challenges the team faces, stating, “You don’t know how things shake out.”

Despite throwing for a career-high 365 yards, Jennings also battled an ankle injury that limited his effectiveness. Miami’s reliance on freshman Malachi Toney, due to CJ Daniels’ absence, further complicated their offensive strategy.

Looking Forward

With a poor November record of only 4-11 under Cristobal, the team faces pressing challenges ahead. Cristobal remains committed to addressing the issues that have hindered their performance. He stressed the importance of resilience and hard work, urging his players to confront challenges head-on.

As the Hurricanes move forward in this unpredictable season, all eyes will be on their ability to rebound from mistakes and enhance their play in the coming games.