Fresh off a spring game that likely left fans more confused than hopeful, Mario Cristobal’s tenure at Miami illustrates how managing expectations can determine success or failure based on self-belief. For Cristobal, the challenge extends beyond winning games; he must also tackle expectations, retain talent, and adapt to the evolving landscape of college football. In the college football world, the mantra “you’re only as good as your last season” is correct.

Miami’s 2024 season raised a lot of questions. A solid 10-3 record wasn’t enough, keeping in mind the chaotic defense that forced Cam Ward to play hero at the end of almost every game. Mostly, it worked. However, when it didn’t, it hurt their playoff chances. Their 4-2-5 defensive formation lacked basic coordination, causing difficulties against opponents and resembling a blind attempt to solve a puzzle. Miami’s defense, under new coordinator Corey Hetherman, merely patched up a leak, failing in run defense with sporadic flashes of brilliance amidst widespread inconsistency, leaving fans in suspense.

CFB analyst Josh Pate, on the April 14 episode of The Josh Pate College Football Show, talked about how Miami’s spring game exposed a team still struggling with fundamental issues, especially on the defensive side. “Offense wasn’t a problem for them last year. Obviously, the defense was historically bad, so then they go, and they get Heatherman from Minnesota as the coordinator.” 

Miami newcomers Zechariah Poyser, Emmanuel Karnley, and Charles Brantley offer a lot of hope for a revamped secondary. The team is trying to find its way through the revolving door of transfers without losing its balance. However, Pate highlighted a more serious concern.

“If you go watch Miami practice, it’s the most mind-boggling thing. Because you look at the caliber of athletes on defense, and that is not the issue. Talent is not the issue. It won’t be this year. Pi– poor communication, lack of being a sounding sign, lack of just basic fundamentals, playing to a standard, and playing consistently. The stuff people think is coach-speak, but it’s really not. That crippled them last year. I wonder how far you can come on that front in the span of one spring.”

Some of the fundamentals can be fixed in practice. However, that would require time, and it’s not unlikely that we see a weaker defense at the start of the season. At the same time, there can be improvements going into the season as players get more reps on defense.

While Mario Cristobal fixes the Miami defense structure before the big game against Notre Dame in August, let’s get back to quarterback Carson Beck. The Miami fans have high hopes for Beck as he replaces Cam Ward, who single-handedly led the program to a 10-2 record in the regular season. Now the question is, can Carson Beck keep the Hurricanes from blowing away?

Carson Beck injury update

Carson Beck, the No. 3 player in the 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings, changed his mind despite declaring for the 2025 NFL draft. He chose Miami over other options like staying with Georgia or going to Alabama due to a potential NIL deal worth $4 million. This move is important because he might replace Cam Ward, a top Miami player expected to be an NFL first-round pick, generating interest in the football community.

Beck’s 2024 season encountered numerous challenges and ended prematurely due to his elbow injury during the SEC Championship Game against Texas, which required surgery and concluded his collegiate playing career. The surgery was successful, and he is likely to begin throwing again by spring 2025.