Is the ‘U factor’ back in Miami? Mario Cristobal put together an unbelievable 10-3 with Cam Ward under the center. The Washington transfer has been the key instrument in transforming the UM offense. With a solid 4,313 passing yards, 39 touchdowns over a stretch of 13 games, Ward solidified his legacy before taking it to the Tennessee Titans as the coveted No.1 pick. His exceptional chemistry with veteran receiver Xavier Restrepo made the job yet more daunting for Carson Beck to do. However, with Cristóbal being a constant source of faith and hope, Beck is getting there. But can it guarantee the Canes a similar ride as Ward, especially against the Irish? Awkward silence for the fans!

The question calls for a deeper than surface analysis. Miami, who returned to his alma mater in 2021, has been playing an instrumental role in reshuffling the Miami standard. Despite a lackluster result early in his tenure, Cristobal’s 2024 campaign saw Miami return to national prominence with a 10-win season and a top-10 recruiting class. The Canes, for the first time, got the taste of a double-digit win since 2017. Now, the question is: is it Cristobal, or Cam Ward who holds the key to his massive surge in the scoreboard?

The answer seems important as it can really write the fate of the Miami Hurricanes in the upcoming years. Sure, Cristobal’s recruiting wise and fair recruiting strategy, the culture-fostering trend, and the long-term growth vision have helped the program to take a jump. But if it’s only the star QB he acquired from the portal last year who checked the box, the time ahead can pose a challenge for the Canes.

Was that a Cam Ward thing, or is that now a Miami thing under Cristobal? If it’s a Miami thing under Cristobal, then we’re going to see them give Notre Dame four quarters of football. If it’s not, then I wonder what the new identity is for Miami and the leadership in that locker room pick up where he left off,” Josh Pate said, putting Carson Beck’s ability on notice. “Major question!”

It’s not easy to replace a quarterback with a serious Heisman hype and the top-tier spot in the draft after a breakout season at Miami. Beck’s past record of a brutal 12 interceptions made it even more dicey for the analysts. The former UGA signal caller is undergoing a healing process of his right elbow injury that forced him to a surgery, Beck missed most of the spring. He couldn’t throw even a few weeks ago. Now, he can throw, but keeps his role confined to very limited physical activities.

Now, the focal point is: can he get back to his full health before the Notre Dame season opener and give the Canes an early taste of success? “So, my lean right now is towards Marcus Freeman’s team finding a way to get it done on the road,” Pate continued, casting doubt over the Miami QB1.

He balances the score, saying, “I love Carson Beck. I love what they have at receiver. But I’m just, I’m curious to see how that translates with him, not in this offense in the spring, trying to pick it up.” Sure, in the receiver room, they have no Jacolby George and Restrepo anymore. However, they have Ny Carr, who ditched the trick to return to Miami, to the much-needed relief of Beck and Cristobal.

But there have still been some sloppy spots. “Now playing in fall camp, the questions on defense. There are too many question marks for me for Miami right now for me to lean that way. Now we may very well pick Miami when it comes to a week of the game, so not a prediction but a lean right now,” Josh Pate made his stance crystal clear, “I would lean ever so slightly towards Notre Dame.”

But never let that ‘slight edge’ fool you into believing that Miami runs behind. Carson Beck can turn out to be the biggest sleeper of this season.

Miami’s Notre Dame fate hinges on Carson Beck

Ever since Beck made up his mind to join forces with the Canes, the world started to frown at Cristobal. Many see his $4 million jump as audacious, despite knowing all the records and controversies of Beck. Even if someone ignores the frequent turnovers and interceptions, Beck’s injury raised a serious red flag over Miami’s playoff dream.

But Cristobal believes in the untapped potential he discovered in Beck. He knows that Beck can chisel out his best if the offensive line does justice to him. And for the injury, the Miami head coach kept on updating the media on his availability status throughout the spring. Last time, he said, Beck will resume workouts this summer and soon will be back to his best version.

And Joe put it best, saying, “But Carson Beck, if he can return seamlessly from his injury, he is going to be so integral for them starting off the season with a win against Notre Dame.” Honestly, the card looks wild, but Beck’s cannon arm can make it quite a deal for the Canes’ debut game on August 31st.