Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal held his weekly press conference today, discussing his team’s second consecutive overtime win and the upcoming road game against NC State
"Several things stand out in a positive way, and of course, other things to fix as well. We jumped right on it right away. The team was very aggressive for correction and betterment."
When asked about the absence of second-year quarterback Jacurri Brown, the coach provided an optimistic update, noting, "He's doing really well, going to be a really great player for us." He highlighted Brown's improvement in reads and accuracy, emphasizing Brown's natural leadership skills since joining the team. Brown played in multiple games last season as a true freshman when Tyler Van Dyke battled injury, but sources have indicated that the plan has been to preserve Brown’s redshirt this season if possible.
On the topic of the offensive line, which has been gaining recognition for its excellent performance, Cristobal expressed pride in the unit's evolution. "They've got a lot of pride, they work really hard. Coach Mirabal grinds them, and they believe in him. It's a great room, those guys are a lot of fun to be around."
Cristobal was questioned about the challenges a 3-3-5 defense poses – the Canes are expected to see that this weekend against the Wolfpack. He shared, "It's very different than anything we've seen all year long. Pressure comes from everywhere. They're so athletic that if a guy is out of his gap, it's quickly filled." He praised the intricacy of such a defense and the athleticism it demands.
A notable highlight of the conference was Cristobal's comments on the significance of recent overtime wins. "You start really believing that there's not many things that you can't overcome," he remarked. Such victories, he believes, reinforce team belief and strengthen their culture.
In anticipation of the upcoming game against NC State, Cristobal expressed respect for their capabilities, especially their defense. "They are physical, they are violent when they tackle. Their defense is extremely stout, fast... It's evident. You see them chase down plays, and when they get to the quarterback, they let them know that they got there."
While focusing on the bigger picture, Cristobal also ensured to highlight individual players, such as Ajay Allen's growth, saying, "We're starting to see the guy that we saw on film when he entered the portal." He believes that Allen will continue to be a significant asset for the team.
In closing, Cristobal stressed the importance of continued hard work and dedication. With a nod to the upcoming challenges, he emphasized, "The teams that understand that and that push through that... are the ones that really separate themselves in the closing months of the season."
