University of Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was exuding a sense of focus and readiness during his latest appearance on "The Mario Cristobal Show," presented by Kia. Coming off an emphatic win over Bethune-Cookman, the Hurricanes are gearing up for their first road trip of the season, a clash with the Temple Owls in Philadelphia.
Sailing Smooth Against Bethune-Cookman
The Hurricanes showcased an impressive depth of talent against Bethune-Cookman, with 68 players seeing action on the field. "It was great to get everybody in the ball game. The offense looked great, especially in the first half," Cristobal noted.Tyler Van Dyke, the Hurricanes' starting quarterback, showcased not only his arm talent but also his athleticism, adding a new dynamic to Miami's offense. "He's developing into quite an athlete," said Cristobal. "He's really good with his feet and balance and body control."
A Young Core Stepping Up
With injuries plaguing the starting lineup, some younger players had their first start in college football against Bethune-Cookman. Cristobal was pleased with their performances, stating, "They all did really well; they earned it. There was trust and confidence in those guys."Xavier Restrepo has been a standout, leading the team in receiving yards for back-to-back weeks. "He can't get enough," said Cristobal, speaking of Restrepo's work ethic. "He's complimented by some other guys that are really stepping up and really making a bunch of plays."
Navigating a Tight Schedule
One challenge the Hurricanes have navigated well is a compressed schedule, playing three games in just 15 days. "It was good to get right back on the field and turn our attention to our next opponent," mentioned Cristobal. He said the quick turnaround helped them stay focused and avoid distractions after the Texas A&M win.Upcoming Road Test: Temple Owls
Next up is the Temple Owls, a team that features a "gunslinger quarterback" in E.J. Warner, the son of NFL legend Kurt Warner. Cristobal acknowledges the Owls' strong aerial game and their newfound running attack, making them a dual-threat team. "It's going to be a combination of their running game, some play-action, and EJ Warner trying to make a name for himself," he added.The Miami Philosophy
Cristobal emphasized the importance of maintaining high performance, irrespective of who's on the field. "The standard stays the standard," he iterated, emphasizing that young players stepping up due to injuries should see this as an opportunity, not an "inheritance."A Business Trip To Philadelphia
As the Hurricanes prepare for their first road game, Cristobal focused on the essentials. "When you get on the road, pack all the things that help you be successful at home—pack your preparation, your physicality, your toughness, your leadership, your resilience," he advised.The Hurricanes are looking to continue their winning momentum against the Temple Owls, and if Cristobal's sentiments are any indication, the team is locked, loaded, and ready to soar.
Defensive Mastery and Challenges Ahead
Cristobal started by praising his defense, particularly mentioning Jacob Lichtenstein’s strong showing in the previous game. "Jake's really done a great job, you know he bounced back from injury, and he's just now getting back to feeling healthy," Cristobal said.Looking ahead, Cristobal called attention to Temple's E.J. Warner, who was named Rookie of the Year in the league last season. "Warner is a complete quarterback and he's extremely effective," warned Cristobal. "They've got big guys up front, physical guys, and they're one or two in the country in least sacks allowed."
Offensive Potency
The Miami Hurricanes are also finding their rhythm on the offensive side of the ball. Center Matt Lee received high praise from Cristobal for his high football IQ and relentless work ethic. "That guy is different; he's extremely physical and his motor is relentless," said Cristobal.Team Identity and Development
Three games into the season, Cristobal spoke about the team's emerging identity, which is not confined to any one position. "Every position on our team is getting better, and that collectively is very powerful," he said. Miami's head coach emphasized that the entire team knows they have room to grow and improve.Coach Symbiosis
Cristobal was equally enthusiastic about his coordinators, Coach Guidry and Coach Dawson, citing their aggressive personalities as a good fit for the team's young roster. He shared how the synergy between the coaches was established even during the hiring process, likening it to star athletes wanting to play together.On the Recruiting Trail
Cristobal took a moment to discuss his recent recruiting efforts. Although unable to mention specific players due to NCAA rules, he shared the enthusiasm he's felt from the community. "It's awesome to be out," said Cristobal. "You see the buzz; you see the things that are transpiring. That's what leads to Miami Hurricane football."Building for the Future
The opportunity for young players to get game experience has been invaluable for the team’s development. "If you show that you can do it and you have earned it, you're going to get it," said Cristobal. This policy has created an environment where trust and confidence are cultivated.A Community Affair
Lastly, Cristobal emphasized how deeply ingrained football is in the South Florida community, from pee-wee leagues to high schools. "Football is life down here, and it's awesome to be around," he said.As the Hurricanes approach their final non-conference game of the season against Temple, they have a chance to go 4-0 and set a strong foundation for the rest of the year.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this weekend.
