HurricaneAce07
Class of 2007
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2015
- Messages
- 805
Was at the game, some thoughts...
Lots of us desperately wanted this win - this bowl game was far from meaningless to a lot of people. Last bowl win was 2016-2017 season (Russel's against WVU). Last 11 win season was 20+ years ago with Brock Berlin at QB; we all felt it would be good closure to a somewhat "disappointing" season. Additionally, Miami basically had homefield advantage - perfect December weather and 65-70% of the crowd was pro-Canes. Perfect chance for us to set a positive vibe going into 2025.
Regarding Cam Ward - lots of us would have supported his decision to sit out this game and we will never forget what he did for Miami this season. However, I believe that both he and Mario made the worst possible decision to only play the first half. Fans were incredibly confused at the start of the 3rd quarter and we all left the game feeling that had he played at least one more quarter, Miami wins the game. Unsure if it was brought up on the broadcast, but after ISU scored to go ahead with a minute left, the Miami fans started chanting "We want Cam!" for most of the TV timeout.
Emory Williams ain't it - I don't see any way he is our starter next year. He knew he was being given the keys in the second half and looked both confused and slow. No sense of progression and/or pocket awareness. The few times they did let him throw the ball, he took what seemed like an eternity to make a decision. Our backup receivers looked very frustrated because they were getting open, he just wasn't seeing them or didn't didn't feel like he could make the throw.
Defense is worse in person - I hadn't been to a game in-person since Ball State, but my goodness it was worse than what you all saw on TV. I'd say about 50% of defensive snaps there was either a DB, Safety or LB looking over to the sidelines with the "I don't know what to do" arms wide open stance. Additionally, we make FAR too many defensive substitutions. I see lots of teams rotating 1, maybe 2, D-Linemen between plays. However, we were consistently rotating 3-5 players on almost every snap. There was also one specific play coming out of a timeout where ISU lined up for a 4th and goal; we only had 10 men on the field until just before they snapped and scored.
Mario In-Game decisions - No one in that stadium, except for Mario Cristobal himself, thought kicking a field goal to go up 6 points late in the fourth quarter was the right move. 4th and goal from the 2, Miami OL/RBs had been having their way with ISU the entire second half. You score a TD you probably win the game, you don't convert and ISU has 98 yards to go to win or 65 yards to tie it. And this happened a game after his decision to do almost the exact same thing against Syracuse. As soon as he decided to kick that field goal, we all knew it was over.
Pop-Tart Bowl had a chance to energize the fanbase. Instead, it left many of us questioning whether or not 2025 will be a complete disaster. Defense, QB play, in-game coaching/decisions, fighting on the sidelines, penalties. I walked out of Camping World Stadium confused, tired and uncertain of where we go from here.
Lots of us desperately wanted this win - this bowl game was far from meaningless to a lot of people. Last bowl win was 2016-2017 season (Russel's against WVU). Last 11 win season was 20+ years ago with Brock Berlin at QB; we all felt it would be good closure to a somewhat "disappointing" season. Additionally, Miami basically had homefield advantage - perfect December weather and 65-70% of the crowd was pro-Canes. Perfect chance for us to set a positive vibe going into 2025.
Regarding Cam Ward - lots of us would have supported his decision to sit out this game and we will never forget what he did for Miami this season. However, I believe that both he and Mario made the worst possible decision to only play the first half. Fans were incredibly confused at the start of the 3rd quarter and we all left the game feeling that had he played at least one more quarter, Miami wins the game. Unsure if it was brought up on the broadcast, but after ISU scored to go ahead with a minute left, the Miami fans started chanting "We want Cam!" for most of the TV timeout.
Emory Williams ain't it - I don't see any way he is our starter next year. He knew he was being given the keys in the second half and looked both confused and slow. No sense of progression and/or pocket awareness. The few times they did let him throw the ball, he took what seemed like an eternity to make a decision. Our backup receivers looked very frustrated because they were getting open, he just wasn't seeing them or didn't didn't feel like he could make the throw.
Defense is worse in person - I hadn't been to a game in-person since Ball State, but my goodness it was worse than what you all saw on TV. I'd say about 50% of defensive snaps there was either a DB, Safety or LB looking over to the sidelines with the "I don't know what to do" arms wide open stance. Additionally, we make FAR too many defensive substitutions. I see lots of teams rotating 1, maybe 2, D-Linemen between plays. However, we were consistently rotating 3-5 players on almost every snap. There was also one specific play coming out of a timeout where ISU lined up for a 4th and goal; we only had 10 men on the field until just before they snapped and scored.
Mario In-Game decisions - No one in that stadium, except for Mario Cristobal himself, thought kicking a field goal to go up 6 points late in the fourth quarter was the right move. 4th and goal from the 2, Miami OL/RBs had been having their way with ISU the entire second half. You score a TD you probably win the game, you don't convert and ISU has 98 yards to go to win or 65 yards to tie it. And this happened a game after his decision to do almost the exact same thing against Syracuse. As soon as he decided to kick that field goal, we all knew it was over.
Pop-Tart Bowl had a chance to energize the fanbase. Instead, it left many of us questioning whether or not 2025 will be a complete disaster. Defense, QB play, in-game coaching/decisions, fighting on the sidelines, penalties. I walked out of Camping World Stadium confused, tired and uncertain of where we go from here.