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Requiem For The U
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Udynasty
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The Miami Hurricanes’ 2024 season ended in yet another heartbreak with a narrow 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, despite an explosive first half led by Cam Ward’s heroic performance and Damien Martinez’s career-high rushing game. Miami outgained Iowa State and broke records, including kicker Andy Borregales becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer, but faltered in the second half without Ward as the Cyclones mounted a late comeback capped by Rocco Becht’s game-winning touchdown. The loss revealed once again Miami’s lingering defensive issues, that led to a total collapse for the Hurricanes down the stretch. The Pop-Tarts Bowl felt like a microcosm of the season, a team that looked like a playoff contender but falling just short when it mattered most. Now that the 2024 season is in the books, this is what we learned about the Canes as we enter into 2025:
Miami Needs a Change of Direction at the Defensive Coordinator Position
After starting the season 9-0, the Miami Hurricanes limped toward the finish line, ending 1-3 and giving up an average of 37.3 points per game in their final three losses, including the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami’s defense was abysmal this year. Defensive backs often appeared confused and out of position, a glaring issue throughout the season. In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, even simple double motions were enough to leave the Canes’ defensive backs in the dust.
Miami has hit the transfer portal hard for defensive reinforcements this fall, but the current players looked poorly coached—an area where defensive coordinator Lance Guidry was expected to excel. The defensive line failed to record a single sack, and the only sack in the bowl game came from linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. A lack of pressure from the front seven combined with frequent breakdowns in the secondary is an issue that demands immediate attention. Miami’s defense regressed in all aspects this season, and changes are necessary to avoid another disappointing year.
Miami Needs a Portal Quarterback
The Hurricanes gave Emory Williams a chance in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl to evaluate his potential for next season. Unfortunately, Williams struggled, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards, averaging only 1.9 yards per attempt. After two years in the program, he still appears limited. If Miami trots him out as the starter next season, the team could be looking at a 5-to-7-win season.
Williams is a hardworking and likable player, but he doesn’t seem to be the answer for Miami’s quarterback needs. While the Hurricanes have made quality additions through the transfer portal, those efforts will mean little without a starting quarterback capable of leading the team at a high level.
Joshisa Trader Is a Star in the Making
Miami fans got their first real glimpse of Joshisa Trader in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and he didn’t disappoint. Trader recorded three receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown in the first half, showcasing his potential as a playmaker. Unfortunately, Emory Williams struggled to find him in the second half, but Trader was on pace for a 100+ yard game.
The Hurricanes appear to have a future superstar wide receiver. As it stands, Trader is at least WR2 and is likely to start opposite CJ Daniels next season. Miami may only need to add one portal wide receiver to bolster the position group. However, the bigger question remains: will Trader have a quarterback capable of getting him the ball?
Cam Ward and Damien Martinez Were as Good as Advertised
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe Cam Ward’s impact this season. He delivered the best single season by a quarterback in the history of Miami football. Ward led the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017, was a Heisman finalist, and in just one half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he became the all-time leader in touchdown passes in Division I history. He gave Miami the lead before closing the chapter on his brilliant college career.
Damien Martinez also shined in the second half of the season, growing more comfortable in the offense with each passing game. He became the first Hurricanes running back since Mark Walton to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 10 touchdowns. In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Martinez was stellar, rushing for 179 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries. His performance is a testament to his talent, and he is likely headed to the NFL, where he should thrive as a consistent contributor for years to come.
Miami Needs a Change of Direction at the Defensive Coordinator Position
After starting the season 9-0, the Miami Hurricanes limped toward the finish line, ending 1-3 and giving up an average of 37.3 points per game in their final three losses, including the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Miami’s defense was abysmal this year. Defensive backs often appeared confused and out of position, a glaring issue throughout the season. In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, even simple double motions were enough to leave the Canes’ defensive backs in the dust.
Miami has hit the transfer portal hard for defensive reinforcements this fall, but the current players looked poorly coached—an area where defensive coordinator Lance Guidry was expected to excel. The defensive line failed to record a single sack, and the only sack in the bowl game came from linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. A lack of pressure from the front seven combined with frequent breakdowns in the secondary is an issue that demands immediate attention. Miami’s defense regressed in all aspects this season, and changes are necessary to avoid another disappointing year.
Miami Needs a Portal Quarterback
The Hurricanes gave Emory Williams a chance in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl to evaluate his potential for next season. Unfortunately, Williams struggled, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards, averaging only 1.9 yards per attempt. After two years in the program, he still appears limited. If Miami trots him out as the starter next season, the team could be looking at a 5-to-7-win season.
Williams is a hardworking and likable player, but he doesn’t seem to be the answer for Miami’s quarterback needs. While the Hurricanes have made quality additions through the transfer portal, those efforts will mean little without a starting quarterback capable of leading the team at a high level.
Joshisa Trader Is a Star in the Making
Miami fans got their first real glimpse of Joshisa Trader in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and he didn’t disappoint. Trader recorded three receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown in the first half, showcasing his potential as a playmaker. Unfortunately, Emory Williams struggled to find him in the second half, but Trader was on pace for a 100+ yard game.
The Hurricanes appear to have a future superstar wide receiver. As it stands, Trader is at least WR2 and is likely to start opposite CJ Daniels next season. Miami may only need to add one portal wide receiver to bolster the position group. However, the bigger question remains: will Trader have a quarterback capable of getting him the ball?
Cam Ward and Damien Martinez Were as Good as Advertised
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe Cam Ward’s impact this season. He delivered the best single season by a quarterback in the history of Miami football. Ward led the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017, was a Heisman finalist, and in just one half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he became the all-time leader in touchdown passes in Division I history. He gave Miami the lead before closing the chapter on his brilliant college career.
Damien Martinez also shined in the second half of the season, growing more comfortable in the offense with each passing game. He became the first Hurricanes running back since Mark Walton to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 10 touchdowns. In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Martinez was stellar, rushing for 179 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries. His performance is a testament to his talent, and he is likely headed to the NFL, where he should thrive as a consistent contributor for years to come.
arizonacane
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- Nov 3, 2011
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Nothing but the truth!
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