Has Mario taken that next coaching step on game days?

[PIPO]

During these playoffs, just like we’ve seen an evolution since the SMU game from the offensive philosophy, has Mario taken that next step on game day coaching/management?

From what I have seen during this run so far, my answer is a resounding, YES!!!!!

I’ve only really questioned 1 timeout and 1 play (the Fletcher fumble play as I didn’t like the bunch up set that brought extra defenders into the box, hence the fumble). One can argue that he was going to go for it on 4th down anyway, but aside from that, I have been pleased with the way Mario has handled the CEO role since SMU.

The earned reputation has been Mario will get the talent but **** it all up on any given game day.

During the highest of stakes during these playoffs and the end of year run, I don’t think he’s made many mistakes. He’s been cool under pressure.

What do you guys think?

Knocking on wood that the good coaching and field play continues as we make the final run home.

 

[USNAVYCANE]

Honestly TBD imo there hasn’t been a real moment for him to do something really dumb

 

[scrantoncane]

It’s possible.

I think these games have played out where we haven’t had to have him in bad situations (when Miami plays from ahead, Mario ball works a lot better).

My gut says no. He is still Mario. But this playoff run has certainly given me something to think about.

 

[Ghurd8]

He's built a **** of a coaching staff & he's relying on them & they are all delivering. Everybody is & has to be at their best right now. Why wouldn't that include Mario?

 

[Brains]

The next step as a gameday coach is to get even better players and retain/obtain the best coordinators.

 

[Braduhley]

Won’t know until after the regular season next year honestly. Need to see if we have multiple loses against teams we’re heavily favored against

 

[Genghis Cane]

Yes.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t get better.

There are levels to this.

With that said, I love the progress.

 

[miamicanes305]

To me, the next step for him is being able to call and convert some of that ballsy **** you see DeBoer and Kirby do that goes out to win the game rather than coaching not to lose. Steal a possession once or twice. Although the progress is noticeable. I just think that takes him from great to elite.

 

[PIPO]

To me, the next step for him is being able to call and convert some of that ballsy **** you see DeBoer and Kirby do that goes out to win the game rather than coaching not to lose. Steal a possession once or twice. Although the progress is noticeable. I just think that takes him from great to elite.

That’s fair.

But one of those decisions was when the officials ****ed Miami on the Carson spot and Mario (against his instincts which was to go for it) made the decision to punt and he flipped the field and we got the ball back where as Kirby Smart ****ed his team for being too reckless.

He’s also letting Shannon set up some plays on 3rd down to go for them on 4th down.

 

[dudenate]

I think Dawson has taken a step forward with offensive play calling in the playoffs

 

[PIPO]

Won’t know until after the regular season next year honestly. Need to see if we have multiple loses against teams we’re heavily favored against

Something tells me that we are done with those days. Mario is also learning a lot as this run is made.

 

[TaylorWalls]

If people watched other games from beginning to end, you would realize that every coach out there does questionable things in every close game.

 

[mosthated305]

He's built a **** of a coaching staff & he's relying on them & they are all delivering. Everybody is & has to be at their best right now. Why wouldn't that include Mario?

Which is what we always said was needed. Hire the right people and get out of the way. Mario recruits, motivates and helps coach the OL.

 

[Baba Yaga]

He's certainly come a long way since these days.

Just win baby!!!!!

 

[NC_Canes_11]

It seems as if he’s largely no longer a liability. Took a greedy and dumb TO that gave OSU time to drive down the field and miss the FG before half. But also punted in a couple situations, in both playoff games that the “right” call was to go for it. Same with punting and not kicking that 55ish yarder in the 1st half against OSU. He didn’t give the other team a chance to steal momentum when they had none.

But there will be more tough calls before this year is over and plenty more in those sleepy ACC games in the future that will tell the real tale going forward.

 

[TaylorWalls]

Took a greedy and dumb TO that gave OSU time to drive down the field and miss the FG before half.

This is why this board is worth the $25 in entertainment value.

If we're NOT aggressive in trying to get the ball back and score again, it's MarioBall and he's too conservative and playing not to lose.

If we ARE aggressive, and it doesn't work out, it was greedy and dumb.

Can't win.

 

[NC_Canes_11]

This is why this board is worth the $25 in entertainment value.

If we're NOT aggressive in trying to get the ball back and score again, it's MarioBall and he's too conservative and playing not to lose.

If we ARE aggressive, and it doesn't work out, it was greedy and dumb.

Can't win.

This wasn’t Syracuse at noon in October. This was the most talented team in America in the CFP. You take that momentum and 2 score lead into half every single time. And IIRC the sentiment on the board at the time was it was a dumb TO. We’re cheering the Marioball bc it’s working and what’s needed. So no it’s not at all like you’re claiming.

 

[QuattroCane]

Something tells me that we are done with those days. Mario is also learning a lot as this run is made.

If we can at least make the title game I think it will put us back to the old days where Miami had won before the ball was snapped. There will be inherent fear from our opponents.

 

[TaylorWalls]

This wasn’t Syracuse at noon in October. This was the most talented team in America in the CFP. You take that momentum and 2 score lead into half every single time. And IIRC the sentiment on the board at the time was it was a dumb TO. We’re cheering the Marioball bc it’s working and what’s needed. So no it’s not at all like you’re claiming.

Oh, it is exactly like I'm claiming. People around here play the result. Whatever doesn't work, dumb Mario should have done the opposite.

 

[PIPO]

Oh, it is exactly like I'm claiming. People around here play the result. Whatever doesn't work, dumb Mario should have done the opposite.

In the game day chat, I specifically called out that timeout because I said that Ohio State was going to concede the half.