Is this the biggest game(Pitt) of Mario's Miami tenure?

[k9cane]

So I was asked if this was the biggest game of Mario Cristobal's coaching career by a few people over social media. It's an interesting question. My view is that it's certainly the biggest of this season (thus far). And I hope there are more 'big/bigger' games in this 25 season. But some of that is outside of UM's control. My view is that regardless of the result of the Pitt game Cristobal is doing a really good job of elevating the floor of the program and moving it forward.

But I do think this should be addressed before the game tomorrow because results can lead to emotional responses that you may regret, or cloud your perspective. Overall, I really like Cristobal and the job he's doing at Miami. I'm a staunch advocate of his, believe it or not. I want this to work with him because of his ties with Miami. At the same time, his overall approach to games and managing them is something I'll never completely agree with. But he's the coach, I'm just a fan with an opinion

My view is this, regardless of how this season ends -- even if it's a national title or deep playoff run -- that SMU defeat has to be one that Cristobal and the staff examine during the off-season and make sure that never happens again, I have a theory that every coach has a game/loss that haunts them -- but they learn and get better from it. For the great Jimmy Johnson it was the 1987 Fiesta Bowl. (He still hasn't truly gotten over that defeat to this day.)

With that said, Cristobal has really upgraded the talent level of this program, which was reflected in last years NFL Draft and subsequent ones. Tomorrow may or may not be the last game in the Miami careers of Ruben Bain and Francis Mauigoa. But those guys to me symbolize the raised floor Cristobal has achieved with this program. And this years freshman class has been excellent.

So yeah, tomorrow vs PItt is a big one. But it's not really the end-all and be-all. Narratives can change very quickly in this thing.

 

[NC_Canes_11]

This is actually setting up to be a great situation for Mario. He can go 10-2 and everyone will blame the committee for no playoff spot, instead of the real culprit, Mario.

 

[OrangeBowlMagic]

Yes but only because it’s the latest one. Syracuse was bigger last year because that was clearly win and in. This is win and need help. But it’s massive because Miami has lost in this spot forever. That’s not fair to paint this particular team with that brush, but that’s why they get a chance to do it differently tomorrow.

 

[407cane]

it's a moving target

we didn't know it last year but Syracuse was the biggest game and we lost

we thought ND was the biggest game of his tenure (turns out it didnt even matter lmao)

if we win and somehow get in then yes this is the biggest game

if we win and get left out of the playoffs then Syracuse last year still had more stakes on the line as that was true win-and-in

 

[BeastMode]

No. Miami was never winning the championship this year. Vegas had over/under total wins at 9.5 if I remember correctly.

Miami is right where they were expected to be.

Agreed the SMU is the one that hurt the most no matter how it all shakes out. Miami was clearly better than the and the let the refs/playcalling lose them the game.

Miami is in a good spot moving clears stacking talent and will have a shot every year Mario is here. Have to hope the luck breaks Mario’s way one year to get a championship.

 

[k9cane]

Yes but only because it’s the latest one. Syracuse was bigger last year because that was clearly win and in. This is win and need help. But it’s massive because Miami has lost in this spot forever. That’s not fair to paint this particular team with that brush, but that’s why they get a chance to do it differently tomorrow.

yeah, that was certainly a 'BIG' and they blew it

 

[L A M P]

I think it is a huge game for how he is viewed by our fan base. Win convincingly and all is forgiven. Lose in typical Mario fashion and the heat is on. Big stakes.

 

[htownkidd]

This is actually setting up to be a great situation for Mario. He can go 10-2 and everyone will blame the committee for no playoff spot, instead of the real culprit, Mario.

Everyone? lol

 

[NC_Canes_11]

Everyone? lol

Besides a handful of people, absolutely. Idk if you’ve been in the playoff threads, but the delusion is off the charts.

 

[htownkidd]

Besides a handful of people, absolutely. Idk if you’ve been in the playoff threads, but the delusion is off the charts.

I know what you mean brother. I just want to make it abundantly clear that I’m not one of those people lol.

 

[Yoyo423]

Tomorrow is big.

Syracuse last year was bigger. That game had a GUARANTEED ACCCG and Playoff appearance on the line.

 

[Handsome Squidbum]

Yes but only because it’s the latest one. Syracuse was bigger last year because that was clearly win and in. This is win and need help. But it’s massive because Miami has lost in this spot forever. That’s not fair to paint this particular team with that brush, but that’s why they get a chance to do it differently tomorrow.

ND gets credit for good losses. Miamis two losses were to Louisville and potential ACC champ SMU. Shouldnt one consider losing to the ACC champ a “good loss” and celebrate it, same as playoff committee celebrates ND losing to Miami?

 

[rok]

Was 2005 at VT the last time Miami won a must-win game? For all the talk about Miami always blowing it in this scenario, we really haven't played many high stakes games the last couple decades.

 

[htownkidd]

Was 2005 at VT the last time Miami won a must-win game? For all the talk about Miami always blowing it in this scenario, we really haven't played many high stakes games the last couple decades.

I thought UF last year was an absolute must win in Y3 and ponying up for Cam.

*Of course ‘Cuse was as well, smh. Win that and we were in playoffs either way.

 

[JamesQuall]

Biggest? No. Even if we win there is absolutely no guarantee we're in.

The biggest game was Syracuse last year. It was clear that we were flushing everything down the ******* in that game.

 

[NC_Canes_11]

I know what you mean brother. I just want to make it abundantly clear that I’m not one of those people lol.

There’s a couple of us left lmao

 

[JamesQuall]

I thought UF last year was an absolute must win in Y3 and ponying up for Cam.

UF last year and ND this year, I would argue were must win games. Thankfully we won those. We seem to lose the ones we're penciled in for though. Those are the ones that actually mean more in the long run though...

 

[WndyCityCane]

This is actually setting up to be a great situation for Mario. He can go 10-2 and everyone will blame the committee for no playoff spot, instead of the real culprit, Mario.

Exactly. Great point. All those double digit mid level ACC losses - and he has a scapegoat for another year. Assuming he wins tomorrow.

How many other coaches have us at 10-1 at least right now with this roster and schedule?

Go Canes!

 

[Damiencane86]

Its always the biggest game of his career........until the next one. We win vs Pitt and sneak into playoff then round 1 will have the exact same discourse cuz the media and even some here on CIS will question if we deserve to be there at all.

 

[nvlahos]

The floor and talent level are certainly higher with Mario but there still seems to be some fatal flaws that could prevent him and us from getting back to an established powerhouse

The biggest is game management, game-plan preparation and conservative philosophy in the run game and beyond

The worst part about a 10-2 season and no playoff is Mario ignoring the fact that some of his philosophy and approach needs adjusting