...Miami is back on track. This thing was about to go off the rails. Mario was at risk of losing the team's trust after the Georgia Tech meltdown. We were staring at three losses in a row with a backup QB against the most dominant ACC program of the decade. The pre-game vibe at the Rock felt like a funeral. Now, it's a whole new season.
- For all his faults, Mario has done two things he promised. First, he's upgraded our trench talent. This is a Clemson team that had our OL doing splits in the backfield a couple years ago. But last night, Miami was overwhelming on both lines. They ran for 211 yards and gave up 31. Sacked Clemson five times and gave up zero. It was a bludgeoning. That type of trench play is a sustainable base for greatness.
The other thing Mario has done is build a physical team. All that tough offseason talk is showing up on Saturdays. Miami needed a yard and got it. Clemson needed a yard and couldn't get it. That's proof of culture.
- Forget building a waterslide in the weight room. If we want to spend money, send a bag of cash to Lance Guidry's house. His 3-3-5 look flustered Clemson's run game. He has now outclassed Bobby Petrino and Garrett Riley.
- I won't lie- I was in the group chat calling for Emory Williams to sit out a series (or more) in favor of Jacurri Brown. He looked like he had no confidence in the first half. But once he saw a couple shots go through the net, he began playing like the guy who impressed the coaches all camp. And when Dawson called a couple shot plays (as
@LuCane was calling for), he delivered with catchable deep balls for his WR. Loved his interview on ACCN after the game- he is the definition of a God-fearing, humble kid.
- Yes, we've struck out on five-star DL this year. But we signed a six-star last year. Reuben Bain was throwing people out of the club. Elite play strength and motor. I can't remember any true freshman DL that has ever looked like that at Miami.
- I wanted to highlight Derek Nicholson, the first-year LB coach. That unit is night-and-day from last year and didn't look out of place in comparison to Clemson's elite unit. Francisco Mauigoa and KJ Cloyd were everywhere. Clloyd in particular held up admirably in coverage despite being isolated numerous times. With guys like Chase Smith and Popo Aguirre waiting in the wings, the physical talent is only getting stronger.
- Of course, we need to talk about Corey Flagg. He's a guy who has taken a beating online for things he can't change. But he's worked hard, made plays (21.5 career TFLs) and now has a highlight that will stick with him for the rest of his life.
- James Williams is starting to look like the player everyone envisioned. That torn labrum was real- he is a new player now that he's healthy. On top of his play, he's an emotional leader on this team. He was one of the first guys to find Emory Williams after the game and brings the juice consistently.
- Two guys who have flown a bit under the radar but are having outstanding seasons- Daryl Porter, Jr. and Te'Cory Couch. Porter has been invisible all year (in a good way), while Couch has been a terror on blitzes and sticky in coverage. Give Coach Addae some credit for their development.
- Leonard Taylor responded to last week's no-show with an NFL performance. So did Jared Harrison-Hunte. For two guys who were supposed to be pass-rush specialists, they were stout at the point of attack.
Miami has the soft part of the schedule coming up. But Georgia Tech was supposed to be an easy game, too. This is a huge opportunity to stay focused and reverse the narrative of this season. See you at the UVA game.
