2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 7-6, Loss vs. Rutgers in Pinstripe Bowl (31-24)

It was a 4-0 start for Miami before one of the worst coaching decisions we have ever seen. Miami held a lead over Georgia Tech in the final seconds of the game but Mario Cristobal called a run play rather than taking a knee. The ball was fumbled and Georgia Tech got behind the defense with one second left on the clock. Miami would recover by winning two of the next three games but would lost three of four to end the season.

Offense: Canes welcome Ward as QB1

Cam Ward decided to return to college and transferred to Miami. He was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation after totaling nearly 7,000 yards and 48 touchdowns at Washington State. Miami is hoping he is the option that can bring the team back into relevance.

Ward will work behind a strong offensive line. Miami brings back Jalen Rivers, who will be the anchor at left tackle. Zach Carpenter transferred in from Indiana to take on the center position. The Hurricanes featured an elite group last season and will once again. This year’s offensive line will block for a new feature back.

Henry Parrish transferred to Ole Miss but Mario Cristobal landed Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez in the portal. He totaled over 2,000 yards in two years with the Beavers.

With a strong line back and Ward under center, the Hurricanes have a chance to put up some points this season.

Defense: Front seven enjoys overhaul

The defense for Miami was decent last season but not perfect, allowing 27 or more points five times. The front seven was strong in 2023 and has a chance to be even better this season but it will be new-look.

The one constant will be Rueben Bain, who led the team with 7.5 sacks and added 12.5 tackles for loss last season. Cristobal also brought in Tennessee’s Tyler Baron, who has 13.5 career sacks, and Michigan State transfer Simeon Barrow.

Francisco Mauigoa also returns in the middle of the defense. He is an All-Conference caliber player in 2024. Mauigoa led the Canes with 7.5 sacks, tied with Bain, and 18 tackles for loss last season.

The secondary took some major hits but the transfer portal was important once again. Arizona transfer Isaiah Taylor and Washington’s Mishael Powell will bolster a unit that lost two starters from last year’s team.

2024 Miami Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: at Florida
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Florida A&M
• Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Ball State
• Saturday, Sept. 21: at South Florida
• Friday, Sept. 27: vs. Virginia Tech
• Saturday, Oct. 5: at Cal
• Saturday, Oct. 19: at Louisville
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. Florida State
• Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Duke
• Saturday, Nov. 9: at Georgia Tech
• Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Wake Forest
• Saturday, Nov. 30: at Syracuse