Opinion: Miami Hurricanes Trending Up
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Article photo of Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa; credit to Brian Smith
The Miami Hurricanes are starting to improve as a team. It's been fascinating to watch and study what Mario Cristobal and his staff are accomplishing with this program. Here's how I see Miami in its current state and what I am also curious to see moving forward.
The look test: Miami is bigger, stronger, and faster than the 2022 squad. From field level, just seeing the team together, it’s obvious just how much more powerful this roster is than last season's team. Texas A&M is humungous, yet the Canes are now 2-0. The reasons are many, including going toe-to-toe with the Aggies in the trenches and out wide.
Miami’s depth is going to be tested moving forward as injuries pile up (they always do) and younger and more inexperienced players play more snaps. Thankfully, seeing young players like Francis Mauigoa, Wesley Bissainthe, Mark Fletcher, Jr. and others start or play significant minutes, Miami’s depth is certainly improving, too. That's why recruiting and the Transfer Portal are the keys to Miami's program, just like it is for any other school.
The beast: I have been blessed to see some incredible athletes play live during my time watching and covering sports. The two most physically unique players that I've seen live would be Allen Iverson and Randy Moss.
While he's still a developing, a player that's just incredible each time I watch him, that would be Miami's James Williams. I'm not placing him with Iverson or Moss just yet. That being the case, I do not recall another 6-foot-5 college safety that runs as well, cuts as sharply, and changes direction like a shorter defender, than Williams.
He's also an instinctive player. Watching him from the time the ball is being snapped through the time he makes a play on the football is like a blur!
I truly believe he's a one-of-a-kind athlete that's taking the steps to football greatness. His A&M performance deserves special mention. Hats off to young Mr. Williams. Here's to his continued development as well.
Get Well Kam: Speaking of being blessed, Kamren Kinchens is a rare young man. The physical talents are obvious because of sophomore All-American campaign for The U. Off the field, he's even better. Just a great dude to be around and communicate with.
Hope that he is doing well and he's able to resume playing for Miami sooner than later.
Canes need to improve here: Sans Brashard Smith’s tremendous kickoff return, it does not appear that Miami's special teams units are ready for prime time. At least not yet. Let’s see how Miami holds up versus Bethune-Cookman and recalibrate thereafter.
To that point, a clean game versus the Wildcats could see the Hurricanes in the Associated Press Poll’s top 20 next week.
Miami’s ranking: The latest Associated Press Poll has the Canes at #22. That’s a fair barometer going by the first two games. I expect Miami to show even more growth versus Bethune-Cookman. This team has some confidence now (and it should). Expect the Canes to come out blazing versus the Wildcats.
Love the vertical passing game: Miami attacks! That’s important. If an opposing defense slacks on even one play, Tyler Van Dyke and his intended targets are connecting. The chemistry appears to be really good with the starters, and also with players coming off the bench. To that point, Miami is creating a matchup problem for its future opponents, and that topic is next.
Opposing teams do not possess enough talent at cornerback to cover the Canes: Most college football teams are fortunate to possess one or perhaps two good cornerbacks. Depth at the position, regardless of school (see Bama getting smoked by Texas receivers as evidence), is a problem across the college football landscape.
All of that said, how many college football offenses possess a receiving corps with three big-play options in the starting lineup? Miami sure does while few others are fortunate to possess even two. That’s going to create numerous favorable matchups for the Hurricanes.
There’s depth, too. Ask the Aggies if Isaiah Horton can run a deep route. Obviously Smith can run and he’s the backup to Xavier Restrepo in the slot. Many teams would be happy to place Miami's true freshman slot receiver, Nathaniel "Ray Ray" Joseph, in the starting lineup, too. He's going to see more reps as the season moves along.
Maybe it’s just me, but I believe the Canes are developing a deep wide receiver corps and one that can take over games. It’s been a blast to watch.
What I am curious to still see: Miami should honestly be 5-0 by the time it travels to North Carolina (Oct. 14). How does each member of the Miami team handle success from this point until that game? Here’s an example.
The home contest versus Georgia Tech (Oct. 7) is a game that some of the prior Miami squads would squander. That’s a decent Yellow Jackets team. The Hurricanes are still better. They still must go out and prove it. Lots and lots of work still to be done.
Final Thoughts: There are signs, across the board, that the program is heading in the proper direction. If Miami stays on track and continues to refine its game, this could be a team that competes for the ACC title and more. This is going to be a fun season!
Miami vs Texas A&M Recruit Reactions
Miami Hurricanes vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats: Where to Watch
All Hurricanes Staff Predictions: Miami's Win-Loss Record
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.
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