As the Miami Hurricanes sit undefeated in the midst of their bye week, the energy surrounding the 2024 season is electric. For the first time in years, Miami’s football program is not just back in the national spotlight but doing so with the kind of swagger that once defined this storied program. With a flawless 6-0 record through the first half of the season, the Hurricanes have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders for both the ACC title and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Their journey thus far has been one of early dominance, depth, and dramatic finishes.
A Season of Redemption
After a mediocre 2023 campaign that terminated with a Pinstripe Bowl game loss to Rutgers, the Hurricanes entered 2024 with a new triggerman and a sense of urgency. Head coach Mario Cristobal, now in his third season at the helm, made it clear that “The U” was on a mission to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in college football. That mission has been in full swing this season, as the Hurricanes have showcased a perfect blend of offensive firepower along with clutch time defensive grit. Many will not concede this fact, but the film says there has been tactical brilliance from the coaching staff as well. However, in the last two weeks against Virginia Tech and California, the players have not executed despite being put in the right positions to make plays.
The season began with a decisive win over a historical rival and non-conference opponent in the SEC based Florida Gators. The dominant performance immediately silenced any doubts and ignited a wildfire of discussion about Miami’s potential. From there, the Hurricanes have continued to build momentum with each passing week, dismantling teams like FAMU, Ball State, and USF with their gunslinging quarterback Cam Ward and suffocating defense led by Kiko Mauigoa.
What stands out most is not the way Miami beat their early opponents convincingly, but the way these Cardiac Canes have had their backs up against the wall in the previous two games and instead of folding, they got in the bunker and finished strong. While we would all love to have a front running team that blows everyone out from the opening kickoff, showing will in the face of great adversity is a sign of a mentally strong team. This attribute shows both the depth and resilience needed to make a deep postseason run. The Canes are built tough, and they never feel like they are out of a game.
Offensive Renaissance
Miami’s offense has been a revelation this year, led by their dynamic quarterback and a deep corps of playmakers. Quarterback Cameron Ward, and his Zomebieland celebration, have taken the country by storm. Mr. Ward came to Miami for additional exposure that he was unable to garner in Spokane, WA. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful section of the country, but the USA is an eastern time zone driven nation and the brand name identity of having that “U” emblazoned on the side of his helmet is giving Cam all of the exposure that he needs to improve his draft stock.
Cam has blossomed into one of the most efficient and explosive passers in the country. His ability to stretch the field with deep throws while maintaining poise under pressure has been a key factor in Miami’s success. With an elite combination of arm strength, accuracy, defensive coverage identification, and ability to run when needed, Ward has orchestrated an offense that is averaging 47.67 points per game, 8.1 yards per play, 583.8 yards per game, 3,503 yards of total offense, a 60.3% 3rd down conversion rate, and a 62.5% 4th down conversion rate: all ranking among the nation’s best.
Cam Ward is leading the nation with 2,219 yards passing and 20 passing touchdowns with another 3 scores as a runner. He is the highest graded PFF QB this season at 93 and his performances have improved when down big the last two weeks. With that said, Cam does have a bit of an addiction to big plays and always seems to want to make the hero ball play when oftentimes guys are open underneath to keep the drive on schedule, move the chains, or even end up as a big play. I have seen Ward make things hard on himself and the team by not taking wide open routes because he is waiting for the deep route to open up and sometimes it doesn’t.
There have been times that Cam will take a needless sack or an unnecessary big hit. This was a key problem against Cal as Miami had receivers and running backs open in the flat all night, but it was not until Miami got down big that Cam was forced to start taking the throws that were there, which ignited the comeback. I love chunk plays as much as the next guy, but I think the offense and Cam can improve just by making the slight tweak of taking what the defense is giving us. That Miami comeback against Cal was the best, most electrifying comeback that I have ever seen, and I was in the Orange Bowl in 2003 when we were down 25 to Florida and Brock Berlin led that dramatic comeback as well. However, doing a 25-point comeback on the road all the way across the country when it is 2:30 AM in your time zone is really a remarkable achievement.
But it’s not just the quarterback. The Hurricanes’ run game has been potent when needed, with a stable of talented running backs who can wear down defenses. The offensive line, often a question mark in previous years, has emerged as a dominant unit, paving the way for a balanced attack that keeps defenses on their heels. Whether it’s explosive runs, quick-strike blitz beater passes, or long, methodical drives, Miami’s offense has proven adaptable to any situation. It will be great to get Jalen Rivers back to take the offensive line to the next level.
A Defense Built on Stamina
Miami’s defense has always been known for its speed, aggression, and playmaking ability, and the 2024 unit is no different. However, they seem to lack eye discipline and have been subject to being fooled by run fakes, double moves, and misdirection. The defense has been burned in the slot and have given up multiple big 3rd and long conversions on simple tailback screens that they had to know was coming because the defensive play call was set up to stop the screen play. Players have to do what the coaches have set out for them to do, and they need to tackle better when they are in position to do so. We have had some bright moments and some dim ones defensively.
The good news is it seems that our defense is in great shape and physically conditioned for the long haul. The Hurricanes defense has been much better in the 2nd half of games than they have been in the first half of games. They have gotten stronger as the games have gone on while opposing offenses have wilted late. Miami could not have pulled off these dramatic comebacks without getting these 2nd half stops that the defense has come up with when they absolutely had to have those stops. Cal Berkley’s paltry offensive numbers in the 4th quarter was a sign of absolute defensive dominance by Miami. Not to mention we finally have Hurricane Bain back for the 2nd half of the season.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
At the midpoint of the season, Miami sits undefeated, but the toughest challenges are still to come. The second half of the schedule features critical ACC matchups with Louisville and Florida State, which are games that could determine the Hurricanes’ fate in the conference title race. Should the Canes navigate the remaining ACC schedule flawlessly, a potential showdown with Clemson, should both teams make it to the ACC Championship, would stand between them and post season play in January. Additionally, Miami must continue to navigate the pressure of remaining unbeaten, as every week brings with it the added weight of playoff implications.
But if the first half of the season is any indication, this Miami team is built to handle the pressure. The combination of veteran leadership, rising stars, and a coaching staff that knows how to win is a formula for success. The Hurricanes have already passed several key tests and with each victory, their confidence grows.
A Return to Glory?
For Miami fans, the 2024 season feels like a long-awaited return to the glory days. The swagger, the dominance, and the national relevance that once defined this program are all back. And while there is still work to be done, the path to their first College Football Playoff berth is within reach.
As the Hurricanes enjoy a well-earned bye week, the focus is on refining their game and preparing for the challenges ahead. But make no mistake: this Miami team is for real. The rest of the college football world is on notice. The U is back, and they are chasing greatness.
If the second half of the season is anything like the first, the Miami Hurricanes could be on their way to writing a new chapter in the storied history of one of college football’s most iconic programs.