Know the Enemy 2024: Miami Hurricanes Football

A friend answers our questions

credit: calbears.com

We asked our friend to answer some questions about Miami football, and Justin graciously answered the call to be our go-to expert for the upcoming matchup.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some answers were edited slightly for clarity. Any additional input provided will be clearly denoted with “WFC:” at the start.

Which player on offense should Cal fans know about?

Clearly, Cam Ward. He's what makes this system go. If Ward had declared for the NFL Draft, Miami would have lost to Virginia Tech and potentially USF. But after Ward, I would keep an eye on Chris Johnson Jr. on trick plays, and TE Elijah Arroyo.

Which player on defense should Cal fans know about?

With Rueben Bain Jr. out since week one, people have forgotten about him. If he's back for Cal, he needs time to get back into game shape and only playing games can do this. Mauigoa is a TFL and sack machine, Tyler Baron had big games early but has slumped off. Simeon Barrow is banged up but controls the inside.

Who’s one under-the-radar or X-factor player who could swing this game for you?

I would keep an eye on Justin Scott. If Barrow is out Scott, a five-star true freshman, will have to play against a solid Cal run game. 

What does Miami need to do to win the game?

Limit turnovers and stop the run. Ward can't continue to turn the ball over three times and escape on a late replay of a Hail Mary and bad clock management by Brent Pry. That's a lot of factors to rely on that aren't controlled by you (minus the turnovers). 

What does Cal need to do to win the game?

Mendoza has to step up his game and be a playmaker. Drones averaged only 5 yards per pass attempt and was an out-of-bounds hand away from upsetting Miami at Hard Rock in a primetime game. Can Mendoza do enough on the ground to pick up first downs with his legs? Cut down turnovers? 

How do you see the game going?

I think Miami shows up and sleepwalks until the 4th quarter when they pull away. 17 point win for Miami but a late surge makes it look worse than it was.

We've seen a lot of former Pac-12 players Cam Ward, Damien Martinez, Mishael Powell, Francisco Mauigoa, and Cam McCormick over the years from the Cal side. What is it about Miami that attracts these players? What about them has stood out so far this season? What concerns do you have if any about their play?

Having lived in both Miami and Oregon (yeah, I know) sunshine, nightlife and NIL money. I think you're going to be better coached away from Mario Cristobal both regarding Development and Deployment. But the lure of South Beach and NIL is hard to overcome. Just look at Wazzu or Oregon State being demoted to the Pac-2/6 vs the ACC bid into the 12-team playoff. 

These teams have players that have faced each other before. With Ward, Martinez, Mario Cristobal, Justin Wilcox, and the Cal defense familiar with one another, is that an advantage for Miami, Cal, or no one? 

I think Wilcox has coached well against Ward and knows his tendencies which is a big advantage for him and his staff. It's like a pitcher knowing their tendencies with every game played. Analytics, data, tracking, tipping throws or plays. 

How would you describe Miami OC Shannon Dawson's offensive philosophy? What do you like the most about it? Where do you think you can find room for improvement?

Dawson has leaned much more into the Air Raid staples and principles than in 2023. You're seeing shallow, mesh, stick, and WR screens more and more now at Miami than you would have expected after hearing Mario Cristobal was named the head coach. The red zone run game has been a lock with Damien Martinez and Ward's ability to run but the 20-20 run game leaves a lot to be desired. 

The Lance Guidry defense has flown under the radar but has generally been very solid. What are his relative strengths and weaknesses as a DC?

Like any coordinator, Guidry has been exposed 2-3 times a year so far and VT was the 1st time in '24. Miami's tracking and finishing were really weak against VT. I'd imagine the Cal running backs are chomping at the bit to get on the field against the Miami defensive backs and LBs in space. He's a safeties coach by trade but they've been the most picked on group over 18 games. 

How is the Miami fanbase and city reacting to having a top-10 Hurricane team again? Is everyone back in? Are they in wait-and-see mode?

The entire world runs on the 10-80-10. 10% are always hammering the Kool-Aid, 40% are optimistic every year, 40% are waiting and seeing, and 10% are self-loathing haters 

Miami has had experience hosting College Gameday before. Do you have any recommendations for us Cal fans who are new to the experience?

It's a marathon not a sprint with a late kickoff. 

We don't condone violence at W4C, but we like this question as an opportunity for folks to air it out. Whom do you most want to punch in the face?

In the entire world? Myself for becoming a teacher.

WFC: We love teachers so all power to you, Justin.