Donno Mailbag: Is This On The Mt. Rushmore Of WORST Hurricanes Losses?
We're all suffering today. We're wondering if that 45-31 embarrassment against Middle Tennessee was just a bad dream. I, for one, have still not woken up from this nightmare. While I sleep this off, I might as well answer some of your questions.
To submit questions and comments for a future mailbag, you can tweet me @AlexDonno or @LockedOnCanes, or email us to LockedOnCanes@Gmail.com.
@LockedOnCanes
— p - Canejay7 (@canejay7) September 25, 2022
FIU 24-30 in 2019
Virginia 0-48 in 2007
Clemson 0-58 in 2015
MTSU 31-45 today
Our Mt Rushmore of losses maybe? With La. Tech 0-14 loss in 2019 on the outside looking in?
A: Honestly, Canejay7, I could not have done this list any better myself. I don't think you intended these to necessarily be in order. Personally, my power ranking of worst to "not quite as worst" would be...
1. 2019 vs. FIU
2. Saturday against MTSU
3. 2007 against UVA
4. 58-0 vs. Clemson in 2015
The FIU and Middle Tennessee losses stand above the rest because they are non-power five opponents who don't recruit the same caliber of players as Miami. The talent on those teams has no business beating Miami's talent. Losing to teams like these shows a lack of heart, maturity and motivation. It's inexcusable from coaching down to the players.
The FIU loss stands above MTSU for me due to the local narratives created by losing to your little brother from the same area code. Losing to the Blue Raiders cannot possibly sting as badly as that one did.
Let's not kid ourselves... where are 4 more victories for bowl eligibility?
— Luke Skywalker (@dajediknight98) September 25, 2022
A: I hope I am right when I say this feels like an overreaction on your part, Mr. Skywalker.
Sure, if Miami plays the remainder of their games like they did against Middle Tennessee, they might not win another game this season. But I have to assume they won't play this far below their talent level on a regular basis. The regression we saw from the offensive line and from the entire defense was positively shocking but I expect some bounce back from that. 60 team rushing yards against the Blue Raiders after 175 against Texas A&M feels like an aberration.
Miami needs to figure out if they want to make a permanent switch from Tyler Van Dyke to Jake Garcia at quarterback and then stick with it. Right now I lean toward Garcia as he just looks more decisive and comfortable in the offense.
@LockedOnCanes @AlexDonno these canes fans though. They are dense. Nothing can calmate their asses. I get it. I’m hurt too. But damn. Let Mario work.
— denisesuzzanne (@denisesuzzanne) September 25, 2022
A: Thank you, Denise, for some needed perspective. I can't defend the coaching on Saturday but I am more than willing to give them time to find answers. Cristobal is trying to create a new attitude, install new systems, and bring new talent through recruiting. We have no choice but to give him time and patience.
Donno I gotta say something!!! Will this hurt recruitment???!!! I think this is massive and we will start losing out on recruits!!! Bad Loss by MC in his first year!!! Please discuss this if you can in your podcast!!! How’s recruitment going to be affected by this loss!!
— CaliCane818 (@818CALICANE) September 25, 2022
A: It certainly can't help with recruiting and we'll have a better idea within the next few days as to how much it might be hurting.
Keep your eyes on 4-star Lakeland WR Tyler Williams. He's been trending to Miami in recent weeks and there's been suspicion that he could announce Miami over Georgia this Tuesday, September 27th. If he picks UGA I suspect this MTSU loss might have something to do with it. He was at the game as a Miami visitor.
Some recruits might be scared away by a lack of success on the field. Others might see these failures as opportunity to fix it on the field or to grab immediate playing time when they arrive.
Hopefully this makes you feel better, though. OL Antonio Tripp, a Miami commit for the class of 2023, tweeted this after the loss:
Ain’t no decommitting in this class we coming In January ready, believe that pic.twitter.com/vM4rK6g6jc
— Antonio Tripp Jr (@AntTripp71) September 25, 2022
Let's hope the entire class shares Tripp's enthusiasm and that they can keep spreading it to uncommitted targets. If Cristobal is going to change Miami's culture for the future, it has to be done through the foundation of strong recruiting classes.
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