Mario Cristobal explains holding an open practice

Like many programs across the country, the Miami Hurricanes are putting the final touches on their game plan for the regular season during their fall camp. This year, as a surprise to some, the Hurricanes held an open-to-the-public scrimmage. And while those surprised by head coach Mario Cristobal‘s decision to host an open practice are concerned, it might show the teams hand, the Hurricanes head coach says there’s nothing to worry about. According to Cristobal, nothing was revealed in the scrimmage that an opposing team couldn’t watch tape on and see for themselves.

“Well, I mean, we wanted to have one last year, but just with all the stuff going on with the stadium and transition, we couldn’t have that,” said Cristobal. “But that’s something that we do all the time. It just couldn’t happen last year.

“Where we are, in terms of our install, and what we’re doing on that day, it’s nothing you wouldn’t be able to see on tape. So, we don’t feel like we’re risking anything in terms of our stuff being out there. And I think it’s important for our guys to understand the importance, the value of creating a great home-field advantage by playing at Hard Rock. And making Hard Rock an awesome place to play and making sure we defend home field in a certain way.”

When accepting the Hurricanes head coaching position last season, Cristobal highlighted that one of his biggest goals is to restore the connection the Miami program had with his local fan base. Holding open practices, allowing fans of the program an up-close look at Miami’s growth and development, is an ideal way to work at achieving that goal.

Cristobal gives thoughts on latest round of realignment

The Miami headman also shared his thoughts on the recent game of musical chairs happening with conference realignment. Thus far, Miami has not been impacted by conference realignment. No new teams have joined the ACC quite yet while the Hurricanes are not at the center of any discussions at the moment. Members of the ACC since 2004, there is no realignment going on in Coral Gables.

Even so, Cristobal gave his thoughts on realignment when asked on Wednesday — saying it’s all come “full circle.” But at the end of the day, he does not see too much change. There are still going to be football games played on the weekends and conferences shuffling teams around will not affect that.

“I think it’s changing but it’s staying the same,” Cristobal said. “We’re still going to play on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. We’re still going to have conference championships and we’re going to have conference championships and bowl games. We’re still finding a different path to get there.

“It almost seems like it’s on its way to coming full circle. So, it’s moving fast but I think everybody knows that regardless of what happens the ball still going to be placed on the tee and kicked at its scheduled time.”