Mario Cristobal reveals whether Miami met its goals this spring

Mario Cristobal is happy with what he’s seen from the Miami Hurricanes this spring. The team played its first spring game of the Cristobal era on Saturday, with the offense beating the defense 31-27.

Starting quarterback and reigning ACC Rookie of the Year Tyler Van Dyke shined, finishing an impressive 20-of-32 for 172 yards and a touchdown. On the other side, freshman edge defender Cyrus Moss finished with a pair of sacks, while second-year safety James Williams came away with an interception.

After the game, Cristobal was given an opportunity to reflect on whether Miami accomplished what it wanted.

“I think we have to a certain extent,” the coach said in an interview on the field. “I don’t think you ever fully get there, but I think the emphasis of physicality certainly was implemented and we saw some results. Now we have to get good at sustaining physicality and levels of effort and technique. Making sure if it’s play 69 in the game, play 72 in the game that we’re getting a signal, lining up communicating and going fast. Then, the importance of momentum. The fact that if something doesn’t go our way, it’s college football. You’ve got guys that can make plays and turn the momentum. When you do that, you’ve got a chance to be a good football team.”

Slot receiver Xavier Restrepo has stood out all spring, and that was again the case Saturday as he led all pass catchers with 61 yards. He is the Hurricanes’ leading returning receiver after finishing with 24 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns in 2021. In the backfield, Ole Miss transfer running back Henry Parrish scored two touchdowns while also reeling off a 21-yard run and 16-yard reception.

Even backup quarterback Jake Garcia had a solid showing as he went 14-of-24 passing for 117 yards. However, the second team offense failed to score all day.

Miami is set to enter its first season under coach Mario Cristobal following a disappointing 7-5 finish this past year. A former Hurricanes offensive lineman who won two national championships with the team in 1989 and 1991, Cristobal understands the importance of rebuilding this program. After claiming five national titles from 1983-2001, the Hurricanes have just one 10-win season in the past 18 years.

Restoring the rich tradition of Hurricanes football won’t be easy, but after watching his team this spring, Cristobal believes he has a chance to compete next season. Miami will open up 2022 on Sept. 3 with a game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.