Mario Cristobal thinks Virginia win can turn things around for Miami

It wasn’t particularly pretty, but Miami edged Virginia 14-12 in four overtimes to improve to 4-4 on the season, and ‘Canes head coach Mario Cristobal discussed why that victory might be what turns Miami’s fortunes around this season.

“It always can,” Cristobal said about the win changing the outlook of the season. “There are several opportunities to attain a springboard and when you come out with a victory in a game like that, yeah absolutely. Especially when guys have to play that hadn’t played, especially when some of your better players didn’t play. I think it validates a lot regarding hard work and culture and stuff of that nature.”

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Neither ‘Cane nor Cavalier found the end zone until the very last play – a two-point try in fourth overtime that was ran in by redshirt freshman Jake Garcia, who’s filling in for an injured Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback – and with a backup in behind center, was able to come out of the road strip unscathed.

Garcia finished 15-of-29 for 125 yards, while Ole Miss transfer Henry Parrish Jr. carried the load on the ground with 24 carries for 113 yards.

Still, stats don’t matter as long as you win. A loss would have forced the Hurricanes to essentially win out if they wanted to earn a bowl berth. Now, while two more victories aren’t guaranteed with four more ACC matchups to go, but it gets them one step closer.

With Florida State, at Georgia Tech, at No. 5 Clemson and Pitt – in that order – rounding out Miami’s 2022 regular season slate, Cristobal’s team will have to play their best football of the season if they want to find themselves in the post season.

First up: a rivalry matchup with the Seminoles. Kickoff between the Hurricanes and FSU is set for 7:30 p.m. ET live on ABC from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.