Stanford Steve explains why he is buying into the Miami hype in 2024

Mario Cristobal is entering his third season at Miami and the wins need to come. Luckily for him, the program seems to be in a place where the results will be positive. Miami was voted to finish third in the ACC this upcoming season and many believe in what the Hurricanes can do in 2024.

One of those people is ESPN’s Stanford Steve. He has been hesitant in years past in Miami and holding off wound up being the right decision. This season projects differently, though — mainly because of what Cam Ward has the capability to do at quarterback.

“I’ve not really bought back into the ‘Miami is back’ deal,” he said Tuesday via Andy Staples On3. “I haven’t bought in in years and never took the bait. I’m taking it this year. Looking at that team and how they’re built and knowing what Cam Ward will grow into — I think that’s a scary proposition.”

Now, if there was one area Stanford Steve is concerned about with Ward, it’s the turnovers. Miami has struggled there as well, especially in big-time games. Ward threw seven interceptions last season while at Washington State, including four in the final four games of the season.

There is more to the Miami optimism than just Ward’s capability. Cristoabl’s staff is another positive for Stanford Steve and what they have built. He points toward the Georgia Tech game and how they were able to bounce back in impressive fashion the following week, showing good mental toughness.

“I think he has done an outstanding job this time at Miami hiring his staff,” Stanford Steve said. “That staff is great and I think you saw the progressions. After that Georgia Tech game, they were left for dead. They come back and beat Clemson with a quarterback that’s never played before. That’s big boy stuff.”

Even in a down year for Clemson, there were still some real dudes at the line of scrimmage. Being able to compete there was impressive to the ESPN College GameDay member and why he believes in what’s brewing in Coral Gables.

Miami will begin the season with a big-time matchup against in-state rival Florida. As always, Florida State is also on the schedule but outside of them, not too much star power will line up against the Hurricanes.

If there was ever a time for Miami to capitalize, Stanford Steve likes 2024.