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Steve Spurrier believes 2024 Miami team is Mario Cristobal's best since arriving

Grant Grubbsby:Grant Grubbs•09/03/24•

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Legendary Florida Gators head ball coach Steve Spurrier talks with members of the media during a ceremony to officially opening his new restaurant Spurrier's Gridiron Grille in Celebration Pointe, in Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 10, 2021. SpurriersRibbonCutting03
Legendary Florida Gators head ball coach Steve Spurrier talks with members of the media during a ceremony to officially opening his new restaurant Spurrier's Gridiron Grille in Celebration Pointe, in Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 10, 2021. SpurriersRibbonCutting03

Sometimes, there’s nothing to do but give a team its flowers. During an appearance on the “Another Dooley Noted Podcast,” former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier complimented Miami for its performance in its 41-17 blowout win against the Gators.

“Let’s give Miami credit,” Spurrier said. “They are the best Miami team since [head coach Mario] Cristobal has been there. I say that. They’ve only played one, but that quarterback, Cam Ward, is a really good player.

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“They played well. They’re a well-coached team, and they deserved to win, and they threw that little reverse pass and missed that. The guy just put his hand out, or they could have even almost hung 50 on us.”

Miami quarterback Cam Ward gave Florida’s defense headaches on Saturday, tallying 385 passing yards and three touchdowns. He wasn’t the only Miami player who thrived against the Gators’ defense. Miami’s backfield collected 144 total rushing yards and two touchdowns, as well.

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It was a statement win for Mario Cristobal, who had not faced off against Florida during his tenure as the Hurricanes’ head coach. And, if Miami’s performance against the Gators is any indication, Cristobal and Co. may be due for a statement season, too.

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In Cristobal’s first season at the helm of Miami in 2022, he led the program to a 5-7 overall record and 3-5 mark in conference play. In the 2023 campaign, the Hurricanes took a step forward, posting a 7-6 record and winning their first bowl game under Cristobal.

Now, after reeling in the No. 16 transfer class in the country this offseason and returning 66% of their production from last year, Miami is primed to make a run for its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Cristobal couldn’t be prouder of his team.

“It’s all about the University of Miami,” Cristobal said after the win on Saturday. “This one goes to all the players and coaches that work their butts off to make it happen. This is a big rivalry game for us. I never got to play in a game like this. Miami hasn’t been here in 16 years and hasn’t won in 20 plus years.

“So, you think this game was big? You think the amount of animosity and hatred, bad blood between the fanbases, you think it amped it up a little bit? Come on, it was through the roof. It was off the charts.”