J.D. Pickell's Miami Hurricanes analysis: "There is a very quiet confidence in Mario Cristobal in what his team will do in 2023"
On3’s J.D. Pickell tackled the Miami Hurricanes looking ahead to 2023 on his Hard Count show, taking a deeper dive into what’s going on at Miami. And he says this year is about “reprogramming what people believe The U to be.”
Pickell points out how last year’s 5-7 record shouldn’t be viewed as a sign of things to come for the Mario Cristobal era.
“He’s not signing off on a 5-7 season,” Pickell says.
Pickell also said in Year 2 any criticism can be more valid than what Cristobal got last year when he was still trying to instill a new culture after inheriting a depleted Manny Diaz roster. So there aren’t quite so many excuses if the team suffers through another down season … which, by the way, Pickell doesn’t predict will happen.
“You’ve readjusted now both the staff and through the portal,” Pickell said. “Now there’s no more `Oh, it’s just the first year.’ Now it’s `Let’s see something!’ You revamped the whole operation, let’s see some return on investment.”
Pickell says with QB Tyler Van Dyke back and a retooled offensive line that this is a team that can exceed expectations. So what is he looking for from UM?
With tweaked pieces on offense and a new defensive system, Pickell said, “This year is about who is Miami and what will they be going forward in the Mario Cristobal era? … Let’s prove Miami is a player here in the ACC and a player here in the recruiting trail in the State of Florida.”
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Speaking of recruiting, Pickell says winning helps pay dividends, which means FSU with another big year could have an edge in-state. UF is also off to a fast start in recruiting.
So where does that leave the Canes?
“There is a sense of urgency here with Miami to produce something on the field to then take and pitch to these recruits,” Pickell said.
In the end, Pickell says he can see Cristobal creating his own legacy at a storied Miami program.
“Mario Cristobal understands and appreciates and respects what Miami has been and wants to bring Miami back but in a different way,” Pickell said. “Mario Cristobal is I think creating his own movie – a completely different movie as a whole. So when it comes to year 2 I’m excited, we get a glimpse at what Mario Cristobal’s Miami is going to be. Will it be a finished product? I don’t think so. From year 1 to year 2 that would be saying a lot. but look what he did at Oregon, they went from 9-4 to 12-2 from Year 1 to Year 2.
“There is a very quiet confidence in Mario Cristobal in what his team will do in 2023, and I’m very excited to see it. .. .This year is about reprograming for everyone in the country what Miami will be under Mario Cristobal. You’ll see dividends on the recruiting trail and I think you’ll see a different program than you’ve seen in the past.”
