Miami’s 2024 season was a ride. They had a 10-win campaign, their best since 2017. But the center of this was Cam Ward. The quarterback played a major role in the wins. Despite leading the Hurricanes to their most successful year in recent memory, it seems like it just wasn’t enough. The lack of silverware left a bitter taste. That’s where Mario Cristobal faced the heat.
Now, going into 2025, Cristobal has made another big bet. This time, the name he is betting on is Carson Beck. Beck is a former Georgia quarterback with the tools to make the magic happen. However, the pressure is on with lingering injury concerns and questions over his leadership. But it is not all darkness, as Mario Cristobal gets a vote of confidence.
Despite Recent Doubts About Mario Cristobal, He Gets Another Vote of Confidence
The talk around Mario Cristobal has been impossible to ignore. Some say his in-game decision-making isn’t sharp, while others have pointed out Miami’s underwhelming bowl performances. And then there is also the ongoing debate about whether Carson Beck is the right man for the job.
.@CanesFootball I went to Mario Cristobal’s practice on Tuesday. Most impressive practice I have seen at any level in years. I believe in Mario; I believe in the Canes. Power to UM. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/AlE5Dqside
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 26, 2025
J.D. Pickell of On3 stirred the pot further when he questioned whether Beck has the presence to command the locker room. One of the things that Pickell mentions is that all through last year, Cam Ward was the “alpha” in the locker room. And that might not be easy for Carson Beck. That is a valid concern.
Beck is still nursing a UCL injury from last season’s finale, meaning his practice involvement is limited. And it is hard to build chemistry with the team when he is not taking snaps. And yet, despite all this, Cristobal earned a massive vote of confidence.
Brian Baldinger, the NFL veteran and analyst, was recently at Miami’s spring practice. And boy-oh-boy, was he impressed! So much so that Baldinger took to X and wrote, “I went to Mario Cristobal’s practice on Tuesday. The most impressive practice I have seen at any level in years. I believe in Mario; I believe in the Canes. Power to UM.” Now that is big, considering Baldinger has seen it all.
If he’s backing Mario Cristobal, maybe Miami fans should take a deep breath. Perhaps, just perhaps, Cristobal has this under control. However, it is true that Cristobal’s numbers don’t give the relief that the fandom needs.
At Miami, he has a 22-16 record and a 12-12 record in conference play. And who could forget the 2023 Georgia Tech debacle? Instead of kneeling to secure a win, Miami handed the game away with an unnecessary run play. That blunder still haunts Miami fans. However, 2024 did show some progress.
KEEP READING: Mario Cristobal Details First Carson Beck Impressions — ‘Everything Has Been Super Positive’
In 2024, Cristobal had a 10-3 record. With Beck in the mix, Cristobal can prove the doubters wrong. If Cristobal’s practice sessions are as elite as Baldinger claims, the Canes might be in for something special.
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