MIAMI GARDENS – It is Year 2 for head coach Mario Cristobal, and the Canes have a new look and type of energy this season.
Taking on Miami (OH) on its opener for the 23-24 season, Miami (FL) came out to perform in front of 49,000 fans. The “Real Miami” was in question leading up to kickoff. Coming off a five-game losing streak at home, Cristobal made it a point for Miami (FL) to get the win last night (Sept. 1).
Miami (FL) was dominating defensively early, as Miami (OH) went 2-for-12 on third down conversions and 0-for-3 on fourth downs, scoring only three points.
Canes junior outside linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, who had five tackles in the game, talked about seeing the incoming defensive players’ performances.
“We’re just trying to get better and better; the standards are high, and we are trying to meet those standards,” Mauigoa explained.
The Canes defensive standout talked about the execution plan from new defense coordinator Coach Guidry’s defense and how it all came to play.
“It came down to the little details, everyone executing their job. I think it was a good way to start the season,” he proudly stated about the Miami’s dominating defense.
Going into halftime, the Hurricanes were only up 16-3. A little momentum early came from a touchdown by sophomore wide Colbie Young. That was followed by kicker Andy Borregales connecting on a successful extra point going a perfect three-for-three on his field goal attempts.
In the second half, the running back group put on a show. All four running backs touched the ball: Henry Parrish Jr., Mark Fletcher, Ajay Allen, and Don Chaney Jr.
The backfield was unstoppable, scoring three of the Canes touchdowns in the second half. The 2023 All-American Mark Fletcher Jr. scored his first collegiate touchdown.
“It was an amazing feeling to do it in my hometown. This was every kid’s dream of, and I was just happy to be a part of it,” Fletcher exclaimed.
Cristobal was pleased with the run game and the offensive line that allowed the backfield to perform.
“Everybody looks good,” Cristobal stated. “Look at Don [Chaney, Jr.] ‘s run at the end, and then Ajay [Allen] comes out and breaks that run out to the side, and, wait a second, Mark Fletcher, Jr. run went over some people for a touchdown. It’s the way it should be.”
Coach Cristobal went on to compare the run game to alums in the past, which he has hopes of keeping up to standard.
“Miami’s been really good; you remember those running back rooms, right? What they were like with Edgerrin James, Najeh Davenport, James Jackson, and then you have Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, and Frank Gore. I am not saying we are there yet, but that type of competition, we benefit a lot from it, and we intend to keep that competition going,” Cristobal concluded.
On the clock for the Canes now are the Texas A&M Aggies, a heavy hitter that took the 17-9 win last season. While Cristobal and his team are excited to get their first win of the season, Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher and his team will be sure to test Miami in next week’s matchup.
Miami takes on Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.
PHOTO CREDIT: Chuck Bethel
