Miami football named 4th most likable top 25 team. FSU unlikable
Michelle Martinelli of USA Today named the Miami football program the fourth most likable in the 2018 preseason coaches poll. Martinelli ranked the Hurricanes biggest rival Florida State as the third least likable team in the coaches top 25.
Martinelli’s reasoning for ranking the Miami football program as being so likable was based on the turnover chain that was a college football sensation in 2017 and Mark Richt’s explanation of how to eat a sandwich.
The idea of the now eponymous turnover chain came initially from Miami Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz. Diaz spoke to Cornerbacks Coach Mike Rumph who contacted local jeweler Anthony John Machado of A.J.’s Jewelry. Rumph had bought jewelry from Machado during his NFL career.
Diaz and Machado with some assistance from Miami football alum Vince Wilfork, the turnover chain was born. Diaz’s idea for the turnover chain came about because he wanted a motivation tool for his players.
The turnover chain went far beyond the incentive that Diaz wanted. Diaz, Machado and Wilfork created a national phenomenon. Other schools mimicked the chain, fans brought faux turnover chains to games and a song was even made about it.
Martinelli explained her reasoning for naming Miami as one of college football’s most likable teams.
"“The turnover chain took over the college football universe last year, and WE LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. This thing is gaudy, outrageous, spectacular and surely returning as a key motivator behind picks and fumbles. Also, coach Mark Richt has the only correct way to eat a sandwich.”"
The turnover chain worked last season because Miami was one of the best teams in college football taking the ball away. Jealous opponents, particularly rival schools who were struggling have tried to take away from the success of the Miami defense in 2017 by claiming the turnovers were lucky.
For most of his 12 seasons as a Defensive Coordinator, Manny Diaz’s defenses have ranked among the best teams in the nation forcing takeaways. Diaz has been successful at coaching his teams to force turnovers at five different schools.