Miami football program has to earn 2019 respect on the field

After a 2018 season that saw the Miami football program plummet from the eighth-ranked team in the country in the preseason to a 7-6 finish, the Hurricanes are going to have to earn their respect on the field in 2019.

The 2018 season was abysmal compared to expectations for the Miami football team. The losses from the Hurricanes roster, a lack of confidence in the returning players and an entirely new offensive coaching staff has Miami not getting much notice entering the 2019 season.

Those that follow the Miami football program closely are excited about the changes, the possibilities of the offense and the additions of new players through the transfer portal. When the Hurricanes kickoff in Orlando August 31 they are going to have to earn respect from a national audience on the field.

New Head Coach and former Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz has said frequently throughout his seven and half weeks as the leader of the Miami football program how fortunes can change quickly.

A perfect example of Diaz’s theory is the Hurricanes and their 2019 season-opening opponent Florida. A year ago the Hurricanes were coming off of a 10-3 season, their first ACC Coastal Division title and a trip to the Conference title game plus an appearance in the Orange Bowl.

Florida had fired Head Coach Jim McIlwain, was succeeded by former Miami Head Coach Randy Shannon midseason and finished 4-7 in the 2017 season. Those fortunes nearly flipped in 2018. The Gators finished 10-3 under new Head Coach Dan Mullen and crushed Michigan 41-15 in the Peach Bowl.

Despite a lack of expectations from the National Media, Diaz and his team are confident in their prospects for the 2019 season. The Hurricanes new Head Coach spoke to the Miami Broadcast team of Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey Jr. on Hurricane Hotline that aired on Monday night.

"“I know what our locker room thinks. Our locker room thinks we have a team that can compete for championships this year.”"

Diaz elaborated on how recruits feel about the program and how the offense will evolve under new Coordinator Dan Enos.

"“You have a hungry team in there, coach.’ You have a bunch of guys who are a little angry, a little ticked off over how last year ended.”In some aspects what some guys will be asked to do will be a little bit different. We are going to tear it apart with some new schemes. We have a chance to install those things.The most important thing is establish a culture of how we want to play. We’re going to be tough, physical, violent. We’re going to play fast and look like we’re having more fun than any team in the country. It will be intense.’ And you will see some guys who will embrace the competition.”"

The one thing that Diaz’s successor Mark Richt did as Head Coach was to bring back the former players who helped create the Miami mystique. Not too many programs can match what the Hurricanes have accomplished on the field. Diaz is tackling the history head-on.

"“There are a million places where you can be good, just not UM. Here, you have to be great. There are 130 colleges where being good is acceptable. Those that can’t live up to our standard have to find a different place to play.”"

The Miami football program enters the 2019 season with a huge opportunity in front of them. The Hurricanes entered 2018 as the favorite in the season opener against LSU. They lost 33-17 to the Tigers in a game that was nowhere near as close as the score.

Miami needs to have a better performance in Orlando against one of their two biggest rivals than they did against LSU. It’s a bigger game because of the venue and the opponent. If they come out with another poor performance Diaz’s honeymoon as Head Coach will be over quickly.