Miami football national reaction following win over Appalachian State

The Miami football team received criticism from the national media following its 25-23 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday. Miami entered the game as a nine-point favorite from Wynn Bet where you can make your picks. The Hurricanes battled throughout the game with the Mountaineers before a late field goal won it.

The 43-yard field goal from Andres Borregales with 2:04 was his third of the game. Miami will need a better performance when Michigan State comes to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday. The Spartans are 2-0. Michigan State won its season opener 38-21 over Northwestern and defeated Youngstown State 42-14 on Saturday.

Miami dropped another two spots on the polls on Saturday. The Hurricanes are ranked 24th in the AP Top 25 and fell one spot out of the USA Today Coaches Poll at 26th. Miami is not getting the performances they expected from its playmakers. The Hurricanes are ironically tied at 103rd with Miami (Ohio) in plays over 20 yards.

Both Miamis have only six plays of 20 or more yards through the first two weeks of the season. The Miami football team has to generate more explosive plays going forward. Charleston Rambo had a 33-yard reception against Appalachian State. Rambo was brought to Miami to make an impact in the downfield pass game.

Brandon Marcello 247 Sports 

"“Anything goes in the ACC Coastal Division, but after watching Miami through two weeks, it’s alarming just how much awareness the Hurricanes lack. The Hurricanes had to rally at home to beat Appalachian State 25-23…That roster and staff are capable of playing and coaching at a much higher level.”"

Marcello dropped the Miami football team from 17th to out of his top 30. Miami has a lot of things to correct heading into Michigan State. Alabama was a brutal way to begin the season, but Miami has a mostly favorable schedule the rest of the season. Appalachian State began the first of four straight games at home.

"CBS Sports Shehan JeyarajahLosers:Miami coach Manny Diaz: No. 22 Miami escaped with its first win of the year in a 25-23 victory vs.  Appalachian State, but it doesn’t especially matter. Heading into Diaz’s third season as coach of the Hurricanes, it’s painfully obvious that this team isn’t anywhere close to competing.Miami quarterback D’Eriq King did everything he could with 279 yards of total offense, but averaging 4.9 yards per play against a Sun Belt opponent won’t cut it. Defensively, the Hurricanes allowed scoring drives of 11 and eight plays in the second half to let the Mountaineers take control of the game.With Michigan State and a feisty Virginia squad on the schedule between now and the end of the month, Diaz doesn’t have much time to turn it around. Miami needed this win to be easy."

The Miami football team needs to assert its will on the opponent. The Hurricanes have to get off to a good start against Michigan State to get the crowd behind them. Fans were booing intermittently against Appalachian State. If Miami does not get off to a good start against the Spartans the crowd will turn against them.

"Winners: (Miami Fans)The #HardRockCat: Some quick-thinking fans at the Miami vs. Appalachian State game saved a cat from having to use one of its nine lives. What appeared to be a stray cat suddenly dangled inside the stadium at Hard Rock Stadium.Craig and Kimberley Cromer – a pair of season ticket holders – grabbed a flag they always hang from the second level and used it to break the cat’s fall. No description can really do the bizarre situation justice."

The Miami fans were praised following probably the most bizarre happening ever at Hard Rock Stadium. As Jeyarajah said no description can do the situation justice. The Tweet from Victor Bermudez who is the Executive Producer of the Miami football broadcasts and description from Joe Zagacki were perfect.

"ESPN24. Miami Hurricanes (1-1)Previous ranking: 22Miami got blown out against top-ranked Alabama in Week 1 and eked out a 25-23 win over Appalachian State, a game in which the Hurricanes didn’t commit any turnovers and outrushed the Mountaineers 175-127. But D’Eriq King and Miami still have some time before ACC play begins.They host Michigan State next week and FCS team Central Connecticut State before a Sept. 30 clash against Virginia."

Miami has to build on its win this week. Michigan State is a challenging game before Miami plays Central Connecticut State in its final non-conference game. Miami is favored in eight of its 10 remaining games according to the ESPN Football Power Index. The Hurricanes are given a 65.7 percent chance to defeat Michigan State.

Miami has a 99.7 percent chance to win against Central Connecticut State and 62.3 percent to defeat Virginia. Hopes were high for Miami with 19 returning starters after an 8-3 season. Miami still has its goals in front of them. Wins over Michigan State and Central Connecticut State would put Miami at 3-1 entering ACC play.

Miami was expected to finish 3-1 entering ACC play. If the Hurricanes can defeat Virginia to head to Chapel Hill 4-1 to face North Carolina, Miami will be in position to be in command in the ACC Coastal. North Carolina already has an ACC loss at Virginia Tech in the season opener last weekend.