Miami football roasted by national media after loss to Virginia

Following another disappointing loss on Thursday night the Miami football program was roasted again on Twitter by the national media. Everything from coaching hires to the administration, the crowd size and how poorly Miami played in the first half offensively were criticized by college football analysts nationally.

Miami was awful in almost every phase for a good portion of the loss to Virginia. The offense was awful to begin both halves, Miami allowed a safety in the first half. Virginia scored a touchdown when wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks caught the ball off a deflection from Miami cornerback Marcus Clarke and his own back.

The ball hit Clarke, Wills’ back, he turned over and caught the ball while laying on his back for the touchdown. So many things went wrong for Miami, many of their mistakes were self-inflicted. Miami lost on the final play when kicker Andres Borregales hit the right upright on a 33-yard field goal attempt.

The bye week comes at a perfect time for Miami. The pundits, fan base, social media, podcasts and sports talk shows will have the next 15 days to analyze what is wrong with the Miami football program, how much time Manny Diaz has as head coach, how tenuous athletic director Blake James’ job is among other topics.

In the 15 years since Miami fired Larry Coker, Miami has had Randy Shannon, Al Golden, Mark Richt and now Diaz as their head coach. Richt was the only one to lead Miami to a 10 win season and bowl victory during his tenure. Coker won 10 games in each of his first three seasons. Miami had 14 10 win seasons between 1983-2003.

The Miami offense was nearly anemic in the first half against Virginia. Miami finished the first half with 119 total yards, 10 in the first quarter. Virginia led 16-7 at halftime. Miami had 372 yards on offense and 385 punting. Lou Hedley was a preseason All-American, but his punts should not outgain the Miami offense.

The Miami football program has suffered too many demoralizing losses going back to the end of the Coker era. Miami has now lost six consecutive games to FBS opponents. With North Carolina, North Carolina State and Pittsburgh after the bye, it doesn’t appear that their season will get better anytime soon.

Social media was buzzing if Miami should have gone for the TD late or milked the clock like they did and attempt the game-winning field goal attempt. Borregales will have a great career for Miami. No kicker is perfect. He has made six out of nine attempts this season, but that percentage should be better by the end of the season.

Miami has a bye week before playing at North Carolina on October 16. Diaz has a chance to focus on what has gone wrong during a 2-3 start to the season. Miami defeated North Carolina State and Duke off of bye weeks last season after being notoriously sluggish coming off byes in previous years.

When the Hurricanes take the field at Keenan Stadium, they will likely be in another nationally televised game with the eyes of college football on them. Until then, Miami will have the spotlight off of them for two weeks. It has been a long first month to the season for Miami. UNC plays Duke and Florida State before hosting Miami.