Following the 31-30 victory by the Miami football team over North Carolina State on Saturday night, ESPN lead college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit praised“the effort, attitude and fight” the Hurricanes have played with following their loss to Virginia last month. The comments drew a response from hip-hop legend Luther Campbell.
Campbell is a staunch and vocal Miami football fan on Twitter. Herbstreit called the 62-26 victory North Carolina had over Miami last December. North Carolina earned an Orange Bowl berth following its win over Miami. The Hurricanes had to settle for playing Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl.
Herbstreit questioned the desire and effort Miami gave with a major bowl berth at stake. Appearing on ESPN Gameday last month, Herbstreit inquired if Miami President Julio Frenk, athletic director Blake James and head coach Manny Diaz were aligned on the direction of the football program.
Diaz and James have had to deal with a lot of outside criticism about both of their jobs from the Miami fanbase and some media. Campbell responded to the initial tweet by Herbstreit saying “kids from South Florida will never quit. That’s why we are the mecca of football.” Herbstreit questioned Miami’s desire last year.
A lot goes on every Saturday but wanted to recognize the effort-attitude-& fight that @CanesFootball has played with since their loss to UVA.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 24, 2021
A lot of noise and distractions-could have lost their way-if anything playing HARDER for their coaches and for each other. GREAT to see!
You must have missed the Miami/UNC gm last yr.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 24, 2021
When both teams played last game of the year-winner advanced to a NY6 bowl. UNC had over 700 yards of offense-your Canes were a no show w/ everything on the line-THIS team is battlin-But please don’t act like that’s always the case https://t.co/Cc5ZJuMwej
Miami allowed school records of 778 total yards and 554 rushing as North Carolina blew out the Hurricanes on their home field with a New Year’s Six Bowl berth that turned out to be the Orange Bowl on the line. After being blown out by Alabama and Michigan State earlier this season, the Hurricanes have had close games.
Miami lost their first two ACC games, 30-28 to Virginia and 45-42 to North Carolina. A potential game-winning field goal against the Cavaliers hit the left upright on the final play of the game. Driving for the game-tying field goal or potential game-winning touchdown, a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage was intercepted.
North Carolina took over at their own six-yard line and took a knee to run out the clock. Miami made big plays offensively and defensively late to secure the win against North Carolina State on Saturday. Miami safety Kamren Kinchens made an open-field tackle to stop the Wolfpack two yards shy of a first down.
On the ensuing possession, Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke connected with tight end Will Mallory for 21 yards on third and 16. The Hurricanes were able to run the clock out from there and secure the victory. Miami faces another tough game on Saturday at Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes need the same effort, attitude and fight.