Mario Cristobal continues focus on Miami football team after second scrimmage

Mario Cristobal did not mention any players by name or provide statistics following the second scrimmage held by the Miami football team on Saturday. Cristobal told Miami radio analyst and former Hurricanes center Don Bailey Jr. that they were more efficient in several aspects in the second scrimmage on Saturday.

Miami scrimmaged longer than initially scheduled running about 120 plays in nearly 100-degree weather. Cristobal wants the Miami football team to get used to the weather and be able to use that to their advantage. Cristobal said the offense made some big plays but failed to convert on others.

The goal for the Miami offense per Cristobal is to continue to get better so they can in his words “trust ourselves to run the playbook.” Cristobal wants more consistency from the Miami passing game. Miami has a deep and talented but inexperienced group of wide receivers entering the 2022 season.

Key’Shawn Smith is the only returning starter at WR. Xavier Restrepo is poised for a big season as the starting in the slot succeeding all-time Miami leading receiver Mike Harley. Tyler Van Dyke returning as the starting quarterback will likely look for fifth-year tight end Will Mallory as a go-to receiver with Restrepo.

Miami will continue with training camp through next week after classes begin on Monday. Inconsistent tackling has been an issue over the last few years. Cristobal stated that the defense is striking better and using the better technique in their tackling during the second scrimmage on Saturday.

Cristobal also praised the players who have put in the hard work during the offseason without naming anyone and the players who don’t understand what it takes to attack the offseason have exposed them. The culture and expectations under Cristobal have evolved into a more business-like approach for the Miami football program.

This week Miami will begin to install more of the offensive and defensive systems, some of which will be used later in the year. This is the last week before Miami begins game-planning next week for Bethune-Cookman ahead of the September 3 season opener at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami enters the season ranked 16th in the AP Top 25.