Mario Cristobal says scrimmage showed players in best condition

One of the goals for the scrimmage the Miami football team played on Saturday was to gauge which players were in the best condition. In nearly 100-degree weather Mario Cristobal stated after the scrimmage that the film would allow them to evaluate which players were in game condition and who has work to do.

Mario Cristobal discussed the importance of how Miami players perform in long drives. The Miami offense was 75 nationally in 2021 scoring touchdowns on only 59.26 percent of its possessions in the red zone. Many of those occurred on long drives. Miami has to be able to stay fresh on longer drives.

Miami finished 66th nationally in red zone defense in 2021 allowing TDs on 58.97 percent of possessions. The Hurricanes should have more depth at least on defense in 2022. Expect Miami to go at least 10 deep on the defensive line in 2022. Linebacker is the one position Miami will not have as much depth on defense.

Cristobal has continually urged the importance of the players continually developing the right habits off and on the field. With less than two weeks remaining until the September 3 season opener versus Bethune-Cookman, Mario Cristobal and his staff are still determining the battles for several positions.

"“We have to take a lot of pride in the elements that we practice in and use it to our advantage. There has to be a lot of pride in the fact that we train in this all summer. And the guys do a hell of a job. We’ve got trainers. We’re hydrated. We’re making sure the rest periods are appropriate. They’re conducive to getting better.But it also tests you and a day like today, when you’re in play eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 of a drive, the film’s going to show who really is in game condition and who still has some work to do. I think what really stood out is the competitive nature of our team. It’s starting to show more and more.There’s several battles for significant roles and other roles that are still up in the air that will carry on into next week. We saw some big plays and we saw some big-play opportunities not converted on. Again, the film tells the truth. [Sunday] will be a day of assessment.”"

Wide receiver, the offensive line and almost the entire defense have spots to track for starting positions. The DL will not matter as much with the rotation being deep and providing significant playing time to nearly 10 players. The Miami depth chart should be released early next week. Expect multiple surprises on the depth chart.

The competition on the Greentree Practice Fields has been frequently mentioned by the current and past Miami coaching staffs as what built the dynasty in the 1980s and early 1990s and 2000s. Cristobal experienced what it took for Miami to be successful as an OL from 1988-92. He is imparted that now as the head coach.