On his always College Football podcast earlier this week, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy declared that Miami is its own worst enemy. McElroy cited the 12 penalties for 96 yards, over 400 total yards, while scoring only 20 points, were a huge issue.
The unwillingness of Miami to try and win the game at the end of regulation with 25 seconds remaining and one timeout was also cited by McElroy on Always College Football. Miami too often gave away free yards in the game and the late throw by Carson Beck in overtime also led to Miami's self-destruction.
Miami was in SMU territory nine times. In those nine trips, the Hurricanes scored four times on two touchdowns and two field goals. Miami self-destructing under Mario Cristobal and particularly in November and December, has become too common a theme under Mario Cristobal.
Miami is 16th in the ACC in 2025 committing eight penalties per game and 12th, averaging 63.4 yards per game. Miami opponents are called for 3.6 penalties per game for 28.6 yards, both of which are the fewest in the ACC.
"Miami. They are their own worst enemy....Carson Beck showed visible frustration in talking to the media after the game. This is a problem, man...that's concerning...without question. It's not close, Miami has the best roster....Now two years in a row, Miami has had the best roster in the ACC...They're now 6-2 after a 5-0 start. They're 2-2 in the league. They're one and two in their last three ...It's not looking likely that Miami is going to get to Charlotte to play for the ACC championship game."ESPN CFP Analyst Greg McElroy
Beck has been criticized before this season for his postgame demeanor. The qualities Beck possesses as a leader were questioned multiple times throughout the offseason. Beck's nine interceptions are third nationally. Interceptions against Louisville and SMU cost Miami the potential of winning those games.
Beck finished fourth nationally in 2024 with 12 interceptions. The self-destruction of Miami against Louisville and SMU is only partially attributable to Beck. Beck is in his first season with Miami. Miami self-destructed infamously against Georgia Tech in 2023 and 2024 and blew a 21-0 lead at Syracuse in 2024.
Late game collapses have occurred frequently under Mario Cristobal throughout his head coaching career and Miami has been one of the worst teams in the ACC committing penalties during his tenure. Miami has four games this season to stop being its own worst enemy.
Playing clean football is a theme Cristobal frequently mentions. Too often during Cristobal's tenure Miami has been its own worst enemy. If Miami is going to eventually earn berths in the ACC Championship Game and College Football playoff, it needs to stop being its own worst enemy.