Mario Cristobal eviscerated for not going on 4th down by former players, Miami media

Former Miami players, other alums and local media eviscerated Mario Cristobal kicking a field goal on fourth and goal from the 10 with 3:42 remaining and Syracuse leading 42-35. Andres Borregales converted the field goal to cut the Miami deficit to 42-38. Miami never got the ball back.

Syracuse drove eight plays for 41 yards in 3:42 to run the clock out and secure the upset win. Syracuse finished the regular season 9-3. Miami dropped to 10-2, was eliminated from an ACC Championship Game berth and likely the College Football Playoff.

An inexplicable Jacolby George personal foul penalty preceded the decision to kick the field goal. Miami had first and goal from the eight-yard line when George was flagged after the play. Cam Ward completed a pass to Cam McCormick for eight yards and ran for five to force fourth and goal from the 10-yard line.

There were multiple other reasons Miami lost, but Cristobal chose to rely on a defense that couldn't stop Syracuse for most of the last three quarters. Syracuse scored touchdowns on five of its seven drives preceding its last one to run out the clock. It was another late-game situation to question Cristobal.

Monroe was the Miami punter from 2003 through 2006. Rosier led Miami to the 2017 ACC Title Game at quarterback. Manso is a local Miami sportscaster and Miami Radio Beast is a former South Florida sports talk show host and Fallica is a long-time college football analyst previously with ESPN, now with Fox and a Miami alum.

The George penalty, a fumble recovery touchdown for Syracuse earlier in the game and losing a 21-0 lead all contributed to the loss. Ward elevated Miami throughout the season. On a play you need to tie the game late, Ward has to be trusted instead of kicking a field goal that only cut the deficit to four points.