There has been a lot of discussion from the Miami fanbase following the 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. Replacing defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and finding a transfer quarterback have been the primary points on social media in the fallout.
Miami did enough offensively in the first half to set themselves up to beat Iowa State. The Hurricanes scored 31 points and gained 358 yards in the first half. Miami allowed Iowa State to gain 267 yards and scored 28 points in the first half. A turnover on the Miami 22-yard line on the first play set up Iowa State to take a 7-0 lead.
The Miami defense had its moments in the middle of the game, as it has all season. Miami held Iowa State to four and five-play drives at the end of the first half before gaining possession. Iowa State began the second half with a three-and-out. The Cyclones had a 10-play 75-yard drive in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 38-35.
The inconsistency from the Miami defense continued to be frustrating and a huge reason the Hurricanes lost on Saturday. Iowa State had 415 total yards and five scoring drives of at least 65 yards. The defense wasn't the only reason Miami lost to Iowa State.
Go get a top-notch defensive coordinator, the best--- non negotiable..hopefully a QB enters the portal now after watching what most knew. Mario needs to be a figurehead and let the coach coach because he's terrible
— Lantana Loady (@LantanaL12787) December 29, 2024
1 - its not always on DC for mistakes on the defense however these giys couldnt even get lined up right or recognize offensive tendencies. So DC has to go
— RROME51 (@RRom523) December 29, 2024
2- need a portal qb because 17 obviously did nothing to prepare for his shot
Massive overhaul needed on D. Something doesn’t add up. And Emory Williams is a QB2 or QB3 at best. If he’s QB1 next year, 4 wins max.
— Lay-Z (@Lay_Z21) December 29, 2024
Not surprised with our defense. Secondary isn’t well coached and the DC is helpless.
— Big Time, MBA (@Trahar8) December 29, 2024
Defense needs an overhaul. Better coaches that can teach and demand their best.
We will need a QB from the portal if not it will be a 5 win season.
Good possibility Luke can beat out Emory.
Defense and Emory disappointed.
— Brian Frink (@finchfrinker) December 29, 2024
Need to hit the portal for another QB-
— Steve U. (@steveumberger1) December 29, 2024
Someone needs to fix this defense-
Never seen so many explosive plays given up by Miami-
Thank you Cam Ward-
Haven’t had a bowl win in years-Ending on that note is disappointing to say the least.
Worst defense since Dnofrio’s defense. Emory looked bad but the coaches hurt him by not letting him throw downfield until there were only 56 seconds left in the game. Mario made a huge mistake kicking a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down.
— realestatelaw (@realestatelawfl) December 29, 2024
What we learned - Canes need a QB for 2025. More than likely a new defensive coordinator and a GM as the HC needs lots of help…
— yayabo (@calvarez68) December 29, 2024
Microcosm of the season. Great start, can't finish. Defense needs a major rehaul. We're great up front, but our inability to sack the QB was a glaring issue. Wasted an incredible season by Cam in a year where every team looked beatable. This was our window, now it resets.
— ᴍʀ ᴛꜱʙ 🇨🇺 (@tx_tsb) December 29, 2024
Beyond impressed with Cam’s decision to participate in the Bowl game; disappointed that Xavier did not follow. A half, however, is not enough. Thrilled with Martinez, Arroyo, Borregales, Fletcher Jr., and hopeful for Williams. @coach_cristobal Coach, not enough.
— Maria C. Alonso (@mcalonso305) December 29, 2024
Emory hasn’t shown much in the passing game… everything is incredibly vanilla and not much playmaking whether it be his arm or legs… need a portal QB, maybe 2. Defense just needs some dawgs. I get secondary and WR were a lil depleted but Cam was carving them up in first half
— Caribbean Lover Boii ✡️🇯🇲 (@JordanRohner) December 29, 2024
Mario needs to make major changes at DC
— Zo (@alonzo_renne) December 29, 2024
QB room needs to be reevaluated
On the bright side run game is very good
O-line is the strongest it’s has ever been and there all back next season. With the schedule we have next season it’s going to be really tough hope mario is ready
5. Regarding the defense, we need a new coach. They could not hold a ten-point lead, and the tackling was terrible. However, the defense's biggest problem was their inability to get a turnover. That has been our biggest weakness throughout the season. /5
— Arthur Freyre (@arthur_freyre) December 29, 2024
He has been a pleasure to watch all season. I'm heart broken we couldn't do better for him and all the magic he brought us.
— Rebecca Avshalom (@RebeccaAvshalom) December 29, 2024
Cam Ward completed 12 passes in 19 attempts for 10 yards and three touchdowns in the first half while leading Miami to a 31-28 lead. Emory Williams was 1-3 for eight yards in the third quarter as Miami leaned heavily on the run. Miami rushed for 103 yards in the third quarter and led 38-35 entering the fourth.
Williams completed four passes in 11 attempts for 18 yards with one interception on the game's final play. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson tried to be more balanced in the fourth quarter with eight rushes for 37 yards. Miami ran 31 times for 271 yards through three quarters.
Miami finished with 524 total yards, including 308 rushing versus Iowa State. The defense not getting key stops was too often a theme for Miami in losing three of its final four 2024 games. The consensus among Miami fans after the loss to Iowa State is that a new defensive coordinator and transfer QB are needed for 2025.