Miami Hurricanes Season Finale: A Bitter End and Key Takeaways
The Miami Hurricanes wrapped up their 2024 season with a dramatic and painful loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, falling 42-41 in a game that embodied the highs and lows of their season. While Miami showed flashes of brilliance throughout the game, they once again fell short in critical moments, ending a season full of promise but ultimately marked by missed opportunities. As the Hurricanes reflect on this last-second defeat, here are some key takeaways from their season finale and what lies ahead for the program.
A Crushing One-Point Defeat
Miami’s season ended much like it had unfolded—full of promise but tainted by heartbreaking losses. The Pop-Tarts Bowl was a microcosm of the Hurricanes’ year, as they had opportunities but faltered when it mattered most. In the first half, both teams combined for a thrilling 59 points, showcasing the offensive potential of both squads. However, the game slowed in the second half, and despite Miami’s defense making some critical stops, they ultimately failed to prevent the game-winning drive.
With just under two minutes remaining, Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht took over at his own 16-yard line and orchestrated a 16-play, 84-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown. Miami’s offense, which had been sputtering throughout the second half, could not respond. Emory Williams, who had replaced Cam Ward in the second half, struggled to move the ball effectively and could not get Miami into scoring position in the game’s final moments. The inability to get key stops on defense and the failure to capitalize on the offense’s early success ultimately sealed the Hurricanes’ fate, making the 2024 season end in disappointment.
Defensive Struggles Continue
The Miami defense was once again the Achilles’ heel of the team. Throughout the season, the Hurricanes’ defense showed inconsistencies, and those flaws were evident once again in the bowl game. Miami allowed 28 points in the first half, and although they showed some resilience in the second half by making stops, they couldn’t generate the critical plays when needed. The defense failed to answer the call after Iowa State took the lead with their long scoring drive, highlighting the team’s ongoing issues with late-game execution.
This game was particularly challenging for the defense because of the absence of key contributors, including Daryl Porter Jr. and Damari Brown, two starters in the secondary. With these players sidelined, Miami’s already struggling defense was even thinner, exposing vulnerabilities that Iowa State took full advantage of. Lance Guidry, the defensive coordinator, has faced scrutiny for the team’s lack of defensive consistency this season. Moving forward, Miami will need to address these defensive issues—both in terms of personnel and coaching—if they are to take the next step.
Cam Ward’s Impressive Final Performance
Despite the loss, one of the few bright spots for Miami was the performance of Cam Ward. In his final collegiate game, Ward solidified his status as a top NFL Draft prospect. Throughout the first half, Ward was brilliant, completing 190 passing yards and three touchdowns, despite missing three of his top five receivers, including Isaiah Horton, who transferred to Alabama, and Xavier Restrepo and Sam Brown, who both sat out. Ward’s poise in the pocket and ability to make plays both inside and outside the structure of the offense were on full display, as he threw with precision and displayed his trademark ability to extend plays.
His 158 career passing touchdowns, the most in Division I football history, further cemented Ward’s legacy as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Unfortunately for Miami, Ward played just one half of football, as he did not return for the second half, with his absence leaving a significant void on the field. Coach Mario Cristobal was non-committal when asked about Ward’s decision to not play in the second half, keeping the reasons for the quarterback’s absence private. Regardless, Ward’s performance in the first half proved he is ready for the next level, and it will be interesting to see where he lands in the upcoming NFL Draft.
A Resilient, Committed Culture
Despite the loss, there were signs that the Miami Hurricanes are developing a strong, committed culture under Mario Cristobal. While the roster looked different than it did earlier in the season due to several draft-eligible players opting out and some notable transfers, there was a noticeable fight and resolve among the players who did suit up. Freshman receiver Joshisa “Jojo” Trader was one such example, finishing with three receptions for 61 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown in the first half. Trader’s performance highlighted his potential and the positive strides Cristobal has made in recruiting, showing that there is talent waiting to step up in the future.
Cristobal spoke highly of the culture he has worked hard to build, emphasizing that his team’s commitment to their development was one of the bright spots of the season. While Miami didn’t achieve all of its goals in 2024, the foundation is being laid for future success, as players like Trader show that the program is in good hands moving forward.
Ground Game Dominates
If there was one area where Miami truly excelled, it was in their ground game. The Hurricanes amassed 308 total rushing yards, setting a bowl game record in the process. The backfield duo of Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr. was impressive all night, combining for 241 yards and three touchdowns. Martinez’s electrifying 75-yard touchdown run on his first carry of the game was a highlight, and he finished with 179 rushing yards on just 10 carries. Fletcher, meanwhile, added 62 yards and a touchdown to the team’s rushing effort.
This performance in the trenches was a testament to Miami’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and move the ball effectively on the ground. With the uncertainty at quarterback, Miami’s run game could become a strength the team leans on in the coming seasons. Fletcher and promising freshman Jordan Lyle could provide a powerful one-two punch in the backfield, helping the offense remain competitive even if the quarterback situation remains unsettled.
Who’s Next? The Quarterback Question
The biggest question for Miami heading into the offseason is the quarterback situation. Emory Williams, who replaced Ward in the second half, struggled mightily. Williams completed just 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards and threw an interception in his limited action. His inability to move the offense in the second half—especially with the game on the line—raised questions about his readiness to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. Miami may need to look to the transfer portal for a solution, especially if Williams is not able to take a significant step forward in his development.
Looking Ahead
While the 2024 season ended in disappointment, Miami’s potential for the future remains strong. Despite missing out on a College Football Playoff appearance and falling short in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Miami has solid talent and a recruiting class that ranks among the top 15 in the nation. The key for Cristobal and the Hurricanes will be addressing their defensive issues, finding a stable quarterback for the future, and continuing to develop the young talent on the roster.
Whether Miami takes the next step or falls back into mediocrity will depend largely on Cristobal’s ability to maintain momentum through recruiting and player development. There’s a lot to be excited about in Coral Gables, but the real challenge will be ensuring that this season was not just another flash in the pan but the foundation for long-term success.
