Special teams mistakes cost Mario Cristobal, Miami dearly in first quarter vs. Notre Dame
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We’ve seen the Miami Hurricanes get in their own way before under Mario Cristobal. Back in 2023, the ‘Canes gave away a game against Georgia Tech by running the ball when they could have kneeled out the clock. Tonight’s mishaps aren’t quite as egregious, but could prove costly, nonetheless.
With roughly 4 minutes left in the first quarter in their contest versus No. 6 Notre Dame, Miami punter Dylan Joyce mishandled the snap on a 28-yard field goal try. He picked the ball up and tried to find an open man, but ultimately was forced out of bounds. The Fighting Irish regained possession after the play.
Here’s a replay:
Joyce’s error wasn’t the only Hurricane special teams mistake of the night. Earlier in the game, Miami fair caught a punt at their own 4-yard line. On the ensuing drive, they reached their own 42-yard line before punting. Had they begun that drive from their own 20-yard line, they could have flirted with a field goal or gone for it on fourth down.
Fortunately for the Hurricanes, they managed to score the first points of the contest. Carson Beck hooked up with Malachi Toney for a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter to give Miami a 7-0 lead.
