COACH… “The whole world knows …”

In just a few weeks, Miami will host the national runner-up from last season, Notre Dame.

Appearing on The Joe Rose Show this week, head coach Mario Cristobal talked about the challenge ahead on Sunday, August 31st.

“The whole world knows who we are playing," said the Canes’ head man. "Every player has that game circled and it isn't on the wall anywhere because it doesn't need to be. What needs to ramp up is pride in performance on a daily basis in everything we do. When your organization has that, you are ready to do things the right way.”

“It's all about blocking and tackling, throwing and catching, and executing at a high level, and doing it with discipline, and doing it with high levels of technique and fundamentals.”

Coach Cristobal believes it starts on the line of scrimmage.

"Especially in the trenches, where it starts and ends," said Cristobal. "We are starting to see legitimate depth where it is built to last and built to get better and better as the years go on.”

Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal echos Cristobal’s sentiments. He believes Miami’s has eight or nine lineman that could start for any ACC team this season.

“…we've probably got eight or nine guys in our o-line room that could start in any ACC program," said Mirabal. “I firmly believe that.”

Those include All-ACC Second Team selection Francis Mauigoa, who started all 13 games at right tackle, right guard Anez Cooper (13 starts), left guard Matthew McCoy (11 starts) and left tackle Markel Bell (five starts), center James Brockermeyer (12 starts at TCU). Add top reserves including tackles Samson Okunlola and Tommy Kinsler, guards Ryan Rodriguez and Juan Minaya, and center Nino Francavilla and Miami has one of the most talented and deep offensive lines i the ACC and the nation.

In our next edition, coach Cristobal breaks down the progress on the defensive side of the ball, starting with new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.

GO CANES!