**Miami Hurricanes Notes – Thursday Update:**
After Miami’s 28-23 loss to Georgia Tech, criticism from ESPN analysts has intensified. Booger McFarland, ABC’s lead studio analyst, labeled UM as “a very poorly coached football team,” and questioned Mario Cristobal’s ability to get his teams prepared. Louis Riddick, another ESPN analyst, echoed similar concerns, stating that Miami’s defense was outschemed by Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner. He criticized UM’s defense for being overwhelmed by Georgia Tech’s run game, despite facing a defensive line with several NFL prospects, and also for being exposed in pass defense against a freshman quarterback.
On a positive note, the Hurricanes secured a major recruit this week when four-star edge rusher Hayden Lowe from Oaks Christian High School in Los Angeles announced he was decommitting from USC and committing to Miami. Lowe, who is rated as the highest recruit in UM’s 2025 class, explained that moving away from home to Miami would help his personal and athletic growth. He’s ranked as the No. 45 overall prospect and the No. 3 edge rusher in the country by 247 Sports.
Despite Jadais Richard’s injury, Miami chose not to play its inexperienced cornerbacks against Georgia Tech, likely due to the Yellow Jackets’ run-heavy offense. As a result, cornerbacks Robert Stafford, Robby Washington, and Ryan Mack didn’t see any action, while veteran Dyoni Hill played only 13 snaps. In contrast, freshmen OJ Frederique and Daryl Porter Jr. saw significant playing time, with Frederique logging 64 snaps and Porter 52. At safety, Zaquan Patterson’s playing time remained limited, with just nine snaps.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlighted some underperforming players from the Georgia Tech game. Defenders Tyler Baron, Mishael Powell, and Francisco Mauiogoa were among the lowest-rated UM players, with Baron and Powell being particularly poor in run defense. On offense, tight end Cam McCormick, running back Mark Fletcher Jr., and center Zach Carpenter received the worst grades.
Several players saw increased roles during the game: offensive tackle Markel Bell played 36 snaps, linebacker Jaylin Alderman saw 41, linebacker Chase Smith had 15, and defensive tackle CJ Clark logged 43 snaps after Simeon Barrow Jr. was injured. Alderman earned recognition as one of UM’s top defenders, along with Ahmad Moten, for their efforts against Georgia Tech’s potent run game. Bell’s increased role paid off, as PFF rated him as the top offensive player for Miami in that game.
NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler ranks Washington State’s Cam Ward as the top quarterback prospect for the upcoming draft. He describes Ward as a dynamic playmaker, noting his ability to make explosive, game-changing plays. However, Brugler also warned that Ward’s tendency to make careless decisions can lead to negative outcomes. Ward’s performance in November and beyond will be closely scrutinized by NFL scouts. Ward was recently named a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, becoming the first player in Miami history to record seven consecutive 300-yard passing games. He currently leads the nation with 3,494 passing yards and 32 touchdowns.
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