Mario Cristobal Shares Interesting Metaphor on Keeping Miami Players Focused

"Well, maybe yesterday was the toughest day because for the first time in a while, Miami's learning how to handle success again," Cristobal said. "So, we had to be all over their butts about, look, everybody's trying to kiss the crack of their butt on the way to class. Telling you how great you are, and all this stuff. You gotta stay clear of that and get you over here so we can ... can focus on what gave us this opportunity to begin with."

Cristobal has also spent time with the Florida International Panthers (2007-2012) and Oregon Ducks (2017-2021) as a head coach before joining Miami in 2023. Even before he went to Oregon, he had a brief stint with the Alabama Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban as an associate head coach, offensive line coach and running game coordinator.

Saban joined a recent episode of "The Pat McAfee Show" to discuss how the Ohio State Buckeyes have a psychological disposition with the rival Michigan Wolverines after not beating them for the last four years.

One of Saban's former recruits, Julian Sayin, was recently named the starting quarterback for Ohio State. Sayin was a former five-star prospect in the 2024 class and was an Alabama signee before committing to Ohio State after Saban's retirement.

The Hurricanes take on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and ACC Extra.