The Mario Cristobal effect is evident. The Miami Hurricanes, who have routinely been underperformers in preseason arenas, were just picked by the media to finish first in the Coastal. The administration’s top down autopsy of the football program and elective surgery is now paying dividends.

When you build a coaching staff to the degree of Cristobal, Gattis, Steele, Addae, Strong and add a Hall of Famer in Jason Taylor to the mix, people notice. Then when you add a General Manager in Alonzo Highsmith and prioritize talent acquisition, people notice. Recruit your tail off and people notice.

People have noticed. There is now an orange and green bullseye on the back of the Hurricanes this season. Coach Cristobal and the Hurricanes are in uncharted and unfamiliar territory. The media finally believes in what is happening down at the Gables. Cue Al Davis and “Just win baby.”