Miami secures historic wins over Florida and Florida State in 2024

On October 28, 2024, in Miami, Florida, Mario Cristobal concluded a postgame news conference following a significant three-touchdown victory over rival Florida State. This win was particularly historic for Miami fans, as it marked the team's first success against both Florida and Florida State in the same season in 20 years. Cristobal’s enthusiasm was palpable as he expressed optimism about the program's potential trajectory, which he believes can attract recruits from both in-state and out-of-state. The backdrop of this victory underscores challenges within Florida State's program, which has seen a marked decline, highlighted by their poor record despite earlier successes. The coach called into question whether historical dominance in the state still bears the same weight, especially in light of the drastic changes within college football, including the effects of the transfer portal and the need for sustainable strategies for winning. Cristobal’s previous experiences at Oregon set a bar for excellence, yet he acknowledged that Miami's journey is just beginning. The implications of this victory extend beyond just bragging rights, as the state of Florida's college football landscape remains competitive, with recruitment being crucial for future success. Moving forward, Cristobal is aware that maintaining the upper hand within the state will require not only strategic gameplay but also a cohesive approach involving players, coaching staff, and support systems to ensure that Miami can build on this recent triumph and establish itself as a prolific program once again.