37 - 34 You’re never happy with a loss. Moral victories don’t usually mean much, and Miami should be fuming at a 37-34 loss to Oklahoma State.
That said not all losses should be weighed the same.
Last year Miami collapsed to finish the season and looked dreadful doing it. Manny Diaz was already drawing grumbling from the fanbase, and many questioned Miami’s heart.
This year after an 8-1 start there was 26 point loss to UNC, and Miami quickly fell behind 21-0 to Oklahoma State in their bowl game. It looked like Miami was headed towards another off-season of question marks and frustration. With QB D’Eriq King suffering a knee injury in the 2nd quarter, it really looked bleak for the Hurricanes.
Then something showed up that has been lacking from Miami’s program for several years – Heart.
Miami’s football showed as much heart in Tuesday’s bowl loss as we’ve seen in a very long time.
Backup QB N’Koshi Perry came in and played extremely well nearly leading Miami all the way back.
A series of questionable calls, and multiple receiver drops are what eventually undid the comeback. In the past Miami would have folded and ended up with a blowout loss. This Miami team didn’t let that happen. With D’Eriq King returning, and hopefully recovering fully, Miami has a chance to be an ACC Coastal Contender next year. Their recruiting is among the best in the ACC.
Manny Diaz can take some positives away even in the loss. The Canes never quit. They didn’t let the King injury take them out of the game.
Sure you never want to lose a game, but Tuesday still provided something to build on for a program trying regain their former national power status.
