Miami Hurricanes saving state of Florida football from total embarrassment | D’Angelo

Remember when Curt Cignetti, coach of the 13th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, famously said “google me” when talking about his success?

Well, you might not want to google “state of college football in Florida.” All it will do is get you wondering what happened to all the success our college football programs have enjoyed.

The state’s been in somewhat of a funk in recent years, but this is close to rock bottom. So bad that perhaps Florida should claim Vanderbilt, a longtime college football laughing stock, as one of its own since the Commodores are building a campus in West Palm Beach.

Vanderbilt, right now, is a better program than any in the state not named Miami.

More: Listen Now! Miami is a big favorite over FSU, but anything can happen in a rivalry game

Speaking of the Hurricanes, the most disappointing, over-hyped program in the state the last two decades, now is the one saving us from sheer embarrassment.

Thank the football gods for the University of Miami.

While Miami is holding onto its top 10 ranking at 7-0, the other six FBS programs are a combined 15-27. Only Florida, whose coach, Billy Napier, is the most likely to be fired among state schools, is above .500 at 4-3. And that is about to turn real quick with the gauntlet of games upcoming for the Gators.

Cam Ward, Hurricanes dominating state

But none of the Sorry Six’s failures should undermine what quarterback Cam Ward and the Hurricanes have accomplished this year, despite a recent dip that should have everyone a bit concerned about their attempt to win a first ACC title.

Ward, a Heisman Trophy candidate, clearly has been the most significant transfer portal transaction in the country. The Hurricanes collective spent wisely in luring Ward, who cost UM boosters more an $1 million for one year of service in this pay-for-play world the NCAA has created.

But it’s been money well spent. Just ask coach Mario Cristobal, who can thank Ward (and ACC officials) for lifting the pressure from his shoulders after an underwhelming start at his alma mater. Before that season opener in Gainesville between Miami and Florida, fans were equally disenchanted with Napier and Cristobal.

Now, Miami leads the nation with 577.3 yards per game and is second with 48.3 points. Ward leads the country with 2,538 yards and 24 passing TDs, and is second in passing efficiency.

And he’s consistently been among the Heisman Trophy favorites. Right now, he should be the favorite.

But this is far from a slam dunk for the Hurricanes, certainly not after what we’ve seen the past three weeks. Miami is fortunate it does not have two losses, escaping close final-drive wins against two very mediocre opponents, Virginia Tech and Cal, and winning a shootout at Louisville last Saturday.

As for the Canes defense, it has been nothing short of a dumpster fire for three weeks.

And Miami’s weak schedule will not be viewed favorably by the playoff committee if it slips just once. Either Miami wins the conference or it will be traveling for a first-round game, if it has just one loss.

These last three weeks have dropped Miami behind Clemson in most projections to enter the 12-team playoff as the ACC champion.

But those are problems teams in the rest of the state would welcome.

FSU season a shocking failure

Take Florida State, for example.

If you’re seeking a program whose investment in a quarterback is at the other end of Miami striking gold with Ward, check out Florida State and DJ Uiagalelei. This is New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers-level bad.

The Miami-FSU rivalry resumes Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium with the Canes a 21-point favorite, a 35-point swing from a year ago.

The 1-6 Seminoles are in the middle of a shocking reversal from a 13-0 start, including an ACC title, a year ago to a season that likely will end with two wins.

And that might be disrespecting Charleston Southern to think it cannot beat FSU in Tallahassee.

Each team has a 42-point win in this series in recent years, Miami in 2020 and FSU in 2022.

That should be about right this year, but only if Miami takes a knee the entire fourth quarter.

FSU just scratches the surface of the disappointment in our state. While Florida (4-3) found some life with its win over Kentucky Saturday, that will not last. The Gators probably will need to win at FSU on the final weekend of the regular season to make a bowl.

And nothing outside of a few gigantic upsets will save Napier’s job.

But if you ask UCF (3-4), USF (3-4), FAU (2-5) and FIU (2-5), all would trade their record for Florida’s. Heck, with Napier’s buyout at about $27 million if he’s fired at the end of the season, some of those coaches gladly would trade places with the Gators coach, too.

All four of those programs were expected to take a step forward this season. All four now are wondering how they raise enough money to bring in fresh players.

Especially UCF’s Gus Malzahn, who is squandering all momentum the Knights had from entering the Big 12 last year as he spirals to possibly a second consecutive losing season.

But do not feel sorry for Malzahn. He already hit the lottery once being fired by Auburn following the 2020 season and collecting a $21.5 million buyout.

Some of these state coaches could only be so lucky.

Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.