HOUR 3 | Segment 1 | Hurricanes' 2026 outlook; Cristobal talks player dynamics and ACC metrics.

What this episode covers

Transcription Host 1: Well, a big story, quite possibly the biggest story, Diesel and Tolos, in the Upstate heading into football season in the Atlantic Coast Conference is the Miami Hurricanes. They obviously, Diesel, had an exceptional year last year: three losses, two losses during the regular season. And, um, their expectations for 2026 are sky-high with former Duke Blue Devil Darian Mensa transferring in at the quarterback position. Mario Cristobal did a fantastic job last year with that team and that offensive line, that defensive line, the studs they had, the national championship run. They lost by six, seven points in the national championship, I believe. So, it was an exceptional year. And, and now here we go again, 2026. This Hurricanes team is absolutely loaded once again. And I believe 90% of people are probably going to pick this team to win it all as far as the conference goes, win the ACC, Diesel. And, uh, I had a chance to catch up with Mario Cristobal this morning. Let me preface and set the scene here. I had to do two things. Number one, I had to bleep, use the bleep tone, the generator tone this morning. He let a little BS fly, but it's okay, we have editing software. Number two, I used a word, Diesel, that he did not love. It was respectful, it was fine, but you'll hear it in this interview. I want to ask you, before we play this, and Tolos out there, this is good stuff. This is really good stuff, good interview. Diesel, a 12-and-a-half point favorite at home and a 10-and-a-half point favorite against SMU. 12-and-a-half against Louisville, 10-and-a-half against SMU. I get it's football, things happen, but those are double-digit point spreads. How would you classify, quantify—what adjective would you use for when you lose two games like that you're not supposed to lose? Host 2: Yeah, I would say unacceptable to lose both of those games when you're favored by double digits. Host 1: In both games? Host 2: Yeah. Host 1: 12-and-a-half, 10-and-a-half. Host 2: Both at home. Host 1: I used a certain word, certain phrase, he wasn't a big fan of it, but nonetheless, it was a fantastic interview. I caught up with Mario Cristobal this morning talking Miami Hurricanes football. Great stuff here from the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes. Interviewer (Cole Bryson): Cole Bryson sitting down with Coach Mario Cristobal right here on the Fan Upstate 97.1 Spartanburg, 97.7 Greenville, 101.5 Anderson here in the Upstate of South Carolina. Coach, I know you're doing a lot of radio hits this morning, always appreciate your time. A lot of talk about the quarterback that came into your program this offseason. What is it about the quarterback, Darian Mensa, that excites you about the season that's underway here in just a few, few weeks? Mario Cristobal: Well, first of all, thanks for having me and, secondly, he has all the traits that you're looking for in a team leader, your quarterback. I mean, he's, besides the, the obvious things where he's deadly accurate, a strong arm, can make every throw, right? Great pocket presence. People have seen him extend plays, right? His ability to improvise with him, off-script stuff is unbelievable, but his ability to galvanize people in the locker room is always at the forefront when choosing your quarterback. And just a natural leader through work ethic, through personality, demeanor. Very positive guy, like, really thrives on positive energy and doesn't, doesn't let anything affect him, you know? Bad play? Come right back, go back and get yourself a great play. So, um, and he stays within the system until he has to break off and do something. He is, he's excellent. I, we couldn't have asked for a, a better guy to come on in and, and help lead this football team. Interviewer: You said something interesting there, Coach, and I'm intrigued by the process. A guy that can galvanize a locker room. In the modern era when we have the portal and you're, you're evaluating guys' talent, how ...

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