Miami Football: 5 takeaways from Hurricanes’ 2017 regular season

1. Mark Richt is the right man for the job

Only the worst type of fan doesn’t love the Mark Richt hire for the University of Miami Hurricanes football program. Richt is an alum, he stuck out being slotted behind legends like Vinny Testaverde, Bernie Kosar and Jim Kelly, and he’s a good dude.

Miami can bust out a Turnover Chain and get back to their old aggressive ways, but still be deemed good boys because they have Mark Richt as their head coach. It’s the best of all worlds. Taunt, flaunt and have fun but have the coach everyone respects on the sideline to keep the program from being the black sheep in all entirety.

Richt understands South Florida teenagers. He’s added fun back into the program from the tie and starched shirt of Al Golden. Richt is running an attack-based defense and going for it on fourth-and-1. He’s hired well, bringing in Manny Diaz, Craig Kuligowski, Mike Rumph and Ron Dugans. He’s done flips off the high dive, called Miami’s summer prospect camps “Paradise” and returned the uniforms to respectability.

For all of the complaints about his play-calling fans have to realize the Miami offensive line was putrid when he arrived on campus and has slowly improved in a short time. There are strides that need to be made heading into 2018 but improving the Athletic Performance department, recruiting, and coaching should help the offensive line and offense improve in year three.

Next: Predictions for all 41 bowl games and CFB Playoff

Richt is the right hire and Miami is in good shape for a real College Football Playoff run in 2018.