The Miami Hurricanes have responded to adversity, with playoff hopes at stake, which Carson Beck believes is what makes a team who they really are.
The Miami Hurricanes' chase for a spot in the College Football Playoffs continues, but the light on the other side of the tunnel has gotten brighter as the program took another leap, ranking 12th in the latest Selection Committee rankings, surpassing the Utah Utes.
However, nothing is set as they prepare to face the Pitt Panthers on their home turf this weekend. That matchup, to a certain degree, will decide their fate.
Mario Cristobal's message, along with the team, has been controlling the controllable, which is taking care of business against the opponent in front of them. The Hurricanes need to establish a certain level of dominance against the Panthers for a higher chance of jumping again, similar to the performance they had against the North Carolina State Wolfpack, beating them with a final score of 41-7.
Carson Beck has been at the forefront of the Hurricanes' late success, especially in the last three games. He's completed 66 of 83 passes for 858 yards, eight touchdowns with no interceptions.
After a troubling loss against the SMU Mustangs, which came from his hands after throwing an interception on third and six in overtime, the redshirt senior has stepped up performance-wise.
The 23-year-old praises the team's response to adversity:
"I think what I've said since the beginning of the season is the true testament of a team is how they respond when they face adversity," he said. "We faced adversity this year. We, maybe, slipped up a little bit and, maybe, didn't play our best. We fell short a couple of times. Adversity was right in our face and we've responded in what I believe to be an amazing way. Guys are in here, the energy is high at practice, in workouts, in film. Guys are showing up earlier and staying later. Just the time commitment that you see from this team and the care factor from everybody is at an all-time high after facing that adversity. The true testament of a team is when they face adversity and I feel like we've really been able to show who we are. That holds a lot of weight."
The Hurricanes must continue to play with a great level of urgency. Their playoff hopes are within reach, especially after the latest rankings. As long as the team performs at a high and strong level, all signs point in their favor.
More Miami Hurricanes News:
- "BREAKING: Hurricanes Drastically Jump In Latest College Football Playoff Rankings"
- "Hurricanes Focus Remains The Same Entering Season Finale"
- "Hurricanes' Failed Opportunity Against Reigning Champion Gators"