### Mario Cristobal Watched Very Little of FSU-Georgia Tech with Focus on Florida
As the head coach of the University of Miami football team, Mario Cristobal is laser-focused on preparing his team for their upcoming matchups, particularly the critical game against the Florida Gators. During the same weekend that Florida State University (FSU) took on Georgia Tech in a high-stakes Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) game, Cristobal made headlines for reportedly watching very little of the game. Instead, his primary attention was fixed on preparing for Florida, a decision that reflects his deep commitment to his own team and a strategic approach to college football.
#### A Competitive Rivalry
For Cristobal, preparing for Florida means focusing on more than just the tactical elements of the game. The rivalry between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators is one of the most storied and competitive matchups in college football. Both teams have deep-rooted fan bases, and the rivalry has historically produced intense, closely contested games. As the head coach of the Hurricanes, Cristobal understands the significance of this rivalry not only for his team but also for the broader college football landscape in Florida.
In 2023, the stakes are higher than ever for Miami. Cristobal is in his second year as head coach at Miami, and while his first season saw some growing pains, the expectations are higher as he continues to build his program. Facing a team like Florida requires all of Cristobal’s focus and attention, especially considering the recruiting battles the two schools constantly fight across the state.
#### A Game to Watch?
The FSU-Georgia Tech game was certainly an important contest, both for its implications in the ACC standings and for the implications it holds in the larger rivalry between FSU and Miami. While the Hurricanes may not be playing either FSU or Georgia Tech that week, both programs are ACC competitors, and it would seem natural for any coach to at least keep one eye on such a game.
However, Cristobal’s decision to tune out for the most part reflects a larger coaching philosophy. Watching other teams, even rivals, can sometimes be a distraction, especially when immediate concerns are at hand. Cristobal knows that a coach’s primary job is to ensure their own team is ready to play, and that’s exactly what he did.
#### Cristobal’s Focus on Florida
Cristobal’s focus on Florida is understandable. The Gators are a powerhouse in college football, and facing them demands precise preparation. By all accounts, Cristobal and his coaching staff are studying Florida’s strengths and weaknesses, formulating game plans that capitalize on the Gators’ vulnerabilities.
It’s not just about preparing for one game, though. Cristobal’s work extends to long-term development. He is intent on establishing Miami as a national contender, and that involves creating a consistent, winning culture. This means attention to detail in every practice, every drill, and every film session, especially leading up to a significant game like Florida.
In focusing on Florida, Cristobal is sending a clear message: Miami’s performance on the field comes first, and outside distractions or games involving rival programs won’t divert his attention. His mindset is laser-focused on what Miami can control—how they execute on game day.
#### Implications for the Season
Cristobal’s approach speaks volumes about his leadership style. By zeroing in on his own team’s game plan rather than watching a contest involving a major rival like FSU, Cristobal shows that he values preparation above all else. This mentality is crucial for a program like Miami, which is working its way back to national prominence after years of fluctuating success.
Cristobal’s focus on building his program brick by brick has started to yield results, with improvements in recruiting and discipline showing early signs of success. The Florida game is not just about securing a key victory—it’s about asserting Miami’s place among college football’s elite programs once again. For Cristobal, this game represents an opportunity to measure the progress of his rebuild against one of the best teams in the country.
#### Looking Ahead
While Cristobal may not have spent much time watching FSU and Georgia Tech, he is undoubtedly aware of the long-term stakes those teams present. Miami faces FSU later in the season, and keeping tabs on how those teams perform will be critical. But Cristobal’s immediate priority is clear: defeat Florida, improve Miami’s record, and continue building a program that can consistently compete at the highest levels of college football.
Cristobal’s commitment to preparation is a hallmark of great coaches, and his decision to focus on the Florida game rather than get caught up in watching rivals is indicative of his confidence in his process. With his leadership, Miami fans have reason to believe that their team is on the right path. And if Cristobal’s efforts pay off, the Hurricanes could find themselves not only victorious over Florida but also positioned for long-term success under his stewardship.
### Conclusion
Mario Cristobal’s decision to forgo closely watching the FSU-Georgia Tech game in favor of focusing on the Florida matchup is emblematic of his approach to coaching. He’s all about preparation, focus, and prioritizing what matters most: his team. As Miami continues its pursuit of greatness, Cristobal’s leadership and singular focus will be key to shaping the Hurricanes’ future success on the national stage.
