Thankful U: What has Miami Hurricanes Football Made you Appreciate This Season?

Before the ACC championship game. Before you line up outside of Best Buy to get that flat-screen TV, Thanksgiving takes over the conversation—even if it’s just for one day. This season has been nothing but a blessing for the Miami Hurricanes and their fanbase. The ’Canes remain a game away from completing a perfect regular season. In a week, the team will compete in the ACC Championship for the first time in program.

With all that said, there is plenty to be thankful for as the season dwindles down. So we figured why not list some of the reasons for our holiday cheer?

Turnover Chain, Turnover Chain, Turnover Chain

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

It’s impossible to talk about Miami without thinking of the Cuban links that are the ‘Turnover Chain’, a phenomenon birthed by UM defensive coordinator and Miami native Manny Diaz to help urge his defense to create more turnovers. Brought to life by AJ Machado, the chain has taken on a life of its own through the course of the season. Over 10 games, Miami has surpassed their turnover margin of 2016 by taking the ball away from the opposition 27 times (compared to the 19 turnovers produced in 2016). While the chain itself has a case and bodyguard, the market has been flooded with replicas and merchandise related to the infamous prop—and is selling very well by the look of things. Even the Turnover Chain anthem by SoLo D is quite catchy. So we are definitely thankful for the gaudy chain and everything that has come along with it.

Mark Richt’s Straightforward Approach

Those who cover Miami football can attest to CMR’s blunt answers when it comes to injuries, playing time, game-planning or any tangible information that would add to a story. Richt answers questions matter of factly, measured in his tone and response. Most of all, he appears—at least on the surface—to be having as much fun as the young men he mentors. For entertainment value alone, we’re thankful for this.

ProCane Participation

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t know about all of you, but it brings a big smile to my face seeing Hurricane legends return to their alma mater and support the current generation of Miami football. From Warren Sapp driving a scooter on the sideline, to Ray Lewis and Michael Irvin clearing their schedules to support their alma mater, to Ed Reed walking into the meeting room to give pointers and tips, Miami has built a fantastic rapport with the alumni base. It’s this idea of a brotherhood that separates Miami from so many other schools.

Winning the Coastal Division and Potential berth in the CFB Playoff?!?!

Talk for a long time had to do with Miami not making it to the ACC Championship since going the conference. That point is now moot, with Miami winning their division and on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time in program history.

The Entire Coaching Staff

Sometimes you need to step back to appreciate what you have. You have to appreciate the caliber of the staff that Richt has put together. This could be a staff that is discussed in the future for how many of these coaches individually go on to be head coaches, with some having the opportunity to move to the NFL level.

We turn it over to you: What are you thankful for this season? Continuing the undefeated streak? Beating FSU? Michael Badgley’s awesome mullet? Let us know in the comment section!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!