By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Mario Cristobal started his celebration by posing for a photo with his family in front of the scoreboard at Doak Campbell Stadium — reading Miami 28 FSU 22.

The Hurricanes head coach continued by hugging athletic director Dan Radakovich — “That was big,” Radakovich yelled — then waving his arms to pump up the roaring visitors’ section.

Before he could walk into the locker room, he needed one more piece to commemorate the triumph: one of the printed signs that read “Back-to-Back State Champs!”

After The U’s latest victory , it’s time to start taking his Canes seriously as national championship contenders.

The state championship claim is undeniable and notable enough on its own. In the past four games, No. 3 Miami (5-0, 1-0 ACC) has beaten Florida, South Florida, Florida State and Bethune-Cookman (FCS).

It’s the first time the Hurricanes have beaten the Gators and Seminoles in back-to-back years since 2001-04. That means something in this state.

For the first time in two decades, the goal of a national championship finally feels attainable at The U.

For years fans were asking “is Miami back?” After many false-start moments and fool’s gold rosters. They flashed (rising to No. 2 in 2017 and were battling for a Playoff spot last season. Those dreams faded alongside the turnover chain.

This year, life feels different.

Miami defeated the nation’s No. 9 team (Notre Dame), No. 18 team (Florida) and No. 19 team (Florida State), based on recruiting ratings.

Plus, USF, a team that’s good enough to contend for a College Football Playoff appearance. Maybe it’s not the best resume in the country, maybe it doesn’t deserve a #1 overall ranking-but it’s impressive.

If there’s any questionable talent, it’s Cristobal. His failure to kneel out a win over Georgia Tech in 2023 and the blown 21-0 lead at Syracuse remain stains on his resume.

Focusing on those past blunders dims the progress he and his program have made.

Cristobal  built a power program the way you’d expect a former offensive lineman: from the inside out.

His lines are excellent; the Hurricanes have allowed only six sacks through five games while, on the other side of the ball, Bain and Akheem Mesidor harass opposing QBs.

The run game and defense are strong. The passing attack, we learned Saturday, is more than capable.

The fact that Miami had to find a different way to win a rivalry game is encouraging for the Hurricanes’ season-long trajectory. They’ll need to beat different teams in different ways if they’re going to earn their first ACC championship, especially if they’re to  compete for their first national title since 2001.

Those possibilities seemed feasible at Doak, especially this year. On a weekend that saw Penn State No. 7 and No. 9 Texas fall to unranked and untalented opponents.

Previous Miami teams would have turtled down the stretch as Florida State reeled off 19 consecutive points in the fourth quarter.

Miami’s past two decades have featured too many penalties and game-losing mistakes (do you remember the blocked extra point against the Seminoles in 2016?).

This time around, Miami didn’t panic. Cristobal didn’t pump his fist or clap triumphantly when his offense picked up a time-draining fourth down with three minutes left.

The Hurricanes calmly corralled the last onside kick to seal the win and, of course, kneeled out the clock.

They looked like a team that rightfully expects to win because Cristobal has built a high-end roster with an experienced quarterback and a program that no longer beats itself, even in the biggest moments against the biggest rivals.

And now with Cristobal’s second consecutive state championship secured, it’s time to start envisioning more for the program.