The Miami Hurricanes fell to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 24-31 in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 28, 2023. Here’s a look back at the game:
Gallery: Canes Football Falls to Rutgers in Pinstripe Bowl
Miami fails to mount comeback against rival Florida State, dropping their 3rd game in ACC play
After a close win against Virginia Tech, Miami (12-5, 3-3 ACC) looked to gain momentum against their in-state rival, Florida State (11-6, 5-1 ACC). The Seminoles were looking for their sixth consecutive victory in Coral Gables, a snide that the Hurricanes desperately tried to escape. Despite a strong second-half effort, the ‘Canes fell short of a comeback against the ‘Noles, losing 84-75 at the Watsco Center.
The Seminoles controlled the first half entirely, taking the lead in the opening moments and never looking back. Florida State’s considerable height advantage over the Hurricanes became a pivotal factor, with the Seminoles standing out as one of the tallest teams in the nation. This advantage stifled Miami’s offense, resulting in 14% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga attributed the team’s offensive struggles to Florida State’s relentless full-court pressure and in-game adjustments.
“We start our offensive with a pass to Norchad Omier, and then he hands it off and passes it to the next guy, and we couldn’t do it.” Larrañaga said. “We had a very hard time at both ends of the court executing our gameplan. Why? Because defensively they disrupted us, and offensively they [Florida State] are so tall…Their size just bothers us. They’re so long and athletic, and we were not able to put a lot of pressure on them. They threw the ball right to the rim, laid it in or dunked it.”
Former Florida State Seminole Matthew Cleveland struggled mightily against his former team, scoring two points on 1-8 shooting. Cleveland struggled to find his rhythm offensively, something uncommon for a solid season for the junior guard.
Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton prides his team on its depth, trusting in 10-12 guys a night to win by committee. This has led to the Seminoles being one of the deepest teams in the ACC. The same can not be said for Miami, who often play with a shortened rotation every night.
“We won this game by committee, by everyone contributing a little bit,” Hamilton said. “We don’t have a go-to guy that we consistently go to. We try to win games by getting the best out of each individual…the way we play, we need (depth).”
The Seminoles took advantage of this depth advantage, dominating Miami 40-14 off the bench, led by guard Primo Spears and forward Cam Corhen, who both finished with 16 points. With a collective team effort from the whole roster, Florida State comfortably entered the second half with a 10-point lead.
Despite being down 16 points early in the second half, Miami pushed to get back into the game. Junior guard Nigel Pack emerged as a key offensive force, scoring 15 of his game-high 19 points in the second half. Pack’s heroics, including a clutch three-pointer in an 8-0 run, got Miami within two points, igniting the crowd at Watsco Center.
Although the ‘Canes managed to narrow the gap to two points on two other occasions, they could never take the lead. Missed opportunities, including six forced turnovers in the second half translating to four points, plagued Miami. Their failure to secure offensive rebounds allowed Florida State to dominate on the glass, outscoring Miami 21-12 on second-chance points.
Both teams also shot uncharacteristically poorly from the charity stripe, with Florida State and Miami missing nine and ten free throws, respectively. Miami’s misses were more costly in the second half, allowing the Seminoles to gradually pull away and secure the victory.
“We started guarding and flying around like we know how to do. We had a chance there, three times,” Nigel Pack said. “We’ve got to convert on that. We missed free throws. Didn’t get rebounds when we needed to, and that’s what it came down to.”
Miami has lost their third game in their last four games and fallen to sixth in the ACC. Florida State extends its winning streak to four and places itself tied with N.C. State for second in the conference.
The Hurricanes travel north to Syracuse for a game against the Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly known as the Carrier Dome) on Saturday, January 20th. Tipoff is scheduled for noon and will be aired on ESPN2.
REVIEW: “The Holdovers” demonstrates the pitfalls of sentimentality
Holiday movies are essential to getting through the winter months, giving families a chance to laugh and cry together. And during the holiday season, “The Holdovers” filled that gap.
A film by “Election” director Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers” tells the story of a high school student left in his New England boarding school over winter break with a couple of adults, all of whom are grappling with some type of unwantedness.
Payne has a wonderful command of tone and aesthetic as a director, using color and angles to make the audience feel like they’re transported back in time to the 70s.
Attempting to make the film authentic, Payne shot his film at established New England boarding schools. Dominic Sessa, who debuts as main character Angus Tully, is a former student of one of the shooting locations.
Sessa plays opposite Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, the grumpy old history teacher, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Mary Lamb, the school’s cook who’s still grieving the loss of her son.
The film is made to spotlight Giamatti in a sense. He holds the majority of the weighty moments and is the key character to change during the film. It’s built around his arc, but the movie doesn’t even understand the character’s true intentions half of the time.
Though good on the surface, examining the plot of “The Holdovers” further makes it a questionable piece of art.
Early in the film, we’re introduced to a larger group of boys who are also forced to stay over the break, but the boys are shuffled out of the picture and this plot thread gets left in the dust.
The specific tragedies that the characters experience feel so shoehorned in that they’re almost painful to watch. It feels like Payne polled a random group on the saddest things to happen in a movie, then included their responses in the script.
Randolph, who plays the only prominent woman and person of color in this film has acting moments that are memorable and impactful, like her performance in the Christmas party scene.
But besides that, she’s relegated to a helping position from the kitchen, only allowed a few quippy remarks and wise words when she brings food in.
It makes the movie feel not only like it was not just based in the past, but actually made in the past. As it tries to capture some version of the 70s, it completely loses everything else, including plot.
Rating: 2/5
REVIEW: “Anyone But You” captures the essence of romantic comedy
The latest romantic comedy to hit theaters — “Anyone But You” — illustrates a modern take on Sheakespeare’s play “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Released in theaters nationwide on Dec. 22, the film was directed by Golden Globe nominee Will Gluck.
After a picture-perfect first date gone wrong, Ben (Glen Powell) and Bea’s (Sydney Sweeney) fiery affinity turns ice-cold. When fate intrudes a year later, Ben’s close childhood friend Claudia (Alexandra Shipp) and Bea’s sister Halle (Hadley Robinson) get engaged, and they wind up together at a destination wedding in Australia.
As the pair’s hatred threatens to ruin plans, the wedding party plots a ruse to get them together to make peace. Compounded with the attendance of Bea’s ex-fiance Jonathan (Darren Barnet) and Ben’s ex-girlfriend Margaret (Charlee Fraser), the couple realizes that playing into this may be the solution to their problems. That is until their feelings become real.
Over the past couple of years, the romantic comedy genre has fallen out of popularity. Figuring out the right combination of heartache and satire is a science, and storylines can often be obvious or take the raunchiness too far.
“Anyone but You” is one of the few recent movies to proudly and properly achieve its place in the genre. It had me laughing out loud and brought me to tears by the finale.
This Shakespeare-based movie is the first to be rated R for language, brief nudity and sexual content. Most of the Shakespeare movie adaptations take place in high school, but focusing on post-college adults gives this film more flexibility.
Though it rightfully earns its way into the R category, the language and content were reasonable and balanced.
Guilty of being quite the hopeless romantic, I thoroughly enjoyed watching “Anyone but You.” The movie executed the humor, anguish and heart warmth practically flawlessly. I applaud the directors and writers for taking a chance on our society and finally bringing back the essence of a wholesome romantic comedy.
Rating: 4/5
‘Canes get their quarterback for 2024 in transfer Cameron Ward
In one of the biggest moves of the Mario Cristobal era, the Miami Hurricanes received the commitment from one of the top transfer portal quarterbacks on the market, Washington State transfer Cameron Ward.
After putting up a magnificent junior season, racking up 3,735 passing yards, 33 total touchdowns and a 66% completion rate, Ward decided to hit the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound dual-threat quarterback quickly grabbed the attention of some of the top programs in the country as the No. 2 overall transfer and top quarterback, according to On3 Sports.
With elite quickness and exceptional arm talent, the Texas native is the ideal modern college quarterback and could be a perfect fit at Miami.
With the only future quarterback options on the current roster being Reese Poffenbarger, Emory Williams and Jacurri Brown for Miami, word quickly spread of the Hurricanes’ interest in getting a top talent at the position. With its back against the wall and in need of making a splash, Miami went ahead and added a big-time game-changer.
Ward has the potential to take the offense to a completely new level. First-year offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson showed flashes of what could be an explosive unit, but inconsistency at the quarterback position held the Hurricanes back. Ward’s skills will bring in a new style that will utilize his running ability, an aspect the ‘Canes have lacked at quarterback since D’Eriq King.
The Hurricanes welcome back plenty of young and emerging talent and currently hold the No. 6 overall recruiting class for 2024, according to 247Sports.
A discouraging 7-5 finish after a 4-0 start calls for action. Getting a player of Ward’s caliber is the type of acquisition that changes the entire outlook for a college football program.
“Crush fitness goals: Harness community power for New Year success!”
Accomplishing ambitious New Year’s Resolutions can feel unattainable without practical steps, but joining communities with like-minded individuals can help in reaching these 2024 goals.
Kickstarting healthy new year habits, health and fitness coach Alicia McIntosh had community wellness in mind when she hosted a women’s empowerment fitness event called “Empower Her” on Dec. 2, 2023.
“I wanted to create an authentic space where we can connect while bringing businesses together, highlighting women who are locally owned like myself,” said the women’s coach of 8 years. “I came up with this concept by thinking of how to get these groups of women together — network, connect, socialize and possibly use each others’ resources.”
Innovative workouts like HIIT Pilates and Yoga had the room sweating in style, while refreshments from catering company Tangible Delights awaited the hardworking ladies of Miami.
Keana Almonte, the event curator’s vision was to highlight the vendors’ unique talents as they were “able to cultivate their own paths in terms of their brands as it aligns with the overall vision of women’s health and wellness.”
Female vendors gathered in the lobby of Mindspace, an office space and event venue. Denise Katz — the owner, designer, and CEO of Escala activewear and swimwear — presented a colorful array of backpacks, fanny packs, visors and more.
The ambitious entrepreneur has designed uniforms for Jamaica’s Bobsled Team in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as garments worn by Miss Jamaica and Miss South Africa.
Escala translates to “ladder,” a symbolic reflection of the company values that uplift women.
“You have to keep climbing one step at a time, and even if you have to come down the stairs for whatever reason, you’re still looking up,” Katz said.
Kaptivating Krystals, an authentic crystals and waistbeads business, prides itself in allowing customers to create their own destinies rather than handpicking styles for them. CEO Koala notes that this process allows customers to trust in themselves and release codependent behavior.
“Ultimately, you know exactly what it is you need. If you just take a moment to be still and listen to your higher self, it’s going to call to you immediately,” Koala said. “What’s more empowering than knowing that you’re the creator of your own life?”
I walked away from this experience feeling motivated, inspired and ready to tackle my personal goals by becoming more involved in my community. Finding a group of people in your area who share similar goals will undoubtedly inspire you to achieve them. Make 2024 the year that you conquer those New Year’s Resolutions!
If interested in immersing yourself in a women’s fitness community in Miami, feel free to keep up with Empower Her on Instagram @empowerherevent for the next workout wellness event.
Call it a comeback: Pura Vida returns to UM
South Florida health staple Pura Vida is back and better than ever at the University of Miami, bringing all of its famously nutritious and aesthetic cuisine to the Coral Gables campus.
After closing in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the café has officially reopened in its original location next to the Toppel Career Center and UM’s Hillel Jewish Student Center.
The addition of Pura Vida is a separate asset to UM Dining’s spring refresh, which includes a partnership with Duran Bakehouse at Archivist Café starting Jan. 16 and new sustainable products available for sale at the on-campus Starbucks. Because the reopened restaurant is not directly affiliated with UM Dining, only cash and credit options are available for payment.
Upon walking in, students will be greeted by a dream-like ambience, complete with nautical white furniture and décor that adds to the feeling of a paradise getaway.
The menu offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, bowls, salads, açaí, smoothies and breakfast options that have been optimized to be some of the healthiest meals available at the U. There are also on-the-go options for those rushing to class, such as the mango coconut chia parfait and oatmeal chocolate peanut butter energy bites.
“It’s a healthy alternative to everything else [on-campus],” said senior Carolina Gonzalez. “I like that there’s an option for it now.”
While its healthier options are often what the South Florida locale is known for, there are also plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth, including croissants, cookies, banana bread and much more.
There is also an assortment of coffee and tea options, including cold brew, matcha, lattes or chai, as well as cold pressed juices, kombucha and juice shots to round out the rest of the menu.
The Summer Chicken bowl has traditionally been one of the most popular items on Pura Vida’s menu and is available at the UM location, as well as the restaurant’s most-popular Welcome to Miami smoothie boasting a delectable blend of passion fruit, mango and banana. The combination captures the heart of Miami with its health-conscious tropical flavor, sure to be a favorite on campus.
Pura Vida’s more secluded location away from the hustle-and-bustle of the food court and dining halls may help attract students during midterm and finals season, making it an optimal study spot for those looking for something more silent with patio seating and an abundance of healthy snacks in their vicinity.
“I’m always looking for a new place to check out on-campus, so I’m glad an option like this is popping up for us,” said Taylor Rand, a junior studying musical theater. “It’ll be nice to have a cute place with really different healthy options while also feeling like you’re getting away from campus for a few minutes.”
Now officially in its full comeback swing, Pura Vida is a welcome return to the on-campus food palette for every ‘Cane to indulge in starting this spring.
REVIEW: “Priscilla” marks director Sophia Coppola’s glorious return to the big screen
Elvis Presley is one of the most well-known musicians worldwide. Even if you’ve never listened to his music, the image of his white, jeweled suit with a matching cape might be familiar.
However, the chance of knowing much about his wife, Priscilla Presley, is much lower and that is what makes her the perfect subject for American director and screenwriter Sofia Coppola, who examines Priscilla’s in her recent biopic released in October.
“Priscilla” is the story of how the titular character met Elvis and her marriage to him — it is also a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl trying to find her place in the world, only to end up in the shadow of a man.
This subject matter makes the perfect case for Coppola, a woman who has been marked by the legacy of her father, Francis Ford Coppola, director of “The Godfather.” Several of her prior films have already explored women trapped in a society that’s already decided what it thinks about them.
Priscilla is much the same. She is trapped in the expectations that others have of her and is trying to grapple with them. Coppola uses Elvis’ mansion Graceland to symbolize the cage that Priscilla is thrust into, one so ominous that other characters warn her against stepping onto the lawn outside of its four walls.
Marked by its performances, the film stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and beloved teen heartthrob Jacob Elordi as Elvis.
Spaeny plays Priscilla effortlessly, making the transition from 14-years-old to 30 look natural. She’s also able to capture a bird-like ingénue essence reminiscent of another decade, one associated with stars like Audrey Hepburn.
Elordi’s boyish charm plays perfectly off of Spaeny and makes him an intriguing pick for Elvis. His ability to blow up and become menacing at a moment’s notice allows him to display all the complexities of their dynamic.
Another important aspect of this film is its adherence to the Coppola visual aesthetic — which features pastel colors, beautiful clothes and luscious interiors, almost dessert-like in its essence. It makes her films refreshing to a viewer as they embrace a rarely seen kind of on screen femininity.
The ending can feel strange and abrupt, but it fits the narrative structure of Coppola, who makes a similar move in “Marie Antoinette” and breaks the tone that she’s developed throughout the picture.
In both of these movies, it’s purposeful. She intentionally tears apart the candy-colored lens of youth away from her female protagonists and thrusts them into the real world.
Coppola’s “Priscilla” is a beautiful portrait of the power of youth and all-consuming love, especially what that means to a young girl turned woman.
Rating: 4.5/5
REVIEW: “Anatomy of a Fall” speaks to the present time
No movie feels as relevant to the year 2023 as “Anatomy of a Fall” does. It targets a particular part of the modern psyche, one stuck between ideals of the present and conventions of the past.
“Anatomy of a Fall” is a French courtroom thriller by French film director and screenwriter Justine Triet about a woman trying to defend herself in the case of her husband’s death. It also explores modern gender politics as a woman navigates the assumptions of others.
The film functions on the shifting opinions of the audience and is less interested in giving an answer to the actual cause of death, instead urging viewers to reevaluate their assumptions about gender.
German actress Sandra Huller plays cold and calculating novelist Sandra Voyter. She is not the perfect stereotypical wife or a homemaker, but that doesn’t make her a killer. Huller’s more ambitious personality makes her the perfect actress for a killer because she’s not kind or sweet enough for the society that she’s a part of.
Huller acts opposite Milo Machado Graner who plays her dead husband’s blind son. Graner gives an impressive performance and is able to deliver the emotionally gut-wrenching parts of the film as he expresses the inner moral conflict of the audience.
Triet, who both directed and wrote this movie, was inspired by the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, in particular noir films like “Witness for the Prosecution” and “Strangers on a Train.”
“Anatomy of a Fall” feels less interested in the aesthetics of the genre like neon colors and gratuitous violence and instead desires to explore the morality of the noir genre.
Language functions as a metaphor for autonomy. With our main character stuck in France and only really able to speak German and English, this barrier strips away her power in the trial and makes her unable to defend herself.
On top of the film’s feminist subtext, it’s also interested in authorship and whose ideas belong to whom. Both Sandra and her husband are writers, sharing a creative relationship on top of an emotional one. The threads of their art become intertwined and create conflict within their lives.
The house that they live in also functions as a symbol, particularly for the relationship between Sandra and her husband. It’s a large, glamorous Chateau sitting on a mountain, but it’s isolated and constantly in a state of repair.
Maybe Triet could have titled this film “Anatomy of a Murder,” but her film is less about the act of killing and more about the mind — how people think, reason and perceive.
Rating: 5/5
Miami looks to rebound against Louisville before tough stretch
The Miami Hurricanes were close to being undefeated in ACC play until a last comeback failed to manifest against Wake Forest last Saturday. For now, Miami sits at 2-1 in the ACC with a record of 11-3 overall. The ‘Canes have a chance to make that 3-1 in the ACC with a win over the Louisville Cardinals.
Miami intends to keep its undefeated home record intact. UM is 9-0 in front of their home fans this season. This will be the only time that the Cardinals and the ‘Canes clash this season.
Louisville is not having the season that it hoped for. With a record of just 5-9 and 0-3 in ACC play, the Cardinals are the underdogs in Coral Gables tonight. Lousiville has lost four of their last five including a loss to Miami star Norchad Omier’s former team Arkansas State.
The Cardinals are led by sophomore guard Skyy Clark, averaging 14.9 points per game as the leading scorer on the team. Louisville has a trio of guards who all average double digits and play over 30 minutes a night. Along with Clark, sophomores Mike James and Tre White run the floor for the Cardinals.
The bigger problem for the Cardinals is their trouble stopping the opponent from scoring. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Miami has the highest-scoring offense in the ACC.
Miami averages over 85 points per game while being the best team in the ACC in terms of shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage. Miami should be back to full health after not having junior guard Wooga Poplar available for the Clemson and Wake Forest games. Poplar will only help the ‘Canes already elite shooting ability.
The recent emergence of Kyshawn George will be huge for the depth scoring of Miami. George exploded for a career-high 21 points against Wake Forest. That’s Geroge’s fifth time in his last seven games where he’s scored in double digits.
This game is a great opportunity for Miami to fine-tune its game before playing three tough games over a week against Virginia Tech, rival Florida State and Syracuse.
Tip-off for this matchup is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ACC Network.
Miami lands QB transfer Reese Poffenbarger from Albany
After months of speculation, the Miami Hurricanes finally landed their first transfer quarterback in Albany’s Reese Poffenbarger.
With Miami’s starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke headed to Wisconsin after three years with the Hurricanes, a change at quarterback was needed. With the youth at the position on the roster, Mario Cristobal and the ‘Canes turned to the transfer portal.
Over the course of two years at Albany, Poffenbarger put up a staggering 6,613 yards and 60 touchdowns while rushing for eight more touchdowns for the Great Danes. Poffenbarger led the FCS in passing yards with 3,603 and passing touchdowns with 36 while leading the Great Danes to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs this past season, where they would fall to the eventual champions, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
After starting his career with Old Dominion, Poffenbarger transferred to Albany for two highly successful seasons before now heading to South Florida, where he’ll have two more years of eligibility.
In competition with Poffenbarger are the three scholarship quarterbacks on Miami’s roster.
The ‘Canes have Emory Williams, who showed promise in his two games this past year but remains out with an arm injury suffered against Florida State. Jaccuri Brown, who started for the ‘Canes in the Pinstripe Bowl, will be a junior next season. Both of those young quarterbacks have flashed the potential that they have.
Miami also has a quarterback signee, Judd Anderson, coming onto campus in the spring to battle with the quarterback group that now includes Poffenbarger.
This competition will continue through the spring and summer. Miami may not even be done adding through the transfer portal, but they have a winner who can fill up the stat sheet in Poffenbarger.
Strong second half propels Miami past No. 16 Clemson
The Miami Hurricanes made a statement in their first game of the new year, defeating the No. 16 Clemson Tigers 95-82 at home. The win was the Hurricanes’ fifth straight victory against a ranked ACC opponent.
Nijel Pack, Norchad Omier and Matthew Cleveland led the way for the Hurricanes, as each scored over 20 points in the victory. All five of Miami’s starters reached double-digit points for the fourth time this season.
The ‘Canes started the game seemingly trying to shake off the cobwebs of the holiday weekend, going down 41-35 at the end of the first half.
Omier sat for a significant portion of the half due to early foul trouble, and his absence effectively neutralized Miami’s interior offense. The Hurricanes made a paltry 31.8% of their attempts from inside the arc, scored only 10 points in the paint and failed to attempt any free throws during the first half.
The lone first-half bright spot for the ‘Canes was freshman Kyshawn George, who started in place of the injured Wooga Poplar. George’s 12 first-half points helped keep the team afloat during an otherwise underwhelming offensive performance.
But Miami’s halftime adjustments worked to perfection, as it erupted for 60 points in the second half.
Omier’s return to the game — he was on the floor for almost the entire second half — jumpstarted Miami’s interior offense. The Hurricanes’ newfound aggressiveness at the rim led to 26 points in the paint and 15 free throw attempts.
Pack did not miss in the second half, shooting 6-for-6 from the field and 6-for-6 from the free throw line, amassing 20 points in the process.
Hustle plays were also crucial for the Hurricanes. Clemson’s four fast break points paled in comparison to Miami’s 15. Bensley Joseph recorded four steals, one shy of Clemson’s total for the game. Joseph’s 2.2 steals per game average is third-best in the ACC.
Clemson’s biggest threat in this game was senior center PJ Hall, who came into the matchup averaging the most blocks (2.2) and second-most points (20.5) per game in the ACC. But Miami’s defense held strong, holding the talented big man to 17 points. Hall failed to record a block, turned the ball over four times, and fouled out of the game with just over two minutes remaining.
The win moves the Hurricanes to a 2-0 conference record and an 11-2 record overall. Both marks are tied for the best in the ACC.
Miami heads to Winston-Salem for its next matchup, an ACC bout against Wake Forest, on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.