ESPN names 2025 Miami X Factor that was a 2024 weakness

Nov 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back OJ Frederique Jr. (29) reacts after breaking pass against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesInconsistency in the secondary was a significant problem for Miami in 2024. ESPN named the Miami secondary as an X-factor entering the 2025 season. Mario Cristobal made the secondary a priority during the 2025 offseason with coaching and personnel changes.

Cristobal replaced defensive coordinator Lance Guidry with Corey Hetherman from Minnesota and hired Zac Etheridge as the defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach…