Mario Cristobal is a former offensive lineman and line coach. Like most players who spent their careers in the trenches, he values toughness above all else. He understands that at times a player might not be the fastest or even the strongest on the field, but that's when physical and mental toughness can be the difference.
Miami's toughness came through in the fourth quarter in Wednesday's Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State. The Buckeyes made some keen adjustments in the second half and gained almost 300 yards on offense. But it was those final 10 minutes when Miami's toughness came through.