CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) - It wasn’t the outcome Miami Hurricanes fans hoped for, but they supported their football team every step of the way.
Monday night’s tough loss at the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium saw fans exiting the venue with their heads held high.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, fans told 7News they’re grateful for an incredible season.
“I just can’t wait to see what happens next year. I don’t see this to be the end; I feel like it’s just a step in the next direction,” said University of Miami student Jude Franklin.
“I’m grateful, you know, it’s still a crazy run and I think, like, next year we still have a great shot,” said UM student Gaige Morse.
Going into Monday night’s nail-biter, fans were optimistic they could bring home the National Championship Trophy, but as the final seconds ticked away, reality settled in.
“Tough, but the game was amazing,” said UM student Jackson Kuster.
“We fought hard, and it was a good season. We’ll be back next year,” said Franklin.
From the Hard Rock to UM’s Coral Gables campus, people watched as the Canes fell to the Indiana Hoosiers following a heartbreaking interception on the final drive.
“It looked like they were driving down the field, then obviously, the outcome was disappointing,” said Canes fan Philip Krause.
“It’s definitely been a fun first year, seeing our team win this much, it’s still a good game, I think, and you know, as a 10 seed coming in and playing Indiana, giving them a real run for their money, I don’t think any other team has done that,” said Franklin.
Across campus, students said it was difficult to process that they didn’t wake up to celebrate a championship.
“It was a little tough getting up this morning,” said UM student Steven Chatfield.
“It was a tough loss, but, you know, I’m happy the team made it there,” said UM student Aidan Hinson.
Canes fans reflected on the season and remain hopeful that they will come back better and stronger next year.
“Both teams played incredible, it’s been an amazing season, and I hope to see us come back next semester, potentially get back to the natty again, but incredibly proud to be a Hurricane and go Canes,” said Kuster.
“I watched our team change our culture around, we went from a team that just kind of was accepting that they were mediocre, getting a couple NFL picks, to I really feel like coach [Mario] Cristobal has created a culture of hard work, there’s just dogs on that field,” said Franklin. “Hopefully, next year we’re going to be raising the championship.”
On Tuesday night, energetic Canes fans returned to the Watsco Center to cheer on their basketball team, who took on the Florida State Seminoles.
“All the fans are very supportive no matter what happens,” Canes fan Courtney Mitin.
“Tough loss. Big game, big team. I mean, this year, with their quarterback, they went pretty far,” said Canes fan Zak Mitin.
Many fans agreed while it was a tough loss to stomach, their team has made incredible strides.
“It was hard to lose that way, you know, with a blocked punt for a touchdown and everything, but great season, that team never quit. Past teams would’ve just given up and laid down when they got down by 10, like, three times,” said Canes fan Mark Ardois. “It hurts right now, but the future is bright.”
While the Canes didn’t win, a Cinderella story involving Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Cuban-American and Columbus High School graduate, came to its fairy tale ending.
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