The defensive effort in the 1st Quarter was good, yes, but the defensive effort the rest of the game, eh, back to not so good. And the offense couldn't get it done in the 3rd. Miami spots us 28 points and we still almost lose at the last second.

I mean, there is definitely bright spots for sure (again, we play a mean 1st quarter, and unlike with Duke we actually took it away a lot, which indicates a step up of some sort for the D in any case) but the general problems remain: against P5 teams we're constantly outcoached in the 3rd quarter and when our O collapses, the D (super young) gets winded and then gets exponentially worse, and the pile on begins. Nothing has changed from last week to this week in regards to the things that Will/Chris/Etc pointed out, aside from a small boost in defensive play and no turnovers from the O. Those two bright spots are like small flashlights in a moonless night, not much to say "hey, dawn is breaking after all!".

I will say that the team sounded like they were more focused and playing as a team instead of a befuddled mass, which is an improvement. But its going to take more of these results (i.e. straight up wins) to change the conclusions reached last week (which were reached over the course of a truly horrific 12 game stretch, from last year).

I was on the rationalization train too last year, but Duke broke me, and this bare win at Miami has not repaired me.