2025 IS NOT 2024 - EPISODE 268

U Heard! We're back! Last year’s defensive woes? Consider them a bad memory. On this week's episode of "U Heard?", Joe and Benny are putting a stake through the heart of the past and welcoming a new era of Miami Hurricanes football.

Gone is the old defensive staff, replaced by a fresh, and dare we say, witty, group led by new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. We're diving deep into the numbers to see what this new energy could mean for the Canes' defense in 2025. Hetherman's track record at Minnesota is nothing short of impressive: in 2024, his Gophers' defense ranked 9th nationally in points allowed (16.9 per game) and 5th in total defense (285.7 yards per game). They were also tied for 9th in passing defense and 7th in interceptions. This is not your daddy's old-school defense; it's a turnover-hungry, havoc-wreaking machine. The questions from last year's defense—particularly the shockingly thin secondary with only six scholarship DBs to start the season—are finally being answered with exponential roster improvements. We'll break down what this means for Miami's players and what kind of aggressive, lockdown defense we can expect to see on the field.

And that's not all! The conversation shifts to the man taking over the helm of the offense, former Georgia Bulldog Carson Beck. Replacing a No. 1 overall pick is no small task, but as we learned from his time at Georgia, Beck isn't just a game manager. He led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, throwing for 3,485 yards and 28 touchdowns. While he also had 12 interceptions, the talent and veteran presence he brings to the position are undeniable. The U Heard guys will dissect how offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will tailor the offense to Beck's strengths and what a new-look passing attack will do for the Hurricanes' playoff aspirations.

So, buckle up, Canes fans. We’re clearing out the bad energy and getting ready for a season that feels truly different. It's not just a new year, it's a new U, and the Turnover Chain is ready for its triumphant return!