Miami’s rise under Cristobal takes the Hurricanes home to play for a national title

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Mario Cristobal returned to South Florida to find his alma mater in disarray.

A national powerhouse during Cristobal’s playing days, Miami had slipped out of prominence for the better part of 20 years, a handful of losing seasons sprinkled with mid-level bowl appearances.

Cristobal’s goal when he was hired was to recreate a winning culture, put the Hurricanes in the mix for national championships again. Four years later, the Hurricanes will play for their first national championship since 2001 ...