The Hurricanes need to toughen up when the going gets rough.
That, basically, is what defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said Wednesday during his first media access following the 33-17 victory by now-No. 11 LSU over now-No. 22 Miami.
The 50-yard LSU touchdown sprint by tailback Nick Brossette was the play that broke UM’s spirit and began a 23-point barrage by the Tigers — to which the Hurricanes failed to immediately fight back and show some grit, indicated Diaz.
“The game wasn’t an issue of tactics,’’ Diaz said. “We made a mistake on a long run and we didn’t respond to it.