The Miami Hurricanes football team finished its 2019 season on a sour note last month when the team endured a 14-0 defeat at the hands of Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. The loss sunk the team to a 6-7 finish in its first season under head coach Manny Diaz and marked the first time since 1994 that the Hurricanes were shutout in a bowl game.

Of course, the ugly loss in Shreveport, Louisiana the day after Christmas wasn't the first time in 2019 that the Hurricanes failed to show up against a Group of Five opponents. Miami reached arguably one of its lowest points in program history in November when the team was upended by Florida International, 30-24. The Hurricanes had won three straight games entering that matchup before ending the year on a three-game skid, starting with that loss.

And according to a new report, the embarrassment that occurred vs. FIU at Marlins Park in November may have pointed at off-field issues -- particularly, the culture within Miami football -- for a program that is still looking to work its way back to the top of the college football landscape.

On Sunday, the Miami Herald released a report in which multiple sources around the team -- including a "veteran" player -- expressed concern that several players are more focused on partying than football. The Hurricanes quarterback room is said to be a particular area of concern, as the report stated there were "missteps" regarding the maturity of starting quarterback Jarren Williams.

The report also indicated that a number of players violated the team's curfew policy and went out the night before the shocking loss to FIU.

From the Miami Herald:

"That player - and other sources around the team - say a few players seem more concerned with partying than focusing on football and that a handful (including a prominent one on offense) broke curfew the night before the FIU loss to go out. It didn’t help that players are aware that UM’s drug policy does not call for a suspension for a first failed drug test; that policy was taken advantage of, according to numerous sources.

All of that had one regular on the team hoping Diaz becomes more of a disciplinarian next season. Diaz apparently realizes this. We’re told Diaz reminded players before the Independence Bowl that breaking curfew, drinking and smoking weed would not be permitted.

A source said Diaz has discussed implementing a three-strike system in which the first failed test is a one-game suspension, a second failed test is a multi-game suspension and a drug education course; and a third failed test results in dismissal. It’s unclear if that system will be implemented ...

And the other issue is that a few players felt players could get away with some things without being punished, such as Jarren Williams not showing up for a practice and then playing (off the bench) the following Saturday. One player said there were multiple missteps with Williams regarding maturity."

In the loss to FIU, the Hurricanes were poor in nearly every facet of offensive and defensive play. Williams completed 19-of-36 passes for 249 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He was largely ineffective for the first three quarters of the game.

Williams, as a freshman, earned the starting job for the Hurricanes this past fall after beating out N'Kosi Perry, who started six games for Miami the previous season. Also in the mix last offseason was Tate Martell, who transferred from Ohio State after the 2018 season and brought high expectations with him to Miami before underwhelming in the spring and into fall camp.

Defensively, the Hurricanes didn't generate a single sack in the FIU loss. FIU quarterback James Morgan finished the game completing 16-of-30 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Anthony Jones rushed for 112 yards and one touchdown.

“This is obviously a very, very dark night," Diaz said after the loss to FIU. "One of the lowest points ever in this proud program’s history. I take full ownership and responsibility of that and the way that we played tonight. We did nothing to give ourselves a chance to win the football game with turnovers, penalties, red-zone, third-down defense. The things that good football teams do, we could not do."

Miami will open the 2020 season vs. Temple on at home on Saturday, Sept. 5. For the meantime though, Miami finds itself in the early stages of what is bound to be a long offseason -- one that is sure to feature plenty of soul-searching for Diaz and Co. as the Hurricanes look to right the ship in his second year at the helm.