We continue our series with the Miami Hurricanes.
Best / Worse Case Record for :
Louisville | Virginia | Duke | Georgia Tech | Boston College | Pittsburgh | Florida State | Virginia Tech | NC State | Clemson |Syracuse | North Carolina | Wake Forest
Miami
Miami went on a 4 game losing streak to enter November at 4-4. In years past that would have sent the season spiraling out of control. Not in 2016, where 1st year head Mark Richt got the ship righted, and the Canes finished the year playing their best football of the season. They won their final 5 games, which included a route of top 20 ranked West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
The Canes had a solid 9-4 season, are off to a strong recruiting start for their 2018 and there is as much optimism surrounding the Miami program as there as been in a decade. You can’t say Miami is quite back yet, but there is real hope that things are starting to turn.
Will Go 11-1 (7-1) if:
The questions at quarterback can be answered. Miami has talent at RB with Mark Walton, and WR with Ahmmon Richards, but who is going to the throw the ball? The schedule is not that daunting. Miami avoids Clemson, Louisville, and NC State from the Atlantic. They get Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame at home. They should be favored in a large majority of their games.
The defensive line will be among the ACC’s best, which means it will be among the nation’s best. There’s a lot to like about this year’s Miami team, and they could be a darkhorse playoff contender team if they go 11-1.
Will Go 9-3 (5-3) if:
I just don’t see a lot of losses on Miami’s schedule unless the QB position is a complete disaster. Mark Richt is experienced enough as a coach to ensure that won’t happen. That said issues at quarterback could separate a good season from a great one.
There is a game at Florida State, and the Noles enter the season in the top 5. Pittsburgh, Duke, and UNC are tricky road games too, and if the QB play is shaky Miami could get tripped up by Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, or Notre Dame at home to. The secondary will be inexperienced, and Miami might have trouble with a good passing attack.
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