Which College Football Site Has Miami Hurricanes in the Playoff?
The Miami Hurricanes are predicted to win the ACC Coastal Division title for the first time. If they can accomplish that it’s not too much of stretch for them to win the ACC this season.
Would winning the ACC Championship be enough to get the Miami Hurricanes into the College Football Playoff? A lot of that would depend on how the remainder of the season plays out.
If the Hurricanes win the ACC Championship and finish the season with one loss they would have a great chance. A one loss season would mean at least a win over Florida State or Virginia Tech in the regular season. It would also likely mean a marquee win in the ACC Championship game.
It would likely be a shock if anyone other than the Seminoles, Clemson or Louisville wins the ACC Atlantic Division. Some have pegged North Carolina State as a dark horse.
Miami and Virginia Tech are the overwhelming co-favorites to win the ACC Coastal. Although the Hurricanes were dubbed the favorite by the ACC media, the division title is likely to come down to Virginia Tech’s win on November 4.
The College Football News staff projections have two of their experts predicting the Miami Hurricanes to make the College Football Playoff. Georgia writer Joe Vitale and Jeremy Harper of Sun Belt Heat pegged the Hurricanes to be one of the College Football Final Four.
Vitale said:
"@Joe Vitale,UGAFootballLive: Alabama, Washington, Michigan and…..Miami. The U will take care of business in Year Two under former Georgia coach Mark Richt. With a not-that-bad schedule, if the Hurricanes can take out FSU in Tallahassee, then it’s sweet sailing the rest of the way for Richt and Co."
It’s a bit of a stretch to call the rest of Miami’s season smooth sailing. Virginia Tech has defeated Miami three of the last four seasons. Defeating the Hokies will be the key to Miami’s season. It’s a more important game for the Hurricanes than the trip to Tallahassee week three.
A loss to Virginia Tech could make it tough for Miami to win the Coastal. A lot would depend on how they do against Florida State. While some have pointed to what is an advantageous schedule for Miami, they will have a lot of pressure in the other six ACC Games.
Harper did not elaborate as much as Vitale. His pick seems to be more wanting to go off the grid and having Miami as the pick than actually having confidence in the Hurricanes. He says:
"@Jeremy Harper,SunBeltHeat: “It’s always gonna be pretty much the same big brand guys, right? Plus one party crasher? I’ll go with Alabama, Oklahoma, Ohio State and … Miami! No Brad Kaaya? No problem.”"
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Those that question Miami’s ability to get to the playoff or win the ACC
point to Malik Rosier taking over for Brad Kaaya at quarterback as a question mark. The biggest issues for Miami offensively are the lack of depth at running back and tight end.
Defensively the front seven has exceptional talent and depth. The secondary has a lot of talent. Most of it is unproven. Jaquan Johnson started five games at rover last season and Malek Young for at cornerback.
The Hurricanes should be able to replace four productive departed players from last season. In addition to Johnson and Young, Miami has several players challenging for playing time.
Graduate Transfer Dee Delaney was an FCS All-American at the Citadel as a cornerback. Jhavonte Dean was the number one Junior College College cornerback in the country last season. They are the likely starters at the corners with Young as the nickleback. Several other players will challenge for playing time in the secondary.
Next: Five Things Miami Hurricanes Fans Need to Accept
Miami begins its season September 2 against Bethune-Cookman at Hard Rock Stadium.