ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit Predicts Miami Football Will Win ACC Coastal
ESPN College Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit predicts that Miami Football will win the ACC’s Coastal Division. He expects the Hurricanes to play Florida State in the ACC Championship game.
Herbstreit discussed the outlook for the Miami Football season during a preseason conference call discussing the College Football season. The former Ohio State quarterback was asked about his thoughts on the Miami Football season and how they stack up to Florida State.
Herbstreit and Chris Fowler will get a chance to see the Hurricanes and Seminoles in person September 16 in Tallahassee. The game between Miami and Florida State will be the Saturday night game of the week. It marks the second straight season that Herbstreit and Fowler are calling the matchup between the ‘Canes and Noles.
The Hurricanes will be hoping to break a seven game losing streak to Florida State. Should the season turn out how the prognosticators expect it to, UM might get a chance to beat FSU twice this season.
The only time they met twice was during the 2003 season. Miami won both of those meetings. The second game came in the Orange Bowl.
Miami’s offense is going to fall on the shoulders of running back Mark Walton, wide receiver Ahmmon Richards and tight end Chris Herndon. Those three bring the most experience to the Miami Football team on the offensive side of the ball.
Herbstreit discussed the Hurricanes offense during the conference call.
"“They’re going to be able to run the ball with Mark Walton. They’re going to be able to make plays with the receivers they have, [but] it’s impossible to know how good they’re going to be at quarterback…Is it just going to be, ‘Hey, don’t lose the game’ or is it going to be a guy that can actually make plays?…"
Miami Head Coach Mark Richt is likely to find a balance with Rosier. He has repeatedly discussed the importance of his quarterback knowing the time to attempt a big play and how critical it is to take care of the ball.
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Herbstreit continued to elaborate on the outlook for Malik Rosier who was named the Miami Hurricanes starting quarterback on Tuesday.
"“I really can’t have a strong opinion about the Miami quarterback situation until we see them play, probably the first few games. I know their third game is on the road in Tallahassee and that’s when we’ll obviously have an idea. But this defense is going to be outstanding. Last year they were great and most of them are back this year."
When Herbstreit says most of them are back that applies to the front seven on defense. Miami has had to rebuild the secondary. The players on Miami’s roster in the secondary have made a combined nine starts at the collegiate level.
Jaquan Johnson who will start this season at rover has five career starts. Malek Young started five at cornerback as a Freshman last season. He is likely slated for nickleback this year.
Herbstreit does see the Miami Football team headed for a rematch with Florida State in the ACC Championship team this season.
"“I think Miami’s going to end up winning their division and I think they’ll end up playing Florida State in the ACC championship this year”"
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It’s a matchup that Hurricanes fans have been anticipating since Miami joined the ACC in 2004. It’s a shame the game is returning to Charlotte this season. The game was moved to Orlando in 2016.