Miami would meet up with its newest nemesis Clemson. Let’s presume that the Hurricanes lost to the Tigers in the ACC Championship game.
The Hurricanes enter the 2018 season with losses to Clemson in four of their last six meetings. A loss in the ACC Championship game would be five out of seven and even the all-time series at six apiece.
The other South Regional Semifinal would be between seven seed LSU, who Miami opens the season against, and third-seeded Michigan State. The Hurricanes have a home and home with the Spartans in 2020 and ’21.
Can Miami compete with Clemson? The doubters have to be there nationally. Clemson has outscored Miami 96-3 in their last two meetings. No matter when the Hurricanes and Tigers meet next that number will be prevalent.
"Regional semifinals (1) Clemson 45, (4) Miami 20: The Canes will be just a bit motivated after dropping their past two games to Clemson by a combined score of 96-3. Mark Richt’s team competes well and takes a halftime lead before Christian Wilkins,Dexter Lawrence and the Clemson defensive line slam the door. Kelly Bryant throws two second-half touchdowns, and the Tigers move on."
Next: Could Miami LSU define 2018 College Football Season?
Getting to the Regional Semifinals in any national tournament is a big accomplishment. It would be hard to get excited about wins over UCLA and Mississippi, but anytime you survive and advance it’s something to celebrate.