Can the Miami Hurricanes challenge Clemson in the ACC
In an article titled “Has Any ACC Challenger Upgraded Enough to Scare Clemson?” Sports Illustrated took a post-spring look at the ACC. They examined whether the Miami Hurricanes or anyone else was a serious threat to Clemson’s stranglehold on the Conference Championship.
Sports Illustrated’s main analysis examined Clemson, Florida State and the Miami Hurricanes. The mentioned Boston College running back A.J. Dillon battling with the Seminoles Cam Akers to be the best running back in the ACC and that “Virginia Tech will be a serious threat as long as Justin Fuente.” The primary focus was on the Seminoles and the Hurricanes though.
"Chris Johnson who wrote the article said: “Florida State may make a leap in Taggart’s first season.”"
If Malik Rosier can step his game up another level or Jarren Williams or N’Kosi Perry can play to the level or their talent, how serious of a contender can Miami be? A lot of the Miami Hurricanes fan base wanted to blame Rosier for the Hurricanes three consecutive losses to end last season.
The season-ending injuries to Miami’s three best playmakers, Mark Walton, Christopher Herndon and Ahmmon Richards left the Hurricanes made it difficult on the Hurricanes offense for the final two games of the season. Not many offenses or quarterbacks would be able to play well in that situation.
Sports IIlustrated’s biggest question for the Miami Hurricanes was the play at quarterback. SI proclaimed the competitions to be the starting quarterback for Clemson and Miami to be the “most compelling QB battle(s)” in the ACC heading into the fall.
SI touched on Rosier being the favorite to retain the starting quarterback job for Miami, him having to beat out four-star QBs Perry and Williams and Richt saying that the competition to be the starter was open “until the bitter end.” Richt said earlier this spring that the quarterback competition could be ongoing throughout the season.
Sports Illustrated expects either or both of Williams and Perry to get snaps this year. Richt would not commit to a primary backup last week during an appearance on the Joe Rose show. That is likely to evolve. Based on his Richt’s comments throughout the spring expect that also to be evolving.
Related Story: Mark Richt says Malik Rosier ought to be the starter
Williams is the more accurate passer. Perry is known for his big arm,speed and ability to move. Richt did say that Williams was a better passer than they thought he would be at this point. Williams is throwing the ball well. His issues were more that he didn’t always know where to go with it.
As expected and as should be expected Sports Illustrated has Clemson as the overwhelming favorite in the ACC. Can anyone challenge the Tigers this season? Sports Illustrated pondered the same question.
"“Which, if any, teams in the conference can rise up to dethrone the Tigers”."
They mentioned Clemson’s deep defensive line with four potential 2019 first round draft picks, their bevy of quarterbacks and several big play threats on offense as why the Tigers are still the overwhelming favorite.
Miami is the team that Sports Illustrated seems to think is Clemson’s most serious challenger. The eponymous sports magazine said.
"“Miami might be the strongest candidate, particularly if the QB derby the Hurricanes are waging results in an enhanced passing game, though even that probably isn’t enough to close the gap.”"
It’s hard for Miami to have moral victories based on what the program used to be. That’s in the past though. Richt is on his way to restoring to Miami to an elite college football program nationally.
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It would also be difficult to get to the ACC Championship and lose again. If Miami gets there and makes the game competitive this year, that has to be considered a year of growth.