The Miami Hurricanes kickoff their season against the LSU Tigers in Arlington, Texas on September 2. They conclude it with difficult games against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.
It was an absolutely exciting season for the Miami Hurricanes in 2017. The Canes dominated their way to a 10-0 start to the season. Although they lost their last three games by double digits, the Canes made their statement.
Miami hopes to have the same success as last year excluding the losses and going undefeated in 2018. That is very possible for the Miami Hurricanes. Opening up against LSU in Arlington, Texas and finishing off the season with difficult games against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.
Here is how the 12 games in 2018 ranks in toughness:
12. SEPT 8 VS. SAVANNAH STATE: After the season opener against LSU, Miami plays Savannah State at Home. This should be a breeze for the Canes. FCS Savannah State was 3-8 in 2017.
11. SEPT 22 VS. FIU: Going back to 2006 when FIU and Miami had their infamous brawl, this rivalry is renewed in 2018. The Panthers went 8-5 last year with new head coach Butch Davis leading the way. However, without a doubt, the Canes should easily seal the deal here.
10. SEPT 15 AT TOLEDO: First road game of the year for Miami. This should be another cruise for the Hurricanes. Toledo is coming off an 11-3 season which caught the eye of many. Question is, who will the Rockets quarterback be?
9. SEPT 27 VS NORTH CAROLINA: UNC has always given Miami trouble through the years. Despite the Tar Heels 3-9 2017 season. The Canes won by only five last year. Miami should win but must improve from last year’s performance.
8. NOV 3 VS DUKE: Duke 7-6 was last season. The Blue Devils have a lot of silent talent on their team coming into this year. Once again, another victory here for Miami at home. Their performance needs to increase.
7. OCT 13 AT VIRGINIA: Miami needed a comeback to beat the Cavaliers last year 44-28. The Cavaliers lost a lot of their players from last year. Miami should come out on top once again in Charlottesville, Virginia.
6. NOV 10 AT GEORGIA TECH: The Yellow Jackets are coming back from a disappointing 5-6 season. Facing their triple option is never easy. The Hurricanes had to rally late last season to win on a last-second field goal. Miami should take this one as well on the road.
5. OCT 26 AT BOSTON COLLEGE: This is where things get a little shaky. Miami cannot take this game lightly going into Eagles territory. It is most likely going to be cold in Boston around this time of year. It should also be in a pretty hectic atmosphere.
BC has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and can play well. The Canes must play up to par.
4. NOV 24 VS PITTSBURGH: Pittsburgh ruined the Miami Hurricanes perfect season last year. The Canes seek revenge in an important ACC game in the last game of the regular season.
3. SEPT 2 VS LSU (ARLINGTON, Texas): The Tigers have big question marks at the quarterback and running back positions. Miami and LSU play in the opener in AT&T Stadium. LSU has a lot of talent. They will put Miami to the test. A very winnable game for both teams, this is going to be a tough and fun showdown to watch.
2. OCT 6 VS FLORIDA STATE: The game every Canes fan looks forward to every year. No matter where, when, or what each teams record is this is a serious battle every year for both teams.
Miami came away with a victory in Tallahassee in 2017, breaking their seven-game losing streak to the Seminoles. A must watch game every year for College Football in general as this is going to be another great ACC showdown.
1. NOV 17 AT VIRGINIA TECH: A legit team to take the Coastal Division crown, the Canes travel to Blacksburg, Virginia on a cold November night. We all know the kind of atmosphere the Hokies provide. The Canes must bring their A game. This game will most likely define the season for Miami to play for an ACC Title.
The last three games can be ranked in any order. The Virginia Tech game could be Miami’s most important game every season. The Hurricanes and Hokies should be the most consistent teams in the ACC Coastal for years to come.
The LSU and Florida State games might have more eyes of the nation watching. Miami might have to make a statement against the Tigers. It is the only game being played on September 2. That is the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
Next: Is Miami football getting ready to flip the Florida State rivalry?
Miami learned last season at Heinz Field you cannot be caught looking ahead. The loss to Pittsburgh potentially cost the Hurricanes an College Football Playoff bid.