The Miami football team enters their game Friday night at North Carolina State on ESPN with a 5-1 record against the 4-2 Wolfpack.
The Miami football team heads to Raleigh, North Carolina with a two-game winning streak and 5-1 record. Miami needs a win over 4-2 North Carolina State. The Hurricanes won the last meeting with the Wolfpack 27-13 in Raleigh in 2016 behind 139 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns from Mark Walton.
Miami holds a 3-0 record all-time as a ranked team against N.C. State. Bailey Hockman will start for the second straight game replacing starting quarterback Devin Leary who is expected to be out for the next two to six weeks after suffering a broken fibula against Duke three weeks ago.
Hockman was 14-24 for 215 yards, one TD and an interception in the 48-21 North Carolina State loss to North Carolina. True freshman Ben Finley was 13-20 for 143 yards, one TD and two interceptions in the loss to the Tar Heels, splitting time with Hockman. Hockman will start but Finley will likely receive playing time.
Miami will play in primetime for the sixth time in seven games this season. North Carolina State will play in primetime for the third time this season and for the first time since they lost 45-24 on September 19. Miami is more used to playing in primetime, but those games can often be difficult even with a limited crowd.
"Game information:Friday, November 6, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPNCarter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, North Carolina#10/#11 MIAMI HURRICANES (5-1, 4-1 ACC)HEAD COACH: Manny Diaz (Florida State, 1995) | CAREER: 11-8 (second season) | AT MIAMI: 11-8 (second)NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK (4-2, 4-2 ACC)HEAD COACH: Dave Doeren (Drake, 1994) | CAREER: 74-47 (10th season) | AT NC STATE: 51-43 (eighth)Courtesy MiamiHurricanes.Com"
Miami will play in the ABC/ESPN spotlight for the fourth time this season. The Hurricanes defeated Louisville in week two, Florida State a week later and lost to Clemson following a bye. Friday night will be the first appearance for Miami this season on ESPN without lead announcers Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit.
Miami won last season against Virginia 17-9 in a Friday night game on ESPN at Hard Rock Stadium. Going on the road for primetime games often poses a big challenge. The Hurricanes lost its last Friday night road game at Boston College in 2018. Miami will also face their second backup QB in the last three games.
"Broadcast information:Television (ESPN)• Jason Benetti (play by play)• Andre Ware (color)• Marty Smith (sidelines)Flagship Radio (560 WQAM)• Joe Zagacki (play-by-play)• Don Bailey, Jr. (color)• Josh Darrow (sidelines)Spanish Radio (Unanimo Deportes)• Alfredo Alvarez (play-by-play)• Jose Martinez (color)"
Having four primetime appearances this season helps Manny Diaz and the Miami Football program to continue to build its brand. With college football programs restricted from recruiting, it is important for prospects to be able to see Miami perform. The Hurricanes are 2-1 on ABC/ESPN this season.
The remainder of the Miami football with game times and networks has yet to be announced. With an extra day off, Miami is scheduled to play at Virginia Tech next on November 14. The Hurricanes and Hokies with Notre Dame at Boston College will have their game times next week be decided after this weekend.