For the third time in the last four seasons, the Miami football program is opening the season with a neutral site game against an SEC team. Miami lost 33-17 against LSU in the 2018 season opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and was defeated 24-20 against Florida at Camping World Stadium in Orlando in 2019.
The Hurricanes open the 2021 season against defending National Champion Alabama at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The other season opener Miami has had against a Power Five team since 2012 was a 31-13 loss at Louisville in the Cardinals ACC debut in 2014. Miami last won an opener against a Power Five team in 2012.
Miami defeated the Eagles 41-32 at Hard Rock Stadium to open the season in 2012. The Hurricanes opened the season against FCS opponents from 2015-2017. Games against FCS opponents accomplish little. Players who do not normally receive playing time receive snaps against FCS opponents.
It is difficult to gauge how well a player performs against FCS opponents with the level of competition significantly inferior. The Hurricanes defeated Bethune-Cookman in 2015 and 2017 and Florida A&M in 2016 season openers by a combined 156-13. Those games do not count towards six wins needed for bowl qualification.
Miami last 10 season openers
| Year | Opponent | Site | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Alabama | Atlanta | September 4 |
| 2020 | UAB | Home | W 31-14 |
| 2019 | Florida | Orlando | L 24-20 |
| 2018 | LSU | Arlington, Texas | L 33-17 |
| 2017 | Bethune-Cookman | Home | W 41-13 |
| 2016 | Florida A&M | Home | W 70-3 |
| 2015 | Bethune-Cookman | Home | W 45-0 |
| 2014 | Louisville | Louisville | L 31-13 |
| 2013 | Florida Atlantic | Home | W 34-6 |
| 2012 | Boston College | Chesnut Hill | W 41-32 |
The Miami football team opened the 2013 season with a 34-6 victory over Florida Atlantic. The Hurricanes do not have their 2022 season opener scheduled yet. Miami will host Southern Mississippi on September 10, 2022 and play at Texas A&M on September 17. The Hurricanes open the 2023 season at home against Miami (Ohio).
In 2024 Miami will open the season at Florida. Playing season openers against Power Five opponents is exciting for the fans, but difficult for coaching staffs. Coaches likely prefer season openers against FCS or Group of Five opponents to ease into the season and be able to grade their players’ performances.
Starting off the season 0-1 particularly if it is a blowout creates pressure from the fanbase. The 2021 season opener for Miami could not be any more difficult. Miami will be in the spotlight Labor Day weekend in the 3:30 PM kickoff against Alabama. Clemson plays Georgia later that night in the marquee game opening weekend.