Miami football 2021 season not defined by Alabama game
Alabama defeated Ohio State 52-24 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January. Even with 19 starters back opening the season against the Crimson Tide is a difficult task for the Miami football team. The outcome for the Hurricanes against the Crimson Tide will not define their 2021 season.
Alabama against the Miami football team was determined to be the 10th most defining game of the 2021 season by 247 Sports earlier this week. The battle at Mercedes Benz Stadium between the two high-profile college football programs could have an impact on the 2021 College Football Playoff.
Alabama has routinely steamrolled opponents in their season openers under Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide has defeated ranked opponents by an average of 23 points in six season openers during the Saban era. Only three finished the season ranked. Under Saban, Alabama has won by 25 PPG against Power Five opponents.
After the game against Alabama, Miami will return to Hard Rock Stadium for four straight home games. Miami will host Group of Five power Appalachian State, Michigan State, FCS Central Connecticut State and Virginia to begin ACC play. The Hurricanes have to be ready for Appalachian State.
Suffering a hangover no matter what the outcome against Alabama is a possibility. Alabama has won every season opener under Nick Saban by at least 10 points. The Crimson Tide has played a Power Five opponent in every season opener since 2012. Miami opens against an SEC team for the third time in the last four seasons.
Miami lost 33-17 to LSU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in the 2018 season opener and 24-20 to Florida at Camping World Stadium in Orlando to commence the 2019 campaign. Miami defeated Alabama-Birmingham to begin the 2020 season. The 2022 Miami opener has not been determined yet.
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Maintaining focus each week will determine the success of the 2021 Miami football team. With two challenging games in the two weeks subsequent to playing Alabama could set up for the Hurricanes digging themselves a hole if they get overly focused on Alabama. The potential is also there for a springboard to a great season.