The Miami football program was able to avenge two of its losses in 2019 with victories over Duke and Virginia Tech in 2020. Miami suffered their second straight loss to North Carolina in 2020 and enters 2021 with a two-game losing streak against Georgia Tech. Miami versus Georgia Tech was canceled in 2020 due to COVID.
Miami will not have a chance to avenge 2019 losses to Florida International and Louisiana Tech anytime soon. Miami lost its season opener in 2019 to Florida. The Hurricanes open the 2024 season at the Gators. North Carolina is the only team on the 2021 Miami football schedule that defeated Miami in 2020.
The Hurricanes also lost to Clemson and Oklahoma State in 2020. If Miami wins the ACC Coastal Division, the Hurricanes would almost definitely get another chance to play Clemson. The Hurricanes and Tigers will play in 2022 at Clemson. Miami lost 37-34 to Oklahoma State in the 2020 Cheez-it Bowl.
The Hurricanes last defeated North Carolina 47-10 in 2018. That was the Tar Heels last season under former head coach Larry Fedora before bringing back prodigal son Mack Brown for his second stint as the replacement. Miami last defeated Georgia Tech 25-24 on a Michael Badgley field goal with four seconds remaining in 2017.
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The current two-game losing streak to Georgia Tech is the first the Hurricanes have had against the Yellow Jackets since Miami lost four in a row from 2005-2008. Miami and North Carolina have alternated two game-winning streaks in their series for the last eight seasons. This season could be the biggest between Miami and UNC.
North Carolina is the consensus favorite in the ACC Coastal Division with Miami projected to finished second. Miami plays at North Carolina on October 16. The 2021 season will be made by more than avenging the current losing streaks to Georgia Tech and North Carolina but wins against the two help establish a foundation.
Establishing consistent wins over their rivals helps re-establish Miami as at least the pre-eminent program in the Coastal. Miami defeated the last two Coastal Division Champions, Pittsburgh in 2018 and Virginia in 2019. ACC Divisions were on hiatus in 2020. Clemson and Notre Dame played in the 2020 ACC Championship Game.