Quarterback D’Eriq King is confident that when the Miami Hurricanes take the field against Alabama on September 4 the game will be competitive. In an appearance on Stephen A’s World this week with eponymous host Stephen A. Smith on ESPN this week, King said he is excited about opening the season against Alabama.
King is the perfect leader. The Miami Hurricanes are a prohibitive underdog against Alabama. The Hurricanes’ signal-caller is confident in his ability to lead Miami to victory. A Miami win over Alabama next month would be the first for the Hurricanes over the number one team since a 2000 victory over Florida State.
Entering the game with confidence and not being in awe of Alabama will be important if Miami hopes to pull off a victory that would shock college football. Outside of South Florida, most analysts do not give Miami a chance to defeat the defending National Champions. King is excited about the opportunity to play Alabama.
King praises Alabama coach Nick Saban as the best of all time without naming him. A former defensive coordinator, Saban will likely assist Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Pete Golding in devising a game plan for King and the Miami offense. King is also confident in the Hurricanes season.
"“I think there’s no better way to open up your season than vs. the best team of the last decade…Obviously they won that national championship last year. It’s a big task. They have a great team, probably the best head coach (Nick Saban) of all time.So I think we’re looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and compete against those guys, especially in a neutral site in Atlanta in front of thousands and thousands of people. We’re just practicing every day, getting ready for the opportunity to show what we can do.” I’m a very confident guy.I think we’re gonna finish No. 1. I’m never gonna say we’re gonna lose to anybody. I’m super confident, and I’m confident in my teammates. I’m a competitor…I’m not ever gonna go out there and say, ‘We’re gonna lose this game or that game.’ Like I said, I’m looking forward to playing those guys.It’s a big task — one of the best teams in my lifetime the last decade. So excited to play those guys….I think the good thing about preseason rankings is they don’t matter after a couple weeks of the season…I think you said we’re top-15, No. 14 ranking, but we’ve gotta go out there and play every week like we’re not ranked.So we’ve gotta go out there and give it everything we’ve got and try to win every single game we play.”"
D'Eriq King on opening up with Alabama next season: "For this program to take the next step we've got to start winning those games."
— Josh White (@_JoshRWhite) December 26, 2020
King is gaining confidence while being humble. Players need to treat every game the same. Entering every week with confidence while respecting the opponent can contribute to the outcome. Miami won the games they were expected to last season. The next step is winning the big games.
Miami lost its three biggest games in 2020. The Hurricanes were blown out at Clemson in October and by North Carolina at home in December. Miami’s loss to North Carolina cost them a berth in the Orange Bowl game. Instead, Miami lost 37-34 to Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando.
A loss to Alabama would give Miami a three-game losing streak entering the home opener against Appalachian State on September 11. Miami has four straight September games at home. Michigan State, Central Connecticut State and Virginia for the ACC opener are at Hard Rock Stadium the following Appalachian State.
Winning those games will be critical if Miami is to achieve its goals in 2021. Head coach Manny Diaz states the Hurricanes’ goals begin with winning the ACC Coastal Division. The outcome of the Coastal could be decided when Miami plays at North Carolina on October 16. King will have the Miami Hurricanes ready to play.