Miami football weekend is a win despite outcome versus Alabama
The Miami football team has won their weekend before they take the field against Alabama at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Playing the Crimson Tide provides the Hurricanes with national exposure and a chance to test themselves against the preeminent program in college football. Miami also received a boost on Friday night.
Tenth-ranked North Carolina who was the preseason pick to win the ACC Coastal Division lost its season opener 17-10 at Virginia Tech on Friday night. The win by the Hokies helps the Miami football team in its quest for a second Coastal Division title. Miami plays at North Carolina on October 16.
The loss by the Tar Heels to the Hokies provides Miami more margin for error this season in the quest to get to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game in December. Virginia Tech plays at Miami on November 20. The game in Blacksburg is the Hurricanes penultimate game of the 2021 regular season.
Most college football analysts and fans are skeptical about how well Miami can compete against Alabama. A strong performance by the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon against the best program in college football will make a statement. Miami can validate itself against Alabama by being competitive.
A win by the Hurricanes against the Crimson Tide would make anyone who follows college football take notice. If Miami shocks the world in Atlanta, it can influence recruiting. Normally one game would not impact recruiting, but Alabama is arguably the biggest game Miami has played since the 2002 Fiesta Bowl.
Miami has played Clemson three times since 2015, but the season opener against Alabama feels different. In the first game of the season, most eyes of college football on Atlanta against the defending national championship and preseason number one team. Miami history was frequently playing in games like Saturday.
For Miami to return to the elite of college football, the Hurricanes need to continue playing in marquee games. Miami needs to win big games. Miami defeated Virginia Tech and Notre Dame in back-to-back ABC Primetime Game in 2017. ESPN College Gameday made its first Coral Gables appearance for the Notre Dame Game.
Miami against Alabama will have bowl atmosphere. dark. Next
The build-up to the 2021 season opener has been bigger for the Miami football team than any other in recent memory. Playing against Alabama and showing they belong is the next step for the Hurricanes. On Saturday, the Gameday crew stated the need for Miami to compete against Alabama.