Miami football response after loss to Alabama will determine 2021 season
How the Miami football team responds following its 44-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday will determine the Hurricanes season. Miami has often had trouble responding to losses in big games in recent seasons. In 2020, Miami won five straight games following its 42-17 loss at Clemson.
The home opener on Saturday against Appalachian State is the first of four straight at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami hosts Michigan State on September 18, Central Connecticut State on September 25 and begins ACC play against Virginia on September 30. Miami has three home games in the final eight weeks of 2021.
Saturday will be the first home game in front of a full crowd since November 2019. Miami defeated Louisville 52-17 in front of 53,111 on November 9, 2019. The Hurricanes’ final three home games of 2021 are against North Carolina State on October 23, Georgia Tech November 6 and Virginia Tech November 23.
Following the loss to Clemson in 2020, the Miami football team returned home and defeated Pittsburgh 31-19. Miami held Pittsburgh to four field goals and one touchdown in the red zone. The win over Pittsburgh was followed up with victories over Virginia, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech and Duke.
Appalachian State comes to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday after defeating East Carolina 33-19 in their season opener in Charlotte on Thursday. Miami won 45-10 at Appalachian State in 2016 in their only meeting. The Mountainers had incredible balance generating 485 yards in their victory over the Pirates.
Appalachian State had 226 yards passing and 259 rushing. The biggest challenge for Miami in the next four games is themselves. Miami has to come out prepared and ready to play. Appalachian State was among others receiving votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll preseason Top 25.
Michigan State won 38-21 at defending Big 10 West Champion Northwestern in its season opener. The Spartans had 511 yards of offense and 326 rushing in their victory over the Wildcats. Miami has two formidable opponents in the next two weeks. CCSU is a good FCS team and Virginia is always competitive.
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Playing their first game in 22 months in front of a fully allowed capacity crowd, Miami needs to play with a sense of purpose against Appalachian State. Miami has to put the loss to Alabama behind them and focus on their next game. It is time for the Hurricanes to make a statement in the next month.