After their 44-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday, the Miami football team dropped to 25th nationally by ESPN. Miami is third overall in the ACC Coastal Division behind North Carolina and Virginia Tech. The Hokies upset the Tar Heels 17-10 on Friday night. North Carolina is 21st in the ESPN Power Rankings and Virginia Tech 24th.
Virginia Tech moved into the Power Rankings after defeating North Carolina in Blacksburg on Friday night. The Hokies victory likely makes the ACC Coastal Division a three-team race in 2021. Miami plays at North Carolina on October 16 and hosts Virginia Tech on November 20. All three had offensive struggles this weekend.
Miami had 266 yards of offense in their loss to Alabama. North Carolina outgained Virginia Tech 354 to 296. The Tar Heels committed three turnovers to two for the Hokies. Miami had three turnovers on Saturday to one for Alabama. Virginia Tech exceeded expectations with their win but will be an underdog against Miami.
ESPN commented on North Carolina star quarterback Sam Howell throwing three interceptions against Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech took a 14-0 lead into halftime in a game North Carolina entered as the 10th ranking team nationally. Miami was 14th in the preseason rankings. Virginia Tech was ranked under others receiving votes.
https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/status/1434351654220886018?s=20
"25. Miami Hurricanes (0-1)Is it fair to judge the Canes considering the team they faced in Atlanta? Probably not. But that’s the gig, right, coach Manny Diaz? “College football is famous for overreactions after Week 1,” Diaz said. “That’s not what this team is all about. You just don’t get your story written after one game into the season.We’re just not there yet. The guys in the locker room, if anything, what happened today will bring them even closer together.” So will the schedule, with four straight home games — D’Eriq King’s first at Hard Rock Stadium — and it begins with a tough one against Appalachian State. — (Ryan) McGee"
Diazs line about Week one being (in)famous for overreactions has been quoted by mulitple national media websites. The Miami football team has a chance to redeem themselves with a solid season. That starts on Saturday against Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are one of the best Group of Five teams.
All seven Coastal Division teams won titles from 2013-19. North Carolina won the Coastal in 2015, Virginia Tech in 2016 and Miami in 2017. Divisions were eliminated last season because of COVID and the addition to Notre Dame in football solely for the 2020 season. North Carolina was the preseason pick to win the Coastal.
Virginia Tech road the emotion and passion of their crowd to defeat North Carolina. Miami hosting Virginia Tech this season should be an advantage. Miami has won the last two in Blackburg. Lane Stadium is one of the best homefield advantages nationally. The road team has won the last three between Miami and Virginia Tech.
The ACC Coastal Division hierarchy could shift for most of the season. In addition to Miami hosting Appalachian State, Georgia State is at North Carolina and Virginia Tech hosts Middle Tennessee State this weekend. The MIami football team begins ACC play on September 30 against Virginia. The Coastal will be competitive in 2021.