Tennessee
Kyle Bonagura of ESPN has the projection keeping Miami closest to home. Bonagura predicts Miami to play Tennessee in the Duke Mayo Bowl in Charlotte. That would essentially be a road game for Miami Charlotte is only about 230 miles from Knoxville. Miami has never played in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
The Hurricanes did play Clemson in the 2017 ACC Championship Game in Charlotte. Tennessee has won two of the three meetings all-time with Miami. The Volunteers crushed the Hurricanes 35-7 in the 1986 Sugar Bowl. If Miami had won the game, the Hurricanes would have been National Champions.
Tennessee has improved significantly in its first season under Josh Heupel. The Volunteers average 38.8 points per game to rank ninth nationally. Tennessee allows 27.5 PPG to rank 79th. The Volunteers improved from 3-7 in 2020 to 7-5 this season. Miami would face a familiar face against the Volunteers.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker is a transfer from Virginia Tech who led the Hokies to victory at Hard Rock Stadium in 2019. Hooker completed 69 percent of his passes for 2,563 yards 26 TDs, three interceptions and added 560 rushing yards and five TDs during the 2021 season. Under Heupel, Hooker has blossomed.