After week one, the Miami football team is 13th nationally in the ESPN Power Rankings. Miami took care of Bethune-Cookman as expected. The Hurricanes played over 70 players in a dominant victory over the Wildcats. The Miami football team has improvements to make when they host Southern Mississippi on Saturday.
Miami used a balanced offense with 305 yards rushing and 281 passing in the first game for new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. Miami was a 48.5-point favorite against Bethune-Cookman and is a 26-point favorite versus Southern Mississippi on Saturday. Miami has been expected to win the first two weeks.
The Miami football team will have an excellent opportunity to move up in the ESPN power rankings in week three when they play at Texas A&M. A poor performance or a loss to Southern Mississippi could potentially plummet the Hurricanes out of the rankings. Expect the Miami football staff to have them focused.
Miami is the second highest ranked ACC team in the ESPN power rankings behind number five Clemson. The Hurricanes play at the Tigers on November 19. Number 17 Pittsburgh, 18th ranked North Carolina State and Wake Forest who is 23rd are the other ACC teams in the ESPN Power Rankings.
"13. Miami Hurricanes (1-0)The start of the Mario Cristobal era couldn’t have gone much better. Miami crushed Bethune-Cookman 70-13, rushing for six touchdowns (actually seven) and forcing three turnovers. It was, of course, a game Miami was supposed to win easily, but the result is nevertheless encouraging.Miami offensive coordinator Josh Gattis said he wants to run more effectively than the Canes were able to in 2021, and Henry Parrish Jr. (108 yards, three TDs) and Thaddius Franklin Jr. (78 yards, two TDs) both moved the ball with ease, despite three of Miami’s expected producers — Jaylan Knighton, Don Chaney Jr. and TreVonte’ Citizen — all sitting out with injuries Saturday. — (David) HaleUp next: vs. Southern Miss (Saturday, noon ET, ACC Network/ESPN App)"
The Miami football team hosts Pittsburgh a week after playing Clemson. The game between the Hurricanes and Panthers has been cited by some college football analysts as the defacto ACC Coastal Division Championship game. Pittsburgh defeated West Virginia 38-31 in its season opener on Thursday night.
Miami should continue to perform well on the ground when they play Southern Mississippi which ranks 117th in run defense. The Hurricanes will be dedicated to a balanced offense this season under Gattis. Miami is expected to get Knighton back this week. Knighton will provide Miami with an added dimension of explosiveness.