Where Miami football ranks among all 133 FBS programs
The Miami football program is 33rd in the “College Football Top 133 Team Rankings for 2023″ by Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports. Lassan expects how well new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and quarterback Tyler Van Dyke mesh to be a major indicator of how much Miami improves in 2023.
The Miami name still carries weight and the Hurricanes are usually ranked reasonably high to begin the season. Miami has a lot of questions to be answered in 2023 to finish as high as the 30th team nationally. Lassan also mentions the freshmen class, transfer additions and new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry.
Miami has 41 new players on its roster in 2023. The Hurricanes also have six new position coaches plus Dawson and Guidry. Mario Cristobal has shown he is not afraid to make the necessary changes to improve the Miami football program. The 2023 season will be a critical one in the Cristobal era.
Miami has added more depth through the transfer portal and 2023 recruiting class. Injuries contributed significantly to the 5-7 2022 record. Many of the transfers are projected starters in 2023. Freshman five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is a projected starter. Lassan summarized 2023 Miami expectations.
"30. Miami“The ‘Canes should show improvement in coach Mario Cristobal’s second season. However, how big of a jump in wins is going to hinge largely on how well the pairing of new play-caller Shannon Dawson meshes with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke.After a breakout ’21 season, Van Dyke struggled with injuries and never seemed comfortable under previous offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. The arrival of two five-star freshmen at offensive tackle, along with Alabama transfer Javion Cohen, should provide a needed boost to the offensive line.The defense is also under new leadership, as Lance Guidry arrives from Tulane to call the signals in ’23. In addition to overall improvement after an up-and-down ’22 campaign, Guidry has to get this group to cut down on the big plays allowed (16 of 40-plus yards last year).”"
Lassan was referring to Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola as the star tackles. Cohen and Central Florida transfer center Matthew Lee should provide the needed boost to the Miami OL with Mauigoa and Okunlola. An improved 2023 OL should be a major difference for the Miami football program.
Miami is expected to have a more aggressive defense under Guidry. Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and cornerbacks Davonte Brown, Jaden Davis and Jaidus Richard are expected to improve depth and production for Miami defensively. Miami needs more consistency defensively during the 2023 season.
Next. Biggest Miami question mark at each defensive position. dark
Miami allowed less than 300 total yards in three games in 2022. The Hurricanes allowed 400 or more yards five times last season. Miami finished 2-1 allowing less than 300 yards and 0-5 in games they gave up more than 400 yards. Expect Guidry to put the defensive players in a better position to produce in 2023.