National CFB writer names Clemson most important Miami football game
Clemson is “The most important conference game for every ACC program in 2023″ for the Miami football team per Jesse Simonton of On3. Miami has lost the last three games versus Clemson by significant margins. Playing well versus Clemson has been the measuring stick in the ACC for nearly 10 years.
Miami has an opportunity to bank wins before hosting Clemson on October 21. Expect Miami to be an underdog versus only Texas A&M and North Carolina prior to hosting Clemson. FanDuel lists the Miami football program as a 17.0 favorite in the season opener versus Miami (Ohio) and a 7.5 underdog versus Texas A&M.
Clemson is likely to be favored in its six games prior to playing at Miami. After playing Miami (Ohio) and Texas A&M, Miami hosts Bethune-Cookman in week three, plays at Temple and following a bye hosts Georgia Tech. Those are all games Miami can win. The Miami football schedule is primarily back-loaded.
Clemson begins the second half of the 2023 season for Miami. Miami hosts Virginia a week after Clemson. Virginia is followed by games at North Carolina State and Florida State, versus Louisville and at Boston College on the day after Thanksgiving to finish the regular season. Miami needs to get off to a good start in 2023.
"Miami — Oct. 21 vs. Clemson“The Hurricanes are looking for a major leap in Year 2 under Mario Cristobal, but despite roster improvements, little is guaranteed with a schedule that is among the more difficult in the ACC in 2023 — plus a non-conference game vs. Texas A&M in Week 2.Miami could be 3-3 or 6-0 when it welcomes Clemson to South Florida in late October. For Cristobal’s sake, there needs to be more Ws than Ls on the ledger with a tricky back-half slate that includes road trips to NC State, FSU and Boston College.If the Hurricanes’ rebranded offense and defense have coalesced by midseason, there’s a possibility the Canes could give Clemson a scare in the most optimistic scenarios.”"
It would be surprising for Miami to have a 3-3 record when they host Clemson. Miami should win versus Miami (Ohio) and Bethune-Cookman, at Temple and against Georgia Tech. Expect Miami to be a double-digit favorite in the three non-conference games other than Texas A&M and potentially versus Georgia Tech.
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After a 5-7 2022 season, Cristobal will not let Miami take any game for granted. Double-digit losses to Duke and Middle Tennessee State last season were shocking. Miami cannot enter any 2023 game expecting to win. Miami has to earn those wins. With a good start, Miami could host ESPN College GameDay when they play Clemson.