Miami football needs to avoid pre-bye let down like 2022

The Miami football team heads into its game at Temple on Saturday looking to complete its non-conference schedule undefeated. In 2022, Miami entered the final game of its non-conference against Middle Tennessee State as a 25.5-point favorite. The Hurricanes lost 45-24 to the Blue Raiders and entered their bye week 2-2.

The game against Middle Tennessee State came after a 17-9 loss at Texas A&M. The Miami football team won its 2023 season opener 31-3 over Miami (Ohio), flipped the second half of the home and home with Texas A&M in a 48-33 win and won convincingly 48-7 over Bethune-Cookman last Thursday.

Miami is a 23.5-point favorite at Temple per FanDuel. The feeling surrounding Miami is significantly better after three weeks in 2023 than it was in 2022. Miami sputtered offensively versus Texas A&M in 2022. Miami settled for three field goals and a turnover on downs in four red zone trips versus Texas A&M in 2022.

Miami seems to be far more focused and buying into the coaching staff’s expectations this season. Speaking to the media on Monday, Mario Cristobal stated he expects his players to treat all road trips like business trips. Temple enters the game on Saturday with wins over Akron and Norfolk State and a loss to Rutgers.

Miami overcame 10-0 and 17-7 deficits versus Texas A&M to earn a 48-33 win two weeks ago. Two special teams miscues against Texas A&M could have buried Miami. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke stated after the win over the Aggies he didn’t think that Miami would have recovered from the 10-point deficit last season.

With the bye looming, Miami has to be ready to play against Temple. Miami will be by far the biggest home game for Temple this season. Getting off to a good start will be critical for Miami on Saturday. Akron and Rutgers reached outscored Temple 7-0 in the first quarter. Miami should be able to score early against Temple.