ESPN analysis about Miami football challenging for 2024 CFP berth
Andrea Adelson and David Hale of ESPN published their "ACC preview: Power rankings, favorite players, must-see games" this week that included the Miami football team as one of two in the conference in the running for a College Football Playoff berth.
Adelson and Hale listed Clemson and Florida State as teams that should be in the College Football Playoff. Florida State is picked first in the ACC, Clemson second and Miami third. Eight ACC teams received first-place votes from the media. Miami received 17 first-place votes.
Miami faces a pivotal season entering Mario Cristobal's third year as head coach. Cristobal has led Miami to a 12-13 record in two seasons. Miami is expected to contend for ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berths in 2024. The talent is on the roster for Miami to compete in 2024.
Miami does not play Clemson during the 2024 regular season. Florida State plays at Miami on October 24. A relatively favorable schedule has been stated often during the off-season as to why Miami can compete in 2024. Adelson and Hale highlighted Miami's off-season and 2024 expectations.
"Aside from the two co-favorites, the biggest name in the mix is Miami. The Hurricanes pushed all their chips to the middle of the table this offseason, landing a host of talent via the transfer portal, including QB Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez. There's a strong case to be made that the Canes are the most talented team in the league -- it's just that talent hasn't always translated to wins in Coral Gables."
- Andrea Adelson and David Hale, ESPN
Ward and Martinez provide Miami with significantly more firepower offensively. Ward will throw to an elite wide receiver corps led by projected starters Sam Brown, Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo. Brown transferred to Miami from Houston. Miami signed the 10th best 2024 transfer class.
Miami added edge rushers Elijah Alston from Marshall and Tyler Baron from Tennessee via Louisville to bolster the defensive line. Center Zach Carpenter is a key addition on the offensive line. Safety Mishael Powell is a critical addition to a Miami group that is inexperienced at the position.
Next. ESPN writes Miami 1 of 10 contenders as first time CFP team. ESPN writes Miami 1 of 10 contenders as first time CFP team. dark
Miami ranked 12th in the 247Sports 2023 Team Talent Composite rankings. Expect Miami to move into the 2024 Team Talent Composite rankings that should be released later this month. Mario Cristobal and his staff have built a roster that should be ready to compete in 2024.