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Where Miami football ranks in Athlon's ACC 2024 Predictions

The Miami football team is a contender in the "ACC Football 2024 Predictions" by Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports on Friday.

By Alan Rubenstein

Oct 28, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal takes on the field prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal takes on the field prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports picked the Miami football program third in his "ACC Football 2024 Predictions" posted on Friday. Lassan picked Florida State first in the ACC and Clemson second. The Seminoles and Tigers are the co-consensus picks to win the ACC by most odds.

Behind Florida State and Clemson Lassan stated "Miami, NC State, Virginia Tech, Louisville and SMU aren't too far behind." Most of the analysis about Miami during the 2024 offseason has been that Miami's schedule should help them challenge for an ACC Championship Game berth in 2024.

Miami only plays Florida State, Louisville and Virginia Tech among the 2024 ACC contenders stated by Lassan. Virginia Tech plays at Miami on September 27. Miami plays at Louisville on October 19 and hosts Florida State on October 26. Lassan praised Miami's improved talent but questioned if results will follow.

How fast Miami's offense will mesh led quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez will determine if the Hurricanes can challenge for an ACC Championship Game berth per Lassan. Lassan stated that the Miami wide receiver corps led by Xavier Restrepo and the offensive line should be among the best units in the ACC.

The overhauled Miami secondary is a concern for Lassan. The additions of safety Mishael Powell and cornerback Dyoni Hill were mentioned as critical pickups to replace for key 2023 defensive backs per Lassan. The return of edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain is mentioned as being a strength for Miami.

Lassan also likes the addition of defensive tackle Simeon Barrow from Michigan State. Miami signed the 10th-best transfer class in 2024. About half of the 14 transfers on the 2024 Miami roster will compete for starting positions. The vast majority of Miami transfers will at least be a part of the rotation in 2024.

The 2024 season is critical for Mario Cristobal. Anything less than finishing third in the ACC and having Clemson and Florida State finish first and second would probably be considered a failure. Miami cannot have another mediocre season under Cristobal. Miami has the roster to be an elite team in 2024.

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