The Hurricanes were a dominating force earlier this decade racking up a National Title and going back to the big stage the following season only to fall short.
The 'Canes have never had trouble recruiting and tend to get elite talent, but don't get the most out of their players while at Miami.
The honeymoon is over for Randy Shannon and the excuses are getting tired. I honestly believe that if he doesn't come through with an ACC Championship game appearance the Shannon era is over. And with the schedule the 'Canes have to trudge through the University might as well start looking for his replacement.
How brutal is it that the 'Canes have to start off the season with 4 teams that finished the season in the top 25. I've heard people say how the Hurricanes can easily start the season 0 and 4 and I have to agree with them.
Miami travels to Tallahassee to renew their Labor Day bore fest against their bitter rivals, the Florida State Seminoles. This game is a classic when played in October, but is a snooze when it's the first game of the season. FSU will have experience on the offensive line, one that shredded the Miami defense a year earlier, but Miami's front 4 are big and athletic and I'm pretty sure they'll be looking for payback. Watch out for Miami's talented backfield. If they get heated up hitting 4, 5, and 6 yard gains consistently, it'll be a long night for the 'Noles.
The one downside to the 'Canes this game? It's the first game they'll be implementing their new offense AND defense. If you like defensive slug fests, this is your game. Seminoles win by a small margin due to their continuity on the o-line.
I think Georgia Tech blindsided teams last season and I don't expect the same to happen. I'll give Miami this win because they'll be better prepared after a weeks rest and it's at home.
Virginia Tech and Oklahoma win the next two. Va Tech is just a better coached team and I expect Tyrod Taylor to have a monster game against the 'Canes. Traditionally, Miami struggles against scrambling QB's.
Oklahoma is a beast. Too much talent. Too much firepower. Miami gets them at home, but will lose...badly.
FAMU and UCF are where the 'Canes can make some strides gelling on the offensive side of things. They'll wins these games, but watch out for the Knights. I wouldn't be shocked if they gave Miami a hard time.
Clemson, @Wake, Virginia, @North Carolina, and Duke seems like such a cake walk, but this isn't the late 90's and early 00's. I wouldn't call any of these teams legitimate contenders, but they'll pop you right in the mouth. These teams aren't scared of Miami anymore. They have to win 4 of these games if they want to contend for the Coastal Division and a bowl bid. Clemson in Miami and @UNC are losses. Spiller will want to go out on top of the 'Canes and Butch Davis will not want to lose at home to his former employer. I'm not trying to be funny here, but watch out for Duke.
The finale with South Florida is such a compelling match-up. The 'Canes will come in arrogant, as if they're teaching their Tampa buddies a lesson. USF at home, with it being Selvie and Grothe's last game, will come out strong and upset the 'Canes.
My upset prediction: Well, although I think the 'Noles win on Labor Day, Miami may upset them. You never know with these rivalry games.
My team to potentially upset the 'Canes: @USF on November 28th. Ray Jay will be rocking and no o-lineman can slow Selvie down.
Player to watch for: S Randy Phillips. This young man is NFL ready with speed and power.
Player who'll shock you: WR Travis Benjamin. Tons of pure speed and extremely shifty.
Final Predictions:
@Florida State- L
Georgia Tech- W
@Virginia Tech- L
Oklahoma- L
FAMU- W
@UCF- W
Clemson- L
@Wake Forest- W
Virginia- W
@North Carolina- L
Duke- W
@South Florida- L
6-6 and no chance at an ACC Title bid. The "All 'Canes Conference" has never represented itself in a conference title game and it doesn't start now.
Next up: Florida State...
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