The Miami Hurricanes enter a new season fresh off an 8-3 record. The team’s blowout losses force Manny Diaz to make changes to compete in the ACC. Take a look at each game of the Miami Hurricanes’ 2021 football schedule:
Game 1: vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Honestly, D’Eriq King just can’t seem to get a break. After getting pounded by Clemson in 2020, Miami will take a step up and face the Tide in 2021. Let’s face it, there’s no chance. In reality, giving Nick Saban ample time to prepare makes this game impossible to win.
- Record: 0-1
Game 2: vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers
Expect this to be an easy win. The Hurricanes rarely struggle against FCS teams, posting two blowout wins last September. This will be a good comeback and confidence booster following the Alabama matchup.
- Record: 1-1
Game 3: vs. Michigan State Spartans
This is a favorable non-conference matchup for Miami due to the Spartans’ offensive inefficiency. The Hurricanes should demolish MSU on their home field, and victory is ensured if the “U” wins the turnover battle. Yet another reason why the ACC is better than the Big 10.
- Record: 2-1
Game 4: vs. CCSU Blue Devils
Who’s heard of this team? If you have, pat yourself on the back; on to the next one.
- Record: 3-1
Game 5: vs. Virginia Cavaliers
The first ACC matchup! This should be a comfortable win for the Hurricanes. However, Virginia nearly upset Miami in a five-point game last year. If the “U’s” defense can limit Brennan Armstrong this time, they will dominate.
- Record: 4-1
Game 6: @ North Carolina Tar Heels
Following the bye week, the Hurricanes will head to Chapel Hill. Mack Brown’s crew obliterated Miami by 36 points last year, and look even stronger now. With Sam Howell, the projected first pick in the 2022 NFL draft, back at the helm, UNC will be tough to defend. Expect a closer game than in December, but another loss.
- Record: 4-2
Game 7: vs. NC State Wolfpack
This was one of the most underrated matchups of the 2020 season. The Hurricanes were able to scrape a win at Carter-Finley Stadium last year, thanks to D’Eriq King’s 5 TD performance. The Wolfpack’s offense now resembles that of Boston College, so look out for another offensive showdown. Miami will always bounce back following a loss.
- Record: 5-2
Game 8: @ Pitt Panthers
The Hurricanes will then travel to Heinz Field to take on the Panthers. This game tends to be the most unexciting, but it’s also labeled as the sleeper game if Pitt comes prepared for an upset. King’s 2 interceptions in last year’s game nearly put the Hurricanes in trouble, but Miami will come out of Pittsburgh with a victory if they dominate the time of possession and control the ball.
- Record: 6-2
Game 9: vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Although this game was canceled in December, it wouldn’t have been close. Georgia Tech hasn’t been a contender in the ACC for a while now, so this should be a comfortable win for the Hurricanes. Home-field advantage will just add to the score.
- Record: 7-2
Game 10: @ Florida State Seminoles
Perhaps the easiest game of the 2020 season for the Hurricanes. The Seminoles continue to be a rebuilding team following the departure of Jimbo Fisher, and Mike Norvell‘s roster shows no signs of improvement. Miami should beat the brakes off of Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium quite effortlessly.
- Record: 8-2
Game 11: vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
This matchup was a scare for the Hurricanes at Lane Stadium back in November. D’Eriq King will have to be more efficient this time around, and the defense must limit Hendon Hooker‘s role in the running game. However, it’s hard to bet against Miami at home.
- Record: 9-2
Game 12: @ Duke Blue Devils
Worry about a team that was 1-9 last season? Nervous about a road game? Give me a break.
- Record: 10-2
ACC Championship and Bowl Projections
It’s hard to foresee the Hurricanes playing in the ACC Championship with North Carolina and Clemson at the peak of their game. Nonetheless, Miami can have a successful season by playing in a New Year’s Six Bowl in the 2021-2022 season; possibly the Peach Bowl. Getting any bowl win is a bounce back from the Cheez-It Bowl loss, finishing with a projected record of 11-2.