The Miami Hurricanes open next season against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Manny Diaz enters his third season as head coach of the Hurricanes, and fans expect Miami to take a step forward this season. Moreover, Miami returns the majority of its starters from last year, which should give the Hurricanes a favorable chance in the ACC. Check out how the Hurricanes can beat the Crimson Tide in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game:
1. D’Eriq King Passes For 300 Yards And Rushes For 50 Yards
All teams that have beat Alabama in recent years had the same formula: effective quarterback play. This list of teams includes dual-threat quarterbacks in college such as Trevor Lawrence, Bo Nix, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson; D’Eriq King fits in the same category. King only had three games last season in which he threw for 300 yards. In fact, he threw for less than 150 yards in last year’s season opener against UAB. However, he will need to have a much better passing performance starting off against Alabama for Miami to even have a chance in this matchup.
D’Eriq King is known for being effective with his legs, dating back to his years with the Houston Cougars. Expect the Hurricanes to attempt a couple of read option and run-pass option plays to keep the Alabama front seven on its heels. It’s important to remember that the Crimson Tide return nine defensive starters, so Miami needs to avoid any offensive mistakes.
2. Miami Hurricanes Force At Least Two Turnovers
More often than not, Alabama tends to beat itself by committing unwarranted turnovers. This season, the Crimson Tide have a new quarterback at the helm with Bryce Young, and they return eight offensive players from last year. The Hurricanes will have to make use of the turnover chain at least two times to stay in this game until the fourth quarter. Tight coverage on Alabama’s receivers should help, but Miami’s pass rush must get to Young to force the ball out quickly.
Again, the only way the Hurricanes can leave this game with a victory is by winning the turnover battle. In order to beat Alabama, you cannot make many mistakes whether they be missed opportunities or turnovers; the Crimson Tide have better players, so it’s imperative to strike the iron while it’s hot.
3. Hurricanes Score One Touchdown on Special Teams
Special teams play will also be a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of this game. Miami can be dominant in this game by getting a score off of a punt return, punt block, or kickoff return. It’s best if the Hurricanes manage to pull this off early in the game, for it will give them a huge boost of confidence.
Furthermore, Jose Borregales will need to play a major role and make all of his field goals. Alabama tends to struggle when it comes to their kicker, so the Miami defense will have to continually make a stand in the red zone. If the Hurricanes can get decent field position on their offensive drives as well, it will allow King to operate under less pressure. Honestly, a lot of the intangibles in the football game will need to sway in Miami’s direction for the Hurricanes to come out with a win; remember, anything is possible.
Concluding Thoughts
A statement win in this matchup for the Miami Hurricanes will give them a shot to compete for an ACC Championship. The Alabama Crimson Tide have consistently been the premier program in college football, but Miami has a chance to return the Hurricanes’ program to prominence with this squad’s experience. Nonetheless, an impressive showing by Miami in this game, whether it be a loss or win, should lead the Hurricanes to a good season down the road.