Inside the Schedule: Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes

2022 Record: 5-7
2023 FPI Projection: 8-4
2023 Over/Under Total: 7.5

BIGGEST GAME: Texas A&M (September 9)

This is a big game for both programs in what could be nice bounce back seasons. Last year Miami suffered a 17-9 loss to the Aggies as the Hurricanes struggled in the red zone. This is going to be a great test for what Miami wants to do on offense this year. Texas A&M has taken a lot of hits in the media, but the Aggies still have a good roster and they are going to be stout up front. Miami doesn't have to win this game to meet its projection, but getting a big home win against an SEC opponent would be a great way to put 2022 behind them.

TRAP GAME: Virginia (October 28)

I hate where this game is located on the schedule for Miami -- at the end of the month and right after consecutive games against North Carolina and Clemson. The past five games between the Cavaliers and Hurricanes have been decided by eight points or less. Virginia has a way of sucking Miami into an ugly game. They did it last year and the Hurricanes barely held on to win 14-12. The Cavaliers will get a Miami team that will probably be a little tired after an expected home battle against Clemson the week before and they will try to take advantage of it.

POTENTIAL UPSET: at Florida State (November 11) 

It was a toss up between this game and the road game against North Carolina on October 14. But by the time FSU comes up on the schedule, Miami will be 10 games into the season and will be expected to have worked out whatever kinks they might have up front. If the offensive line is buzzing like I expect, the Seminoles have shown that they can be run on and Miami is going to try lean on them with that big offensive front and dominate time of possession. Last year the Hurricanes were decimated by injuries and didn't have the roster to compete with FSU. The result was a 45-3 Seminoles victory. This year the game will be much tighter.