Miami Football: 5 reasons why the Hurricanes will win the title in 2017

4. Miami’s defense will be the best in the ACC

The Hurricanes didn’t get the national recognition on par with the likes of Alabama, Michigan and Florida when it came to their defense last season. Still, Miami boasted one of the best defensive squads in the nation a year ago. After several years of mediocre defenses, the Hurricanes finished the 2016 campaign with the 12th best scoring defense in the country. They were the 26th best rushing defense and the 47th best passing defense in the country.

What’s even more impressive is how young that defensive unit was. The linebackers were the glue that held the defense together, and all three starters were freshman. Miami appeared to be the only team in the country brave enough to start three freshman linebackers. It proved to be a tremendous success.

The trio of Michael Pinckney, Shaquille Quarterman and Zach McLoud combined for 182 tackles and five sacks. Now, with one more year of experience, they’ll be one of the best units in the country.

Beyond the linebackers, the Miami defense has high expectations in 2017. They’re deeper than they were a year ago and will likely start upperclassman at just about every other position outside of the linebacking corps. They’re going to feast on the all the new quarterbacks in the ACC.