Miami Football: 2018 Game-by-game predictions

After the LSU game, Miami has been playing mostly over matched opponents. It is about to change as the Hurricanes open the ACC slate against North Carolina on a Thursday night late in September.

Last year the Tar Heels were riddled with injuries on their way to a 3-9 record and the ACC basement. This year they hope to rebound and a lot of the young guys that were thrust into roles early have experience now.

The offense was putrid last season, ranking dead last in the conference in only scoring 19.3 points per game. If they can figure out the quarterback situation, there are some quality weapons including running back Jordan Brown and wideout Anthony Ratliff-Williams. The defense also will need to improve, but really there is only one way to go for the team as a whole.

During last year’s game in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels really had no business keeping the game close as they would eventually fall 24-19 to the Canes. In hindsight, it was a warning sign of things to come for Miami late in their season collapse.

This year should be a different story. Miami has the more talented roster and while North Carolina is improving, this is a must win if Miami has hopes of winning another Coastal division championship. They’ll cruise to a much easier victory this time around at home.

Final: North Carolina 13, Miami 38 (5-0, 1-0 ACC)