College Football: 10 most disappointing teams of 2018

5. Miami (FL)

Mark Richt had Miami officially “back” last season, leading the Hurricanes to a 10-0 start that culminated in an Orange Bowl berth. The truth was, though, that Miami was probably fortunate to reach those heights, and they stumbled down the stretch in losing their final three games to Pitt, Clemson, and Wisconsin.

That couldn’t stop the hype train from leaving the station in 2018, though, as Miami entered the season ranked eighth in both major polls. They were thought to be the biggest threat to Clemson’s autonomy in the ACC, and the overwhelming favorite to repeat as Coastal Division champions.

The season began with an unexpected punch to the mouth, as the ‘Canes were dominated by LSU in Dallas. They rebounded by winning their next five games to climb back to No. 16 in the AP Poll.

Miami’s flaws were exposed from there, as they dropped four consecutive games to Virginia, Boston College, Duke, and Georgia Tech, putting them on the brink of inexplicably missing a bowl game. The Hurricanes were able to garner bowl eligibility with a 38-14 win over Virginia Tech, and then earned a seventh victory by rolling past Coastal Division champ Pitt 24-3, avenging their loss to the Panthers last season.

Winning the last two allowed Miami to end the regular season on a positive note, and they head into bowl season with some momentum that they hope can carry over into 2019. Richt is recruiting at a level that should have the ‘Canes near the top of the ACC for years to come, but in order to reach those heights they have to find a QB.

Redshirt freshman N’Koski Perry showed some flashes, but completed just 51 percent of his passes. True freshman Jarren Williams is in the midst of a redshirt season and could be the most talented QB on the roster. It would not be a surprise, with the ability to maintain his redshirt, if Richt gives Williams an extended look in the bowl game.