Miami Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season
Oct. 24. Miami (Fla.). North Carolina Tar Heels. 838. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 7. player
In a game that could decide the Coastal division, Miami welcomes North Carolina to South Beach and will be looking for revenge after last season’s upset win for the Tar Heels in what became Sam Howell’s coming out party and the nation saw how talented the Tar Heels’ quarterback was.
The series is dead-even since the Hurricanes moved to the ACC in 2004, with each team winning eight games apiece. This game could turn into a shootout, with two of the best quarterbacks in the ACC facing off and both teams should be hitting their stride by this time in the season.
I’m a big believer in North Carolina this season. I think Howell is one of the best players in the country and they are experienced and well coached. They have explosive weapons at receiver and a very underrated linebacker in Chaz Surratt, who shocked people by how smooth of a transition he made from quarterback.
I really think the Tar Heels have something special brewing in 2020 and could be potential playoff darkhorses. Expect a great game, but Tar Heels win in a shootout.
Final Score: Miami 38, North Carolina 42 (4-3, 1-2)
Virginia Cavaliers. 8. player. Pick Analysis. Oct. 31. Charlottesville (Va.). Scouting Report. 888
The Hurricanes will be looking to get back on track and break the two-game losing streak that they have.
Virginia won the Coastal division last season, despite losing on a Friday night to Miami. The Cavaliers will be missing quarterback Bryce Perkins and cornerback Bryce Hall, who were some of their best and most consistent playmakers over the last couple of years.
The Canes lost 16-13 in their last trip to Charlottesville in 2018, but have won four out of the last five versus the Hurricanes.
While they are missing some key playmakers, Virginia returns 15 starters from last years Coastal champion team and Bronco Mendenhall is one of the best coaches in the country and will have his team playing well on a consistent basis. Miami will be ready to play and will have their backs against the wall and will get a much needed victory.
Final Score: Miami 42, Virginia 24 (5-3, 2-2)