Miami football hopes to capitalize on returning experience in 2021

How will Miami football fare in 2021?

Miami has both a challenging, but manageable schedule in 2021. They open with the defending national champions in Atlanta and they travel to North Carolina on Oct. 16 for the most important game of the season.

There are some tricky spots along the way, but Miami should be favored in every game besides the Alabama and North Carolina games.

• Game 1: vs. Alabama (L) — This is a huge opportunity for this program, but I just don’t think Miami is ready for a game like this yet. The goal will be to compete and show they belong, which Miami has not done lately in big games.
• Game 2: Appalachian State (W) — This is a tricky bounce-back spot for the Hurricanes, but I think the Hurricanes handle business against the Mountaineers.
• Game 3: Michigan State (W) — Mel Tucker is rebuilding at Michigan State and I don’t think they have the team to compete with Miami on the road.
• Game 4: Central Connecticut State (W) — This will be the easiest game of the season and Miami should focus on getting young players snaps.
• Game 5: Virginia (W) — Virginia has given Miami problems over the years and on Thursday night on short rest, the Hurricanes need to be careful here.
• Game 6: at North Carolina (L) — This is the biggest game of the season for the Hurricanes and they need to win if they want to win the Coastal and Miami will have revenge on their mind after getting embarrassed by the Tar Heels last season. I think North Carolina’s home-field advantage gives them the edge.
• Game 7: NC State (W) — NC State is a sneaky team in the ACC this year and after a tough loss to UNC, Miami needs to watch out.
• Game 8: at Pittsburgh (W) — Trips up north to Pitt are always challenging, but Miami finds a way to win.
• Game 9: Georgia Tech (W) — Georgia Tech is improving, but they won’t be able to beat Miami in Coral Gables.
• Game 10: at Florida State (W) — Miami will make it five in a row over the Seminoles.
• Game 11: Virginia Tech (W) — The Hokies are a team that might fire their coach mid-season and they are untrustworthy in a game like this.
• Game 12: at Duke (W) — Miami closes the season out with a win over a really bad Duke team.

Final record: 10-2, 7-1 ACC

It won’t be easy, but I think Miami finds a way to win 10 games and possibly get to a New Year’s Six bowl game. If they can find a way to beat UNC on the road, they should be heading to Charlotte to take on Clemson in the ACC title game.