Is the U Ready to Reclaim Its Glory? A Look Ahead at the Miami Hurricanes
Miami - As the 2024 season begins, the Miami Hurricanes football team is gearing up for a pivotal year under the guidance of head coach Mario Cristobal. Without a doubt, this is a top-three roster in the ACC that Cristobal has put together. Phil Steele has selected seven Hurricanes to his preseason All-ACC First Team, the most out of any ACC team. Entering his third season at the helm, Cristobal is focused on restoring Miami's status as a dominant force in the ACC and national landscape. The team’s blend of veteran leadership and rising stars, along with a renewed emphasis on physicality and discipline, has fans and analysts alike anticipating a potential return to glory for the storied program.
Offense Preview:
Miami will look to minimize the amount of turnovers from last season and use their high-powered offense to score often. They finished second in the ACC in total offense, even with all of the turnovers. With a much-improved talented offense, they should be at the top of the ACC once again. Cam Ward is a major upgrade to TVD and the offense will appreciate the improved play from their quarterback. Also, the offensive line might be the best in the ACC and isn’t getting talked about a ton. The key to being successful on offense will be limiting the 22 turnovers from last season and establishing the run.
Defense Preview:
Just like last season, the pass rush will be fantastic. They have a ton of returning talent on the defensive line and have added talent from the transfer portal, which will make it even scarier. The secondary is going to make or break the defense. They do have some potential game changers coming in from the portal that can start and make a difference. All in all, the Hurricane defense should pick up from last season.
Top Returning Players:
Rueben Bain Jr DL - Bain Jr. had an incredible freshman season for the Hurricanes. He recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks last season and should be in line for another great season.
Francis Mauigoa OL - The younger brother, Francis, is a moving locomotive on the offensive line. He feeds off of contact and thrives off collision.
Francisco Mauigoa LB - Francisco was an animal last season. He led the Hurricanes with 82 tackles, 18 for loss, and 7.5 sacks.
Jacolby George WR - George was the second-leading receiver a season ago and will likely lead the receiving core this year. Expect George to reach the 1,000+ receiving yards mark.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Cam Ward QB - Ward should thrive in this offense. The gunslinger from Washington State threw for 6,968 yards and 48 touchdowns in two seasons with the Cougars. With Tyler Van Dyke leaving to go to Wisconsin, Ward has full reigns of the offense.
Damien Martinez RB - Martinez is the definition of a workhorse. He only gets better with the more he touches the ball. I would expect Martinez to be the focus of the offense and be the star of the running game.
Tyler Baron DE - Baron is currently third among active college football players in quarterback pressures, according to PFF. He has 12.5 career sacks and over 100 career tackles. He will provide a ton of pressure on opposing backfields.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Elija Lofton TE - Lofton is insanely athletic for being a Tight End. During spring practice, he was lining up at H-Back and running back. It’s going to be hard for him to start over a ninth-year senior in Cam McCormick so anywhere he can play, he will take it.
Justin Scott DL - Scott is the number one recruit coming out of Illinois, according to ESPN. He should be an absolute beast for Miami. He stands at 6’5 298 pounds and can play right away. Needless to say, he is going to be a monster.
Top Departures:
Colbie Young WR - Colbie Young has transferred out of the program after leading in receiving yards last season. Lucky for Miami, they have a ton of talent to replace him.
Kamren Kitchens DB/S - Kinchens has found his way to the LA Rams after being selected 99th overall. It will not only be hard to replace his football play, but also his leadership.
Tyler Van Dyke QB - Van Dyke had a rough season for the Hurricanes. His touchdown to interception ratio was not great and decided to leave Miami. He will look to rejuvenate his career at Wisconsin.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Xavier Restrepo WR - Restrepo was the go-to guy when needed to get the tough yards. He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as he has some of the best hands in the ACC and will only get better as time goes on.
Win Total Prediction:
The Hurricanes win total is listed as 9.5, two more than last season. For years now, there has been an unbelievable amount of hype about Miami. The expectations have yet to come into fruition but this is the best roster the Hurricanes have had in quite some time. Therefore, I am predicting that the Hurricanes will go over their total of 9.5 wins. They open up the season at their rival, the Florida Gators, and it ought to be a great game, but I do expect the Hurricanes to open up the season with a bang. They should grab their remaining wins against Florida A&M, Ball State, at South Florida, at Cal, Duke, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and at Syracuse. They would need to win one of the remaining games against at Virginia Tech, at home against a ferocious Louisville squad, or at home against Florida State, the reigning ACC Champions.
