Sam Navarro/Matt Pendleton(Gainesville Sun)-USA TODAY NETWORK
Arguably the biggest game on the schedule and it’s the season opener. Not only is this a battle for Florida bragging rights, it could set the tone for the entire season.
The Hurricanes have pressure and expectations and Florida, well, the Gators have a lot of pressure. Going into the Swamp isn’t going to be easy, as evidenced by ESPN’s FPI.
Coming back home after Florida will be a cakewalk according to ESPN’s FPI. Florida A&M is likely very overmatched here.
But again, that’s why you play the games on the field and not on paper. This might be an early night for Cam Ward and the starters and if Miami loses the opener, here’s the first win.
Sept. 14: Miami vs. Ball State – 93.9% chance to win
Jim Dedmon | USA TODAY Sports
Once again, the non-conference opponents are lightened up after an SEC opponent to open the season. This is back to back games where ESPN’s FPI has Miami winning with over a 90% chance.
So at the very least, the Hurricanes should be 2-1 after the first three games of the season. Perhaps even undefeated before another in-state showdown.
Cam Ward vs. Kyron Drones: that sounds like a great matchup between quarterbacks. Especially if both are firing off on all cylinders to start the year, this will be a great Friday night tilt.
ESPN’s FPI has Miami winning this one at home and is heavily favored. There’s a lot of hype around the Hokies this season after Brent Pry got it figured out down the stretch. But the Hurricanes might be too much in this one.
This is an ACC matchup in the year of 2024. No we’re not kidding. So Miami gets its west coast trip and it won’t be easy.
ESPN’s FPI actually has Cal favored in this game and it could be a “trap” game for the Hurricanes. Or you know, Miami could walk over the Golden Bears if they are as good as advertised.
Oct. 12: Miami at Louisville – 43.3% chance to win
Remember when people discussed the Cardinals as a possible playoff team last year? That could very well carry over with Jeff Brohm’s skill as a head coach.
ESPN’s FPI prediction actually has this as a win for the Cardinals as Miami has to hit the road for this ACC matchup. But this would be quite a big win in the middle of October. The slate doesn’t get easier.
The final in-state matchup of the season and this could be for the inside track to the ACC crown. Yes, Florida State already lost to Georgia Tech before the Hurricanes even began their season.
This is a long way away so things could drastically change. But right now, Florida State is the favorite over Miami despite coming to South Florida, according to ESPN’s FPI.
To open the final stretch in November, Duke has to come to town. Miami is the heavy favorite though.
The Blue Devils are intriguing with new quarterback Maalik Murphy, who transferred in from Texas. But the Hurricanes are rightfully favored at home, per the FPI.
You have to think these percentages shifted after Georgia Tech’s win over Florida State to open the season. Perhaps Miami had a better chance to beat the Yellow Jackets on the road but it’s a little dicey now.
Still, it’s close to 50-50 per the FPI. This is far into the future so it’s tough to say which team will be a bonafide ACC and CFP contender.
Nov. 23: Miami vs. Wake Forest – 82.3% chance to win
Miami will come back home in the penultimate game of the year and have a great chance to win. The Demon Deacons don’t have much of a chance per the ESPN FPI in this game.
This could be where Miami needs to boost its resume going into the final weekend. They’ll need an impressive win.
Despite going on the road to end the season, Miami has a great chance to win per the FPI. Syracuse ushered in a new era with Fran Brown and QB transfer Kyle McCord.
While they’ll be competitive, Miami is ready to compete for the ACC crown and based on predictions, should be ahead of the Orange. Still, we’re a long way away.
If you go by the percentages, Miami is projected to go 7-5 per the ESPN FPI. But don’t forget about those toss up games on the schedule. So let’s just play!
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