Deadly Hurricanes?
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Miami Hurricanes might be the best program in the last 30 years. Since 1983 they’ve played for the national championship eight times, winning five. The program has also had low moments being placed on probation more than once.
The Canes went 8-5 last season and coach Al Golden was fired. The record isn’t terrible but the way they lost is what ultimately cost him. He was let go after a 58-0 blow out loss to Clemson at home.
Mark Richt was hired to replace him and return to his alma mater. I believe this was a great hire. Richt was very underappreciated at Georgia. He turned an average program into a perennial contender. UGA has not won a championship since 1980 but their delusional fan base expects to win one every year. I think Richt will instantly turn Miami back into an elite team.
Junior quarterback Brad Kaaya has a lot going for him. His mother played Felicia in the movie Friday and she’s on the receiving end of the best catch phrase (Bye Felicia).
He also has the potential to be drafted in the first round. Kaaya passed for 3,238 yards, 61.2% completion rate, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He will benefit greatly from having Richt tutor him.
Senior wide receiver Stacy Coley is the best target on offense. Last season he had 47 receptions, 689 yards, 4 touchdowns and averaged 14.7 yards per catch. I think he’ll eclipse one thousand receiving yards this year. The biggest concern on offense is the offensive line. They have to improve on protecting the quarterback.
Manny Diaz is the new defensive coordinator. Two key players were recently dismissed from the team amidst a luxury car rental probe, linebacker Jermaine Grace and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Grace was the team’s leading tackler in 2015. Muhammad led the team in sacks last year with five. The defense will have to rely on young unproven players. Junior defensive end Chad Thomas looks the part at 6’5 and 275 pounds.
The season kicks off Saturday at home against an FCS team, Florida A&M. This is a 50-point win.
Florida Atlantic makes the short trip from Boca Raton to Miami Gardens. Easy win.
Week 3 is another home game against Appalachian State and another blow out win.
After a bye week October begins on the road versus Georgia Tech. Richt owned Paul Johnson when he was at Georgia. Miami has also dominated the series since joining the ACC. This trend will continue and the Hurricanes will win.
Archrival Florida State comes to town October 8th. FSU has a lot of talent but they’ll have a redshirt freshman starting at QB. We don’t know how he will handle a hostile crowd but for now I give the edge to the Seminoles.
They play North Carolina at home the following week. This is a showdown of the best Coastal Division teams. Miami wins.
Miami travels to Blacksburg, Va to play Virginia Tech. This could be a tough game but the Canes win.
October 29th is a road game at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are talented, this is a loss.
Pitt comes to Miami November 5th. The Panthers are a physical team but the Hurricanes have too many weapons.
The next week is at Virginia. The Cavaliers are the doormats of the division so this is an easy W.
The following game is also on the road in Raleigh. NC State doesn’t stand a chance.
The season ends at home with Duke and a win. Miami should win 10 games and play in the ACC Championship Game.
