ACC Football - 2021 Miami Hurricanes Preview
Our Miami Hurricanes preview 2021 likes this team a lot. They bring one of the better offenses and defenses in the ACC to the field. Last season, the Hurricanes finished a strong third, posting a 7-2 conference mark and 8-3 overall record. However, their two conference losses were huge, as Clemson annihilated Miami 42-17 and UNC humiliated them 62-26. Their other loss was in the Cheez-It Bowl, 34-37 to Oklahoma State. Last season, Miami’s pass attack led the way, while their air defense helped to keep them in the game. Although they lose some important talent on defense, this team will still be a contender.
Miami Offense
Senior QB D’Eriq King returns for his senior season. In 2020, he tossed 329 passes, completing 211 for 2,686 yards and 23 TDs. He also averaged 4.1 YPA on the ground and crossed the goal line four times while gaining 538 yards on carries. The skinny on King is this, in 2021, he has to come back completely healed from his ACL injury and rise to Heisman contender status. If he can’t, then this offense will need to reinvent itself. Although WR Brevin Jordan and his 38 catches and seven scores are gone, the team does see four experienced pass catchers return. Senior WR Mike Harley is back after leading the team with 57 receptions for 799 yards. He scored seven times.
The frontline played solidly last year thanks in no small part to the efforts of LT Zion Nelson. He was a massive force in protecting the quarterback. Three strong running backs return. Cam‘Ron Harris leads the group with 126 attempts for 643 yards and 10 scores. He averaged 5.1 YPA. The elusive Donald Chaney Jr. and the dynamic Jaylan Knighton back him up. If the O-line can open the lanes, these three will find and exploit them.
Miami Hurricanes Preview 2021 - Defense
When it comes to this defense, the massive changes made in the coaching area by head coach Manny Diaz is an attempt to ensure that his players have the schemes, tools, and skills needed to succeed. Last season, they did not. There are now three new defensive position coaches and a new defensive play caller. Although the team’s sack leader, Jaelan Phillips (8.0), is gone, they still have plenty of talent. The top three tacklers are back, as safeties Bubba Bolden (74) and Amari Carter (53) return as does Strike Gilbert Frierson (53). Still, there are deficits in the linebacking unit and questions about the secondary.
Specialists
This used to be a team that could not punt. In fact, our Miami Hurricanes preview 2021 observes that a few years ago, the Hurricanes were last in the ACC when it came to punting. But that all changed a few years ago when Lou Hedley arrived. Hedley is one of the best leg men in the nation. He’ll be a Ray Guy contender this year. Last season, placekicker Jose Borregales came to Miami from FIU. He was 20-of-22 and was named an All-American. The bad news is Borregales is off to the NFL. The good news is that his brother, Andres, has joined the team. He might be even better than his big brother.
Miami Hurricanes Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Miami Hurricanes preview 2021 anticipates that this team will be very competitive. They’ve made improvements, possess a solid core, and have talent and depth. The defense does need to coalesce, and when it comes to health, King must be 100 percent. The O-line is impressive, and the ground game should be potent. For Miami to be taken seriously, they must be competitive against Michigan State and UNC. To really be taken seriously, the Huirricanes will need to give Alabama a run for their money when they play them in the first week of the season in Atlanta.
ACC Football - Miami Hurricanes 2021 - Predictions:
Second Place - ACC Coastal
Gator Bowl vs. Ole Miss