Since 2016, Miami has had an average recruiting class position of 17th in the 24/7 Sports composite. So far, the program has ten 4-star commitments. They have achieved that many three other times since 2016. Former players such as Randy Shannon and Mark Richt, or “player-coaches” like Larry Coker or Manny Diaz had early success and attracted talent. However, the talent they’ve recruited hasn’t produced winning plays during important games.
Examples
- 2021 season versus Florida State University—Hurricanes defense couldn’t stop the Seminoles from converting a 4th and 14 and ended up losing the game.
- 2018 season versus University of Virginia—Miami was trailing 16-13 and stopped Virginia on a third down run but committed a personal foul to continue the drive.
- 2019 season versus North Carolina—Miami had the lead with 4:38 remaining and allowed North Carolina to convert a 4th and 17 to continue the drive and score a go-ahead touchdown with 1:01 in the game.
- 2010 season versus University of Virginia—Miami was on a two-game winning streak and went down 24-0 against the Wahoos before mounting a 19-point comeback only to lose.
- 2009 season versus Clemson—Miami was playing Clemson at home and ranked #10 in the nation only to lose in overtime.
Key games in Hurricanes schedule to watch
This season will have three important “inflexion points” for the program. The players should win a majority of the games to reach the ACC title game.
- Saturday, October 8 at home vs North Carolina–The Tarheels have a 5-2 record versus Miami in the last 7 games. They ran for 544 yards last time they were at Hard Rock stadium. They own Miami.
- Saturday, October 15 at Blacksburg–The players will have an emotional reaction to the game against Carolina.
- FSU week–Home vs FSU, then on the road for two 2 straight road games vs Georgia Tech and Clemson (result of the FSU game has led to poor performances in past years)
- Finally, a home game vs Defending ACC Champ Pittsburgh to end the season.