A game-by-game look at UM’s home-heavy schedule. Can Hurricanes takes advantage?
The Miami Hurricanes’ ultimate goal remains unchanged: They want to win a national championship, something they haven’t done since the 2001 season.
There’s even more meaning to a potential championship this year as the title game is being played at Hard Rock Stadium, which the Hurricanes call home.
They’ve shown steady improvement through their first three seasons under coach Mario Cristobal — from 5-7 to 7-6 to 10-3 last year for its first 10-win season since 2017.
Can they make the ultimate jump in Year 4? The Hurricanes have the talent on paper to make things interesting and are at home for eight of their 12 games.
Here’s a game-by-game look at Miami’s schedule, with predictions for each contest.
Aug. 31 vs. Notre Dame (7:30 p.m., ABC): The Hurricanes open the season with a marquee test against the Fighting Irish, a team that Miami has plenty of history with and a team looking to build on a 2024 season in which it was the national runner-up. Notre Dame returns star running back Jeremiyah Love, a stout offensive line and shutdown cornerback Leonard Moore. I’m not sure if UM wins, but the Hurricanes at minimum need to be competitive. Notre Dame 24, Miami 20
Sept. 6 vs. Bethune-Cookman (7 p.m., ACCNX): This should be a game where the Hurricanes pick their score and get their backups in during the second half for some valuable live reps. Miami 45, Bethune-Cookman 7
Sept. 13 vs. USF (4:30 p.m., the CW): USF gave Miami fits in the first half during their meeting last year in Tampa. The Bulls, who return a dozen starters, might do the same again this year but expect the Hurricanes to once again pull away when it matters. Miami 31, USF 10
Sept. 20 vs. Florida (TV and time TBA): UF is in a much better place than it was when Miami went to Gainesville to begin the 2024 season. Quarterback DJ Lagway is expected to take a step forward in his first year as the full-time starter and Florida finished the 2024 season on a strong note winning five of its final seven games, including victories over LSU and Ole Miss. This will likely be a one-score game but the nod will go to Miami here. Miami 28, UF 24
Oct. 4 at Florida State (TV and time TBA): This will be the Hurricanes’ first road game of the season after playing their entire non-conference schedule at home and the game also comes after a bye week. UM hasn’t won in Tallahassee since 2019, and while FSU should be notably improved from its 2-10 season in 2024, Miami should open conference play with a win against one of its biggest rivals. Miami 30, Florida State 20
Oct. 17 vs. Louisville (7 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2): This has trap game written all over it. Miami will be coming off its second bye in three weeks and the game is being played on Friday. The Hurricanes and Cardinals played in a shootout in Louisville last year, and Miami probably can’t afford for that to happen again. It shouldn’t happen either. Miami 31, Louisville 24
Oct. 25 vs. Stanford (TV and time TBA): This will be the first time Miami and Stanford play a football game against each other. It probably shouldn’t be too much of a contest with Stanford expected to be among the bottom teams in the ACC again this season. Miami 42, Stanford 6.
Nov. 1 at SMU (TV and time TBA): After six home games and seven total in the Sunshine State to begin the season, three of Miami’s final five games are on the road, starting with SMU. The Mustangs surprised by making it to the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff in its first year in the league. SMU returns a lot of talent and, led by former Hurricanes offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, will look to keep that momentum going in its first meeting against Miami since 1965. SMU 24, Miami 21.
Nov. 8 vs. Syracuse (TV and time TBA): Syracuse stunned Miami to close out the 2024 season and knock the Hurricanes out of contention for both the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff. That probably shouldn’t happen this time around. Miami 27, Syracuse 17
Nov. 15 vs. N.C. State (TV and time TBA): While N.C. State has the potential to be a dark horse team in the ACC, Miami should close out its home schedule with a win. Miami 30, N.C. State 17
Nov. 22 at Virginia Tech (TV and time TBA): Miami needed a second-half comeback and a thrilling final play to hold off Virginia Tech in its ACC opener last season. The Hurricanes should hold off the Hokies this time around. Miami 28, Virginia Tech 13
Nov. 29 at Pittsburgh (TV and time TBA): Pittsburgh looked like the surprise team of the season last year with a 7-0 start before losing its final six games. On paper, this is the Hurricanes’ game to lose. Miami 30, Pittsburgh 20
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