Miami Hurricanes Preview | Expert Predictions & Best Bets for 2024
TJ Inman
Host · Writer
To college football fans in their 30s or older, the “U" on the Miami Hurricanes‘ helmet is synonymous with a swagger and attitude. It is also synonymous with success. From 2001 to 2003, Miami finished in the top five every season and won a national title. They were also dominant in the 1980s under Howard Schnellenberger and Jimmy Johnson and then in the early 90s under Dennis Erickson. Things have not been the same since 2003; shockingly, Miami has not finished in the top ten since they went 11-2 in 2003. Mario Cristobal was hired before the 2022 season with the hope that he could amass talent at an elite level and return the Canes to national title contention. They are probably not at that level quite yet, but Cristobal has assembled a roster that is, on paper, Miami’s best in two decades. Of course, whether or not Cristobal could recruit has never been the question or concern. The question is whether or not Cristobal and his staff can get the most out of their talent.
Miami Hurricanes Preview
2023 Record: 7-6 (3-5)
ACC Finish: Tied for 9th
A.P. Poll: 19 | Coaches Poll: 19 | PFF: 12 | SP+: 19
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal (3rd at Miami) | Overall: 12-13 (6-10) at Miami and 74-73 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Shannon Dawson (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Lance Guidry (2nd season)
Miami Hurricanes Futures Odds (FanDuel)
National Championship Odds: +6000 | CFB Playoff Odds: +210 | ACC Championship Odds: +400
Win 10+ Games: +136 | Undefeated Regular Season: +1040 | Regular Season Wins: OVER 9.5 (+128)/UNDER (-158)
Miami Preview: Why You Should Be Bullish
The Miami Hurricanes could have the best quarterback in the ACC, the best defensive line in the ACC, and the best offensive line in the ACC. That is an excellent starting point for winning a conference, and they have accentuated those units with good skill groups. Mario Cristobal and his staff have quietly but confidently pointed to 2024 as a breakthrough year after they put together excellent high school recruiting classes that are now a bit experienced in college. As soon as they landed Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward to lead the offense this season, there appeared to be a green light that flashed, and they attacked the transfer portal to go all-in on this campaign. The Hurricanes, barring a rash of injuries, should have the more talented squad in at least 11 of the 12 games they take the field for. The only exception might be the game against Florida State, which is debatable.
Miami Preview: Why You Should Be Bearish
While very talented, this roster is not without some flawed position groups. The offense lacks a reliable tight end. They got basically nothing from the position last season and are hoping redshirt junior Elijah Arroyo can begin to make good on his potential. The other side of the ball is a more significant question mark. The defensive line should be outstanding, but the linebackers and defensive backs are weak spots for the Hurricanes. Francisco Mauigoa is back at linebacker, but the guys beyond him are average. The secondary is nearly starting over with only one returning starter and a ton of inexperience or less-heralded transfers rounding out the group. The biggest reason for skepticism can likely be found by looking at the very recent past. Miami has been talented before, and preseason hype is not new in Coral Gables, but they have seldom lived up to it. Just last season, hopes were high, but the Hurricanes crashed and burned, with questionable late-game decision-making, and sputtered to a 7-6 campaign.
Breakout Player: Rueben Bain Jr. – Defensive Line
You could argue that Rueben Bain Jr., the reigning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, had already broken out during his freshman season in 2023. He was relatively anonymous, as Miami faltered to a 7-6 season and got more headlines for clock management than anything positive that Bain did. That will change this year as Bain enters 2024 with a chance to be one of the sport’s top defensive players. He had 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss a season ago, and he is a real menace for opposing offensive linemen, consistently generating havoc plays with penetration. Bain looks the part of a future top five NFL Draft pick.
Miami X-Factor: Cam Ward – Quarterback
The only real option as the “X-Factor" is quarterback Cam Ward. The Washington State transfer threw for 3736 yards with an average of 7.7 yards per attempt with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added eight rushing touchdowns, and while he is not an electric athlete, he is an upgrade on what Miami has had recently at the position. Ward flirted with the NFL and, by all accounts, really wanted to go pro, but the feedback wasn’t quite what he had hoped for. Once he began seriously considering his transfer options, he chose Miami over Florida State and now has the keys to the offense. The Hurricanes have an offensive line that should be among the league’s best, an experienced and talented wide receiver group, and Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez to provide balance. If Ward is as good as they think he can be, Miami will challenge for the ACC crown and a playoff spot.
Miami Schedule Analysis
The Hurricanes begin the 2024 season with a significant pivot game for both teams involved: at Florida on August 31. The in-state rivalry will be renewed with incredibly high stakes for both head coaches and programs. The Hurricanes have breezy home games against Florida A&M and Ball State and a potentially tricky road trip to the South Florida Bulls. The ACC draw was favorable as they avoided Clemson and North Carolina State, plus get both Virginia Tech and Florida State at home. The only tricky conference road games would be Louisville and Georgia Tech.
Miami Prediction: OVER/UNDER 9.5
Before the season kickoff, the Miami Hurricanes are either favored or a slight underdog in every game. If you believe in the in-game coaching of Cristobal taking strides after a couple of embarrassing collapses in 2023, taking the over is the only sensible move. The schedule is not easy, but no games on this slate would be considered surprises for Miami to win. The most likely outcome is Miami going 10-2 or 11-1, and 9-3 with this schedule would be a real disappointment.
Miami Preseason Pick
Over 9.5 Wins (+128 at FanDuel)
Miami Best Bets
Over 9.5 Wins (+128) and Miami to make the College Football Playoff at +210
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