We have been waiting for the University of Miami to be back in the college football landscape for a while now. However, since their Orange Bowl appearance in 2017, the U has been alright at best. With Mario Cristobal taken over, Miami was supposed to be back on track. A 5-7 record in 2022 wasn’t the story the Hurricanes fans thought it was going to be. However, a new signal caller in Shannon Dawson has brought some hype around this MIami team yet again. Will Cristobal bounce back in year number two?

Offense

The offense for Mario Cristobal in year one was far less than ideal. However, in year two he will have a healthy Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback to help take some of the pressure off. Last year, Van Dyke had a recurring shoulder issue that hindered his play. Star tackle Zion Nelson never got healthy after off-season knee surgery. Miami’s offensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the country in 2023. Nelson will be back and they got two huge transfers (Matt Lee and Javion Cohen). Van Dyke has the potential to get back to where he was in 2021 with this offensive line in front of him. If Miami can get Van Dyke healthy for the season, they will be back in a bowl game easily in 2023. 

Defense

Miami’s defense is getting something that they haven’t had since 2006. They have an All-American from a season prior returning to their defense. Safety Kamren Kinchens is returning for his junior season. They will need their secondary to make plays with transfer cornerback Davonte Brown from UCF looking to come in and contribute early on. Te’Corey Couch, James Williams and company are going to have to be fantastic on their assignments in 2023. Miami needs their front seven to be absolute dogs night in and night out. If the Hurricanes can get pressure on the quarterback consistently, Miami’s defense should be in line to be one of the best in the ACC. Look for the Hurricanes to make some noise in Lance Guidry’s first year as defensive coordinator. 

Win Total Prediction

The Hurricanes win total is set at 7.5 wins on the FanDuel Sportsbook. For Miami the over is at +138 odds and the under is at -170 odds. Looking at their schedule they have three winnable games early on in their non-conference. However, even if they win all those winnable games, they would have to win at least five ACC games to win this win total bet. UNC, Clemson, Florida State and Louisville are on the schedule for the Hurricanes in 2023. It will be a tough task but I’m going to ride with a healthy Miami team to get over 7.5 wins. Take the over 7.5 win total at +138 odds. 

Game Schedule Predictions 

Win vs Miami Ohio (1-0)

Loss vs Texas A&M (1-1)

Blowout Win vs Bethune-Cookman (2-1)

Win at Temple (3-1)

Win vs Georgia Tech (4-1)

Loss at UNC (4-2)

Win vs Clemson (5-2)

Win vs Virginia (6-2)

Loss at NC State (6-3)

Win at Florida State (7-3)

Win vs Louisville (8-3)

Loss at Boston College (8-4)