The last time the Hurricanes played Clemson on October 24, 2015, the Miami Hurricanes’ program hit rock bottom. Clemson came to Miami and delivered an unimaginable 58-0 ass-beating to the Hurricanes that sent head coach Al Golden all the way to Detroit to coach tight ends for the Lions, and Mark Richt to Miami to begin a complete rebuild of a once-storied football program. Two years later, Mark Richt has the Hurricanes playing the ACC title game with a shot to go the college football playoff. I’ve been on the Miami bandwagon the entire year, and I am still not giving up on the Canes despite an embarrassing loss against Pitt last weekend. The Hurricanes are 11.5 point underdogs and nobody is giving them a chance to upset the defending national champions Saturday night. Call me delusional, but I’m fairly confident the Canes will upset the Tigers in the ACC Title game. Here are some justifications for my fantasy.
- The Revenge Tour: The revenge tour has been a key narrative and initiative that has followed around the Miami Hurricanes this season. Miami has beaten all four teams they lost to last year: Florida State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech. The Canes will look to avenge the most embarrassing loss in school history.
- All 0f the pressure is on Clemson: The Miami Hurricanes have nothing to lose, and all the pressure rest on the shoulders of Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers. Anything less than a repeat of a national championship would be seen as a disappointment to Clemson fans. The Hurricanes have already surpassed expectations, and even with a loss, that would likely result in an appearance at the Orange Bowl, with which most of their fans would be happy. There is no coincidence Miami fell after being ranked #2 in the college football playoff rankings. Expect Miami to play loose and be willing to take a lot of chances. Miami has embraced the underdog role throughout the year. Rosier has good head on his shoulders and has played his best football in clutch situations.
- Turnover Chain: The turnover chain has been a key symbol for the Miami Hurricanes this season. The Hurricanes have used turnovers to swing the momentum of the game. Miami ranks #1 in the country in turnover margin posting a remarkable +17 mark in the category. This is the primary reason why the Canes are 11-1 this year. This is one of the few statistical advantages Miami holds over Clemson, but it is the most important one. Football Outsiders reveals that the team who has won the turnover battle has won the game 62% of the time this season. Kelly Bryant has been careless with football at times, so expect a very conservative play script from the Clemson sideline.
- Miami is a team of Destiny: In reality, there is a big reason why Clemson is a 11 point favorite against the Miami Hurricanes. Both the public and sharp bettors are loading on Clemson during this matchup. Even with that being said, I’m still not picking Miami to lose because the Canes feel like a team of destiny and have showed an ability to win close games throughout the entire year. If this game was played 9 times Clemson would probably win at least 8 out of them. But that’s why you play the game! And its only played once, so anything can happen. I’m feeling the underdog tonight cause Miami is going to play to win the game.