The Hurricanes have been up and down on the playing field since opening up the season in week zero. Miami head coach Manny Diaz commented on the unusual schedule stating the Hurricanes have practiced for 10 weeks, despite the fact they’ve only played four games. With two wins and two losses, they are eager to finally get a chance at playing some consistent football. Now, we look to the future as the Miami Hurricanes enter the crucial stretch of the season
The first test will be Saturday against ACC Coastal rival Virginia Tech at home. Perhaps the most important game for Coastal standings will be the following week on a Friday when Virginia comes to Miami. The loss in week two to North Carolina gave the Hurricanes it’s first loss in conference. The ACC Coastal has been wacky but Miami knows another loss in conference hurts their chances. The good news for Miami is that players are returning back from injury and should help make an impact.
Miami Hurricanes Enter the Crucial Stretch of the Season
Home Cooking
One of the biggest factors in Miami’s play over this next stretch of games will be the home-field advantage. The next three home games will all be at home, which should help as Miami has been tough in recent years at Hard Rock stadium. In 2017, the Hurricanes defeated both Virginia Tech and Virginia at the stadium and the crowd made a big difference.
Much of the same will be needed this year facing some veteran offenses like Virginia. Many consider the Cavaliers to be Miami’s toughest remaining opponent and the clear competition for the Coastal title. If Miami can beat the two Virginia teams at home, confidence should be high against Georgia Tech.
After the home stretch, Miami will head to Pittsburgh and the following week head to Tallahassee to face Florida State. The last game of the six-game stretch will be a home finale against Louisville before one last bye week.
Welcome Back
This game against Virginia Tech will be a return for many different Hurricanes. For Nesta Silvera, the sophomore defensive lineman is making his season debut after getting injured in training camp. He underwent surgery on his foot and has fully recuperated back to the point where coaches expect his presence to be felt.
There was disappointment in the season opener when the NCAA notified Miami that Bubba Bolden was not fully cleared to return back to competition. The former University of Southen California signee will also be making his debut against Virginia Tech. After not being able to play last season, the Las Vegas native is eager to get back on the field.
The player most excited to play against Virginia Tech will be Trevon Hill, the former Hokie. Last season he was dismissed after getting into a verbal disagreement with a coach after Tech lost to Old Dominion. He graduated and made the move to Miami in hopes of completing his career on a high note. Against Central Michigan, he recorded his first sack of the season and will be looking to get plenty more against his former team. Diaz has stated that Hill is getting more and more comfortable each week.
Final Thought
The Hurricanes fate will be decided within these next six games. Miami, for the most part, controls their destiny if the team can win out and North Carolina loses one more conference game. Offensively, DeeJay Dallas and Jarren Williams will be key deciders as to how well the offense performs. On the defensive side, Shaq Quarterman is coming off his best game this season and looking to build off the performance.
