Wait, the Hurricanes are Still in the Coastal Race?
Despite a season that has failed to live up to even modest expectations so far, the Miami Hurricanes are actually well alive in the ACC Coastal race.
After a not-so-thrilling victory this past weekend at Pittsburgh, Miami now sits at 4-4 overall but more importantly 2-3 in ACC play. The Hurricanes now also hold the tiebreaker with Pittsburgh should they both end up with the same record.
Virginia and North Carolina pace the Coastal with a 3-2 conference mark, those teams face off November 2nd with the winner in the driver's seat to meet (lose to) Clemson in the ACC championship.
The Tar Heels have a modest schedule after Virginia, with very winnable games at Pittsburgh followed by home against Mercer. North Carolina closes out the season against a decent North Carolina State teams, we all know how unpredictable in-state rivalry games can be.
Miami holds the tiebreaker with Virginia after their win earlier this month, however Miami lost to North Carolina so Canes fans are rooting for the Cavaliers this Saturday.
Hurricanes faithful must hope for at least two North Carolina losses in conference to keep any ACC Coastal dreams alive.
Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh both sit with 2-2 conference records heading into the weekend. Despite their victory over Miami, Virginia Tech faces the toughest road ahead to close out the season.
The Hokies first travel to No. 18 Notre Dame Saturday afternoon then face No. 23 Wake Forest the following weekend. Virginia Tech will be heavy underdogs in both and if expectations stand pat, they should be out of the race soon.
Miami faces a huge game with Florida State Saturday and are catching the Seminoles (4-4, 3-3) in a down year. That being said, Florida State is currently about a five point favorite at home. If the Hurricanes can take another step and win in Tallahassee, they close out with games against Louisville, FIU, and Duke.
Basically the Hurricanes have to win out in ACC play and hope for the aforementioned dominoes to topple.
A lot has to go right for Miami to even catch a whiff of the ACC title game, but given the tone of the season to even be in the conversation with November right around the corner is encouraging.
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