Miami vs Miami of Ohio Staff Predictions
The Miami Hurricanes 2023 football season kicks off against the Miami of Ohio RedHawks on Sep. 1 at Hard Rock Stadium.
There are many questions to answer about this season's team, and the All Hurricanes staff has members with their own personal takes for what will take place. Here are the predictions for each member of the staff.
Brian Smith, Publisher: Miami Hurricanes 45 - Miami of Ohio RedHawks 17
Comparing it to last season, there's more talent and better coaching, Plus, the Canes are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season. That's natural motivation. Yes, this will be a hyped up Hurricanes squad that comes out firing. As for the specific areas of the game, pay attention to Miami of Ohio's defensive front first and foremost.
The RedHawks do not possess a lot of massive bodies or playmakers at defensive tackle. That will come back to haunt them. The Canes will pound the football early and often; that leads to Tyler Van Dyke tossing strikes down the field off of play-action.
When the Canes play defense, the front seven's athleticism and size will be hard for the RedHawks to overcome. In particular, with a certain quarterback's big mouth writing checks his butt cannot cash, look for the pass rush to beat up on the opposing signal caller Brett Gabbert.
This game will be over by the end of the third quarter, more or less. Miami's reserves will get significant reps and Hurricanes fans will see younger players hit the gridiron.
Alex Donno, Writer: Miami (FL) 35 - Miami (OH) 10
This game would have been closer with last year's version of the Hurricanes taking the field. This year ain't last year. The Hurricanes will pull away in the second half.
The fortifications at the line of scrimmage will make a massive difference. I expect the Hurricanes to find success on the offensive line after adding difference-makers like Javion Cohen, Matt Lee and Francis Mauigoa. The Canes' defensive line should be motivated to get after Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert and show him where "the real Miami" is located.
The Redhawks are not a pushover, though, and that's why I predict a comfortable win and not a blowout. Miami Ohio had the top defense in their conference last season and returned most of those starters. The team is experienced. They'll make Tyler Van Dyke and the Hurricanes earn every yard.
Liam Willerup, Writer: Miami (FL) 38 - Miami (OH) 17
There's no doubt that Mario Cristobal is feeling the pressure to deliver after a 5-7 season last year. Now with the schemes in place that Coach Cristobal believes align best with the team, the Hurricanes can start their return to the top of college football.
While Miami (OH) is not an opponent to overlook, the talent gap between the ACC and the MAC is real. If Miami's pass game under Shannon Dawson is as advertised, the Hurricanes should be able to dominate in the aerial attack. In addition, they'll attack the RedHawks with a running back committee with varying skillsets to change the pace.
Miami (OH)'s quarterback Brett Gabbert showed in 2021 that he can be a game changer, and that's why I see Miami (OH) putting up some points. However, the star tandem at safety for the Hurricanes should keep the RedHawks in check. Regardless, I see this game being far less close than the score will indicate at the final whistle.
Rowdy Baribeau, Writer: Miami 31 - Miami (OH) 13
The Miami Hurricanes had a strong offseason in a multitude of ways. From coaching hires to transfers, the Canes are expected to have a far better season than their lackluster 5-7 2022 year. I believe the Hurricanes will show the Red Hawks who the real Miami is.
That said, I'm not expecting perfection from Miami. Yes, Miami is projected to win by a sizable margin, but it is also breaking in new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Some freshmen will be getting their first taste of college action while some transfers will be getting their fresh start at a new program. Even with returning veterans, there will undoubtedly be kinks that need to be worked out with the circumstances considered.
Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry alluded to the fact there may be some inconsistent tackling, but it was to be expected in week one. I'm most curious to see how the new-look offensive line creates holes for a running game that garnered plenty of praise during the offseason. I believe that establishing the run game is most important to Miami's success in the ballgame.
Admittedly, I'm also excited to see quarterback Tyler Van Dyke in new OC Shannon Dawson's offense. It is no secret Van Dyke's confidence took a dip last year. However, he has regained some back during the offseason, and a solid game against the Redhawks could help get him back to, "TVD."
Corey Carmona, a.k.a. Chalupa Batman, Podcaster: Miami 38 - Miami of Ohio 10
The upgraded offensive line and depth in the backfield will be what propels the Canes to a Week 1 victory over the RedHawks. Getting ahead of the chains on early downs will be the key to success. This will open up the play action game and allow Tyler Van Dyke to push the ball down the field once the safeties and linebackers begin to creep up to defend the run.
While the RedHawks do possess a scrappy defense, I believe the Canes offensive line will impose their will early in this game and set the tone on the ground. The new look defense, led by defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, will also be a key to this game for Miami.
Getting pressure on RedHawks Quarterback Brett Gabbert will force him into making mistakes, and with the veteran safeties on the backend and upgrades at corner I can see some of those mistakes becoming turnovers.
This one should be a comfortable win for the Canes if they take care of business in the trenches. I could see younger guys getting snaps in the fourth quarter to get them some in-game experience.
All Hurricanes Staff Predictions: Miami's Win-Loss Record
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