– Last Updated on June 8, 2018 7:50 am
2017 Football Preview – ACC – Hurricanes
Looking for 2017 Miami Hurricanes predictions? The Hurricanes look like they might finally make their first title game since joining the ACC. It helps that they are in the weaker division but still this team is on the rise. They just need to find the quarterback for their next stage of development. No easy feat.
NCAA Football Gambling Lines
- 2017-18 College Football Preview – Miami Hurricanes
- Head Coach: Mark Richt
- 2016 Record: 9-4
- Miami Hurricanes Odds to win the 2017 FBS Championship: 66/1
- Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For Today
- ***More 2017 NCAA Football Team Season Previews***
The Canes are looking to be the Canes of old. I think this season will be a step in that direction.
2017 Miami Hurricanes Predictions: Team Strengths
Its All About the D: When the Canes were at their best in the 80s and 90s they had a fast and punishing defense that was the envy of the nation. They are not quite there yet but they are on the rise.
In their heyday they were called Linebacker U and this season they have a trio of sophomore returning starters. Shaquille Quarterman is all ACC and will merit national recognition as well.
They also return all four defensive linemen, all of whom are upperclassmen. Chad Thomas looks the part of an elite DE and maybe as a senior it all comes together for him.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Kendrick Norton is a space eater on the inside of that line but he is also good at disrupting things in the backfield. He had 10 tackles for a loss last season and as the likes of Alabama and Clemson have shown you have to be strong up the middle.
Its His Time: For his first two seasons Mark Walton has split time with Joseph Yearby. Yearby is gone now and it is time for Walton to put up a massive season.
Last year he rushed for more than 1100 yards despite only getting 2/3 of the carries. Expect that to rise to 80% as the Canes emphasize the running game even more with a first time starter at QB.
What is an inexperienced starter’s best friend, a running back who can catch the ball. Walton can do that to. Look for him to put up numbers that might make him a sleeper for the Heisman.
2017 Miami Hurricanes Predictions: Team Weaknesses
Pass and Catch: Brad Kaaya is now in the NFL. He did not pan out as well as hoped but the started for three years.
In his place is junior Malik Rosier. A better athlete than Kaaya he has very little experience. He threw only four passed all of last seasons.
The Canes are also looking to replace their first and third pass catchers in Stacey Coley and David Njoku. Coley was an enigma but Njoku worked his way to becoming a first round draft pic.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Ahmmon Richards led the team in receiving yards a year ago by averaging close to 20ypc. Still he only found the end zone 3 times while Coley and Njoku scored 17 TDs between them. They are looking for that primary red zone target.
Chris Herndon has been the other tight end the last two seasons. He has the size to be that security blanket Rosier needs but has not proven to be the big play threat Njoku was.
Rosier should not be complaining about talent as the Canes are also bringing in three 4 star recruits at the wide receiver position. Rosier just has to prove he can handle the job.
Miami Hurricanes Prediction: 11-1
As you can see from that prediction I am bullish on Miami this season.
The lone loss will be at Florida State, a game where having an experienced Kaaya at the controls could have made a difference.
The record will look gaudy and this is a good team but it is also a really good schedule. 4 ACC road games including Duke, UNC and Pitt should not be too tough to manage.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
This team should definitely be the representative of the Coastal for the first time. If they do beat FSU in W3 than we are talking possible playoffs. They could even get another shot at them in the ACC title game
2017 Miami Hurricanes Football Schedule
- 9/2/17 12:30 PM ET COOK
- 9/9/17 3:30 PM ET @ARST
- 9/16/17 8:00 PM ET @FSU
- 9/23/17 TBD TOL
- 9/29/17 7:00 PM ET @DUKE
- 10/12/17 TBD GT
- 10/21/17 TBD SYR
- 10/28/17 TBD @UNC
- 11/4/17 TBD VT
- 11/11/17 TBD ND
- 11/18/17 TBD UVA
- 11/24/17 TBD @PITT
What do you think about our 2017 Miami Hurricanes predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in 2017!
The 2017 College futures betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on NCAA football, you are in the best possible place for online betting. CappersPicks.com has NCAAF odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find College football lines up for early games as well.
Check out our Updated College Football Betting Odds.