Predicting the first loss for every college football top 25 team

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ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 28: Head coach Mark Richt of the Miami Hurricanes looks on during the Russell Athletic Bowl against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Miami defeated West Virginia 31-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 18 Miami Hurricanes: at Florida State, Sept. 16

Mark Richt’s first season with alma mater Miami was an undeniable success, as the Hurricanes made major leaps on both sides of the ball and return enough talent to win their first ACC Coastal title in program history.

The Hurricanes moved in on Richt quickly following his controversial dismissal from Georgia, and were rewarded with a 9-4 season that matched their best since 2003. A one-point loss to Florida State in early October started a four-game losing streak, but the Hurricanes managed to rebound with five straight victories to end the year, including a blowout over West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

All sorts of returning young talent emerged during Richt’s first season, including 1000-yard rusher Mark Walton, a big play receiver in Ahmmon Richards, and strong overall units on both the offense and defensive lines. The only thing separating Miami from a top 10 preseason ranking is replacing excellent quarterback Brad Kaaya, as the Hurricanes are still holding an open competition between freshman N’Kosi Perry and a pair of little-used backups in Malik Rosier and Evan Shirreffs.

Bethune-Cookman and Arkansas State should provide little resistance, even if it is a little strange to see the Hurricanes play a road game against a Sun Belt team for the second straight year. The dreaded trip to Tallahassee is up next, and Florida State’s elite defense is not a unit you want to face with quarterback questions.

Chad Thomas and Kendrick Norton could disrupt the Seminoles up front, but Miami is just a step behind the Seminoles, particularly on the road. The Hurricanes’ ACC Coastal title hopes will likely rest on a home date with Virginia Tech on Nov. 4, although a season-ending trip to Pitt could also be crucial.