Miami football schedule 2019: Game-by-game predictions

Week-by-week predictions

Game 1: vs. Florida

There may be early-season panic coming out of South Beach due to taking on the Gators in the opener. Though Florida has losses on defense to contend with, that unit is still talented and well-coached under Dan Mullen and could cause Martell problems in the signal-caller’s debut.

Result: Loss

Game 2: at North Carolina

After the loss to Florida, a trip to Chapel Hill should serve Martell and Miami quite well. The Tar Heels have an uphill battle ahead to become competitive again and that won’t change for this matchup.

Result: Win

Game 3: vs. Bethune-Cookman

If you’re wanting to see the top end of the Hurricanes with Martell and this defense, walking all over Bethune-Cookman in a cupcake game should be a good place to start.

Result: Win

Game 4: vs. Central Michigan

While Central Michigan has proven to be a solid force in recent years with great talent development, the speed and talent on the Canes’ defense should be too much to handle for the Chippewas.

Result: Win

Game 5: vs. Virginia Tech

Figuring out what this Virginia Tech team is going to look like in 2019 is a difficult task, but the best version of the Hokies should give Diaz’s club a tough game. Even still, it won’t be enough for VT to get the win.

Result: Win

Game 6: vs. Virginia

Last season, the Virginia Cavaliers defense really made things difficult for Miami and pulled out a 16-13 win. While the Cavs lost talent on defense, they still have an experienced and impressive group on that side of the ball and can pull off this big win for the second-straight year.

Result: Loss

Game 7: vs. Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech with the switch from Paul Johnson to Geoff Collins is a big question mark. Having said that, the Hurricanes shouldn’t have too much trouble getting past whatever version of the Yellow Jackets we see.

Result: Win

Game 8: at Pittsburgh

Even when we don’t think the Panthers are going to be special, they’re always competitive. However, as Martell and the Canes should be hitting their stride, they pick up a big road win here.

Result: Win

Game 9: at Florida State

A battle between in-state and ACC rivals is always fun, but it’s impossible to trust Florida State at this point. Until they prove otherwise, they can’t get the job done against a team like the Hurricanes.

Result: Win

Game 10: vs. Louisville

While it would be hard for Louisville to be worse than they were in 2018, even noted improvement would still keep them a tier well below what Miami brings to the table.

Result: Win

Game 11: at Florida International

Seeing the Hurricanes go on the road to play FIU is certainly interesting, but not interesting in the sense where Diaz’s team should be in any type of trouble in this matchup.

Result: Win

Game 12: at Duke

Wild things have a tendency to happen when Duke and Miami face off, but with the Blue Devils likely having an up-and-down year and the Hurricanes likely getting stronger as the year goes on, this one should be all about The U.

Result: Win

Final Record: 10-2 (7-1 in ACC)