Fansided

College football 2019: Biggest trap game facing every Top 25 team

By Cody Williams

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 13: Tate Martell #18 of the Miami Hurricanes performs drills during the annual Spring Game at Nathaniel Traz-Powell Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 13: Tate Martell #18 of the Miami Hurricanes performs drills during the annual Spring Game at Nathaniel Traz-Powell Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

25. Miami Hurricanes

Biggest Trap Game: at Pittsburgh (Oct. 26)

The Miami Hurricanes will undoubtedly have a different look than they did heading into last season. Then under the watch of Mark Richt, who has since retired, the Canes appeared to be in line to finish the season as one of the top 10 teams in the country. Instead, poor quarterback play and injuries derailed their chances, leading them to a modest 7-6 finish overall.

As mentioned, Richt is gone now and in steps former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Perhaps more importantly, though, Miami now seemingly has a litany of options to choose from at quarterback. Not only does N’Kosi Perry, who saw starting reps last year, return but the Hurricanes also have Ohio State transfer Tate Martell as well as Jarren Williams to compete for the job.

With improved quarterback play, a strong defense returning under a defensive-minded head coach and even a high-upside group of offensive weapons, Miami appear to be primed for a run at the ACC Coastal title and a chance to try and knock off Clemson for conference supremacy. While the Coastal Division is relatively weak, though, a late-October matchup against Pittsburgh should be crucial.

The Panthers won the Coastal last year, though they are far from a great team. However, Miami’s matchup with Pitt comes as the first road matchup for the Hurricanes after three consecutive home ACC games. While Diaz’s group should have the talent to cruise past the Panthers, they must avoid looking ahead to a road matchup against Florida State the following week and stay focused.