College football 2020: Top 13 games we’ll hype up all offseason

13. Miami at Michigan State

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26 – Week 4

Manny Diaz probably saw his first year as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes going a bit differently than how it actually played out. Taking over from Mark Richt and making headlines by landing quarterback Tate Martell via the transfer portal, it was a wholly disappointing season in South Beach that ended with a 6-7 record that included losses to FIU and an Independence Bowl loss to Louisiana Tech.

That makes the 2020 season crucial for Diaz and his staying power at the helm of the Hurricanes. And if they don’t succeed, it won’t be for a lack of talent as Miami has been making waves this offseason. Not only did they land former Houston quarterback D’Eriq King in the transfer portal but also the top defensive player in the transfer portal, former Temple defensive end Quincy Roche. Throw in a top-20 recruiting class and the Canes will have the talent.

Raw talent, however, has not been the issue for Miami in recent years. Instead, it’s been a team that simply falls well short of expectations. They have not shown up in the big games and, frankly, have not shown up in games where they should cruise easily either. That’s what makes their Week 4 tilt in East Lansing all the more intriguing.

Mark Dantonio’s Spartans haven’t exactly been a powerhouse over the past two seasons, going 7-6 in consecutive years. Moreover, they have to replace Brian Lewerke and key pieces on defense. But Michigan State is perennially a tough, competitive team in the Big Ten and could make a leap in 2020 with a new guard taking over.

Subsequently, this matchup between Miami and Michigan State will have a ton on the line in terms of teams looking to make an early-season statement.