Miami football’s playoff dreams die in Charlottesville on Halloween.
Oct. 3: Pittsburgh Panthers
Miami won’t play its first conference game until the first Saturday in October. That’s when Pat Narduzzi’s Pittsburgh Panthers come to town. At 4-0 and inside of the AP Top 25, Miami will be jacked up for this one. They will let Pittsburgh have it, as Gregory Rousseau has one of the best games of his life. Miami gets to 5-0 and The U looks to be on its way back. Miami, 38-20.
Oct. 9: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Winston-Salem, NC)
Of all the games Miami plays this season, this is the one the Canes will want to have back. With a shot at bowl eligibility and a 6-0 start, Miami blows a golden opportunity when they face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem on a Friday night. Dave Clawson puts on a coaching clinic to show why he’s one of the better coaches in the ACC. Wake Forest, 28-24.
Oct. 17: Bye
Oct. 24: North Carolina Tar Heels
With a Wake Forest lost on their mind heading into the bye week, Miami will be charged up to face the North Carolina Tar Heels at home. At the start of the year, this was the game everybody and their brother picked as the one that decides the ACC Coastal. Despite Sam Howell’s best efforts, North Carolina never had a shot in this emerging rivalry game. Miami, 37-20.
Oct. 31: at Virginia Cavaliers (Charlottesville, VA)
You’re seeing a trend here, right? Miami will be an up-and-down emotional roller coaster this year. The Canes can beat anybody at home, but Manny Diaz continues to get worked by superior coaches like Bronco Mendenhall. If you want to chalk this up to something like an annual Mark Richt Letdown Game, you can. Just know Miami playoff dream die on Halloween. Virginia, 31-23.