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2017 Miami Hurricanes Matchup Preview: Bethune-Cookman

As they look for their first ACC championship, the Miami Hurricanes will start off the 2017 season with a matchup against in-state foe Bethune-Cookman at Hard Rock Stadium.

By David F. Perez
Bethune-Cookman v Miami Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

From a matchup against FSU in Tallahassee, to a rivalry matchup at home against Notre Dame, Miami fans have their calendars marked for the fall. But before the ‘Canes hit the national stage for top 25 matchups, they must knock the rust off in an early season matchup against in-state foe Bethune-Cookman.

The Story of A Rebuild

While the Wildcats will strap up the pads against a power 5 Miami program week one, they will prepare to face the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference throughout fall practice. Bethune-Cookman, an FCS school, won the MEAC championship four out of five years between 2010-2014. But after a half-decade of conference dominance, the Wildcats slid last season under third-year head coach Terry Sims. Bethune-Cookman finished 2016 with a 4-6 record and a 5th place MEAC finish, after a 21 point loss late in the year. The Wildcats will look to get back to a winning way that gave them a 9-2 record in 2015, and provide an early season showdown on September 2nd.

Series History

The ‘Canes and Wildcats have met three times in the past, with Miami winning all three games by an overwhelming margin. The most recent victory came in 2015 when Miami took down Bethune-Cookman by a final score of 45-0.

Overall Impression

As many fans expect, this game should not be close. Bethune-Cookman is trying to recapture the success they attained in 2015, and even at their peak that season, Miami had no trouble taking down the Wildcats. This game is more about the ‘Canes solidifying aspects of their team in a game situation than Bethune-Cookman themselves, and should serve as an opportunity for underclassmen to play late in the game. The progression of young players and the first start for Miami’s new quarterback will take center stage in this one, with the overall excitement of a new season infesting the stadium. The only question on the scoreboard will be whether or not Miami shuts out Bethune-Cookman, who will view this game as a measuring stick for future opponents.