On Tuesday afternoon, the Atlantic Coast Conference released the 2018 schedule for its member teams.

When you combine the now-released ACC schedule with the already-reported and announced non-conference schedule, the entire slate for the Hurricanes in 2018 is now known. Here’s how the schedule breaks down: (games are on Saturdays unless otherwise noted)

Game 1: Neutral site vs LSU Tigers in Arlington, TX, SUNDAY, September 2, 2018

Arguably THE marquee season opening game, Miami travels to Jerry World in Arlington, TX to take on Coach O and the LSU Tigers. LSU is routinely among the teams hardest hit by NFL Draft defections, and that is the case this year as well. Miami, however, has also seen several key players leave early to the NFL, so this game will go a long way to determining what each team’s ceiling for this season could be.

Game 2: Home vs Savannah State Tigers, September 8, 2018

One of the first pieces I ever wrote on SOTU was a summer preview of the 2013 Miami-Savannah State game, which I titled “empty calories”. Miami won that game 77-7. I might copy and paste that whole piece for this year. Once called “CFB’s greediest losers” due to the high payout numbers they negotiate for their “buy games”, Savannah State has been one of the worst teams at any level of football in recent years.

Since we last saw Savannah State in 2013, the Tigers have gone 7-36 (16.3% win pct), including a winless 2014 campaign. Their wins have been over teams that have gone a combined 20-56, with none having more than 4 wins in any season where they lost to Savannah State.

Furthermore, in the last 4 years, Savannah State has lost their 8 games to FBS competition by a combined score of 481-54, or an AVERAGE of 60.125 to 6.75. Savannah State gave up 83 (!!!!!!!!) points to Georgia Southern in 2014, but, on the bright side, they haven’t given up more than 56 points to an FBS team in the last 2 years. So, that’s good, I guess?

In any event, I say all that to say this: Miami can, and likely will, name the score in this game. Will they top the 77 they scored vs Savannah State in 2013? We’ll see!!!

Game 3: Road at Toledo Rockets, September 15, 2018

The back end of the home-and-home series with the Rockets, Miami will travel to the midwest for the 3rd game of the year.

Coming off a strong 11-3 season which included the MAC championship, Toledo will look to replace record-setting QB Logan Woodside in coach Jason Candle’s uptempo spread passing offense. Under Candle, a rising star in the coaching ranks, I expect Toledo to keep things competitive for maybe a half before Miami pulls away. Y’know, like we did this year.

Game 4: Home vs FIU Panthers, September 22, 2018

Recently announced as the 4th non-conference game for this upcoming season, The battle for Miami (not really) is back on the schedule and I can’t wait to blow out Butch Davis’s overmatched Panthers. FIU MIKE IS THE ENEMY THIS WEEK!!!!! STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU SCALLYWAG!!!!!!!!!

Game 5: Home vs North Carolina Tar Heels, THURSDAY, September 27th, 2018

Miami barely beat a Carolina team decimated by injuries in 2017. That was a measure of revenge for 2 consecutive losses to the Tar Heels, but the uneven nature of the game robbed Canes fans of the blowout celebration they had been expecting.

With a healthier roster in 2018, UNC will be a tough out, but as always, if Miami does what they should, the Canes should emerge victorious.

Game 6: Home vs Florida State Seminoles, October 6, 2018

Biggest game of the year. Every year. Period.

Mark you calendars and be there.

Game 7: Away at Virginia Cavaliers, October 13, 2018

Ah yes, remember when Kurt Benkert looked like the best QB to have ever played the game in the first half of the game between these teams in 2017? Good times.

Virginia is making strides under Bronco Mendenhall, but they’re still a ways away from being a legitimately tough team to play. Miami should handle this business trip with ease.

BYE WEEK

Game 8: Away at Boston College Eagles, FRIDAY, October 26, 2018

Miami is returning to Boston to face the Eagles for the first time since 2012 — Duke Johnson’s freshman year. Star RB AJ Dillion is a BEAST for BC, and containing him will be a key to victory, to be certain.

Game 9: Home vs Duke Blue Devils, November 3, 2018

In the recent past, including 2017, Duke Football has had delusions of grandeur. Miami smacked the Blue Devis and derailed their season in 2017, and I see no reason to expect otherwise in 2018.

Duke coach David Cutcliffe is good, the Blue Devils have more talent than they used to, QB Daniel Jones has talent, but there isn’t a time when Duke Football should be competitive with the Miami Hurricanes.

Game 10: Away at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, November 10, 2018

I. Hate. This. Game.

I hate playing Georgia Tech and that damned flexbone/wing-t/wing-back/motion/WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT offense. I abhor having to play this game annually, although I will say it was good to see GT NOT be able to false start on every play without it being called when these teams met in 2017.

As per usual, Miami will have the advantage on talent. GT’s scheme is the only reason this game could be close. And, in case I didn’t mention it, I HATE THIS GAME. Just get out of Atlanta healthy and with a win. Whatever it takes.

Game 11: Away at Virginia Tech Hokies, November 17, 2018

If the FSU is the marquee game of the year every year, then VT is a clear cut #2 (kickoff classic matchups notwithstanding). Justin Fuente’s team handed Miami their worst loss in 2016, and Mark Richt’s team returned the favor in 2017.

While other teams will fight and scratch to make an impact over the course of the season, this is the game that will likely decide the ACC Coastal Division Championship.

Game 12: Home vs Pittsburgh Panthers, November 24, 2018

Miami had a 10-0 season and #2 ranking in 2017.....until the day after Thanksgiving when the Canes lost to a Pittsburgh team starting a 3rd string freshman QB. We play them every year, sure, but this is about revenge.

I WANT BLOOD!!!

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That Georgia Tech (NOT after a bye week this year), Virginia Tech 2 week stretch on the road in games 10 and 11 is the potential stumbling point for Miami. That, and the LSU and FSU games, obviously.

If you like charts, here’s one with the schedule

and here it is in tweet form from UM

So there you have it. The 2018 Miami Hurricanes Football Schedule is set in stone. Love it? Hate it?

Which game(s) are you most looking forward to? Hop in the comments and let’s talk.

Go Canes