How Tough is Miami’s 2018 Schedule Compared to Last Season’s?

Last season, Bethune-Cookman, Arkansas State (cancelled), Notre Dame, and Toledo were the Canes’ out of conference opponents. Along with an easier draw in ACC play, the Canes placed 57th for toughest schedule in the nation according to CBS Sports.

This upcoming season, CBS Sports ranks Miami’s schedule 4th-toughest in the ACC. Highlighted by the season opener in the AdvoCare Classic against LSU in Arlington, Texas, the Canes are also going on the road to Toledo, and facing Butch Davis’ improved FIU Panthers; which makes for interesting matchups early in the season.

Opening the season against LSU sets the stage for what could be a promising sign, or a reality check for the Canes. Coming off a 10-win season that ended in disappointment, this team should be hungry, and poised to shine on a huge scale.

A loss would cause a frenzy of doubt and concern about where this program is at, and headed. We know that Richt’s Canes can be streaky, and allowing the losing streak that concluded last season to continue into this one could damage the morale, and progress that Richt has built so far.

Aside from out of conference play, the Canes are also faced with road games in consecutive weeks against Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech. A Friday visit to Boston College will also be a stout contest. These games, which all come in the second half of the season, could be heavily influenced by injuries, and will shape the overall success of the season.

Despite being tougher, the 2018 schedule seems manageable; due to the plethora of talent on the roster. Richt and his staff have built solid depth that they desperately needed in past seasons. Success may have to come from different areas however, as the offense may be forced to pick up the slack a bit more. Regardless, this team should be able to match the success of last season’s campaign.