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The Miami Hurricanes have been ranked at No.8 heading into the 2018 College Football Season. Coming off a 10-3 season that saw the Hurricanes rise all the way to No.2 in the rankings, it’s no surprise that they enter this season so highly ranked. Last year was about exceeding expectations, this year is about matching them.
Unsurprisingly, the Alabama Crimson Tide are ranked as the No.1 team in the nation. Followed by No.2 Clemson, No.3 Ohio State, No.4 Georgia, and No.5 Oklahoma. Miami’s opening week opponent LSU was ranked at No.24 in the nation, and several of Miami’s ACC rivals were also ranked, including No.2 Clemson, No.17 Virginia Tech, and No.19 Florida State.
Miami’s schedule includes five teams that are either ranked or receiving votes in the preseason edition of the Coaches’ Poll. The Hurricanes don’t have an overly difficult schedule, but depending on how the season plays out several games could become hugely important ranked clashes. Especially if teams like Boston College or Duke (both are receiving votes) reach their potential.
The Coaches’ Poll represents the first major poll to come out before the College Football season, and I would expect the AP Poll to be similar in its’ rankings when it comes out a few weeks from now. Miami has an opportunity to move up in the polls with a game against a ranked opponent in week one, now it’s time to take advantage.
Keep it here at State of the U as we rapidly approach the start of the season...