Temple.

Wagner.

UAB.

Michigan St.

Those are the four opponents Miami may be transitioning away from in the very near future (Michigan State earlier today was removed from Miami’s slate due to the Big Ten’s announcement that they will have a conference only slate).

It is entirely possible that the entire College Football schedule may be reshaped to completely remove those game slots from all teams, shorten the season and allow it to be moved back to an October start.

This article, however, is looking at the scheduled slots staying put and the ACC forcing Miami to choose from Conference opponents to fill those spots.

Start With A BANG

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This change to the schedule could be a boon, sort of, for the new Miami offense to catch some major teams off guard. Similar to how North Carolina came rushing out of the gates with an unknown quarterback and a never before seen offensive unit, Miami will be featuring a new Quarterback in a new scheme. The unit will be comprised of a change offensive philosophy, a very possible new configuration on the line, and a completely different weapon on the most important part of the field.

Clemson

First and foremost, I DO NOT think a school like Clemson takes a chance weeks 1, 2 or 3 against a team with little to no film for its defense to digest. Even without it we all know that Dabo Sweeney and Clemson would still be the most difficult opponent on our schedule. With that said, the opportunity in itself is MASSIVE. An offensive think tank of Rhett Lashlee, Garin Justice and Rob Likens would have a great look at the LSU/Clemson national title game to identify points of attack, while adding wrinkles due to D’Eriq King’s versatility, to keep Clemson off guard.

In no way would I predict a win, but its an opportunity that could change the course of the season, the recruiting year, and Miami as a program going forward to knock of the Juggernaut.

As it stands now this game would have to fall in week 3, and would likely be an away game, as Clemson starts the season with Georgia Tech and Louisville, both ACC foes.

Most Likely Entrant

Boston College

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The Eagles feel like the closest to a sure thing as an addition to the schedule. Like Miami, BC has 3 early non-conference games that they would now have to fill (Ohio, Kansas, Purdue).

The Eagles are also breaking in a new offensive staff with Frank Cignetti as the new OC. The former QB coach for the Green Packers and New York Giants has not called plays since his time as OC for the last season of the St. Louis Rams. A multiples style coordinator known for his quarterback development, like a certain coach who will not be named, should feature an offense not foreign to Boston College faithful. Likely to build off the run and play action, his offense will be one that will require some thought to prepare for.

Look for BC to be added to the schedule around weeks 2 or 4 if the ACC decides to refill slots.

Most Favorable Matchup

Syracuse

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The last time Miami and Syracuse played in 2017, Miami was able to hold off the then burgeoning Orange in a close 27-19 home game in the heat of Florida. Since that matchup, the Orange have gone 15-14, nearly matching the Hurricanes lull over the same time frame of 17-15.

Though on paper, the ‘Cuse have a similar record, they may be on the most unstable ground of ANY ACC foe. This year they will be breaking in:

New starters at wide receiver and running back usher out 41 percent of the team’s catches, 45 percent of their yards from receiver and their leading rusher over the last two years.

Gone are starting linebackers, cornerbacks and two of the best defensive linemen in the ACC in Kendall Coleman and Alton Robinson. Though nothing should be taken for granted with the Canes or in 2020, this would be as good as it gets for a replacement on Miami’s schedule.

Time slots match up for weeks 2-4 for the squads and I would assume Miami may see Syracuse at Hard Rock for the tilt.

2020 has been rocking us like a Hurricane from the jump, and the Canes are feeling the affects.

Go Canes.