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The ACC has been discussing dropping the Coastal and Atlantic divisions, and moving to a 3-5-5 scheduling format. What this means for Miami is that the Hurricanes would now have three “locked in” opponents. The clear favorites are Florida State and Virginia Tech. The ‘Canes top rival is with the Seminoles, and The U has played the Hokies every year since 1992. Both of those opponents seem like a guarantee for the ACC schedulers.
Miami AD Dan Radakovich says ACC moving closer to scrapping football divisions and adopting 3-5-5 schedule model for 2023 season. Next step is consulting with ESPN on the details.
— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) May 10, 2022
However, the ‘Canes third “rival” is a little less clear. Will it be a Big East rival- like Syracuse? Or a Coastal rival such as UNC? What about an Atlantic opponent like NCSU or Clemson?
The former Big East
After Virginia Tech; Louisville, Pitt, Boston College and Syracuse are former Big East opponents of the ‘Canes.
Boston College Eagles
1st game: 1955
Record: 24-6, Miami
Streak: BC x 1
Most famous game: 1984, BC 47-45 (Hail Flutie)
Info: Miami and BC played nearly every year from 1990-2003. The Eagles and ‘Canes have played only five times since 2003.
Louisville Cardinals
1st game: 1933
Record: 11-3-1, Miami
Streak: Miami x 2
Most famous game: 2004, Miami 41-38 (Devin Hester return)
Info: Miami and Louisville have never been a consistent rival.
Pitt Panthers
1st game: 1950
Record: 29-11-1, Miami
Streak: Miami x 4
Most famous game: 2017, Pitt 24-14 (Kenny Pickett upset no. 2 Miami)
Info: Miami and Pitt have been Coastal foes and have played every year since 2013. Prior to ‘13, Miami and Pitt were regular foes from 1989-2003.
Syracuse Orange
1st game: 1960
Record: 16-7, Miami
Streak: Miami x 6
Most famous game: 1992, Miami 16-10 (Casey Grier stops Chris Gedney)
Info: Miami and Syracuse haven’t played since ‘17, and before that one-off, the ‘Canes and Orange hadn’t played since 2003.
The Coastal
Miami’s move from the Big East to the ACC made for a few strange bed fellows. The Duke “rivalry week” stuff, UNC, Georgia Tech and UVA have become expected games on the schedule. Could one of these opponents become the 3rd game?
Duke Blue Devils
1st game: 1976
Record: 15-4, Miami
Streak: Miami x 2
Most famous game: 2015, Miami 30-27 (Eight lateral game on Halloween)
Info: Miami and Duke have been randomly been matched up on “Rivalry Week” a handful of times by the ACC.
Georgia Tech
1st game: 1955
Record: 13-13, tie
Streak: Miami x 1
Most famous game: I dunno... 2000 Gator Bowl? The Paul Johnson blowout of Randy Shannon? Got me. I’ll take the Gator Bowl and Kenny Dorsey’s push to stardom.
Info: Miami and GT are Coastal foes, and have had some close games recently, but something about this match-up feels like a snoozer. However, playing in Atlanta is never a bad thing!
UNC Tar Heels
1st game: 1946
Record: 11-12, UNC
Streak: UNC x 3
Most famous game: 2004, UNC 31-28 (Connor Barth upset FG win)
Info: Miami and UNC have been Coastal foes and have had a fairly good match-up. UNC won’t provide the recruiting prowess of Atlanta, but, no complaints about games in Chapel Hill.
UVA Cavaliers
1st game: 1996
Record: 11-8, Miami
Streak: UVA x 1
Most famous game: The ‘96 Carquest Bowl always stands out for some reason.
Info: Miami and UVA have been Coastal foes and have alternated one-off wins and streaks. Virginia area isn’t a bad recruiting ground re the DMV.
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The Atlantic
The least likely 3rd game opponents come from the Atlantic. NCSU, Clemson and Wake Forest feel like the odd teams out of the race.
Clemson Tigers
1st game: 1945
Record: 6-6, tie
Streak: Clemson x 3
Most famous game: 2015, I guess. It got rid of Al Golden.
Info: Miami and Clemson have played 12 whole times. Personally, I believe in playing the best but I can’t see this match-up being regular.
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NC State Wolfpack
1st game: 1939
Record: 11-5-1, Miami
Streak: Miami x 4
Most famous game: The ‘98 Micron PC Bowl (Edgerrin and Scott Covington)
Info: Miami and NCSU have played in weird streaks of games over the years with long breaks. I’m partial to The U being in Raleigh more often but can’t see it happening.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
1st game: 1928
Record: 8-3, Miami
Streak: Miami x 7
Most famous game: N/A
Info: Miami and Wake aren’t going to be a match-up, no chance.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
You thought I forgot the Domers? Not a chance. If ND isn’t scared of joining the ACC, this could be a heck of an annual match-up to bring back to college football.
1st game: 1955
Record: 8-17-1, Notre Dame
Streak: Miami x 1
Most famous game: Sadly, it’s the ‘88 Catholics vs. Convicts game. However, to me, it’s the ‘89 game with Tiger Clark in the Orange Bowl!
Info: If the Irish are feeling the heat from the SEC’s mega-merger, maybe they’ll join the fray?
Wrap and Poll
If Notre Dame is on the table, clearly that’s the front runner option, and thus I’ve left them off the poll. C’mon jits, decide who the 3rd man is to join the Outsiders at Bash at the Beach.
Poll
Who should Miami’s 3rd game be against?
This poll is closed
-
15%
Boston College
-
21%
Pitt
-
3%
Syracuse
-
1%
Duke
-
11%
Georgia Tech
-
27%
UNC
-
1%
UVA
-
14%
Clemson
-
1%
Louisville
-
0%
NC State
-
0%
Wake Forest
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