The Miami Hurricanes, under coach Mario Cristobal, are being touted as a potential surprise package for the upcoming college football season. The coach has hit the recruitment trail hard in preparation for a new season where the pressure on him and his team will be cranked up.
The Canes' schedule for next season was released a few months ago, and they start with a game in Gainesville against the Florida Gators and host the Florida State Seminoles at the Hardrock Stadium in October.
An Instagram page, 'College Football U,' shared the fixtures of the Hurricanes with the caption: "Is this Miami’s year?"
College football fans shared their reactions and debated about the strength of the Hurricanes fixtures and whether the team would improve from last season's 7-6 record.
"No and they ain't beating Florida," a fan said.
"Easy ahh schedule," another fan wrote.
Check out more reactions from fans below:
Mario Cristobal hoping to revive Miami amid fixture list luck
Next season will be the third year of Mario Cristobal's tenure as coach of the Miami Hurricanes, and no one understands the weight of responsibility to revive a sleeping giant than him.
He played on the team and won two national championships (1989 and 1991). In recent years, his alma mater has lost relevance in the grand college football picture.
Analyst Sam Fariss of Canes Warning reiterated the relief the Hurricanes will feel for not having the Clemson Tigers on next season's schedule.
“The Clemson Tigers might be in a drought for appearances in the College Football Playoff but Dabo Swinney has still brought the team up to a dominant place in the ACC," Fariss said. ... "Miami, like almost any other season, should be as grateful as ever that they don’t have to face the Clemson Tigers in 2024.”
Cristobal's team lost four straight games against the Tigers before beating them last year, and not facing them again will be a boost.
The Hurricanes are looked upon favorably by the bookies, with FanDuel Sportsbook having a win line total of 9.5 games for next season. They are the third favorite to win the ACC championship. They are also +210 to make the college football playoffs.
During an episode of "Always College Football," Cristobal explained the process of reviving the Hurricanes.
"Miami didn't slip up overnight, so getting Miami to be Miami again doesn't happen overnight, those things mirror each other," Cristobal said. "It's been a lifelong dream but it's also an obligation. Having played here and have gone away and learned from the very best and apply that to get some great results."
Cristobal will be glad that the slate to improving the Hurricanes does not include many tripwires in a bid to be part of the 12-team college football playoff next season.
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