The 2023 season didn’t go as planned for Mario Cristobal and Miami football. The Hurricanes started strong with a 4-0 record and looked like legitimate title contenders, but they slumped and lost six of their final nine games, finishing 7-6 with a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers.
Heading into the 2024 campaign, the Hurricanes are projected to contend for an ACC title and be one of the most improved teams in the country.
However, to achieve this major improvement, they’ll need to take care of business in their three most important games of the season, which could dictate their playoff hopes.
3. at Louisville (Oct. 19)
If all goes as planned through the opening stretch of the season, Miami could very well be 6-0 heading into this game. At worst, the Hurricanes might be 5-1, making this game a potential decider for the remainder of the season.
Assuming Miami is 5-1, winning this game could catapult the Hurricanes to a strong finish in the second half of the season, as Louisville will be one of the league’s top contenders.
Jeff Brohm has the Cardinals back on track after just one season, and with Tyler Shough at quarterback and home-field advantage on their side, they’re going to be arguably the third-biggest test for Miami in 2024. This game comes at a crucial point in the season before another massive matchup.
Winning this game would create palpable momentum for the Hurricanes.
2. at Florida (Aug. 31)
How important can the first game of the season really be? When it’s against an in-state rival and could dictate the trajectory of the season, it’s huge.
I actually debated whether this game should be ranked No. 1.
Ultimately, I decided that while Miami could lose this game and still be okay, winning it would set the tone for the season. If the Hurricanes beat Florida in The Swamp to start the year, it would prove to everyone that they’re for real and ready to make noise in the playoff race. Plus, a win here would almost ensure a 6-0 start leading up to the third-most important game on this list at Louisville.
Billy Napier and Florida have a lot to prove this season. The third-year head coach’s seat is warming up, and the Gators need to make a push for an SEC title or he may be on his way out. There’s equal pressure on Mario Cristobal and Napier in this one.
If there’s any non-conference game that could be considered “critical” to win, it’s this one for obvious reasons.
1. Florida State (Oct. 26)
It should be no surprise that this game comes in at No. 1. Florida State is the reigning ACC champion, and Miami gets the in-state rival Seminoles at home. The Hurricanes need to win this game if they want any chance at making the ACC title game and the playoff.
A loss here would almost surely ruin all ACC title hopes.
The Seminoles ran the table in the ACC last season, but Miami gave them a tough test on Nov. 11, losing just 27-20 in Tallahassee. Now, Miami will get a chance at revenge, and the Hurricanes could be the team running the table in conference play this time with arguably the best quarterback-running back combo in the ACC.
Mike Norvell and Florida State aren’t just going to roll over and let that happen, though. They brought in DJ Uiagalelei to lead the offense, and he’s familiar with the Hurricanes and the ACC.
This game could end up deciding which of these teams plays for the ACC title at the end of the year.
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