2021 Miami football projections on the HG

Jake Wimberly

What’s to like:

The Canes seem to be moving in the right direction. Miami has only two ten plus win seasons since 2003, but Manny Diaz moved the needle last year.

The Canes averaged 34 points per game and D’Eriq King looked flawless at times, tossing 23 touchdowns to only five interceptions. Miami brings in several transfers that look to contribute in 2021 and have a golden opportunity in week one against Alabama to show they are truly a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.

The Canes avoid Clemson in the regular season and have a schedule that should lend itself to a great year, if this team stays healthy.

What’s not to like:

Need to play better at times defensively. Miami gave up over 27 points per game four times a year ago and anytime you do that - it’s tough to get the win.

Miami also needs to be more active in the secondary - as the Canes generated only seven interceptions a year ago. Several big time players that contributed on the defensive side of the ball will need to be replaced, so as this defense goes, ultimately will Miami go.

What does the Hourglass Say?

2021 Oregon pick: 10-2; 7-1 - Runner Up in the Coastal

Four-year analytic percentage on Oregon = 85 percent

2021 Miami Analytics –

Hour Glass National Recruiting Ranking (three-year metric): 16th – Inside our Realistic College Football Championship bust line. Miami has the talent on their roster to make the College Football Playoff, and possibly win the Championship based on talent.

National Coaching Manny Diaz on HG Scale: 38th (Diaz 2021 coaching value set at (4) – Average coaching value for 2021 set at 7.1. – Diaz is considered below average on our metric.

ODE Analytics – NOTE: ODE is our offensive and defensive scoring efficiency ranking for each team. We use a two-year evaluation of each program.

Miami ranks 43rd in the country in our 2021 ODE evaluation. Offensively they have a ranking of 37th in the country and defensively 48th in the country.

Quarterback Play: Miami has the 4th best quarterback situation in the country going into the season. Their value is set at (21.7). Our national average for average quarterback play is 9.10. Miami has elite quarterback room heading into the 2021 season.

Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Ranking the teams wide receiver play - and do they have quality, impact wide receivers. Miami ranks 21st in the country.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Miami is on the move and despite Manny Diaz’s below average coaching ranking on our scale. Bringing in D’Eriq King a year ago was a life saver, and this year this offense should be one of the best in the country.

Everything hinges on this defense and it’s been a long time since Miami was relevant on the national stage. The Canes get that shot to awaken the past with a week one matchup against Alabama.

If Miami can pull an upset here, Miami will not only be considered “back”, but will make the ACC a very interesting place in 2021.