Miami Hurricanes: Top 10 Team?
Article photo of Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke; credit to Andy Lewis-USA TODAY Sports
Each week at 2 p.m. ET, the Associated Press Poll comes out. Miami made it to #22 and then #20 during the past two AP Poll releases. How much Miami moves up this week is hard to say, but there’s a more worthy question.
Are the Canes a legit top 10 option? Regardless of yes or no, why does one feel that way?
To better understand how Miami is performing, here’s a look at a few of the aspects of the team that’s continuing to work well, and areas that are underperforming or at least did at some point during the 2023 season to date.
The Good News
Name a college football team that has three quality starting wide receivers like Miami that all consistently produce? This question includes Ohio State, as the Buckeyes typically rely on Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison, Jr. despite a deep stable of talent.
While nobody should automatically claim that the Canes possess college football’s best wide receiver room, it’s pretty darn good, and those top three players – Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George and Colbie Young – are giving defensive coordinators trouble; game after game.
Next, Tyler Van Dyke is really good. Don’t believe it? Even with playing in an offense that stresses balance between running and passing, Van Dyke is 74 of 99, 74.7%, 1,042 yards, 10.5 yards per attempt, 11 touchdowns and only 1 interception. His yards per attempt average is No. 9 in the nation.
A deep group of running backs rotates and works well with one another. The Canes are led by Henry Parrish, Jr. Four other running backs possess the juice to tote the football and produce big plays as well. Truth be told, Miami’s running back room is one of college football’s best.
The Hurricanes flat out have the best safety duo in the land with James Williams and Kamren Kinchens. Hopefully Kinchens can return from injury sooner than later. To that point, Williams is probably college football’s most unique physical player and teams still struggle to avoid him even with Kinchens out of the lineup. Williams is an incredible talent.
Linebacker play continues to improve. Francisco Mauigoa is one of several Canes linebackers that deserve credit. Miami's run defense is allowing 48 yards per game, good for No. 3 in the nation!
The defensive end depth is the final point as to why the Canes – basing this list primarily off of positions – should be a top 10 consideration. Miami can go five or six deep, while most teams are fortunate to bring a single backup defensive end into the game that they truly trust. More importantly, that prior point is especially true during obvious passing downs.
The Bad News
Are the Canes a team with flaws? Absolutely. Here’s a brief overview of what they are, and then a podcast going more in-depth and comparing Miami to Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame and Southern Cal, among other college football programs.
The injury bug is starting to come back around. No shortcut here. Miami needs top players back and soon, like center Matt Lee.
Miami does not throw much to the tight ends. That’s not a huge issue, but it’s not great either. In the red zone, at some point this season, a great play by a tight end will likely be a need.
The Miami faithful should be happy that Jaden Davis is playing at a high level. The Oklahoma transfer is far exceeding expectations as a playmaker. That’s great!
Now, does Miami possess a no-doubt shut-down cornerback? Probably not. Davis does find his way to the ball though.
Here’s the podcast that goes even further into the discussion about why Miami should be in consideration for being inside the AP Poll top 10:
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.