A brutal loss for the once-proud Miami Hurricanes
Week 13 ACC football is in the books and the big story coming out of the weekend is the demise of the Miami Hurricane football program. One question that is certainly on the table: is head coach Manny Diaz safe?
The Miami Hurricanes offer a proud tradition of elite college football. Every week on Sunday Night Football, we see Miami alumni proudly disclaim that they are from “The U” when the starting lineups are introduced. The football program has won 5 NCAA national championships and produced a litany of NFL talent. That impressive list includes the likes of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Warren Sapp, Michael Irvin, Jim Kelly, Cortez Kennedy, and Jim Otto.
However, the Hurricanes’ football program is a shell of its former self. Once considered the pinnacle in terms of producing NFL talent, Miami has only had 4 players selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 2009. During that time period of 11 years, Miami has only produced two pro-bowl players. Those players are tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive end Olivier Vernon. Not only are they not producing NFL talent, but they are also non-competitive in an extremely weak ACC.
Last Saturday, the “U” suffered an eye-opening loss to Florida International University. Miami was a 21-point favorite against the FIU Panthers, but they lost by a final score of 30-24. How does this happen? Miami has a roster with legit NFL talent, which includes Shaq Quarterman, Brevin Jordan, Trevon Hill, Jonathan Garvin, and Trajan Bandy to name a few.
Outside of quarterback James Morgan, the FIU football program will not likely have a player drafted in the 2020 NFL draft. While talent is not the only reason, the finger must be pointed squarely at head coach Manny Diaz. Now, Miami finds itself with a 6-5 record, unranked and embarrassingly a non-factor in a weak conference. At this point, there are more questions than answers. However, it is safe to say that one answer isn’t Manny Diaz.
The Clemson Tigers remain in the driver’s seat for the College Football Playoffs
The Clemson Tigers were idle in Week 13. However, that didn’t hurt their quest for another National Championship. Just two games sit in the way of the Clemson Tigers being one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff. Those games are a trip to Williams-Brice Stadium to battle the South Carolina Gamecocks and the ACC Championship game. Currently, the Tigers are 25.5 favorites for their upcoming matchup with South Carolina. The 11-0 Clemson Tigers are currently the 3rd ranked team in all of college football and seem to be hitting their stride at the right time. At this point, all signs look like a matchup against the LSU Tigers is looming.
In last weeks’ article- 2020 NFL Draft ACC Big Board: Just how dominant is Clemson? – I took a look at what made the Clemson football program so dominant. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is one of the best players in college football and the trio of Isaiah Simmons, Travis Etienne, and Tee Higgins provide the team with dynamic weapons on both sides of the ball. As it sits today, I estimate that at least 9 players from this roster will be selected in the 2020 NFL draft and Trevor Lawrence will be the number one overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Talent and one of the best coaches in football in Dabo Swinney will have Clemson as a perennial National Championship threat.
Week 13 ACC Roundup
In terms of the final scores, the closest Week 13 ACC football matchup was the North Carolina State Wolfpack edging the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 28-26. Ultimately, the Wolfpack won the turnover battle game which led to them winning the game. Defensive tackle Larrell Murchison was the best player on the field and continues to strengthen his resume for the NFL.
The Boston College Eagles had no answers for the Notre Dame passing attack and fell to the Fighting Irish by a score of 40-7. 2020 NFL draft prospects, tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Chase Claypool, both caught touchdown passes.
The Virginia Cavaliers led by quarterback Bryce Perkins pounced Liberty 55-27. Perkins totaled 3 touchdowns and the Virginia defense was brilliant, accounting for 3 sacks and 2 interceptions.
Finally, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons handled the Duke Blue Devils 39-27. Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman and defensive end Carlos Basham Jr. were paramount in the victory, earning 2019 Week 13 ACC Football: “Draft Stars” honors.