Miami Football 2012: Predictions for Every Hurricane Game

The Miami Hurricanes finally released their 2012 schedule, and once again, it will be a very tough road if they want to get to the ACC Championship (if they are even eligible due to the NCAA sanctions).

Miami starts out against ACC foe Boston College before heading out to a very good Kansas State Wildcats team.

Miami only returns three starters on offense, but many of those non-starters got plenty of playing time last year as their were a lot of holes in the offense and defense.

I previously wrote an article on how the Hurricanes can run the table, but here are my real predictions on what's in store for Miami this upcoming season.

Boston College Eagles

Where: Alumni Stadium (Chestnut Hill, MA)

When: 9/1/12

Notes: In last year's game, Jacory Harris threw four interceptions as Miami lost at home to Boston College 17-24.

This is a new season, and although Miami is on the road, I believe they can limit their mistakes and come away with a victory.

Although Boston College returns nine on offense, they lost eight starters on the defensive side of the ball.

I think Miami keeps the score close, but issues in the defensive backfield costs the Hurricanes a victory as Boston College wins, 35-28.

Kansas State Wildcats

Where: Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium (Manhattan, KS)

When: 9/8/12

Prediction: The Hurricanes hung with one of the best college teams in the country last year but came a half-a-foot short as Miami fell 24-28.

Kansas State will be just as good this year as they were last as they return eight on offense and six on defense.

The biggest return will be of one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country in Collin Klein. Klein led the Wildcats to an 10-3 record last year throwing for 13 touchdowns while running for another 27.

Miami will throw everything they can to stop the dual-threat quarterback, but I don't believe they will as the Wildcats beat the Hurricanes 35-21.

If this game were to be played later into the season, I think Miami would have a better chance, but coming off a road game against Boston College into Kansas will be too much for the young Hurricanes to overcome.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)

When: 9/15/12

Prediction: Just like they did last year, the Hurricanes should control the game and come away with a victory over the Wildcats, 42-10.

I think Miami jumps on Bethune-Cookman early but gives up a touchdown late in the game.  This will be a coming-out party for true freshman Duke Johnson as he runs for over 150 yards and a couple touchdowns.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

When: 9/22/12

Prediction: The Yellow Jackets went 8-5 last year but struggled against the Hurricanes speed as Miami beat Georgia Tech 24-7.

The Yellow Jackets return eight on offense and seven on defense and may even be a better team than they were last year.

Tevin Washington will return for his senior season at quarterback, but Miami's defense should be able to control the triple option much like they did last year.

I believe Miami wins 28-17 while holding Georgia Tech to under 200 yards rushing for the second straight season.

North Carolina State Wolfpack

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)

When: 9/29/12

Prediction: North Carolina State had a terrific season last year going 8-5 and winning their bowl game against the Louisville Cardinals 31-24.

The Wolfpack will be returning six players on defense and seven on offense including stud quarterback Mike Glennon.

Glennon threw for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns last year but will not have the services of their top receiver T.J. Graham.

I think the Wolfpack will pose problems for a questionable defensive backfield of the Hurricanes, but Miami will still find a way to beat North Carolina State, 31-27.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Where: Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)

When: 10/6/12

Prediction: This is the game I have been looking forward to for years. Although they just played in 2010, where the Irish beat the Hurricanes 33-17, this will mark the first time since 1990 they face off in the regular season.

The Irish return seven players on offense and five on defense from last year's 8-5 team.

As much as I hate the Irish, there are just too many question marks for the Hurricanes, and as much as I hate saying this, Notre Dame beats Miami 24-20.

This will be the third loss of the season for the Hurricanes heading into their game against North Carolina.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)

When: 10/13/12

Prediction: The Tar Heels return nine players on offense but only five on defense. 

North Carolina's offense should be much better than they were last year, but the loss of studs Zach Brown and Dante Paige-Moss on defense will be too much for them to overcome as Miami wins 28-21.

The biggest concern for Miami will be sophomore Giovani Bernard who had 1,253 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for the Tar Heels last season.

Florida State Seminoles

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)

When: 10/20/12

Prediction: Here we go again, Miami versus Florida State. The two teams met last year as FSU won 23-19.

This year, the Seminoles will most likely be highly ranked and possibly undefeated when they head down to Sun Life Stadium in October.

Although the Seminoles return eight players on offense and nine on a defense that was ranked No. 4 overall in the country, I think Miami steals a victory, 28-27.

I know that many of you Florida State fans will think I am crazy, but in this rivalry, you just never know what will happen.

The stunning upset will leave Miami at 5-3 heading into their bye week.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)

When: 11/1/12

Prediction: Even though the Virginia Tech Hokies return only three starters on offense, their defense will be as strong as ever as they return nine starters.

Miami stood tall last year against Virginia Tech losing by only three points, 35-38.

The defense of Virginia Tech will be hard to get through as the Hokies leave Miami with a 20-17 victory.

Virginia Cavaliers

Where: Scott Stadium (Charlottesville, VA)

When: 11/10/12

Prediction: Virginia ended the season at 8-5 last year even though they struggled at times on the offensive side of the ball.

They return nine on offense including one of the best running backs in the ACC—Perry Jones.  The defense returns just four starters from a defense that gave up 23 points per game.

Virginia used big plays to beat the Hurricanes last year 28-21 in Miami, and I think they do it again in Virginia, 24-17.

For some strange reason, Virginia plays Miami very well and have beaten the Hurricanes the last two years.

Make it three.

South Florida Bulls

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)

When: 11/17/12

Prediction: The Bulls return all of their players on a defense that ranked 18 in scoring defense last year and nine on offense.

As all of you remember, the Hurricanes offense struggled against the Bulls defense as it took a Jake Wieclaw kick as time expired to come away with the 6-3 victory.

Although the Bulls return a lot of people on defense, I truly believe Miami wins the game 24-14.

Duke Blue Devils

Where: Wallace Wade Stadium (Durham, NC)

When: 11/24/12

Prediction: The Hurricanes ran for 265 yards and four touchdowns last year in their 49-14 victory over the Duke Blue Devils.

Even though Duke returns eight on offense and seven on defense, they do not have enough firepower to hang with the Hurricanes.

Miami wins 42-21 and finished the season at 7-5.