Miami Football: 5 Games the Hurricanes Must Win in 2012

While teams are just beginning spring practices, we're already looking forward to the regular season. Sure, it is still a good six months away, but it's never too early to think about everything that comes with college football and the games that actually matter.

Miami returns a total of 11 starters, including seven on the defensive side of the ball. Their 6-6 season last year wasn't exactly what Hurricane fans expected, and the expectations will surely be a bit higher as September rolls around. They have a favorable schedule for the most part, but of course there are a few games that the Hurricanes must win.

Here are a few games that the Hurricanes have to win for this season to be successful.

At Kansas State

Remember last year's game when the Hurricanes lost to the Wildcats at home, despite being more talented, having more yards and less penalty yardage? Yeah, that should be more than enough reason to try and get revenge in Kansas State.

It won't be easy, though, because the Wildcats were the surprise team last season and they return 14 combined starters, but this is Miami.

Why not have a little pride and earn a solid road victory early in the season?

At Georgia Tech

Miami played one of their better games last season against the Yellow Jackets in a 24-7 victory. They forced three turnovers, scored on defense and only had one penalty.

But Georgia Tech is a talented team that returns eight starters on the offensive side of the ball.

They're also playing in Atlanta, a place where the Hurricanes have lost six of the last eight meetings against the Yellow Jackets.

Much like the Kansas State game, this would be another big road win as they head into the more difficult part of their schedule.

Vs. Notre Dame (In Chicago)

You knew this game had to be on here, as these two teams will continue their great history.

While both of these programs are great and have a long tradition of winning, neither team is at that level right now. They're both struggling to get back and a victory in this game could be a sign as to which team is a step closer in the right direction.

Miami has lost the last three of four meetings against the Irish and are 6-17-1 all-time against that team in South Bend. Everybody will be watching this prime time game.

Time to get some of that Miami swagger back.

Vs. Florida State

This is the battle that every Hurricane fan waits to see. After all, it is two of the top three Florida teams, and the winner will have bragging rights until they meet again.

Problem is, nearly every Florida team struggled last season, and the Seminoles have won five of the last seven meetings against the Hurricanes.

Miami Gardens will be packed for this game. They haven't seen a home victory against Florida State since 2004; it's time to end that streak.

Vs. Virginia Tech

Any time you have over 500 total yards and score 35 points, you expect to be on the winning side of that ball game. Although that wasn't the case for the Hurricanes last season as they lost once again to the Hokies. That seems to be a common theme lately, as Miami has lost seven of the last nine meetings against the Hokies.

Frank Beamer's ball clubs are always well prepared and extremely talented. It's going to be a dogfight, but it would be a huge victory for this program moving forward as they try to repair their image.