Miami Football: Ranking the 2012 Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

The 2011 season really couldn't have been any worse for the Miami Hurricanes. When you include a scandal, suspended players and a 6-6 record, the lack of success is something that the Hurricanes aren't really used to experiencing. This season, Miami hopes to put a lot of that behind them as it returns 10 starters from last year's squad.

The Hurricanes are trying to find playmakers on offense, but they do have six starters returning from a defense that showed a lot of potential and finished sixth in the ACC. While the talent is usually never an issue for this team, the ACC schedule has gotten a little tougher for Miami in 2012.

With the season less than three months away from kicking off, here are the easiest and most difficult opponents on the Miami Hurricanes schedule in 2012.

12. Vs. Bethune-Cookman

Last year's record: 8-3

Returning starters: N/A

Do I really need to explain why this game is where it is on the difficulty meter? But then again, the Wildcats were only down 14 points in last year's meeting heading into the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes have way more talent that Bethune-Cookman ever dreamed of having and should win this matchup with ease.

11. At Duke

Last year's record: 3-9

Returning starters: 16

If this was a basketball game, the Duke Blue Devils would likely win, but unfortunately this is a sport that will take place on the gridiron. Miami is 8-1 against Duke all-time and you think the Hurricanes would win this game with little effort.

10. At Boston College

Last year's record: 4-8

Returning starters: 18

Miami lost last year's meeting by a touchdown, although it did not help turning the ball over four times. The Golden Eagles do return the most starters in the ACC, but were not a good or consistent football team at all last year. They also lost defensive leader Luke Kuechly, along with leading rusher Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team. 

9. Vs. USF

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 16

It was one of the ugliest games of the 2011 season when these two teams met. Neither team could find the end zone despite moving the ball fairly well. South Florida returns the most starters in the Big East, including dual-threat quarterback B.J. Daniels, who has improved his play over the years. This game has the potential to be a fun one. Hopefully both teams show up this time. 

8. Vs. NC State

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 14

NC State returns a talented team that knocked off opponents such as Clemson, Virginia and North Carolina last season. With a young quarterback taking over for the Hurricanes, it is critical he limits mistakes, as the Wolf Pack have a ball hawk secondary, including David Amerson, who led the country with 14 interceptions a season ago. Miami has won four of the last six games against North Carolina State.

7. Vs. North Carolina

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 13

Miami has won the last two games against the Tar Heels and should have a favorable matchup this time in Miami Gardens. North Carolina has a new head coach in Larry Fedora, who is installing a new spread offense and the defensive coordinators are switching the defensive scheme as well. There aren't a lot of playmakers on this team and not being eligible to participate in a bowl game may kill any motivation to wake up for this matchup.

6. At Virginia

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 11

Virginia is that team that is slowly on the come up in the ACC under head coach Mike London. He may not have the most talented team around, but he gets the best out of what he does have and finds ways to win football games. The Cavaliers won last year's meeting, rushing for over 200 yards, and they are returning one of the deepest backfields once again. The Hurricanes defense better step up in Charlottesville.

5. At Georgia Tech

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 15

Miami has won the last three meetings against the Yellow Jackets, but this is a veteran team that is returning in 2012. Quarterback Tevin Washington will once again lead this offense, and while he wasn't effective in last year's matchup, he is still one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. With him being the X-factor and Georgia Tech being the home team, this won't be a cakewalk for the Hurricanes.  

4. At Kansas State

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 16

Kansas State is a frustrating team to play, as they don't do anything extremely well, but find ways to win football games. The Hurricanes were one of the Wildcats victims last season, losing 28-24, with quarterback Collin Klein playing almost a flawless game. Bad news for Miami fans is that he is back in 2012, along with nearly every starter from this Kansas State team. Head coach Bill Snyder will have his team ready for an early week two test for both squads.

3. Vs. Notre Dame (In Chicago, IL)

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 14

These teams will renew a longtime rivalry, but playing an October game in Chicago can't be a huge advantage for a team from Miami. Despite the weather possibly being a factor, Notre Dame returns seven starters on both sides of the ball and has difference makers such as tight end Tyler Eifert and linebacker Manti Te'o. The Irish have won three of the last four meetings against the Hurricanes.

2. Vs. Virginia Tech

Last year's record: 11-3

Returning starters: 12

Virginia Tech has to replace eight starters on offense, but does return nine starters from a defense that was ranked second in the ACC. Despite the questions that are surrounding the Hokies, head coach Frank Beamer always has his team prepared and it will be another tough battle for the Hurricanes. Miami has lost seven of the last nine games against Virginia Tech, including the last three.

1. Vs. Florida State

Last year's record: 9-4

Returning starters: 14

It does not matter how these teams are playing or how they matchup on paper, you know when this rivalry takes place it is going to be a dog fight. In the last 13 meetings, 11 of those games have been decided by single-digits. The bad news for Hurricane fans is that they have lost five of the last seven meetings. The Seminoles have issues with their offensive line and playmakers on offense, but do return eight starters from a defense that was ranked fourth in the country.