Miami Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Month of November

The Miami Hurricanes enter the final stretch of their 2014 regular season at 5-3, preparing for only Atlantic Coast Conference matchups to close the year.

While November is always a critical period in college football, it's a must-win month for the 'Canes. Miami has an outside shot at crawling back into the race for the Coastal Division, but one loss to a division opponent will eliminate "The U" from contention.

To close October, the Hurricanes played arguably their best game during Al Golden's tenure, and they'll need to sustain that success against four tough programs.

Can Miami manage a 4-0 finish, or will it eventually settle for bowl eligibility? Check out the predictions below.

North Carolina, Nov. 1

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

After shredding Cincinnati and Virginia Tech, the 'Canes were set to open November with an offense on a roll. They still might, but it'll be difficult without their best offensive lineman.

According to Susan Miller Degnan of The Miami Herald, starting left tackle Ereck Flowers is out with a knee injury. The junior joins tackles Taylor Gadbois and Kc McDermott on the sideline, which likely forces freshman Trevor Darling into the lineup.

Though a multi-game absence would be devastating overall, UNC is the least concerning matchup sans Flowers. Now, that's not to say the Tar Heels are not a concern, but if there's one game Miami can afford to not have him, it's against Carolina.

Unlike the final three opponents, the Heels aren't an imposing defensive team. Currently, they allow the sixth-most yards per game in the nation—more than 500 per showing.

Yes, North Carolina boasts an offense that can keep up with nearly any program, and the 'Canes aren't exactly a model defense. However, they'll make a couple more stops and force one extra turnover to seal win No. 6 of the season.

Prediction: Miami 38, North Carolina 30

Florida State, Nov. 15

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

Last season, Miami was a definite underdog in Tallahassee despite being undefeated heading into the rivalry game. It put up a valiant effort, trailing by only seven points at halftime.

However, as the Seminoles started to build a sizable advantage, the single-worst thing that could possibly happen occurred. Losing Duke Johnson to a broken ankle was even more demoralizing than a Hurricanes deficit on the scoreboard.

USA TODAY Sports

Miami effectively collapsed, dropping four of its final six contests and playing itself out of the ACC Championship Game.

The star running back will return—barring an injury over the next two weeks—ready to spring an upset on the defending national champions. He tallied 97 yards against FSU last season, yet that would almost be his lowest count (90) in 2014.

But for any positives logically found, the Seminoles defense is a notch better, and their offense surpasses the 'Canes D.

Unless the legal situations for a couple members of the FSU backfield result in ineligibility, the 'Noles will be clear favorites at Sun Life Stadium.

Prediction: Florida State 34, Miami 21

Virginia, Nov. 22

The second-to-last Saturday of November marks Miami's only road contest during the season's final month. It might signal the end of the Hurricanes' ACC hopes, too.

Peeking ahead toward what should be a more competitive game would result in losing at Charlottesville for the third straight time. And the Cavaliers have defended home turf this season—just ask UCLA, Louisville and Pitt.

Virginia's defense is not to be overlooked, having earned a ranking as the country's ninth-best unit against the run and No. 21 overall. The Cavaliers have racked up 25 sacks and surrendered just 18.3 first downs per game.

What's more, Mike London's proverbial seat is slowly warming to a burn, and Virginia has two weeks to prepare for the 'Canes. Upending Miami and bitter rival Virginia Tech to earn bowl eligibility might be sufficient reason for the Cavs to retain London, who is 3-1 against The U.

Long story short, he'll have his team ready to exploit mental lapses by the Hurricanes.

Prediction: Virginia 24, Miami 20

Pittsburgh, Nov. 29

Unfamiliar with Pitt? Think Nebraska all over again: A decent quarterback with adequate mobility, one wide receiver who stretches the field and an absolute stud taking handoffs.

Chad Voytik has completed more than 60 percent of his attempts while also tallying a pair of 100-yard outbursts on the ground. He's connected with Tyler Boyd 42 times, and the talented wideout reeled in nine passes for 98 yards and a score against Miami last year.

The biggest weapon, however, is running back James Conner. He leads the Panthers with 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns, both of which rank top-seven nationally.

Ultimately, the final matchup of the regular season will be decided the same way Nebraska was: Tackling—or lack thereof.

The Hurricanes have slowly improved their tackling as a unit, so Miami gets an early edge over Pitt. But if that trend reverses, the Panthers bullying through an inconsistent 'Canes defense would not be surprising.

Prediction: Miami 27, Pittsburgh 24

Note: FSU, Virginia and Pitt scores subject to change because game-changing circumstances may arise between this writing and kickoff. Official predictions will be available in a matchup preview at the beginning of the respective week. Stats and rankings courtesy of CFB stats.

Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.