5 burning questions

The loss to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl was the perfect ending for a season that went completely off the rails. The Hurricanes finished just a game above .500 (7-6) and have lost five consecutive bowl games. Those early season blowouts of Bethune-Cookman and Temple were as deceiving as the OT win at Clemson and the one-score loss at eventual ACC champion FSU. — Adam Lichtenstein, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Can Cam Ward live up to the hype?

The quarterback is major reason for optimism around Miami. A transfer from Washington State, he opted against turning pro. Since arriving at UM for spring practice, he has drawn rave reviews from players, coaches and sports media pundits alike.

He starred in the spring game and was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year. But ultimately, no one knows how Ward’s short tenure in Coral Gables will go until he suits up on game day. He should have the ability and the talent around him to perform well. There is nothing left but to do it.

How will Hurricanes replace departed defensive backs?

Miami had five primary starting defensive backs in coordinator Lance Guidry’s 4-2-5 defense. Four of them left for the NFL. Starting cornerbacks Jaden Davis and Te’Cory Couch are no longer eligible and safeties Kam Kinchens and James Williams are in the NFL which creates voids in the defensive backfield.

One addition, Mishael “Meesh” Powell from Washington, should fill a safety spot with ease. Another transfer, D’Yoni Hill, could take over at outside cornerback. But the Hurricanes will likely turn to younger players such as Damari Brown and Jaden Harris, who have a handful of career starts between them, to take over other roles. The secondary is perhaps the biggest question mark, and answers will roll in starting with season opener in Gainesville.

What’s Reuben Bain’s ceiling?

Bain had a stellar freshman year. After arriving as a 4-star prospect from Miami Central High, he lived up to the hype. Bain tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks and earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He has been greeted with praise since he arrival. Now that he has established himself as a high-level defensive lineman there could be more levels to Bain. That would be really good for Miami.

Can Hurricanes snap losing streak vs. Seminoles?

Since 2010, the Seminoles have had the edge in this premier rivalry. FSU won seven in a row from 2010-16, the longest streak since the days when UM was merely known as “Suntan U.” The Hurricanes turned things around and won four consecutive from 2017-20, but the Seminoles have gotten to celebrate in each of the past three seasons.

FSU snuck by in Tallahassee last year despite having one of its best teams since Jimbo Fisher departed and the Hurricanes having to play a freshman quarterback most of the way (Emory Williams). With FSU losing several key players from its ACC title team, Miami adding numerous high-level players and the game being played in South Florida, this should be the year the streak ends.

Will Miami make the College Football Playoff?

College football is significantly different: 12 teams will have the chance to play for a national title in the expanded College Football Playoff. Miami has a decent chance to be one of them.

The Hurricanes open the season ranked 19th in the AP and coaches’ poll, so they are already within striking distance. The team should be vastly improved, and UM’s schedule does not appear to be too difficult. With some luck, the Hurricanes should make a run at their first playoff berth.