Breaking down Miami’s game-by-game schedule for the 2023 college football season

The dissolution of divisions in the Atlantic Coast Conference means it’ll be even tougher than usual for the Miami Hurricanes to make the ACC Championship Game, but the potential is certainly there for Miami to break through to a new level in Mario Cristobal’s second season in Coral Gables.

The Hurricanes’ nonconference schedule sets them up for a potentially strong start to the year — with Texas A&M coming to Miami Gardens this year — and then they’ll get a stiff test from most of the best teams in the conference. Road trips to Florida State, North Carolina and NC State, plus a home game with Clemson, make for a challenging slate for the Hurricanes.

Still, Miami should be much improved in Cristobal’s second year and the coach will get plenty of chances to prove he has the Hurricanes on track after they shockingly failed to reach bowl eligibility last season.

Sept. 1 vs. Miami (7 p.m., ACCN): Yes, it’s the long-awaited Hurricanes-RedHawks showdown. A loss for the Hurricanes would probably be Cristobal’s most embarrassing yet, but the coach’s new-look offensive line will assert its will against an inferior opponent. Miami 35-10.

Sept. 9 vs. Texas A&M (3:30 p.m., ABC): There’s a reason Alabama wanted Tyler Van Dyke to transfer. The quarterback still has the potential to be one of the best in the country, and he will get to show off against a talented secondary, in a competitive game, in this one. Miami 24-13.

Sept. 14 vs. FCS Bethune-Cookman (7:30 p.m., ACCN): The Hurricanes roll in their annual FCS beatdown. Miami 42-10.

Sept. 23 at Temple (TBD, TBD): The Manny Diaz bowl unfortunately never got to happen after the Hurricanes quickly fired him and the former coach took a job as Penn State’s defense coordinator, but the Hurricanes’ connections to Temple still make this game more interesting than a typical — probably noncompetitive — early-season, nonconference clash. Miami 31-7.

Oct. 7 vs. Georgia Tech (TBD, TBD): A trip to Georgia Tech was one of the Hurricanes’ few good moments of last season, as quarterback Jacurri Brown dazzled in his return to his home state. This year shouldn’t be much different. Miami 45-17.

Oct. 14 at North Carolina (TBD, TBD): This is the pivot point for the Hurricanes. If they can win in North Carolina, the Hurricanes will be able to contend for the ACC Championship. All-American safety Kamren Kinchens battling superstar quarterback Drake Maye should be one of the most fun matchups of the year. Miami 38-28.

Oct. 21 vs. Clemson (TBD, TBD): Clemson always has one of the best defensive lines in the country. The Hurricanes should have one of the best offensive lines in the nation this year. The trenches provide the key matchup, but the Tigers just have too many weapons, led by All-American running back Will Shipley. Clemson 21-13.

Oct. 28 vs. Virginia (TBD, TBD): Virginia is rebuilding, but has one star in defensive end Chico Bennett Jr. The Hurricanes have the offensive line to deal with him, though. Miami 31-10.

Nov. 4 at NC State (TBD, TBD): NC State retooled with a new quarterback and new offensive coordinator, which makes it one of the hardest teams to read for this year. The Hurricanes, however, seem to have a slight edge on both sides of the ball. Miami 42-17.

Nov. 11 at Florida State (TBD, TBD): When All-American defensive end Jared Verse decided to return to school for another year, it became clear Florida State was gearing up for a run at an ACC title. Although the talent gap isn’t too wide, this rivalry usually sees teams go on runs and it might be the Seminoles’ turn. FSU 27-23.

Nov. 18 vs. Louisville (TBD, TBD): After a tumultuous offseason and coaching chance, Louisville is at risk of taking another step back after an encouraging step forward in 2022. There is, however, plenty of talent in place, especially in the secondary after star cornerback Storm Duck transferred into the program. Miami 27-10.

Nov. 24 at Boston College (noon, ABC): Boston College might just be the worst team in the ACC. If their season goes well, the Hurricanes absolutely can’t suffer a letdown in the regular-season finale, on the day after Thanksgiving. Miami 31-6.