1. Stacy Coley Has A Bounce-Back Season
It has certainly been an up and down four years for Al Golden since becoming the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes. He appeared to make progress in 2012 and 2013, but the Canes took a step backwards last season, putting Golden on the hot seat. With the pressure mounting on the coach, Miami has to replace a slew of key players from last year’s team, creating plenty of uncertainty. Here are five bold predictions for Miami’s 2015 season.
2. Brad Kaaya Takes Big Step Forward
Kaaya was outstanding for a true freshman last season, as he threw 25 touchdown passes and won ACC Rookie of the Year. With that valuable experience under his belt, Kaaya will be even better in 2015, potentially challenging for ACC Player of the Year. A young offensive line could make things difficult for him, but Kaaya should be equipped to handle the pressure. He will also have a nice array of playmakers around him to get the ball to.
3. Defense Allows 35-Plus Points Per Game
The Hurricanes have a few quality players in the secondary, but the front seven is in rough shape after the loss of several key players who will be tough to replace. The result will be a defense that gives up roughly five touchdowns per game, but that isn't necessarily a deal breaker in the ACC Coastal Division which has plenty of porous defenses. However, a lackluster defense will make it harder for the Hurricanes to string wins together.
4. Losing Conference Record
For the second straight season, the Hurricanes will fail to get to the .500 mark in ACC play. Both Florida State and Clemson are on the schedule, giving the Canes a pair of top-10 caliber teams to face. They will get Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech at home, but neither will be easy to beat. Road games against North Carolina and Pitt will also be a challenge, making at least four conference wins a tall task for Golden and the Hurricanes.
5. Al Golden is Fired
With the Hurricanes headed for another down season in which they'll be lucky to get to a bowl game, Miami will cut ties with Golden. Granted, Miami has been largely mediocre since he arrived, but Golden had to deal with sanctions when he first arrived. But Miami will feel obligated to make a coaching change, which will be... by @tylerbrett
