The build up and expectations for next year started seconds after Ward committed. It kickoffs with Game #1 on the road in Hogtown. I made travel arrangements last night (airfare, hotel and rental car). My two boys are meeting me in Orlando and we are renting a car and driving to Gainesville. I have not returned to that campus since 2002 when we thrashed them 41-16 and turned that town into Canesville.
This upcoming season reminds me of the 2018 season and the opener against L$U in Dallas. Expectations were sky high. Everybody (including media) were saying “Miami is back” and the entire country tuned in to see Mark Richt and the boys take on a talented SEC opponent. We were the main act that night on the national stage. It was going to be our year to regain our spot among college football elites. You could “feel” the excitement building up for the game and it was probably one of the largest turnout of ‘Canes fans for a road game in years. We were everywhere and in every bar. However, we suffered a disappointing and embarrassing loss (33-17) to that Joe Burrow-led squad and the season came off the rails.
We have another chance again next year at Florida. While Ben Hill Billy Bob Stadium is a difficult place to play, the stadium will be filled with orange & green. I’m expecting a different start to our year against a down UiF team.
LFG!!!