Reach the ACC title game and win the Coastal, whatever that looks like.
These games are played in reality, not on paper. Every off-season everyone talks about how this game or that game is winnable on paper—but when it comes game day, you're talking about two different teams than people read about in the preseason.
Virginia on the road at night last season was going to be tough—as the Cavs usually play the Canes well at home. Toss in uncertainty at quarterback for Miami, musical chairs at the position, a rowdy night game, etc. and a five-game win-streak ended—casting even more doubt at quarterback.
Boston College was always going to be a tough Friday night matchup on the road in 2019—and proved even more so do to quarterback issues. Now Miami lost two in a row and had to prep for a road game against Georgia Tech's quirky offense and came up flat.
Three losses in a row, a beatable Duke team turned into a nightmare slugfest in the rain and Miami lost four in a row.
With the offensive line still a mess for Miami and question marks at quarterback—not to mention opening against a Top 10 rival; Florida coming off of a pasting against a good Michigan team in the bowl game—to say anything more than two losses is a "disappointment" year one, is a bit harsh.
Florida will be a huge challenge game one. At North Carolina isn't the easiest road game two weeks later.
Bethune-Cookman and Central Michigan are gimmes—but Virginia Tech, Virginia and Georgia Tech will all be improved.
At Pittsburgh and at Florida State back-to-back—both also improved—and then Louisville, Florida International and at Duke to close the year.
Hardly a Murder's Row type schedule—but based on a 6-7 finish last year, a coaching change and an entirely new scheme this year—to expect a two-loss season; again, based on what?
The Coastal is winnable as Miami is as good as any team in the division—so building towards a showdown with Clemson in December will give the Canes a good season. Need to at least start winning the division and reaching the title game—especially while the Tigers are on top and the team to beat. Want to at least face those guys.