Analysis: Richt has Miami on verge of national title contention again
Mark Richt did what he always does. He went into Bobby Dodd Stadium unbeaten as a head coach and came out with his ninth win there to bring Miami back to relevance.
There will be a natural desire to say the Hurricanes are back, especially on the same weekend that Washington announced its return to the national scene. It's easy to invoke memories of the Huskies' win over Miami in 2000, the only regular season game the 'Canes would lose for more than three seasons, when both teams are undefeated and set to rise in the polls after being ranked in the top 15.
But Richt's Miami hasn't defeated a team like Stanford yet, the only reason to temper the enthusiasm and delay the declarations that The U is back. They have taken care of every opponent on the schedule, dismantling a solid Appalachian State team on its home field. Georgia Tech is clearly improved but got smashed by Clemson in its last game, showing it's not in the top tier of the ACC with the Tigers, Louisville, or Florida State.
Those are the teams Miami has to beat to compete for conference and national titles. Those are the teams Richt was hired to beat, the teams predecessor Al Golden couldn't beat, the teams Miami showed it might be ready to beat with a strong performance Saturday.
Quarterback Brad Kaaya attempted only 19 passes and had completions of 48, 31, 31, and 22 yards as he threw for 241 yards and one touchdown. The junior has been overshadowed by the exploits of Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson, but Kaaya might be the best pro prospect in the conference. Joe Yearby and Mark Walton combined for 109 yards rushing and two touchdowns, giving Miami balance.
There is a defense that looks decidedly Miami-like. Two fumble returns for touchdowns in the second quarter gave Miami its margin of victory, while also dramatically skewing time of possession. And despite being on the field for 39:54, there was no fatigue in the fourth quarter as they stopped the Yellow Jackets on downs and intercepted a Justin Thomas pass. Swagger and athleticism not seen in years carried the day, led by a group of young linebackers that seem capable of adding to the legacy of their predecessors.
And the main reason for optimism is Richt himself. He radiates calmness, confidence, and belief. He understands the history and culture of Miami but has the credentials not to be bound to or buried by the past.
Recent history is against Miami when it hosts Florida State next Saturday. The Seminoles have won six in a row and nine of the last 11 in the series that has defined the last 30 years of college football. Miami has played well the last two years, but Florida State has been savvier and smarter in the critical moments.
Jimbo Fisher got the better of Al Golden in those games. Richt has to get the better of Fisher.
A win over Florida State would make Miami the clear favorite in the ACC Coastal. Win the ACC title game, and Miami could be in the College Football Playoff this season.
Miami isn't back with a win over Georgia Tech, but they are close. Miami with a win over Florida State? Break out those U's.