Despite being a top-10 College Football Playoff contender, the Miami Hurricanes face a significant upset risk this weekend in their road game against SMU, according to analyst Josh Pate. On his College Football Show, Pate highlighted the matchup as a classic danger game, citing SMU’s aggressive defense and Miami’s inexperience on the road this season.
The contest marks Miami’s first trip outside of Florida, presenting an unfamiliar environment in Dallas with cooler temperatures than the team is accustomed to. Pate pointed to this, along with the Mustangs’ home-field energy and ability to pressure the quarterback, as key factors that could disrupt the Hurricanes, who enter the game as double-digit favorites.
Pate anticipates a highly motivated performance from SMU, which is looking to rebound from a frustrating 13-12 loss to Wake Forest. “I think they’re going to get an inspired effort from SMU,” he noted, suggesting the team is in a prime position to bounce back. He emphasized the Mustangs’ defensive playmaking, which has resulted in them leading the nation in takeaways.
The primary concern for Miami revolves around protecting quarterback Carson Beck. “If you can ambush Carson Beck and Miami can’t get the ground game going, there is upset potential here,” Pate warned. However, the Hurricanes boast a formidable defense of their own, which SMU coach and former Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee called “national championship good.” Miami currently leads the ACC in points allowed and ranks 11th nationally in total defense.
With their playoff hopes riding on avoiding a second loss, the Hurricanes will have to overcome a tough SMU team that is 17-2 in its last 19 home games. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday at noon ET on ESPN.
