Miami Football Team Faces Tough Competition in 2024 Against Top Ranked Opponents
Miami Football Faces Tough Competition in 2024 Against Top-Ranked Opponents
The Miami football team is gearing up for a challenging 2024 season as they prepare to face off against some of the top-ranked players in college football. Cornerbacks Quincy Riley of Louisville and Dorian Strong of Virginia Tech, along with Cardinals’ edge rusher Ashton Gillotte and Hokies’ interior defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles, are all ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions by Pro Football Focus.
Miami has some history with these standout players, having faced Gillotte, Peebles, Riley, and Strong in previous seasons. Peebles, who transferred from Duke after the 2023 season, has been a formidable opponent for Miami in the past. Gillotte, in particular, has been a standout player, with impressive stats including 45 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 11.0 sacks in the 2023 season.
Gillotte’s ability to rush the passer, combined with Riley’s skills at cornerback, makes for a formidable duo that offensive coordinators will have to strategize against. Peebles, as the only 2024 transfer in the PFF interior DL rankings, brings his own set of skills to the table, including a 90.1 pass-rushing grade and a high win rate.
Strong and Riley, both top-ranked cornerbacks, will also pose a challenge for Miami’s offense. Strong led all FBS CBs in 2023 in several key metrics, while Riley has proven to be a valuable asset in coverage.
With tough matchups against Louisville and Virginia Tech on the horizon, Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will have his work cut out for him in preparing for these top-ranked opponents. Gillotte, Peebles, Riley, and Strong are all expected to be preseason All-ACC selections, making them formidable foes for Miami in the upcoming season.
