Lindy’s projects Miami to win the Coastal Division
Expectations are going to be high for the Miami Hurricanes in 2022.
After going 7-5 in 2021 and making sweeping changes to the University of Miami football program, Lindy’s predicts the Hurricanes to win the Coastal Division their annual college football preview magazine.
The reason for Lindy’s projection? The publication believes Cristobal will get Miami’s defense back on track after a poor showing in 2021.
“Not being soft on defense will solve so many of The U’s problems,” the magazine writes.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal hired veteran coach Kevin Steele to coordinate the defensive side of the ball after the Hurricanes graded out as the worst tackling Power Five team in the country, according to Pro Football Focus and after the Hurricanes allowed 37.6 points per game in the five losses.
The Hurricanes also feature former Texas head coach Charlie Strong as the co-defensive coordinator, Jahmile Addae as the defensive backs coach, Joe Salave’a as the interior defensive line coach, and Rod Wright as the defensive ends coach.
Former Miami Dolphins defensive end is also an analyst for Miami.
UM returns plenty of talent from the 2021 defense, including defensive tackle Leonard Taylor, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and safeties James Williams, Avantae Williams, and Kamren Kinchens.
Cristobal and the defensive staff also added plenty of transfers to improve the overall depth and talent on that side of the ball as well.
Bolstering the defensive line via the transfer portal was a significant priority this offseason with UM adding edge rusher Mitchell Agude along with versatile defensive linemen that can play on the edge or inside like Jake Lichtenstein, Antonio Moultrie, Akheem Mesidor, and Darrell Jackson.
Linebacker Caleb Johnson and cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. also provide depth to the defense as transfer additions.
Offensively, Miami will feature one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country in Tyler Van Dyke, who many NFL Draft experts are projecting to be a first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Zion Nelson is also projected as a potential first round pick.
Lindy’s predicted Clemson to win the Atlantic Division with N.C. State coming in second and Wake Forest third.
The publication projects Virginia to finish second in the Coastal Division with Pittsburgh third and North Carolina fourth.
Do you expect Miami to win the Coastal Division in 2022? Answer in the comments below.
