that's a bold prediction for a team that hasn't cracked 70% in red zone touchdown rate since 2017. miami's offense ranked 98th nationally in red zone efficiency last year, and one quarterback transfer doesn't magically fix a unit that averaged just 3.8 yards per carry inside the 20. virginia tech's defense, which held opponents to a 48% red zone touchdown rate last season, would love to see miami try to get cute down there. the hokies forced 12 turnovers in the red zone over the past two years, and miami's new qb had 12 interceptions last season to go with those 34 touchdowns. adding one offensive lineman doesn't rebuild a front that got pushed around in short-yardage situations. until miami proves it can consistently run the ball when the field shrinks, that number is staying right where it was. the difference between 8 wins and competing for the acc is actually beating teams like virginia tech, which miami has done once in the last four meetings. the hokies' defensive havoc rate was top 30 last year, and they live for those condensed field situations. miami's optimism is cute, but the data says they're still a year away from being a physical threat in the red zone.
