Miami facing greater expectations in 2016

The Miami Hurricanes’ hiring of Mark Richt has made quite the impression on CBS Sportsline reporter Dennis Dodd.

In his ‘Way Too Early College Football Rankings For 2016’, Dodd has Miami ranked No. 13, which is just one spot behind Florida State.

In his comments on the Hurricanes, Dodd said, “Mark Richt was the best hire of the silly season — Cane legacy, accomplished coach, recruiting chops. Richt inherits a quarterback (Brad Kaaya) who should light it up in his third season. Even better, Richt gets the core of the offensive line back.”

Miami’s 2016 schedule also is a little easier because Clemson, which played in the national championship game, isn’t on the slate, and NC State is the replacement. The Hurricanes also get Florida State and North Carolina at home.

The Hurricanes do play at Notre Dame instead of at home against Nebraska, while bowl winner Appalachian State and Florida A&M replace Cincinnati and Bethune-Cookman.