Texas’ season took a turn for the better on the field, defeating No. 6 Oklahoma State on the road in a thrilling game. After back to back losses to TCU and Oklahoma, the Longhorns have their first win streak throughout Big 12 play.
Just as they moved up in the conference standings, Texas moved up in the latest USA TODAY Sports bowl projections. Last week, the Longhorns were in the Autozone Liberty Bowl against Tennessee of the SEC.
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Now, USA TODAY Sports is projecting Texas to face off another historic program, the Miami Hurricanes, in the Cheez-It Bowl. It would be the fifth matchup between the two schools, dating back to 1972. Miami’s Cotton Bowl victory after the 1990 season was the last time they met.
The Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the ACC, sitting at 5-1. The singular loss came to Clemson, the current No. 1 team in the country per the Amway Coaches poll and the AP poll.
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Miami head coach Manny Diaz spent time of the 40 Acres, serving as the defensive coordinator in the final three seasons of the Mack Brown era. He was eventually fired after allowing 550 rushing yards to BYU.
As for the present day, Diaz has one of the top defenses in the country. The Hurricanes are only giving up 22.2 points per game. Defensive end Quincy Roche has been the star of the show, acquiring 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in six games.
Offensively, quarterback D’Eriq King is one of the most electrifying players in the country. A transfer from Houston, King has thrown for 1,398 yards for 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He is just as dangerous on the ground, averaging 4.5 yards per carry for a total of 301 yards.
If Texas and Miami do meet in the Cheez-It Bowl, it will take place in Orlando, Florida at the Camping World Stadium. The game will take place on Dec. 29, 2020.
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