Not only has this been a far from ideal season so far for the Canes, but also for the ACC in general. Clemson has been the flagbearer for the conference for over 3 years now, and everyone else has been chasing their standard. Miami took a step in that direction last season, although it was clear that they were still way behind from a coaching and talent standpoint.
Coming into 2018, Miami appeared poised to take another step closer to Clemson, although that assessment was quickly shot down after the first game of the season. Virginia Tech looked like the next team to possibly challenge for a place atop the conference after their dismantling of Florida State on Labor Day.