Miami vs. Bethune-Cookman keys

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens Latest line: Miami is favored by 45 TV: ACC Network Radio: 560-AM, 990-AM (Spanish) Weather: 90 degrees, 5% chance of precipitation Online: sunsentinel.com/um; @ABLichtenstein on Twitter

Quick slant: The much-anticipated start to the Mario Cristobal Era has arrived. The Hurricanes, coming off a disappointing 7-5 2021 season, have generated preseason hype. They are ranked in the top 20 of the Associated Press poll and the USA Today coaches poll. Miami was also voted the favorite to win the ACC Coastal Division.

About Miami (0-0): The Hurricanes will look to get out on the right foot to start the 2022 campaign. With their first game coming against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent, the Hurricanes have the chance to keep working on techniques and issues that they focused on in training camp.

About Bethune-Cookman (0-0): The Wildcats, a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, are coming off a 2-9 season, which included a 2-6 conference record. Bethune-Cookman does feature several former local high school stars, including Chaminade-Madonna alum Akeem Hayes and Deerfield Beach alum Ge’Mon Eaford.

Three things to watch

1. Will the stars come out early at Hard Rock Stadium? Against a lower-level opponent, Miami’s star players will have a chance to show off their abilities. Standout quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will have the opportunity to air out the offense and demonstrate why he’s considered a Heisman contender and a potential first-round pick in next year’s NFL draft. Defensive players like James Williams and Leonard Taylor should have the chance to demonstrate why they were five-star prospects coming out of high school.

2. Some players enter the first game of the season still fighting for playing time. At wide receiver, several players are vying to help fill the void left by former UM standouts Mike Harley Jr. and Charleston Rambo. Miami also boasts depth on the defensive line, which should help to keep players fresh. But players want to play, and competing with their own teammates for playing time should bring out some of the best in the Hurricanes’ linemen.

3. If everything goes right on Saturday, the Hurricanes should be cruising to a big win by the time the second half begins. A big cushion on the scoreboard will give Miami a chance to get some freshmen in the game for their first taste of college ball. Edge rushers Nyjalik Kelly and Cyrus Moss, quarterback Jacurri Brown, tight end Jaleel Skinner and linebacker Wesley Bissainthe are among those who could make their college debuts.