ACC Preview (Miami)

Miami – Last Year: (7-6, 3-5), Returning Starters: 16 (9 off., 7 def.)

Miami struggled last year, winning just seven games. The sole reason Miami made Sportscenter a lot last year is because of an embarrassing fight with FIU. Miami was crushed by Louisville early in the season, and lost four ACC games in a row towards the end of the season.

Offense: Miami returns nine starters from its offense last year. The Hurricanes offense last year was middle of the pack in the ACC, finishing eighth in scoring (19.6), sixth in rushing (116), a good third in passing (197.5), and sixth in total offense at 313.5 yards per game. Miami will likely have another quarterback battle between Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman. Freeman is a dual threat, while Wright is more pro-style. Neither had overly impressive stats, as they combined for 2500 yards and 15 touchdowns, but also 15 interceptions. Miami lost top receiver TE Greg Olsen, but returns Lance Leggett and Sam Shields. The Hurricanes also return top rusher Javarris James, who rushed for over 800 yards as a freshman last year.

Defense: The ‘canes almost always have a good defense, and this will be a special one. Miami returns three starters from the secondary, as well as DE Calais Campbell, a player who will be a top 15 draft pick whenever he decides to leave college. Miami does have to find two new starters at linebacker, but with the talent that Miami always has, there shouldn’t be a huge drop off in play. The loss of Brandon Merriweather will hurt, but should be eased by the talent and speed the Hurricanes have in the secondary.

Special Teams: Miami needs a new kicker and punter. Matt Bosher should kick, while Daren Daly should punt. Returns should be handled by Bruce Johnson.

Conclusion: Newly hired head coach Randy Shannon was the Hurricanes defensive coordinator, replacing him is Tim Walton. If any Miami quarterback can pick up his play, the Hurricanes are likely to rebound from last year.

S 1st Marshall W
S 8th at Oklahoma L
S 15th Florida International W
S 20th Texas A&M W
S 29th Duke W
O 6th at North Carolina W
O 13th Georgia Tech W
O 20th at Florida State W
N 3rd NC State W
N 10th Virginia W
N 17th at Virginia Tech L
N 24th at Boston College L