Miami Hurricanes Spring Game 2012: Grades, Analysis and Players Who Shined

The most loyal of college football fans got a treat on Saturday, as the Miami Hurricanes held their annual Orange vs. Green spring game.

The contest was a sore sight for offensive lovers, with turnovers and strong defensive play dominating throughout. The scoreboard looked like a soccer game for the majority of the afternoon, and the first (and only) touchdown wasn't scored until the 4:19 mark of the fourth quarter.

Eventually, the Orange prevailed, 7-6.

Grades

Quarterbacks: C-

With Jacory Harris gone, one of the biggest offseason tasks for the Hurricanes is to find their next starting quarterback. Unfortunately, nobody was very impressive on Saturday.

Ryan Williams—the starter as of now—and Gray Crow each threw two interceptions, while freshman Preston Dewey didn't do much in his limited action.

To Williams' credit, his second interception wasn't his fault, as it went right through the hands of Rashawn Smith. He also made a couple big plays down the stretch, including a 44-yard bomb to set up the winning touchdown.

Defense: A

Once again, the Miami defense dominated.

In their two scrimmages this spring, the Hurricanes defense has allowed just three touchdowns, while intercepting eight passes. Saturday, Brandon McGee, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Thomas Finnie and Vaughn Telemaque all had picks.

There is an obvious improvement over last year in terms of activity and physicality on the defense side of the ball. If the Hurricanes want to improve upon their 6-6 record from last year, they'll need the kind of big plays that they've been making this spring.

Kickers: C

As we saw time and time again last year, field-goal kicking can make or break a team's season. And judging by Saturday's game, Miami looks like they'll be on the "break" side of that equation.

Jake Wieclaw buried attempts from 35 and 29 yards, but he missed a 46-yarder just before halftime. Matt Goudis, meanwhile, missed his only attempt of the game, a routine 27-yarder in the second quarter.

Players Who Shined

Ray-Ray Armstrong, S

Armstrong showed why he is one of the best safeties in the country, as he recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass on the day.

This season, the success of Miami's defense will be predicated around his playmaking ability. If he plays like a future first-round NFL pick, the Hurricanes will wreak havoc on opposing teams. If he struggles, they may stumble to another disappointing season.

Dallas Crawford, RB

After redshirting last year, Crawford looks to be an integral part of Miami's offense.

He lined up at both running back and wide receiver on Saturday, and although he didn't make many big plays, he was active throughout the game. Look for him to be a key weapon for the Hurricanes this season.