Miami Hurricane Football: Is 'Canes Offense Behind or Is the Defense Just Ahead?

Heading into the spring game, there were many questions on what the Hurricanes' strengths and weaknesses were throughout the spring session.

The main question of "who was behind, the offense or the defense" was answered during the spring game when only one offensive touchdown was scored in the entire game.

Now much of the blame has been put on the offense, but people need to also give credit to the defense.  They are returning their best players from last season and didn't take as much of a hit from the NFL draft or graduation like the offense did.

If you want to know why the offense is behind, all you have to look at is the amount of talent they lost from last year's team, starting with the underclassmen they lost to the draft.  Lamar Miller, Brandon Washington and Tommy Streeter were possibly the best players at their respective positions. 

Not only did they lose those underclassmen but the graduation of their starting quarterback, starting wide receiver and three starting offensive linemen hurt as well.

Just because there were so many departures on the offensive side doesn't really mean that Miami is going to have a bad year on the offensive side of the ball.  They return plenty of players that got a lot of playing time last season.

My only concern would be the offensive line, as they were very inconsistent all spring long.  Once they get completely healthy, they should have a solid starting five as all of them got experience at one time or another last season.

The quarterback position could also be a concern, but I truly believe Stephen Morris and/or Ryan Williams could have very productive seasons.

The rest of the offense will improve as time goes on.  There are plenty of good replacements from last year's losses, and as they get more playing time, they will improve.

Overall, the offense is behind now, but by the end of the fall practice that could all change.  Let's hope so anyway.