Miami Football: What You Should and Shouldn't Be Concerned About After Week 2

Like all programs around the nation, the Miami Hurricanes have a few concerns to deal with following the opening weekends of the 2014 college football season.

Not every issue is a major problem worth worrying about because some wrinkles work themselves out as the season progresses.

Then again, some must be corrected before they continue affecting the team during conference action, the most important part of the year.

Miami doesn't have much time to spare, since the remainder of its ACC matchups begin in two short weeks.

Should: 3rd-Down Efficiency

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Through two games, the first-string offense is only 3-of-19 on third down, and that hasn't been helped by an average of 7.94 yards to go during those situations.

Offensive coordinator James Coley has done well to avoid predictability by calling 29 runs compared to 25 passes on first down.

The overall problem is Duke Johnson has averaged just 2.3 yards per carry on second down, excluding a 21-yard burst against Louisville. The 'Canes can definitely clean up earlier plays, but it starts with better blocking.

Until the offensive line improves, however, Miami will be forced to overcome 3rd-and-long situations and not let its superstar pick up the final yards on the ground.

Should Not: Coaching

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It's been two games, yet a few emotionally overcome observers are petitioning for Al Golden to be fired and commenters across the Internet are unhappy.

It's been two games. What's gone so horribly wrong that an early-season pink slip is a legitimate course of action? In reality, very little.

During the opener, Golden and Coley admittedly eased Brad Kaaya into game action, but then the Hurricanes were in the midst of a short week. Consequently, per Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, Golden said the same playbook was used against Florida A&M:

Kaaya will have greater control of the offense moving forward, which is exactly what has been demanded. Coley's play-calling certainly must be refined, but he's only controlled 16 games on his own.

Players on defense have been markedly better tacklers and improved pass-rushers under much-maligned coordinator Mark D'Onofrio.

Plus, if Golden, Coley or others on the Miami staff are canned like a scattered number on social media demand, the recruit exodus is sure to follow. But that's another story for another day.

Should: Place-Kicking

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After missing a 45-yard attempt against Florida A&M, it's clear Matt Goudis' offseason back surgery has restricted his power. He only connected on two of five attempts from beyond 40 yards last season, and his lessened range does not help that trend.

Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel notes Golden said his kicker saw a doctor and should be ready for the remainder of the season:

"

Matt encountered some issues on Saturday that, I think have been resolved. He's gone to the doctor on Sunday or Monday, we think the discomfort part of that has been resolved and he's been kicking really well, so, Lord willing, he'll be able to get past that. He needs a little luck here, but as you know, Matt's a real good kicker. He just had some discomfort that was hard to deal with for him on Saturday night.

"

It seems possible Goudis' condition will improve, but the kicking game is still a concern until he proves otherwise. The 'Canes are very likely to be locked in numerous tight battles, and Goudis might be the pivotal part of earning the victory.

Should Not: Thin Linebacking Corps

Heading into the season, Miami had top-shelf NFL prospect Denzel Perryman, relatively experienced Thurston Armbrister and unproven players behind the duo at linebacker.

In two short weeks, Armbrister has emerged as a smart, versatile player who spends the majority of his time on the strong side. The senior has been a constant force in the backfield, increasing the level of disruption on opposing quarterbacks.

Additionally, D'Onofrio has been impressed with sophomore Jermaine Grace, who is now pushing Raphael Kirby for the weak-side starting role.

"I thought Jermaine stepped up with his preparation and how he played fast," D'Onofrio told David Lake of 247Sports (subscription required). "He really put his time in and you could see his talent come out. He made a lot of plays around the ball."

Kirby is best suited as Perryman's eventual replacement anyway, so Grace stepping up gives the Hurricanes another reliable option at outside linebacker while freshman Darrion Owens continues to develop.