The Return Of The U: The Miami Hurricanes Fight Back To The Top

This article is featured on MIASPORTSGUY.COM

Remember the days of that indistinguishable Miami Hurricanes swagger back in 2001 and 2002 when they won two national titles in as many years? (Ohio State did not win it in 2002, check the tape)

Is this the year the Miami Hurricanes return to the glory days?

This will be Randy Shannon's fourth season with the team, a time that many were predicting four years ago would be the time of no excuses. This is supposed to be the year where the swagger returns – where the rise back to the top is complete.

Do the 2010 Miami Hurricanes have the makeup of a championship team?

Offense

The most important position on the football field is quarterback and Miami still doesn’t quite know what they have in junior Jacory Harris. He was sensational in his first two games last year (656 yards passing, 6 TD, 2 INT against Florida State and Georgia Tech), and everyone was ready to give him the Heisman.

He tumbled shortly thereafter proving to have a high propensity to turn the football over with eight interceptions over the next five games.

He has the talent and the accuracy to be an elite college quarterback. With Harris, it's more mental then anything else. He must learn when it is a bad time to force the ball into tight spaces.

As for 2010, Harris should make similar strides that he made coming into last year. He is more seasoned now and his All ACC numbers will reflect that.

This year’s offense is going to be explosive. The top four receivers all return and bring back their big play potential. Hankerson, Benjamin, Byrd, and Johnson will all see ample playing time and everyone of them has pro potential.

Running back Damien Berry returns with his 6.6 yards per carry and should be the horse of this offense.

Their skill position talent is as good as anyone. They have a stable of running backs and receivers, and if one goes down another steps in with no drop off. The one position they can afford to lose is quarterback. Behind Harris is nothing but inexperience.

The biggest question is up front with a rather young line. Gone is team leader Jason Fox at left tackle and in steps in senior Orlando Franklin. At right tackle there could be some problems with red shirt freshman Jermaine Johnson currently slated to start.

Defense

Speed. That’s going to be the mantra for this year’s defense. Although they might not be the biggest group, they can run with a anyone.

Allen Bailey anchors the defensive line and has the burst and strength to be an impact player. Joining him is a wealth of talent with Marcus Forston on the inside, and Adewale Ojomo and Marcus Robinson on the outside. The speed on the line is phenomenal.

They also have great depth and younger guys like Olivier Vernon and Curtis Porter should see solid playing time.

The linebacking crew is excellent with Sean Spence (Jr.) and Colin McCarthy (Sr.) leading the way. They have big time range and will be the main play-makers on defense.

The secondary is be led by All-ACC corner Brandon Harris (Jr.). The guy to watch out for though is free safety Ray Ray Armstrong (So.) He is in the Sean Taylor mold, a big hitter with play-maker written all over him.

Special Teams

All ACC punter/kicker Matt Bosher returns for his final season in Coral Gables. Travis Benjamin can be a game changer in the return game as well. This should be on of the team’s biggest strengths.

Prediction

This year’s Hurricanes are fast and talented, but can they overcome another brutal opening schedule including games at Ohio State and Pittsburgh to open up the season?

The difference between this squad being a pretty good team and a great one likely will revolve around the offensive line. If they can’t make holes in the running game and keep the pressure of the slender Harris in the passing game, the outlook is not good.

However, on the flip side this team can be special if the offensive line gels early on. It's a big if, but not that far-fetched.

The Canes will improve from last year and contend for a national championship with an 11-1 record this season.