Miami Hurricanes Football: 10 Important Things For 2010

We are 36 days away from the Miami Hurricanes opening up their 2010 season against in-state rivals FAMU, and I, for one, simply can not wait any longer.

Despite an improvement from the previous season, Miami still fell short of several of its stated goals last year. We had to survive the death row of the first four games, something no one in the national media thought could happen, but as the season went on, the momentum never seemed to last long as we lost one out of every three games the rest of the way.

Here are my top 10 keys for the 'Canes to regain national prominence in 2010.

10) Tight End

We need solid play from the TE position.

Last year, Jimmy Graham did a pretty decent job, especially for someone who hadn't played tackle football in years.

But take a look at the current Miami TEs and you will notice one glaring stat: Zero receptions. That's right, no Miami TE has a single career reception. Hopefully, someone can step up and reach the level of our past greats at this pivotal position.

9) Ray Ray

Ray Ray Armstrong needs to start each game. One of Miami's most heralded recruits two years ago, Ray Ray is constantly compared to former Miami safeties such as Sean Taylor and Ed Reed, and it is time to put up or shut up. He looked good during the few plays he was on the field last year, and with Miami's secondary being shaky, we need a solid leader back there.

8) Spence

Spence was a member of that highly regarded swoop Miami took through Northwestern High and he showed a whole lot of promise his freshman year. However, he had a pretty bad sophomore slump, but it doesn't diminish the potential he has, which he must show now that he is an upperclassman and almost NFL-ready.

7) ACC

It's about flipping time Miami made it to the ACC title game. Ever since Miami made the jump to the ACC, they were supposed to be the dominant team in the division and conference, but that just hasn't been the case. We are coming up on year six of the ACC experiment and have yet to sniff the trophy.

6) O-line

Do you remember the good ol' days when Bryant McKinnie didn't allow a single sack during his career, even in practice?

I do, and maybe Jacory Harris does too, why else would he stay in the pocket so long he needs to bring a snack? Anyway, the line needs to protect Harris and our running game, but if the last game they played against Wisconsin is any indication, we are in for a long, long season.

5) Jacory

It seems as if you can count the time Harris spends in the pocket looking for a receiver with an hour glass. Just make a decision already, J12, please. If it's a dump off or a scramble, just do it, don't sit back there like you're sipping on coffee and reading the paper.

And make sure you don't throw another 17 passes that the opposition catches.

4) FSU

I don't need to say anything here, right, people? The game is at home this season, so to all you FSU fans, don't forget, once you pull up to Joe Robbie, it's three rights and a wide left to your parking space, ok?

3) Defense

So inconsistent last year.

Miami hasn't had a single shutout since the 2006 game against FIU, and it is about time that changes.

Miami gave up an average of 22 points a game, and unless this changes, the talking heads on the four letter station may have to rethink their special go-to line during Miami games: “One thing we know about the 'Canes is they have an outstanding defense.”

2) Consistency

This ties in with every item so far, from offense to defense and from Jacory to Spence, we want to see a progression in talent in every game.

And whatever happened to blocking kicks? Miami used to get several every year and I honestly cannot remember the last one.

The coaching staff also has had horrible clock management over the last few years.

1) Ohio State

Just like FSU, there is nothing I need to explain here. I hate Ohio State, you hate Ohio State, and the whole country hates Ohio State.

After losing the trophy in 2003, Miami fans have been counting down the days for the rematch. I better not see any lolly gagging during this game like we saw in the horrible loss to UVA to close out the Orange Bowl.

We thought our guys knew the importance of the situation and clearly they didn't. I hope they get the memo BEFORE the game this time.