Miami at Maryland: Monday Night Football Preview

Monday, September 5^th

8:00 PM ET on ESPN

Miami

Miami has suffered through an offseason full of controversy and scandal. Several of their starters will be suspended for Monday’s game after being found to have accepted illegal benefits from former Hurricane booster Nevin Shapiro.

Quarterback Jacory Harris, linebacker Sean Spence and safety Ray Ray Armstrong are three of the most significant losses for the Hurricanes on Monday. Sophomore Stephen Morris will step into the starting role at quarterback for Miami. He threw seven touchdowns and nine interceptions last year as a freshman.

Defensively, Miami will hope to be able to weather the storm against Maryland without several of their top players. The defense was fairly stout last year, yielding only 20.7 points per game. It will be difficult for them to repeat those numbers without several of their starters for the opener, and possibly more of the season.

Players to Watch: QB Stephen Morris, TE Blake Ayles, LT Seantrel Henderson

Maryland

Maryland is looking to build on a good season in 2010 in which they finished 9-4 and dominated East Carolina in the Military Bowl.

Danny O’Brien was impressive as a freshman last year, throwing for 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Terrapins also return four with starting experience on the offensive line and should be able to move the ball on a depleted Miami squad.

Maryland was a solid defensive team last year and return seven starters on that side of the ball.  Outside linebacker Kenny Tate anchors the defense and will look to limit opportunities for Miami’s sophomore starting quarterback.

Maryland is walking into a great situation with Miami losing so many of their top players. Monday night lays out the perfect opportunity for them to get the Randy Edsall era off on the right foot with an ACC victory at home.

Players to watch: QB Danny O’Brien, LG Andrew Gonnella, LB Kenny Tate, LB Demetrius Hartsfield

Erik Underwood is the creator of Saturdays in the Fall.  Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/erikunderwood