2009 Record: 9-4 (5-3)Head Coach: Randy Shannon (21-17 4th season)
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Whipple (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: John Lovett (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Champs Sports Bowl, Lost to Wisconsin 21-17
Offense: There could be trouble on the horizon, as only 4 starters return to this unit. Luckily, one of them is QB Jacory Harris. Harris pumped up 3352 yards passing in 2009 and managed to toss 24 of those passes for TDs. He did, however, manage to toss 17 balls to thte other team, a number that must be reduced for success with an inexperienced offense. Graig Cooper is supposed to be the starter at RB, but was lost to a knee injury, and it is unclear whether or not he will be available to play in 2010. Damien Berry is the second back on the chart, and he averaged 6.6 yards per carry in 2009. If The Canes get them both, than the running game should be set. Only one WR returns as a starter, but there is talent at the position. Leonard Hankerson returns, with LaRon Byrd expected to start at the pther spot. WIth Byrd coming off of the bench in 2009, he and Hankerson combined for 78 catches. They are joined by speedy and talented Travis Banjamin coming off of the bench.Orlando Franklin (LT) and Joel Figueroa (RG) return on the line, and freshman Malcolm Bunch ought to find his way into the mix somewhere. The experience or depth at TE is non-existent, so Harris will have to make do with his solid corps of backs and receivers. Depth is also problematic on the above mentioned O-line.
Defense: This group will be the meat of this football team, with 8 returning starters in the fold. The D-line is set at 3 of 4 spots with DEs Allen Bailey and Andrew Smith both back on the field. Bailey is a beast that weighs in at 288 and runs a 40 in 4.6 seconds. Micanor Regis returns at DT, and Curtis Porter and Josh Holmes will rotate at the other spot. 2 LBs return in 2010 in Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence. Arthur Brown, Jordan Futch, and Roman Buchannon look to compete for playing time, along with freshman Travis Williams, who could translate to safety. The secondary is fast and solid, with Brandon Harris and DeMarcus Van Dyke manning the corners and Vaughn Telemaque manning the SS spot. Sophomore Ray Ray Allen will battle with JoJo Nicolas, Jared Campbell, and Corey Nelms for the FS spot.
Special Teams: Matt Bosher will cover both PK and P duties in 2010. He is one of the best in the country at both spots. He nailed 27 punts of 50 yards or more, and connected on 32 of 36 FGs last season. Miami has to be happy to get him back. Thearon Collier (2 punt returns for scores) and Travis Benjamin should share return duties this season.
2010 Schedule
Wins: 9/2 Florida A&M, 10/2 @ Clemson, 10/9 Florida State, 10/16 @ Duke, 10/23 North Carolina, 10/30 @ Virginia, 11/6 Maryland, 11/27 South Florida
Toss Up Games: 9/11 @ Ohio State, 9/23 @ Pittsburgh, 11/13 Georgia Tech, 11/20 Virginia Tech
Losses: None
There is no guaranteed loss on the schedule, but that doesn't mean that it's an easy one ouside of Florida A&M. There are 8 bowl participants on the slate, so this is a tough schedule. Miami should probably lose the Ohio State game, but it's hard to say that OSU won't get up for this game, because they will in a big way. Pitt will be a tough draw on the road, and they have Heisman hopeful RB Dion Lewis to tangle with. Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech will both be ACC title contenders, and are in Miami's division, which makes these games must wins.
Outlook: The Hurricanes are not back to the swagger of the thug old days, but they are getting there, minus the thug. It's hard to imagine Miami getting as filthy as they did back in the 80s, but Randy Shannon is building slow and steady, and 10 wins is not an unreasonable expectation this season.
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