College Football Preview: Miami Hurricanes

New Head Coach Randy Shannon brings a new attitude to the Miami Hurricanes, a team that ran wild last year under former Head Coach Larry Coker. Names will be removed from the back of players jerseys this year to promote unity as opposed to individuality.

The Canes are in few peoples top 25 preseason rankings, however the team still remains one of the fastest in the nation. Last year’s 7-6 record was a major disappointment, because being a Hurricane means living up to the tradition of playing a cut above the rest of College Football. SBG Global has made the Miami Hurricanes +3000 to win the 2008 BCS National Championship.

The Canes struggled mightily on offense last year and will be using their third Offensive Coordinator in as many years. A balanced offense is the philosophy Miami will use. Sr. QB Kyle Wright has all the tools to succeed but has displayed poor field vision and has faltered in big games. Less skilled but more mobile backup Kirby Freeman will be pushing Wright for his job.

Shifty So. RB, Javarris James, 6-0, 210, packs a punch, has soft hands and was productive as a Freshmen gaining 802 yards with 4 TD’s. True Freshman flyer RB, Graig Cooper is a baller who will make an impact teaming with James to provide a very good running duo. After experiencing some growing pains, the young Offensive Line looks improved having gotten some games under their belt.So. WR, Sam Shields, 6-0, 177, is a playmaker who is poised for a breakout year. The rest of the Canes receiving corps has speed but has underachieved.

The UM Defense is an attacking force that can dominate ball games. Jr. DE, Calais Cambell, 6-8, 280, is a first team All-American who hurts Quarterbacks and will be accompanied by a fellow beast Jr. DE, Eric Moncur, 6-2 260. All of the linebackers can run and hit in typical UM fashion. The Secondary is very good featuring a future NFL first-rounder in Jr. FS, Kenny Phillips, 6-2, 202. Special Teams is question mark this year as the Canes are in search of a Kicker and Punter. The return game was weak last year but vast improvement is expected.

The Miami Hurricanes are still a blazing fast team at all positions. If the offense can fulfill their potential the Canes can make a run for the ACC Championship.

 Brad Marchetti’s Opening Game Miami Hurricanes Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great

Coaching: 65
Quarterback : 55
Backs : 65
Receivers : 60
Offensive Line : 60
Defensive Line : 75
Linebackers : 65
Secondary : 65
Special Teams : 55