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 Miami Hurricanes O:5 D:6
It is hard to believe that our last memory of the Miami Hurricanes in 2005 was them getting hammered by the LSU Tigers in the Peach Bowl. That loss forced head coach Larry Coker to make some coaching changes in the off season, and it could be his head that rolls this year even though he's won 53 of the 62 games he's coached for Miami. Only 11 starters return from last season's 9-3 team, but there's lots talent still on hand.
The offense will be guided by quarterback Kyle Wright which was the 2nd ranked in the ACC in passing last season, and he's got a skill to spread the ball around to. The wide receivers are speedy and athletic as usual. Senior wide receiver Ryan Moore is looking to rebound from a poor 2005, as is tight end Greg Olsen who was second in grabs on the team. The running back corps has a solid duo as both Tyrone Moss and Charlie Jones carried the ball over 120 times each last season, and racked up a combined 1,250+ yards. However, the offensive line is the least experienced it's been in a while, and is coming off a sub par 2005. However, this has the talent of a very tough team, and should do well in quarterback Wright's second season.
Defensively, the Miami Hurricanes return six starters with a number of studs at key positions. The defensive line is in looking good at both ends led by defensive end Baraka Atkins, and there's plenty of talent and depth in the mix. This will be another good season for the front line. The linebacker corps is still in search of the superstar, but Junior Jon Beason is coming off a huge 2005 and fits the bill. The secondary is set at the safety position with both Kenny Phillips and Brandon Merriweather back, but the cornerback position is a weak link. Defensive coordinator Randy Shannon doesn't have the nine starters back this year that ranked amongst the top five in the NCAA, but he does have a solid group with plenty of new guys to fit right in. This will be one of the elite defenses, but it might give up a few more point per game. Miami another punter return and kick return, but will probably have no issues doing that. Overall, the special teams are looking good with both kicker Jon Peattie and punter Brian Monroe back for their senior year.
Miami dominated in winning percentage in Division I-A since 2000 going 50-8, but there is concern that Coker's team is slipping after a pair of 9-3 seasons. Maybe the Miami fans were a bit spoiled from 2000 on, or maybe the move to the ACC wasn't a good idea after all. Either way, Miami is still a fantastic team, and even better this season playing with a chip on their shoulder. The first half sets them up very nicely with five of their first six in the Orange Bowl. They also get to host both the Boston College Golden Eagles and the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half, and their road games all beatable games. This could be the year for Miami to win the Coastal Division.
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