The Hurricanes enter 2010 with the kind of schedule that will make or break a team. Al Dannity likes Miami to hold its own.
The schedule
Miami starts off against Florida A&M before entering a brutal four game slate. The Hurricanes travel to the Horseshoe to take on Ohio State, and then it’s on to Heinz Field for a date with Pittsburgh. ACC play begins with a road game at Clemson and the visit of rivals Florida State.
The back end of the season is no more enticing with games at Georgia Tech and at home to Virginia Tech in consecutive weeks. In short this is one of the hardest schedules in College Football, one that will likely decide the long-term future of Randy Shannon in Miami.
The players
Once again Miami enters 2010 with a stacked defense. The Hurricanes return 9 of last year’s starting line-up including 3 All-ACC selections. Cornerback Brandon Harris, defensive end Allen Bailey, and linebacker Colin McCarthy lead a unit which will stifle most of the offenses it comes up against.
The big College Football betting questions for Miami are on offense. The Hurricanes lost 3 members of its starting offensive line and 3 tight ends from 2009, meaning the protection around Jacory Harris will be quite green this fall. Rookie Seantrel Henderson, who initially committed to USC, could have an immediate impact shoring up the line but Miami may yet choose to redshirt him. Protection aside, Harris has his own issues to contend with. While the quarterback showed great potential last season, he had a tendency to throw too many interceptions at critical times. Harris was picked off three times against Clemson and he gave up four interceptions against North Carolina. With just 7 returning starters from 2009, Harris needs to step up and lead this Miami offense. The Hurricanes will have some help on special teams as All-ACC kicker Matt Bosher is back this season.
The forecast
I like the U to play tough in 2010. With Coach Randy Shannon’s job on the line, despite the consistent progress he has made since inheriting the program, this team needs to perform when the pressure is on. I like Miami to make a good fight of their game with Ohio State and then winning at Pittsburgh. This will put the Hurricanes in good shape to make a decent effort in the ACC Coastal.
The Hurricanes are one of four teams from their division in our rankings so making the ACC title game is going to be tough. I like the Hurricanes to go 6-2 in ACC play, which should leave them in with a chance of winning the division. My gut says it will be just a little shy of what’s necessary for the breakthrough this season. Back Miami to go 9-3 in the regular season and secure a place in a good bowl game in 2010.
