Next up on the Triple Option Attack is #13 Miami
Music to listen to: Me So Horny by 2 Live Crew
When I did my Miami Dolphins post two weeks ago, I picked music from Gloria Estefan. That was good and I paid respect to the queen of the city for music. I will now show love to the king of Miami hip-hop and unabashed Hurricanes fan, Luke.
The Story: Since 1983, the Miami Hurricanes have won five national titles. The school has produced numerous legends that have been some of the best players ever in their positions during their various eras of action. Miami’s approach to college football has become so transcendent that it would be take several posts to explain the significant impact the program has had on the sport. When you give yourselves a nickname like “The U” and every sports fan knows what you’re talking about, you’ve reached a higher level of consciousness.
However, for all of the bravado and swagger that Miami has had over the years, the past few seasons have placed a temperament on its previously brazen attitude. With another set of talented players, coveted by nearly every other program in the nation, and stability in the coaching position help Miami rise back to a top-five program and possibly another national title?
Last Season: Finished the season with a record of 9-4, including disappointing losses to North Carolina, Clemson and to Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Offense: If he is completely healthy, junior quarterback Jacory Harris has the chance to not only be the top player in the ACC this season but also find himself in New York as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. However, he’s currently recovering from thumb injury on his throwing hand that has prevented him from having full preparations for this upcoming season. Harris is a dynamic talent that can lead the offense to a high level of performance, but turnover problems, especially interceptions have hindered him. He threw four interceptions in last season’s loss to North Carolina and three in another defeat to Clemson.
The good news is that Harris will have arguably the best receiving corp in college football to throw, led by Leonard Hankerson, LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin.
The bad news is that the Hurricanes can use more production from its running backs, especially Damien Berry. Furthermore, Miami will have to replace the center and both tackles from the offensive line.
Defense: The defensive units was usually the strength of the elite Miami teams of the past and this current edition has the potential to become another one. Eight starters return including All-ACC selections from last year, junior cornerback Brandon Harris and defensive end Allen Bailey.
If there is a potential weakness on the defense, it’s at the linebacker position. The Hurricanes do return some players at the position including senior Colin McCarthy and junior Sean Spence but they have been underwhelming when pressed into duty.
The Schedule
Sept. 2 Florida A&M
Sept. 11 at Ohio State
Sept. 23 at Pittsburgh
Oct. 2 at Clemson
Oct. 9 Florida State
Oct. 16 at Duke
Oct. 23 North Carolina
Oct. 30 at Virginia
Nov. 6 Maryland
Nov. 13 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 20 Virginia Tech
Nov. 27 USF
Miami may have the toughest schedule in the country, especially after the season opener. Whoever scheduled the three straight road games at Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson should seriously reconsider not making the slate again.
The only guarantee wins on the schedule besides FAMU are probably Duke, Virginia and Maryland. Every other game can be a loss and shouldn’t be considered a major upset.
Most Famous Sports Alum: The football list is sick. Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Michael Irvin, Jerome Brown, Warren Sapp, Clinton Portis, Andre Johnson, Michael Barrow, Jeremy Shockey, etc.
However, the most famous sports alum the school has ever produced is Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock. He may be the most famous wrestler ever besides Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Andre the Giant.
So congrats The Rock
Celebrity Alum “Crush:” Miami produces plenty of “talented” women to choose from in this category but I’m going to go with Suzy Kolber in an upset. I’m a fan in more ways than one, big whup, want to fight about it?
Prediction: 10-2
Maybe I’m drinking the Kool-Aid and being too optimistic but I think Miami has the talent to be a ten-win team. The games at Ohio State and Pitt are tough as well as the contest at Georgia Tech and home against Virginia Tech. I think the only given loss will be at Ohio State but if the Hurricanes find a way to emerge from Columbus, Ohio with a victory, look out.
Sports Inquirer Top-25 Preseason College Football Poll:
The Sports Inquirer 
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