2008 Miami Hurricanes Football
July 25, 2008
Randy Shannon takes over in his second year at Miami this season. Shannon had quarterback problems for his offense that led to a rare losing 5-7 season for the Hurricanes. Miami should be able to compete in the ACC Coastal Division this season as it seems this side of the conference is much weaker in ‘08. The Hurricanes must build some confidence early after losing six of their final seven games last season, including a 48-0 home loss to Virginia. The team at Info Plays gives you our 2008 Miami Football Hurricanes football predictions and a season preview below.
Offense:
Miami’s offense was their downfall last season, ranking among the 20 worst in scoring, passing and total offense. Kyle Wright has graduated and Kirby Freeman has decided to take his show to Baylor, leaving the Hurricanes with quarterbacks who have never thrown a pass in a college game. Redshirt freshman Robert Marve looks to have the upper hand on true freshman Jacory Harris coming out of spring drills. Much of the Hurricane’s offensive improvement could depend on the running game. Tackles Jason Fox and Reggie Youngblood have gotten stronger and guard Joel Figueroa had a solid spring. Coach’s son Xavier Shannon figures to be the starting center after transferring from Florida International.
With the line improving, tailbacks Javarris James and Graig Cooper will have big years. James looked strong in the spring by breaking tackles and finishing off runs. James also caught four passes in the spring game to show his versatility. Cooper trained with the track team in the offseason and has a noticeable burst he didn’t have last year. True freshman Aldarius Johnson could be the star of an unproven receiving corps.
Defense:
Bill Young comes over to be Miami’s defensive coordinator after serving six season at Kansas. Young preaches turnovers, an area the Hurricanes have lacked after scoring 48 touchdowns on defense and special teams from 2000-04. The Hurricanes had just one defensive touchdown last season. Players have said it’s an easy transition to pick up Young’s scheme. Safety Randy Phillips and linebacker Colin McCarthy will be the leaders of a young, talented defense. Freshman linebacker Sean Spence had two interceptions in the spring game while another freshman, Arthur Brown, led the team in tackles.
Tackle Marcus Forston, a freshman with big-play potential, and end Allen Bailey made great strides in the spring as well. Not all the talent is young, with senior defensive tackle Antonio Dixon and senior defensive end Eric Moncur adding leadership. Junior linebacker Darryl Sharpton has been moved around and is a versatile commodity on defense. Defensive back will be a strength where Chavez Grant and DeMarcus Van Dyke have made big improvements heading into the season. They’ll team up with senior safeties Phillips and Lovon Ponder.
Miami Hurricanes Predictions at Info Plays: 2nd in the ACC Coastal Division
The schedule includes a road game at Florida, but all in all Miami’s foes aren’t overwhelming. The Hurricanes don’t play Clemson or Boston College, and Virginia Tech and Florida State are at home. Still there are many questions and too much youth to think Miami can be better than 8-4, with a 6-6 or 7-5 finish more realistic. A second place finish in the ACC Coastal division is our prediction.
ACC Wins Expected in ‘08: NORTH CAROLINA, at Duke, WAKE FOREST at NC State
Potential Scares/Losses: FLORIDA STATE, at Virginia, VIRGINIA TECH at Georgia Tech