For the Miami Hurricanes it’s not all about the U. It’s all about the NCAA sanctions; which will be forthcoming. Last year’s shadiness and malfeasance was reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s corruption. The Canes know how to “pay to play.” But unfortunately, it will keep them from prominence for awhile
2011 was: rather mediocre. Their 3-5 in conference, 6-6 overall finish excluded a bowl game. Like this team really needed to go a bowl game though. Especially a proud tradition like this. They don’t need to keep going to lower tier bowl games when this is a program which has won numerous national titles. And now they have to deal with early departures off to the NFL now. Their scoring D was strong enough to be 17th in the nation, but other than that, Miami wasn’t exceptionally good at anything.
2012 will go smoothly if: they get their offense in gear. The score of the spring game was Orange 7, Green 6. How exciting and enthralling. Not only the offensive issues, but the distraction of the off-the-field issues could keep this team from reaching its stride. QB Stephen Morris needs to step up in hurry.
2012 will be rough if: They don’t lead the league in defense. And they’ll need to break in six new starters in that unit in order to keep that going. Look for LB Denzel Perryman, S Ray-Ray Armstrong and DB Brandon McGee to be the leaders
BMOC: the guys listed above, plus Miller, tailbacks Duke Johnson and Mike James
All-name team: LT Seantrel Henderson, who should be a 1st round NFL Draft pick, DE Anthony Chickillo, DL Tyriq McCord
Bottom Line: They should be just okay. Maybe better that the .500 they were last year. 7-5 to 6-6 looks likely.
Rankings Athlon- 48 Lindy’s- 49 Phil Steele-
All the 77s
#67 Southern Miss
#73 Kansas
#76 Minnesota
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Chicago Tribune.com, Chicago Tribune.com, Fox Sports, MSN and Walter Football
A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too