JR’s top 25 - #7 Miami (FL)

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Thursday, August 18, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The last time the University of Miami Hurricanes had at least three losses was in 1999. The following year fans felt the Hurricanes should have played for the National Championship. In 2001 they got their wish as Miami trounced Nebraska. 2002 brought the Hurricanes back to the title game but a good/bad call, depending on which fans you talk to, made Ohio State the champions. In 2003 the Miami Hurricanes lost two games, and followed that up with three losses last year.

At most schools, when you say only four offensive starters return most analysts cringe, but not in Miami. The backfield has the ability to be near the tops in the ACC, especially with a very experienced O-line to run behind. The receivers have big game experience now and should be healthy, so look for improved numbers in 2005. The question mark will be how QB Kyle Wright takes to the offense. Wright was 5 of 9 for 30 yards last year, so to say he's inexperienced is an understatement.

The defense was questionable last year, at least by Miami Hurricanes standards. They finished 67th against the rush, but 9th against the pass. The secondary once again looks to be the strong point, especially with 1st team All American return man Devin Hestor getting more chances on D. There is now a boatload of experience here so look for this defense to resemble the Miami of old.

The Miami Hurricanes lost themselves an ACC crown last December and have a lot of pent up emotion heading into 2005. If Wright can pick up the offense early, and he needs to at Doak Campbell stadium, this team could contend for a national title.
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