Miami schedule sets up for an early return to prominence

By Lee Roberts  |   Tuesday, September 23, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Miami Hurricanes
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After waxing Texas A&M in College Station, the Miami Hurricanes begin their ACC schedule with a 2-1 record and loads of confidence. A schedule featuring most big ACC games at home means Miami could be back in the conference title game quicker than expected.

Commentary: When Miami hired Randy Shannon to replace Larry Coker in 2007, the perception was that it would take Shannon three or four years to get Miami back atop the ACC. With a lot of young talent, though, the schedule sets up nicely for Miami to win the ACC Coastal Division this year.

Miami kicks off its ACC schedule at home this Saturday against a North Carolina team reeling from a heartbreaking loss to Virginia Tech and an injury to its quarterback. Miami also gets Virginia Tech at home in November, allowing even more time for the young Canes to mature.

The most difficult division road game is at Georgia Tech, but the only other road matchups are at Virginia, Duke and North Carolina State. Not exactly a murderers' row. That also means Florida State and Wake Forest have to come to Miami. If the talented but inexperienced Canes can continue to mature, don’t be surprised to see them playing in Tampa in the ACC championship game at season's end.

Fan Pulse: Hurricanes fans are understandably excited – even predicting a 6-1 record before Wake comes to Miami. However, it may not be wise to overlook the Tar Heels, who can play with nothing to lose on Saturday.

Injury Watch: Safety Randy Phillips had surgery on his leg Monday and is out indefinitely.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ...
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