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2011 Miami Hurricanes College Football Preview

The Miami Hurricanes will have a new look on the sidelines this season and the school went outside the program to find its man.  Al Golden resurrected a Temple program that was 3-31 before his arrival to a respectable 17-8 mark over his final two seasons.  It will be interesting to see how he deals with the almost unattainable expectations that alumni expect in South Florida.

A quarterback competition will soon get underway in camp between senior Jacory Harris and sophomore Stephen Harris and word around the practice fields is Golden doesn’t want a carousel situation under center.

Whoever comes out ahead will need to demonstrate quickly a better sense of taking care of the ball, as both combined for 27 interceptions.  Harris is certainly a favorite to start at Maryland on September 5, but anything is possible with a new coaching staff.

Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch returns to the collegiate ranks after spending nine seasons in the NFL, including a year of calling plays for the Minnesota Vikings.  He is no stranger to the state after graduating from Florida in 1998 and learning under Steve Spurrier.

There’s no shortage of weapons offensively for the always athletic and skillful Hurricanes, as many anticipate a monster year from speedster running back Lamar Miller.  He finished the 2010 campaign with 646 yards by gaining 6.0 yards a carry.

Miller has been compared to the likes of former Miami star Willis McGahee and set the sidelines abuzz with scoring runs of 70 and 64 yards during the school’s spring game.

Senior Travis Benjamin is the team’s big-play threat at the wide receiver position, averaging 17.1 yards per catch during his career.  He’s also a threat in the punt return game that Golden hopes shows more promise than it did last year, as the unit ranked last in the ACC.

On the other side of the ball, Miami will likely continue to attack opposing backfields, after leading the nation in tackles for loss last year.  Leading the effort is outside linebacker Sean Spence, one of three defensive members that has been named a candidate for the Nagurski Award.

First-year defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio will likely keep the pressure on in utilizing his talented front seven, as the secondary searches for leadership.  The Hurricanes led the nation in passing defense last year, but will have first-time starters at each cornerback spot this year.

From a betting perspective, Miami has always been an over-bet commodity due to its national appeal, but some opportunities this season may exist.  Watch the line closely when the Hurricanes head out on the road against in-state rival Florida State, as they’ve covered five of the last six meetings in Tallahassee.