Tomorrow night, the University of Maryland begins their 2011 season by hosting the University of Miami before a National TV audience. With the attention that the Yahoo Sports story has received, and the resulting suspensions for this game; I think there has been a tendency for Maryland fans to look past this game. That would be a mistake.
We have seen reports of the existing Miami players galvanizing behind a ‘Us against the World’ type of mentality. An animal that has been backed into a corner, usually wants to come out fighting. That is what I am expecting to see out of Miami.
Among the Hurricanes not eligible for tomorrow, are QB Jacory Harris, LB Sean Spence, WR Travis Benjamin, DT Marcus Fortson, DL Adewale Ojomo, and Safety Ray Ray Armstrong. That is a lot of talent for any team to be missing. That said, no matter what talent is left home in Coral Gables , the Hurricanes will still have plenty of play-makers on the field in College Park. When Maryland last faced Miami (a 26-20 victory for Miami last November), QB Stephen Morris was making his first College start. For large parts of the Summer, we heard that Morris was running pretty even with Harris for the job as the Starting QB.
Obviously the scandal is overshadowing everything else, but this is also Al Golden’s first year at Miami. Just like the Terps will be looking to make a statement under new Head Coach Randy Edsall, the available Hurricanes will be looking to do the same under their new Head Coach. It will be interesting to see what scheme changes he has implemented. We know that Golden was the Defensive Coordinator at Virginia from 2001 through 2005, and has stated he prefers a 4-3 defense, but is flexible given the amount of spread offenses at the College level. On offense, Golden is said to prefer a pro-style offense with a desire to run the ball.
Quick Hits:
1) The Offensive Line appears to be a strength, led by 1st team All-ACC G Brandon Washington, along with T Seantrel Henderson, and Center Tyler Horn. It will be interesting to see if Maryland is able to get pressure against this group.
2) Lamar Miller has been described as an explosive talent at RB, and expectations seems to be very high for the Sophomore. Given Golden’s desire to run the rock, Miller should receive a large amount of touches behind that O-line.
3) With Benjamin not available, the go-to receiver figures to be LaRon Byrd. Byrd is a possession type recevier, who should not be beating you over the top. I’m going to go out on a ‘limb’ and guess that Miami has some additional WR talent, who at-least have the speed to beat you.
4) Forston is seen by many as a 1st team ACC talent. Clearly not having him or Ojomo available on their D-line will hurt. With them out, DE Oliver Vernon is the primary D-line weapon, and the Hurricanes best pass-rusher.
5) Ray-Ray Armstrong is another All-Conference talent that will be missing at Safety. However, fellow Safety Vaughn Telemaque is also appearing on All-Conference lists and will be available. I’d like to see Maryland attempt to go after the Miami corners.
6) Miami ended the 2009 season in the Top 20, and entered 2010 as the favorite in the ACC, and a dark-horse on the National level. The Hurricanes failed to meet those expectations finishing 7-6 overall, and 5-3 in the ACC (2nd in the Coastal Division). This year, most National prognosticators have Miami as a team just outside the Top 25, and picked to finish behind Virginia Tech in the Coastal. Once Miami gets through the suspensions, I think there is enough talent here for the Hurricanes to surprise and reach the Conference Championship Game. I’m not saying Miami will definitively reach Charlotte (site of the 2011 ACC Championship), just that I think they have that ability.
Game Prediction:
It should be clear from above that I respect Miami as a wounded animal, and do think they will have plenty of fight tomorrow. Even without the suspended players, the Hurricanes will not be a push-over. With that understood, I would have picked the Terps tomorrow even if Miami had their full-compliment of players. With those players out, it would be a dissappointment if Maryland does not defend their home-field.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.