2011-2012 Football Previews – Atlantic Coast Conference – Miami Hurricanes
“The U” was once a proud, self-proclaimed football factory perennially among the country’s elite. Much like Miami’s in-state rival Florida State, history hasn’t been so kind in recent years.
ACC 2011-12 Football Previews: Miami Hurricanes
Coach: Al Golden
2010 Record: 7-6
Miami-Fl Gambling Odds from Sportsbook.com to win BCS: +6000
Miami Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
The Randy Shannon Experiment (Miami’s former head coach) failed rather miserably, despite his ability to entice local Miami-area talent to stay home.
In steps Golden, the former Temple head man who turned around the pathetic Temple program in Philadelphia. He has a challenge, yet a reasonably attainable one considering that the Hurricanes still attract NFL-caliber size and skill.
Miami had only an OK recruiting haul in 2011, but the past couple of years have seen the cupboards well stocked for Golden to attempt a quick fix for an impatient fan base in the ACC.
Team Strengths
The ’Canes field an excellent offensive line. The unit is led by an All-American candidate at guard in junior Brandon Washington, but all the starters have NFL-style size and athleticism. Also look out for massive (6”8, 345 lbs!) and nimble sophomore RT Seantrel Henderson, a top recruit who was originally at USC.
On the topic of Southern Cal, TE Blake Ayles transfers from the Trojans and is eligible to play immediately. He should be a slick weapon for the offense.
Miami lost a couple defensive starters, but the returning talent is still extensive.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon and DT Marcus Forston are great in the front four, LB Sean Spence is a missile and the secondary is big and fast with the likes of safeties Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque.
Team Weaknesses
Quarterback Jacory Harris returns for his senior season, but he was plagued by injuries in 2010 and did not have a good year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
He threw for less than 2,000 yards, only a 55% completion rate and threw more INTs (16) than TDs (15).
He must stay on the field and step up his game for Miami to be really dangerous.
On the special teams unit, both freshman K Matt Goudis and JUCO transfer P Dalton Botts will be new starters. Last year’s K Matt Bosher was a sixth-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons, so that’s a talented shoe to fill.
2011-12 Miami Hurricanes Football Prediction: 9-4
Al Golden is an intense guy and a good coach. He turned around a really bad Temple Owls football program and he should be able to take a group of perhaps somewhat self-entitled players and get them performing to their capabilities.
The bad news is that Miami has a very tough sked this season, travelling to Virginia Tech, UNC and hated Florida State while drawing Ohio State in non-conference play. If that weren’t enough, Miami opens the year at Maryland and draws a USF squad the Hurricanes lost to in 2010.
“The U” is blessed with talented playmakers and should be much better, especially if Harris can rebound and the O-line can play anything like they look on paper.
Look for Golden to light a fire in Coral Gables and for the Hurricanes to begin the ascent back to ACC heavyweight status.
2011 Miami Hurricanes Schedule
9/5/11 8:00 PM ET @MD
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET OHIST
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET KANST
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET BCOOK
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET @VATCH
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET @NCAR
10/22/11 12:00 PM ET GATCH
10/27/11 8:00 PM ET VIRG
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET DUKE
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET @FSU
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET @SOFLA
11/25/11 3:30 PM ET BCOLL
One reply on “2011 Miami Hurricanes Gambling Odds | Predictions”
Will Miami get to 9 wins in 2011? Let me hear from you!