#41 Miami Football 2012 Preview


Miami Hurricanes

2012 Overall Rank: #41
# 6 ACC  
Miami College Football 2012 Team Preview
Miami Team Page

 

The Hurricanes had a mediocre season in 2011 as many people had expected. However, it was clear that Al Golden instilled some pride and compassion while giving them a breath of life. They were in every game that they played and very easily could have won 10 games. The defense propelled the team in 2011 so Al Golden has been working on the offense in order to scratch out some more points, hopefully leading to more victories for the Hurricanes.  

2011 Record: (6-6 Overall, 3-5 Conference)  
2011 Bowl: None
Coach:  Al Golden (6-6 at Miami, 33-40 Overall)
Offensive Coordinator:  Jedd Fisch
Defensive Coordinator:  Mark D’Onofrio

Returning Leaders:
Rushing:  Mark James, RB, 275 yards  
Passing:  Stephen Morris, QB, 283 yards
Receiving:  Allen Hurns, WR, 415 yards  
Tackles:  Denzel Perryman, LB, 69
Sacks: Anthony Chickillo, DL, 5
Interceptions: Vaughn Telemaque, DB, 1; Brandon McGee, DB, 1; Kelvin Cain, DL, 1

Other Key Returnees:  K Jake Wieclaw, P Dalton Botts , S Ray-Ray Armstrong, TE Clive Walford

Key Losses:  QB Jacory Harris, RB Lamar Miller, WR Tommy Streeter, LB Sean Spence  


Strengths:
The Hurricanes boasted one of the stingiest and best defensive units in the nation last season, allowing just over 20 points per contest. That took a lot of pressure off of a relatively stagnant offense. Their defensive prowess was what enabled them to have a chance to win every game that they participated in. The defense should yet again be the strong suit of this team, despite the fact that they are losing their standout linebacker, Sean Spence. They will have another player who will step in and make an impact for them.  The pass defense should be stellar once again keeping opponents off the scoreboard and allowing the Hurricanes to be competitive. The U will boast a strong defense and that will vault them to a successful 2012 campaign.

Weaknesses:
The Hurricanes had many offensive playmakers a season ago, yet they struggled to score points. Losing many skill players, such as Lamar Miller, Jacory Harris, and Tommy Streeter will make scoring points even more scarce. Scoring a measly 26 and a half points a game will not cut it for the Hurricanes this season, so the offense needs to be improved under Al Golden in order for the team to regain their form. Miami also struggled to protect the football, winding up with the 85th worst turnover margin in the nation. These turnovers cost the Hurricanes in a major way, so protecting the football will be a key in 2012.  Even if the offense generates around 26 points per contest this year but limits their mistakes, the 2012 Hurricanes would wind up with a far superior record.

The Bottom Line:
Miami still has a long road ahead, but they are getting better each week and each year. They will have a stellar defense that will allow them to be competitive in every game that they play. Their season will come down to whether their offense can score enough points and limit turnovers, allowing them to be super successful, or if the offense crumbles and hands games away, like the 2011 Hurricanes. This team is certainly a dangerous one that no one in the nation will want to face because of their talent and upset potential, but they will likely end up in the middle of their conference, much like they did a season ago.  

Projected Bowl: Music City Bowl

2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense:  145.67 (71st in the nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 232.08 (62, 8)
Total Offense: 377.75 (70, 7)
Scoring Offense: 26.50 (63, 7)
Rushing Defense: 161.92 (68, 8)
Pass Defense: 198.00 (29, 3)
Total Defense: 359.92 (45, 6)
Scoring Defense: 20.08 (17, 3)
Turnover Margin: -.33 (T-85, 9)    
Sacks:  1.92 (T-59, 5)    
Sacks Allowed: 1.58 (T-43, 5)  

Madness 2013 NFL Draft Rankings:
#49 Ray Ray Armstrong
#71 Seantrel Henderson

Madness 2012 Football Recruit Rankings:
#16 Tracy Howard
#18 Randy Johnson
#89 Angelo Jean-Louis
#112 Jelani Hamilton
#114 Tyriq McCord
#118 Raphael Kirby
#125 Deon Bush
#156 Ereck Flowers
#221 Malcolm Lewis

 

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