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Updated: August 18, 5:39 PM ET Miami is still the Big East's best By Jorge Milian Special to ESPN.com |
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Miami Hurricanes
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Coach: Larry Coker (24-1, 3rd season). 2002 overall record: 12-1 Conference record: 7-0 Returning starters Offense: 6, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Willis McGahee (1,753 yds) Passing: Ken Dorsey (3,369 yds) Receiving: Andre Johnson (1,092 yds) Tackles: Jonathan Vilma* (133) Sacks: Jamaal Green (10) Interceptions: Sean Taylor* (4) Outlook: There's little question the Miami Hurricanes have been the class of college football over the past three seasons. Miami has piled up a 35-2 record since 2000 while producing a record 13 NFL first-round picks during that three-year span. Good? No question. Lucky? That's a different matter. How else to explain only one national championship despite a 34-game win streak and enough talent to stock a couple of NFL teams? The Hurricanes figure to be one of college football's elite teams again this season, but must first prove they're over the hangover resulting from the gut-wrenching 31-24 defeat to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Miami's biggest questions are on offense where the team's primary weapons -- quarterback Ken Dorsey, running back Willis McGahee and receiver Andre Johnson -- have each departed. The Hurricanes have capable replacements at quarterback with Brock Berlin, who finally gets a chance to match his high school press clippings, and at tailback with the healthy return of Frank Gore. At least two or three of Miami's young and inexperienced receivers will have to step up, but the presence of college football's best tight end, Kellen Winslow, will take some of the pressure off the passing game. Defensively, Miami has arguably the best linebacking corps and secondary in the nation. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and free safety Sean Taylor are the stars, but there's talent at every position. The defensive line is being overhauled with four new starters taking over. One of those new starters is massive Vince Wilfork, a backup for the past two seasons, who many consider to be a Top 10 pick in next year's NFL Draft. Key game: The Hurricanes have non-conference games against Florida State, Florida and Tennessee, but the schedule's real danger is in Big East road meetings with Boston College (Sept. 20), Virginia Tech (Nov. 1) and Pittsburgh (Nov. 29). The Pittsburgh game, with weather certain to be a factor, looks like Miami's sternest test on paper. Keep an eye on: Roscoe Parrish. The diminutive receiver/punt returner has been compared to former Hurricane Santana Moss. Parrish may be better. He was the hit of spring practice while he may miss the season opener after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to remove loose cartilage, he is Miami's No. 1 threat at receiver. It's a good year if. . .: Miami plays for a national championship. The Hurricanes have been in the running the past three seasons and anything less would be considered disappointing. Don't bet against it. The Hurricanes have lost 13 first-round draft choices in the last three NFL drafts, but there is no shortage of talent in Coral Gables. Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.
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