Representing: Miami

The Miami blogger from The 7th Floor was kind enough to share their knowledge about the Hurricanes, and they're chances in the game.

1. Right now, do you feel pretty good about where the Hurricanes are as a team?

Absolutely. I think this is the year things really come together for Miami: the team consists solely now of guys who have bought into Randy Shannon's version of the program, they learned a lot from folding down the stretch last year, there's finally depth -- gorgeous depth! -- and there's stability on the coaching staff. I think this is the year they win the ACC, and next there's no reason they shouldn't contend for a title. 

It's been a slow road back; I think few people realized exactly how bad things have gotten, and how much of a steaming turd Shannon inherited. 

And exactly how deadly is the Voltron he's assembling. 

2. Besides Jacory Harris, Who's the key guy, the player that they have to build around to win games?

Honestly, Jacory's the only one. Take away Leonard Hankerson, you can "make do" with Laron Byrd. Damien Berry goes down, there's Mike James and a streak where Lamar Miller used to be. Behind Travis Benjamin is Davon Johnson. You can still call it a young-ish team, but offensively, it feels like we're back to the days in which Willis McGahee was a third-stringer. There's so much depth on the offense -- everywhere, that is, but quarterback. 

For some reason, though, I'm not going to feel good about the game until Lamar Miller notches a touchdown return. 

3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat Miami or vice versa? 

I think Miami has to be disciplined up front. Terrelle Pryor is not going to be able to scurry around behind the line of scrimmage, or he'll be eaten alive by Olivier Vernon or Allen Bailey. But if he gets chances up the middle -- if the defensive tackles don't do their thing -- it could make for an uncomfortable night. 

Miami's linebacker situation is...unsettling. Sean Spence is a beast, but every now and then, Colin McCarthy does something inexplicably terrifying. And they're the only dependable two. 

I'm not at all worried about TP throwing his way to a win.  Everything, either way, will depend on Miami's defense, because Jacory can score all night. 

I think Ohio State will need to shut down Leonard Hankerson. And he's got mouths to feed. 

4. Was it pass interference, and what are you're feelings on that game?

OBVIOUSLY. But that game is history, and even if Miami wins it doesn't erase it. To my mind, this isn't about revenge -- it's about this year, and this team, who have a chance not to leave anything in the hands of dickhead refs. Or anyone named Craig Krenzel. That's an elf's name. 

5. How will Miami do this season? (W/L, Bowl Game?)

9-2, BCS bowl. 




6. Jacory Harris - Heisman winner at some point?

I think he'll end the year a finalist, and nab it next year. Yes, there were interceptions last season, but the poor kid could barely grip the ball (he underwent surgery on his hand in the offseason). He looked incredibly sharp in the opener, and he's near impossible to rattle. He's also tossing to what's arguably the most talented receiving corps in the country. 

7. Are you worried about the Buckeye defense after the Wisconsin game?

No -- if I spare them a worry, it's got nothing to do with that holiday abomination. The Wisconsin game was a one-off, full of injuries and tired players with little motivation. It was awful, sure, but I don't see it as a true indication of anything. Who enjoys being in Orlando, for God's sake? I think they just wanted to go home. 

8. What do you think of Terrelle Pryor?

I don't. 

9. Randy Shannon has put Miami back in the picture. How has Tressel done?

Who?

10. Finally, who wins and why?

Miami, of course. If Miami plays to its potential, the offense is unstoppable. So many of these players live for big games, and there's too many weapons. 27-21.