Enemy Blogger Interview: Miami

This week, we have Canes Pundit joining us, and we are very thankful again for someone taking the time to answer our questions. With that, let's jump right in.

1. Miami is returning some suspended players, including recently named starter for this game, Jacory Harris. What kind of impact will they have on this game?

I think Jacory will provide the game management that was lacking in the Maryland game. With that, however, comes his tendency to turn the ball over. LB Sean Spence, - Miami's best defender - returns, as does our two top returning sack leaders. It should clearly benefit a defense that gave up a lot of yards to Maryland.

2. Who are the playmakers on offense and defense?

The top playmaker on offense is RB Lamar Miller. He is 215 lbs, and runs a 4.3 40. He should be a nationally known name by year's end. On defense, it is aforementioned Sean Spence, an outside linebacker that is slated to go in the first two rounds of next year's NFL draft.

3. Both Ohio State and Miami had horrid offseasons, and many think Miami should end up with getting the "Death Penalty". What are your thoughts on the situation?

I doubt they get the death penalty, thought I do anticipate the loss of scholarships and a bowl ban. It's a shame because most of the infractions involve coaches and players that are no longer here. The current players' infractions form 2008, though minimal, were valid and required punishment. I just feel that if you're going to scrutinize to this level, then every school must be held culpable for their actions - as every school has a student athlete that has received a free meal or $100 in benefits at some point.

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.