The Three Keys to Success for Miami Hurricanes Football in 2011: Fan's Take

Having been a Miami Hurricanes fan since I was a little boy visiting family in the area, I have always had an appreciation for the dominance of their football program. Growing up, they were always in the running for a national title it seemed. As I got older and the Hurricanes joined the ACC, that dominance became shaky at best. Since my main team is the North Carolina Tar Heels, I did not mind that over the last five years, the Hurricanes have only one year with more than seven wins. Though I was happy to see my Tar Heels competing with the Hurricanes, it still hurt my heart as a longtime Hurricane fan as well.

With 2011 fast approaching, the Hurricanes have enough talent to return me to those glory years of my youth. First, however, some things will have to go just right.

Who will start at quarterback?

One of the first things that has to be settled is who will line up under center in Coral Gables. While Stephen Morris did a decent job filling in for the injured Jacory Harris, he is still likely to be the back up in 2011. Jacory Harris was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2009 and many thought he would be as good as it gets at the position. Then, the disaster that was 2010 happened. Harris could not hit the broad side of a barn suddenly. He was throwing the ball to the defense more than the offense with 15 interceptions to his credit in 2010. There are many reasons for this problem, and not all of them stemmed from Harris. That said, he still has the arm strength, ability and moxie to bounce back in a big way.

My vote for quarterback in Miami, however, is Ryan Williams. This former South Florida standout comes to us after a season at Memphis in which he played very well as a true freshman. While Memphis is not Miami, Williams has the perfect mind-set for new coach Al Golden. Golden is going to take the air out of the ball and pass off of the run. He needs someone that can simply manage the game and make the passes when they present themselves. Williams is perfect in that role at this stage and has the potential to become a big time passer in the future.

Can the Hurricanes cut back on the mistakes?

While it seems simplistic, the Hurricanes have beaten themselves for years now. Last season, the team found itself on the losing end of virtually every measurable statistic involving mistakes. Interceptions, turnovers, special teams errors and missed assignments were the calling card of the team throughout the year. If the Hurricanes can overcome these basic mistakes and win the turnover battle, their talent alone will win most games. The Hurricanes have to stop giving games away.

Can new Head Coach Al Golden bring the Canes Back?


Randy Shannon was let go and Al Golden was brought from Temple to fix the program. While some like the change and others do not, nobody can question that the Hurricanes are looking fresh. Golden is just the type of coach that can fix the types of problems the Hurricanes are having. Talent is not a problem in Florida. The problem is discipline and penalties. If Golden can do what he did with the Temple Owls, then the Canes will be in the chase for the ACC title game this year.