8) The early spring buzz ... Cane fans got their wish with the end of the Larry Coker era, and now it's all about Randy Shannon and what he can do to turn the program back around. Either the former coaching staff miscalculated on how good the recruits were, or they didn't coach them up to their potential, or a little of both. Shannon wasn't shy on the recruiting trail when it came to telling prospects they'd have to battle daily for their jobs, but could get a shot right off the bat to see time. He got a decent class, and now he has to make everyone better and find the right pieces to fit the puzzle.. The big spring question is ... Is there going to be any offense this year? Patrick Nix, the former Auburn Tiger quarterback and Georgia Tech offensive coordinator, wasn't even Shannon's second choice with Dirk Koetter, Kevin Rogers, and Oklahoma's Kevin Sumlin taking a pass. Nix is a rising star in the coaching ranks and should turn out to be a tremendous pickup for the Canes. The offense will stay the same as always unless a quarterback emerges from the pack who can move. That's why ... The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. Kyle Wright has been a tremendous disappointment since coming to Coral Gables as the next great Miami quarterback, and Kirby Freeman has hardly set the world on fire when he's had a shot. Shannon isn't going to go with star recruit Robert Marve unless everything breaks down, which means Wright and Freeman, who'll get equal chances for the job, have to step up their play this spring. Spring attitude... You're freakin' Miami. Play like it. 7-6? Almost losing to Duke? 3-5 in the ACC? The program has fallen on hard times, but it might not take that much to get back to being among the elite. Taking a glass was half full approach, the Canes lost four games by a touchdown or less thanks to one of the nation's top defenses. Of course, if you're negative, they also won four games by five points or fewer. There's more than enough NFL talent to win now. Robert Marve QB, 6-1, 190 Tampa, Fla. / Plant HS Florida's Mr. Football in 2006 and a member of the Parade All-America team. Pro-style quarterback who also can run. Has good mobility, a quick release and can throw on the run. Set Florida state records in 2006, breaking Tim Tebow's marks for passing yards (4,380) and touchdowns (48), and broke a 31-year year old state record for completions (280). Son of Eugene Marve, who was a linebacker for 12 years with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a senior, completed 278 of 420 passes (66.2 percent), with just 13 interceptions. In the Class 4A state championship game, helped his team to victory with 30 completions in 46 attempts for 305 yard and three TDs. As a junior in 2005, passed for 1,813 yards and 14 touchdowns on 103 of 187 passing. He also rushed for 393 yards and three scores. Started for the first time as a sophomore, when he when he threw for 903 yards and seven TDs. Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds Date Opponent Sept. 1, 2007 Marshall TBA Sept. 8, 2007 at Oklahoma TBA Sept. 15, 2007 Florida Int'l TBA Sept. 20, 2007 Texas A&M 7:45 pm ET Sept. 29, 2007 Duke TBA Oct. 6, 2007 at North Carolina TBA Oct. 13, 2007 Georgia Tech TBA Oct. 20, 2007 at Florida State TBA Nov. 3, 2007 NC State TBA Nov. 10, 2007 Virginia TBA Nov. 17, 2007 at Virginia Tech TBA Nov. 24, 2007 at Boston College TBA
JOCO.....I agree.....Nix should mix it up good....the offense at GTech was fabulous the past couple of years....of course they had Calvin Johnson...that helped Nix look good. We'll see.....our schedule is tough....seven tough opponents. OUr D should be top five
I think Miami and Notre Dame have the most question marks going into the season. The first couple of games should be very interesting...