Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Some outside the program thought the Canes would start the season 0-4. Others, like myself, thought a 2-2 start was the best-case scenario. Jacory Harris and Co. had a different plan. With the exception of their costly loss in Blacksburg, the Hurricanes reeled off a 3-1 start and haven’t lost since Sept. 26 at Virginia Tech. Their back-to-back wins over Florida A&M and Central Florida showed maturity and focus, as they were able to handle both the national spotlight and the unheralded opponents with the same discipline. Coach Randy Shannon made the best hire of his short career when he brought in offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who has had an immediate positive impact that’s shown in the Canes’ diverse and exciting playbook. Miami’s No. 10 ranking in the first BCS standings shows the Canes are on their way back to national prominence in Shannon’s third season.

Offensive MVP: Jacory Harris. Harris ranks 8th nationally in passing efficiency (157.29), and his composure under pressure is the main reason why the Canes are the current frontrunner to win the Coastal Division. His short memory and ability to bounce back from mistakes -- like his two early interceptions against Oklahoma -- have been the difference. The sophomore has already recorded five 200-yard career passing games. He enters the second half of the season with 1,518 passing yards in six games and has already accounted for 12 touchdowns (11 passing, 1 rushing).

Defensive MVP: Brandon Harris. The cornerback ranks second in the nation in passes defended with 11, including 10 passes deflected and one pass interception. In only his second year as a starter, Harris has made several of his deflections at key points of Miami’s season so far, including a breakup of an FSU pass in the end zone on the final series of a dramatic win over the Seminoles. He’s also averaging six tackles per game.