ESPN College Football

MIAMI

2009 overall record: 9-4

2009 conference record: 5-3

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 8, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

QB Jacory Harris, T Orlando Franklin, WR Leonard Hankerson, WR LaRon Byrd, DE Allen Bailey, LB Sean Spence, LB Colin McCarthy, P/PK Matt Bosher, CB Brandon Harris, RB Graig Cooper (injured)

Key losses

OT Jason Fox, C A.J. Trump, TE Dedrick Epps, RB Javarris James, S Randy Phillips, CB Sam Shields, LB Darryl Sharpton, DT Joe Joseph

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Cooper* (695 yards)

Passing: Harris* (3,352 yds)

Receiving: Hankerson* (801 yds)

Tackles: Sharpton (106)

Sacks: Bailey* (7)

Interceptions: Harris, Phillips, Micanor Regis* (2)

Spring answers

1. Depth at running back. The running backs had arguably the best spring of any position group and proved they’re still deep, despite the loss of James and not having Cooper, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Lamar Miller, a redshirt freshman, was tough to bring down in the open field, and had good speed. Storm Johnson, a true freshman who enrolled early, picked up the offense quickly and ran hard. Damien Berry showed the same form he had at the end of the season when he finished strong, and Mike James returned to running back from fullback.

2. Deeper at QB. What a difference a year can make. After both backup quarterbacks transferred a year ago, this position has the best depth it’s seen under coach Randy Shannon. A.J. Highsmith, Spencer Whipple and Stephen Morris all moved the ball this spring. Highsmith seemed to be the front-runner for the No. 2 job behind Jacory Harris, as he took most of the first-team reps with Harris out.

3. Defensive line shines. First-year defensive line coach Rick Petri’s group was one of the Canes’ bright spots this spring. The defensive ends go about three deep on each side. Adewale Ojomo, who missed all of last season with a broken jaw, is back, and the tackles were solid.

Fall questions

1. Wanted: tight ends. Miami only had two tight ends this spring, but the Canes will add four in the fall, including Chase Ford, a junior college transfer. Richard Gordon and Billy Sanders will finally get some competition. Gordon has the most experience and he’s a senior, but he only played in one game last year. He was granted an extra year of eligibility and should have a bigger role this season. Sanders, a redshirt freshman, was on the scout team.

2. Transition at center. Tyler Horn isn’t a rookie, but it's unclear how he'll adjust to his new role in taking over for A.J. Trump. Horn was the top option at center this spring with true freshman Shane McDermott, an early enrollee, behind him. Horn has been there for three years, and it’s his job to lose.

3. Stuck in the middle. Who will take over at middle linebacker? Miami is still working out its depth issue here. Kylan Robinson started to emerge there in the spring, and Shayon Green was another option. At the end of spring, Colin McCarthy was still at strong side and Sean Spence was at weak side, but Shannon could make some moves to get the best group of linebackers in there. That could mean McCarthy moves to the middle. In the past two years, Shannon liked to put an older player there (Glenn Cook, Darryl Sharpton), but McCarthy played the majority of the spring at his usual spot. The return of Spence and Jordan Futch from injuries should help Shannon figure out the right combination.

It's a slow news day in ACC country ...

• Georgia Tech finished spring ball confident it can defend its ACC title and with a few more answers about its 2010 identity.
• Boston College lured in one of the top tight ends in the country.
• Florida State is getting back to its trend of first-round draft picks. ...
• But is quarterback Christian Ponder a second-round pick?
• It's a happy ending after all for former Miami safety Randy Phillips.

Here's a look at what the Coastal Division coaches need to address in this year's signing class:

DUKE

Defensive linemen: Redshirt juniors and seniors comprised the bulk of the two-deep depth chart in 2009, and the recent dismissal of backup John Drew plus the graduation of Vince Oghobaase makes it a position of concern. The interior line needs the most help.

Running back: The Blue Devils never quite got their running game going in 2009 and will have to start to make a push at this position to help break in new starting quarterback Sean Renfree. Re’quan Boyette will have to be replaced.

Offensive line: In looking ahead, the Blue Devils will have six redshirt juniors or seniors up front in 2010. While that’s good news for the immediate future, Duke needs to work ahead for what it will lose in 2011.

GEORGIA TECH

Defensive backs: The biggest loss is obviously safety Morgan Burnett to the NFL draft, but the Jackets need to look ahead. Safeties Mario Edwards and Dominique Reese will be redshirt seniors this year, and cornerback Mario Butler will be a senior.

Defensive linemen: For the second year in a row it’s a concern, and thanks in large part to the NFL draft. Derrick Morgan will be missed, but overall this group needs an upgrade.

MIAMI

Offensive line: Three starters will have to be replaced, including the Canes’ top veteran, Jason Fox. Both guard positions are also short-timers, as Orlando Franklin and Joel Figueroa will both be seniors this fall.

Linebacker: Darryl Sharpton is the lone senior departing, but this unit could use more depth. It’s been a problem since Randy Shannon took over. And while the staff has made progress, injuries have continuously depleted the group.

Secondary: The Canes will have to replace Chavez Grant and Randy Phillips, and DeMarcus VanDyke will be a senior. Miami improved its interceptions in 2009, but not by much, ranking No. 87 in the country with nine. Of course, it helps to get pressure up front to force quarterbacks into those mistakes.

NORTH CAROLINA

Offensive line: This is where the Tar Heels’ offensive improvement needs to start, and it didn’t help that this year’s unit was battered and bruised most of the season. Two starters will have to be replaced this year and five more of the top players in the rotation will be seniors in 2010.

Linebacker: UNC needs to reload at this position, and it's taking the right steps in that direction with this class. Although Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter elected to return, it’s only a matter of time before the talented seniors have to be replaced.

VIRGINIA

Quarterback: The Cavs have a lot of questions about this position heading into 2010 and beyond. The good news is that Michael Strauss has already enrolled this semester, so he’ll get an early start with spring ball.

Playmakers: Vague, yes, but it’s exactly what this program needs. Part of the reason Gregg Brandon’s spread offense didn’t work was because he didn’t have the personnel to execute it. Virginia will lose its most versatile player in Vic Hall, will have to replace fullback Rashawn Jackson, and needs more than just Mikell Simpson.

VIRGINIA TECH

Linemen: The Hokies will need help on both sides of the ball, particularly interior defensive linemen. Six of the eight players on the 2009 two-deep defensive line were either juniors or seniors. Starters Ed Wang and Sergio Render will have to be replaced on the offensive line this year.

Defensive backs: This unit will be hit hard with departures in the next two seasons, as starters Kam Chancellor and Stephan Virgil have to be replaced in 2010, and Rashad Carmichael and Davon Morgan will be seniors.

Quarterback. With Tyrod Taylor being a senior next year, the staff will have to look ahead. There’s a lot of inexperience and question marks behind him. The one thing they don’t need in Blacksburg? Running backs.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

If you don't see it, that means I didn't get it:

CLEMSON

Out

Kantrell Brown, DB, Concussion

Scotty Cooper, LB, Concussion

DUKE

RB Re'quan Boyette (knee) -- OUT

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Doubtful

Julian Burnett, Fr., LB (knee)

Questionable

Anthony Egbuniwe, Jr., DE (illness)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Kerry Boykins (upper body)

Gary Douglas (upper body)

Bennett Fulper (upper body)

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Lansford Watson (lower body)

Questionable:

Lamar Young (upper body)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity

OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity

DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity

RB Javarris James – Lower Extremity

RB Mike James – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

VIRGINIA

Out

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Doubtful

none

Questionable

Oday Aboushi (knee)

Joe Torchia (shoulder)

Probable

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Cam Johnson (knee)

Corey Mosley (shoulder)

Mike Parker (knee)

LaRoy Reynolds (knee)

Jameel Sewell (ankle)

Brandon Woods (shoulder)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR NC STATE GAME

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

TE Jordon McMichael (hip) – DOUBTFUL

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE

FS Okechukwu Okoroha (leg) – PROBABLE

DT Austin Giles (back) – PROBABLE

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – PROBABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – PROBABLE

DT Damik Scafe (neck/shoulder) – PROBABLE

CLEMSON

I don't have an injury report, but I do have the following lineup changes:

After practice Thursday coach Dabo Swinney announced that Dalton Freeman would start at center. Scotty Cooper will miss the game while still recovering from a concussion suffered at Maryland. Daniel Andrews will move up to second-team strongside linebacker behind Kevin Alexander.

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Questionable

Anthony Egbuniwe, Jr., DE (illness)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Masengo Kabongo (leg)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Questionable:

Bruce Campbell (leg)

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

Javon Walker, S - knee

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – hip

Jesse Riley, DB - knee

VIRGINIA

Out

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Doubtful

Mikell Simpson (neck)

Questionable

none

Probable

Landon Bradley (knee)

BJ Cabbell (ankle)

Patch Duda (flu)

Mike Parker (knee)

Zane Parr (ankle)

Brandon Woods (foot)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Marcus Davis (ankle)

Mark Muncey (knee)

Sergio Render (pec strain)

Eddie Whitley (ankle)

Ryan Williams (illness)

Out

Brandon Dillard (ankle)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

If you don't see it, that's because I didn't get it ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR VIRGINIA TECH GAME

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

TE Jordon McMichael (hip) – OUT

FS Okechukwu Okoroha (leg) – OUT

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

DT Austin Giles (back) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – PROBABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – PROBABLE

DUKE

RB Jay Hollingsworth (ankle) -- Probable

OT Jarrod Holt (concussion) -- Probable

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT

CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

OUT

FB Daniel Gard (knee)

OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

OT John Prior (knee)

LB Vince Williams (back)

QUESTIONABLE

DT Justin Mincey (knee)

CB Patrick Robinson (ankle)

PROBABLE

ROV Korey Mangum (shoulder)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Doubtful

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Questionable

Dominique Reese, Jr., S (shoulder)

Marcus Wright, So., RB (shoulder

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Mike Barbour (leg)

Louis Berman (leg)

Bruce Campbell (leg)

Danny Edwards (concussion)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Joe Vellano (foot)

MIAMI

Probable

DL Olivier Vernon – Lower Extremity

Questionable

RB Graig Cooper - Lower Extremity

LS/TE Jake Byrne - Illness

Doubtful

DT Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

DL Steven Wesley – Lower Extremity

Out

DL Dyron Dye - Leg

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for Season

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA

Out (Season)

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Out (Game)

Lowell Dyer C Shoulder

Doubtful

Zack Pianalto TE Foot

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Questionable

Josh Adams WR Shoulder

Kyle Jolly OT Ankle

Mike Paulus QB Shoulder

Devon Ramsay FB Knee

Probable

Jonathan Cooper OG Ankle

Anthony Elzy FB Shoulder

Linwan Euwell LB Ankle

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE - hip

Javon Walker, S - knee

QUESTIONABLE

Rashard Smith, CB - ankle

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Nekos Brown (illness)

Blake DeChristopher (ankle)

John Graves (ankle)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

MIAMI -- The Hurricanes are beating themselves with two turnovers and four penalties. Sam Shields is having a particularly rough day. He missed a tackle on third down, got beat for the first touchdown of the game and was called for the facemask penalty that gave the Sooners a first down at the 11-yard line.

With JoJo Nicolas and Randy Phillips out, Miami's secondary needs all of the help it can get. Miami's defense held Oklahoma to a field goal on its last possession, but the mistakes on both sides of the ball are quickly adding up.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

MIAMI -- Hello from the baseball press box in Land Shark Stadium, where baseball season has ended and the infield is no longer visible. Word on the starting lineup will come later, but I'm told Randy Phillips is expected to dress, but not play.

Here's the early take on this game: It's going to come down to how Miami's offensive line fares against what could be one of the best defensive lines in the country. And if it plays the way it did against Virginia Tech last weekend, the Sooners will have the edge -- literally. The challenge will be to protect Miami quarterback Jacory Harris from defensive ends Jeremy Beal and Auston English.

I'm expecting a low-scoring game, but I think Harris will play better than he did last week against Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes' defense will have to rattle Landry Jones, and they're capable of doing that.

If Miami pulls off the win, it's a chance for the Canes to play their way back into the top 10. If Oklahoma wins, it keeps its hopes at the national championship alive. Neither team, though, can afford another loss and expect to stay in the BCS title race.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Here are this week's injury reports from the schools that sent them out by midnight on Thursday:

BOSTON COLLEGE

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – DOUBTFUL

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – DOUBTFUL

TE Jordon McMichael (Leg) –PROBABLE

CLEMSON

Questionable

Chris Hairston, OT, knee

Probable

Miguel Chavis, DT, ankle

DUKE

RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- Probable

RB Jay Hollingsworth (ankle) -- Probable

OG Mitchell Lederman (leg) -- Probable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Probable

OT Jarrod Holt (concussion) -- Questionable

RB Desmond Scott (leg) -- Questionable

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT

CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT

FLORIDA STATE

OUT

FB Daniel Gard (knee)

OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

OT John Prior (knee)

LB Vince Williams (back)

QUESTIONABLE

DT Justin Mincey (knee)

PROBABLE

DT Moses McCray (elbow)

DT Jacobbi McDaniel (knee)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

Doubtful

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Questionable

Dominique Reese, Jr., S (undisclosed)

Probable

Jaybo Shaw, So., QB (broken collarbone)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Louis Berman (leg)

Caleb Porzel (leg)

Joe Vellano (foot)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

DT Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson - Lower Extremity

Doubtful

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

Out

FB Pat Hill – Lower Extremity

DL Dyron Dye - Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

Surgery and Out for Season

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE - hip

Rashard Smith, CB - ankle

Javon Walker, S - knee

NORTH CAROLINA

Out (Season)

Carl Gaskins OL Knee

Matt Merletti DB Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Out (Game)

Lowell Dyer C Shoulder

Zack Pianalto TE Foot

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Doubtful

Linwan Euwall LB Ankle

Questionable

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

Jonathan Cooper OG Ankle

Anthony Elzy FB Shoulder

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Blake DeChristopher (ankle)

Davon Morgan (shoulder)

Dyrell Roberts (hamstring)

Demetrius Taylor (calf)

osted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Miami safety Randy Phillips has an undisclosed injury and will not return. This is not good for the Canes' defense to be down three starters, and Phillips is a leader of that defense.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

Miami enters Thursday night’s game against Georgia Tech with a new defensive coordinator, a new defensive scheme, and, according to safety Randy Phillips, a new attitude on defense.

	Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE
	Last season, Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer had his way with Miami.

After losing to the Yellow Jackets each of the past four years, they’re hoping now for a new result. Truth be told, it couldn’t get much worse than last year’s missed-tackle-laden performance in Atlanta. Georgia Tech rushed for 472 yards in a 41-23 win over Miami last year -- the second-most rushing yards ever allowed by the Hurricanes.

On Monday, Miami’s defense watched the game film of last year’s performance.

“They were kind of upset about it,” said Phillips, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year and didn’t play in the game. “They feel very confident this time. It’s a lot better. It’s a different scheme, different guys on the field. Some of the guys played last year, but most of the guys are new, and it’s a different attitude for the defense. We have a lot to play for. We feel like we’re one of the best teams in the country on both sides of the ball. We have a lot to prove. We haven’t beaten Georgia Tech in four years. We’re just going to go out there and play aggressive and get a lot of takeaways.”

The defense will no doubt be key, including players like Phillips in the secondary. He said a lot of the missed tackles last year came from the safeties. After just two games, Georgia Tech leads the ACC with 318 rushing yards per game, but Miami’s defense limited Florida State to 110 yards on the ground. The Noles’ running game so far hasn’t quite lived up to its preseason billing, though, and this might provide a more realistic gauge as to just how much the defense has improved under first-year coordinator John Lovett.

One of their main priorities in this game will be to slow Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer, who rushed for 128 yards on just 10 carries in the first half, including a 58-yard touchdown run.

“The biggest factor will be [Jonathan] Dwyer,” Miami coach Randy Shannon said. “The fullback must be accounted for on every single play. If he happens to get into the open field, we have to get him down for a 10 or 12 yard gain and then line up again. We cannot afford him to get long runs against us and that’s what makes their offense go.

“You can say the middle linebacker has the fullback, but that’s not always the case. It depends on what kind of triple option it is -- veer base, arc, midline or load-option. Depending on the scenario, certain guys have to be responsible for certain roles. Once you figure out what they’re trying to do and what we have to get done, then you have to respond to it.”

Like Clemson, Miami began preparing for Georgia Tech’s offense as early as the spring, and devoted a few practices this summer to it, as well. Shannon said there were a few things the team could glean from watching Thursday night’s game against Clemson, though “there will be a wrinkle here and there.”

Clemson held Georgia Tech to seven three-and-outs in a 30-27 loss to the Jackets on Thursday night, a 27 percent completion percentage -- the best in 11 years at Clemson -- and went 54 minutes without allowing a touchdown. The Tigers held Dwyer to 66 yards, and executed and tackled better as the game went on.

What’s their secret?

“You have to have a simple plan,” coach Dabo Swinney said. “There’s only so much you can do against that. You can’t dial up a bunch of different calls and things like that. The biggest thing you have to do is be disciplined and execute and win the matchups, and I think our guys did a great job of that. I don’t know if they’ll ever go seven three-and-outs again all season. It will be interesting to try it.”

And Miami is ready to give it its best shot.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich Here's a recap of the scrimmages that happened this weekend, with the help of the sports information directors, and the local newspapers that covered them: BOSTON COLLEGE As if things couldn't get worse for coach Frank Spaziani's quarterback situation in his first year, leading candidate Dave Shinskie was injured in Sunday's scrimmage. It might be a bruised rib. Here's how the rest of the team fared without him: All four quarterbacks played and redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle went 8-for-16 for 84 yards. Junior Codi Boek threw for 74 yards on a 6-for-12 day while freshmen Michael Marscovetra and Shinskie both had three completions. Junior Jordon McMichael and sophomore Colin Larmond Jr. both had three receptions for 18 and 33 yards, respectively. Sophomore Montel Harris was the leading rusher with 46 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. Senior Steve Aponavicius went 2-for-4 in his field goal attempts, hitting from 42 yards both times. A 44-yard attempt went awry following a bad snap and his 37-yard try was blocked by sophomore Isaac Johnson. Redshirt freshman Alexander DiSanzo shined on defense with seven tackles, a forced a fumble and an interception. Senior Roderick Rollins and freshman Luke Kuechly both had a team-high nine tackles. DUKE Quarterbacks Thaddeus Lewis, Sean Renfree and Sean Schroeder combined to complete 25 of 39 passes for 240 yards. Renfree threw for a team-high 93 yards by hitting on 11 of 18 throws while Lewis was 7-of-12 for 86 yards. Freshman running back Desmond Scott led all receivers with six catches for 39 yards while rookie wideout Conner Vernon had three grabs for 42 yards. Redshirt sophomore running back Cameron Jones picked up a scrimmage-best 49 yards on just three rushing attempts. Defensively, sophomore safety Matt Daniels caused and recovered one fumble while redshirt sophomore cornerback Colin Jones registered one interception. Junior kicker Will Snyderwine booted a 27-yard field goal and successfully converted his lone PAT attempt. FLORIDA STATE Quarterback Christian Ponder had another good day, but with no interceptions, did the defense? Ponder wasn't thrilled with the results and said it might have been because guys were too eager to end their two-a-days. Jimbo Fisher said overall it was far too inconsistent. To read the Noles' entire practice report, click here. MARYLAND The Terps' scrimmage was a mixture of good and bad, and it was the latter that kept coach Ralph Friedgen going. There was one player, though, who made a name for himself in Friedgen's book -- redshirt freshman running back Gary Douglas. Douglas rushed 17 times for a scrimmage-high 122 yards, including four runs of 15 or more yards. He didn't score a touchdown but almost single-handedly led the offense down the field for a score on one drive, accounting for 72 of the 80 yards. Quarterback Chris Turner completed 13 of 20 passes for 113 yards. Backup Jamarr Robinson didn't fare quite as well as he had in previous scrimmages, hitting on just 5 of 14 passes for 59 yards, though he did direct two scoring drives. Mike Barbour looked sharp early, capping off two drives with field goals. The redshirt freshman, who had a leg up on the No. 1 place-kicker job, hit from 30 and 36 yards out. "Barbour started off pretty good, and then he missed his last three," Friedge
n said. "He kind of looked like he had solidified the job and then he opens it up again." Defensive back Eric Franklin, a true freshman, made a scrimmage-best eight tackles and picked off Turner on the sixth possession. MIAMI The Canes wrapped up their final two-a-day of fall camp on Sunday, and coach Randy Shannon said everything -- that's right, everything -- is still up for grabs. Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post had a couple of notes for you off Sunday's practice. Morning Practice Highlights -- (pads) Joe Joseph and Marcus Robinson each had a sack in 11-on-11 drills. Randy Phillips (INT, pass break-up) and DeMarcus Van Dyke (two pass break-ups) stood out in the secondary. Lee Chambers and Damien Berry each broke off a couple runs of 15+ yards. Javarris James caught several passes in both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 sessions Afternoon Practice Highlights -- (shells) Sam Shields (red zone), Chavez Grant (7-on-7) and C.J. Holton (11-on-11) all recorded interceptions. Grant returned his for a touchdown while Holton caught his off a tipped pass. A.J. Highsmith connected with Tommy Streeter (11-on-11) and LaRon Byrd (7-on-7) for significant yardage. Damien Berry took a short pass in the flat from Taylor Cook for a long gain. Other highlights include a near interception by Randy Phillips, a pass break-up by Ramon Buchanan and a sack by Micanor Regis. Red zone touchdowns included Jacory Harris to Richard Gordon and Taylor Cook to Jimmy Graham. VIRGINIA TECH So ... add Ryan Williams to the list of VT running backs who are banged up. Williams sprained his ankle, and Josh Oglesby has "the worst infection" coach Billy Hite has ever seen on a foot. Also, the coaches want to redshirt Logan Thomas, and Kenny Lewis Jr.'s recovery has been delayed. Not a lot of happy news coming out of Blacksburg these days. To read Virginia Tech's entire scrimmage report, click here. Tyrod Taylor completed 8 of 11 passes for 78 yards. Xavier Boyce led all receivers with two catches for 47 yards. Freshman running back Tony Gregory rushed 18 times for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Williams rushed just five times for 22 yards before spraining his ankle and sitting out the rest of the scrimmage. He did score on a 4-yard run and he returned several punts. Matt Waldron was 4-for-4 on his field goal attempts. (31, 32, 43, 30) Defensive tackle Cordarrow Thompson led the defense with seven tackles, four for a loss, and one sack.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Here's a quick catch-you-up on practices from around the league, as reported by each school's sports information office:

FSU

With tailbacks Tavares Pressley and Ty Jones getting their first extended work since returning from hamstring strains, the Seminoles moved the ball effectively on the ground throughout the second half of Wednesday's afternoon practice.

"We ran 'ol Pressley a lot today just to see what kind of shape he was in," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "He ran good, but he gave out."

Pressley was the primary ball carrier for the first-team offense during 11-on-11 work, when the Seminoles started at the 50-yard line. He repeatedly ripped off runs between 6-and-12 yards, displaying power and speed, though he did lose a fumble downfield. That fumble proved costly when Pressley landed on the football, knocking the wind out of him, and ultimately ending his day prematurely.

Still, it was the first significant contact work Pressley has had in more than two years, since transferring from El Camino (Calif.) Community College last fall. He missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, suffered early in preseason camp.

"[Pressley] did some good things and some bad things," offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. "When you hit it up in there now, this ain't junior college. There are men on the other side."

Jones also received significant work with the second-team offense and was largely effective running between the tackles.

While Jermaine Thomas earned a break throughout a large chunk of scrimmage work, 212-pound freshman tailback Lonnie Pryor continued to rip off yardage after initial contact and earn the coaching staff's praise.

"The guy that keeps looking good is Pryor," Bowden said. "Sometimes he looks like he's the best back we've got. He just does better than he's supposed to do. He's supposed to faint every now and then, but he ain't fainted yet."

MARYLAND

After Tuesday afternoon's practice turned into an evening session due to a couple of rain delays, the Maryland Terrapins were back on the football field Wednesday morning for the first of two workouts scheduled for the day.

"We had a good, tough practice today," said coach Ralph Friedgen. "It was tough because we went late last night, then we got up this morning. It was hot and humid. We forced them to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Some did it and some didn't."

Despite the short rest, heat and humidity, several players that have stood out in practice so far continued to impress.

"A couple guys really stand out right now," Friedgen said. "Chris Turner -- he's really doing a great job of seeing things, setting the defense, using his cadence, making decisions. I'm very pleased with how he's playing. Kenny Tate is having a sensational camp. He's all over the place. He's intercepting passes, he's sacking guys. [Defensive coordinator Don] Brown's got him blitzing, covering. Every time you look up, he's making a play. You saw that in the scrimmage the other day."

Friedgen like the development the team has made through 11 preseason workouts.

"I think we're getting better," Friedgen said. "We're a long way from where we need to be, but I'm seeing progress."

Now a week and a half in to fall camp, Friedgen is starting to see separation at some positions, while others remain a wait-and-see situation. Parts of the offensive line remain a question, Friedgen said, but the coaching staff is remaining patient with a group that is talented but very young.

"We have [three] redshirt freshmen [Justin Lewis, R.J. Dill and Justin Gilbert] and two regular freshmen [Pete White and Bennett Fulper] and then Maurice Hampton, he's a redshirt sophomore," Friedgen said. "They're very, very young. We knew going in, it is what it is. You just have to be patient and keep working them and keep encouraging them."

MIAMI

Miami held its third two-a-day of fall camp Wednesday, with the team working out in shells in the early morning and late afternoon sessions.

In the morning session, the defense played well in red zone drills and Javarris James led a strong showing by the running backs in 11-on-11 work. In the afternoon, James continued his strong play with a couple big runs to go along with interceptions by Sam Shields and Vaughn Telemaque.

Thearon Collier had a big afternoon offensively, catching several balls from Jacory Harris in 11-on-11 action.

The team continues to focus on kickoff coverage, in addition to the usual work in 11-on-11, 7-on-7 and positional drills.

After five practices in three days, the Canes will take the day off on Thursday before holding a closed scrimmage on Friday.

Morning Practice Highlights -- (shells)
• Randy Phillips stood out defensively, recording a sack and pass deflection in 11-on-11 play.
• In a series of 15-to-20 red zone plays, the defense held the offense to just one touchdown (Taylor Cook to LaRon Byrd for a 20-yard score).
• James had a rush and a reception of over 20 yards in 11-on-11 play.
• Lee Chambers had a few runs of 10-to-15 yards in run drills and in 11-on-11 action.

Afternoon Practice Highlights -- (shells)
• James had runs of approximately 65 and 30 yards in 11-on-11 drills.
• Harris hooked up with Collier (twice) Jimmy Graham and Travis Benjamin for substantial gains in 11-on-11 action.
• Shields recorded an interception in 7-on-7 play.
• Telemaque picked off a pass in the end zone during two-minute drills.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt said "it's a popular question," but it's one he won't answer publicly. The matter of Randy Shannon's contract, Hocutt said, is a personnel-related matter, "and those conversations are between Randy and myself."

	Gary Rothstein/Icon SMI
	Randy Shannon has a 12-13 record at Miami, but he also has the full support of Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt.

As Shannon enters his third season as head coach, he does so with a 12-13 record and no bowl wins. Yet the one thing he does have is the "full support" of the only person who matters to his job security -- Hocutt. There is a sense of confidence in the direction Miami's football program is headed, and it starts at the top.

"I believe in what he's doing," Hocutt said. "He has a plan. When you look at all the areas surrounding our football program, from the community involvement the football team had this summer -- in the month of July alone they did 30-plus events. If you look at the accountability that Randy has established in this program, the young men he has recruited in his time as a head coach and look at the way he's leading these young men, you couldn't ask for more. I'm confident in the direction of this program and Randy's leadership and I'm confident he will be our head football coach for a long time."

There's not a lot left open to interpretation there. Both Shannon and Hocutt are thinking long-term, and the positive influence Shannon has had off the field seems to outweigh his losing record right now. That's a change in direction for the entire program -- and those within it haven't been shy about their desire to polish Miami's image. Even the players recognize the importance of that.

Check out what safety Randy Phillips told me this summer:

"You can't put another coach in his position and expect them to do better than what he did," Phillips said. "He had to change the program first. ... We can't change the program until you change the guys in the program. We had a lot of guys out there who were selfish. A lot of guys transferred, a lot of guys needed attitude adjustments. Now he's got the program where it needs to be off the field and now it's time for us to go out and win."

"You have to be patient with him," Phillips said. "His goal was to come in and make us better men. His goal is to win ballgames also, but at the same time you want him to graduate players and do all those great things like that. It's not all about winning all the time. To the fans it is, but they aren't the parents of the guys who are leaving with no degree, leaving with no education, going to jail, getting arrested, some even got killed. They weren't the parents or family members of people like that. Coach Shannon felt that. Coach Shannon went through all of that. He didn't want that to happen under his watch.

"If he was winning ballgames, and we were still going to jail and bad things were happening off the field, then you'd be criticizing him even harder, like, 'Oh he's running around with a bunch of hoodlums or thugs, like they used to call us. But you can't call us that anymore. Coach Shannon made sure of that. Now it's time to win, and after we win, you'll look at the program and say, 'that's a winning program. He really cleaned the whole program up.'"

But now, like Phillips said, it's time to win.

It's still Miami, where the standard is a national title, and no bowl wins doesn't cut it. It's still college football, where you can get fired at Nebraska for a 9-3 season. The Canes are still a young team, but they have the talent of a Top 25 team, and are capable of winning the Coastal Division this fall if they can get through their unforgiving schedule.

The key is patience, and this year we'll find out who at Miami really has it.

"I sense a lot of optimism is in the air around Miami," Hocutt said. "Everybody senses the direction this team is going. We're on the cusp of doing some great things and returning Miami to the position that it's held before in the college football world, which is at the top, but it's a process. It's a journey as well. College football is more competitive today than it's ever been, and it takes time. Randy has a plan and we're going to stick to that plan, understanding there will be highs and lows. We're not going to get too high with the highs or too low with the lows, but it's going in the right direction."

Which is why he's willing to wait.

"At Miami if you're in this profession, I believe you embrace the expectations," Hocutt said. "You want to be at a program that has the expectations Miami has, a program that has won championships and expects and demands championships. Patience I believe is an understanding of where this program has been over the course of the past five years and understanding how we're going to get it back to where it belongs, and I'm confident that it's on its way."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Good morning, ACC fans. I'm in Tallahassee, and getting ready to head out to FSU practice, but first I wanted to catch you up on a few Monday practice reports from around the league:

MARYLAND

The Terps started practice on Monday, and coach Ralph Friedgen is a shell of his former self after losing more than 100 pounds. Here are a few tidbits from Monday's practice, as reported by the sports information office:

• Two-year starter Chris Turner and Jamarr Robinson were the lone quarterbacks on the roster in the spring, but they have been joined by a pair of talented true freshmen in C.J. Brown and Danny O'Brien.

"I looked at the young quarterbacks and they did pretty good for the first day," Friedgen said. "We put a lot of stuff in and they had the extra meeting today. I thought Chris was very sharp. I though Jamarr showed some signs of improving. I was impressed with the quickness of [Caleb] Porzel, He is a quick little kid. We have to get him and D.J. Adams in on Saturday [for the scrimmage]. I want to see what they can do."

• Practice Tidbits: Junior WR Adrian Cannon made a number of impressive catches during individual drills, including a one-handed grab along the sidelines. ... During one of the 7-on-7 drills, O'Brien went 6-for-6, including a long completion to Quintin McCree. O'Brien and McCree also connected again in 11-on-11s on a long completion. ... Running back Gary Douglas redshirted last season as a true freshman, but was impressive during fall practice. Douglas continued to show impressive athleticism. He had good runs after the catch Monday and showed some elusiveness.
• Return Game: Torrey Smith, who set an ACC record for kickoff return yards last season, is penciled in as the primary kickoff return man, but the Terps are in search of a new punt returner with the departure of three-year starter Danny Oquendo. Sophomore Tony Logan, who handled the job in the Humanitarian Bowl, is listed No.1 on the depth chart. Anthony Wiseman and Kenny Tate are backups for new special teams coordinator Charles Bankins heading into the preseason, but Porzel and Travis Hawkins also fielded punts during individual drills.
• Switching Lines: True freshman Cody Blue, who enrolled in January and participated in spring drills, has moved from the defensive line to the offensive line. Blue was a backup at defensive end, but will slide in at tackle. "Cody has the height and I think he's going to get a lot bigger," Friedgen said. "It's going to take him time to learn it, and we'll see how he does. If he doesn't adapt, we can always move him back to defense. I think this gives him the best chance of playing."

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