2009 record: 9-4, 5-3 (3rd in ACC Coastal)
2009 bowl: Lost to Wisconsin 20-14 in Champs Sports
2009 final AP/coaches' ranking: 19/19
Coach: Randy Shannon (21-17, 4th year)  
Offensive coordinator: Mark Whipple (2nd year)
Defensive coordinator: John Lovett (2nd year)
Returning offensive starters: 6
Returning defensive starters: 8
Location: Coral Gables, Fla.  
Stadium: Sun Life Stadium (Prescription Athletic Turf; 76,500)
Last league title: 2003 (tie; Big East)
2010 schedule: [view]
2010 roster: [view]
2009 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Junior quarterback Jacory Harris, who missed spring drills after undergoing thumb surgery, could potentially emerge as one of the nation’s top players at his position. He’s a cool customer and a playmaker who knows his biggest priority, cutting down on mistakes (17 interceptions last season). The availability of senior tailback Graig Cooper, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the Champs Sports Bowl, will be an evolving question. But there is depth in the backfield. There’s also mix-and-match possibilities at receiver, where senior Leonard Hankerson has star power. The Hurricanes need senior Orlando Franklin to make a smooth transition from guard to left tackle. Overall, the offensive line is massive with senior guard Joel Figueroa assuming the cornerstone role.

Defensive: This looks like a vintage Miami defense. There’s an NFL-ready edge pass-rusher in senior Allen Bailey, who leads an exceptionally deep defensive line. There are agile and aggressive linebackers in senior Colin McCarthy and junior Sean Spence. There’s blinding speed in the secondary, paced by junior cornerback Brandon Harris. Also watch for big-hitting sophomore free safety Ray Ray Armstrong, a future star who plays with the ferocity of a linebacker.   

Specialists: Senior Matt Bosher might be the nation’s most valuable specialist. He was first-team All-ACC as a place-kicker and second-team all-conference as a punter. Thearon Collier showed flashes of excellence as a punt returner (13.2-yard average, two touchdowns).

Coaching: Miami still hasn’t approached national-championship caliber under Randy Shannon, but the talent level has improved. The Hurricanes are positioned to make a jump. There’s also (finally) some stability as both Miami coordinators are returning for the first time in five years.

Heisman hopefuls: Harris received some early Heisman mention last year, particularly following his electrifying effort in a riveting season-opening road victory against Florida State. Expect the same treatment if Miami jumps to a successful start.

Game of the year Oct. 2 at Clemson It’s a chance for Miami to avenge last season’s 40-37 OT loss against the Tigers, when the 'Canes allowed a 10-play, 47-yard drive that led to a field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation. It’s also the third consecutive road game in the early season (also at Ohio State and Pitt) and the ACC opener that precedes a home game against Florida State.

Overview: ACC members probably braced themselves when Miami, winner of five national championships, joined the league in 2004. How long before the Hurricanes would dominate the conference? Actually, Miami hasn’t won any titles in six seasons. It has never captured the Coastal Division or played in the league’s championship game. That has strong potential to change. Miami isn’t all the way back — not yet at least — but look for the Hurricanes to play in its first BCS bowl since becoming an ACC member.

Next up: No. 7 Boise State