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Optimism is coursing through Coral Gables now that Mark Richt has taken the helm as Head Coach of the Miami Hurricanes. This has been felt within the fan base and confirmed by national outlets including the 'Canes in many top 25 rankings. As for those of us at the State of the U, we tend to be more reserved and willing to wait for the Hurricanes to prove it on the field before earning a ranking. But we won't deny any preseason acknowledgments.
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has the Miami Hurricanes ranked No. 24 in his updated way-too-early top 25. To read more about the Hurricanes' placement and see the full top 25 rankings, including five ACC teams, click here for a link.
Five ACC teams in the updated Way too early top 25 from @Mark_Schlabach. Clemson, FSU remain in Top 4. https://t.co/xS6OnynaES
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) June 7, 2016
While the impact of the new coaching staff remains to be seen for 2016, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach cites Brad Kaaya and the Hurricanes defensive line as two major keys to Miami being successful.
Kaaya and the defensive line have plenty of talent and experience and both are capable of big things this upcoming season. There are concerns, however, and they may hinder their chances of a successful '16 campaign: the offensive line and the secondary.
Miami’s offensive line was porous last season, ineffective in pass block and run, and it severely limited the offense. As for the secondary, inexperience and depth issues plague the cornerbacks. Until these ranks are reaffirmed, the Miami Hurricanes fall short of a complete team and one worthy of a high ranking.
The Hurricanes being listed in preseason rankings is something we’ve discussed at great length on the State of the U this offseason. For more on our thoughts of the Canes being ranked this early (or highly), please follow the links below.
- ESPN's Joe Schad ranks the Miami Hurricanes HIGHLY in Spring Top 25
- Under this regime, the Miami Hurricanes are not in the business of making excuses
- Are the Miami Hurricanes a Top 25 team heading into 2016?
For more on Brad Kaaya, you can read the State of the U’s quarterback breakdown here.
What say you, Canes fans? Are the Hurricanes worthy of their No. 24 ranking? Is it too soon to tell? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.