MIAMI
OFFENSE: Quarterback Stephen Morris and true freshman running back Duke Johnson were the undisputed stars, but there wasn’t anything spectacular about the Canes as a group. They couldn’t generate any offense against their best competition, losing 52-13 to Kansas State, and they were held to just three points against Notre Dame. Against rival Florida State, Miami ran for 29 yards on 21 carries. Overall, Miami had the No. 81 rushing offense in the country, was ranked No. 37 in total offense, and was No. 49 in scoring offense at 31.42 points per game. Grade: B-
DEFENSE: Ugh. That this team managed to win seven games and could have played in the ACC championship game was remarkable, considering how porous the defense was. Miami had one of the worst defenses in the country, ranking No. 112 in rushing defense, No. 116 in total defense and No. 82 in scoring defense, allowing 30.50 points per game. There was no threat of pressure, as Miami ranked No. 113 in sacks and No. 105 in tackles for loss. Grade: F
OVERALL: For the second straight season, Miami self-imposed a postseason ban and opted not to play in the ACC championship game or a bowl game. In just the second season under Al Golden, though, Miami cobbled together a respectable season and wound up with a share of the Coastal Division title. Miami’s season-opening win against Boston College was a breakout game for Rookie of the Year Duke Johnson, and it got the Canes rolling in the right direction with a 4-1 start and a 3-0 start to conference play. After three straight losses in October, though, Miami was humbled as its mistakes eventually caught up to it. The Canes were able to finish the season by winning three of their last four games. Despite being home for the holidays, it was a season Miami could definitely build upon for the future. Some might even say this group overachieved. Grade: C
