Hurricanes need to stop overlooking ACC opponents

                    

	Kyle Wright David Bergman/SI Miami 2005 Record 9-3 (6-2 ACC) Final AP Rank 17 Returning Starters 11 (5 offense, 6 defense) Last National Title 2001 The Contenders Auburn Michigan Cal Nebraska Clemson Notre Dame Florida State Ohio State Georgia Tech South Carolina Iowa USC Louisville Utah Miami West Virginia

By Stewart Mandel, SI.com

Why Miami can win it all: The 'Canes fielded the nation's fourth-ranked defense last year, and it should be even tougher. The unit features four potential All-Americas in DE Baraka Atkins, LB Jon Beason and safeties Brandon Merriweather and Kenny Phillips. QB Kyle Wright now has a year under his belt and should benefit from the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Rich Olson.

What must fall into place: The offense has to improve considerably from its level of the past couple of years. A young O-line (four new starters) will need to jell in a hurry, and receivers Ryan Moore, Lance Leggett and Darnell Jenkins need to become more consistent. It will help Olson tremendously if RB Tyrone Moss is able to return to form following ACL surgery.

How it could go wrong: The suspensions of Moss and Moore won't help Miami in its opener against Florida State. If Moss and/or the O-line struggle, the running game could be a problem. And while the 'Canes should come out hungry after the way last year ended, they need to sustain that attitude and not take certain ACC foes lightly, as they did their first two seasons in the league.

Good omen: Miami lost only one underclassman, return man Devin Hester, to the NFL draft this year, its fewest since 2001 -- the year of its last national title season.

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