CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Miami preview

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Miami Hurricanes

Return to top of the mountain

College Football: The New Century

'99: 9-4, 6-1 Big East

Coach

Butch Davis (sixth season, 40-19)

Key offensive players

Santana Moss, WR, Sr.
If it weren't for Virginia Tech's Michael Vick, Moss would be the Big East's flashiest player.

Ken Dorsey, QB, So.
Because Kenny Kelly left to play pro baseball, Dorsey has to start a year ahead of Davis' plan.

James Jackson, RB, Sr.
The best of what could be the top group of running backs in the country.

Joaquin Gonzalez, OT, Jr.
Gonzalez, the former Big East rookie of the year, landed votes from league writers pondering the conference's all-time team.

Key defensive players

Dan Morgan, LB, Sr.
Morgan, the team's leading tackler in two of the past three seasons, must produce at middle linebacker rather than weakside, since the NCAA stripped Nate Webster of his eligibility.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Bennie Blades, S, 1985-87
"His fast, punishing, fast-talking defense personified the Hurricanes' style during their glory years."

Brightest Moment: There have been two Heismans and four national championships. The sweetest? The first title, when coach Howard Schnellenberger's 1983 team, behind the passing of Bernie Kosar, scored a 31-30 upset over Nebraska in an Orange Bowl classic.

Lowest Moment: You may remember twisters that have rocked the city of Miami. How about the Pell Grant scandal that rocked UM? Back in 1994-95, the NCAA took away 31 scholarships over three years.

Damione Lewis, DT, Sr.
Miami's defense, strong in the secondary, could shine if Lewis, a 290-pound tackle, leads the Hurricane front against the run.

Key newcomer

D.J. Williams, LB, Fr.
Williams, considered the country's best defensive high school recruit, could allow Morgan to move back outside.

Throwback player

Dan Morgan. If there's no blood dripping or mud sticking this guy isn't happy. He's had a broken nose, a broken thumb, stitches across his forehead -- and a smile on his face.

21st century player

Santana Moss. A blazing sprinter, Moss won the Most Outstanding Field Performer award at the recent Big East Track and Field Championships. He won the long jump and the high jump.

Fast fact

Davis is 3-0 in bowl games during his tenure at Miami. The Hurricanes have outscored opponents 105-57 in those three games.

Outlook

This could be the year Miami returns to the top after enduring NCAA sanctions in 1995. Davis is stacked at running back, wide receiver and defensive back. Jackson and Moss could be the best one-two punch in the country. There may be some concern over Dorsey, who takes over at quarterback, but the running game should make life easier for the sophomore. Besides, rock-solid Gonzalez will take care of Dorsey's backside. If there are still skeptics out there, they should check out the schedule. The 'Canes play at Washington on Sept. 9, but host Florida State and Virginia Tech. And, as a bonus, UM hosts its last four games.

-- Mitch Vingle