Aug. 28--Coach Randy Shannon should ... Find a way to keep receiver Sam Shields out of the doghouse. If Shannon, right, does that, Shields could become the playmaker the Hurricanes desperately need.

Get the ball in the hands of Javarris James or Graig Cooper as much as possible. A strong running game will take the pressure off the young quarterback.

Put the entire team on the same weight-training program as defensive end Allen Bailey. No player in the country perhaps is more impressive physically.

Key strengths If healthy, running backs Javarris James and Graig Cooper, above, could become one of the best tandems in the ACC. Cooper had a breakout freshman season, leading the team with 682 yards. James is the key because he dealt with a neck injury and watched his productivity decline after a successful freshman year in 2006.

The offensive line features two potential NFL players in guard Orlando Franklin and tackle Jason Fox. Guard Joel Figueroa and tackle Reggie Youngblood have also shown improvement. The addition of FIU transfer Xavier Shannon, the coach's son, should bolster the unit.

Linebacker is expected to be the strongest defensive position. Junior Colin McCarthy was one of the team's top tacklers and he is joined by the experienced Glenn Cook, Darryl Sharpton and Romeo Davis. Highly regarded freshmen Sean Spence and Arthur Brown also figure to factor in the rotation.

Key weaknesses Inexperience at quarterback is the biggest concern. Robert Marve, Jacory Harris and Cannon Smith have yet to take a college snap. Marve is the most seasoned and he is just a redshirt freshman, his only experience coming late last season on the scout team. With early road games at Florida and Texas A&M, the starter could be in for a rude awakening.

The Hurricanes might have to rely too much on this year's recruiting class, which was highly ranked by most scouting services. Coach Randy Shannon has said several will play early, but they are likely to take their lumps.

Instability on the coaching staff has been a problem in recent years and this season is no different. Shannon hired a new defensive coordinator and receivers coach, continuing the coaching carousel. For some defenders, this is their third coordinator in three years.

Prime-time players LB Colin McCarthy, below. He is arguably the top defensive player and the leading returning tackler.

DE Eric Moncur. A senior, he is considered one of the best hopes of extending UM's 14-year streak of having a first-round NFL Draft pick.

RBs Graig Cooper and Javarris James. Both are mentioned because neither has placed a stranglehold on the position.

G Orlando Franklin. After a solid freshman season, look for Franklin to rank among the best in the ACC.

Save the date

Tonight

Charleston

Southern

This will mark the first game at Dolphin Stadium.

Sept. 6 at Florida

With UM struggling, the Gators are out to halt their streak of six consecutive losses in the series.

Sept. 27

North

Carolina

With potential losses at Florida and Texas A&M, this game could decide which way the season heads.

Oct. 4 Florida State

Last year proved this is always an exciting game no matter the strength of the teams.

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