Miami – Maryland, Halftime Notes

Isn’t wasn’t exactly the Ultimate Warrior’s promo teasing the Wrestlemania 6 main event (seen above), but Al Golden said something memorable to Heather Cox heading into the locker room down to Maryland 20-14.

“We see this as the ultimate challenge,” Golden said.

Miami has faced so much adversity headed into tonight’s season (and ACC) opening contest at Maryland, and the loss of seven starters to suspension is manifested in 311-189 yards, 19-8 first down disparities. Yet, The U was one defensive lineman touchdown away from holding a halftime lead. Could be a glimpse into Miami’s full season: Exceeding expectations through seemingly insurmountable odds? It better be if The U is to go bowling, and Golden is a coach who knows doing the unexpected.

His nine and eight-win Temple teams thrived with steady rushing games, and 115 of the Hurricanes’ first half yards come on the ground. Lamar Miller is breaking off better than 7.3 yards per carry with a touchdown. Miller is showing flashes of being *the* key to the Hurricane offense all season, perhaps even developing into the next great U running back.

Miami needs its secondary and linebacking corps to wake up. Danny O’Brien is one pace for nearly 500 yards passing. I suspected Randy Edsall would employ far more of an aerial offense with a capable quarterback, and the Terrapins are certainly doing so. Yet offensive coordinator Gary Crowton has called the bubble screen often. Screen lose their effectiveness the more often they’re run, and that was plainly evident in the Terrapins’ final possession. Three straight screens? Sure, Terrapin receivers clanked well-thrown balls up the middle that would likely have extended this lead, but Crowton needs to keep giving them opportunities to make plays.

Thirty more minutes of the Ultimate Challenge and first place in the ACC, no matter how briefy, coming up.