Unlike several of their ACC rivals, the Miami Hurricanes do not have to worry about replacing a bunch of starters in 2013. That could make the Hurricanes a serious threat to win the Coastal Division, and it isn't like they have far to go, anyway -- they finished in a tie for first last year with a 5-3 league record. The team's spring game Saturday should provide some indication of what Miami's plethora of returning experience means for the coming season.
2013 Miami spring game TV schedule, roster battles and more
Miami has just about everybody back, which makes it a dangerous team heading into the 2013.
Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
Miami's spring game begins at 3 p.m. ET and will be available on ESPN3. It will also be available via radio stations 560 WQAM and 90.5 WVUM.
Miami returns quarterback Stephen Morris, who threw for more than 3,300 yards in 2012. It returns leading rusher Duke Johnson, who is just a sophomore, and leading receiver Phillip Dorsett. All five offensive line starters are back as well, so there is a good chance that the Hurricanes improve on their 37th-place finish in total offense a year ago. In terms of position battles, Miami will primarily be sorting out its backup roles.
The big questions lie on the defensive side, where Miami really struggled last season. The Hurricanes allowed 30 points or more eight times in 2012, but there have been encouraging signs of improvement this spring:
The run defense in the middle is much improved now it seems with a healthy Olsen Pierre and Curtis Porter. Offense struggled all day to run between the tackles.
Miami returns most of its starters on this side of the ball as well, though some shuffling of the two-deep is inevitable. Senior safety AJ Highsmith is fighting for his starting job, and true freshman defensive lineman Alex Figueroa impressed in the team’s final scrimmage before the spring game.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
