How much success Randy Shannon has as a rookie coach will likely be determined by how much the offense improves.

Last year, Miami was held to its lowest point production in the regular season since 1979. Generating a more potent attack will not be easy considering the Hurricanes are on their third offensive coordinator in three seasons, have an uncertain quarterback situation and are thin at receiver and suspect on the offensive line. All of those obstacles can be overcome if quarterback Kyle Wright finally matches the sizable expectations long held for him and if tailback Javarris James plays like he did as a freshman.

There are few worries on defense, where end Calais Campbell figures to improve on a breakout sophomore campaign. Safety Kenny Phillips is a good one, too, but he’ll have to make more big plays to legitimize comparisons to former Miami greats.

Shannon will have to prove himself as well. Considered one of college football’s top defensive coordinators, Shannon has never served as head coach at any level.

The Hurricanes have yet to win an ACC title. The schedule and questions on offense are preventing Athlon from predicting it will happen in 2007.

Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense

Key Offensive Player: Javarris James (pictured)

Key Defensive Player: Calais Campbell

2007 Schedule
S.       1    Marshall
S.       8    at Oklahoma
S.     15    Florida International
S.     20    Texas A&M
S.     29    Duke
O.       6    at North Carolina
O.     13    Georgia Tech
O.     20    at Florida State
N.       3    NC State
N.     10    Virginia
N.     17    at Virginia Tech
N.     24    at Boston College

Read the entire Miami preview by ordering your Athlon Sports 2007 College Football Regional and National magazines today!

Also coming to AthlonSports.com this summer:
– Top 25 Heisman Hopefuls
– Live chats with Athlon editors
– Conference-preview videocasts.

Follow the entire 2007 football season on AthlonSports.com where we preview every game from every conference in Division I-A and recap the weekend’s BCS action in conference notebooks.

Other in-season offerings:
– Fantasy Games
– Sideline Spirit Voting
– Scenes From Saturday
– Updated Athlon 119
– Much more