Week 1: Charleston Southern at Miami

Miami ended its stay at the Orange Bowl with a thud, losing to Virginia 48-0 in its final home game last season and failing to earn a bowl invitation for the first time since 1997. But the Hurricanes are full of excitement as they prepare to open 2008 in their new digs, Dolphin Stadium.

A new site for home games isn’t the only thing new for the Hurricanes. Miami returns just 11 starters and is seeking a rebirth with help from a talented freshman class. One member of the class, Jacory Harris, will become the first freshman quarterback to start Miami’s season opener since Bernie Kosar stepped under center as a redshirt freshman in 1983.

Harris is the backup to redshirt freshman Robert Marve, but Marve is among seven Miami players suspended for the opener. Harris doesn’t have much experienced help at wide receiver, but he will be able to lean on one of the ACC’s top tailback tandems in his first game. Sophomore Graig Cooper and junior Javarris James combined for 1,264 yards on the ground last season and will test a Charleston Southern defense that has a new coordinator in Thielen Smith.

The Buccaneers, who finished 5-6 last season in the Football Championship Subdivision, return three of their four leading receivers from 2007.

Notes/Things to Watch:

This is the first meeting between the schools.

Miami coach Randy Shannon knew all along that he was going to suspend Marve for the opener, keeping the secret for several months so that Marve’s off-season preparation wouldn’t be affected. But when Shannon chose Marve over Harris, he claims he meant it. “Robert Marve is our starter, and that’s it,” Shannon said. “Jacory will start this Thursday, but Marve is our starter. Even if Jacory has a great game, Marve will be our starter.”

Also suspended for Miami for the opener are running back Damien Berry, wide receiver Kayne Farquharson, fullback Eric Houston, long snapper Chris Ivory, defensive end Adewale Ojomo and safety Randy Phillips.

Charleston Southern’s roster features 41 players from the state of Florida.

Miami is 3-0 all time at Dolphin Stadium, picking up all three wins against ACC teams before joining the ACC. The Hurricanes defeated Virginia 31-21 in the Carquest Bowl in 1996, beat N.C. State 46-23 in the Micron PC Bowl in 1998 and knocked off Florida State 16-14 in the 2003 Orange Bowl.

Key Player (Buccaneers) — Dee Brown, WR

Brown was named to the All-Big South first team as a junior in 2007, leading the team with 69 receptions for 898 yards and nine touchdowns.

Key Player (Hurricanes) — Jacory Harris, QB

Even if Harris can’t surpass Marve on the depth chart, he has an opportunity to make a great first impression. Marve will have his hands full against SEC power Florida in Week 2, so Harris could earn himself more playing time if he gives a strong performance in the opener.

Miami by 34