Miami Hurricanes Football: News and Hearsay, 9/12

Nov 25, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

As the ‘Canes prepare for Bethune-Cookman, lets have a quick look at what’s going on in the world of UM football.

* As many of you know, Notre Dame has been voted into the ACC.  They will compete in all sports ACC except for football.  The Irish football program will continue to remain as an independent in order to retain its television contract.  Big news for the ACC.  The Irish can definitely draw big ratings, big money and notoriety.  With the additions of Pitt and Syracuse, Notre Dame becomes the 15th team to represent the ACC.  They will begin play during the 2014-15 season.

* After suffering a recent concussion, WR Allen Hurns will not play vs. Bethune-Cookman.  Hurns, who is the ‘Canes leading receiver after two games, got his bell rung in the first-quarter of the Kansas State game.  Said Golden, “He’s not going to make it for this week.  That’s all I can tell you.”  WR Rashawn Scott will be replacing Hurns on Saturday.

* RT Seantrel Henderson is apparently closing in on starter Ereck Flowers.  “He’s knocking on the door.  He’s not there yet,” said Golden.

* As reported by the Miami Herald, the ‘Canes are seeking a new defensive strategy vs. Bethune-Cookman.  UM currently ranks 109th in pass and scoring defense, 89th vs. the run and 114th in total defense.  As a reminder, there are only 120 teams in major college football.  Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio is asking for patience from fans and referred to Miami’s defense as a project – ya know, kind of like when he was as Rutgers.

* RB Duke Johnson will continue to have his carries monitored.  Said offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, “We’ll monitor him kind of like you would a rookie in the NFL so in week 11 or 12 their season isn’t over and you have another 8 games.  We’ll get him the appropriate amount of touches and will continue to use him in many different ways.”

* DT Luther Robinson has returned from serving his one-game suspension and is expected to play vs. Bethune-Cookman.

* LB Tyrone Cornelius is expected to start in place of the injured Ramon Buchanan.

* Golden is unsure if DT Curtis Porter will play during any of the remaining season.  Porter, who underwent an appendectomy, is still on a week-to-week basis.