Sep 16, 2008 7:51 pm US/Eastern
Canes Offense Under Scrutiny
Offense Looks To Rebound Versus Texas A&M
CORAL GABLES, FL (CBS4/AP) ―
Canes fans weren't happy about the offensive performance by their team in the 26-3 loss to the Florida Gators.
The Hurricanes passed for just 79 yards, Robert Marve rarely threw deep and the running backs totaled 61 yards on the ground.
On Tuesday, Marve supported offensive coordinator Patrick Nix and guaranteed that anyone watching the game on Saturday at Texas A&M would see an explosive Miami team get the ball to its playmakers.
"You guys will see. I promise. We have a lot in the playbook, it's not like it's a basic playbook by any means," Marve said.
Against Florida, the longest pass completed was a 14-yarder from Marve to sophomore Leonard Hankerson. But the receivers dropped three passes and Miami only completed 11 first downs.
Marve said not to judge his receivers through one game.
"We have great receivers here at 'The U,' I want to make that clear. Everyone talks about these couple of drops in one game, the second game of the season. I wish you guys would see what happens in practice, the plays they make for me."
But it's not the plays in practice that matter to Coach Randy Shannon. When asked last week why there were so many incomplete passes (10) and drops (3) against the Gators, Shannon said the reason was simple: receivers just didn't get open.
Shannon made changes during the bye week in an attempt to improve that.
Shannon said Tuesday he would minimize the number of receivers he uses in the rotation. During the first two games, Miami was using eight or nine receivers. Now, he says it's going to be seven.
Shannon also upgraded junior Sam Shields to a starting position. Last season, Shields was second on the team with 27 catches but struggled with problems off the field.
With the Atlantic Coast Conference schedule looming, a good showing against the Aggies (1-1) is crucial for the Hurricanes. That task might be difficult considering Miami is without its top back, junior Javarris James, who sprained his ankle against Florida and is out for three weeks.
But Shannon doesn't expect James' absence to hold the team back.
"He's our big back, but now we have to depend on Lee Chambers, Derron (Thomas) and Shawnbrey (McNeal). They have to step up," Shannon said.
As far as the importance of getting a win this Saturday and getting the offense moving, Shannon said he's also worried about the defense.
"It's a good challenge for us and they know it," Shannon said. "We can't stay the same offensively, defensively and special teams. I want to see this whole team improve, not just the offense."
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
