Sep 28, 2009 12:09 am US/Eastern
Hurricanes Drop to No.17, Look Ahead To Oklahoma
By Solange Reyner
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before a game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Cowboys Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Arlington, Texas.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The Hurricanes couldn't contain Virginia Tech on the ground.
Miami (2-1) also failed offensively, and Jacory Harris had trouble connecting with his receivers during the Hurricanes' 31-7 loss to the Hokies on Saturday.
The poor tackling and dropped passes are a major concern for Coach Randy Shannon, who must quickly fix No.17 Miami's issues – the Hurricanes meet 2009 national championship runner-up Oklahoma (2-1) next week.
"There are too many turnovers and too many mistakes," Shannon said on Sunday.
"Eight drops – we didn't run the ball very well and we didn't execute."
The Hurricanes gave up 272 yards on the ground, including 75 to quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Williams was the main catalyst, though, torching Miami's rush defense for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
"We didn't go out there and execute our game plan. Now they took a step back as a football team. We're not where we want to be," Shannon said.
"When we lose a game, I think everyone's done a bad job. We didn't play good as a football team."
Miami's offense, potent through the first two games, didn't fare any better. Tight end and former Hurricanes' basketball player Jimmy Graham dropped two passes and Travis Benjamin, one of Miami's best receivers, was a non-factor throughout.
Harris, who finished with 150 yards on 9-of-25 passing, was constantly harassed and hurried by the Hokies' d-line.
The sophomore quarterback was sacked three times, and had five of his passes broken up. On his first series, Harris fumbled the ball after being brought down by Dorian Porch. Virginia Tech scored three plays later.
"We didn't execute. We had too many mental errors," Shannon said.
Now, the focus is on No.8 Oklahoma, who could get 2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford back. Bradford sprained his right shoulder in the season opener against BYU, but was recently participating in throwing drills.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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