Now do we have enough evidence to begin stating with any degree of certainty that the Miami Hurricanes are... dare we say it... back and ready to return to national prominence?
Two games, two wins over teams that were ranked at the time -- then-No. 18 Florida State in the opener, the beat-down of No. 14 Georgia Tech tonight -- would seem to scream a resounding “possibly”.
And why just possibly? The schedule. Next week, the ‘Canes travel to No. 13 Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies in what’s shaping up to be the game that could decide the ACC’s Coastal Division -- no offense, North Carolina.
Then, after the trip to Blacksburg, No. 20 Miami will host No. 12 Oklahoma in a match-up that will be the fourth straight big-time litmus test whether the Sooners are sans Sam Bradford or not.
If they can somehow navigate their way through the for-the-times brutal first four games without a blemish, you can change the “possibly” to “definitely”. And Randy Shannon can prepare to add a few new zero’s to his bank account while he’s at it.
Right now, though, there’s at least one certainty surrounding the Hurricanes: any Heisman talk had better leave at least a little bit of room for the inclusion of Jacory Harris if he continues his early-season upward arc.
(Oh, one more certainty: Jacory’s Shears Gone Wild artistic expression needs to be reevaluated post haste.)
The true sophomore has been nothing short of outstanding -- with nods toward the offensive line and new coordinator Mark Whipple -- and has done so with only two career starts under his belt heading into the 2009 season. Hell, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say he’s been one of the top five -- top three? -- quarterbacks in the nation in the early going.
The stats alone certainly hold up to the harsh light of scrutiny.
In two games, Harris has thrown for nearly 660 yards, accounted for six touchdowns -- five passing, one rushing -- and completed a little over 69% of his pass attempts. And that’s not including the intangibles like poise and leadership that can’t be measured statistically.
So, is Heisman talk premature? Probably. Maybe, but it shouldn’t be completely scoffed at or dismissed either.
As for the Yellow Jackets utter implosion tonight? There’ll be plenty of time for scoffing and dismissing in the days to come...