Smarting 'Canes Look to Hold Off Deacs

Where have you gone, Sean Spence-io? A fan base turns its lonely eyes to you.

By JANIE CAMPBELL

Updated 12:30 PM EST, Sat, Oct 31, 2009

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Last year's Miami-Wake Forest game was notable for two things: the rebuilding Hurricanes narrowly avoided disaster in the closing minutes, and walk-on Chris "Make-a-Wish" Hayes lost his father to suicide and got the lift of his life.

If today's 3:30 rematch in North Carolina ends similarly in tears, it's not a good sign: BCS no. 19 Miami is coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Clemson, and needs a win today to stay on track (or relatively so: the 5-2 Hurricanes are about right where everyone thought they'd be, brilliantly high early ranking or no).

In the wake of their error-shot loss, the 'Canes declared their intent to move on. But will they show up in a lingering funk, letting pidly mistakes and bad decisions cloud their chances at 10-2, or will they regain their footing and trounce the Demon Deacons in a much-needed ACC conference victory?

The second one, please. It's important not to let the emotional loss to Clemson continue beating the 'Canes. But the results could, as usual, hinge on sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris.

Chris Hayes, whose story was featured on ESPN Gameday today, was the star of last year's UM-WF game.

Harris will be suited up in his childhood Halloween costume -- a football uniform -- but instead of a helmet full of candy he could be out collecting individually wrapped interceptions. He tossed three last week, including a pick 6, and ranks worst in the ACC with 10. Whoops!

Wake Forest doesn't own Clemson's speed, but an injury-plagued Miami can't afford to turn the ball over that much today.

At stake: Pride, berth in a respectable bowl, and, if Georgia Tech loses another conference game, a trip to Tampa to play for the ACC title. That last one's a long shot.

Enemy: Wake Forest is a paper patsy here, coming off losses to Navy and Clemson, but the Deacs are bullies at home, winning four of their last five in Wake. Senior QB Riley Skinner has the name of a bootlegger and the shame of self-inflicted internet nudity, but the arm of a mid-tier angel: he leads the ACC in touchdown passes and holding down 4th place in passing average, efficiency, and total offense.

Frenemy, or How Miami Might Beat Itself: Interceptions, and injury: Miami will play without leading rusher and elder presence Javarris James, Sean Spence, Ray Ray Armstrong, Eric Moncur, and hybrid toad-fullback Patrick Hill. Jordan Futch and Marcus Forston were recently lost for the season. In other words, swagger flag at half-mast.

Why Wake will lose: Jim Grobe's defense is mediocre against the run and gives up far too many plays through the air. Conveniently, Miami's good on the run even sans James, and loves to exploit long balls down the middle. Wake's only managed only 13 offensive points in the last two games, and Miami DE Allen Bailey is HONGRY. BAILEY EAT TODAY. YES.

Why Miami could lose: See Parker, Kyle -- the Clemson rookie burned UM downfield on Sides Not Manned By Wonder Cornerback Brandon Harris. The emotional toll of last week on a very, very young team can't be discounted, and the forecast is rain. We know what that means.

Amusing Twitter quote of the week: Jacory Harris, post-Clemson.

at mr. chow eating my life away :(

Waking up in a pile of high-class duck or discarded cookie dough containers is no way to go through life, son. We know.

Prediction: Some consult palm readers. Others, tarot. For the Hurricanes, swag can be checked via hair. This week's subject: Daryl Sharpton, styled by Stephen Rivera.