Stephen Morris' meteoric rise isn't quite what Randy Shannon or the rest of the Miami Hurricanes expects - or wants - right now.
The true freshman and former fourth string quarterback will start Saturday's homecoming game against Maryland after starter Jacory Harris was ruled out after suffering a concussion last week.
A week ago, Morris' name didn't even show up on the Canes' QB depth chart. Now he is the man at Quarterback U.
The move could be the beginning of the end for Shannon, whose team is struggling to become eligible for a bowl game, let alone win the ACC. The team is 5-3 on the season and 3-2 in the weak ACC.
Miami needs to go 2-2 in the next four games to be eligible for a bowl and even then they might not be selected.
Expecting a freshman to win against a 6-2 Maryland team is a tall order and with games against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech still on the schedule, a bowl game is seriously in jeopardy.
That could spell doom for Shannon, who despite signing a contract extension, has come under heavy fire from fans, former Canes players and alumni who expect more out of the program than mediocrity.
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But the head coach could get a free pass because of Harris' injury. Morris played well in spurts in relief of Harris and Spencer Whipple, the third string QB who struggled when he came in the game in the Virginia loss.
Shannon told reporters he expects Morris to "manage" the offense, which means fans will see a heavy dose of the run and very conservative pass calls.
That formula could help the Canes avoid being blown out on Homecoming or it could be a recipe for disaster for Shannon's future at UM.
