It seems like it was only yesterday University of Miami coach Al Golden said Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris would continue to compete for the Canes' starting quarterback job. Okay, he actually did say that yesterday.
but then again, maybe it only took a night's sleep for Golden to see what he couldn't all summer from Harris.
The Canes announced Wednesday morning that Harris will start the home opener against Ohio State on Sept. 17.
While Golden was participating in the weekly ACC coaches teleconference, UM released its depth chart for the Ohio State game. Harris and his favorite target, wide receiver Travis Benjamin, will return to the starting lineup after serving one-game suspensions for taking impermissible gifts from disgraced booster Nevin Shapiro.
Benjamin was as easy call, but Harris' promotion after a summer-long quarterback competition is surprising.
Morris was not perfect in Monday's season-opening loss, but he did play well enough to make a case for keeping his spot in the starting lineup. The team had a chance to win it in the final minute before Morris threw the loss-clinching interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Perhaps Harris performed much better in spring practice and fall training camp than the Canes coaching staff let on, and the plan was for him to start all along.
We can't know if that is the case until Golden speaks about the decision. He did not mention the depth chart at all during Wednesday's teleconference.
Is this the end of the Canes' quarterback controversy? Doubtful. The only way that ends is with a winning streak. If UM can string together some wins with Harris at the helm, then maybe the fans won't clamor for Morris to get off the bench.
But if Harris struggles next week, win or lose, the calls for Morris will only grow louder in the Sun Life Stadium stands.
On the defensive side, LB Sean Spence, DE Adewale Ojomo, and DT Marcus Forston will also return from one-game suspensions against Ohio State. Spence is listed on the first team defense, while Ojomo and Forston are currently marked as co-starters with true freshman Anthony Chickillo and Micanor Regis, respectively.
