Hurricanes’ O-line eager to improve

CORAL GABLES — It isn’t as shiny as the “Turnover Chain” their defensive teammates have made famous, and it’s handed out quietly, away from television cameras and fans. But for members of Miami’s offensive line, the brick given to the player that records the hardest hit in each game has provided a spark of its own midway through the season.

So far, according to freshman he’s earned two of the bricks painted in Miami’s orange and green and emblazoned with his No. 65 jersey number. Left tackle has gotten three of bricks doled out by the coaching staff and center has one, too.

Bricks or not, as the Hurricanes prepare for another Coastal Division game, Miami’s offensive linemen know they are playing better than they were a year ago.

Through six games, Miami’s offensive line has allowed just 11 sacks. The Hurricanes are averaging 369 yards per game, quarterback has completed 59 percent of his passes and Miami has totaled 1,222 rushing yards with both injured running back and

notching multiple 100-yard games. Miami’s line could get a boost Saturday with the return of right guard who missed both the game against Georgia Tech and Syracuse with a foot injury. Donaldson returned to practice this week and did not appear on Miami’s injury report Thursday. Cornerback

who is dealing with a knee injury, was listed as probable for Saturday’s game.

No. 8 UM at UNC, Saturday, noon, ESPN2

Kc McDermott Tyler Gauthier Mark Walton Navaughn Donaldson, Dee Delaney, Next game: Malik Rosier Corey Gaynor, Travis Homer