Golden embraces lofty expectations

Miami was the preseason pick to win the ACC Coastal Division, but coach Al Golden still sees room for improvement.

“I have a lot of concerns,” he said. “As experienced aswe are on the offensive line, we have had some injuries, so we’re not as deep as we want to be. There are some other positions where guys need to step up quickly, and others where we’re relying on guys that are mature but haven’t been practicing with us a long time, and they need to step up quickly. I don’t think there is any question there are concerns at a number of places. That’s the head coach’s job to worry about that and make sure we’re practicing the right combinations on offense, defense and special teams and looking to leave no stone unturned. That’s my job.”

Golden said he thinks his players are confident entering the season thanks to their steady push to improve and success working together.

“There hasn’t been a lot of setbacks, hasn’t been a lot of distractions,” he said “Everything we have asked them to do along the way, they have achieved. They work all year for these 14 opportunities. Man, what a great opportunity for us on Friday. I’m sure FAU feels the sameway.”

He isn’t shying fromthe preseason hype suggesting the Hurricanes could be ACC title contenders.

“I think the expectations are the reasons the kids choose Miami and certainly why I came to Miami,” he said. “I want to chase the bar. Leave the bar where it is. We want to chase it.”

Next game: vs. FAU, Friday at 8 p.m., ESPNU.