Spotlight on . . . Jacory Harris

At Miami's Northwestern High, Jacory Harris led his team to a 30-0 record and two state titles as a starter. So he came to Coral Gables with obvious expectations. As a freshman he split time with Robert Marve, who then transferred to Purdue. In an interview before the 2009 season Harris said he was going to pick up his Heisman Trophy wearing a pink suit with a "pimp cup" in hand. In the exchange he earned himself a new nickname: Afro Buttercup.

It hasn't quite worked out that way. He suffered a shoulder injury and concussion last season, and Stephen Morris started the Hurricanes' last four games. Harris got the job back for the Sun Bowl against Notre Dame, but was yanked after tossing three interceptions in what became a 16-point loss.

So long Randy Shannon, enter Al Golden.

Harris was suspended for the opening loss at Maryland, for his involvement in the Nevin Shapiro scandal. Now he's back atop the depth chart as Miami, coming off a bye, gets ready to host No. 17 Ohio State, which has been dealing with some personnel issues of its own. The Buckeyes won last September at the Horseshoe by a dozen.

Harris has thrown for 49 touchdowns. He's also been picked off 39 times. Four were against OSU. Morris, a sophomore, was 19-for-28 for 195 yards and 2 INTs against Maryland. For the U to be an elite team this season, Harris has to play more like the guy he was projected to be.

"It's a great opportunity for him," Golden said. I think he's earned this, with his body of work, his experience. What we needed [at Maryland] were really the things Jacory can give us at this stage."