Miami’s road back to prominence runs through Virginia Tech

Miami trying to make it ‘back’ vs. Va. Tech

It’s one of the most asked questions by college football fans and media members: Is (insert lagging program name here) “back?” — as in back to being one of the elite program it once was.

Alabama has been back and forth a bunch over the last decade or so. Notre Dame was back in Charlie Weis’ first two seasons, then gone again.

Michigan is already showing signs of being back after a year away. Nebraska has been trying to get back for almost a decade now. Every time the Huskers get close, well, see last week at Virginia Tech.

This week, Blacksburg, Va., is again the site of a possible “they’re back” game as No. 9 Miami faces No. 11 Virginia Tech.

The Hurricanes (2-0) have already beaten two teams (Florida State and Georgia Tech) ranked in the preseason and cracked the top 10 of the AP poll for the first time since 2005.

If they move to 3-0 against the Hokies on the road, the ‘Canes will grab hold of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coastal Division race and talk of a national title run will ramp up heading into next week’ home game against Oklahoma.

The Hurricanes, with five national championships since 1983, went 19-19 the past three seasons.

But Randy Shannon has stocked up on blue-chip recruits in his first two years as coach and that talent has produced the first two games of this season. Jacory Harris is the third-ranked passer in the country and a defense that allowed more than 400 yards rushing to Georgia Tech’s option offense last season held the Yellow Jackets under 100 last week.

Miami might not be “back” yet, but it certainly looks as if its on the way.

The picks:

Rebels have lost last five SEC openers … OLE MISS 30-21.

Swine flu bigger concern than Wildcats for Gators … FLORIDA 38-14.

Mack Brown is 17-0 vs. nonconference teams from Texas … TEXAS 55-14.

Razorbacks have brutal schedule, defense … ALABAMA 38-17.

Struggling Hawkeyes O against banged-up Nittany Lions D … PENN STATE 21-14.

Bears have owned Ducks lately, winning four of five … CALIFORNIA 34-30.

Tigers have won nine straight against Bulldogs … LSU 35-10.

Broncos best be wary of upstart Falcons … BOWLING GREEN 38-30.

Yes, the Hurricanes are back … MIAMI 24-17.

Trojans beat Cougars 69-0 last year, but Wazzu is improved … USC 50-10.

Juice Williams and Illini beat No. 1 Buckeyes at Shoe in ‘07 … OHIO STATE 38-17.

Bearcats catching up to Buckeyes … CINCINNATI 45-24.

TCU’s turn to be MWC’s best chance to bust BCS … TCU 28-21.

Tigers are defending SWAC champs … OKLAHOMA STATE 60-14.

How about first QB to 500 yards wins? … HOUSTON 48-42.

Can Bulls survive without injured QB Matt Grothe? … FLORIDA STATE 31-14.

Rams a Mountain West dark horse … BYU 35-27.

Golden Eagles always up for tough road trip … KANSAS 41-21.

Bulldogs found an offense, but what’s up with D? … GEORGIA 35-27.

Yellow Jackets could find themselves in big ACC hole … NORTH CAROLINA 28-24.

Hoosiers are undefeated, too … MICHIGAN 42-17.

Huskies still underdogs? Doggone right … STANFORD 24-14.

Cornhuskers are back … to pounding patsies … NEBRASKA 49-14.

Last week: 20-2 (straight); 13-6-1 (vs. points).

Season: 56-8 (straight); 28-25-2 (vs. points).