By Matt Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com

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Looking back at the Miami Hurricanes’ 2014 season.

Summary After losing a pair of early-season games on the road against Louisville and Nebraska, the Hurricanes would show immense progress during the middle part of their schedule. Following the loss to the Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Miami would go on to win four of its next five games, with the lone loss coming on the road at eventual Coastal Division champion Georgia Tech. Riding a wave of momentum into its mid-November showdown against undefeated Florida State, Miami would give the Seminoles a serious scare before ultimately falling 30-26. That heartbreaking loss appeared to take the wind out of Miamis sails, as the Hurricanes would lose their final two regular season contests as well. At 6-6, the Hurricanes would earn a bid to the Duck Commander Independence Bowl, where they would lose to South Carolina by a score of 24-21.

Biggest Surprise Not much was expected out of true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya prior to the start of the season, but the inexperienced signal caller put together a very impressive initial campaign in Coral Gables. Kaaya finished second in the league in passing yards, behind only Jameis Winston, and threw 14 more touchdowns than he did interceptions. If 2014 was any indication, Kaaya has a very bright future ahead of him at the collegiate level.

Biggest Disappointment The loss against Florida State was demoralizing, but it would not have been that big of a deal if the Hurricanes would have been able to respond in a more positive manner. The more disappointing losses came when Miami failed to show up for its final two games of the regular season. Double-digit losses to Virginia and Pittsburgh to finish off the season were inexcusable.

Stat of the Year Duke Johnson has forfeited his final season of eligibility at Miami, but he still leaves as the schools all-time rushing leader. In three years, Johnson rushed for a school-record 3,519 yards on 526 carries.

Offensive MVP RB Duke Johnson

Defensive MVP LB Denzel Perryman

Rising Star QB Brad Kaaya