Maryland suspends Adams, Blue for Miami game

coach.

But that's nothing compared to the depth-chart maneuvering that Miami must endure. With eight players suspended by the NCAA for accepting impermissible benefits from a former booster, coach

Al Golden

must make major adjustments.

The Hurricanes are particularly hurt on defense by the loss of safety

Ray-Ray Armstrong

, linebacker

Sean Spence

and others. Armstrong and Spence were both named preseason All-Atlantic Coast Conference by media members in July.

"We have a 'no excuses' mentality," Golden said during a media conference call Wednesday. "We're not going to start feeling sorry for ourselves. No one else is."

Miami quarterback

Jacory Harris

is also out, but he was not a clear starter. Harris was engaged in a competition with

Stephen Morris

, who beat the

, 26-20, in 2010 with a last-minute, 35-yard touchdown pass.

Adams, a redshirt sophomore, had been listed as Maryland's tailback behind

Davin Meggett

. Blue had been a backup tackle. But both disappeared from the depth chart earlier this week.

"We had a team issue that was involved," Edsall said, without being specific."It's behind us."

Adams scored 11 touchdowns last season, primarily as a short-yardage back. This summer, he abandoned the diamond earring he wore last season and trimmed away most evidence of his blond dye job. He said he wants to prove to coaches that he can play an expanded role.

Without Adams, the remaining backups are redshirt freshman

Jeremiah Wilson

— a converted defensive back — and true freshman

Justus Pickett

.

Edsall, hired from Connecticut, and Golden, the former Temple coach, are both making their regular-season debuts with their new teams.

Golden said he called Edsall earlier this week and told him that his depth chart was in flux. It is customary for opposing teams to release their travel roster in advance. Golden said he wanted Edsall to know "that we weren't playing any games" by adjusting the roster on the fly after the NCAA made its decisions.

Edsall — who has coached against Golden a number of times — said he wished the coach well, telling him: "Keep looking forward."

Asked about playing a depleted team, Edsall replied: "Those other young [Miami] men who are going to step in have been very eager and very hungry to play."

jeff.barker@baltsun.com

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