UM would then have 90 days to respond, followed by the handing down of sanctions likely by next summer.

Miami’s best response, beyond refuting allegations where possible, would be to demonstrate steps taken to assure no repeat of a Nevin Shapiro could ever happen again, and to emphasize self-imposed penalties upon which the NCAA could not help but look favorably.

Last year’s bowl ban was a start, but that was a 6-6 team that would have gone to a minor bowl.

This could be — quite possibly, based on the remaining schedule — an 8-4 team playing in a major-conference championship game for a shot at a BCS-level bowl game.

Giving that up would be a significant sacrifice to the god NCAA, and one that presumably would weigh that much more against future sanctions.

The whole idea here is that self-absorbed penalties gotten out of the way now would supplant future penalties.

In other words, what otherwise might have been a four-year bowl ban could now be a two-year bowl ban moving forward beyond this season.

(UM also could self-impose its own football scholarship reductions next year, another step the school should strongly consider.)

The rules state the school would have to declare its intentions prior to the Dec. 1 ACC title game. That and the subsequent bowl game are a package deal. In other words, Miami would not be allowed to play for the ACC title and, if it lost, then declare a self-imposed bowl ban.

That is another reason Miami should volunteer a postseason ban right after its sixth win. Being realistic, UM would likely face Florida State in the ACC title game, and be a heavy underdog. So the chances of the Canes reaching the Orange Bowl game would be much less than Miami ending up in, say, the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando.

A clear vision

Golden reminded me again Wednesday that his vision for the Canes is clear.

“Put Miami back where it belongs: In the national scene, “ he described that vision. “I confront the facts. I know exactly where we are as a program. It isn’t where we want to be, long way to go – but we’re building.”

The issue now, the center of Shalala’s looming decision, is what helps that building process the most. What serves this program the best in terms of getting back to national significance fastest.

Playing in the ACC Championship Game would be nice.

But the priority should be to get beyond all of the coming sanctions as soon as possible, so that when Al Golden talks about his vision for Miami — and hopefully it will still be his then — he’ll see no obstacles in his path, only possibilities.