Some of the ways things could be worse for the Miami Hurricanes:

• They could have lost to Central Florida and been ranked dead last at 119th in total offense instead of 110th (289.1 yards per game).

• They could be crummy in red-zone offense instead of leading the Atlantic Coast Conference by scoring 21 of 23 times from within their opponents' 20-yard line.

• They could be facing Duke on Saturday without the services of running back Javarris James and right tackle Reggie Youngblood -- both of whom likely will make their returns, Youngblood's unexpectedly.

Things could be better, too.

But Miami coach Randy Shannon, like many, believes the talent of this offense already surpasses the talent of the Kyle Wright regime. The question now, as UM (3-3, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) enters the second half of the season against the Blue Devils (3-2, 1-1): When will it materialize on a regular basis?

''Don't know,'' Shannon said. ``There's no time limit on anything.''

STICKING WITH MARVE

Shannon attributes the growing pains to just that -- youth -- and said he won't consider replacing starting quarterback Marve, a redshirt freshman, with true freshman Jacory Harris, even if Marve struggles again.

``Nope. He's going to be the starter.''

Shannon said the coaches feel good this week because they are prepared to make ''adjustments'' with their quarterbacks. ``Like anything, correct a mistake and have answers. We feel like we have answers now to get the quarterbacks and receivers going -- and we have to get the tight ends going more.''

He wouldn't discuss those adjustments.

''You go back and start teaching,'' Shannon said. ``That's what coaching is all about.''

AN OBSTACLE

Marve is 77th nationally in passing offense, 95th in passing yards per game (122.4) but not rated among the top 100 Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in efficiency. Marve said a major hurdle for UM's offense, 43rd nationally in scoring (29.8 ppg), ``is to stay ahead of the chains. You put yourself in second and 14 and it's hard to get out of it, especially if that second-down play isn't very successful. Then you're left with third-and-15 -- there's not a lot you can call. They're rough plays.

``It's hard to throw down the field and now you end up finding yourself running with the ball. If we can [put ourselves] in decent situations we can run, pass, play action -- so many more options when it comes to third [down]. First down is the big play for us.''

Former UM quarterback Steve Walsh, a college football analyst for Sun Sports, said the Hurricanes need ''a signature win'' to give themselves a chance to be successful. ''I was really demoralized over the last game because I thought this would be an opportunity for them to take a big step forward,'' Walsh said. ``They didn't sustain the running game and they had a lot of negative second downs, which made their third-down yardage longer.

``I felt for [offensive coordinator] Patrick Nix, because as a play caller it's difficult to get in a rhythm when you're not picking up the first down.

``As a fan, the thing I'd be most frustrated with is the running game. Graig Cooper is a great talent, but they miss Javarris James. The combination can be dangerous.''

COMING BACK?

James, who missed four games with a high-ankle sprain after averaging 5.5 yards a carry, is expected back. Shannon said reserve Lee Chambers was doing great last game but got turf and had to be pulled.

If Youngblood's knees stay strong enough to endure, the line should be substantially bolstered. Shannon also said he was determined to get the tight ends more involved, as UCF successfully took them out of the game.

Tight end Dedrick Epps, a junior, refuses to blame the offensive woes on youth.

''A key block here and there, routes, depth, quarterback reads -- various things,'' Epps said, blaming himself for inadequate blocking. ``By now youth doesn't have anything to do with it. They've played six games. They should be fine.''

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