He's back, and Miami's offense should improve.

After missing four games with a high left-ankle sprain, Javarris James is expected to return at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Duke.

''Sitting out those games, you know that was my first time not traveling since I've been here,'' said James, UM's power back who gains yards the old fashioned way -- between the tackles.

``The [other backs] made sure they kept me motivated on the sideline. They came with excellent questions to try to keep me in the game. I felt like a coach for a minute. Being on the sideline so much, I kind of learned how to read defenses a little more. It helped my game mentally.''

James played in the opener and rushed twice at Florida before he got injured. He has 14 carries for 77 yards, a 5.5-yard average. He scored once.

He said he's ''about 90, 95 percent'' healthy. ``Last week was my first time practicing, and I definitely feel a lot better.''

Also back: Reggie Youngblood. Coach Randy Shannon said last week he thought Youngblood, who hurt his left knee against UNC, was done.

''I've been here four years,'' Youngblood said. ``It was real difficult to watch.''

-- SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

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