Florida A&M (4-0) at (19) Miami (FL) (3-1)

Miami probably didn’t have a tough time getting motivated against the four ranked opponents it has faced. Football Championship Subdivision foe Florida A&M might provide a tougher test for the Hurricanes in that regard.

A successful early season run has the 11th-ranked Hurricanes close to rejoining the nation’s elite, but a loss to the Rattlers on Saturday night would certainly put an end to most of the optimism coach Randy Shannon has helped build.

After losing its final three games last season, expectations for Miami (3-1) weren’t high for 2009 as it faced a rough early schedule. The Hurricanes, though, took three of four against Top 25 teams, and beat then-No. 8 Oklahoma 21-20 last Saturday in the program’s most significant win in several years.

The victory was Miami’s first over a top 10 team since a 27-7 road win over then-No. 3 Virginia Tech on Nov. 5, 2005.

“We still have some things we’ve got to get done,” Shannon said. “As far as record-wise, after the first four games, I think we achieved a lot of things, a lot of goals that most people didn’t expect us to. And that comes from hard work by these football players and this coaching staff.”

The Hurricanes stumbled under Shannon last season, finishing 7-6 despite a five-game winning streak in midseason. With hopes now much higher, a defeat to Florida A&M of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at Land Shark Stadium would be crushing.

The Rattlers (4-0) finished September perfect for the first time in 12 years, but they are a team the Hurricanes should easily handle.

Miami was able to move the ball against a tough Oklahoma defense after falling behind 10-0. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris was intercepted on the Hurricanes’ first two drives, but he settled down and running back Javarris James had a career game to lead Miami.

Harris went on to throw three touchdowns, and completed passes to 11 teammates. He has thrown eight TDs and five picks in his first season as a full-time starter.

Harris was complemented by James and a ground game that has struggled at times this season. James had 15 carries for a career-best 150 yards, and his 50-yard run in the second quarter set up a TD.

That was Miami’s longest play from scrimmage this season.

“That’s our offense,” Shannon said, “we make you stop the run. If you can’t stop the run then we are going to just keep pounding and pounding.”

The Hurricanes are averaging 3.5 yards per rush, although they have held opponents to 3.8. They limited the Sooners to 3.6 per attempt.

Miami recorded a season-high three sacks, with Marcus Robinson logging his second of the season and Brandon Harris and Allen Bailey also getting to the quarterback. Miami allowed an average of 176.0 passing yards over the last two games after surrendering 328.0 in the first two.

“It’s our time,” linebacker Jordan Futch said. “We are back. We are still The U.”

Miami’s defensive focus Saturday will be on Florida A&M quarterback Curtis Pulley, who is having an outstanding senior season.

Pulley threw for 315 yards and two TDs to lead the Rattlers to a 31-12 victory over Tennessee State on Sept. 26. He has passed for 846 yards, seven touchdowns and one INT while leading the team with 291 yards rushing.

Isaac West and Kevin Elliott are Pulley’s favorite targets. Both receivers have 18 receptions and more than 250 yards apiece.

Florida A&M also features strong special teams, led by LeRoy Vann. Before the Sept. 26 game, he returned four punts for TDs in the two prior contests.

Vann, a defensive back, made five tackles - two for a loss - and returned six kicks for 90 yards against Tennessee State.

Miami handily beat Florida A&M in the last meeting, 51-10 on Sept. 9, 2006. The Hurricanes lead the series 6-1.