Year two of coach Al Golden’s Miami tenure hasn’t started well. New allegations of wrongdoing came out just before the Hurricanes started preseason practice. OL Seantrel Henderson was late returning from a personal commitment and then suffered a concussion in a car accident.

While handling each new controversy, Golden has some decisions to make on his lineup. Here are three position battles to track:

  1. Quarterback: The Hurricanes are one of two ACC teams without a returning, full-time starting QB. They have plenty of experience and talent at the position, but Golden is still undecided about who gets the ball on opening day. Junior Stephen Morris has played each of the last two years behind Jacory Harris. Sophomore Ryan Williams played for Memphis in 2010, then sat out last year after transferring. Golden told the media both QBs would get reps with the first team in Sunday’s scrimmage.
  2. Running back: Senior Mike James has waited his turn behind Lamar Miller, but he might get pushed by true freshman Duke Johnson, who has had some impressive runs in practice. LB Gionni Paul injured his knee trying to keep up with the elusive Johnson’s moves.
  3. Cornerback: Senior Brandon McGee is the only CB who has started for the Hurricanes, but he lost his spot on the first team in the first week of preseason practice. The battle for McGee’s spot and the other open CB position involves junior transfer Ladrius Gunter, freshman Tracy Howard and sophomore Thomas Finnie.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.