Canes305 Drops Some Knowledge at EveryGameCounts

EveryGameCounts contacted me to go toe-to-toe with am FSU columnist in regards to Monday's match up. Below is the article, reprinted with the permission of the EGC blog:

Under the Orange Bowl Lights: Don't Underestimate the Canes
By: GUEST BLOGGER Chris Bello FROM allCanes.com

How can Miami/Florida State be next week? It feels like just a few months ago, The U was on the wrong end of a bowl game beat down thanks to LSU.

The 40-3 pasting was actually the best thing that could've happened to the Canes, sitting at 9-2 in a second-tier bowl game. Anything less, and Miami wouldn't have cleaned house regarding its assistant coaches. Former offensive coordinator Dan Werner was in over his head these past two seasons and he's been replaced by Rich Olson. Olson had a stint with Miami in the early 90s and has been in the NFL since. He's going to revamp what's been a vanilla Miami offense. Bank on it.

Kyle Wright is at the helm for Miami and Drew Weatherford returns for Florida State. Both are gamers, yet Weatherford is stealing all the headlines and Wright is flying under the radar... which is actually the way we prefer things at The U. Please doubt and underestimate us. Give the glory to the other guy. Then come game day, we'll embarrass U. Just ask Marcus Vick and heavily-favored Virginia Tech about last year's 27-7 beat down.

Miami was proactive this off-season, upgrading the program by bringing on Olson while Florida State is sticking with Jeff Bowden for a sixth straight season. Miami also upgraded regarding offensive line coach. Art Kehoe is out and Mario Cristobal is in to retool an o-line which gave up a school record nine sacks to the Noles last September.

The Canes upgraded several other coaching vacancies - defensive line, linebackers and wide receivers. All problem areas since Miami's mind-boggling streak of 34-straight wins, four straight BCS games and a National Championship between 2000-2003.

Meanwhile, the Noles have lost 3 to 5 games each of the past five seasons. The last time Florida State lost more than two games in one year was 1986.

The program has struggled to developing players and has slipped a bit since Mark Richt left for Georgia (2001) and Chuck Amato took over at N.C. State (2000). All the recent love from ESPN and Bobby Bowden hype isn't enough to turn things around in Tallahassee. The media wants 2006 to be Bowden's fairy tale - a Joe Paterno-like (2005) one-loss season, but it ain't gonna happen.

Florida State still gets some of the nation's best athletes and they'll take it to most of their opponents this year. But I also believe the 'let down' games will continue like last year. Virginia, N.C. State and Clemson all got the better of them. Even in-state rival Florida whooped Florida State, 34-7 in The Swamp last season. And last year's Gators weren't exactly anything to write home about.

Why are the Noles destined for greatness this year, yet the Canes are a team surrounded by question marks? No matter. Come Labor Day, this thing will get sorted out under the Orange Bowl lights.

Miami is ready. The Canes blew a golden opportunity at Doak last season. Down 10-7 in the waning moments, Miami failed to get the ball in from the 2-yard line. Minutes later, a game-tying field goal opportunity was muffed and the Canes lost to the Noles for the first time in seven tries.

Miami then blew their shot at a rematch in the first annual ACC Championship game, losing to Georgia Tech late in the season. The Canes threw in the towel after that loss, limping through their win over Virginia and then getting throttled by LSU. A big flaw in the Miami program is a quitter's mindset when not playing for the ultimate prize. 40-3 drives that point home.

The best quality about the Canes is their ability to play with a chip on their shoulder. If you disrespect Miami, count them out or hype the opponent - the Canes pin their ears back and come out swinging.

That's how Miami will enter Labor Day. Stinging from the Peach Bowl beating and still bitter over 10-7 last September.

The Canes will be without WR Ryan Moore and TB Tyrone Moss. Don't even sweat it. Veterans like Darnell Jenkins, Lance Leggett and Charlie Jones are ready to step in and Miami sports one of the best in TE Greg Olsen, who shredded the Noles for 137 yards in 2005. Also, don't overlook fab freshman like Sam Shields, Ryan Hill and Javarris James, cousin of Edgerrin. These kids came to The U for games like this. They'll be ready.

This rivalry is better when played in October, with both teams on a roll. No matter, though. It's still Miami and Florida State. Once those butterflies are worked out and both teams find their groove, there will be a lot of top level, prime time action that even the casual college football will appreciate.

As for us diehards, this is as good as it gets.




.:Canes305:.

Not watching Miami v. FSU, then what ARE you watching?

Come Monday, ESPN is going to feature the Miami v. Florida State showdown harder than FOX news is covering the war in the Middle East.

For those who didn't know, this game WILL NOT be on ABC as it was the past five seasons. ESPN has this one in 2006 on EVERY ONE of their stations. Check it out:

· ESPN (ESPN HD): ESPN will feature a traditional game telecast produced in high definition with commentators Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Holly Rowe (reporter) plus "look-ins" to how other entities are covering the game.

· ESPN2 Multi-screen (ESPN2 HD): ESPN2 will offer high definition coverage of the game utilizing multiple camera angles in a mosaic-style presentation. The screen will feature the primary ESPN telecast surrounded by seven additional camera angles that include isolations of the coaches, quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and other key offensive and defensive matchups. The telecast will utilize an audio simulcast of ESPN and will be presented with reduced commercials.

· ESPNU in 'The Herd': The 24-hour college sports network will televise the game from the SkyCam angle and feature the unique commentary and perspectives of ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd. He will react to the game action and interview guests. Todd McShay of College GameDay on ESPN Radio will provide additional insights while ESPNU's Mike Hall will update viewers on all aspects of the Full Circle coverage from ESPNU's Charlotte, N.C. studios.

Hall will be joined by ESPN.com recruiting analyst Tom Lunginbill who will provide analysis on football in Florida. The reduced-commercial format telecast will feature SkyCam coverage on every play from the break of the offensive huddle to the end of the play.


Many will remember the SkyCam angle on ESPN U last year for the 27-7 beat down at Virginia Tech. It's a nice, video-game like addition to the standard way of viewing - but it's no substitute for the real thing.

Either way, there will be a BOAT LOAD of coverage for this game so again, Miami will have the grandest of grand stages to make a statement on national television as the ONLY game on Labor Day.

Get it done, fellas.

"Respect It!" will be THE shirt this season

We at allCanes believe we've come up with a real winner here. Our new "Respect It!" tee is now in stock. We created it over the summer and wanted to wait until Florida State week to debut it.

Anyone who watches the Canes, be it a diehard fan or the casual observer - everyone has seen our players throwing up the U hands. It's become a huge part of the Miami Football culture.

This new shirt will also become part of the Miami Football culture. Up front, a shot of a player running through the smoke and throwing up the "U" with a bold, "RESPECT IT!" underneath.

Back of shirt features a "U Football" logo centered under the collar.

Download the coupon below and receive $5 off your "Respect It!" shirt from now until September 15th. Print out the coupon and bring in store, or if ordering online, just type "RIT0906" in the comments box when placing and order and we'll deduct $5 off your final invoice!

Represent your Canes on Labor Day with this new tee, only available at allCanes.com.

Miami v. Florida State Highlight Video!

A few days ago we had this clip from 31SpoonerStreet on our homepage as a way to get the fan base jacked up for the big Miami and Florida State showdown on Labor Day.

We had to move it off the homepage to accomodate some other stuff, but it's now in the blog, by popular demand.

Enjoy. If this 9:59 clip doesn't get you jacked up for next Monday night... nothing will.

From bad to worse...

More disheartening news has broken on Ryan Moore's latest off the field issue.

This morning the Miami Herald wrote that Moore's altercation with a female patron outside the Rathskeller was a little more heated than originally reported.

Around 2:00am this past Saturday, Moore allegedly grabbed a woman by the neck, pushed her to the ground and eventually kicked her car door. He then threatened the woman's male companion, telling the young man to back off or "I'll do to you what I did to her."

Moore was eventually restrained by teammate and friend, running back Tyrone Moss.

The more I hear about this situation, the more I think #85 needs an early departure from the University of Miami. Should an arrest be made, Moore needs to go.

Moore might've had a 'get out of jail free' in his hip pocket, if he wasn't already serving a three game suspension. Most people, when in the doghouse, learn to fly under the radar a bit. Keep your nose clean. Stay out of the bars at 2:00am. Walk away from a verbal altercation before it turns physical.

Not Moore. He had to get knee-deep in this one, make a spectacle of himself and commit the cardinal sin of getting physical with a women. The ultimate no-no... especially for a high profile University of Miami football player already in trouble.

A few weeks back I chastised Florida State for allowing Ernie Sims and A.J. Nicholson to play against Miami in last season's opener. Sims had a domestic dispute issue with a girlfriend and Nicholson was arrested for D.U.I. During the week of the Orange Bowl, Nicholson was sent back to Tallahassee before the game as a local woman cried 'date rape.'

It'd be irresponsible for me to trash those two former Noles and not rip one of our own for doing something equally as vile.

This is a selfish act by Moore. His teammates don't deserve the negative press a week before the game of the year and the program deserves better. Miami has battled image problems for years. All the good that Butch Davis did cleaning up the program; it's an afterthought to the national media.

One incident like this has much more staying power. It puts the Canes back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and allows the haters to say, "See... I told you Miami is still nothing but a bunch of thugs."

More headlines of this nature and the five year clean up plan might've well been 100 years ago instead of ten.

Entering 2006, these Canes have a ton of talent. From team leaders like Jon Beason, Kyle Wright and Brandon Meriweather - to the talented crop of super-freshman like Sam Shields, Ryan Hill and Javarris James.

This team has the potential to go somewhere and it can't allow some dead weight to drag it down. If Moore is guilty of what he's being accused of here, Coker needs to give him the boot.

Don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. Show Moore the door.



.:Canes305:.

Can Less Be Moore?

Ryan Moore's two-game suspension was upgraded to 'indefinite' over the weekend.

It seems Mr. Moore got into an altercation with a female patron or companion at The Rathskeller, an on campus bar at The U.

Moore missed last season's Peach Bowl and was to sit out next Monday's contest against Florida State, as well as the following game against FAMU. He was slated to return on September 16th when Miami travels to Louisville for its first road game of the season.

One would think that if you're already in the head coach's doghouse and eight quarters away from seeing the field again, you'd keep your nose clean. Unfortunately Moore displayed poor judgement and is now out indefinitely.

It's hard to judge in a situation like this. A game of he said/she said will ensue, but either way Moore will pay the price as it's his name in the news -- when he was already suspended.

This is a situation worth monitoring as the early part of the season unfolds. Veterans such as Darnell Jenkins and Lance Leggett will have to step up, big time. As will Greg Olsen, who's already being touted as one of the nation's premier tight ends.

Freshman cornerback Ryan Hill has been moved to wide receiver for the season, while fellow freshman Sam Shields has already grabbed some headlines for his efforts on the practice field. It's been a while since Miami had to truly depend on a couple of freshmen in this capacity, but that's fine. All of this has the makings of a new regime in Coral Gables.

Larry Coker and the Canes have recently taken some knocks in the game of recruiting. Fans have felt that some future studs have gotten away, some flat-out turned on Miami at the last second (Antone Smith, Pat Devlin and Derek Shaw come to mind), while others transferred for various reasons.

That said, one of Miami's highest ranked groups came in 2002 -- a month after the Canes won the fifth National Championship in the school's history. Of all the recent signees Miami has brought aboard, the 2002 class was chock full of 4- and 5-star players. But highly ranked stud players aren't always the types who find success at The U. Miami thrives when it recruits the 3-star kids with a chip on their shoulder, an intangible and something to prove.

Moore was a key recruit for Miami in 2002. As were Marc Gullion, Devin Hester and Aikeem Jolla. Each class has their hit or miss players, but that's not the case with the aforementioned names.

Gullion? This Miami QB recruit bolted for the University of Alabama a few seasons back -- again, disappointed over a lack of playing time -- instead of sticking around and battling Brock Berlin, Derrick Crudup and Kyle Wright for the starting role.

Hester? A journeyman who showed flashes of pure brilliance at The U in the three seasons he saw the field. Still, he never mastered a position and was simply an elusive special teams player. As a result, the potential first-round NFL Draft pick was nabbed by Chicago in the third round after declaring early for this year's draft.

Jolla? He split for New Mexico State soon after the Peach Bowl. Stories surfaced regarding his mother's health, but it was also known that he was bothered by a lack of playing time.

Miami did land some studs in that class -- Baraka Atkins, Kareem Brown, Darnell Jenkins, Brandon Meriweather, Sinorice Moss and Eric Winston, to name a few. Still, there were a handful of kids that just didn't see it the "Miami way", and I hope Moore isn't one of them.

With Moore suspended indefinitely, that opens the door for several other receivers to step up and never look back. Jenkins, Leggett, Hill and Shields could become a solid foursome. Terrell Walden, Rashaun Jones, George Robinson and Khalil Jones will also have their chance to shine.

College football is cyclical. We know that, yet fans still deny it when their program is in a temporary lull. From 2000-2002, Hurricane Nation couldn't fathom more than a one-loss season or title game berth.

Over the next three years, Miami lost eight games. It's been two seasons without a BCS berth and three without the Canes anywhere near the National Championship game. Since the Peach Bowl loss, coaches were fired and new ones were brought in. Freshmen are making an impact on the playing field, and folks are calling kids like Shields or Javarris James a 'special' breed of player.

When Miami starts getting production out of special, younger players, you know there's going to be a shift in power and the Canes will be in the hunt again. The only thing which will hinder that progress are veteran players who are a detriment to the program. If Moore can't get it together, addition by subtraction will be the best thing for this group of Hurricanes.

Will Moore get back in the mix and be an intregal part of a 2006 team loaded with potential, or did he miss his window? Can he come back and help some young, budding future stars? Or will he sit idly by while they figure it out on their own and surpass him?

We'll see. Whatever the case, this latest issue with Moore is the last thing anyone needed right now. A week from Monday, Miami and Florida State will throw down in the Orange Bowl and #85 will be on the sidelines. Hopefully the punishment of missing that opportunity will help him work that much harder to get back on track and help this team in the very near future.



.:Canes305:.

I'm liking what I'm hearing from The Beast...

A lot of folks have their theories as to why Miami hasn't been "Miami" these past few seasons.

Coaching. The ACC. A drop in recruiting. Check out any Canes message board and you'll see at least a dozen topics on each, any given day.

Another key reason? Leadership - on and off the field. Who is the next Ed Reed? When will someone say and do all the right things like Ken Dorsey?

I nominate Jon Beason.

I flat out like how The Beast is handling himself - on and off the field. Anything we lacked in leadership these past few seasons, I think that's over with. Beason is primed to be the closest thing to a Reed-like, on the field vocal leader as Miami has seen in half a decade.

Look how he's handled life since the Peach Bowl.

At the beginning of summer workouts, Beason got in his teammates' ears about, 40-3. He reminded them that Miami native with the last name "Highsmith" snubbed The U for Baton Rouge and got the better of them.

After the Tigers waxed the Canes, Highsmith held up that sign which read, "I'm Glad I'm Not U."

It was a knock on Miami. The program. The decline. It was a defining moment which shouldn't be forgotten.

Beason drove it home; that game was in the record books. It was history. It couldn't be erased. He let his teammates know there was only one way to even the score.

Bring home the National Championship.

Miami is Linebacker U. To hell with Penn State. Maybe in the 'leather helmet' era, but not now. (No disrespect to Paul Posluszny. The kid can play.)

Tiger Clark. Maurice Crum. Micheal Barrow. Jessie Armstead. Darrin Smith. Ray Lewis. Nate Webster. Dan Morgan. Jon Vilma. D.J. Williams.

Those are some big shoes to fill. Year in and year out, Miami linebackers are a household name.

Until the past two years. The Canes have struggled to fill the void left by Vilma and (D.J.) Williams. Entering 2006, that's going to change.

Many expected Willie Williams to be 'the man' entering this season. Instead, he'll suit up at West Los Angeles Community College on September 2nd, while the Canes prep for the Noles.

Williams bailing The U, proved to be another opportunity for Beason to step up and lead. When questioned about Williams possibly returning to Miami after missing all of summer practice, The Beast didn't hold back:

"As far as gelling, guys coming together, playing for one another, the love, the family, it's not going to help us because it's going to be a big step back," Beason said.

"There won't ever be a point where we say, 'Hey, Willie, it's okay, man. You're a part of the team now. We can chill.' "

No way does a high profile player just waltz back into the picture, after snubbing his teammates for several months. Bonds are formed during the summertime heat. You respect the guy next to you if he's working as hard, or even outworking you.

Come gametime, how can you respect someone who wasn't in the trenches with you? Can you trust them? Will it cause a rift between those who want him back and the others who don't?

Why even bother going there? Just cut out the cancer, heal up and press forward.

Both Beason and Kyle Wright made it abundantly clear; this team was going to move on without Willie Williams.

For those who don't know, a few dozen current Canes have their own MySpace pages. I was online today, working on the allCanes page and I checked out Beason's page.

The kid is focused, has character and gets his point across well. I shot him a note and posted a pic of our new "Respect It!" shirt design. It's a Cane running out of the smoke and throwing the "U" hands.

Thinking nothing of it, I shot Jon some words of encouragement. Much to my surprise, a few hours later, he fired a post back our way.

One line stood out more than the others.

"I will die before I leave the field without a victory on September 4th."

Forget a cliche, worn-out term line 'swagger.' Beason sounds like a throwback Cane with a comment like that. It's more than 'swagger' - it's a Hurricanes' pride.

Miami had its manhood taken by LSU. Not because the Tigers were that much better. They rolled because the Canes quit in Atlanta. After the game, Beason's cell phone has a few less than pleasant messages from Vilma and Williams.

At Miami, you don't want the old schoolers on your ass for not carrying out the tradition. No team wants to be remembered as the one who suffered the worst bowl loss in school history. An outcome like that and the program better right the ship quickly. Get out there against Florida State, roll some heads and prove that 40-3 was a fluke; not a trend.

This team knows that and if any of them forget it, Beason will be in there ear with a friendly reminder.

Leadership took Miami to Pasadena a few years back and it'll take a similar effort to set the tone early in 2006. The Canes need a leader to help them get the nation's respect back.

Beason knows that.

"You earn your respect and I feel like we've let that slip a little bit," he said recently. "So being the hunters instead of the hunted is fine by me."

That's what we like to hear. Accept the preseason #11 ranking. Feel snubbed. Remember the 40-3 beatdown. Let that chip in the shoulder develop and weigh heavy.

Then come Labor Day, take it all out on Florida State and send a message to the nation that the sleeping giant has been woken.



.:Canes305:.

Did you know the media LOVES Florida State?

Maybe I'm missing something. Or maybe it's ESPN who's completely off their rocker. I can't tell. Either way, one of us is going to eat some crow in a few weeks - and I don't believe it'll be me.

I can't get over the recent headlines. I've never read more Florida State propaganda and hype, with nothing to base it on.

ESPN.com had St. Bobby on its homepage with the headline, "Slap In The Face."

The gist? That the old man still has some fight in him. That 8-5 isn't good enough. That things are on the up and up in Tallahassee.

I'm not sticking a fork in the Noles by any stretch of the imagination. They're still a player. Solid recruiting classes are the norm every February and Florida State won the ACC in 2005, going 7-4 in the regular season. They went on to beat Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game and fell to Penn State in the Orange Bowl Classic, wrapping up their season 8-5.

What I don't buy here is the media hype. Why now? Where is it coming from? It's not as if 8-5 in 2005 was a huge departure from where the Noles were the early part of this decade. 9-3 in 2004, 10-3 in 2003, 9-5 in 2002 and 8-4 in 2001.

Now, suddenly in 2006 that's all going to change? The program is going to do an about face?

I ain't buying it.

Every pre-season, the talk out of Tallahassee is that Florida State is 'back' and primed to make a run.

Last year, some ESPN yahoo even picked the Noles to get to the Rose Bowl for the National Championship game. Not quite, brosef.

This year, the hype machine is again in full force. Here are some of the current headlines and plot lines on ESPN.com in the past day or so:

>>> A video clip titled "Bobby Bowden Happy to Have An Experienced QB."

>>> Gene Wojciechowski's "Bowden operates on his own terms." A fluff piece about St. Bobby being a good churchgoer and sweetheart of a guy on the outside, but a fierce competitor inside. The road schedule is a cake walk (outside of the trek to the Orange Bowl), the ACC title game is in nearby Jacksonville and that the Noles are motivated to win the conference... again.

>>> Mark Schlabach's piece on the state of the ACC in 2006. He gives his five predictions for how it will all shake down. He mentioned that Florida State will win the ACC, beat Miami on Labor Day, will finish two games ahead of Clemson in the Atlantic division and will beat Miami again - this time, in the ACC Championship game. Schlabach also calls QB Drew Weatherford the most "dangerous offensive weapon" in the ACC and states that the Noles will be one of the last undefeated teams this season, in contention for the BCS title game.

Again, maybe I'm missing something. Or maybe it's certain folk at ESPN who are completely off their rocker.

In regards to the "experienced" quarterback comment - how is Weatherford "experienced" yet Kyle Wright is still green? Both were first year starters in 2005.

Wright won nine games, Weatherford won eight. Wright lost three games, Weatherford lost five.

Wright threw for 2,403 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He had 180 completions on 307 attempts. Weatherford threw for 3,220 yards with 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He had 276 completions on 469 attempts.

The biggest glaring difference? Offensive coordinator. Miami fired Dan Werner for not producing. Florida State has no plans to rid of Jeff Bowden.

The Canes were scoreless in the second half of all three losses last season. In the Peach Bowl, Miami couldn't even muster up a second half first down against LSU.

Rich Olson is now 'the guy' at The U as well as new quarterbacks coach Todd Berry. Olson brings NFL experience to the table - as well as Miami history. Between 1992-1994 he was both a receivers coach and offensive coordinator. Berry will strictly work with the quarterbacks and help bring them along.

Conversely, J.B. is still calling the offensive plays in Tallahassee. The same junior Bowden who's credited for never developing Chris Rix and who's partly responsible for Florida State's 44-20 record since 2001. Yet somehow, entering 2006, the Noles are credited with having an experienced quarterback while getting their swagger back.

Miami is 53-9 in that same time span and was proactive in firing several coaches after unacceptable, back-to-back 9-3 seasons. A new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach are on staff, to help Wright and back up Kirby Freeman in their development. Still, as far as the media is concerned - questions still surround the Miami program.

Oh yeah, and Mark Schlabach - did you not get the memo that Miami has beaten Florida State six of the last seven meetings? The lone Noles' win came in a 10-7 slugfest where the Canes muffed a snap and blew a shot at overtime. Rather bold - and foolish - of you to predict that Florida State will beat Miami both in the opener AND in the ACC Championship.

Of all the crow being served up in a few weeks, I hope you get the biggest piece.

Regarding Wojciechowski's piece on Bowden's resurgence, again I say, based on what? Florida State has underachieved and struggled to develop talented players since 2001. A three-loss season in Miami caused heads to roll. Three-loss seasons in Tallahassee have become the norm and are probably welcomed after four and five-loss seasons in 2001, 2002 and 2005.

While I have no issue with Gene's writing - I don't buy the hype.

You know what I see? The hype machine in full force. The media's love affair with college football's all time winningest coaches, Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno, is at an all-time high as both coaches are entering their glory years.

JoePa got his fairy tale ending last year. A stellar one-loss season. A few big time upsets. A thrilling triple OT victory over Bowden's Seminoles in the Orange Bowl. The media gushed over Paterno last season - a mere year after many were calling for him to retire, felt the game had passed him by and chastised him for the way he handled the referees and some questionable calls.

The media will now swing some of that love back St. Bobby's way. They feel it's his turn. Two championships in a coaching career which has spanned four decades. Close, but no cigar for Florida State on numerous occasions. Not to mention all the heartbreak at the hands of mean ol' Miami.

Bowden has a career record of 12-19 against the Canes; almost half of those wins coming when Miami was on probation between 1995-1999.

Funny how no one is mentioning Larry Coker in all this. The Miami coach who jumped out to a 24-0 start and was one bad call away from 25-0 and back-to-back National Championships. A year later, 11-2 in 2003, with two wins over Florida State.

2004 and 2005 brought back-to-back 9-3 seasons and Hurricane nation turned the heat up on the coach who could do no wrong in his first two dozen games. Coker canned most of his staff, made some key hires and is intent on righting the ship in Miami. Whether he pulls off the feat or not, he's proactive and shaking things up.

What has changed in Florida State's culture in this off season to suggest that the Noles are the team to beat - let alone a National Championship dark horse in 2006? Nothing outside of the fact that 2005 was Paterno's time to shine and now the media hopes 2006 is Bowden's year.

The fact remains that Bowden continues to promote nepotism at its finest; allowing his inept son to run a bland offense. Players aren't being developed as they were back in the Mark Richt and Chuck Amato era. Since losing two of its top coaches, Florida State has struggled to reclaim their place a top the mountain.

Still, based on Bowden's mettle, experience and senority - the media simply assumes that afer 8-5, enough is enough and a change is gonna come.

I'll believe it if and when I see it.

Florida State is tough on defense, has some question marks on offense - but remains a national power.

Similar to Miami. Still, the Hurricanes never get the benefit of the doubt nor the praise which comes with having the all time winningest head coach. Miami has to earn everything. Florida State grabs the headlines and gets the 'feel good' articles all off season.

Again, Miami will have to get out there and take theirs on Labor Day. Ranked behind the Noles in both polls (#11 FSU/#12 Miami in the AP, #10 FSU/#11 Miami in USA Today) it's getting to be a common theme. Even though Miami has been the much more successful program the past five seasons and has finished ahead of Florida State in every season ending poll.

So be it.

Bulletin board material is pointless in a rivalry of this nature. Both teams are already fired up to play. It's Miami v. Florida State in the season opener. It's the only show in town that Monday night. It's a big step towards a conference title and a small step towards a National Championship.

This game means everything.

Though, should the Canes need to add any fuel to their fire - there's sure plenty of it out there.



.:Canes305:.

Countdown: Miami v. Florida State - Game #1

[#1] - Miami 27, Florida State 24 - (2000) - I know the oldest of old schoolers might beg to differ, but this game was monumental and set the stars in alignment for the 34-game win streak, back-to-back title game appearance and four straight BCS games we witnessed between 2000 and 2003.

To think that Miami rattled off 31 more straight wins after this game; it's mindboggling.

Backed up and stinging from the probation era, the Canes had lost five straight to the Noles before this one. A 31-21 loss in 1999 showed that Miami was close to being 'back' - but not quite there yet.

Of course, that "almost, but not quite" effort in 1999 was two years removed from the 47-0 beatdown in Tallahassee; the low point of the probation era.

Who's kidding who here? Miami had bottomed out.

Toss in the fact that Florida State captured the 1999 National Championship and that two weeks before this showdown in 2000, Miami fell 34-29 at Washington. The loss to the Huskies raised the question, were the Canes REALLY back?

If so, #7 Miami would have to beat #1 Florida State and halt their 17-game win streak on October 7th, 2000.

Miami struck first with a 22-yard strike from Ken Dorsey to Najeh Davenport – exploiting the Noles’ ability to cover the fullback.

On the other side of the ball, key defensive stands were the difference maker. The Noles knocked on the door a few times, but the Canes continued to turn them away empty handed.

Bobby Bowden rolled the dice, shunning a few field goal opps as he lacked confidence in kicker, Matt Munyon.

Credit that first stop to Miami’s d-line stopping Florida State cold on a 4th and 1 run. A few drives later, the flick of Ed Reed’s wrist that prevented a Florida State touchdown on another 4th down.

The "statement" play of the first half came on another Miami goal line stop. This time, Dan Morgan picked off a Chris Weinke pass in the end zone, protecting Miami’s 17-0 halftime lead.

The majority of the fourth quarter was a defensive battle, with the Canes leading 20-10. At just about the three-minute mark, things got interesting. Weinke found Boldin for their second touchdown hook up of the game and the Miami lead was cut to 20-17.

In position to run out the clock with a first down, Najeh Davenport looked like he had the game sealed for the Canes. After picking up the first down and then some, Davenport was hit, fumbled and turned the ball back over to the Noles. Brian Allen made his second recovery of the game – this time at the Miami 48-yard line. Four plays later, Weinke found Atrews Bell on a 29-yard strike and Florida State had their first lead of the game, 24-20.

Miami took over on its own 32-yard line with just over a minute and change on the clock. Ken Dorsey had the drive of his life, hitting 6 of his next 7 passes – including strikes to Santana Moss (13 yards), Reggie Wayne (17 yards) and back to Moss (19 yards). The drive was capped off with a 13-yard scoring pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. Dorsey ended the day 27-of-42 for 328 yards and two touchdown strikes.

With :46 left on the clock, the Noles mounted a comeback – driving all the way down to Miami’s 32-yard line. Poor clock management forced Florida State to attempt a 49-yard field goal, forcing overtime. The rest is history: Wide Right III.

There were classic games in this rivalry – 1987, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2001, 2002, etc. – but in Miami Football history, this one takes the cake. The Noles owned the Canes during the probation era and this was that game which would prove if Miami was back – or if Florida State would continue its dominance.

The Canes rolled and from there, rattled off five straight wins against the Noles.

Even with this monumental win, Miami was shut out of the 2000 National Championship game, where #2 Florida State fell to #1 Oklahoma, 13-2.

As bitter as Hurricane Nation was, that snub fueled the fire for the run in 2001. Ed Reed and Bryant McKinnie were all but NFL-bound after 2000, but Butch Davis convinced both that Miami was primed to win it all the following season.

They stayed, Butch was right and the Canes rolled to a 12-0 season, concluding with a dominating 34-14 win over #2 Nebraska.

All of that success came on the heels of this thrilling 2000 victory over #1 Florida State.



.:Canes305:.

Still haven’t gotten geared up for this year’s Labor Day tussle?

Check out some of these Miami/Florida State designs - Mutual Disrespect, Choke: II and the "Our Policy is Beating FSU" Tees.

For the ultimate fan of this rivalry? The "Winner Takes All" DVD, chronicling the history of Miami/Florida State!

Countdown: Miami v. Florida State - Game #2

[#2] - Miami 26, Florida State 25 - (1987) - The #3 Hurricanes dropped by to visit the #4 Seminoles on October 3rd, 1987. Again, this was labeled "The Game of the Year" as both teams were loaded.

Miami experienced an undefeated regular season in 1986 and was the team to beat. They fell 14-10 to #2 Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl - a game marred by turnovers and bad decisions.

Heisman Trophy winning QB Vinny Testaverde departed and newbie Steve Walsh was handed the keys to this high octane Hurricanes offense. The Canes got close in 1986, but didn't finish the job. The loss to the Nittany Lions haunted them in the off season and fueled their fire entering 1987. The goal was a National Championship and anything less would be deemed a failure.

#10 Miami opened the 1987 season with a convincing 31-4 beatdown of the #20 Florida Gators - the final game of the rivalry, as the Crocs were ending the long-standing series with the Canes in favor of a weaker out of conference schedule.

As they say in Gainesville, "If you can't beat 'em, drop 'em."

After a three week layoff, a now #5 Miami stormed into #10 Arkansas and smacked up the Razorbacks to the tune of, 51-7. The win vaulted the Canes to #3 and a week later they were in Tallahassee taking on their arch rivals.

The Noles were suiting up what many believed was the best team in school's history, to date.

Miami struck early with a 29-yard Greg Cox field goal and held a 3-0 lead entering the second quarter. Florida State countered with a 67-yard Sammie Smith run on a 3rd and 11, igniting the Seminoles' offense. A 1-yard Dayne Williams put FSU ahead 7-3 and Derek Schmidt kicked a 36-yard field goal, giving the Noles a 10-3 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Schmidt sent a field goal opportunity wide right - four years before that phrase officially became associated with this rivalry. Miami got the ball and went three and out. Jeff Feagles' punt was block by Florida State and returned for a touchdown, giving the Noles a 16-3 lead after the extra point sailed wide left.

Moments later a big time Deion Sanders punt return set the Noles up for another field goal attempt. Schmidt's 25-yarder comfortably put Florida State ahead 19-3 late in the third quarter.

Down 19-3, Miami finally decided to get to work. Walsh found a streaking Melvin Bratton for a 49-yard touchdown and on the conversion, he found Brian Blades for two. The Canes brought it to, 19-11 entering the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter, it was all about The Playmaker. Michael Irvin absolutely put on a clinic, starting with a 26-yard touchdown strike from Walsh. Warren Williams caught the 2-point conversion, while a stunned Seminoles crowd saw their 16-point lead vanish. The game was tied, 19-19 with just over eleven minutes remaining.

The Seminoles put together a lengthy, time-consuming drive which was halted at the Hurricanes 17-yard line. Bennie Blades intercepted the Danny McManus pass and four plays later, it was another Walsh to Irvin hook up.

Both quarterback and receiver saw something a match up in the Seminoles defense which favored the Hurricanes, on a 3rd and 7. To this day, both will talk about the audible Walsh called at the line - resulting in a 73-yard touchdown pass to The Playmaker.

Miami 26, Florida State 19 with 2:22 remaining.

Never one to go quietly into the good night, the Noles mounted a furious rally. With 75 yards to pay dirt, McManus and his crew got to work. With 1:30 to play, Florida State converted a 4th and 8 from their own 27 yard line. Dexter Carter made a stellar 31-yard catch over Bennie Blades, putting the Noles in scoring position.

One play later, McManus floated a perfect 18-yard pass to Ronald Lewis, hitting him in the back corner. Lewis dragged his feet in the back of the end zone, making a superb catch and bringing FSU to within one.

In an era where overtime didn't exist in the college game, Bobby Bowden was faced with a decision... win, lose or tie. Florida State's kicking game had been rather weak on this particular Saturday. (Had Schmidt made an earlier extra point attempt, it'd be 26-26 and the Noles would've needed one for the win.)

Before the game, Bowden stated that if in the position to win or tie, he'd kick and settle with a draw. McManus and the offense wanted no part of that. They begged their way back onto the field and convinced Bowden that then needed to play for the win.

But after some coercing on the part of his players, Bowden sent his offense back on the field for the 2-point attempt and a win.

McManus had Lewis wide open in the middle of the end zone, but he didnt see him.

His underthrown pass attempt was broken up in the right corner of the end zone by reserve defensive back Bubba McDowell. After Miami recovered the onside kick with :42 remaining, the Canes had this one sealed up, 26-25.

Miami won its next eight games - featuring a 24-0 victory over #10 Notre Dame and a 20-16 nailbiter against #8 South Carolina. On January 1st, 1987 #2 Miami faced #1 Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl Classic, defeating the Sooners, 20-16 and claiming the second National Championship in school's history.

Florida State rolled through the rest of its schedule with ease, finishing #2... again, behind Miami.



.:Canes305:.

Still haven’t gotten geared up for this year’s Labor Day tussle?

Check out some of these Miami/Florida State designs - Mutual Disrespect, Choke: II and the "Our Policy is Beating FSU" Tees.

For the ultimate fan of this rivalry? The "Winner Takes All" DVD, chronicling the history of Miami/Florida State!

Countdown: Miami v. Florida State - Game #3

[#3] - Miami 17, Florida State 16 - (1991) & Miami 19, Florida State 16 - (1992) - Yeah, we're cheating here, lumping these two classic games together. But where does one even begin to decided between these two classics? That's like choosing your favorite offspring. Unfair and impossible to do.

Back to back seasons, Florida State fell to Miami on a missed kick as time expired. Wide Right I & II were born. For the Canes, classic moments in the program's history and another reason to laugh at our arch rival. For the Noles, two painful events which kept them from that elusive, first National Championship.

Miami headed to Tallahassee ranked #2, with Florida State #1. This one was billed as the game of the decade, and it most certainly lived up to the hype. The Canes hadn't won at Doak since 1987. Dennis Erickson's bunch won the 1989 National Championship, but lost 24-10 at Florida State that season as starting QB Craig Erickson was out due to injury. Freshman Gino Torretta had a rough outing and the Canes dropped their only contest of the seasons.

Two years later, Torretta and the Canes stormed into town - experienced and with a chip on their collective shoulder. Miami struck on its first possession; a 2-yard Stephen McGuire first quarter touchdown. The Canes drove 74 yards with key plays from Torretta to McGuire (a 14-yard pass), a 30-yard McGuire run and a key third down scamper by Torretta. Two key penalties on the Noles put the Canes in position to bully it in from two yards out.

Florida State came out swinging. A 51-yard bomb from Casey Weldon to Amp Lee looked to spark the Noles, but penalties thwarted the drive and they settled for a 25-yard Gerry Thomas field goal. Miami led, 7-3 after one.

Turnovers plagued the Canes in the second quarter. Miami drove inside the Florida State 30-yard line on two occasions, but was picked off both times. Charles Pharms got the ball back for the Canes, but a 41-yard Carlos Huerta field goal attempt was blocked. Florida State led 10-7 after two.

The Noles put up some second and third quarter points. A 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Paul Moore in the second and a 31-yard Thomas field goal had Florida State ahead, 16-7 entering the game's final fifteen minutes of play.

Early in the fourth, Miami drove 44 yards in ten plays, resulting in a 45-yard field goal by Huerta. The deficit was now 16-10 with just over nine minutes remaining. The Canes defense again rose to the challenge, forcing the Noles to punt.

On 2nd and 16, Torretta found an out-stretched Coleman Bell streaking down the sideline for a 22-yard pick up. Miami was finding its groove and was a touchdown away from their first lead since early in the first quarter.

McGuire's legs helped get the Canes inside the Noles' red zone, but the game would come down to a crucial 4th and 6. Torretta looked right and found receiver Horace Copeland for his sole catch of the day. Faced with a 1st and goal from the three yard line, it took Miami three plays to punch the ball in, with back up running back Larry Jones. Miami 17, Florida State 16.

In the final three minutes, Weldon led the Noles down field. On a crucial fourth down, Edgar Bennett bullied his way to an FSU first down.

Ryan McNeil was called for pass interference in the end zone - a game saving play, at that. Florida State was on the Miami 17-yard line, faced with a 3rd and 9. Weldon lost his shoe on the previous play and Bowden elected to attempt a game-winning, 34-yard field goal as Thomas was 3-for-3 on the day.

Moments later, make that 3-for-4. Legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson made the call:

"The snap is back, the ball is down, here we go…. It is … Wide to the right! Wide to the Right!Miami players are all over the field. They're going to get penalized for it, but 'So what?' I'm sure is their attitude. "

Miami beat Boston College and San Diego State in its two remaining games, before shutting out Nebraska, 22-0 in the 1992 Orange Bowl Classic. The Canes claimed their fourth National Championship, while the Noles finished 11-2 - dropping a 14-9 nail biter to the Gators weeks later.

Fast forward to October 3rd, 1992. Florida State strolls in #3, Miami is sitting pretty at #2 and the Canes are defending champs, riding a 20-game win streak.

The City of Miami was still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Andrew, which destroyed much of the city less than two months prior.

The team, the fans and the city needed this game, but the Noles showed no pity - striking first with a 94-yard kickoff return by Tamarick Vanover. Miami countered with a 24-yard Dane Prewitt field goal in the second quarter, followed by a 29-yard strike from Torretta to Bell.

Florida State struck back with a 22-yard Dan Mowery field goal and the game was tied 10-10 at the half. He followed with a 38-yard field goal in the third and one from 41 yards out early in the fourth. Ahead 16-10 with just over nine minutes remaining, the Noles were in a situation eerily similar to 1991 -- a six point lead late in the game and a field goal kicker who was 3-for-3 on the afternoon.

Again, Miami would respond - this time, with a 58 yard drive which ended with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Torretta to Lamar Thomas. Torretta was drilled on the play, putting one up there for #36. Thomas snuck behind Clifton Abraham, made the basket catch and put the Canes ahead, 17-16.

A drive later Florida State muffed a Miami punt, resulting in a safety. Ahead 19-16, the Canes got the ball back but were forced to punt.

The Noles got one last chance with 1:35 remaining and drove 59 yards. Charlie Ward found Kez McCorvey on a 4th and 12, keeping the drive alive. Moments later, Matt Frier made a diving, fingertip grab for a gain of 17. Ward used his legs for two quick runs, picking up 19 yards, setting up a 39-yard field goal attempt.

Mowery trotted onto the field, attempted a game-tying kick and the rest is history...



.:Canes305:.


Still haven’t gotten geared up for this year’s Labor Day tussle?

Check out some of these Miami/Florida State designs - Mutual Disrespect, Choke: II and the "Our Policy is Beating FSU" Tees.

For the ultimate fan of this rivalry? The "Winner Takes All" DVD, chronicling the history of Miami/Florida State!

Countdown: Miami v. Florida State - Game #4

[#4] - Miami 34, Florida State 20 - (1994) - I feel like the 1994 match between #13 Miami and #3 Florida State sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of so many classics. For me, it ranks #4 on the Top Five list.

It occurred a year after Florida State's first National Championship (1993) - which featured a 28-10 beating of Miami. It was followed by five years of Seminoles dominance, against a probation-stricken bunch of Hurricanes. It's hard to even recall an era where Miami went 1-of-7 in a seven year span against Florida State, but it happened - making that lone win that much more meaningful.

If you're going to whoop the Noles and put them back in their place, what better time than the year preceding their first National Championship and Heisman Trophy winner?

Things shook down October 8th, 1994 in a packed Orange Bowl. ESPN was on hand for an 8:00pm kickoff - years before College GameDay was a household name.

This was a huge football game.

The Miami Herald ran a cover story on their sports page, questions the Hurricanes' dominance. Was this a new era? Was Florida State primed to take over as the in-state power? The caricature accompanying the store showed a giant Seminole, overtaking a miniscule Ibis.

It made David and Goliath look like an after school, parking lot fight.

Few gave the Hurricanes a chance in this game. Two weeks earlier, Washington strolled into town and snapped Miami's 58-home game win streak, 34-20. Nine years since a loss at the Orange Bowl and the next home game featured the defending champs and the Canes' biggest rival.

The Orange Bowl was electric that night. Not quite the 1989 crowd for Notre Dame, but the next best thing.

The Canes defense held the Noles to a mere 47 yards rushing and forced five turnovers. Three were interceptions of first-year starter, Danny Kanell.

Miami jumped on Florida State early. Kanell drove the Noles downfield on their first possession, but Malcolm X. Pearson picked him off in the end zone. Frank Costa and James Stewart led the Canes downfield on the ensuing possession, ending the drive with a 2-yard run by Stewart.

Florida State relied on the legs of Zack Crockett, who scored two first half TDs - giving the Noles an early second quarter lead, 14-7.

Miami didn't flinch. C.J. Richardson thwarted a Florida State drive, picking off Kanell and returning it 58 yards, to the Noles' 29-yard line. Six plays later, Stewart strutted it in from 5 yards out and tied the game, 14-14.

In the closing minutes of the half, the first of two game-changing plays. Ryan Collins entered at quarterback on 3rd and Goal from the 1-yard line, with 0:14 on the clock. Collins rolled out and found Derrick Harris, wide open in the end zone. Entering the half - Miami 21, Florida State 14.

Momentum - Advantage: Hurricanes

The majority of the third quarter resulted in both teams trading field goals - putting the Canes ahead, 24-17.

The second game-changing play took place in the closing moments of the quarter. Miami had Florida State pinned deep. Kanell's drop had him in the middle of the end zone when he delivered his errant pass right into the eager mitts of Carlos Jones. Jones returned the interception 16 yards for a touchdown. As the Canes piled on and strutted the sideline together, mugging for the Nation - a catchphrase was born.

Son of Bob, Miami linebacker Rohan Marley stared at the lens and made the following statement: "Big time players make big time plays, baby. Big time players make big time plays."

Had Marley put a Trademark on the phrase, he might've gotten royalties when Santana Moss dropped his version in 2000, moments after upsetting Florida State, 27-24.

Tears streaming down his cheeks, Moss let the CBS audience know that, "Big time players step up in big games."

This night, that meant - Miami 31, Florida State 17 after three. This one was officially in the books.

The crowd noise increased every defensive stop and this one was over two field goals later. Final score - Miami 34, Florida State 20.

It's hardly the most important game in this storied rivalry, but this was big. Any momentum the Noles had as defending champs; it was gone. Miami reminded Florida State they were still king of the mountain with this convincing beat down.

34-20 on October 8th and friendly reminder that it was 4-1 in regards to National Championships.



.:Canes305:.


Still haven’t gotten geared up for this year’s Labor Day tussle?

Check out some of these Miami/Florida State designs - Mutual Disrespect, Choke: II and the "Our Policy is Beating FSU" Tees.

For the ultimate fan of this rivalry? The "Winner Takes All" DVD, chronicling the history of Miami/Florida State!

Countdown: Miami v. Florida State - Our Top 5

With the season quickly approaching, I was reminiscing about the Miami/Florida State rivalry over the weekend. If forced to pick my five favorite games in this rivalry - which would I choose?

Based on a thread I saw on a message board earlier, I decided to come up with my top five tussels between the Canes and Noles. Being that the series dates back to 1951, we're going to keep this list in the modern era of Miami Football (1983-present) and focus on the most important, most exciting and most memorable match ups since.

[#5] - Miami 28, Florida State 27 - (2002) - I'm going with the Miami/Florida State match up of 2002 as my #5 game in the series. Some might argue the importance as the Noles were ranked #9 entering the game. Still, the Canes were #1 and riding a 27-game win streak as defending National Champions.

Had Miami lost at some other point during the regular season in 2002, this game would've lost some luster - but being that the Canes reached the title game, this became a very important game in the rivalry.

Florida State's overtime choke-job at Louisville the week before ruined what should've been two top five teams and a bigger match up, on paper. Still, when these two teams hit the field - throw out the predictions.

Part of the reason this game made the list is due to the pain Florida State and their fans felt after losing this game.

Miami jumped out to a 7-0 lead halfway through the first quarter on a 4-yard run by Willis McGahee. The 91-yard drive took 13 plays – highlighted by a 29-yard fingertip grab by Kellen Winslow II.

As has happened so often in Hurricanes’ history, when things seem too easy – great Miami teams have been known to back off instead of applying pressure.

Early in the second quarter, with a chance to go ahead 14-0, the Canes fumbled a snap and the Noles recovered. Aided by a pair of pass interference calls and an off sides penalty, Florida State drove 85-yards for their first score – a 30-yard touchdown run by Nick Maddox, tying the game 7-7.

The rest of the quarter belonged to the Noles. Xavier Beitia hit a 45-yard field goal around the six minute mark and as the quarter came to a close, Rix found Talman Gardner in the back of the west end zone for a 10-yard strike.

Down 17-7 with just over two minutes in the quarter, Ken Dorsey rallied the Canes and drove them downfield as he had so many times in the past. Kevin Beard had a key grab, but it was Winslow who was on the receiving end of a 5-yard touchdown pass with :26 remaining in the half.

Headed into halftime, 17-14 seemed much more tolerable than 17-10. Still, it was the first time Miami would trail at halftime under second year head coach Larry Coker.

The third quarter proved to be a defensive slugfest. Miami’s offense began to show life with a 52-yard bomb from Dorsey to Roscoe Parrish, but it was called back due to an illegal chop block on Jarrett Payton.

Replays showed no chop block and the Canes eventually punted. Beitia nailed a 42-yarder to extend the Noles’ lead to 20-14.

Sitting pretty at 2-for-2 on the day regarding field goals, Beitia and holder Chance Gwaltney began talking some trash to Miami players after each kick sails through the uprights. Obviously these two weren’t history buffs or they’d have realized Miami/Florida State isn’t in the books until that final snap.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Greg Jones barreled into the end zone from 11-yards out, extending the Seminoles’ lead to 27-14. Jones would eventually end the day with 189 yards on 31 carries while Miami as a team only rushed for 115 yards.

Florida State nursed a 13-point lead until the middle of the fourth quarter. Dorsey led the Canes on a 70-yard drive, ending with a 2-yard strike to Beard. The Noles lead was cut to 27-21. Miami’s defense would have to get the ball back and it was on the offense to put up one more big time score.

The defense held and one play later, McGahee tore off a 68-yard run on a Dorsey-thrown screen pass.

Faced with a 1st and 10 from the 11-yard line. Dorsey handed off to Jason Geathers – who found pay dirt moments later. Miami 28, Florida State 27.

With just over five minutes remaining, the Canes held the Noles on the ensuing possession. Miami’s offense couldn’t put the game away and was forced to punt. Freddie Capshaw then shanked the worst punt of his career at the most inopportune time. His 3-yard boot gave Florida State the ball on their own 46-yard line.

Rix completed two passes to Gardner – one for 8 yards and the next, a miracle toss for 15-yards. After two straight running plays amassed no yardage, the Noles lined and Rix spiked the ball as it appeared the clock had expired. The referees determined there was 0:01 left on the clock, allowing Florida State a crack at a 43-yard game-winning field goal.

Beitia lined up near just left of center, cocked back and sent his kick wide left – into the same Miami-clad end zone where Dan Mowery sent a potential game tying kick wide right in 1992, resulting in a 19-16 Hurricanes' victory.

Call it the football gods, fate, luck or whichever adjective you feel works best – it was Miami’s game to win. On a day where they were out rushed, complacent at times and even self-destructive – Miami had enough to turn it on late, scoring 14 unanswered points in just under three minutes late in the fourth quarter. The defense then held up its end of the bargain and took care of business.

Check back Tuesday for allCanes.com’s #4 game in the Miami/Florida State rivalry! 21 days ‘til kick off. Are you ready?



.:Canes305:.


Still haven’t gotten geared up for this year’s Labor Day tussle?

Check out some of these Miami/Florida State designs - Mutual Disrespect, Choke: II and the "Our Policy is Beating FSU" Tees.

For the ultimate fan of this rivalry? The "Winner Takes All" DVD, chronicling the history of Miami/Florida State!

Say it ain't so, Slow Mo...

Well, it's not Hurricanes Football. But since Miami Faithful had to constantly hear the name Maurice Clarett these past few seasons and endure his overplayed Fiesta Bowl highlight everytime he was in the news for another crime -- it's only fitting that we chime in here and share our two cents regarding this quality individual.

Congrats, Slow Mo.

Three years ago you were a top your game regarding college football. You sat out the 2003 season after being charged with misdemeanor falsification on a police report. Soon after that black eye, you dropped out of college. You challenged the NFL in an attempt to be included in the 2004 NFL Draft and lost that battle.

Denver gave you what was a third or fourth chance in the NFL Draft, choosing you in the fifth round. At best, you deserved to go in the seventh. You alienated your Broncos teammates and soon found yourself cut from the franchise.

On the financial front, it's been reported that you are over $1M in debt from legal fees - in going toe to toe with the NFL (and losing.) Your superagent also turned down that $413,000 contract from Denver because you both felt you deserved incentives if/when you became a superstar.

You rang in the 2006 New Year by jacking two Columbus, OH locals (who probably cheered for you during the 2002 football season, no less.)

You made off with a cell phone, $150 in cash and the .45 caliber handgun you used to stick them up. Over 2,000 miles away your former team was putting a beating down Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.

As impossible as this next statement sounds... all your past hijinx pale in comparison after last night's actions.

For those who missed it, you were arrested. Again.

A police chase ensued. The stun gun made an appearance... a failed one, at that. Why? Because you were wearing a bulletproof vest, silly! As you were in the paddy wagon - throwing a fit, kicking the doors and being a problem for the police involved - they tore apart your sweet Hyundai SUV and found four loaded weapons. You were sitting on a 9-millimeter handgun, next to a half-full bottle of Gray Goose and a children's CD.

Where can things really go from here? Honestly, Maurice. You had the world by the tail. All you had to was stay on the semi-straight and narrow. Hell, you were attempting to get into the troubled NFL. You weren't heading into corporate America.

You've used up every 'sympathy card' you had. Sitting here today, no one feels sorry for you. Some are even laughing at you. You're a reality TV show gone wrong. A fairy tale without the happy ending. A joke with a confusing punchline.

Your legacy? You're considered more of a one-hit wonder and running joke than Vanilla Ice.

You're "incredible" Fiesta Bowl performance against Miami? Let's set that record straight while we're at it; 23 carries for 47 yards. Someone needs to remind ESPN - as they church up your accolades - you were outrushed by your QB in that game. Yeah, you got your game winner* in overtime. We all know that because it's the only highlight we ever see of you on TV. Your resume came to crashing halt that evening.

Enjoy prison, MC. That's the only thing in your foreseeable future - and sadly, probably the safest place for a thug such as yourself. You're not only a menace to society, but you're a threat to yourself.

Hopefully your cell will have ESPN GamePlan and the NFL package - so you can reminisce about what was, while pondering what will never be.



.:Canes305:.

... and WE'RE the renegade program?

Two days ago, the sky was falling and all fingers were pointed directly at Miami regarding the four suspension. College football fans were coming out of the woodworks to chastise The U and its "renegade program." Four suspensions of two starters and two back ups. One suspension (Tyrone Moss) confirmed for missing study hall in January.

A day later, a REAL bomb dropped in Norman, Oklahoma. Starting QB Rhett Bomar and starting offensive guard J.D. Quinn were booted from the Sooner football program for accepting a "large amount of money for a small amount of work" at a Norman auto dealership.

Fringe benefits = adios, muchachos.

It should also be noted this is the same auto dealership who "loaned" a Lexus to starting TB Adrian Peterson last season. Peterson possessed the car for several weeks in what was referred to as a "test-drive" when it was returned.

Media coverage was definitely prevalent on Wednesday when news broke - but in no way was it at mean-spirited or attacking as what Miami endured Tuesday for the suspension of four players.

The Canes didn't break the law. The NCAA didn't come down on the program - as they would OU for the extra benefits Bomar and Quinn accepted. Make no mistake, their being booted was a pre-emptive move by the university. Take care of the situation on their own before the NCAA gets involved and starts snooping. The last think OU wants is the NCAA looking into this car dealership situation - especially with Peterson's name tied to it for his 'rental car.'

On Wednesday's edition of "Around The Horn" on ESPN, journalist-hack Jay Mariotti called Miami a "renegade program."

I didn't know that missing study hall deemed one a "renegade."

Someone needs to remind this slug that it's 2006 -- not 1986. No Canes are sporting army fatigues and storming out of bowl game, steak fry dinners. Players aren't dancing a jig every play. Miami isn't racking up 200+ unsportsmanlike penalty yards for taunting. There are no Pell Grant scandals flooding the headlines, either.

Twenty years have passed, Mariotti. How long will you and other media hacks continue to penalize the Canes for past crimes. In case you missed it, the price has been paid. Probation. Loss of a bowl game (1995.) Scholarships stripped.

It was five very down seasons - by Miami's standards. From 1995-1999 the Canes amassed a 40-19 record - including their first losing season (5-6 in 1997) since the 1970s.

The previous five seasons (1990-1994) Miami went 52-8. The won a champonship (1991), lost one (1992) and had an outside shot at a third (1994.)

The five seasons after the probation era (2000-2004) the Canes amassed a 55-7 record. The won a championship (2001), had one stolen (2002) and went to four straight BCS games ('01 Sugar, '02 Rose, '03 Fiesta and '04 Orange.)

For you academic figureheads, Miami graduated 87% of it's football players in 2005 and 84.2% in 2004... so can the 'football factory' comments, already.

A steep price was paid in the late 90s and the Canes have played by the rules ever since. "Renegade program" my ass. Talk about a cliche and played-out stereotype. Look north if you want to find the thugs. That's not present day Miami.

Curious to see how this all pans out the next few weeks. Lots of turmoil in college football right now. As my other *favorite* hack writer Pat Forde mentioned in today's column, the entire ESPN College Football front page was chock full of rather upsetting headlines:

> Auburn sits Blackmon, Sears for 3 games
> Volunteers dismiss one football player, suspend another
> Moss, Moore among suspended Canes for FSU game
> Report: Son of Bonds' surgeon flunked USC steroid test
> Air Force suspends kicker Harrison indefinitely
> Marijuana issue last straw as Utah St. dismisses Davis
> NCAA says bad report cards could cost schools plenty

The headline/photo were obviously the current scandal at OU with Bomar and Quinn.

Call me crazy, but I'll take a coach's suspsension for a missed study hall over every other violation on that page.

Yet, the Canes are the renegades...


.:Canes305:.

St. Bobby - Take a Lesson from Larry Coker

The AP just broke the news that Ryan Moore, Tyrone Moss, James Bryant and Rashaun Jones will all be suspended for the season opener against Florida State on Labor Day.

Moore's suspension will last three games suspension, the first of which was last December's Peach Bowl. The suspension carries through the September 9th meeting against FAMU.

Obviously this is disappointing news. You never want to see one player suspended, let alone four. Especially two were starters on what was an anemic offense in 2005.

Still, you have to credit Larry Coker for laying down the law. Some have uttered that Coker doesn't deserve any praise for his actions here. After all, he's just doing his job.

True. Everything he's doing here is a job requirement. That said, other coaches have been known to bend rules and sway outcomes in the favor of the program - instead of protecting the individual. With Coker, it's 'right vs. wrong'. There's no gray area.

Bobby Bowden has joked in the past that he wouldn't suspend players the week of the Miami/Florida State game. Over time, the joke became reality and Bowden blew several opportunites to 'just do his job' and bench key players who deserved more than running a few sets of stairs.

The complaints have poured in the past five seasons that Coker was soft. That he was a grandfather-like figure and that his players love him, but might not fear or respect him. Many cited Butch Davis as a better disciplinarian - suspending key players for big games (Nate Webster sitting out the game against #2 UCLA in 1998 comes to mind.)

In this case, four players broke some unspecified team rules and they're ruding the pine in arguably the biggest game of the 2006 season. This is a sharp contrast to summer 2005 and how our counterparts in Trailerhassee handled some off-season issues regarding Florida State's football program.

As I mentioned yesterday, last year's pre-season was rather tumultuous for the Seminoles.

Linebacker Ernie Sims was arrested for a domestic dispute charge. Witnesses state that Sims slammed his 5-foot-2 and 118 pound girlfriend (Brooke McGriff) onto the pavement and straddled her as she lay on the concrete in front of a residence hall near the Florida State campus. As she tried to stand, he continously shoved her back to the ground.

Months before the Sims incident, linebacker A.J. Nicholson was arrested on felony DUI charges and resisted arrest - to the point where Tallahassee police had to taser him into submission.

The rest is history. Both stories were swept under the rug and both linebackers started against Miami in the season opener. In the ABC telecast of the game last Labor Day, neither commentator even THOUGHT about taking a shot at St. Bobby for not disciplining his players - both who were very active and instrumental in holding the Canes to a touchdown in a 10-7 Miami loss.

Amazing what level a legendary coach will stoop to when losing to his in state rival six straight times.

While it's not official what Moore, Moss, Bryant and Jones did, we know this much - it wasn't against the law. They broke unspecified team rules - which usually means missing study hall or something of that nature.

Whatever the case, Coker laid down the law and will receive little credit for it. If anything, Miami will get ripped here for having four players in trouble.

Conversely, Bowden the Teflon Don showed no integrity last season by letting Sims and Nicholson play - yet received no criticism for the act.

Yet another one to file under "Miami media bias."


.:Canes305:.