Pleading my case...

Miami AD Paul Dee is an attorney. He understands the art form of laying out one's point, building a case and then attempting to prove those said points.

That's what I'm about to do here because you have ABSOLUTELY dropped the ball, Mr. Dee. A golden opportunity was missed yesterday morning when nothing was said or done regarding Miami's ACC title dreams going down the toilet Saturday in Atlanta.

On Monday October 30th, the University of Miami should've called a press conference stating that head coach Larry Coker will be let go at the end of the 2006 season. He would finish out the four remaining regular season games but in 2007, The U would go a different direction with it's football program.

There's nothing easy about pulling the trigger on a decision of this magnitude. Still, the writing is on the wall and has been for a while now. Everyone knows this is coming. Why the delay? Rip the Band Aid off. The 'slow peel' method never worked in the past and it certainly isn't the answer now, Paul.

Dee has oft stated that Miami would evaluate the Coker situation at the end of 2006. Days after the embarrassing 31-7 loss at Louisville (Sept. 16th), he did the local talk radio circuit and stated that the Canes still had a shot at winning the ACC. That was the rallying cry and it bought the Miami admin some time.

Like any good lawyer, Dee knew exactly what he was doing with this smokescreen. The Canes were about to embark on a four game stretch where their only ACC opponents were North Carolina and Duke. Heading into Georgia Tech weekend (Oct. 28th), it'd have taken a miracle for Miami to not be 2-1 in conference play. As bad as things looked in mid-September, the Canes technically were still in the hunt for the next six weeks, though the worst team in the ACC took them to the wire in Durham, NC.

After the 1-2 start, Miami won games against Houston, UNC, FIU and Duke. Dee's notion that the Canes could still win the ACC seemed far fetched, but still proved mathematically true until losing 30-23 at Georgia Tech this past weekend.

Sitting at 5-3, Miami is now out of the mix and Paul Dee has nothing to hide behind regarding the impending firing of Larry Coker. There will be no ACC title game and right now the Canes are looking at either a 7-5 or 6-6 regular season.

Gone are the days of calling fans spoiled or talking about Coker's 53-9 record entering 2006. 53-9 sounds good on paper, but peel thing back a few layers. Miami is now 6-5 in its last 11 games.

The Canes are going to miss the BCS for a third straight season after going four straight times between 2000-2003. Right now, a lowly Peach Bowl invite would be as welcomed as a Willy Wonka Golden Ticket.

When Miami fans are freezing their tails off in the 'Blue Turf' Bowl in Idaho mid-December, we'll all be longing for the 'good ole days' of back-to-back New Years in Atlanta...

The moment Rashaun Jones fumbled the final punt on Saturday and the "L" was in the books, Dee and the Board of Trustees should've been on the phone with Coker's attorney, working on a buyout. An announcement should've been made 24-48 hours later with Coker resigning but staying on through the Boston College game on Thanksgiving.

If North Carolina could do that with John Bunting, why is a football powerhouse struggling to determine Coker's future?

Here's what Paul Dee should've done this week and can do any Monday following a Miami loss in November:

>>> Clear the air. No more unknowns. Let the coaches, players, alumni and fans all know where Miami Football is headed. What's happened in 2006 will not be tolerated. Send a message to the college football coaching community that The U is in the market for a new leader and let potential recruits know that the ship is being righted for 2007 and beyond.

>>> Having Coker step down now will force the media and the bitter fan base to do an about face regarding the fourth coach in school history to bring home a title. These final four games would have people reminiscing about what Coker did between 2001-2003 and the month of November would be The Larry Coker Farewell Tour.

From a public relations standpoint, everything would be out in the open and it would prompt the national media to celebrate what Larry Coker DID do for Miami instead of focusing on the wheels falling off. The U would get some great press out of this and even the bigger Coker critics would finally show an ounce of compassion for the man instead of making it out to be something personal.

>>> By NOT doing it, the Coker era ends with a thud. The boos and 'Fire Coker' chants will rain down this Saturday when Miami struggles with Virginia Tech and the lack of support for the Thanksgiving match up against Boston College will be beyond atrocious.

Thursday November 23rd will be Senior Day in the OB and the last game of the Coker Era and it'll be met by no more than 20,000 fans. Days later, the hammer will fall and Coker's tenure will end with a whimper and no chance for the national media or fans to give this man his due for what good he DID bring to Miami.

>>> Had the Coker Era ended yesterday, it'd have given his players something to rally around. We all know these Canes are reeling. They never recovered from the FIU brawl and media backlash. Losing to Georgia Tech knocked them down another rung.

Instead of the pressure which comes from playing to save your coaches job, you immediately eliminate that from the equation. You find a graceful way to let Coker resign, let him coach the final four games and let his players rally around him. They love this man and the best motivation for them would be busting their asses for four games in an effort to prove that Coker didn't deserve to be fired. That extra motivation against the likes of Virginia Tech, Maryland and Boston College certainly can't hurt.

These Canes need a rallying cry and letting Coker resign would given them that - much like our arch-rivals did in Gainesville a few seasons ago.

Ron Zook was canned after a 4-3 start and a disheartening loss to lowly Mississippi State back in October 2004. Zook's bunch lost the following week against Georgia, but the 4-4 Gators then rallied to win their final three regular season games, including a 20-13 upset of then #8 Florida State.

Zook's players made their statement and carried him off the newly named Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. (The 7-4 Gators lost to the Canes, 27-10 in the Peach Bowl with interim coach, defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.)

Had Dee let Coker go on Monday, his players could've rallied around him for the final four regular season games. Beat Boston College on Senior Day, let the kids carry Coker off the Orange Bowl field (for the first and last time) and let Randy Shannon serve as interim head coach for the meaningless bowl game.

>>> All of this is still an option next Monday after Miami loses to Virginia Tech. Please don't stand on ceremony, Paul. You missed your chance after the Georgia Tech loss, but my agenda will make even more sense for a 5-4 Miami bunch than it did a 5-3 squad. Regardless of how the final few weeks play out, something needs to be done before accepting a lowly bowl invite.

>>> The fact this hasn't been done have me wondering what Paul Dee and Donna Shalala's game plan truly is. It's painfully obvious that Miami doesn't want to buy out Coker's contract and is staving off what most see as the inevitable.

At any other major program, Coker would've been asked to resign either after the loss to LSU in the Peach Bowl or the trouncing at Louisville - a combined beatdown of 71-10. Sandwiched between those two, a 13-10 loss to Florida State , an expected win against Division I-AA, Florida A&M and all on the heels of back-to-back 9-3 seasons. Instead, Miami stood by Coker through an embarrassing brawl with an intracity rival and now a third loss in eight games.

Another case where money proves to be the root of all evil.

The longer the Miami top brass waits to pull the trigger on this, the more fans will spew their venom and call for Coker's head. Dee and Shalala could end this witch hunt by pulling the trigger sooner than later. Each week that passes with no change, the natives will get that much more restless.

Paul Dee, it's your move. I'm curious to see if the master attorney can shoot any holes in what I believe is an air tight argument and an open & shut case.

The defense rests.


.:Canes305:.

Rory & The Orange Revolution

A few weeks back I received an email from Rory Ellis, a diehard fan who refuses to let the Canes go quietly into the good night. Rory wrote and explained to me The Orange Revolution - an effort to get Miami Faithful to sport orange gear at all home games.

Rory first wrote before the road trip to Duke, meaning Miami didn't have its next home game until November 4th against Virginia Tech. During that span, the Canes almost lost to the lowly Blue Devils and did lose to the Yellow Jackets. At 5-3, I truly expected The Orange Revolution to lose steam and resurface for the 2007 home schedule.

Hardly the case.

Below is an email sent out bright and early this morning. Rory and the Revolution are still going full bore this weekend for Homecoming and I commend their spirit:

"A group of UM fans (I am one of them) is trying to rally UM fans for the remaining home games. In a show of support for our team and program we are trying to get everyone to wear ORANGE.

UM fans never rally or come together for anything, but seeing the University of Miami football program pulled through the mud this year, and seeing the teams struggles over and over again, it is time to stand up and come together. When the team is down, it is the PERFECT TIME FOR THE FANS TO STAND UP!

I am calling on all Cane fans, starting with VT and continuing with the remaining home games, to WEAR ORANGE. AN ORANGE JERSEY, AN ORANGE SHIRT, ORANGE PAINT, ORANGE SIGNS... ANYTHING, JUST MAKE IT ORANGE!

If you could get this on your blog, in your stores, on the radio, in your papers and on campus it would go a long way! I am trying to get this as big as possible and any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

IT’S TIME TO STAND UP IN SUPPORT FOR THIS PROGRAM! THEY NEED TO KNOW OUR SUPPORT IS STILL STRONG!

ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE

THE ORANGE REVOLUTION BEGINS NOW!"

Nice work, Rory. allCanes sincerely hopes you pull this off and get local fans supporting the cause and sporting the anaranjado this Sabado at the OB. We find your effort inspiring. Especially with the Canes 5-3. Anyone can lead the charge when we're 8-0, but fans show their real colors when the program has had a few rough outings.

We want to chip in and do our part, so we're donating two game tickets to your cause. You mentioned having to purchase tickets for your folks and allCanes.com would love nothing more than to have them go to the game on us.

For those of you lacking in orange Miami gear, I've compiled a list of our hottest selling orange tees this season. Support Rory and The Orange Revolution. Show the rest of the nation that we still follow our Canes through THICK and THIN.

This ain't about the coaches. It's about being a fan and supporting your team. Even if you wear a brown bag on your head and scrawl "Fire Larry" on your t-shirt - get out to the games and support these kids who chose to play for The U.

>>> Orange "It's a Canes Thing..." Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Miami UnderArmour Collection - Click Here
>>> Orange Nike Orange Bowl Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Nike Football Practice Tee V - Click Here
>>> Orange Nike "The U" Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange "Legends of Miami" Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Hurricanes Ibis Oval Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Two-Sided U Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Varsity Practice Squad Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Two-Sided L/S U Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Miami Ibis Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange Tribute Football Tee - Click Here
>>> Orange U "Breakout" Tee - Click Here

Random thoughts on Miami/Georgia Tech 2006

Miami lost to Georgia Tech, 30-23. This was a do-or-die game and the Canes needed the win to stay alive in the ACC. They blew it and for all intents and purposes, this season is over.

Not only did Miami lose, but the did so in grandiose fashion - giving up 17 points in the game's final ten minutes, pulling a 41-yard Greg Olsen touchdown out of thin air, not going for the onside kick with just over two minutes left on the clock and then muffing a punt after holding the Jackets to a quick three and out.

Other random ramblings on this extremely disappointing loss:

>>> The future starts now. With all due respect to head coach Larry Coker, it's time for athletic director Paul Dee to make a move here. It's a fait accompli that Coker is gonzo at the conclusion of this football season. The pipe dream of winning the ACC bought Dee some time after the 31-7 loss at Louisville, but the charade is over. Man up, officially let Coker go this week and then give him a chance to finish out the rest of the season. (Like UNC has done with John Bunting and like Florida did with Ron Zook a few years back).

The news has to be made official. The fans, players, future recruits and assistant coaches deserve to know the fate of this program. Everyone sees the elephant in the corner. It's time to acknowledge it and clearly state that The Larry Coker Era ends at the final whistle after the Boston College game.

>>> Making this new official will do several things, starting with getting the matter out in the open. I can only imagine how uncomfortable things are around Hecht as Coker has to go through the motions, everyone knowing he's gone but no one acknowledging it. Get it out in the open and let Coker coach his final four games as Miami's head coach without that dark cloud continuously over his head.

This is also the only shot this team has at a 'rally the troops' type end to the season; "Win one for the Clapper." If Coker were officially gone today, the kids would feel partially responsible and I believe it'd be a motivator. They'd want to win out, feeling they let down their coach.

If nothing is mentioned until after BC, this will be a slow bleeding death and Miami will lose 2-3 of it's final four regular season games. The media will continue to devour Coker, the message boards/talk radio shows will continue piling on and the frustration will mount.

Conversely, announcing the firing will have the media talking about the bright spots in the Coker era and the fan base will be less bitter, knowing a change is coming in 2007. This will also force the team to play a looser brand of football as the 'pressure' to win will be off. The focus will be on upsetting better teams in an effort to send Coker out on a high note. Gone will be that sense of urgency where wins would offer the false sense of hope that Coker would keep his job.

>>> This harsh stance was made even more evident after Coker defending the decision to not go for an onside kick down seven points with 2:37 left in the game... especially with the new, speed-up-the-clock rules. Coker stated that he didn't feel his senior kicker or punter could effectively execute an onside kick, feeling the best play was to hold Tech and then block a punt.

If these kids can't execute an onside kick, who does that blame fall on? The head coach. Even in the aftermath of the poor decision, to then defend it and mention that these kids can still 'rebound' - I say based on what? Miami hasn't beaten one 'pretty good' team this year. How can anyone truly feel these Hurricanes can take out Virginia Tech, Maryland, Virginia and Boston College? The odds of that happening are infinitesimal.

>>> The 'trickle down effect' is in full force. Reading these quotes, we're seeing similar quotes from our players and NONE of them sound like vintage Miami.

>>> I am officially sick of hearing about the 'character' of this squad. If this bunch had tremendous 'character' the Canes wouldn't be a three-loss team today. Everything was on the table against Georgia Tech and Miami blew it... again. We saw a stat Saturday stating that this was the FIFTH time in 197 games where the Canes lost when sporting a third quarter lead. You want to talk 'character' tell me about the Canes who were on the field the 192 games Miami WON after a third quarter lead.

I believe we have some really good kids on this team and they definitely aren't a bunch of thugs, as they've been called since the FIU brawl. As a unit, though they aren't a good 'team' by any stretch of the imagination. They say all the right things before and after a game, but they don't deliver the goods on Saturday. If you truly have 'character' you don't fold with everything on the line. Rashaun Jones fumbling late, Kyle Wright fumbling on offense, Lance Leggett refusing to lay out for a very catchable ball - all on a day where Miami was trying to prove itself to the world? That's unacceptable.

>>> Miami had 14 penalties for 125 yards at Duke last weekend and they were sacked seven times by Georgia Tech in 2005. This year, the Jackets sacked the Canes six times and regarding penalties, Miami had 8 for 72 yards. The Canes needed to protect Wright and remain virtually penalty-free to beat the Yellow Jackets. They failed miserably in both categories and that's a direct result of a coaching staff who didn't have their kids ready to play.

>>> Why did Coker sit Javarris James late in the second quarter? I understand resting a kid for the latter part of the game, but James was the hottest hand out there at the time and Miami had a chance of going up 20-10 at the half, instead of tied 13-13. Tyrone Moss entered and lost 9 yards on two carries (lost four on 3rd and 1 and lost five on a 1st and 10.) He finished the day with 5 carries for 7 yards while James netted 113 yards on 19 carries.

These Canes NEEDED the psychological edge of leading at halftime. Letting Tech tie it put them right back in the game and gave them all the momentum.

>>> Where was James Bryant in the short yardage situations? Bryant proved games back that he was a beast when it came to blocking and that he could catch short passes out of the backfield. He also showed that he's Miami's most energetic and fired up offensive player. To have him on the bench was a sin. Especially when Miami failed to pick up a 3rd and 1 on two separate occasions in the first half. Putting James in a one-back set when the entire stadium knew Miami was running? That's atrocious. If you're running the ball, put Bryant in and let him lead block for James. If you're going one back, don't hesitate to throw a quick out to pick up the yard.

>>> Why are Miami's coaches so against a delayed draw when the blitz is on? As defenders are blitzing, give it to James on the delay and let him make a move. There were times #5 was being taken down in the same moment he was handed the football.

>>> Coker didn't challenge what proved to be an interception by Brandon Meriweather. The officials waved it off, and a few plays later Georgia Tech kicked a game tying field goal making it 16-16. This blunder will get a blog of its own as the issue runs much deeper than just that play. Stay tuned.

Regarding it's impact on Saturday, Georgia Tech tied the game and took momentum whereas has Miami gotten the ball after the interception, they'd have led 16-13 and had the ball on the 20-yard line with all kinds of options.

>>> On a side note, when was the last time the Canes won an 'important' game. I don't count last year's 27-7 win over Virginia Tech as Miami choked the next weekend against Georgia Tech, ending their shot at winning the ACC. By 'important' I mean a game which propelled the Canes to something of importance. I believe the last 'big' game Miami won was the season finale at Pittsburgh in 2003. The win put the Canes in the 2004 Orange Bowl against the Noles (... it should've been a Fiasco Bowl rematch with the Buckeyes). Miami hasn't sniffed the BCS since.

>>> Should Miami lose to Virginia Tech (or should I say 'when' they lose...), it's time to get Kirby Freeman and other back ups in the game. Open up the competition. At 5-4 you are officially building for next year. In don't believe Freeman is better than Wright, but I do believe that the moment this season is officially in the toilet, it's time to let other kids see the field.

Preparation for 2007 starts now. Give the new coaching staff something to work with (regarding game film on back up players) as these kids could see significant playing time next season and should cut their teeth now, when mistakes will matter less.

>>> My parting thoughts to Hurricane Nation... hang in there. Like all things, this will pass. We didn't expect this season to be the bust it is. That said, the constant complaining and piling on isn't going to change anything. There will be a new regime in 2007. That is fact. It'd have taken an ACC title game berth to save Coker's job. That isn't going to happen, so take solace knowing next year will bring change. That has to be good enough now.

Look at our Florida State bretheren in Tallahassee. They are stuck with Bobby Bowden until the old man quits or dies. Whichever comes first. The Miami Rebuilding Project starts in 2007 while the Noles will experience more of the same. This will mark their six straight season with three or more losses and more are on the horizon.

Let's all attempt to have an ounce of class here. At day's end, things need to be said - but there's a right and wrong way to do so. Coker has dropped the ball regarding the program, but he's still a good man. I know that point is oft overstated, but it's important I say that here after my rant regarding the state of the program. My frustration - like yours - is based on the steady decline and bottoming out. That's no reason to spew venom at the coaches or players as people. Judge their on the field actions and please try to can the personal attacks.

Four more games of treading water, absorbing losses and counting down until the new regime. Take the rest of 2006 in stride and let's try our best to quit beating that dead horse.




.:Canes305:.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/30/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Monday October 30th.

Today's winners are:

> Margarita Blythe - WPB, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Dave Albury - Deland, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Alvaro Sosa - Carol City, FL - $25 RomaBucks

Winners will be officially notified today and gift cards will be sent out first thing next week.

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006 allCanes UWIN Contest.


(Note: Registering once makes you eligible for every drawing during the 2006 season. Multiple entries will be deleted.)

No one's getting out alive...

I just cancelled my Sunday plans so I can digest this loss and blog about the state of the program. Check back Monday. No one will escape unscathed.

Miami lost to a very average Georgia Tech team, 30-23 - further proof that the Canes aren't even an 'average' bunch anymore.

While I do believe the problem can be rectified in 2007 (with a new coaching staff), the rest of this season will get mightly ugly. Virginia Tech, @Maryland, @Virginia and Boston College all loom and Miami is looking at 2-3 more losses.

This was a day when a season could've been saved. To do so, a monumental effort was needed from Miami. Instead, a tied game early in the fourth quarter would up a seven point loss - with the Canes giving up 17 points in those final fifteen minutes.

This one was bad... and I'm gonna unload on Sunday. Stay tuned.


.:Canes305:.

Random notes entering GT weekend...

>>> Jon Beason is headed to Atlanta and I think that's more important than Ryan Moore not making the journey. Some of Beason's ACC media day quotes made their way into an AJC article on Wednesday and #2 can't say what he said and then not play, even if the comments were made in July and not October.

Regarding the 14-10 loss to Georgia Tech in 2005, The Beast said the following:

"If those guys came over here right now, I probably could get both teams to admit that we were better than them, or we outplayed them, statistically. But they wanted it. They wanted it, they made it happen 60 minutes long, and when it was over, they were on top, and we can't do anything about that.

You go back and watch the tape from a defensive standpoint. The drive they scored. Interception. They called pass interference. It should have been an interception. That drive's taken; that's seven points taken away. Then, the other series that they scored on, we had an excessive-celebration penalty; once again, something that we can control. It wasn't anything that Georgia Tech did to us."

As a Miami fan, it's easy to get Beason's point. Of course Georgia Tech responded with "scoreboard" and they have that right. Still, it #2 feels the Canes gave one away in 2005 then he has to be one the leaders regarding taking it back this Saturday. Beason is one of few team leaders here today. If anyone is going to help keep these Canes focused, it's #2.


>>> The Canes were 1-of-14 on third down conversions last year against Georgia Tech. This is the stat of the game. Forget the 30 rushing yards for 30 yards, the bogus P.I. calls and the late interception by Kyle Wright. You aren't winning ball games where you only pick up one third down conversion. Miami needs to string together longer drives to gain confidence and momentum on offense. Move the chains.


>>> Speaking of Wright, it's time for that 'signature' game already. Steve Walsh and others have called for it and I'm doing the same. I think Wright is Miami's best QB and believe he's taken a lot of unnecessary heat this year. The Canes' offensive woes don't just fall on #3's shoulders. That said, Wright has been vocal this season. He's spoken out before and after big games. He's oft gone down the path of it being 'gut check time' for Miami. GT has rattled him these past two seasons and ruined 2005 for UM.

Know when to throw. Know when to tuck and run. Fumbles and interceptions aren't an option. Wright needs to lead. No more of this 'deer in headlights' crap when the blitz is on. Yes, his line and running backs will have to do their job picking up that blitz - but Wright needs to see the play before it happens. Check off at the line. Make the adjustments. Tech found great success in the blitz last year (sacking Wright seven times) so you know what's coming this Saturday.


>>> James Bryant needs to be a difference maker. As exciting as it's been to see him catch touchdown passes, I'm equally excited about Bryant's blocking. He needs to be in the backfield the majority of the day, giving Wright that extra second or blowing up a defender for Javarris James to run past.


>>> Bryant is an "X" factor... as is James, Sam Shields, Rashaun Jones, Calais Campbell, etc. Kids that weren't necessarily difference makers early in the season, nor were they a part of the game plan in 2005. Miami needs these "X" factor players to step up. Jones on special teams, Campbell on the defensive line and James/Shields on offense. All have shone brightly at times. This weekend they all need to make plays and give the Canes that shot in the arm, confidence boost.


>>> Colin McCarthy is gonzo with a hamstring injury. How much will he be missed on special teams. He's already blocked a punt and has been the most energetic S.O.B. we've seen on kickoff coverage since Kellen Winslow II in 2001. Can someone fill in and have a McCarthy-like impact on Georgia Tech's special teams? If there's any week Miami needs a break with a fumbled punt or big hit on a returner, it's now.


>>> For the third time this season, college football waits with baited breath for The Biggest Game in the Larry Coker Era. Coker failed his first two challenged in 2006, losing to Florida State and Louisville. The four-game win streak was back page news with the brawl, Moore suspension and due to the fact Miami played four straight nobodies.


>>> A loss at GT and Coker's run is unofficially officially over. A 5-3 record with wins over the likes of FAMU, Houston, North Carolina, FIU and Duke won't cut it. Miami has to beat their first 'good' opponent of the season. If that doesn't happen tomorrow, the wheels will officially fall off for these Canes. Playing with a fragile psyche, Miami needs to savor a good win if they're going to make a run down the stretch. Each successful journey begins with that first team. Miami's journey begins with a roadblock at Georgia Tech and losing isn't an option.


>>> IF Miami pulls the upset, they'll have effectively run the ball and Wright will have a solid, difference-making outing. Should the Canes lose, it'll be due to penalties and undisciplined football. I don't know what Coker did this week to fix the litany of on the field mistakes against Duke, but he better have been all over this issue. Miami was flagged 14 times for 125 yards last week in the 20-15 nailbiter against the worst team in the ACC. It goes without saying that boneheaded mistakes will absolutely ruin any chance of a Hurricane upset. Clean up the mental mistakes or pay a HUGE price tomorrow.


>>> Final prediction? I'm all over the map. If Miami comes to play it's a 24-16 win. If the Canes play like the wounded bunch many feel they are, I'll predict they're on the wrong end of a 27-7 beatdown.

Wishy-washy? I know. I truly have no feeling as this team hasn't been tested in six weeks. I'll remain optimistic, but I truly have zero clue what to expect on Saturday. Who shows up... for Miami AND Georgia Tech?


.:Canes305:.

Canes DOMINATE the competition in this clip...

Here's another clip from our Hurricane Flashback DVD. The last one we brought you highlighted the 1989 epic win over #1 Notre Dame. This one is an all around montage from game clips featured in this highlights package.

We're actually going back to the drawing board to make it a little bit more in depth and longer, but for now enjoy these two-and-a-half minute clip with "Domination" - by Pantera - as the backing track. Rock on.

To quote the Mel Brooks look-a-like...

Lame as it is, N.S.F.M.F. works here regarding Ryan Moore's return.

The state attorney's office is charging Moore with a felony regarding his altercation with a female student.

Of course our pal's have already run with it. ESPN had the ticker going during VT/Clemson, "Miami receiver Ryan Moore charged with a FELONY..."

The college football community knows about Moore's altercation with a female bar patron. Attaching "felony" to his name, the implication is there - he must've done something more to the girl. Not the case.

The felony upgrade is in regards to the car door Moore kicked, Daniel-san style. Damage done exceeded the limit of what would be deemed a misdemeanor, hence 'felony criminal mischief'.

Either way, another case of only telling part of the story.

According to Larry Coker, he "fully expects" Moore to play against Virginia Tech next weekend.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/27/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Friday October 27th.

Today's winners are:

> Linda Jones - Rockledge, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Josh Jacobs - Auburndale, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Brenda Wright - Athens, GA - $15 iTunes Gift Card

Winners will be officially notified today and gift cards will be sent out first thing next week.

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006 allCanes UWIN Contest.


(Note: Registering once makes you eligible for every drawing during the 2006 season. Multiple entries will be deleted.)

Shake it up...

Hold the phone, yo. Just when we thought we had the ACC solved, another Thursday Night ACC Shake Up went down. A few weeks back Florida State loses to NC State. Next week, Boston College railroads Virginia Tech. This week, the Chokies came to play and upended the league's best, #10 Clemson.

Tech rolls 24-7 this week coming off of a 22-3 beating last week in Chestnut Hill. That's good coaching and it's making for exciting conference play. The ACC almost feels Pac 10-like this year where anyone can knock off anyone.

GT beats VT. Clemson pounds GT. VT whoops Clemson. BC beat Clemson, VT and FSU. NCST beats BC and FSU but loses to MD and Wake.

Then there's Miami. 2-1 in conference and #2 in the Coastal. It almost sounds good until you realize the loss was against Florida State (last in the Atlantic) and the two wins were against North Carolina and down-to-the-wire Duke. It's even less impressive than it looks on paper.

The Canes' ACC season starts this Saturday. Up to now it's been the preseason. The mission starts at Georgia Tech and ends with Boston College and there are no breathers along the way. Virginia Tech, Maryland and Virginia are in middle. All five are capable of beating Miami. Especially if these kids can't get their heads on straight.

To make a run, this team needs to look forward. It's 0-0 right now and a brand new season. Go 5-0 and get to Jacksonville? People will quickly forget 1-2... for a while. Anything less, this will go down as Miami's worst season in a decade.

The heat is on. Will these kids fold under pressure or will they turn the season around on a dime? I don't have a clue. This team hasn't been tested since Louisville. Sure, there's been improvement each week (until short-handed at Duke) - but these were nobodies and the Canes looked average at best.

Miami has a knack for playing down to the level of the competition. Was that the case the past four weeks or is Miami 'that' bad? We'll find out this weekend.

We've all tried to block out the Florida State loss, but in hindsight, Miami fought hard that game. The intensity level was upped because it was that 'next level' ballgame. Big opponent. Big stakes. The Canes live for those games. They pin their ears back and go fool bore. Rusty Medearis-style, throwing their bodies around with reckless abandonment.

Miami and Florida State both look sub-par now, but on Labor Day they kicked it up a notch and beat the hell out of each other - convincing the nation these were 'supposedly' two top notch defenses.

For the first time in six games, Miami will be jacked up for a big time game. Will that energy translate into focus and execution? Or will the wheels fall off on national TV... again?

I don't care what these Canes have done thus far in 2006. It is what it is. The money's on the table. Miami's backed into a corner. Big time. They have the talent to come out swinging. Their predecessors have. If you want to be a great Miami team, you have to get that signature win. A run has to start somewhere. What better place than here? What better time than now? (Thanks, RATM).

I have no idea what to expect against Georgia Tech. My judgment is clouded. If I get that gut feeling the Canes will pull it out, my logical side calls me a 'bleeding heart'. Or I go the pessimistic route, expecting Louisville: Part Deux and I feel like it's too early to give up on this team. I owe them one more game. Beat Georgia Tech.

That's really what this season has come down to for me; beat the Jackets. If you lose the next four, kick some ass in Atlanta this weekend. This team stole one in the Orange Bowl last year. (Yes, stole.) True, their defense planted Kyle Wright like a petunia and Miami couldn't run the ball.

Georgia Tech's 14 points both came on drives where Miami self-imploded and once had an interception called back for a bogus pass interference. Even with that, the Canes had the ball with time on the clock and were down four points. You can't ask for any more than that on a night where nothing went your way. Possession and time to score. Just don't underthrow the tight end.

The loss to the Yellow Jackets ruined the Canes. They played uninspired against Virginia in the finale and then got throttled by LSU in the Peach Bowl. 2006 then opens with losses to Florida State and Louisville in a three-game span. We're talking 2-4 in a six game span starting with last year's 14-10 loss.

Virginia Tech made a statement tonight. As much as I hate them, I'll give credit where it's due. The Hokies were flat out embarrassed at BC. Kirk Herbstreit chastised the lackadaisical attitude and body language during the, 22-3 beatdown two weeks ago.

They got it together and beat Southern Miss, 36-6 and waited in the wings for Clemson. The Tigers whipped the Jackets, 31-7 last weekend and looked like the top ACC dog by a long shot. Virginia Tech was going to make a statement; that they're still a player or that they're toast.

The soaked up the Lane Stadium vibe, worked the #10 team in the country, 24-7 and showed that they're still alive in the ACC hunt.

Miami doesn't get homefield, but they get a lesser-ranked team (#21) and the same opportunity; redemption. The psyche of this team is going one direction or other after this game. A loss and those wheels will fall off as the Larry Coker era sputters to a halt. The Canes lose this Saturday, they drop 3-4 more this year.

But a win? Talk about a shot of adrenaline for a bunch of kids who are hanging on by a thread right how. Winning breeds winners. A win at Georgia Tech will bring the positive press ("Miami still in the hunt, etc.") and gives this team something to build on.

For a team that started the season with suspensions to four players, a season-opening loss to an arch rival, a huge road loss, no credit for wins over lesser teams, a brawl, the fallout from the brawl, suspensions and surviving a nail-biter against the conference doormat... With a game-saving interception by a kid best known for getting shot in the ass this past summer. Not to mention, a coach who's been on the hot seat since last season's bowl game.

Not exactly the blueprint for a National Championship run.

Still, this can be salvaged. The ACC has no front runner and we are yet to see Miami's best game. Clemson, Virginia Tech, Boston College and Georgia Tech have all shined at times but also fell flat on their faces.

The curtain's opening and Miami's taking the main stage in one of this Saturday's most pivotal games. Love or hate the Canes, you'll be watching - praying for a win or begging for a loss.

Win? Things could get interesting. Lose? We'll talk about that Sunday if need be.

Like I said a few weeks ago, baby steps.


.:Canes305:.

Moore: A Career Perspective & Swan Song

Ryan Moore is back, at the perfect or most inopportunte time depending on who you ask.

Word is that Moore will be charged with two misdemeanors next week regarding his late August on campus altercation with a female patron at the Rathskeller. Knowing the status of the case, Larry Coker has officially/unofficially reinstated Moore this week, stating that an eight game suspension is long enough for everything that's transpired since the pre-Peach Bowl incident. #85 has been practicing with his teammates and many feel he'll see the field this weekend at Georgia Tech.

While I disagree with Moore's actions, I am a firm believer in the judicial system. If the charges are being downgraded to two misdemeanors, there is no reason Moore should miss another game. Conversely, had he been charged with something more serious, I'd have no issue with Moore being booted off the team.

Whatever your take on the situation, Moore is back when Miami needs him most. Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Virginia and Boston College are in the queue. A much more daunting task that Houston, North Carolina, FIU and Duke - in theory, a cakewalk four-game stretch in which the Canes went 4-0.

Miami was missing some key components in last week's survival game at Duke. Between injuries and suspesions, the Canes were down 15 players. 16 if you count Moore, who's been out since the Virginia season finale in 2005.

All players will be back for Georgia Tech and all are needed if Miami is going to pull the upset.

I don't know how much of an impact Moore can have this Saturday. He's been out of the mix for so long. Is he in playing shape? Is he good to go? If you listen to the soundbites out of Coral Gables, sure. But I stopped listening to soundbites after the 31-7 loss at Louisville. The Canes said all the right things and did all the wrong things on September 16th.

If I could quote prog-rock legends Rush, "Show Don't Tell". Prove it on the field, fellas.

Moore's career at Miami has been well documented. Here are the Cliff Notes. A solid 2003 campaign as a freshman, #85 played in all 13 games and hit the ground running with a 4 reception, 67 yard and 1 touchdown performance in the opener against Louisiana Tech. Hurricane Nation felt it had found Andre Johnson's replacement and expected big things from the 6'3" receiver out of Orlando.

Moore's numbers fell off drastically in 2004. Due to a foot injury, he started only two games and saw action in six. 2005 didn't prove to be much better, though Moore had a career-high four touchdowns on the season and raised his average to 16.6 yards per catch.

2006 has been a waste for a kid who returned to Miami as a senior, hoping to help his NFL Draft status next spring. Moore was initially suspended three games - the Peach Bowl through the FAMU game. While suspended, the altercation at the Rathskeller occured and five more games wound up being tacked. The punishment ended once the legal system did its job.

With five games left in the regular season, Moore's time to shine is now. The clock is ticking. Enough is enough. The underachieving. Rumors of a piss-poor attitude. A lack of concentration. Off-the-field issues. Ryan Moore came to Miami a big time recruit entering the 2002 season. Outside of 2003, Moore has been a big time bust.

That said, he can turn it around on a dime if he makes the most of his final 5 to 7 games as a Hurricane. The natural talent and the experience are both there. Opposing defenders aren't Moore's biggest challenge, winning the battle between his ears is. Moore is his own worst enemy.

Ryan Moore, you OWE the University of Miami something. Injury, a questionable work ethic and suspensions have marred a once promising career. There were also pre-season stories about you refusing help from former Miami greats like Michael Irvin and Lamar Thomas - a definite no-no at a program which prides itself on the legacy created by the program's legends.

The beauty in all that? Down at The U, you're judged in the now - not the past. Just ask your head coach. Few remember the good Coker years (2001-2003) and he's now feeling the wrath that back-to-back 9-3 seasons and 1-2 starts bring in Coral Gables.

As easily as fans have forgotten the good Coker has done, they can also forget the first three years of the Ryan Moore Era if the final five games are a difference maker for this 5-2 team which controls its destiny.

It's time for Ryan Moore to man up. Forget the past. Ignore the criticism. Just get out there and do what brought you to Miami in the first place.

Catch the damn football and find the end zone.


.:Canes305:.

Walsh: Kyle Wright NOT yet elite...

Former Miami QB displayed some tough love today regarding current gunslinger, Kyle Wright. In a Miami Herald article, Walsh stated that while he likes Wright, the kid is not an elite quarterback... yet.

Walsh led the Canes to an undefeated season in 1987 and the program's second National Championship. As a senior in 1988, Miami went 11-1 with the only blemish being a controversial call leading to a 31-30 loss at Notre Dame, the eventual champs.

Over two years, Walsh amassed a 23-1 record at The U and has earned his right to chime in on the current situation. Regarding Wright, Walsh said the following:

(Regarding whether Wright belong on the distinguished list of all time Miami QBs?) "Not yet. He hasn't done anything. I really like Kyle, but you have to perform between the lines. I hoped Kyle would have been further along. He needs a signature season. This certainly isn't one.'"

ESPN's Todd McShay shed further light on the subject by stating that, Wright has been an "underachiever, though you have to take his supporting case into account."

Another scout/analyst stated, '"Everything seems like it has to be perfect for Wright to do his job at the maximum result. He thinks too much in the pocket, never gets comfortable. He's a Day 2 draft prospect coming into his senior year."

Harsh statements for the 2003 Gatorade National Offensive Player of the year and uber-recruit to swallow, but they're spot on.

For the record, I am a Kyle Wright supporter. Fan who have called for Kirby Freeman this season are dead wrong. Wright has his flaws, but from what little we've seen of #7, he is much further along than Freeman and remains Miami's best QB option.

Wright has done his share of talking this season. Be it before the Florida State game, the Louisville game (both losses) or in post game interviews. He's oft made statements about wanting to go out on offense and "bury" opponents on the scoreboard. Obviously that hasn't been the case.

Weeks back I wrote about Wright and how I felt his career would've been different had he wound up at Southern Cal or Texas (he chose Miami over both). Superior coaching staffs and stronger depth charts would've helped develop him better. That said, Wright is at Miami and if he wants to play at the next level, now is the time to turn it around. Less talk, more action.

This is year #2 as a starter and Wright is yet to get his 'signature' win. Even last year's 27-7 victory at Virginia Tech - it was a team effort, relentless defense and solid game plan which earned Miami the win. It wasn't stellar quarterback play or a game winning drive.

The only 'comeback' Wright truly has under his belt was the final score in a 14-13 win over Houston. Outside of that, he didn't get the job done against Florida State two straight seasons, as well as losses to Georgia Tech, LSU and Louisville which hurt his resume.

Georgia Tech rattled Wright's cage as a starter in 2005 and even batted him around a bit as a back up in the 27-3 back in 2004.

No better time to make a statement than against a favored team, on the road - especially when they've haunted you two straight seasons.

Keep the quotes to yourself this week, Kyle. Prep for Georgia Tech, kick some ass and shake this stigma of being an underachiever who can't get the job done.


.:Canes305:.

Paying respect to an old school all world, allCane...

October 25th marks the six year anniversary of the loss of an old school All Sports legend, George Rahal.

Always early, never late, priced items like a madman, took down would-be criminals and never took a paycheck after a day's work. Big George loved his Canes because he loved his family and knew Miami needs wins to keep the family business rolling. Family first and the Canes, a close second.

Those of you who knew him, think about him for a few minutes today. We all have our classic stories. Remember one of yours and honor the man today.

Two weeks before he passed, G saw his last Canes game on TV. He was 86 and the last Miami touchdown he witnessed was Dorsey to Shockey for the 27-24 win over Florida State. The lasting image he had of the Noles was despair after Wide Right III. We should all go so gracefully.

If allCanes had a Ring of Honor, George Rahal would have his name unveiled today. Me? I'd just like to talk a little Canes football with my granddad one more time. Maybe ask him to throw a little good luck our way in Atlanta this weekend. We need the win, big guy!

Salud!


.:Canes305:.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/25/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Wednesday October 25th.

Today's winners are:

> Anne Verhey - Cary, NC - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Darren Glorioso - Deerfield Bch, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Kristy Roberts - Ft. Pierce, FL - $25 Best Buy Gift Card

Winners will be officially notified today and gift cards will be sent out first thing next week.

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006 allCanes UWIN Contest.


(Note: Registering once makes you eligible for every drawing during the 2006 season. Multiple entries will be deleted.)

ESPN: Under Rug Swept...

I'm looking at ESPN.com right now, in amazement. Call me crazy, but were there not three scandals in the sports world this past weekend? If so, how come it's early Tuesday and the scandalous headlines have already been buried?

This is the same network that spent six days running hourly footage of the Miami/FIU brawl a week ago, yet is ignoring this weekend's big news.

In the past 48 hours we've seen 1) last year's NFL defensive rookie of the year testing positive for steroids, 2) a pitcher in this year's World Series accused of cheating and 3) talk of NCAA football's all-time winningest coach feeling the heat in Tallahassee.

Where are all the big headlines and color photos, ESPN? How come every writer on staff hasn't chimed in yet regarding this week's big news?

For those who missed it, San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman received a four-game suspension Sunday, testing positive for a banned substance. Later that evening, in Game Two of the World Series, Detroit pitcher Kenny Rogers had an amazing outing.

It proved to be too 'amazing'. FOX's HDTV cameras captured a clear shot of pine tar on Rogers' palm.

Down south, there were rumblings out of Tallahassee that the boosters are calling for St. Bobby's head. The game has passed him by. Step down and bow out gracefully. A young, aggressive coach to usher in 2007.

Sounds like two cheaters and a bunch of ungrateful hypocrites, if you ask me.

ESPN ran brawl footage on a constant loop, yet where is any real prying into the 'roids situation and pine tar scandal? Jayson Stark has already dubbed the fiasco, "Dirtgate" - conveniently taking those nasty two words (pine tar) out of the equation

Both could be blown way out of proportion and could steal headlines, but ESPN doesn't want to feel the wrath of Major League Baseball or the National Football League. Especially with a vested interest due to Monday Night Football and a working relationship with the NFL.

In the world of college coaching, the media has been all over Larry Coker this season. Some of it deserved, but most of it has been piling on and kicking a good guy when he's down. I'm not talking about local South Florida reporters who know the program and have covered the beat for years. I'm talking about the national guys who don't have their finger on the pulse.

Six months ago, Coker was Teflon. Untouchable. Everyone in sports journalism was getting his back because he's a good man, won a title year one... blah, blah, blah.

Coker caught a little slack after the loss to Florida State but the media's 180 came after the 31-7 loss at Louisville.

The 'logo stomp' was blown WAY out of proportion. It happens a few times per season in college football and is a footnote regarding the actual game. A week ago Dartmouth and Holy Cross had a 'logo stomp' incident AND a midfield brawl. No one batted an eye.

The Miami fight? Viewed on YouTube.com over 1,000,000 times last week thanks to ESPN's 'round-the-clock coverage, piquing interest.

Why isn't ESPN sending Joe Schad to the Panhandle this week for some 'investigative reporting' on the "Trouble in Tallahassee?"

Everyone rides Hurricane Faithful for being too hard on Coker, setting the standard too high and being ungrateful for what he's done for the program this decade. Yet when the game's ALL TIME WINNINGEST COACH is catching heat at Florida State, it gets a short and sweet summary on Page Two.

Seminoles Boosters are writing in and telling president T.K. Wetherell that it's time for St. Bobby to step down.

Recently launched www.RetireCoachBowden.com is live and states:

"We think it is time for someone in the FSU Administration to tell the Emperor he has no clothes...it is time to let our Legendary Coach retire with some amount of class and dignity. Let 2006 be the swan song year so FSU can look ahead to the future with a new, younger direction, with an active Head Coach who actually coaches in the game."

Miami fans are considered ingrates for frustration with a sixth-year coach who's record got progressively worse each season. Yet the Seminoles Boosters are catching no slack for comparing their legendary coach to a fictional buffoon in a children's book?

Don't get me wrong, if I'm diehard Florida State, I'm probably helping lead the charge. My issue isn't with passionate fans venting their frustrations. I take offense to the media bias. Seminole Nation doesn't deserve a free pass here.

If the media is going to call the anti-Coker contingent "spoiled" they need come up with a much more effective adjective for the Florida State faithful trying to run a legend out of town. It's only fair.

If you're going to trash Miami, trash everyone else when they're deserving of criticism.

Joe Schad? Pat Forde? Beano Cook? Gene Wojciechowski? Mark Schlabach, self-appointed Mr. ACC? Someone speak up. Y'all sure had your opinions on the Miami brawl. (Bill Curry had an old school, but fair assessment of the situation.)

I'm curious to see what, if anything, unfolds this week. Merriman. Rogers. Bowden. Something has to be more important for your homepage than a frustrated shot of Bill Parcells from the Monday Night Blowout as well as the 'in-depth' analysis of Tony Romo. (Why doesn't he just go by 'Anthony' and end all the lame rib jokes?)

Just sweep the important stuff under the rug, ESPN and give a double dose of the sensational filler. If you ignore it long enough, it'll eventually go away and no one will notice.

No one except the program you raked over the coals last week.



.:Canes305:.

Random thoughts on Miami/Duke 2006

Miami survived Duke, 20-15 on Saturday.

I'm now physically ill from having typed that statement. No matter how low the Canes fall, they should never be in a dog fight with the Blue Devils. Even worse than the final score is knowing that Miami entered the fourth quarter with a 20-2 lead and that Duke had one last shot from the 6-yard line with :03 left on the clock.

The Duke Blue Devils were 18-feet from the most monumental upset in school history before Willie Cooper stepped in front of a Thaddeus Lewis pass and returned it 85-yards to the Miami 15-yard line. Cooper would've housed it, but he pulled up limp with a quadriceps injury.

Actually, it was a rather fitting way to end the game; limping to a halt.

At 5-2 entering Georgia Tech week, it truly feels like Dead Canes Walking. Two losses two weeks into September? The media all over the Canes for an on the field brawl? Unranked for the first time this decade? Coming apart at the seams days before the toughest road challenge of 2006?

Back in the day, I'd say this is just what Miami needed. Backed into a corner, the underdog mentality, a repeat of Virginia Tech 2005, etc.

No more. Not this Miami bunch. These Canes are hurting and seem in need of a hug, not some tough love. They're embarrassed by the brawl. They know their head coach is on the hot seat. They know recent history and the fact that since joining the ACC, Miami has proven it falls apart down the stretch. It doesn't gain momentum and pick up steam.

In 2004 it was late season losses at North Carolina, vs. Clemson and vs. Virginia Tech. Last year, it was this weekend's foe. Georgia Tech upset then #3 Miami, 14-10 in the Orange Bowl ending any realistic shot the Canes had at reaching Jacksonville.

Clemson throttled Georgia Tech, 31-7 hours after Miami escaped Duke. The Tigers ran for 321 yards with James Davis and C.J. Spiller while their defense rattled Reggie Ball to the point where he didn't find super receiver Calvin Johnson all night. It was the first time in Johnson's career that he was held without a catch.

What does this mean for Miami? For once, I have no clue.

I want to believe that Georgia Tech was exposed and that Miami coaches will do all they can to emulate the Clemson game plan, which worked to perfection. Run the ball down their throat and pressure the hell out of Ball. But how will the Canes accomplish that with a rushing attack which only amassed 37-yards against the Blue Devils? How will Miami rattle Ball's cage when they couldn't get to Lewis on Duke's final almost game winning drive?

Make no mistake about it, Miami was thin this past weekend. Very thin. You don't want to believe that 13 suspensions and 2 injured starters (Jon Beason and Greg Olsen) are going to truly impact the bottom line against a now 0-7 Duke team, but it did.

Outside of missing the presence of Beason and Olsen, Miami was without some big time players in Carlos Armour, James Bryant, DajLeon Farr, Ryan Hill, Bruce Johnson, Charlie Jones, Brandon Meriweather, Brian Monroe, Derrick Morse, Randy Phillips and Anthony Reddick. All 13 players mention have seen extensive playing time in 2006.

All but Beason (MCL) and Reddick (suspension) should be back for Georgia Tech and all are needed if Miami is going to pull the unthinkable upset. The Vegas line opened at GT +6, but no one really has a clue how this one will play out.

Will Miami respond and pull together with 1/3 of its starting line up returning this weekend? Will Georgia Tech bounce back after their 31-7 road loss or will they be demoralized and ripe for an upset?

Again, I don't know. Nothing would surprise me right now. On one level, it seems so easy. We saw Georgia Tech's weakness against Clemson. They can't stop the run and their quarterback is ineffective when pressured. To me that sounds like a steady dose of Javarris James and Tyrone Moss while Calais Campbell, Baraka Atkins, Kareem Brown and Brian Pata need to get after Ball and force him into mistakes. In theory, that SHOULD work... but come Saturday, will it?

I've read Omar's blog and a few other articles online which mention that these Canes are down in the dumps right now. That's understandable. The crap-storm has been raining down on them since Labor Day. The media. Hurricanes fans. Opposing fans. Talk radio. You name it, everyone is anti-Miami right now and these kids can feel the negative energy. At day's end, we're talking about 18 to 21 year olds here.

Omar called these Canes "psychologically damaged" and stated that they know some fans are actually pulling for them to lose, ensuring the firing of Larry Coker and a new regime in 2007.

I don't get that.

Whatever your feelings towards Miami's coaching staff, it's an absolute sin for any fan to pull for a Hurricanes loss. Worry about the Coker saga AFTER this season. Right now, you should want nothing more than a Canes win this Saturday and every game the rest of 2006.

Going 5-0 down the stretch seems damn near impossible right now, but that shoudldn't stop ANYONE from rooting that it happens. One game at a time and right now, it starts with Georgia Tech.

As this week progresses, I challenge all of you to put yourself in these kids' shoes for a moment. They are preparing for their biggest test this season and they already have their "us against the world" mentality due to the media scrutiny the past few weeks. That mentality shouldn't have to carry over to a fan base who turns on them like the South Florida weather.

Check your anti-Coker sentiments at the door and realize that this week is all about the players. They need your support more than ever. Morale needs to be at an all time high this coming weekend. Support these kids and help them roll into the A-T-L on a high note - not questioning themselves more than they already are.

The Duke game is in the rearview mirror. It's done. Whether Miami won 41-2 or 20-15, a win is a win. Let go of the frustration which comes from eeking out a win as opposed to blowing out a lesser team. Truth be told, this was as difficult a week as this program has ever seen.

Going into Durham, NC with one hand tied behind its collective back, Miami needed a "W" and wasn't concerned with style points. After the loss to Louisville and 1-2 start, it was a known fact Miami needed to be 5-2 entering Georgia Tech weekend. They are and that weekend is here. Forget everything you've seen thus far since Labor Day. The season officially kicks off this weekend. Hopefully the Canes will be up for the challenge.


.:Canes305:.

Miami v. Virginia Tech under the OB lights...

It's been announced that Miami and Virginia Tech are set for prime time. An 8:00pm ET kickoff is official for Saturday November 4th. UCLA plays Cal at the same time, so it'll be split regional coverage.

Also, for those who missed the announcement, Miami and Georgia Tech have a 3:30pm ET kickoff. With the Canes unranked and the Yellow Jackets fresh off a 31-7 beating at the hands of the Tigers, ESPN passed on this match up regarding the Saturday night game.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/23/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Monday October 23rd.

Today's winners are:

> Wayne Simmons - Milledgeville, GA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Carly Bober - Hudson, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Bruce Murray - Athens, GA - $20 Big Cheese Gift Card

Winners will be officially notified today and gift cards will be sent out first thing next week.

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006 allCanes UWIN Contest.


(Note: Registering once makes you eligible for every drawing during the 2006 season. Multiple entries will be deleted.)

Shut up, John Boy...

ESPN did us all the disservice of showing Miami/Duke on ESPN360, meaning it was only available online. Nothing like paying over $100 for GamePlan only to have two lesser Canes game shown solely on the Internet. News flash, ESPN. That 360 thing? It sucks. Quit trying to shove yet another paid product down our throats. Thanks.

Being that only about 3% of college football fans can access ESPN360, thankfully this 20-15 debacle was missed most. Still, ABC and ESPN will have their fun showing the ALMOST upset and finding a way to tie it last week's brawl. Anything to keep beating that dead horse.

ABC's John Saunders ran his fat mouth after the Miami's game-saving interception.

When they broke to the studio with the post-game highlights, Saunders flat out stated that he was pulling for Duke. Not just because they were the underdog but because he personally didn't feel that The U (and Donna Shalala) handed out a harsh enough punishment regarding last Saturday's brawl with FIU.

Thanks, John. Nothing like some biased, irresponsible journalism to make a college football Saturday incomplete. First off, announcers are supposed to be unbiased. You're not supposed to pick a side to root for on national television. You didn't even attempt to mask your Miami bias.

Furthermore, I didn't know it was the job of a former junior league hockey player from Canada (check John's bio) to determine the punishment a private university should dole out for its players. As we've said around here all week, John Boy - if it's good enough for the University of Miami as well as the top brass at the ACC, you critics need to accept that.

Openly rooting against Miami and undermining what the school and conference determined was fair? That's not your job. Sit there and earn your check by offering mediocre commentary, as you do every Saturday.

Save your bias for when the red light on the camera is off.

Get it together, fellas...

I'm pecking away here midway through the 4th quarter. ESPN360 is the call for today's game, so those of us watching are doing so on a computer monitor... instead of a 50" plasma screen. That is, unless you have a 50" computer monitor and if that's the case, I hate you.

Whether on the big screen or the PC, the result is still the same. Ugly. Miami just shanked a punt with less than 9:00 on the clock and Duke is fired up, as it's 20-9.

The Canes played inspired football the first half, but sitting on a 17-0 halftime lead, Miami has done absolutely nothing in the second half. Unless you get some sort of credit for making mistakes and playing boneheaded football.

Another penalty. I think it was Baraka Atkins and an offside. Just grand. I think the Canes have somewhere near a dozen penalties today. I'll check after the game. Either way. Duke is now on the 15-yard line. 3rd and 7... too much time. Good Lord, first down Duke. We're looking at 1st and Goal from the 8-yard line. We need a turnover. I can't believe we're almost sweating one out against the Blue Devils here. The Canes are actually going to have to eek one out against one of the worst Division I teams out there.

Touchdown Duke. It's 20-15 after a missed two point conversion try.

Kyle Wright looked pretty good the first half, but it's been a joke these past two quarters. We need a big drive here. Someone needs to step up. Miami needs seven. Now. Now more screwing around. I don't care if we're down 13 players or 31, this is Duke. Step up.

1st and 10 from the 20 yard line with just under seven minutes left on the clock. Wright throws to Sam Shields, incomplete. A sub par throw. Not good, Kyle.

Another pass. Dropped by Lance Leggett. Should've been PI, but nothing. You're not going to get those calls a week after a brawl, fellas. 3rd and 10.

Horrendous pass, Kyle. No one was in the neighborhood there. Wait, a flag. Illegal procedure on Miami. Are you kidding me? Even if we completed it, it was coming back.

Darren Daly back to punt. Just near the 50-yard line. 6:17 left to play, nursing a 20-15 lead and Duke has a shot as the upset. I can't believe I'm even typing those words. This is eerily reminiscent of the Clemson game in 2004 where the Canes had a 17-3 halftime lead and lost 24-17 in overtime. Miami lulled themselves to sleep with a small lead at the half. Godforbid we ever put our foot on another team's throat and pour on the points.

We just burned a timeout as we had 12 men on the field. One timeout remains. What a joke.

To think that Kenny Phillips has three interceptions and Jon Peattie hit a 51-yard field goal. Without that, where the hell is this team right now?

Clock rolling. Duke just picked up 10 yards for a first down. They're on the 40-yard line and driving. Running play. About 5 yards. Flag. Looks like the Canes are getting called for a late hit. Duke held. Offsetting penalties.

These Canes absolutely lack discipline. I am mortified right now. Larry Coker, get some control of these kids. This is even MORE embarrassing to me than the fight. At least that can be blamed on emotion. Late hits at this point of the game? It should come down to this.

2nd and 8. 4:42 and counting. Four yard pick up on the run. 3rd and 4 with the Blue Devils actually having momentum. Amazing how lackluster Miami play can fire up an opponent.

Deep ball... overthrown. Thank God. 4th and 4. Duke is going for it... incomplete. Big hit by someone. Tavares Gooden made a big stick. Nice make up play as he made up for a penalty called in an earlier drive which resulted in a Blue Devils touchdown.

Miami ball. Clock ticking. Baby J just picked up 4 yards. 3:26 on the clock. Timeout, Duke.

ESPN's Joe Schad is in the house. This guy is damn near stalking the Canes. He was on campus all week covering the brawl and now ESPN sent him to Durham, NC for a game that's not even televised. I can only imagine the coverage we'll see as Duke took Miami to the wire.

Game on. Wright's pass is in the air. Leggett, doubled covered... he caught it. Nice, Lance. Your boneheaded spiking of the ball earlier in the game cost us 15-yard and eventually led to a field goal. You've also been nailed for holding twice. That said, you made up for it with a big time grab there. Miami's on the 44-yard line and driving.

I don't know what the first half stats were, but they just announced 7 penalties for 63 yards in the second half. They also mentioned some paltry rushing numbers. James and Tyrone Moss have been completely ineffective against lowly Duke. Georgia Tech is a week away and I'm already scared of Jon Tenuta's defensive game plan next week.

On a side note, Miami is 4-2 on the season and has only played ONE road game up to this point. Who was in charge of that scheduling?

2nd and 5 with 3:14 on the clock... handoff to James for a loss of one. Gotta love conservative football. Everyone and their mothers saw that run coming and now it's 3rd and 6. Just grand.

Wright to Khalil Jones... short of the first down. 4th and 2 and we're gonna see Daly attempt to pin Duke deep. Can you even imagine a bad snap or blocked kick here? Disastrous.

Scratch that, Jon Peattie is in. Nice kick, Jon. Duke will line up at the 11-yard line with 1:35 on the clock and I believe ONE timeout remaining.

It was just announced that Duke hasn't won an ACC game since 2004 against Clemson. That was a week after the Tigers upset the Canes at the Orange Bowl in OT.

Two quick completions for Duke. First down, 16-yard line. Overthrown. 1:04 left on the clock.

I still can't believe I'm doing play-by-play here for Miami at Duke. It should be 41-2 right now and I should have a cocktail in hand. Instead, 20-15 and the Blue Devils have the ball.

Incomplete pass and ineligible receiver downfield. Duke is self-destructing, as they SHOULD.

1st down, Duke. Almost at midfield. Did I speak too soon? Maybe not. Another completion was just wiped out by an ineligible receiver downfield. Pathetic. We're relying on the Blue Devils' mistakes to win this game. Has it really gotten this bad?

Worse. Duke... long passing play. Inside the 20-yard line. A missed tackle by Lovon Ponder.

:21 left and Duke is on the 18-yard line. The pass... another flag. Pass interference. Glenn Sharpe. You've gotta be s**ting me. :17 left and Duke is on the 14-yard line. Pass. Complete. 6-yard line. No first down. Duke will have to spike it.

03: left.... last play of the game. Intercepted by Willie Cooper... running.... down at the 15-yard line. Again I say, are you kidding me. He's injured in what should've been an easy return for six.

When you're snake-bit, you're snake-bit. Recap coming tomorrow.

Right now I need that drink I would've had if Miami was rolling in the third quarter as they should have.


.:Canes305:.

Chemistry is severely underrated...

Chemistry isn't just a class you hated. Regarding football teams, it's ranks right up there underneath 'talent' and above 'divine intervention' regarding importance to a unit.

Miami is coming together regarding team chemistry. Unfortunately, many of you are missing it as you're too busy pissing and moaning about one-point wins, disdain for the coaching staff and contributing to the Wright v. Freeman debate.

All in the while, the Canes are getting better and better every week. As I wrote after the Houston game, Miami needs to 'baby step' its way back to being a confident and winning program. They got tagged between the eyes with that 1-2 start and these kids hear all the crap ESPN has been spewing. From the Louisville game right up through the brawl. They may ignore local talk radio, but all collegiate athletes feast on a heavy diet of SportsCenter.

We've seen some growth the past three weeks and this Saturday at Duke, we just need to maintain, stay injury-free and continue fine-tuning and tweaking (as best as we can with a depleted depth chart).

Since the season opening loss against Florida State, Miami's coaching staff has made some changes while some then-unknown players have stepped up. Some things I've noticed:

>>> The difference in the all around offense when James Bryant is in the game. This kid will be the MVP of this offense this season, even if he doesn't score another touchdown. His aura, his attitude, his tone-setting blocking - Bryant is doing even more at FB in 2006 than DJ Williams did during his 2000 stint. Both were playmakers, but Bryant has the intangible. The team is noticeably better with him on the field as his presence gets hit teammates fired up.

>>> Javarris James and Sam Shields have grown up quickly, as the Canes needed them to do. Neither look like the overwhelmed, mistake-prone youngsters they were in the Florida State game - Shields with a key drop and James with a fumbled exchange. Miami finally found it's next star running back in James, while Shields is speedy, elusive and is a playmaker.

>>> Colin McCarthy is fired up on special teams. I haven't seen a freshman this jacked at the position since Kellen Winslow II and Dan Morgan. He has a nose for the ball and last week he blocked a punt. You gotta love watching a kid who makes the absolute most over every second he's on the field. Hopefully he'll get his crack at linebacker soon enough as there is still uncertainty at the position. Glenn Cook seems to lack the instinct needed to zig or zag on any given play. I'd love to see McCarthy get some snaps this week with Jon Beason injured.

>>> Calais Campbell is the most disruptive player on Miami's defensive line. I expected the kid to be good, but he's been stellar the past few weeks. Hopefully he can help some upperclassmen wake from their slumber. Against FIU, he recorded a strip and fumble recovery... on the same play. Another defender with a knack for finding the ball. I like that and I look forward to seeing him get after Reggie Ball next weekend. 6'8" and 265 lbs.? That works nicely against a smaller QB like Ball.

>>> After several weeks of Bruce Johnson looking 'pretty good' as a punt/kick returner, Miami finally found their guy in Rashaun Jones. Like James or Shields, this kid just has 'it' when returning punts. No one is going to mistake him for Devin Hester anytime soon, but the kicking game has hurt the Canes this year and Jones brings that something extra to the position. This couldn't have come at a better time with Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech on deck.

>>> And for the haters, it's time to admit that Kyle Wright is looking better. He's cutting down on the mistakes and has made some nice decisions the past few weeks. Last week he rolled out, couldn't find a receiver and threw out of bounds. Another time, he knew right when to tuck and run to avoid the sack. On the surface, these sound meaningless but against better teams, that's the difference between a second down sack, setting up 3rd and 19 or a second down scramble for 3rd and 1. Wright also threw a nice deep ball to Lance Leggett, which Leggett dropped.


Have I left anyone out? If so, chime in below in our 'comments' section. Let us know who you think some impact players have been as of late. Tell us who's come on since the 1-2 start and could be a difference maker during our tough five game ACC stretch!


.:Canes305:.

Greg Olsen not cleared for Duke game...

TE Greg Olsen suffered a concussion last week against FIU and he hasn't been cleared to play this weekend at Duke. Word is that true freshman Dedrick Epps will see some playing time, along with Chris Zellner. Back up DajLeon Farr is suspended due to his participation in last week's brawl with the Golden Panthers.

Miami coaches had planned on redshirting Epps, but the need him in packages where the Canes use a tight end/H-back formation.

Olsen will travel with the Canes to Durham, NC and will most likely be a game time decision.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/20/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Friday October 20th.

Today's winners are:

> George Tolson - Dundalk, MD - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> John Guitard - Naples, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Calvin Cobb - Tampa, FL - Bed Bath & Beyond Gift Card

Winners will be officially notified today and gift cards will be sent out first thing next week.

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006 allCanes UWIN Contest.


(Note: Registering once makes you eligible for every drawing during the 2006 season. Multiple entries will be deleted.)

Take it for what it's worth...

File this one under "don't shoot the messenger" but we're relaying this tidbit of info to get the conspiracy theorists all worked up and into a frenzy.

On his WQAM radio show, Hammering Hank Goldberg reported today that former Miami head coach Butch Davis recently purchased a new home. Where, you ask? Why in South Florida, of course.

It seems Davis and his family are headed back to the Miami area.

Hurricane fans can take that info for what it's worth... Conspiracy theorists? Start feeding the hype mach