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 machine.


.:Canes305:.

Hurricane Flashback: The Ultimate DVD

We uploaded a clip from the new Hurricane Flashback DVD to YouTube.com recently as we want to PROVE to you what a kick ass compilation this is.

WPLG's Frank Forte emcees this DVD, which features classic Canes footage and commentary from local guys like Don Bailey Jr., Joe Zagacki and current/former coaches and players.



(CLICK THE TV ABOVE TO CHECK OUT MIAMI/NOTRE DAME '89 !)

Included on this DVD compilation are classic games such as: Miami v. Nebraska (1984 Orange Bowl), Miami v. Oklahoma (1986), Miami v. Oklahoma (1987 Orange Bowl), Miami v. Notre Dame (1989), Miami v. Florida State (1991), Miami v. Nebraska (1992 Orange Bowl), Miami v. Florida State (1992), Miami v. UCLA (1998), Miami v. Florida State (2000), Miami v. Boston College (2001), Miami v. Virginia Tech (2001), Miami v. Nebraska (2002 Rose Bowl), Miami v. Florida (2003) and Miami v. Florida State (2004).

Order Hurricane Flashback at allCanes.com and if you don't like it, return it (within 30 days) and we'll send you a $25 allCanes Gift Card.

We're THAT confident you're gonna love it...

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/18/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Wednesday October 18th.

Today's winners are:

> James Meyerson - Ocala, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Sam Dickenson - Ft. Worth, TX - Best Buy Gift Card
> Dick Thomas - Orlando, FL - Tony Roma's ($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.)

It's really as easy as 1, 2, 3...

I'll make a deal with everyone. I'll stop blogging about the brawl when ESPN decided to shut their purty little mouth up about it as well. Just when I think they've finally let it go, more 'writers' chime in yesterday. I also saw 'the brawl' as their teaser ad earlier in the day when promoting last night's SportsCenter.

Anything for ratings, I guess... *cough* hypocritical media whores *cough*.

Tonight's installment of "Beating a Dead Horse" will focus on the hate mail I've received from college football 'fans' who are aghast that Miami would 'celebrate' such an ugly moment in NCAA history.

Again, for those who actually WATCHED the game (as opposed to the hacked loop which continues to run on ESPN) you know that's not the case.

Three screen shots from the brawl are all you need to explain what really happened.

[1.] The brawl lasted less than a minute. Hardly 'five minutes' as reported in an ESPN column yesterday.

As soon as order was restored, Miami coaches had their team take a knee and delivered the same message they had all day; don't get baited into anymore crap. The Canes endured the taunting during warm ups and cheap shots in the first half. Once the holder was bodyslammed, things boiled over.

Miami coaches preached to their kids that there was almost half a football game left. Keep your cool.

[2.] When the coaches were finished, team captain Brandon Meriweather stood up and delivered a :20 speech to his teammates about getting out there and finishing the game.

At this point it was only, 14-0. and 9:00 remained in the third quarter. There was still a lot of football left to be played.

These Canes heeded Meriweather's advice, stood up and came together - as they do before every game.

[3.] After Meriweather's speech about 'finishing' the team piled in together, raised their helmets and jumped up and down in unison.

The anti-Hurricanes contingent needs to check some game footage. This is nothing new and it certainly isn't an act of 'celebration'. It is a fired up team who has just under two quarters of football left to play. A team who has taken a lot of s**t this year - be it from the media, opposing fans and even their OWN fan base.

Enough was enough. It was time to get out there and play ball.

Do I expect the critics to buy this explanation? Hardly. Do I care? Less than you know.

I know what I saw and I know Hurricane Nation saw the same thing. We're the only ones who actually WATCHED the whole game or attended in person. Our 'facts' aren't based on some hacked and biased ESPN footage.

Watch the clip again, haters. See for yourself.


.:Canes305:.

ESPN's Pat Forde sucks at math & journalism...

... and no, I don't mean the horse-toothed Couch Jumper and Steroid Barry. I mean the National Enquirer and the integrity-less ESPN.

In an effort to keep the Miami/FIU brawl front page news, ESPN has been letting their big time columnists chime in on the matter. The story was a top their site all Saturday night and Sunday. One might assume things would die down as this week kicked into full gear. Fat chance.

On Monday, ESPN let Gene Wojohowdehiedihowdytestmecomeonearrestmehowski chime in. Mene Gene trashed the Canes, as expected. Fire Coker. Fire Lamar. Boot Meriweather and Reddick from the team. Suspend every other plays for the rest of 2006. Forfeit the game. He called Reddick's helmet a "medieval weapon" and stated that he could've killed somebody. (Yet a helmet is 'safe' when attached to a safety's head as he comes across the middle like a missle and plants it in the chest of an unsuspecting wide receiver?)

Wojo trashed Miami for signing Willie Williams, the Peach Bowl brawl and stomping Louisville's logo. For the record, Gene, a dozen other schools were vying for Williams' services and he chose Miami. While at The U, he kept his nose clean for two years and was never given preferential treatment on or off the field. Hence, his leaving Miami due to a lack of playing time.

Regarding the Peach Bowl, the brawl started when LSU players - in search of a souvenir - stole a UM ball from a Miami ball boy. A few Canes ran into the tunnel to retrieve it and were outnumbered by Tigers. Khalil Jones and Andrew Bain were sent to the hospital as both were beaten by LSU players wielding helmets. No LSU players were suspended and of course, based on their past reputation UM was seen as the aggressor.

As for the Louisville stomp... please. As if we don't see opposing teams jumping on a home team's logo for faux motivation at least a half dozen times per season. Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill on that one, Gene. It's pregame hype between teenagers. It's not burning an enemy country's flag.

Still, even worse than Wojo is Pat Forde. A hack who chimed in a cool TWO FULL DAYS after the fracas, again, so ESPN could bump this story back a top their homepage.

Forde threw everything but the kitchen sink at Miami in his latest piece. As expected, this Johnny Come Lately is off base with his comments once again. Check out these gems and my rebuttal:


The Hurricanes did massive damage to the reputation they had scrupulously rehabbed since the mid-1990s.

305: What damage would that be? According to 99% of the media, Miami and the Thugs were alwayts playing the hits of the 80s, 90s and today. Butch Davis played clean up (1995-2000) and the modern era Canes have remained trouble-free for the majority of this decade. That's over 10 years of 'good behavior' yet it's not 'edgy' to acknowledge that. Good news doesn't sell papers or drive web traffic. Slander away for the sake of your ratings.


Here's your checklist, Hurricanes. If you:
A. Brawl with the opposition in the tunnel coming off the field following a 37-point bowl loss...

305: Oh, THAT brawl I described above where two Miami players were sent to the hospital because LSU players smashed them in the head with helmets? All because they stuck up for a teenage ballboy? Yeah, shame on Miami for getting beat down like that.

B. Have players on your team recording a spectacularly profane rap song about group sex...

305: Yeah, a 'profane' rap song. The Game better start watching his back as the 7th Floor Crew is coming on strong. These kids are hardcore. Please. It was a dorm room recording from 2003 which surfaced in 2005 and you spent more time dissecting it than FOX News does the war in Iraq.

As for those misogynisticic lyrics you complained of last year, how offended do you really believe modern day women are by rap music lyrics? Did you not hear a group of co-eds laughing and joking on last year's recording? It was done in jest. Welcome to 2006. That's what college kids do in their free time. They smoke, drink, have sex and can record rhymes in Garage Band on their Mac. What were you doing at 20, curing Cancer?

C. Stomp on the midfield logo of another team in what could only be an intentional pregame attempt to antagonize...

305: Miami stomped the logo and Louisville stomped Miami, 31-7. The Canes puffed out their chests and the Cardinals called their bluff. Sometimes teams taunt each other in college football. Get over it. If you're so offended by it, I suggest talking to your program directors. Ask them to stop airing the footage every-hour-on-the-hour three days after the fact and quit using the fight as a teaser for every upcoming episode of SportsCenter.

D. Use your cleats, helmets and fists as weapons in a five-minute brawl with another team -- no matter who started it...

305: If you're not using your fists, what ARE you using in a brawl? I'll let you slide on that as I'm all too excited to bag on you about your mathematical skills.

A five minute brawl, my ass. Maybe if you didn't watch the game and only feast on ESPN's looped footage of the tussle. Click here. Watch the footage. Do the math.

Miami and FIU get into it :06 into the clip and the last push occurs at the :57 mark. From that point until the 1:21 point, players are ushered back to the sidelines. Both teams were back on their respective sidelines in less than 90 seconds.

Like you, the majority of college football fans didn't see this live. It was on PPV and a meaningless game. No one tuned in and all are relying on 'responsible' journalism to inform them how it all shook down. Instead of the truth, they're seeing a video edit which is slanted against the Canes.

ESPN also took commentator Lamar Thomas' rant out of context. Everything Thomas said on live TV about the brawl was AFTER the teams were separated. ESPN's loop of the fight has Thomas' comments OVER the footage, making it sound as if he was endorsing it as it happened.

I'm sure your overplayed, edited version had NOTHING to do with the public outcry which eventually cost Thomas his job. I guarantee 95% of those who complained to CSS didn't see the game. The only saw the ESPN version.

On top of all that, now you're reporting that the teams scrapped it out for five minutes. That's almost two full rounds of a heavyweight bout. Miami fans know that's not the case, but you and ESPN force-fed the masses nothing but a doctored truth these past three days. That's garbage.


You're Thug U. You singularly lack class. And your coach and school administration seem either powerless or uninterested in doing anything to alter that.

305: Uninterested in doing things? The game wrapped up around 10:00pm ET on Saturday. Sunday was spent watching film and having conference calls with ACC officials who were also reviewing footage. Monday morning was an emergency meeting by the Board of Trustees.

Hours later Miami has suspended thirteen players. Twelve to miss the next game and one out indefinitely. Community service has been issued to all players and a 'zero tolerance' policy has been put into play for both players who fight AND coaches who can't control it.

UM President Donna Shalala gave a spirited 20 minute press conference. Click here to check it and again tell me that our admin is 'uninterested' in cleaning things up.

You do realize The U had ALL of that accomplished before your lame article was even posted.

Your drivel went live Tuesday morning and Miami had all their ducks in a row before end of business day on Monday.

You imply that Miami lacks class - yet you spent Monday afternoon crafting an article which does nothing but cast stones at a lot of good people, a proud program and some kids who made a mistake. If that's class, I'll pass.


Yet so far they have added only problems to the ACC, not prestige.

305: Back to back 9-3 records, a CWS appearance for the baseball team, some nice conference upsets in basketball. How about an 87% graduation rate for football players in 2005. In 2004, that number was 84.2% while the national average was 58%. The U has exceeded the national graduation rate for AFCA member schools 13 of the past 15 years.

Do we even need to talk about the five football championships, the four baseball titles and more NFL talent than any other school? You couldn't fill five minutes of SportsCenter on Sundays if you didn't feature kids from The U.

We ARE prestige.

Your article is a joke, Forde. Not as bad as your 7th Floor Crew 'investigative reporting,' but much more irresponsible.

Miami made a mistake and the admin acted accordingly, working in tandem with conference leaders.

Before the season, four players were suspended for the FSU match up. The biggest game on the schedule. A game Bobby Bowden has publicly stated he'd never suspended a kid for. They'll ride the pine against the likes of Duke.

The Canes lost, 13-10 and damn well could've used Tyrone Moss, James Bryant and Ryan Moore. Yet the previous year, Bowden doesn't suspend Ernie Sims (domestic dispute) and A.J. Nicholson (D.U.I.) for the opener against the Canes. Florida State hangs on to win, 10-7 and no one grills or chastises Bowden for playing those thugs.

This was a :60 mistake that this program would love to put behind us.

Unfortunately, we can't do that until ESPN has gotten their fill and runs this story straight into the dirt, as they do with everything. Still, keep spewing the venom. It'll make it all THAT much sweeter when we're back on top.


.:Canes305:.

To those criticizing the punishment...

Back in November 2004, intrastate rivals Clemson and South Carolina were involved in a nasty fourth quarter brawl. The Tigers won the game, 29-7 but both teams took some grief for the on the field fracas.

In the end, both schools turned down fifth tier bowl games as they finished the regular season with matching 6-5 records and a grand total of 12 players were suspended, six from each team.

As for the game those players were suspended from? It would be their respective coaches choices the following season and bet your bottom dollar that those players would not sit out a meaningful game, as proved by Clemson.

Tommy Bowden didn't sit his suspended players for the 2005 season opener against Texas A&M. No way. A big time out of conference game? The season opener? Never. He suited up his entire squad and wound up needing them to escape with a 25-24 victory.

Miami/FIU are getting twice the headlines the Clemson/USC brawl did two years back and it's bogus. Just look at the photo above. It speaks volumes. A boot to a helmet-less player. Police knee-deep in the melee.

Unfortunately, The U has a twenty year old rep for being thugs and the media is going to bust that out anytime things aren't status-quo at Miami.

Lamar: Canned Like Tuna...

Look up the word 'scapegoat' in the dictionary today and you'll see a picture of Lamar Thomas. Comcast Sports canned Thomas like tuna Monday morning in light of comments made during the Miami/FIU brawl on Saturday at the Orange Bowl.

Thomas is said to have 'endorsed' the fight while commentating from the booth.

Had I only seen then ESPN footage and not watched the game live on PPV, I might've felt differently than I do today. For real time action for how the fight went down, check out the video on YouTube. It's blatantly obvious that Thomas' comments were given after the fight was being broken up and players were ushered back to their respective sidelines.

There are going to be conflicting opinions on Thomas' statements made during the game. I agree it was irresponsible and biased, which ultimately cost him his job. Still, I don't feel he was endorsing the actual brawl itself. He reverted back to his attitude as a player and the kid in him still wanted to get down there and mix it up - just like every player on the field did in the heat of battle.

The problem is that when you're paid to commentate, you lose the right to pop off at the mouth and make those types of remarks. Sit in the stands if you're going to have that type of reaction.

A subdued Michael Irvin was interviewed today during pregame for Monday Night Football. Irvin expressed disappointment about the incident, lambasted head coach Larry Coker and went on to state that although LT is his boy, Thomas deserved to be fired for acting that way in the booth.

Take Irvin's politically correct reaction, combine it with Thomas' rant and you'll find something closer to the truth regarding how most Miami fans and former players feel.

I received a good amount of positive and negative feedback today regarding my "Random Thoughts on Miami/FIU" article yesterday. There is no real gray area on this subject. You're on one side of the fence or the other.

I had one reader go as far as to compare the brawl to the war in Iraq and chastised both teams for not being as strong or disciplined as our United States Military. As if college football players have had the same training to endure combat and handle themselves in a real heat of battle.

Still, college football fans abroad are processing this event in their own unique ways and it's no mystery that the true bias comes from the anti-Miami contingent.

If you hate the Canes, you're not letting anyone off the hook for this one. No punishment is good enough. Members of the national media have called for Coker's head, the fifteen suspensions to become expulsions and for Miami to forfeit the rest of the 2006 football season.

Give it a rest. Miami and the ACC handed down suspensions today. Twelve kids will miss one game and another is suspended indefinitely. A zero tolerance policy has been put into effect and anything happening from here on out falls squarely on the coaching staff's shoulders.

What more does anyone really want? Outside of a few roughnecks who took things too far (on both teams), the rest of this was nothing more than a pushing and shoving match which lasted no longer than the average commercial. This fight was so short that ESPN has actually resorted to looping the clip so it appears longer. They even took Thomas' post-brawl comments and edited them in over the fight footage, making it appear that Thomas made those statement as the fight was occurring. In reality, he said what he said after both teams headed back to the sidelines.

Much of the public outcry against Thomas is a direct result of ESPN's hack job in the editing room. It's pretty safe to say that 5% of the ESPN audience who's seen their footage actually saw the game live on PPV. The other 95% didn't see the brawl unfold and didn't hear the comments in context.

If they had, there would be more talk about FIU instigating things throughout the evening - as shown at left. This late hit and personal foul call came after Miami safety Kenny Phillips picked off a pass in the end zone.

Start with the pregame chatter and watch right up through the early part of the third quarter. Trash talking and late hits were absorbed by the Canes as the coaching staff continued to preach that the kids keep their composure.

They did, up until that 9:00 mark in the third after going ahead, 14-0. That's when FIU's Marshall McDuffie threw a punch at Miami offensive lineman Cyrim Wimbs. Within seconds, FIU's Chris Smith grabbed Miami holder Matt Pirrelli and bodyslammed him. While down, an unidentified FIU player runs in and delivers a boot to Perrelli's helmet.

Here is your turning point. The moment FIU pushed one time too many and Miami responded.

Of the 33 players singled out for their actions Saturday night, only two have been expelled. FIU's McDuffie and Smith - the two instigators. Neither Wimbs or Perrelli were suspended as they weren't the aggressors. They were attacked and the moment Perrelli hit the turf, both benches cleared and :57 of mayhem ensued.

That still doesn't excuse some of the thuggish behavior out there, but realize that we're talking about kids from South Florida... a state which endorses the Shoot First Law, allowing residents to use deadly forced when they feel personally threatened.

We're also dealing with 18-21 years who saw some of their own getting beaten up. The early part of this brawl show FIU players outnumbering Canes 5-to-1 in certain parts of the field. Of course the ESPN footage conveniently focuses on the mob of Canes rushing the field instead of showing the outnumbered Miami players in other parts of the field. How conveniently edited.

(Anyone who questions what good editors can do, check out this trailer of the comedy "Office Space" portrayed as a thriller - using nothing but footage from this hilarious Mike Judge classic.)

Miami breeds some tough kids. It's a blessing and a curse. Part of the program's toughness, its grit, its expectations and its legacy were all born out of Miami being a rough city where lessons are learned on the street as often as in the classroom. (Not that some pencilneck reporter in Bristol, CT would ever understand that.)

In the 80s, that generation channeled that energy into three National Champioships and it helped put Miami on the map.

Lest not forget it was the 1987 Miami Hurricanes who united and scrapped it out in a late season game with South Carolina. With the clock winding down, the #2 Canes and #8 Gamecocks got into a squabble, en route to a 20-16 victory. The win propelled The U into the National Championship game against #1 Oklahoma and eventually their second National Championship.

Almost twenty years later, the Canes find themselves in another skirmish. Nowhere near the top of the polls, but united late in the season as a BCS game is still within reach. We all know it's going to take more than Coker's leadership and the assistants' playcalling to get these Canes through the next six regular season games. It'll take an intangible. Something extra. This brawl was one of those 'turning point' moments that either make or break teams.

In a few days the ESPN crap storm will stop raining down as there will be new news to break. T.O.'s hangnail. The ghost of Cory Lidel haunting A-Rod. LeBron's new favorite after practice snack. Something important like that.

Down in Coral Gables, these Canes will be back to business as usual. Practicing hard during the week and looking to win ballgames on Saturday. Hopefully any camaraderie which stemmed from this brawl will carry over and these kids remain united, with chips on their shoulders and that "us against the world" mentality.

Oh yeah and for all the haters who still disagree, check out my main man Omar Kelly's blog entry today... you friggin hypocrites. Tell 'em, O.


.:Canes305:.

Get ready for Moore piling on...

If you think the haters are all over Miami right now, just wait to see if this rumor is substantiated in the next day or so. All signs are pointing to troubled WR Ryan Moore being reinstated sometime this week. Moore has sat out the past seven games for violating team rules and engaging in an altercation with a female patron at an on campus bar back in early September.

We'll see how this plays out, but bringing back a kid like Moore the same week 13 others have been suspended for an on the field brawl? I don't think the timing could be any worse...

Reddick suspended indefinitely; Beason out 3 weeks

Thirteen Miami players have been suspended for this Saturday's game at Duke. One of the thirteen, safety Anthony Reddick is out indefinitely for using his helmet as a weapon and hitting an FIU player in the shoulder pad during the brawl.

Regarding Reddick, I think this is a fair suspension. I don't support throwing anyone from Miami off this team as the Canes weren't the aggressor. FIU started it and as a result, Chris Smith and Marshall McDuffie Jr. hvae been dismissed from the team, but will remain on scholarship.

Still, weilding a helmet as a weapon does deserve an indefinite suspension. If it were my choice, Reddick would be gone for the rest of the 2006 season.

Insult to injury comes in the form of LB Jon Beason being sidelined up to three weeks with an MCL injury. Beason was one Cane who didn't participate in the brawl, citing that he wanted to play against the likes of Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Instead, he's most likely sidelines until mid November.

Aside from the suspended Reddick and injured Beason, Miami will now be without Carlos Armour, Chris Barney, James Bryant, Tyrone Byrd, DajLeon Farr, Ryan Hill, Bruce Johnson, Charlie Jones, Brandon Meriweather, Brian Monroe, Derrick Morse and Randy Phillips.

Armour, Bryant, Byrd, Farr, Hill, Johnson, Jones, Meriweather, Monroe, Morse and Phillips all have seen extensive action this season and will be be sorely missed.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/16/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Monday October 16th.

Today's winners are:

> Vicki Lyons - Miami Lakes, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> David Sabo - Newark, NJ - iTunes Gift Card
> Alan Horne - Miami, FL - 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.)

Random thoughts on Miami/FIU 2006

Miami beat intracity rival FIU, 35-0 in the first meeting between the two schools.

After the third quarter meltdown by both teams, there's a good chance we won't see a sequel.

If you caught more than five minutes of ESPNews this weekend, you've seen the footage and heard the commentary. The anti-Miami contingent is in full force. The brawl between the Canes and Golden Panthers was as bad as college football has seen in years. Once this thing got rolling, the competitive juices were flowing and both sides were exuding bitterness.

It was little brother lashing out at big brother and eventually little pushed big past that point of no return.

I've received a lot of emails these past 24 hours, asking me my opinion on this matter. I'm torn. I loved seeing the fight in these kids and I respect the unity.

Pushing and shoving, can anyone really criticize that? No. Football is a rough sport. These kids are going at each other a hundred miles an hour. With controlled emotion, they punish each other for a few good hours every Saturday. Eventually, things are going to boil over. That's expected. But sometimes it goes too far.

A few Canes crossed the line, wielding helmets Braveheart-style or doing the Riverdance on an opponent's torso. They needed to draw the line at pushing and shoving. There was no reason to turn it into a street brawl. Or was there? Can a sportswriter or armchair quarterback really answer that? I don't know.

Former Cane WR Lamar Thomas called the game in the booth for CSS on Saturday and he's taking a ton of grief for his reaction to what transpired on the field. Thomas was no longer providing color commentary. His reverted back to 1992 and was thinking, acting and speaking like a player. Thomas' reaction most likely summed up what every kid on Miami's sideline was feeling.

“Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Thomas stated as the brawl escalated. “You come into our house, you should get your behind kicked. You don’t come into the OB playing that stuff. You’re across the ocean over there. You’re across the city. You can’t come over to our place talking noise like that. You’ll get your butt beat. I was about to go down the elevator to get in that thing.”

As the fight was being broken up, Thomas’ comments continued.

“I say, why don’t they just meet outside in the tunnel after the ball game and get it on some more? You don’t come into the OB, baby,” Thomas said. “We’ve had a down couple years but you don’t come in here talking smack. Not in our house.”

Had ESPN carried this game, I shudder to think of their politically correct yet biased commentary after the melee, for the remainder of the game. It'd have been brutal. Hearing the thoughts of a former player who left it all on that same Orange Bowl field every Saturday? It gave me a much better perspective as to why these kids reacted the way they did.

Read the Sunday morning AP recaps. FIU players were antagonizing Miami players during warm ups. Early in the game Golden Panthers WR Chandler Williams speared Canes S Kenny Phillips after an interception. There was trash talking, pushing and extra curricular activity after every play.

FIU wasn't being a gracious visitor. I haven't seen that kind of disrespect since Rick James put his muddy kicks up on Eddie Murphy's new couch.

At 14-0, FIU got dirty and threw the first punch. The Golden Panthers deserve 100% of the credit for taking things to that next level.

I've read a lot of articles today which discredit the "who threw the first punch?" argument and that's pure bull. Isn't that first question we're always asked after a situation like this occurs? Whether it's the high school principal or Officer Friendly breaking up a bar brawl, it's always "who threw the first punch?"

The media wants to discredit that, choosing just to trash Miami as they are the national program and FIU, while the aggressor, is truly a nothing program.

What's one of the first lessons we learn in grade school? Don't go picking fights, but always stick up for yourself. Don't hit someone first, but if they hit you - hit 'em back harder. Defend yourself. It’s our Constitutional right.

Thomas said it clear as day. FIU came into Miami's house. The Orange Bowl. Currently not what it once was, but still light years ahead off anything in the Golden Panthers' short existence. A 58-home game win streak from 1958 to 1994. Respect it. And while you’re at it, respect the legacy created by five National Championships since 1983. We're still Miami. Whether we’re 4-2 or 6-0, you're not going to come into our house and push this group of Hurricanes around.

FIU should've known better. This attitude isn't a ‘Canes’ thing. It's a Miami thing - as in City of Miami. The M-I-A is rough. It churns out some tough characters. It's a no b.s. town. People are always defensive and on edge. You've always got your guard up and your head is on a swivel.

Did the Golden Panthers really expect to beat the Canes at their own game of intimidation and talking smack? Come on now. Miami invented that style of play.

Neither side was going to back down in a situation like that. You have two sidelines chock full of kids who played ball against each other from the Optimist days through high school and now they're college rivals.

Several Golden Panthers dreamed of playing for The U, didn't have "it" and wound up in the mix at F.I. Who. It’s envy - one of the seven deadly sins.

Regardless of who started it, I was disappointed with some of the street brawl tactics I saw as the two teams were mixing it up. That was over the top. Push. Shove. Stand your ground. Head back to the sidelines, let cooler heads prevail and get back on the field.

Taking it to that next level - well, that's the difference between being suspended for one game or getting booted for the rest of the season. Especially with ESPN running the clip on a constant loop.

To date, thirteen Canes have been suspended for next weekend's game at Duke and a handful will be out for the Georgia Tech game and beyond. The ACC and Miami top brass chatted Sunday morning after watching tape and processing the black eye both programs and two conferences received.

One has to believe that using a helmet as a weapon (Anthony Reddick) and stomping out other players (Brandon Meriweather) will carry a stiffer fine than the pushers and shovers.

Forget the initial national reaction to the Miami Melee, in the long run I side with Thomas in that I believe it'll help this team grow closer.

Anyone who's ever gotten into a brawl - you and a couple of buddies mixing it up with another group; you know how that feels. There's a sense of camaraderie if you and the crew walk away victorious.

It's one thing to believe - in theory - that your friends have your back. It means something completely different when they get in the trenches with you and prove their loyalty with their fists.

Thomas said it. "This type of experience can help a team come closer together. Now they know we're in this as one. They're not gonna pick on just one guy. We're gonna take you down somehow someway." He’s right. No matter what the national media, the CSS Network and the rest of the college football world says.

I felt the same thing when I saw our kids jumping on the sidelines, helmets raised. They weren't being cocky. Those kids were coming together. Rewatch the tape. You see a lot of interaction on the sidelines from that point on. Freshman and seniors. Big smiles. Pats on the back. That was and old school rumble. A turf war. Nothing more than an after school scrap in the parking lot over being disrespected.

In the short run, this will be perceived as embarrassing. In the long run, this could be a turning point for the players on this team. Our kids are coming together. They look like they're having fun out there. They finally look united. There were rumors in spring ball that the offense and defense had issue with each other. They were divided. No way that’s the case after Saturday’s brawl where they all got each other’s back.

On a lesser note, but equally as important - it showed some of the old school Canes that these current kids have some fight in them. There has been a lot of talk this season about past Miami greats feeling this team lacks grit and hunger while questioning if they have any heart. This brawl will change that.

When backed into a corner, Miami came out swinging. Right or wrong, it showed their predecessors that it doesn’t matter if it’s 1986 or 2006, The U can still channel their ‘bad boys of college football’ persona.

Saturday's rumble could be another one of those "us against the world" moments for this program. Miami's gone through the fire this season and they're proving they're a resilient bunch. These last three wins were against weak competition (Houston, North Carolina and FIU) but for a once 1-2 team, the Canes have stepped up and have gotten better each week.

That will be a challenge now -15 players at Duke this coming weekend. In what should’ve been a pushover game, Miami will have to rely on some young back ups to step up and fill in. It actually makes the Duke game semi-interesting. The Canes' final tune up before the meat of the ACC schedule, beginning October 28th at Georgia Tech.

In the end, the Canes are 4-2 and head to Duke next Saturday. Nationwide, Miami will get trashed for this brawl. Internally, I hope Lamar Thomas was right. Moments like this can unite a team. What’s done is done. Forget the logistics of the brawl, move forward and in the end, let it unite these Canes down the stretch.

Prove to the college football world that this brawl was an aberration that the program and absorb and grow as a result of.


.:Canes305:.


ATTENTION: Opposing fans looking to spew their venom around here, we will post your comments ONLY if you show yourselves and log in with a vaild email address so you can feel the wrath when Hurricanes Nation chooses to respond.

Logging in under "Anonymous" so you can talk smack and disappear? That's not gonna cut it around here. All those comments will be rejected. Especially those trashy folk who are dropping the "n" bomb and are proving they're nothing more than racist idiots.

Sack up and show yourselves if you have such a bias against The U or keep your comments to yourself.

Later Gators...

"Give me a Gators loss this Saturday and this three day span will rival Christmas and New Year's." - Canes305 on 10/12/06 discussing Virginia Tech loss on Thursday and recent losses by other rivals.


Every Miami fan had to love taking in Auburn 27, Florida 17. Yes there was a controversial call and true, Auburn scored on the final play making this one look like more of a blowout than it really was. The Gators came to play, but the Tigers' defense and special teams wouldn't be denied.

Much like the Miami Dolphins celebrate every year when the last undefeated team is knocked off, preserving the legacy of their 17-0 season. I ALWAYS raise a glass when Florida or Florida State are no longer unbeaten. When it comes to state pride, it's all about the hardware and bragging rights. The Gators may be the best team in the Sunshine State this season, but the loss to the Tigers throws a wrench in their quest for their second National Championship... and that's always a good thing.

Rergarding titles, the score looks like it'll remain Miami 5, Florida State 2 and Florida 1. Just how Hurricane Faithful likes it.

Raise a glass. I'm gonna go blow my $115 on a bar tab with some Hurricane faithful in LA tonight, celebrating this Gators' loss and the last team I needed to go down in my four-team parlay today.

P.S. - Miami was -27 tonight. Are there bonus points for suplexes, bodyslams, helmet bashing and truly 'stomping out' the competition? More on the Miami/FIU battle royale and 35-0 win on Sunday evening.


.:Canes305:.

Mayhem...

Early in the third quarter, Miami extended its lead to 14-o over FIU and all hell broke loose. For those who've missed it, here's a clip of the Saturday Night Main Event which took place in a raucous Orange Bowl.

Thuggish commentary is provided by our man in the booth, former Canes WR Lamar Thomas. It was the first time I've heard LT call a game and after this rant I have to wonder if he'll be invited back anytime soon.

Of course if the Canes ARE gonna throw hands, I can't imagine better color commentary than ol' #36 breaking it down old school and Uncle Luke-style.

F.I. Who?

There really isn't much to write about a Miami/Florida International match up on Saturday outside of former senior associate athletic director Pete Garcia bailing the Canes for the Golden Panthers earlier this week.

Well that and the fact that it's not even Saturday and I'm already sick of FIU. It's been a while since I've seen a program with a Napoleon complex like this. I get it, they're fired up about getting Pistol Pete on their roster, but the "legacy" is not outgrowing the actual accomplishments. Visit a few college message boards and you'll see FIU faithful crediting Garcia with rebuilding Miami during the probation era, saving the Canes 2006 recruiting class, splitting the atom, curing cancer and they're petitioning to send him to Iraq to end the war.

OK, the last three are false but FIU fans are definitely feeding into the Pete Garcia Hype. There was an article on the Miami Herald Blog a few days back titled, "FIU 1, Miami 0" and it was an utter joke. Here are a few excerpts followed by my take:

FIU 1, Miami 0 - That's what the scoreboard at the Orange Bowl should say before the Hurricanes and Golden Panthers hook up Saturday night for their first football meeting ever. Tuesday afternoon, FIU made its biggest move on the gridiron ever when it inked former UM associate athletic director Pete Garcia to be its next athletic director.

Wrong. The University of Miami didn't lose here. Pete Garcia was the senior associate athletic director. He was in charge of ticket sales and Internet relations. He assisted with recruiting last season, but that's not part of the former job description. Garcia didn't choose FIU over Miami. It can't be measured that way because he wasn't offered the same position at both universities. The head gig at FIU pays Garcia twice the salary he was making at Miami. That's a no brainer. Strictly a business move and resume builder.


In its first five years, FIU has never beaten UM to a single football recruit the Hurricanes have wanted. But that may start changing soon because the guy FIU got not only knows how to recruit, but he knows how to build champions.

Again, the legacy is bigger than reality. Garcia knew how to HELP build a championship caliber team as he assisted Butch Davis, Larry Coker, Bill Miller, Greg Schiano, etc. recruit for The U in the late 90s.

FIU isn't going to steal anyone or recruit better than Miami. I don't care if they had ten Pete Garcias there. Win five titles and establish 20 years of solid play and then MAYBE they can talk about 'outrecruiting' the Canes. At best, FIU will get some Miami rejects who don't qualify academically.

It's Signing Day in February, you're a big time recruit and you have a Miami cap and FIU cap in front of you. Who are you REALLY going to choose?


But Garcia likely won't end up as part of UM's future now because FIU president Modesto Maidique seized the moment and nabbed Garcia for his own school's future. Pistol Pete was happy Tuesday. And it was more than the fact he was getting a 5-year contract worth over $200,000 a year. It was because he's getting the chance he's always wanted to build a winner.

Notice how the writer throws "likely" in there. Paul Dee is on contract with Miami until 2010 but poor decisions and worse health could force Dee to the sidelines before then. If so, bet the house that The U calls on Pete Garcia. Being that the Dee era COULD run four more years, Garcia had to seize this opportunity. This wasn't a lateral move. It was a big time promotion in the same city where he already worked. He could go from Miami to FIU and back to Miami without breaking a sweat.

Garcia has a shot at making FIU the fourth best team in state. They're currently somewhere around seventh, behind the big three, South Florida, Central Florida and Florida Atlantic. He can help FIU improve and he can help Miami win National Championships.


If you look at it, FIU really has a bright future. They've got a new on-campus stadium and new facilities on the way, an alumni base that reaches over 100,000, a city that produces more NFL talent than anyone else in the country and a president that clearly has made a move to build a winner. Last I checked, the only things UM had among those was the fact it was still in the same city and a president that says she wants to build a winner.

Not only does this writer try to credit Garcia for "building champions" but here he attempts to piggyback on the amount of NFL athletes the city of Miami has produced. True, the city produces big time talent - but all those kids wind up at big time programs. If not Miami, then it's Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, USC, Georgia or elsewhere. They don't end up at the likes of an FIU.

I'll give credit for the on-campus stadium deal and new facilities - but as Miami has proven, you don't need an on-campus stadium and new facilities to win National Championships. Oregon might have some of the best facilities in the country and they can't even win the Pac 10. The Canes have proven that an on-campus stadium and top notch facilities is overrated.


Tuesday, Garcia said his goal was to "wake up a sleeping giant" at FIU. Maybe, if Canes fans are lucky, Garcia's move to FIU will do the same for his former employer. Maybe this will finally get UM to think about building its own stadium and upgrading its own facilities.

Doesn't the phrase "wake up a sleeping giant" imply that there's a giant involved? FIU is no giant. They're not even the gum on the bottom of a giant's shoe. They're a runt who suffers from a severe case of Cane Envy.

Miami doesn't need a stadium. It has the Orange Bowl and has been its only resident for years since the Dolphins moved north and the Orange Bowl Classic was moved to Dolphin Stadium. The OB is going to get a facelift soon enough and all this talk about Miami's facilities is blown out of proportion.

First off, where are you going to put a stadium in Coral Gables which holds 60,000+ people? We're talking about a city which fines you if your shrubbery isn't groomed and manicured. As for those dilapidated facilities, if they're that shoddy how come the University of Miami weight room looks like an NFL Pro Bowl team in the off season?


All of this FIU crap this week really has me hoping the Canes put a pasting on little brother this weekend as they need to be put back in check. There is only one state power in Miami and that's how it's going to remain. Pete Garcia is a feather in their cap, but let's not blow it out of proportion. It was a business decision and the minute something better comes along, another business decision will be made and he'll be gone.

Things will improve on Garcia's watch, but FIU couldn't become the "next Miami" if they followed the blueprint to perfection. The U was built through a mixture of the perfect players, perfect coaches, perfect athletic directions and perfect timing regarding the state of college football in the early 80s.

Saturday night should see a semi-packed house for a night game - especially with the "enemy" residing just down the road.

Smack 'em up, Hurricanes. Remind them who the king of this jungle is. Eight quarters until Georgia Tech. Keep tightening up your game and stay healthy 'til then.


.:Canes305:.

More UWIN winners...

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Friday October 13th.

Today's winners are:

> Kyle Goins - Sand Springs, OK - allCanes Gift Card
> Iliana Farinas - Miami, FL - Tony Roma's ($25 RomaBucks)
> Jessica Robinson - Miami, FL - Bed Bath & Beyond

Our grand prize winner of the day is Chris Micci of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Chris will receive a signed 2001 National Champs Football. This limited edition football (only 500 in existence - pictured above) features games and scores from the 2001 season, the Rose Bowl logo and is signed by head coach Larry Coker.

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.)

ACC delivers, right on schedule...

Ahh... another Thursday night in college football and all is right in the universe. Three things remain certain; death, taxes and turmoil in the ACC.

Last week brought us the N.C. State upset of Florida State, 24-20 and tonight we witnessed Boston College rolling Virginia Tech, 22-3 in front of raucous Alumni Stadium. I loved it. The hater in me, the one who still can't fathom being 3-2. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Florida State and Virginia Tech go down back-to-back weeks.

Throw in a new episode of The Office afterwards and we may be describing the perfect evening.

Give me a Gators loss this Saturday and this three day span will rival Christmas and New Year's.

When Miami is down, I enjoy seeing other teams lose almost as much as I dig seeing us win. College football misery loves company; especially when it's two hated rivals.

Tonight's game was on another level, though. Virginia Tech didn't just lose, they got "Sluggered" - as in what Louisville did to The U in September.

This wasn't a coming out party for Boston College as some elite team. They beat up an average Hokies team. The same way the Cardinals can't chest thump too hard for beating an average bunch of Canes.

Miami took it on the chin and has rebounded nicely. Not the blowouts fans have been clamoring for, but effective wins with positive strides made each game, each quarter, every down, every snap. The Canes appear to be putting things together, but will they do so in time for an October 28th trek to Georgia Tech?

We'll see. Right now, it's all about the Chokies. I'm still a little surprised at how this one went down.

That didn't look like a Frank Beamer-let team. Sloppy. Out of position. Not twisting ankles in piles. No focus.

I haven't seen Virginia Tech lose a game like that in a while. Even 27-7 against the Canes last year, they played harder. Marcus Vick killed them and Miami capitalized, but they had some fight in them. Against BC, Virginia Tech looked very average and beatable. How will they respond?

After Louisville, Miami was looking at one above average match up (Houston) and three cupcakes (North Carolina, FIU and Duke). Virginia Tech get a minor breather with Southern Miss, but then sees Clemson and Miami in back-to-back games. There isn't much time to rebound from tonight's debacle. Where will their season go.

Prior to joining the ACC, Virginia Tech spent the better part of this decade beefing up on nobodies en route to a 5-0 start and overbloated ranking. They'd lose a game they shouldn't, never rebounded and wound up going 6-5 on the year. A similar pattern in surrounding years.

For the sake of the ACC, I want Virginia Tech and Florida State to be pretty good - in theory.

When they're down, it makes life miserable when debating friends who pull for schools in other conferences. I lived in Gainesville for two years, so I get the SEC pukes calling me every week something big happens there.

Living in San Diego, it's all USC crap. Well, since 2003, at least.

Before that it was ratty old San Diego Aztecs sweatshirts and people telling me about the time they almost beat us (30-28, 1990) or when The Rock smacked up their mascot. Now all the faux-Trojans here pull the "Reggie Bush - Helix High" card and that's supposed to make them legit.

SEC, Pac 10, Big Ten, Big XII... you name it. They'll all bagging on Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech. All were supposed make the ACC the baddest conference and instead it's old schoolers like Clemson and Georgia Tech who are stealing the headlines.

Miami can steal them back, if they step up. There's no dominating team in the Coastal Division. Virginia Tech showed that tonight and Georgia Tech hasn't exactly stomped out their competition (like Clemson has), needing a goal line stand against Maryland last week to survive, 27-23.

24-7 against a horrendous Virginia team. Samford? 38-6. Troy? 35-20? "Good", but hardly "great".

Would they beat Miami tomorrow? Probably. Are they the 1995 Cornhuskers? Not quite.

The ACC maybe schitzo right now, but it's about to get fun. Check out how it all unfolds the next few weeks:

Miami - (10/21) - @ Duke, (10/28) - @Georgia Tech, (11/04) - Virginia Tech.
Georgia Tech - (10/21) - @Clemson, (10/28) - Miami, (11/04) - @ North Carolina State.
Virginia Tech - (10/21) - Southern Miss, (10/26) - Clemson, (11/04) - @Miami.
Clemson - (10/21) - Georgia Tech, (10/26) - @Virginia Tech, (11/04) - Maryland.

All four teams are going to see some serious challenges. This already-turned-on-its-ear conference is about to get flipped again. Call it a gut feeling. By November 4th this thing is gonna be wide open.

Stay focused and the Canes might be able win or survive a few games here. No one is dominating and everyone is choking somewhere. Miami is due for a good game and it's time to watch someone else fall apart. Who will be this year's Marcus Vick, making mistakes and handing the game to Miami's defense?

For the Canes' sake, they best hope it's one Reggie Ball.


.:Canes305:.

Anything can happen...

I keep reading a lot of crap on Hurricanes message boards lately regarding Miami's upcoming road trip to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech. Two weeks out and many are predicting the Canes are gonna get whooped.

Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. Too early to tell. FIU and Duke are up next and that mean eight more quarters of football for this current Miami team to tighten up their game before getting to the meat and potatoes of their schedule.

If Miami and Georgia Tech went toe to toe this coming weekend, the logical pick would be a Yellow Jackets' victory as they are playing better football than the Canes right now. That said, they're not playing this weekend. The Canes have their two cupcakes while the Jackets are off this week and then have their confidence tested in a night game at Clemson next weekend.

Both Miami and Georgia Tech can be in completely different places (mentally) come October 28th.

All of this chit-chat about the Canes' demise and fans writing off the season - it got me thinking. Has the first half of this season been a disappointment? Yes. Am I still sick that Miami lost to Florida State and Louisville, coming out the gates 1-2? More than you know. But have I written off this season yet? Hell no.

Why? Let me explain.

Part of me can never write off a season until after the bowl game, no matter how bad the start. We as college football enthusiasts wait too damn long for this time of year. Writing it off in early October seems criminal. Especially when Miami will head into Atlanta at 5-2 in a year when the ACC is a schitzophrenic conference. We're seeing that anything can happen any given week.

Conventional wisdom tells you that little good is in store for a Hurricanes team so dependent on freshmen offensive talent. Still, some of these young kids are proving they have that 'it' factor. As bitter as some fans are at Larry Coker, they have to be equally as excited when they watch Javarris James and Sam Shields making plays. Same can be said about guys like Greg Olsen, who started out sluggish but seem to be picking up momentum as the season goes on.

Right now the only logical thing to do is take the season one game at a time, as cliche as that sounds. Miami has improved each of the past three weeks and hopefully we'll see more of the same the next two weeks leading up to Georgia Tech.

Wyclef Jean's "Anything Can Happen" was playing in my head as I gathered my notes for this article. Anyone who's watched college football religiously this season, they're seeing teams red hot one week and ice cold the next. Miami elitist, you're not the only ones eating your hearts out right now. Let's rewind and check out some other storylines in college football this season:

Auburn - The Tigers enter the season ranked #4. The roll Washington State, 40-14 in the opener and head coach Tommy Tuberville pulls out some trickery en route to the rout. A few weeks later, a defensive battle against #6 LSU, resulting in a hard-fought, 7-3 Auburn victory. A few nights later the 4-0 Tigers grind out a Thursday night road win at South Carolina, 24-17. Two weeks later, Florida will come calling but before that, 3-1 Arkansas will drop by.

The result, a 27-10 Razorbacks victory. Down 17-10 at the half and outscored 10-0 in the final two quarter, the Tigers were embarrassed by a two-touchdown underdog. Coach Tuberville also looked rather mortal, quieting the chants Hurricanes conspiracy theorists who praised the former Miami assistant and have begged for his return to Coral Gables.

This week the Gators head to town. We'll see if Auburn can ruin Florida's undefeated run or if the wheels fall off and they lose back-to-back games.

Cal - The Golden Bears enter the season ranked #9 and optimistic, heading to #23 Tennessee for the season opener. Optimistic until they were rolled by the underdog Volunteers, 35-18. Tennessee had a 35-0 lead late in the third quarter before putting on the brakes. Cal has since beaten Minnesota, Portland State, Arizona State, Oregon State and Oregon but even that can't get the taste of the Tennessee tussle out of their heads.

Head coach Jeff Tedford hardly looked like an offensive genius down 35 points in Knoxville.

Clemson - The Tigers sure look like the team to beat in the ACC. Balance on both sides of the ball, as well as special teams. Not to mention that 27-20 upset of Florida State in Tallahassee. The only blemish? A 34-33 overtime win at Boston College, to an Eagles team who's hardly a juggernaut, beating three other nobodies and then losing to a then 1-2 NC State team. A missed kick is the difference between 6-0 and 5-1 for the Tigers. Still, a loss is a loss. Their defense gave up 24 in regulation to Boston College and they choked.

Florida State - Oh how times have changed. The Noles start out 2-0 and then go 1-2 in their next three games. Clemson upsets Florida State at home and less than two weeks later, NC State upends them, 24-20. The Noles were supposedly in the "driver's seat" and were "controlling their own destiny" after beating Miami. No mas.

Georgia - The Bulldogs enter the season a top ten team and survive a 14-13 scare against winless Colorado. They host visiting Tennessee - the same vulnerable Vols who lost to the Gators a few weeks back. By night's end, Georgia is on the wrong end of a 51-33 ass kicking. Another coach Hurricane conspiracy theorists were lobbying for (Mark Richt) goes out like a chump. Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech still look. The Dawgs better figure out their QB controversy right quick.

N.C. State - Lose to lowly Akron, beat Boston College and then upset Florida State with a freshman QB (Daniel Evans) who received the last scholarship offer of 2006 when another potential recruit dropped out? Welcome to the schitzophrenic ACC. Let's see what Chuck Amato and crew have up their sleeves for Georgia Tech and Clemson later in November.

Notre Dame - Ahh, the media darlings. Patron Saint Charlie Weis could do no wrong in 2006 according to early predictions. Many had the Fighting Irish penciled in to this year's National Championship game. Notre Dame survived Georgia Tech, 14-10 and waxed and overrated Penn State team, 41-17. A week later, the Irish were the one's getting waxed when Michigan came to South Bend and spanked them. 47-21. A week later it was almost more of the same at Michigan State. Down 37-21 entering the fourth quarter, the Irish outscored the Spartans 19-0 for a 40-37 victory.

With one loss or two, Notre Dame still doesn't look like the juggernaut many expected them to be. They're giving up too many points and they're merely good, not great. Brady Quinn will get his invite to the Downtown Athletic Club, but he doesn't deserve this year's Heisman... unless he does something special to erase a 3 interception performance (against Michigan) from the voters' minds. Rolling USC late in the year and hoping Ohio State's Troy Smith chokes down the stretch - that sounds like the perfect remedy.

Oklahoma - Survive UAB in the opener, 24-17. Turn it up against Washington, 37-20. Lose at Oregon on a bogus call, 34-33. Whoop Middle Tennessee State, 59-0. Look one-dimensional and like garbage against Texas, 28-10. Bob Stoops used to own Texas. Now he's 0-for-his-last-2. The Sooners can beat the lesser teams on their schedule, but Missouri, another Texas school or Oklahoma State can rise up and knock this team off. Stoops v. 2006 is hardly the highly sought after coach he was in 2000. Still good, but downgraded from his once god-like status.

Oregon - Stomp Stanford, eek past Fresno State, rob Oklahoma and throttle Arizona State en route to a 4-0 start and #11 ranking. A week later, get smashed by Cal, 45-25. Yes, the same Cal team who lose to Tennessee, 35-18. Typical Ducks football. Win a few big ones and get hammered a few weeks later. The Mike Bellotti who game planned against Oklahoma a few weeks back didn't look like the same guy who drew up the X's and O's against Cal last week.

Texas - Rolls North Texas, 56-7 and heads into match up with #1 Ohio State, optimistic and ranked #2. Buckeyes storm into Austin and hook the Horns to the tune of, 24-7. Texas beats Iowa State and Sam Houston State the next two weeks, before rolling Oklahoma, 28-10 in the Red River Rivalry. Unfortunately, the Horns' bid for a National Championship most likely went out the window after the 24-7 loss to Ohio State.

There are other 'case studies' here, but I'm sure you get the point. "On any given Saturday" has taken on a new meaning in 2006. Good teams lose to average teams. Bad teams lose to good teams. Average teams are falling to bad teams. Supposedly 'great' coaches are looking no better or worse than Miami's supposedly 'awful' staff and there have been few 'sure things' in college football this season.

The real downer for Miami is the opening loss to Florida State, being it was a conference game and the Canes for the taking. 31-7 at Louisville was embarrassing, but could be absorbed as they're in the Big East. We all prefer the sound of 4-1, but we have to live with 3-2 for now.

The way this season is playing out, the Canes might actually work some magic. That doesn't mean that Miami will roll through the rest of their schedule unscathed. But it does mean you can't write any of these games off until the clock hits 0:00.

Attempt to enjoy the ride. Ignore the haters who have written the season off. Support these kids. Watch them get better each week and hopefully we'll all be pleasantly surprised.

Remember, anything can happen.


.:Canes305:.

Adios, Pete...

It was announced earlier today that UM senior associate athletic director Pete Garcia is headed up the road to Florida International University. Garcia will step in for Rick Mello, who FIU is reassigning somewhere else within the university. Expect to hear much more as this story unfolds, conincidentally the same week Miami and FIU are slated to meet in the Orange Bowl this Saturday.

How big of a blow this is to the Hurricanes, who knows? Rumor has it that Garcia was next in line to replace current athletic director Paul Dee, but the question remained, when? Dee is under contract with Miami until 2010, though there is speculation he could be gone as soon as the end of 2006, citing health issues and some poor decisions while in charge. Most notably the extension of Larry Coker's contract in summer 2005 and a lawsuit pending regarding former Miami women's basketball coach Ferne Labati. Miami is also still paying former men's basketball coach Perry Clark, another black eye on Dee's resume.

One thing for certain, the return of Butch Davis looks like less of a possibility that it did yesterday. Garcia and Davis worked in tandem during the probation era, helping rebuild Miami's football program through crafty recruiting tactics and finding those 'diamond in the rough' type players. When Davis bailed for Cleveland in January 2001, he made Garcia a member of the Browns organization.

Garcia returned to The U in September 2005 and as senior associate athletic director, he oversaw the ticket office, ticket sales, Internet and media relations. He also put his recruiting cap back on and assisted Coker as the Miami staff was short-handed due to recent firings.

With the propect of Dee sticking around Coral Gables up until 2010 and the fact FIU is right up the road, no one can really fault Garcia for leaving his post at Miami. College athletics is big business and this is a a huge move forward career-wise. Should Miami come calling if Dee is gone anytime in the near future, one would believe that Garcia would be all ears. He obviously loves the University of Miami, returning there after his stint in Cleveland. At this point of his career, 'athletic director' looks much better on the resume than 'senior associate athletic director'.

Congratulations to Pete Garcia. Hopefully he'll prove that he's a quality AD and in time here's hoping he's back at The U sooner than later, helping right the ship.


.:Canes305:.

Random thoughts on Miami/North Carolina 2006

Miami got above .500 this weekend, beating ACC rival North Carolina, 27-7. It wasn't the utter beatdown many fans were calling for, but it was a convincing win nonetheless. As I wrote last week, the Canes need to 'baby step' their way back to success. The 1-2 start truly messed with the psyche of this team and has brought some serious criticism on its coaching staff.

Sitting at 3-2, the Canes are treading water right now awaiting the meaty portion of their schedule. Houston, North Carolina, FIU and Duke are nothing more than filler. An opportunity for the Canes to find its offensive identity before heading to Georgia Tech on October 28th. Eight more easy quarters of football before Miami enters a season and program defining five game stretch. If the effort is anything like it was past weekend, these Canes will be in good shape heading to Atlanta in a few weeks.

In regards to this weekend's 27-7 victory, a few thoughts:

>>> Miami came out energetic. I liked that. I believe this team has really taken on that 'us against the world' mentality. That doesn't just relate to the media and opposing teams in 2006. I think that attitude is aimed at anyone who questions this program, anyone who is anti-Larry Coker and any supposed fan whose ass wasn't in one of the 40,000+ empty orange seats on Saturday.

I realize (and can appreciate) why many fans are bitter with Coker, but by voicing their opinions against the man in charge, you best believe these players don't appreciate that. They signed on to play under Coker and they believe in him, right or wrong and through thick and thin. The U is a family and anyone who is against any one member of the family - expect the other family members to be against you.

While so many are busy hating, this team is just focusing on doing all it can to win games and get better. Hopefully that 'us against the world' mentality fuels their fire and gets them ready for a late season run. We'll see.


>>> Javarris James looked good in his second game as a starter. He's getting yards after contact and he's making plays. Beyond that, he continues to look like he has 'it'. Whether he's creating something out of nothing, or encouraging other players, James looks like a winner. He was the first one checking on Kyle Wright after he got the wind knocked out of him and he was the first to tap Kirby Freeman on the helmet, telling him "you're in - let's get this thing going." You can't underestimate team chemistry and camaraderie. Especially when an entire program has it's back to the wall.

You also have to love seeing this kid rattle off big runs in back-to-back weeks. I don't care who the opponent is. We're seeing that James has breakaway speed as well as those few extra moves which forces defenders to miss. #5 continues to prove he's a special one.


>>> I loved the trick play with Lovon Ponder for the first quarter. Some critics have pointed to the 'trickery' as a desperate act as it was the first TD scored by a Canes WR or TE this season. What they call trickery, I call innovative. Sometimes you just have to do whatever it takes. Every journey begins with that first step. Sam Shields got his first TD, Miami got on the board and momentum was in the Canes favor. Success breeds success. Plays like this are fun for the kids and they're the perfect remedy for a squad who is under the microscope right now.

The Canes were flagged for excessive celebration after the Shields touchdown and I have zero issue with that. Let these youngins pile on and enjoy the moment. Especially after all the criticism this offense has taken as of late.


>>> Greg Olsen worked with the wide receivers this past week and it showed in his pass catching. Olsen hauled in some nice passes on Saturday and he is Miami's best yards-after-catch option by a long shot. He had two huge grabs on the Canes scoring drive just before halftime. The 3rd and 4 play from the 24-yard line was a thing of beauty. Offensive coordinator Rich Olson oft stated that blitzing teams would pay dearly. On this play, he was correct. Wright absorbed the linebacker blitz, released at the final moment and found Olsen across the middle for a 14-yard gain. They found success with this again in the third quarter.

Miami needs to continue burning teams with these kinds of plays. Make opposing defensive coordinators think twice before blitzing the Canes.


>>> Of course not all the playcalling was perfect. Midway through the second quarter we saw a great screen pass to Javarris James on first down, but faced with 2nd and 7, Olson called two straight running plays. JJ didn't pick up the first down on 3rd and 1, forcing the Canes to punt. James is making a name for himself and is no longer a well-kept secret. Any decent coaching staff is going to key in on James and force Miami to pass, which is obviously the chink in the armor regarding this team. The Canes have earned the reputation of being vanilla on offense these past few seasons. It's time to sharpen those skills against the likes of North Carolina, FIU and Duke. Bet the house Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech will formulate game plans to shut down Miami's rushing attack, forcing Wright to pass his way to a Hurricanes victory.

On the occasional 3rd and 1 I'd like to see Olson call some slants or quick passing plays like he did against Florida State in the opener.


>>> Last week's defining moment was the defensive turnover created by Lovon Ponder and Chavez Grant. The fumble recovery led to a go-ahead score for Miami. This week it was Jon Beason's interception late in the second quarter. Miami then drove the field, Wright found Olsen a few times and Charlie Jones eventually found the end zone. A 10-7 Miami lead was in jeopardy as North Carolina was finding a rhythm and moving the ball. The defense stepped up and got the ball while the offense closed the deal and got the touchdown. 17-7 at the half kept the momentum in favor of Miami. Especially against an ornery North Carolina team who was playing much better than their winless ACC record.

Which begs the question, why does it always seem that lesser teams like this play out of their gourd against Miami? They see that "U" on the Canes' helmets and the opposition seems to step up and elevate their game to the next level. The Tar Heels are no juggernaut, but they also didn't play like the 1-4 team they currently are.


>>> There are some very solid young players on The U's roster right now. Be it true freshmen or first year starters, they're making plays and are exuding some great energy. James is obviously getting it done on the ground, but a ton of credit needs to go to Shields and converted CB Ryan Hill. Both are getting open and making plays. On defense Calais Campbell is a force to be reckoned with, while Colin McCarthy is blowing people up on special teams. I love looking for the new #44 out there rolling heads on kickoff coverage. I haven't seen a player that excited since Kellen Winslow and Dan Morgan were on kickoff coverage as freshman.


>>> Conversely, some upperclassmen and older players aren't getting it done. Baraka Atkins, Brian Pata and Kareem Brown aren't making half the noise of Campbell or Teraz McCray. I don't know if it's "Orien Harris-it is" but these highly-touted players need to step up and make some plays down the stretch. They can't take any plays off and need to tap into their egos a bit, finding motivation in the fact they're being shown up by their younger counterparts.

I'm not saying these guys are slacking. Atkins had a pretty decent game against North Carolina and a few weeks backs. I'm just stating that guys like Campbell and McCray are elevating their game to that next level and I want to see the upperclassmen do the same. Forget 'good' - it's time to be 'great'.


>>> All around, the defense looks ornery and I like that. Campbell. Beason. McCray. Ponder. Phillips. Meriweather. I like to see that bounce in their step and confidence exuded. Make plays, fly all over the field and strut a little bit. I refuse to use a term as cliche as 'swagger' - but an ounce of arrogance is a good thing for a team which has questioned itself as of late.

The secondary does need to tighten things up a bit, though. Meriweather was out of place on a few occasions and they're giving receivers too much of a cushion underneath. They haven't been beaten deep since Louisville, but they also have played anybody since. Everytime I see Hurricane corners giving up a passing play against the likes of North Carolina, I shudder to think what Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson can do. Johnson was taking it to eventual first round draft pick Kelly Jennings in last seasons, 14-10 upset of the Canes. He'll have a field day if this inexperienced secondary doesn't close the gap in the coming weeks.


>>> Lance Leggett didn't silence any critics with his drop on 3rd and 13 in the second quarter. It was a great playcall by Olson, a sure first down and would've been a huge confidence builder for #9. Instead, a typical crucial third down drop by another receiver on this team. Instead of a first down and a potential touchdown, the Canes had to settle for a field goal. Thankfully the erratic Jon Peattie nailed the 39-yarder or morale would've really gone in the toilet.

Regarding Leggett, he needs to ring up Greg Olsen and mimick #82's practice regimen from last week. Miami receivers cannot afford to drop easy passes at this point of the season. Every play counts. Every reception is something to build upon.


>>> Dropped balls are a sin, but even worse that those missed opportunities are all the holding calls when a receiver actually DOES haul in a pass. I heard Derrick Morse's name called too many times last week. Reggie Youngblood once or twice as well. Holding plays and false starts are not acceptable. Coker needs to bring some referees into practice the week before Georgia Tech. Stupid penalties will kill Miami against better teams. Against the Yellow Jackets or Hokies a 3rd and 9 completion called back for a hold can wind up being the difference in a touchdown or field goal. The way Miami's offense has played as of late, four points can cost the Canes a game.


>>> In closing, I truly hope all the haters can get the piss and vinegar out of their veins and start supporting this team as we're almost at the halfway point of this season.

We get it. You don't like Coker, you're aggravated with Paul Dee and you're posting your candidate wish list on message boards daily. While you're wasting your time with that pointless drivel, there are a slew of kids busting their asses in practice every week and trying to turn this thing around. All the trash talking makes you part of the problem, not part of the solution.

For 72 hours after the Louisville loss I was fit to be tied. I could either hold on to the anger or I could change my expectations for this season and focus on the positive. There is a lot of young talent on this squad. The Canes are rebuilding and reloading. Enjoy the ride. There is no National Championship in the cards and while an ACC title is a long shot, the conference doesn't exactly have a dominant player right now. Miami can still find a way to steal one here if these kid gel and get better every week.

Let go of the bitterness, people. Fine, the 80s were a better era and we all long for the dominance this program boasted earlier this decade. That was then and this was now. Support the product Miami is putting on the field right now. These kids deserve better.

If you believe in them, get behind them and have some faith - they just might surprise you.


.:Canes305:.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/09/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Monday October 9th.

Today's winners are:

> Michelle Spontak - Easton, PA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Will Corser - Miami, FL - Tony Roma's ($25 Roma Bucks)
> Michael Garcia - Coral Gables, FL - $25 GameWorks 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.)

More UWIN winners...

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Friday October 6th.

Today's winners are:

> Kip Kuduk - San Diego, CA - allCanes Gift Card
> Joey Roche - Miami, FL - GameWorks Gift Card
> Pete Draovitch - Greensburg, PA - Best Buy Gift Card

Our grand prize winner of the day is Shawn Smith of St. Paul, MN. Shawn will receive a signed 2001 National Champs Football. This limited edition football (only 500 in existence - pictured above) features games and scores from the 2001 season, the Rose Bowl logo and is signed by head coach Larry Coker.

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.)

Y'all ain't laughin' now...

As I stumbled out of the Orange Bowl on Labor Day stinging from Miami's 13-10 loss to Florida State, I remember thinking two things. [1] The Canes were going to struggle offensively for the fourth season in a row and [2] the Noles weren't going anywhere this season. Despite what the critics were saying. All this Florida State hype was nothing more than the media trying to make Bobby Bowden this year's "Joe Paterno feel good story."

FSU may have eeked past UM, but both offense units were going to get worked as the season progressed. Anyone who thought the Noles were on the fast track, they were sorely mistaken.

I called for a Clemson upset of Florida State a few weeks back and I had a similar feeling last night as the Noles headed to Raleigh-Durham to take on the Wolfpack. FSU edged UM, struggled against Troy, lost to Clemson and then waxed paltry Rice. A Thursday night landmine game pitting Bobby Bowden against his old assistant and new nemesis Chuck Amato? This one had 'upset' written all over it.

Moments after Miami got waxed at Louisville to the tune of 31-7, my phone started blowing up. Text messages were pouring in from buds who are Florida State fans and alum. The trash talking was on. The Noles were 2-0, the Canes were 1-2 and the folks in garnet and gold were having a laugh at their arch-rival's expense. Of course hours later, the Noles were upset by the Tigers and two weeks later they go down again.

After Miami takes down 'mighty' North Carolina this week both the Canes and Noles will be sitting at 3-2 and both should be out of the top 25 for the first time in God knows how long. Florida State is actually in worse shape as they just absorbed their second conference loss, putting Clemson in the driver's seat in the Atlantic division. A real burn considering had the Noles won last night, they probably would've run the table the rest of this season until the season finale against Florida. (Duke, Boston College, Maryland, Virginia, Wake Forest and Western Michigan are the next six opponents.)

How do you like the view from down here, Seminole Nation? Sucks, don't it?

Call it karma for all the trash talking I dealt with between Miami's loss to Louisville and the final drive when Clemson ripped your hearts out...


.:Canes305:.

"What do you do on 3rd & 43 out of the playbook?"

I referenced "3rd and 43" a few days back in my Miami/Houston blog in reference to the Cougars completing a long third down pass against the Canes from the same end zone where we made history against the Irish in 1989.

I found the clip on YouTube.com earlier today and wanted to post for the old schoolers who hadn't seen the clip in a while... as well as the youngsters who weren't around when Miami v. Notre Dame was the baddest rivalry in the game.

Our good friend 31SpoonerStreet put together this footage. Check it out:

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/04/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Wednesday October 4th.

Today's winners are:

> Brett Simpson - Tallahassee, FL - Bed Bath & Beyond
> Michael Motto - Sewell, NJ - allCanes Gift Card
> Michael Cardoso - Miami, FL - GameWorks 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.)

Wright is the least of Miami's concerns...

I'm reading a lot of anti-Kyle Wright posts this week and I don't really get where they're coming from. I know this is Miami and there always seems to be some sort of quarterback debate. Costa or Collins. Collins or Clement. Clement or Covington. Kelly or Dorsey. Berlin or Wright. Hell, this week you can even go pro and throw Culpepper or Harrington in the mix. But Wright or Freeman? Give it a rest, people.

We're all pissed off over the 2-2 start. No one is walking away from the 14-13 win over Houston with heads held high and chests puffed out. Everyone in the know realizes that the Canes 'survived' that game. They didn't dominate. That said, Wright is hardly the problem here.

Funny how a few years can change everyone's perception. I still recall being online a few years back when Wright announced that he was choosing the University of Miami over both Texas and Southern Cal. This was a big time feather in the cap for Coker and staff. The strong-armed QB from Danville, CA was going to be the next in line at Quarterback U.

The recruiting gurus gave Wright all the accolades. 2002/2003 Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year. A Parade All-American. SuperPrep National Player of the Year. Rated the nation's #1 player and #1 QB on Allen Wallace's SuperPrep Elite 50. Tom Lemming's #2 QB in his Prep Football Report. The list goes on.

I'm not sold on high school accolades. It's a whole different ball game when these kids reach the collegiate level. Still, there's a reason three of the better programs this past decade were all in the running for Wright's services. This is a kid whose high school coach called him a "once in a lifetime player." There was obviously something special about Kyle Wright.

In regards to all the critics and Kirby Freeman supporters, I ask the following. Had Wright chosen USC or Texas, where would his career be today? Had Wright joined the Trojans, he'd have carried a clipboard the past few seasons and he'd be a first year starter this season. He'd have backed up Matt Leinart the past three seasons and he'd have benefited from Norm Chow's influence in 2003-2004 - as well as Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin.

Current USC quarterback John David Booty signed with the Trojans after Wright turned them down. Wright would've battled freshman Mark Sanchez for the 2006 starting job.

Wright also would be playing behind one of the better offensive lines in college football and would benefit from having wideouts such as Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. Throw in top recruits like Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner, future Trojan greats. He'd also be handing off to Chauncey Washington and super-frosh Emmaunel Moody.

For the record, both Hazelton and Moody had Miami on their radar, but choose USC instead.

If Wright took his skills to Austin, TX back in fall 2002 he'd have carried the clipboard and backed up Vince Young the past few seasons. This year he'd have battled freshman Colt McCoy for the starting job. The Longhorns boast a big time offensive line, playmakers like WRs Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman as well as RB Selvin Young. Longtime offensive coordinator and QB coach Greg Davis would have spent the past three seasons molding Wright and at days end, KW would've answered to Mack Brown at Texas and Pete Carroll at USC.

Wright also could've flipped a coin and won a National Championship at either USC or Texas the past two seasons while Miami stumbled to 9-3 seasons and back-to-back Peach Bowl appearances.

When you look at the current state of Miami as a whole, Wright should be the least of everyone's concerns. In his time as a Hurricanes he's never had 1) a solid offensive line, 2) a big time running back, 3) a solid tight end or 4) superstar wide receivers.

Not exactly a recipe for success.

Look at the talent Ken Dorsey had in his time at Miami. Between 2000-2002, he was loaded in all four areas where Wright has nothing. Offensive line? The 2000-2001 lines were as good as Miami has ever seen. Bryant McKinnie, Joaquin Gonzalez, Martin Bibla, Brett Romberg and Sherko Haji-Rasouli all had Dorsey's back. Literally.

Big time backs? Dorsey saw the best Miami ever had all in a row. James Jackson. Najeh Davenport. Clinton Portis. Frank Gore. Willis McGahee. As for help with the passing game, having the likes of Andre Johnson, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Roscoe Parrish, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow II didn't hurt Dorsey one bit.

Wright's had an overweight Tyrone Moss for half of 2005 and first-time starter Charlie Jones the rest of the season. Jones has been supplanted by Javarris James in 2006 and Moss is still overweight with a nagging injury. Receivers? Ryan Moore is sidelined due to temper, Aikeem Jolla bailed for New Mexico and Wright's biggest threats right now are true freshmen - Sam Sheilds and converted CB Ryan Hill.

As for Greg Olsen being the next Shockey or Winslow, not quite. Olsen may have potential, but he's underachieving and has more big time drops than catches these past two seasons.

Stick Wright behind center between 2000-2002 and you're looking at a completely different quarterback. Same argument if he's suiting up at Texas or USC today. Wright's skill set has not been developed at Miami. True, he is making some fundamental errors (i.e. holding onto the ball too long, etc.) but there are times where he looks like he really 'gets it' out there. He just doesn't have the talent surrounding him nor are his coaches helping him elevate his game to the next level.

Hopefully things come together as the year progresses, but anyone who truly believes Freeman would step in tomorrow and run that offensive better than Wright - they need to have their head examined.

Kyle Wright is Miami's best option under center right now. Deal with it.


.:Canes305:.

allCanes.com UWIN Winners - 10/02/06

allCanes has pulled the UWIN winners for Monday October 2nd.

Today's winners are:

> Judy Mallon - Miami, FL - Big Cheese Gift Card
> Robert Gonzalez - Miami, FL - Tony Roma's Gift Card
> Grace Haytas - Weston, FL - allCanes 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.)

Random thoughts on Miami/Houston 2006

Miami and Houston faced off yesterday and the Canes prevailed, 14-13. I watched the game on TiVo this morning and actually took it all in - knowing Miami won. Watching it live, I had that "here we go again" feeling down 13-7 in the third quarter. Especially when the Cougars looked like they were a play or so away from making it 20-7.

This wasn't a pretty game by any stretch of the imagination. At times it was downright ugly. Mistakes on both sides of the ball, penalties and no real flow during the second and third quarters. The Canes defense did actually hold their own against statistically the #3 offense in the nation. That said, fans were looking for Miami to set the tone early (they did) and then find their own offensive rhythm against Houston's average defense.

I hope no one was holding their breath.

At day's end, it was a win and it's a building block. What Miami can make out of this, who knows. North Carolina, FIU and Duke are on tap. These three doormats have a combined record of 1-12 -- all but ensuring that the Canes will be 5-2 heading into Atlanta on October 28th. Of course that means little after seeing Georgia Tech smack up Virginia Tech, 38-27. (The Yellow Jackets entered the 4th quarter up 38-13 before letting up.)

Still, sitting at 1-2 the resurgence had to start somewhere. 14-13 against Houston or 41-13 -- the Canes got the "W" on Saturday and now have three more weeks to fine tune before facing Georgia Tech, Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Boston College five straight weeks.

Some other random thoughts:

>>> I liked the opening drive of this game, but I didn't love it. Javarris James proved he's a special back. Something Miami hasn't seen in four seasons now. It was obvious early on that the Canes were going to prove they could get it done on the ground. The opening drive spanned 80 yards over 7 plays and took just under 3 1/2 minutes. James carried five times for 19 yards and caught a designed 15-yard pass on a 1st and 10 from the 33-yard line. Kyle Wright had a Hail Mary-esque, underthrow 46-yard pass to Lance Leggett, setting the Canes up at the 4-yard line.

In hindsight, the second-biggest offense play of the day and Miami was lucky Leggett readjusted and made the grab as it originally appeared to be nothing more than a poorly thrown pass by Wright.


>>> I wish I had watched Houston against Oklahoma State last weekend. They won 34-25 behind 509 yards of offense on a day where Kevin Kolb threw for 313 yards. He was 21/28 with 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Cowboys are no offensive juggernaut, but they're a decent Big XII team and that was a good win for the Cougars. Point being, I went into Saturday viewing UH as the same bunch they were in 2004 when the Canes spanked them 38-13. They're a better team than that and conversely, Miami has slipped the past two seasons. This wasn't a huge win - but it was a bigger win than I originally gave it credit for.


>>> Watching the game I swore it seemed Miami was running on every first down. Going back and rewatching the game, Olson actually mixed it up better than I thought. By the end of the third quarter the Canes had run on first down 10 times. They also threw 10 times on first down. The fourth quarter Miami rushed seven times on first down and threw only twice. Still, the run was working and with the lead the Canes coaches were conservative in protecting the lead. Understandable being Miami hadn't scored in the second half of their last five losses.

My only knock - throw to receivers more on first down. Lots of passes were dink & dunk type plays to running backs. I still long to occasionally see a deep ball on first down (show off the receivers speed) or an inside slant - which seem to have disappeared from the Miami playbook when Santana Moss graduated.


>>> Midway through the third quarter, facing a 3rd and 17 deep in the closed end zone, Houston completed a 36-yard pass for a first down. Maybe it's just me, but that play felt like the complete opposite of 3rd and 43 against Notre Dame when Craig Erickson hit Randall Hill in stride, en route to a 27-10 victory of the #1 Fighting Irish.


>>> Regarding the use of fullback, this is James Bryant's time. This reminds me of the D.J. Williams move back in 2000. In an effort to see the field, the then-Canes linebacker switched to offense in an effort to get on the field and help his team. Bryant has seen a similar career thus far. Not high enough on the linebackers depth chart, but more than capable enough of getting it done at fullback. Especially with Jerell Mabry looking sloppy in his limited play thus far in 2006.

I remember a few years back when Bryant and former Cane LB Willie Williams were jawing at practice, needing to be separated. Williams ducked and ran as this season began, but Bryant stuck it out (amid rumors of transferring to Pitt) and proved he's a team player. His third quarter touchdown catch was huge. There was no kid on that field who I wanted to score more than Bryant.

Show him he made the right move switching to offense. Let him get a feel for scoring. Watch him blow up some defenders while opening holes and blocking. Bryant looked fired up late in the game and afterwards. I want to see him incorporated into the game plan similar to the way Quad Hill was used the past few seasons. Bryant's blocking is huge - especially with James at running back. JJ's still working on the blocking. The extra body will help.


>>> 4:10 left in the 3rd quarter and inside the 20-yard line, it looked like a guarantee that Houston would go ahead 20-7. It seemed like another one of those, "here we go again..." moments until Lovon Ponder made the hit, Chavez Grant recovered the fumble and Miami was back in business.

I have no clue how Miami will fare as the season progresses - especially with Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech back-to-back four week from now. IF the Canes do turn things around, the Ponder/Grant play could be viewed as the one which saved the season. Fundamental defense - a Miami staple - saved the day.

The next offensive play, the Canes threw on first down - with Wright hitting Sam Shields for 22-yards. Three plays later, James tore off a 44-yard run to the Cougars' 15-yard line. Bar none the best run I've seen out of any Miami back since 2002. If James has fresh legs, he takes that to the house - but the coaches ran him too hard the first half. Much like they did Tyrone Moss at Florida State last season.

Par for the course the play was followed by a holding penalty, a dropped pass by Greg Olsen and another Wright sack had the Canes facing a familiar 3rd and long (24 yards, to be exact).

In what was the MOST important offensive play of the game, Wright hit Leggett for 27 yards - down to the Houston 2-yard line. Wright threw the ball before Leggett even broke and although it wasn't perfect, it was effectively placed. A play later, Wright dumps it off to Bryant for what proved to be the game winner.

From the Ponder/Grant fumble play up to the Bryant touchdown - a lot was accomplished over the next four minutes of football. Miami needs to build on that.


>>> The defensive line brought the thunder this past week. Keep it up because you're going to need to double that effort in a month at Georgia Tech. Reggie Ball and Calvin Johnson look scary. The Canes front four are going to have rattle Ball's cage if Miami is even THINKING upset.


>>> Regarding Larry Coker's decision to go for it on 4th and Inches... anyone who calls this a 'gutsy' play needs to have their head examined. As the play began to unfold, part of me thought "kick the ball" and let the defense do their job. Then it quickly hit me that this team was 1-2 and if they couldn't pick up the three inches, they deserve to be 1-3. Coker's decision to go for it was really the only option. It was one out of desperation. There was nothing ballsy about it. I'm amazed some in the local media (Edwin Pope) are giving Coker such praise for the decision and the win.

Ballsy is Tommy Tuberville going with the onside kick against South Carolina last Thursday night. Up 17-10 on the road, midway through the third quarter, Tuberville had his team go with an onside kick. He felt the Gamecocks' defense was on the ropes and he wanted to deliver the knockout blow. The Tigers recoverd, went up 24-10 on that possession and barely held on to win 24-17.

THAT'S ballsy. Going for it on 4th and Inches at home against Houston with a 1-point lead? That's expected.


>>> Jon Peattie, please get it together. This is embarrassing, my man. What happened to the kid who was carried off the field after drilling five field goals in a 22-20 comeback against West Virginia in 2003? Rechannel that ghost, sacrifice a pig - whatever it takes. You proved you had the skills. All of this is in your head. Figure it out and get back to your old self. This team is going to need you down the stretch.


>>> Greg Olsen, I'm talking to you as well. What good are the one-handed circus catches if you're dropping potential third-down conversions which hit you between the "8" and the "2" every week? Concentrate. I'm sure you're frustrated with the limited role and the amount of blocking you're doing. Not exactly Shockey-esque. That said, you need to reel in the easy ones and prove you're a threat before you're consistently worked into the offense.


>>> Coach Coker? Congrats. You needed this one more than anyone. I am still skeptical about how your next 8-10 games are going to play out at The U. But I'm glad you got this win after being raked over the coals all week. In a month you'll be coaching a 5-2 team and you'll have probably re-entered the Top 25 again.

Blowout the next few opponents and the media will be right back on your side - praising the four-game win streak and starting the "Miami's back" rumblings to hype up the Georgia Tech game.

Don't believe the hype.

These Canes are far from being 'back' - but they can build on this win over Houston and attempt a run at an ACC crown. Stranger things have happened. Miami has a long way to go and a short time to get there (I'm eastbound, just watch ol ' Bandit run) but a resurgence has to start somewhere.

Remember the fictional book "Baby Steps" by Dr. Leo Marvin in the movie What About Bob? This problem didn't start in a day and it's not going to be solved with one win. Baby step your way back to being a winner.

Get the kids' heads on straight, get twelve quarters of valuable playing time under their belts and then gear up for a five game stretch which will either save OR cost you your dream job at The U.

Good luck, Coach. You might be faced with the second toughest job in America right now.



.:Canes305:.