More from Dizzy D in Boise...

Someone once said something like “a new day brings new opportunities,” and we just couldn’t help but think along these lines when we finally crawled out of bed around 11:15am Boise Time.

The sleep that had been enjoyed was still not enough after a brutal 20-hour travel odyssey that brought us all the way from the tropical humidity of Miami to the rugged mountains of Boise. But, so be it. As our hero Hunter S. Thompson was fond of saying, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

Today’s ticket is a hot one, in some circles at least. It grants us admission to the much-anticipated MPC Computers Bowl, where Your Miami Hurricanes will take on the grizzly Nevada Wolf Pack.

But before we trekked over to The Blue of Lyle Smith Field, we headed down to the lobby of The Red Lion Hotel, where we were greeted by the sight of several dozen green-clad Miami People. There they were, scattered throughout the Coffee Garden, lounging in the lobby and milling about in the hallway. As it turns out, they were members of the band, the cheerleading squad and the Sunsations. As you probably know, many of them possessed several strong characteristics, and we couldn’t help but wish we had showed up in the lobby a little bit earlier.

But oh well. What can we do? The past is the past, and today was all about the future. So after talking to a few Miami students who had braved the journey – complete with an ESPN-themed sign that read “CanEs on Smurf turf Pound Nevada” (personally, we would have preferred, “You’re With Me, Blue Leather”). We headed out for lunch, then over to The Blue, where these two proud teams were preparing to dive into this hotly anticipated matchup with all the strength they could muster.

Arriving about two hours before kickoff, we were shocked to find that the atmosphere that surrounded this game was, well, pretty much dead. Very little tailgating, at all. No strains of Rick Ross or Uncle Luke or “In The Air Tonight.” No music at all, really. Perhaps the “magnitude” of this game had something to do with that. Perhaps the distance played a role. And perhaps the fact that it was about 20 degrees and slightly windy also factored in.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t terribly impressive. Neither were our credentials, which were printed on very cheap-looking purple (?) cardboard, laminated for extra style points. And neither was the press box, which took awhile to reach and was rather limited in scale. It did possess, however, some very cozy space heaters, wireless internet access, and, best, of all, a rather stunning view of the Whatever It Is Mountain Range due north of our seat.

We couldn’t help but contrast it to the view from the Orange Bowl press box, where one can look “across the ocean over there” and take in the always evolving skyline of downtown Miami.

Street lights or ski slopes? Beaches or mountains? Palm trees or fir trees? Orange or Blue? Maybe, in the end, it’s all a matter of perspective. Or maybe we are all, when everything’s accounted for, God’s Children.

But we digress. There is a game to be played here. And very soon. Due to our Other Obligations, we are uncertain as to just how much, if any, perspective we can provide on the game.

So, if you don’t hear from us again tonight, we wish you a very Happy New Year’s. Cheers!

Dizzy D chimes in from glorious Boise...

Miami is gearing up to take on Nevada in a few hours and your friendly neighborhood blogger Canes305 couldn't make the trek to the arctic northwest. Duty called in Scottsdale, AZ and I headed to the desert instead.

While us Canes fans are still trying to wrap our arms around another lesser bowl game, blue turf and snow my writer pal and Miami native Dizzy D headed to Boise for business, pleasure and frankly, to help a brother out.

Below, Dizzy rants about his Miami to Boise journey yesterday:

Blogging From Boise: A Journey Into The Belly of The Blue

After enduring a 20-hour, six-city, four-flight trek from Miami to Boise (don't ask why, it's really not that important or interesting), our intrepid writer arrived in The Fair City of Trees at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time.

The two-hour prop plane flight from Los Angeles International Airport was not nearly as bad as expected, though the complimentary glass of merlot on said flight was every bit as awful as could be imagined.

The local weather, while indeed cold, was not the bone-jarring, snot-solidifying blast of arctic air that had been feared. Sure, it was in marked contrast to the record-setting heat and humidity of Miami on Christmas Eve, but then again, everything else about Boy-see is worlds removed from Mee-yami (though believe it or not, we did note a few rather attractive Latinas in Boise).

Upon checking into The Red Lion Hotel in Boise's "downtown", we were shocked to notice a few clusters of orange, green and white balloons, one of them even accompanied by a picture of Sebastian The Ibis. We also noted that a few of the meeting rooms were marked "University of Miami."

Could it be? Could The Mighty Men Of The U be staying here, at The Red Lion? Would this be the den they would hole up in before roaring across town to "The Blue" and mauling the overmatched, mangy Wolfpack?

Apparently, not. The U, it turned out, was staying at something called The Grove. Fans, apparently, have taken over The Red Lion. Or at least established a minor beachhead here. Perhaps this is why, we reasoned, we heard the following exchange at the hotel bar, mysteriously dubbed "Characters":

Very White Patron: "So, are you sick of all the Miami fans yet?"

Very White Bartender: "I'm sick of the players."

We think this is the conversation that took place, but then again, we were a little punch-drunk, what with the ridiculous all-day travel itinerary and the lingering sinus infection and the requisite nightcap to a rather brutal Saturday.

Also unlike Miami, everything closes in Boise at 2 a.m. Yes, even included Characters. Last call came and went, and as we made the slow amble back to our surprisingly well-appointed room, we couldn't help but smile when we saw those meeting rooms reserved for The University of Miami.

It may be dozens of degrees colder. It may be thousands of miles away. It may be infinitely smaller. But Boise, while not Miami, appears to possess, at least for a few days, a little bit of The Miami Flavor.

Take it outside, you two...

The verbal sparring between injured starting quarterback Kyle Wright and current starter Kirby Freeman continues. Come spring, this thing will be an all out war. Bank on it.

Jorge Milan of the Palm Beach Post wrote a piece today regarding both gunslingers and their desire to hold down the starting gigs come spring 2007. Wright feels the spot is his when healthy again, while Freeman plans on making his case against Nevada on Sunday, his fourth start since Wright injured his throwing hand.

Personally, I'm a fan of all this stuff. Not so much guys talking the talk and not walking the walk, but more so the fact that we'll enter spring football with something intriguing here.

I'm neither a Wright or Freeman guy. I prefer whoever will give the Canes the best chance to win and to date and I'm still waiting for someone to step up and do so. Wright has started 20+ games to Freeman's three, so you can't judge the two solely on their accolades. You have to base your opinion on the intangible and that'll come out in the next few months.

Unlike former coach Larry Coker, it seems Randy Shannon is going to open this thing wide up and may the best man win. I like that. I'm not a fan of seniority. Save that for law enforcement and folks in the airline industry. I could care less if a kid has been on campus four years or four months - put the best players on the field.

Miami's success - past and recent - has always come from the competition on the practice field. The best man winning out. The senior unable to get complacent because he knows a freshman is gunning for his job. It's a healthy and sometimes heated process.

Wright did his fair share of talking in 2006, en route to a 5-4 record as a starter. I think he has more raw, natural talent than Freeman but the prototypical kid isn't always the most successful one. Sometimes the guy who's a gamer, a winner and a playmaker has the intangibles needed to lead a team. Freeman seems to have that "gamer" quality about him.

A full on quarterback controversy entering spring will truly separate the men from the boys once and for all. If Wright has the right stuff, he'll elevate his game and the push from Freeman will make him a better all around player and teammate. But if he gets caught up in the process, talking the talk but not walking that walk, he's done. Freeman will win out.

Things will be in full force by April, but entering this weekend it's Freeman who will get his first crack at auditioning for the starting job. The MPC Computers Bowl isn't a big time game, but Freeman gets four quarters to strut his stuff and leave a lasting impressing, for better or worse.

Another large factor here is the offensive coordinator hire. Who does Shannon go with? A pro style coach (Dirk Koetter) will gravitate towards a prototypical drop-back passer like Wright whereas a coach who prefers a spread offense (Kevin Rogers) will utilize Freeman's abilities.

Miami's season finally comes to an end on New Years Eve, but something tells me the fireworks will continue over the next few months.


.:Canes305:.

The Latest...

Not too much brewing this down week between Christmas and New Years. Miami headed to Boise today, but when it's not a BCS game travel days get no TV coverage. The Canes have been a forgotten bunch since Thanksgiving weekend.

Come Sunday, it's blue turf time and an opportunity to get some good press and enter 2007 on a good note after a nightmarish 2006.

Earlier tonight Florida State mopped up UCLA, 44-27. I started watching the game not giving a damn what happened. For me, a win-win. Noles lose and go 6-7, I get to bust some friends balls. Bruins lose, I'm pulling that "state pride" and "A-C-C" card on my So Cal pals who trashed me all year when the Canes choked.

My indifference ran until just before halftime when UCLA led, 20-10. The text messages came in from the west coast contingent. "ACC sucks", "where's the defense?", etc. Right then a switch went off and I was Noles305 for the next two quarters. I dug seeing the Canes counterpart lighting up a Pac-10 team.

Miami plays Florida State and we settle it on the field, but rarely can I silence the UCLA and USC chatter. A head-to-head match up between two good conference teams is as good as we'll get, so I'll take it.

The late shift in momentum, defensive stands, kids with that bounce in their step and dare I say, "swagger" - it's a Sunshine State brand of football and seeing it whoop up on the finesse conference like the Pac-10 made for a decent evening. Here's hoping Miami does the same to Nevada on Sunday night.

Remind the nation these two recent dynasties aren't going to stay gone for long.

REGARDING THE CANES, I can finally mention the name of last week's unnamed potential offensive coordinator, Walt Harris. According to one of my guys, Harris was interested and put in a call but Randy Shannon wasn't. Nothing was pursued and I was told to sit on the name until Harris got a call back or enough time has passed, essentially eliminating his name from the search.

Dirk Koetter is still the leading candidate, but will he uproot his family after six years living just outside Tempe, AZ? There's your million dollar question. Koetter's has four kids between 7 and 13 years old. He's a west coast guy who just spent nine years as the top guy between Arizona State and Boise State. Is he willing to uproot his family and head to Miami? He still on ASU's payroll and could afford to kick back and mull it over.

I believe Shannon is targeting Koetter big time. If he gets him, that's a huge coup. It'll take a hell of a sales pitch to get him here, but it's a great way for Koetter to reestablish himself after seven topsy-turvy years with the Sun Devils. In the end, I don't think Koetter will pack up the fam and put them through a Tempe-to-Coral Gables transition. Who does that leave? We'll see.

Regarding guys leaving early, it sounds like Greg Olsen and Jon Beason are both 100% gonzo. I think the Olsen rumor's been around since his big 3rd quarter catch against Boston College, but Beason will still be a surprise to me. I'm hoping for a last second change of heart.

The Shannon factor, a new regime, the opportunity to lead the defense, etc. Give that up if you're a top fifty pick. Anything less, come back to The U. This could be the start of something special.

ON A SIDE NOTE, we have Rutgers vs. Kansas State tomorrow. What's the over/under on how many times the announcers bring up Greg Schiano and Miami? I'll say 5 separate references during the course of the game. Sadly, most won't see it as the Texas Bowl is on the NFL Network, which few households get.

A triple overtime loss in the season finale (at West Virginia) is the difference between a meaningless December 28th bowl, big BCS money and a nationally televised January 2nd showdown in Miami against Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

Make sure to remind your Scarlet Knight pals about that - and their 1-2 skid down the stretch - when they get high and mighty over keeping the Home Depot coach of the year around until the Penn State gig opens.

.:Canes305:.

allCanes Raises $11,000+ for Pata foundation...

allCanes launched our U FAMILY shirt a few weeks back as our way of honoring fallen Cane, Bryan Pata. We made the solemn promise that through December 24th, we'd donate $9.50 of every shirt sold to the foundation started by Jeanette Pata and the Pata family.

The 24th has passed, we tallied up the total and we're proud to let everyone know that allCanes will be donating $11,314.50 to the Pata foundation in honor of Bryan.

This wouldn't have been possible without the help of our loyal fan base. Again, you reacted positively to an original shirt design of ours and to date we've sold just under 1,200 of these tees.

Thank you for all your support. Our shirt and your effort will hopefully help ease some of the Patas' burden during these very trying times.


.:Canes305:.

Good call, Mario...

Mario Cristobal will not coach the Canes' offensive line this Sunday in Boise when the Miami takes on Nevada in the Smurf Turf Bowl.

"I would like to wish the University of Miami players and coaches the best of luck in their bowl game against Nevada,'' Cristobal said in a statement released by FIU Tuesday night.

"Unfortunately, my responsibility as coach at FIU will not allow me to make the trip. This is something that I discussed with coach [Larry Coker], and we have come to an understanding."

Two wrongs don't make a right. Coker is coaching the Canes in the 2006 season finale even though he was let go the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Last week I called for Cristobal to not coach this game, listing a litany of reasons why it's time for both sides to move on. His task list at FIU is a mile long and there's no reason for him to stick around The U for a meaningless bowl game.

Conversely, Coker will lead Miami - while new head coach Randy Shannon coaches the defense - because he doesn't have another job lined up yet.

Again, best wishes to Mario. A great call on his part to not accept Coker's invite to coach his former position players on Sunday night. Time to move on.

A holiday message from the allCanes top brass...

To Our Loyal Customers & Friends,

This has been a tough year for the University of Miami as well as all Cane Nation fans. It is true that we bleed orange and green and our hearts were broken this year way beyond football. We lost Bryan Pata and Brad Timpf. We had a barrage of negative publicity for the FIU brawl. Larry Coker, a good and decent man, was let go. That’s a lot for any program to stomach in a decade, let alone a season.

This year we did two original design t-shirts which captured Canes fans feelings; U Family which was done as a tribute to the football team earlier in the season and struck a cord in our hearts when Bryan’s life was so needlessly taken. Those of us, who love the U, are connected to the U and all of those who are a part of it they are like family. We share the victories, we suffer through the defeats and beyond wins and losses we share a part of our hearts with the University of Miami. Because of your overwhelming support, we’ve sold over 1,100 U Family shirts and are honored to contribute over $10,000 to the Pata family foundation, details to be announced shortly.

The other original design that encapsulates a clear perspective is We’re Still Miami. The back of the shirt tells of our 5 National Championships, of our 22 first round draft picks since 2000, our NCAA record 58-game home winning streak, and the fact out of 119 Division-I colleges and universities only one is known as The U. That’s who we are and that’s what makes Canes fans so special.

Because we have been so blessed for so long, when we have a 6-6 year we do not know how to respond, some fans cling to a sense of entitlement and are appalled at those in power at the U, how could they let this happen? The majority of fans support the U even though frustrated with some of the decisions that were made. As Canes fans, we deeply care, we care so much that it hurts and that is precisely what makes Canes fans so special.

As one era ends and a new one is about to begin let us not forget that the U has brought us much more joy and happiness than any of us ever had the right to expect. The truth is we are spoiled.

Hope is on the horizon; brighter days lie ahead, let us pause and give thanks for all of our blessings. God rest the souls of Bryan and Brad, Godspeed and thanks coach Larry Coker and may God bless all of the U Family. Regarding new coach Randy Shannon, we’re behind him 100%. He was a national champion as a player, as an assistant under some stellar Miami legends and has overcome tremendous adversity in his life. If anyone can mold and teach our future Canes, it’s Randy. Best of luck, Coach. You got your dream job and we have faith you’ll turn things around.

Thank you for your loyalty and support through this difficult year, we look forward to great things in 2007. Win, lose or draw we love the U and feel privileged to be a part of it. You are part of the U family and we pledge to you that we will strive to serve you better and to always appreciate your patronage and friendship.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year,

The allCanes Family

P.S. Thank you for your support for the Boys and Girls Club Kids Shopping Spree; check out the faces of the kids on our blog, it will warm your heart.

Canes305 wishes everyone a Merry Canesmas...

Canes305 wants to wish everyone in Hurricane Nation a Merry Christmas. If you're reading this blog today, stop.

Turn off the computer and go hang out with your family and friends. Get smashed on egg nog. Complain about the gifts you didn't get. Thank God it's Monday, yet feels like Sunday and you're not at work. Whatever you do, don't spend the day online. I'm logging off as soon as this post is complete.

Going 6-6 this year basically ruined our college football season, but I did take the time to make note of my top five things Miami fans can be thankful for:

#5 - One more game. Yeah, I know it's the Blue Turf Bowl in Boise and that it's a lesser game for a .500 team, but it's still a game. It's a chance to watch the Canes one more time in 2006. The majority of us spend the off-season complaining about not having any football to watch. We then get 11-13 days out of 365 to watch The U suit up and take the field. That comes out to one game per month, on average.

It may be Boise and the opponent may be Nevada, but it's still the Canes and it's still a game. Root 'em in on New Years Eve... in HDTV, no less.

#4 - We're still the Canes. Yes we're down, but needs are being addresses. In 2005 Miami went 9-3 and got rocked in a bowl game. As a result, four coaches were fired. After 6-6 this year, the axe fell again. While you never want to see good people lose their jobs, it's comforting to know that mediocrity is not accepted at The U. When things aren't going as they should, the ship will get righted.

It's been a sub par couple of years, but lest not forget this is a program which won a title five years ago, had one stolen four years ago, made four straight BCS games (2000-2003), had 22 player drafted in the first round this decade and rung up a 34-game win streak a few years removed from the probation era. Opposing fans can shove it. We're still Miami and we'll be back on top soon enough, so get your cheap shots in while you can.

#3 - A lot of talent returns in 2007. Depending on if certain players bail for the NFL early or not, Miami could have somewhere around 18 starters returning next season. The Canes went 6-6 in 2006, but with some fine tuning, better game planning and a little more attitude, there's no reason this wasn't a two-loss team at worst.

Miami's defense will be loaded next year and the offense will have a whole new look once an offensive coordinator is hired in the coming weeks. Don't sleep on the '07 Canes.

#2 - Recruiting needs are being met. Miami was thin at receiver in 2006 and only landed two pass catchers last Signing Day. Entering 2007, the Canes look to have a half dozen receivers locked and loaded. This new staff is focusing its efforts on the areas where Miami has been weakest the past few seasons and they're seeing that 6-6 isn't as big of a deterrent as the haters thought.

Kids still want to be a part of The U and if anything, the sales pitch rings true; Miami is only a few players away from being a big time contender again. The recruits know that and the special ones are ready to jump on board and be "that guy".

#1 - It's a Randy Shannon thing. Fine, maybe the process of bringing on a new coach, throwing big names out there and having a consultant oversee the process left some of us mildly disappointed when Miami promoted from within and didn't land a big fish. But then the dust settled and everyone realizes what a special guy we did wind up with.

Shannon is Miami. Born and raised. Overcame tremendous adversity. Won on the field and off. Made it to the NFL. Learned from past Miami coaches. Climbed the ranks at The U and took bits and pieces from all those who were here before him. He waited patiently, turned down other opportunities and longed for the day he'd take over as the Canes next coach. That day is finally here.

The Larry Coker Era officially ends next week. Ride it out with Coker for one last game and then get tremendously excited for the Shannon Era. Randy will turn this thing around. He wasn't my first choice when this search started, but now that the smoke has cleared, I realize he was the only choice.

A strong disciplinarian who knows The U inside and out, Shannon will recruit the hell out of South Florida and will bring in kids who want to be Canes. He's already proven that with his recruiting efforts and when he lands a top notch offensive coordinator, watch it go. Miami will be back.

Give thanks today, Canes fans. We're putting 2006 to bed and the future looks extremely bright. Start getting excited. A lot is in store.

Merry Canesmas and R.I.P. James Brown, the Godfather of Soul.


.:Canes305:.

Here's another to take for what it's worth...

Again, this is just what I've heard from a few sources but when a few people in the know are telling me the same thing, I start to believe it.

From what it sounds like, James Bryant will most likely transfer from The U. I don't know if this is because he'd go from the doghouse of Larry Coker to that of Randy Shannon or if he's just that displeased with his experience in Coral Gables.

Bryant has shows glimmers of hope in a handful of games in 2006, but he's been suspended for the bowl game for violation a team rule. He came to The U as a freshman in 2004 and a linebacker phenom, as did Willie Williams, who left the program before weeks before this season kicked off.

Bryant made the switch to fullback in an effort to see the field more in 2006, but that hasn't been the case. Sort of odd that two highly recruited and touted linebackers would bail the program in a matter of months. What changed? It is a Coker thing? Is Shannon the culprit? Did these two kids have attitude issues and come to Miami expecting a starting role? Who knows. Either way, it's frustrating for all parties involved.

Here's hoping Bryant sticks around and finds a role on this team in 2007 as it seems good things are in store. Conversely, if he has been a problem child, then kudos to coach Shannon for weeding out the wrong kind of player.

It's obvious he has a game plan in mind and it revolves around getting "Miami-style" kids, which has been this program's bread and butter. Not the highly touted Rivals five-star primadonnas.

Other news of note, a.k.a. the Canes305 two-cents: I believe Greg Olsen is 100% gonzo and also feel Jon Beason will return for his senior campaign next season. Some have felt that Olsen not requesting his Draft info was a sign he'd stick around, but it's actually the opposite. In such a weak draft for tight ends, it's a safe bet Olsen knows he'll be chosen after Arizona State's Zack Miller, which has him going in the second round.

Regarding Beason, the talk is that the scouts feel he needs to return and have a strong senior campaign. Toss that in with the fact his position coach is now the new head coach at The U and I believe Beason comes back as a big time team leader and difference maker for Shannon's inaugural campaign.


.:Canes305:.

The Great Kartik talks Miami Basketball...

allCanesBlog.com is please to introduce our loyal readers to The Great Kartik, an avid Canes enthusiast from Coral Springs who also works with a blog called FloridaCollegeSports.

I've brought Kartik on board to help with all things Canes baseball and basketball related. I received an email today asking if I'm a fan of all Canes sports or just football.

Football is obviously tops, as I've covered it for the past decade, but I'm also a fan of some of the smaller sports; especially baseball.

You're talking about an old school, Ron Fraser Baseball Camp alumnus here.

The issue is trying to cover Miami baseball and Miami basketball when neither are nationally televised and there are so many game a season to keep up with.

I'm 3,000+ miles away from the action, so Kartik is going to help allCanesBlog.com stay up on all things outside of football. Check out his thoughts below:

The Great Kartik's take on the current state of Miami Basketball

The Canes horrible loss to Binghamton last Wednesday night provided an exclamation point to what has been a downer of season thus far for the young Canes. While posters at some of the other Canes fan sites have been claiming gloom and doom, hope remains for this team.

With Saturday’s rough trip to perennial powerhouse Louisville and legendary Freedom Hall looming, the Canes resolve and resilience will be tested. Coach Frank Haith is still a relatively young coach who is still learning what it takes to excel at this level. Comparing Haith to Perry Clark as is being done on some of the message boards is irresponsible and demeaning. Sure the Hurricanes have some of the worst losses in the recent history of this program in the first month of this season, but the team is young and the future could be bright one.

:THIS SEASON'S POSITIVE POINTS THUS FAR:
For starters the win over Georgia Tech is much more critical than all the losses to mid majors and small conference teams. The Yellow Jackets have a very good team this year and in Basketball, unlike Football all that really matter is winning your conference games. Since 1981, only two teams with winning ACC records have failed to make the NCAA Tournament, so in some ways the Canes are 1-0.

The play of Jack McClinton has been a pleasant surprise. Last year, Coach Haith told the media that McClinton was the best player in practice, but seemed hard to believe with Guillermo Diaz and Rob Hite on the squad. McClinton can create his own shot and has almost unlimited range. He is among the most capable back court players in the ACC.

Brian Asbury was a huge disappointment as a freshman averaging under a point a game, but he is now experiencing a breakout season averaging double figures in scoring and having the confidence to take jump shots at important times in the game.

Freshman Dwayne Collins is raw, but has shown exceptional flashes of brilliance and athleticism unmatched by any Miami frontcourt player since Tim James. Fabio Nass, a JC transfer looks like he can give some quality minutes in the paint.


:THIS SEASON'S NEGATIVE POINTS THUS FAR:
Where to start? Losses to Buffalo, Cleveland State, Northwestern and Binghamton are arguably the four worst losses suffered by ANY ACC team this season. So what accounts for the poor play?

Let’s start with senior Anthony Harris, the Canes leading returning scorer from last season. Two years ago, Harris scored 23 and had 8 assists in a huge upset win in Gainesville versus Florida. Since then however he has been inconsistent and turnover prone. Harris has the ability to pass well off the dribble and drive the lane to create lay up opportunities.

However, he seems unwilling to do either this season and has been a total train wreck. On another site’s message boards he’s being described as the “unmentionable one” and that pretty much sums up my opinion of him as well. Denis Clemente, the other point guard, is wildly inconsistent and also turnover prone.

The injury to Anthony King, the other senior starter has hurt the team as well. King is a shot blocking presence at center but Coach Haith has rightly pointed out that King doesn’t demand the ball enough from the guards so even though he’s a good post player he doesn’t get enough touches when he is healthy.

Ray Hicks appeared ready to breakout at the end of last season, but has taken a step backwards this year. Hicks isn’t aggressive enough on the offensive end and has been falling asleep on defense. The same can be said for Jimmy Graham.

The lack of proper ball movement on offense seems to be a major problem with this team. All too often as the shot clock is running down, McClinton or Asbury will be forced to go one on one in the paint or settle for a long jump shot. Players don’t move well without the ball and everyone except Asbury and McClinton drift in and out of games.

The Defense has been atrocious. Last year the Canes led the ACC in scoring defense, but this season the opposition have way too many easy perimeter shot opportunities as well as easy transition fast breaks.

:The Great Kartik's Bottom Line:
The 2006-2007 Canes are probably not going to the postseason but the team is young, and patience needs to be practiced by the faithful. Coach Haith is still learning on the job to be a head coach and all his recruits have yet to pan out.

Part of Haith’s problem with recruiting stems from the conference switch which took away much of UM’s ability to recruit blue chippers from the Northeast, which had been the source of some of the best Canes players during the Leonard Hamilton or Clark years. (Star players like John Salmons, Elton Tyler, Kevin Norris and Johnny Hemsley.)

Haith has had to rely more heavily on South Florida recruits, which isn’t enough to win consistently in the ACC. Haith also has a group of players that are not used to being go to guys.

In time, each player will grow more comfortable with their roles and the bumps of this season could prove fruitful in the upcoming years.

Stay tuned.

To coach, or not to coach?

I'm getting on my soapbox for a minute here. The Smurf Turf Bowl is just over a week away and there's some chatter here regarding Mario Cristobal and his efforts for the final game of Miami's season.

Let me be the first to officially say "adios" to this long-time Cane and let him know The U will be just fine without his services for this lesser bowl game.

It has nothing to do with not wanting Cristobal around. I wish he was still part of the staff and that Randy Shannon would've done what needed to be done to keep him with the program.

I just believe that once it's done, it's done. Cristobal accepted another job. He is no longer a Miami coach. I don't care what the contracts technically read at this point. He is taking another gig and the FIU clock started the minute he gave his press conference earlier this week.

Larry Coker has come out and requested that his former offensive line coach sticks it out for one more game, but that sentiment is coming from a man who for all intents and purposes shouldn't be coaching the Canes on New Years Eve.

That's not a knock on Coker, that's just the fact. I've tried to see the good in keeping the former Canes leader around one more game, but outside of giving the players a rallying cry, there's really no reason Coker should be sticking around. He was fired almost a month ago and now that the dust has settled and Shannon has been promoted, it's making for an uncomfortable situation in house.

There are rumors that defensive backs coach Tim Walton is the new defensive coordinator, but nothing has been made official yet, as it's still theoretically "Coker's team" through Boise. A new offensive coordinator hasn't been hired, nor have other coaches been told if they'll be retained after the new year.

After seeing the strangeness in how this Coker situation has been handled, I am hoping that Cristobal and all parties involved can logically see that his days at Miami are over... for now. I've read some message board posts stating that, "if you're not with us, you're against us" and others chastising Mario for heading to FIU. Can that crap here and now.

We're talking about a Miami kid who won two National Championships as a player and coached at The U for six seasons. That holds a little more weight than the chat room yahoos who feel post counts give them more "street cred" than a guy who spent almost 1/3 of his life inside the walls of this sacred program.

Cristobal is the new head coach of FIU. That job will springboard him to a better one, but make no mistake - this guy is U Family and Miami Football alumni to the core.

That said, there's no place for him on the sidelines coaching this bowl game. When the dust settles and Cristobal realizes the mountain he's about to climb, I'm hoping logic bests emotion and he realizes he chose a different path.

Coach Coker keeps mention it's a dead period for recruiting, but Cristobal's task list has much more on it than recruiting. Coaching Miami's offensive line for a meaningless bowl game would be an irresponsible move for someone recently named head coach at another university. Sure, it's hard to say goodbye to the kids he's recruited and taught these past few seasons, but that's how this coaching game is played.

Coker has nothing lined up when 2007 kicks off, hence his desire for one last hurrah. Cristobal is in the prime of his career and has bigger fish to fry. The goodbyes have already been said. Let's keep it that way, wish him the best and let the Canes limp through the final game of the most disappointing season in three decades. 2007 is new era for Miami, FIU, Cristobal and even Coker.

Hopefully everyone realizes that this week when Miami treks west to brave that Boise cold next weekend. This is just a game. Not a nostalgia tour.

The U already made one mistake keeping a fired coach in house an extra month. Don't make yet another by keeping another departed coach around one game too long.


.:Canes305:.

It's a Kayne thing...

Welcome home Kayne.

It's only been a few days since Miami's newest receiver made it official that he's headed to The U, but the more and more I read, the more I am digging Kayne Farquharson.

This product of Homestead High took the scenic route to Coral Gables, by way of El Camino Junior College in Torrance, CA. Kayne grew up a Cane and called The U his "dream school."

Weak at the wide receiver position the past few seasons, a kid like Farquharson is a dream pick up for Miami. Forget that he's 6'2", 185 lbs., runs a 4.4 forty and is a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com.

With Kayne, it's all about the attitUde. This kid oozes orange and green.

He was interviewed in today's Miami Herald and as sick as I am of the cliche and overused term "swagger" I'll still use it every now and again. Kayne has that swagger some recent Canes have been missing. Let's summarize his thoughts expressed in today's article:

- Feels he has a little bit of Reggie Wayne and Michael Irvin in him skills-wise. Calls himself "all-purpose" as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner.

- Immediate goal; beating Florida State. From there, winning the ACC, a National Championship and being in the running for the (Fred) Belitenikoff Award for the nation's best receiver.

- Regarding opponents covering him, Farquharson stated he feels like he's in the Matrix and everyone else is in the "real world." He also knows his brash talk won't win over opposing defenses, but feels he'll be respected because he's a hard worker and a competitor.

- Feels he has a crack at being a playmaker in 2007 because in Randy Shannon's system, "the best man is going to play."

- Regarding past Canes he'd like to get in touch with regarding picking their brain and seeking guidance - Santana Moss, Sinorice Moss, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow II. A complete contrast in regards to stories of Ryan Moore shunning the advice of past Miami greats like Lamar Thomas and The Playmaker.

- Stated that his phone will be off from now until spring ball so he can get himself ready to compete for a starting job. Said he'll bring his A-game and that he's a talker, "if you don't like talking, you're not going to stand me."

If that doesn't get the juices flowing, I don't know what will. I can't recall the last time a highly touted recruit came into Coral Gables with this much enthusiasm - not just regarding playing college ball, but with such an undying passion for the University of Miami.

Farquharson doesn't sound like a recruit - he sounds like a diehard Canes fan about to strap it up and dive headfirst into an incredible experience. He has personal and team goals. He wants to tap into the incredible resource that is the Miami Football Alumni Family and let them make him a better player.

"I've always wanted to be a Hurricane," said Farquharson. "I had to wait and wait and wait. But I believe I'm a good reason why people always say the best things come to those who wait."

And wait, he did. Some other tidbits on this new recruit:

- After playing Pee Wee league football, Farquharson put high school football on hold to be the man of the house. His mother (Carrie Pearson) worked the graveyard shift while he helped raised his two younger sisters, Charcarrie and Lashonda. At 13, Farquharson took a job at Winn Dixie to help make ends meet.

- It was a six year sacrifice for Farquharson. He graduated Homestead High with a 3.0 gpa but no college offers.

- Farquharson attended a local football camp organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A family friend got him a shot at El Camino in California. He saved up, convinced his mother that it was the right move and he took off for the west coast. In a two year span he developed into one of the best JC players in the country.

- Two weeks ago Farquharson led El Camino to its first California Community College championship in 35 seasons. He was named MVP after scoring a 30-yard touchdown on a reception, an 84-yard kick return and a 7-yard reverse.

- Former Miami receiver coach Curtis Johnson saw one play of Farquharson's first season before offering him a scholarship. Current coach Marquis Moseley was sold equally as fast.

Kayne is gonna be a big time Cane. Bank on it. This kid has the physical tools, but more importantly, he has his head on straight. There's no experience for life's lessons and there's something refreshing about a young kid who "gets" it.

We're living in a world where 17-year old high school phenoms are being treated like superstars. Microphones in their faces, recruiters calling the house and getting used to having their asses kissed off the field. The five-star primadonna who waltzes in, expects starting time and makes his demands - that's all too common in this day and age.

Farquharson is a stand up young man, headed to Miami to play football - not to play high school head games. This kid is just what The U needs and hopefully coach Shannon and staff can add more Canes like Kayne.


.:Canes305:.

allCanes 6th Annual Shopping Spree For Kids!

One of the most special days of the year happened last week when allCanes hosted its 6th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree For Kids in conjunction with the UM athletic department and NBC-6.

Tony Segreto, a UM graduate and longtime anchorman for NBC-6, was on hand to host along with Head Basketball Coach Frank Haith, Head Baseball Coach Jim Morris and former UM and NFL star linebacker Micheal Barrow.

Twenty five at-risk youths from the Hank Cline Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami were treated to a special day at the allCanes on-campus store. It began with a dinner and entertainment provided by the UM Ibis, the UM Sunsations and Jenna Edwards, the reigning Miss Florida USA. Following dinner and singing of carols, the group met the celebrities and coaches inside the store and were each given $100 gift certificates to shop for presents.

"This is one of the most important days of the year for us," said allCanes General Manager Harry Rothwell. "To see these kids' faces light up when they meet the coaches and players and get to pick out gifts for themselves...well, it just warms the heart. We owe a debt of thanks to Tony (Segreto) and NBC-6, which has given us great support, and the UM coaches and athletes. It's amazing how they can always find time to participate in this event no matter how busy they are. They are great people, and we're proud to have them in our family."

The event was supported by private donations from allCanes customers and friends as well as corporate partners like Kerry Burns, owner of Miami Wings, Dan Kaplan and Chef Pedro Rosata of Roasters N Toasters and Bill Archer of The Big Cheese.

My main source said I can leak this much...

Alright, I'm sitting on a name right now regarding offensive coodinator options. It's someone who has expressed interest and is playing phone tag with Randy Shannon right now. I blogged about it yesterday when I thought I had the green light and wound up scrapping it when my source asked me to sit on the news for a few.

After some pestering this morning he told me I could write the following.

>>> Nothing will be done before the Smurf Turf Bowl regarding an offensive coordinator.

>>> He told me expect Miami to pursue someone with a pro-style philosophy, similar to what we ran 2000-2002. That would eliminate Kevin Rogers from the equation. A guy like Dirk Koetter would fit the mold, but in now way did he imply that Koetter was the guy.

>>> The name I'm sitting on is an out of work coach. If you have any ideas, feel free to comment about them below.

I wish I could say more right now, but I can't. The only reason I'm sharing what I'm sharing now is to let people know that there won't be a hire until after the New Year and until after the Larry Coker Era "officially" ends in Boise.

Coker is still in charge, for now... making it uncomfortable for Miami to make any outside coordinator hires. We've seen Mario Cristobal bail for FIU but we haven't seen anyone hired or official news regarding who's been retained. The Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly reported that Tim Walton looks to be the new defensive coordinator and rumored that Walton has even moved into Shannon's old office. Still, there's been no official announcement.

A boneheaded move to keep Coker for the bowl game? Maybe. I blogged about it days back. Paul Dee struggled in regards to firing a friend which explains keeping Coker on board an extra month. He was thinking like a friend instead of an employer. Tough to fault him for having a heart, but at day's end it has put the program in a mild lurch. Ten more days until this uncomfortable era comes to an end.

My take? This new name (which I'll mention as soon as I'm allowed) is a valid option and I'm still hoping to hear something about Koetter. As for Rogers, based on my source it doesn't sound like his style of offense fits into Miami's game plan for next season and beyond, but we'll see.

More to come. Take your shot at naming the mystery candidate below in the "Comments" section.


.:Canes305:.

OK, so I lied... here's a rumor for you

No sooner do I say I'm not going to post rumors or rumblings I hear and then I go ahead and do this... and TOTALLY redeem myself.

Seriously, a bud in the industry shared some news with me and after some groveling, I got the green light to post it. I let him know too many other sites are beating me to the punch, so he threw me this nugget this morning and told me to run with...

... Walt Harris to Miami as offensive coordinator! OK, not really - but the name has 'officially' been mentioned and there seems to be some mutual interest. What does that mean? I don't know. Either way, it's good to know that the search extends past Kevin Rogers, the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach. Rogers has been the only name mentioned since recently fired Arizona State head coach Dirk Koetter. DK was the hot name days after Shannon was hired, but things have cooled tremendously since. One would assume Koetter is still holding out for a head coaching gig.

Harris is another Pac-1o casualty, fired by Stanford a few weeks back. Miami faithful remember Harris' run at Pittsburgh (1997-2004), when both programs were members of the Big East conference. Harris did little with the Cardinal during his two year run in Palo Alto and is contemplating his next move.

Some feel Harris isn't really the head coaching type, even though he's held down the position just shy of a decade. His first head coaching stint was at Pacific (1989-1991) and from there it was to the New York Jets at quarterbacks coach (1992-1994). Ohio State lured him away for the same position (1995-1996) and then it was back to the head coaching ranks when the Pittsburgh gig became available.

Harris' roller coaster of a coaching career shows a guy who's found success here and there and also proves that he doesn't stand on ceremony regarding being a head coach, giving up the reigns to be an assistant and then leaping at another opportunity to be the top dog again.

The Miami job could be a good opportunity for Harris, being he knows how to develop quarterbacks and work with receivers. His passing game has been his offensive strength. As a college coach, Harris coached 14 quarterbacks who went on to NFL careers. At Pitt, he had two Fred Biletnikoff Award winning wide receivers in Antonio Bryant and Larry Fitzgerald.

During the Harris era at Ohio State, Terry Glenn pulled down the award as well and in 1993, Jets QB Boomer Esiason made it to the Pro Bowl under Harris' tutelage.

No clue if this thing can grow legs or not, but on a slow Tuesday this seemed like a good bit of information. Especially based on the source. We'll see how it plays out and if I'm right, the other sites out there better expect some serious gloating from ol' Canes305.


.:Canes305:.

Chill out, "doom & gloomers"...

I'm sorry, did I miss the memo? Is the world coming to an end today? All this talk about Larry Coker wrongly coaching the Smurf Turf Bowl, Mario Cristobal to FIU and the fact that Randy Shannon is yet to hire an offensive coordinator, you'd think Hurricane Nation had collectively lost its damned mind.

Let's rationally break things down here people. Baby Steps. Canes305 is telling you to lay down on the couch so we can discuss all your problems.

Patience is a virtue, people. One that many Miami fans are lacking right now. We all need to weather the storm. Hiring Shannon was step one in a lengthy process to right this ship. All the pissing and moaning? Give it a rest. Quit wallowing in the short term sorrow and attempt to think long term here.

>>> Christmas came early for Miami. Coker is gone. It took suffering through 6-6, but a new regime is upon us. What does anyone really care about the former coach leading his troops one last time in a meaningless bowl game? It's not going to hurt recruiting and if anything, it helps usher in the Shannon Era. Can you imagine the doom and gloom if Miami lost to Nevada on Randy's watch? 0-1 out the gate and nine months of "we hired the wrong guy" posts on message boards?

The Shannon Era officially begins on January 1st, 2007. Give Coker his due and let the kids "win one for the Clapper". In all seriousness, these kids love Coker and have backed him for years. This .500 Miami team needs all the motivation it can get regarding playing a lesser team on New Years Eve, three time zones away in the snow, no less. Let them rally around Coker and try to get a win.

This is Coker's "swan song" as he didn't know his fate Thanksgiving night during the 17-14 victory over Boston College. Post game he was bogged down with questions about his future and twelve hours later he was fired.

Coker doesn't have another gig lined up and Miami promoted from within, so leave it be. He brought the Canes their fifth championship and had a stellar run 2000-2003. He went from Nebraska to Nevada in a span of six seasons and earned a pink slip for the drop off. Let him have one last hurrah with the program he gave six years worth blood, sweat and tears to.

Those worried about this hurting recruiting, chill. Worry more about the game day fans hurling obscenities at players and their parents while spilling their overpriced beer on potential recruits.

>>> Regarding the hiring of an offensive coordinator, again, people need to chill. It seems Kevin Rogers is a top Shannon's list. Problem is that Rogers is under contract with the Minnesota Vikings and their regular season ends New Years Eve, hours before Miami takes on Nevada.

This man still has a job with an organization which pays him good money to coach. No one up there cares about Miami's timetable or fans griping on message boards. When the Vikings' season ends, Rogers will get the call.

>>> Regarding Shannon, who's been head coach for exactly TWO weeks now... again, relax. Quit hanging on the coachspeak and every word which comes out of the man's mouth. It never ceases to amaze me how fans take coaches comments to the media so seriously. Do you really think they're going to tip their hand or lay it all out there openly and honesty to a beat writer? The same sports media who praises you one day and crucifies you the next?

Here's one Randy-ism you people better get used to - his attitude and comments regarding worrying about the immediate future and what's in his control. Shannon is quick to quip that all he's focusing on right now is game planning for Nevada. Then a day later he's in Texas or other parts of Florida recruiting players in home.

Shannon isn't going to be as media friendly as Coker. Get used to it. Don't judged every word which comes out of his mouth. Pay attention to his actions. He'll land a new offensive coordinator in due time. If you don't think that's a priority, you need to have your head examined.

As for judging his actions, he's already locked down 4-5 wide receiver prospects for the 2007 signing class and is still looking at others. For a "defensive" guy, Shannon sure as hell seems to realize the current deficiencies with this program.

Coker only signed two wide receivers in 2006. Shannon addressed this matter and doubled the efforts within his first two weeks.

>>> Mario is gonzo. Such is life. Those calling this "rock bottom" and complaining that Miami didn't up the ante enough... stop. Please. FIU will damn near quadruple Cristobal's salary and The U has no business paying a position coach more than the new offensive coordinator will make.

Losing Mario will hurt a little in the short term, but Miami is a resilient program which has dealt with much worse than losing an offensive line coach. A few recruits may look elsewhere, but as I wrote earlier, let 'em go. If Cristobal's departure send them elsewhere, they were never real Canes to begin with.

>>> Did I miss anything? Come on now people, deliver me your gripes. We'll make lemonade out of lemons here. 6-6 sucks and seeing Ohio State slug it out with Florida for a title makes it that much worse. Please chime in below in the comments section and we'll respond accordingly. Opposing fans who want to talk trash, feel free. The only caveat? You can't post under "Anonymous" around here. Man up and put your name/email with your smack-talking posts or they'll be deleted. Our board, our rules.

Remember, it's a new regime with a first year coach who's a Jimmy Johnson disciple. Shannon won a rings as a player and a coach. He knows the city, he knows the culture and he loves this program. Give the man some breathing room and let him do his job.


.:Canes305:.

Adios, Mario...

Another one bites the dust. Or should I say, another one has been poached? Mario Cristobal is headed to FIU and word is the announcement will come later in the day.

First off, congrats to Mario. After nine seasons as an assistant, a head coaching opportunity fell into his lap. Sure, it's an FIU program which went winless in 2006 and has to compete against every other Sunshine State school for recruits.

Not to mention, The U sharing the same backyard and being the City of Miami's lone traditional power with more National Championships than all other Florida schools combined.

Truth be told, no program outside FIU was going to even give Cristobal a look regarding a head coaching opportunity. Five years as a Miami assistant and a three year stint at Rutgers without even being offensive or defensive coordinator? It tells you a few things about FIU and this decision.

Months back, FIU hired Pete Garcia away from The U and made Miami's Senior Associate Athletic Director their new AD by doubling his salary and giving him control. Today they've done the same for Mario, possibly tripling his current salary and giving him his first head coaching opportunity.

This move is a double-edged sword for Cristobal. A year ago the New York Jets attempted to lure away the Miami assistant, offering him a position coaching their Tight Ends. He turned it down to stay at The U and up his stock. Cristobal is known for being a stellar recruiter and is viewed as an up and comer.

Fail at FIU and that "up and comer" moniker will be long gone. Mario has a few years to turn things around and show improvement (isn't anything an improvement after 0-12?). But failing with the Golden Panthers sends him right back to "Assistantville" with the rest of the "underlings" hoping for their shot at a top job.

The move is risky, but it's something that an up and coming coach can't turn down. The increase in pay sure as hell helps, but it's the prestige of a head coaching position which causes a guy like Cristobal to take that leap of faith here. You can't even think about failing or what the downside could be. You have to think of what good this move can do, where it can lead and what doors might open as a result.

Mario knows Miami. He knows recruiting. He's of Hispanic decent. He won two rings (1989, 1991) as an offensive lineman for the Canes. Cristobal is a winner and this hire shows you what that University of Miami lineage means. Garcia obviously thinks highly of this kid if he's willing to roll the dice and bring him aboard with no previous experience.

How badly does this hurt Miami? Depends who you ask. The doom and gloomers on the message boards already have their "the sky is falling" posts in full force. Some are calling it rock bottom while others chastise Randy Shannon, Paul Dee and Donna Shalala for not upping the ante and keeping Cristobal on board. As if there's a way to compete with a head coach's salary.

Cristobal has been recruiting for Miami these past few years, right up until this week. There are some kids on the fence who said if he's gone, they're out. We'll see. If a potential recruit doesn't want to experience four years at The U because the first year offensive line coach has bailed to the crosstown program, then these kids were never Miami material in the first place. Sad but true.

I understand the connection these kids make with the coach recruiting them, but there's a bigger picture here. Talk to Coach Shannon and ask him what he envisions. Let him sell these recruits on what he plans on building here - with or without Cristobal.

Best wishes to Mario. As much as I loathe FIU and I'm sick of their loudmouthed fans and the fact they've poached two of our guys, I still want to see Hurricanes succeed. That goes for Cristobal as well as Garcia.

And of course if it doesn't work out, we'll take you both back... at a discounted rate, of course.


.:Canes305:.

Final UWIN@allCanes.com Winners of 2006!

allCanes missed a week or so of UWIN winners this past month due to 'round the clock coverage of the coaching search and other issues related to The U.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we're going double time here in an effort to make up for the missed week and we're rounding up. Here's our final UWIN pull of the 2006 season and today we're naming TWELVE lucky winners.

We're fresh out of gift cards from other vendors this time of the year, so we're scoring everyone below a $25 allCanes Gift Card for the holiday seasons. Cards will be mailed out this week. Today's "dirty dozen" are listed below. Congrats to them and all of you who participated in this year's UWIN contest.

We'll be back in 2007 and all of you who didn't win, your names are automatically entered in next year's drawing!

> Scott Gasiorek - Taylor, MI - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Dustin Jones - Christiansburg, VA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> James Anderson - Davie, FL- $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Gavin Penfold - Tullahoma, TN - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Chris Golden - Monroe, VA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Pam Reynolds - Tavernier, FL- $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Truman Tinsley - Griffin, GA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Bill Smith - Orlando, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Dave Sutton - Milford, OH - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Alexis Franklin - Miami, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Scott Berrong - Bowersville, GA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Karen Wood - Ormond Beach, FL- $25 allCanes Gift Card

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006/2007 allCanes UWIN Contest.


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

Tag, you're 'it' new "brawl"...

Come on now, mainstream media. Deliver like you're supposed to. This is all one big game of tag and somebody's always "it" - so get raw on New York and Denver as it's their turn.

Miami has been "it" for a few months now regarding the on-the-field brawl with FIU. The footage ran on a constant loop. Everyone trashed the Canes for being an out of control program. The media had a one-week pass to trash Miami with no repercussions. Brawl footage was their ammo and for a few weeks no one could attempt to defend The U.

Two months later, the hardwood delivered. The Knicks and Nuggets mixed it up at the Garden on Saturday night. Ten players were ejected, including Nike pitchman and media darling, Carmelo Anthony throwing blows like it was a street game gone awry.

The Miami/FIU brawl was "it" and just tagged out the Knicks/Nuggets Royal Rumble. There's your new "fight" stock footage, ESPNews. Loop it and play it relentlessly for the rest of 2006. It's finally somebody else's turn.

You trashed the ever loving hell out of the Canes for their on the field melee, started by FIU. Will you do the same with the NBA? Are you going to call out the "thuggish" behavior of Anthony, a Nike golden boy and part of the NBA Holy Trinity, featuring Dwyane Wade & LeBron James?

Miami/FIU footage was run every hour on the hour for a week. I can't wait to see the double standard when this Knicks/Nuggets fiasco fades in a few days. Will the talking heads on Around The Horn or P.T.I. call for either franchise to fold or for players to be thrown out of the league? Will the coaches be chastised and shredded? Will someone come up with a cutesy name like "Thug U" for New York and Denver? How 'bout the Thuggerbockers and Thuggets?

We all know this will get swept under the rug as ESPN and other media outlets won't want to piss off David Stern and the NBA's top brass. The University of Miami is an easy target, but the NBA is a whole different type of monster. Sunday's coverage of the day after was tame and one can only assume that by midweek, it'll be over.

Just another double standard in the world of sports, but we all know what's really going on here.


.:Canes305:.

Latest Breaking News...

>>> Fans have been discussing Larry Coker's recent comments to the media as practice for the Smurf Turf Bowl is underway. When asked if it was important for Miami to retain Mario Cristobal, Coker quipped, "Not from my standpoint it's not. I'm not here. Maybe to the players and the new head coach, but it has no effect on me."

When asked about the hiring of Randy Shannon, Coker retorted with, "Obviously they felt good about the direction we were going or they wouldn't have hired someone from my staff that I hired."

I feel for Coker, who seems to be backpedaling here. I read a comment online where someone perfectly described the situation. It was compared to getting dumped by your girl, a new guy moving in and you asking if you can still sleep on the couch.

In theory, I like that Coker gets one last hurrah in coaching the bowl game. Honestly, that's my lone reason for believing Miami will upend Nevada on New Years Eve. The kids will rally one last time around the coach they know and love. A day later the Shannon Era officially starts. It isn't fair to hand the new coach a 6-6 team and put a potential bowl loss on his shoulders. Randy has an uphill battle as it is. He doesn't deserve an 0-1 record with Coker's team.

That said, the minute Miami stayed in house with the Shannon hiring, that should've been the end for Coker. This seeming uncomfortable sitaution of having the new coach on the field in his old role, working in tandem with a guy who was fired and is in his final days? It's not professional.

There is a hiring and firing process adhered to in corporate America and keeping the canned guy on board to work with the assistant who just took his job? That's pretty much the exact opposite of how it'd go in the real world. Coker would've signed his papers, said his goodbyes, been escorted out by security and that'd have been it. I should know. LC isn't the only one around here who's been canned in his life. At least I got out with a boat load of Post-It notes and pens.

>>> Speaking of Cristobal, the FIU heat is on and it's nearing decision time. The 36-year old Miami assistant can have the keys to the Golden Panters' program if he wants it. Former Miami AD Pete Garcia has rolled out the blue and gold carpet. The hefty pay raise is there and all Cristobal has to do is give the yay or nay.

Some have criticized the current Miami OL coach for dragging out the process and that's dead wrong. Cristobal is faced with a major fork in the road here. "Head Coach" looks great on the resume and can open doors in the future, but not if he fails miserably with a program that went 0-12 in 2006.

Turn FIU around and Cristobal will prove his mettle. No other Division-I program will take a chance on an unknown like him. It's either FIU or remain at The U, do a good job and get that call in the next 2-3 years for a more prestegious position.

Cristobal has a lot to mull over here and for the media to call him "evasive" for not discussing the FIU interview on Friday, that's low brow. He's got a lot to mull over here. Give the guy some breathing room. A lesser position at a program he played for and adores, which will be a stepping stone to a better gig down the road? Or the lesser head coaching opportunity now with likely four times the salary and a hundred times the headache?

Good luck whichever way you choose, Mario. Both are a risk and both can yield great rewards.

>>> James Bryant has been suspended for the bowl game for violating team policy. Seems Bryant rents space in Coker's doghouse. Will that continue with Shannon as the head coach? Bryant rarely saw the field as a linebacker for Shannon's defense. Curious to see how this plays out being that transfer rumors have surrounded the Pennsylvania native since he first stepped foot on campus in 2004.

>>> RB Andrew Johnson wasn't at practice on Friday, fueling transfer rumors. Johnson has been buried on the depth chart since 2004 and suffered a torn ACL before the 2005 season. Tyrone Moss is gone next season, but Javarris James and Charlie Jones return. Miami is still in the running for Graig Cooper come signing day and Kylan Robinson is expected to contribute next season, making Johnson the odd man out.

>>> Kevin Rogers, quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings, looks to be the lead candidate for the vacant offensive coaching position at Miami. Word is that Shannon contacted the Vikings in regards to Rogers but nothing can be accomplished until after their final regular season game on December 31st.

The Rogers chatter has drown out any rumors regarding recently fired Arizona State coach, Dirk Koetter. There hasn't been any commentary regarding Koetter being interested in Miami. The only talk is that he and Shannon met in the offseason and have a professional relationship. Conventional wisdom says Koetter is waiting to see if any other head coaching gigs come calling before taking a demotion, but you have to believer offensive coordinator for The U has a little more presteige than a head coaching opportunity at a lesser program.

>>> Greg Olsen is still mum regarding entering the 2007 NFL Draft. He's stated in the past that he's 50/50 but did mentioned he hasn't yet requested his draft status from the NFL Advisory Committee. No new news regarding LB Jon Beason and his decision to leave early for the League. Beason sure looked jazzed in his photo with the newly appointed head coach when Shannon got the promotion.

Here's hoping the new coach lands his biggest "recruit" between now and 2007, which is getting his most productive linebacker to return for one more year.

>>> Congrats to Kareem Brown who was invited to the Senior Bowl. It'll take place January 27th, 2007 in Mobile, AL.

>>> On a side note, it's really hit me how bizarre this whole season was and it's helping me put things in perspective for 2007. I was in Miami for Labor Day weekend and waited for that opener against Florida State with baited breath.

I liked this year's schedule and felt it was tailor made for the Canes to win the ACC and make a run this year. I figured 1-2 losses as most with the likes of FAMU, Houston, FIU and Duke on board. Not to mention, Florida State and Virginia Tech heading to the Orange Bowl. If the Canes could beat the Noles on Labor Day Monday, confidence would build and this team could gain momentum.

To say the exact opposite happened is beyond an understatement. 0-1 became 1-2 weeks later after the Louisville loss, preceded by the logo stomp. Miami barely survived Houston, had a snoozer against North Carolina and got in an on the field brawl with FIU, making the 35-0 win inconsequential. Suspensions from the brawl fallout had an undermanned Miami bunch almost losing at Duke and limping into the meat of the ACC schedule.

Four straight losses ensued for the first time since 1997 and during that span, the beloved Bryan Pata was murdered. Miami limped into the finale against Boston College at 5-6 and brought an ounce of joy to this morbid season with a perfectly timed, 17-14 win on Thanksgiving night.

A week later, Miami sat home while Wake Forest and Georgia Tech slugged it out for the ACC title and hours later, an exciting upset of #2 USC opened the door for the most disgusting BCS title game scenario - Ohio State versus Florida.

Last New Years Eve, Miami fans suffered through an embarrassing 40-3 loss to LSU. Days later, four assistant coaches were fired and as the new hires were made, most of us went into 2006 stating that 2006 "couldn't get any worse." How wrong we all were and what we wouldn't have given for 9-3 and a Peach Bowl berth this year.

That said, 6-6 ensured a new regime and staff in 2007, so there's your silver lining.

Entering 2007, I'm hoping this fan base - all of us - can have a little more perspective regarding this program we all love and stand behind. Things will get better, so let's appreciate the ride on the way up this time. It's easy to take things for granted after four straight BCS games, two straight title game berths, one championship, a slew of first round draft picks and a 34-game win streak between 2000-2003.

Will Miami reach that level of dominance again? Who knows? No one was predicting it after the probation era, but look how that worked out. Either way, we're about to find out and this time around, let's all have a little more fun enjoying the process.

And that's