Game Five: Miami 24, Duke 14

Not the "ride the momentum" game we were hoping for, but a win nonetheless. Hard to really break this one down based on GameCast updates, the box score and message board chatter but it's somewhat obvious what happened today. While sloppy at times against a lesser opponent, the Canes had a few more good moments than bad.

I've read some posts bashing Kyle Wright, who went 19 of 23 for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns - but had two red zone interceptions, one the fault of a receiver who ran a wrong route.

Does #3 need to cut down on the red zone blunders? Absolutely. There's no excuse. Get it together, Kyle. That said, Wright was hardly the one to blame today. Last I checked, he doesn't play defense and wasn't responsible for letting Thad Lewis throw for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns today - one for 41 yards and the other, a 31-yard strike.

Miami's secondary was exposed by Oklahoma a few weeks back and has since faced lowly FIU and a Texas A&M team known more for their ground game. The Canes have proven they can stuff the run, but Miami can't shut down an aerial attack and is in for a long season if that trend isn't reversed immediately.

Amazingly enough, it is the offense who truly bailed out these Canes today. It was an Eric Moncur sack which lost 10 yards and gave Miami the ball back at the 40-yard line, but the difference proved to be the late offensive play calling and approach to closing out the game.

If this was 2006, the Canes get the ball on the forty and attempt to run the clock out. Good chance the Blue Devils get the ball back for one last hurrah, down three. Instead, a 27-yard Graig Cooper rush and a player later, Wright finds DajLeon Farr for a 33-yard touchdown strike - his second of the day.

Miami goes up 24-14 and actually finished a sloppy game. 10 points in the first quarter, scoreless in periods two and three and then a 14-point fourth quarter as the difference maker.

Again, we all hoped for and expected more out of today after seeing a blow out against Texas A&M ten days ago. This fan base is hungry for break out games and building on the week before.

Today wasn't, yet sort of was one of those days. The scoreboard might tell differently, but there are a few things to take from today - most notably the fourth quarter scoring, as well as Wright having a good enough game and bouncing back from a split and stitched up chin.

4-1 and North Carolina on the docket next week. It's Miami first trek back to Chapel Hill since the 31-28 upset in 2004 and this time around Butch Davis will be on the opposing sideline. The Heels hung tough at Virginia Tech today in a 17-10 loss and will be ready for the Canes.

Randy Shannon has his work cut out for him this week. Time to whip this team into shape, continue righting the wrongs and have Miami ready for North Carolina next week.

Today was a win... as ugly as it looked at times. Appreciate it as it's a whole lot better than being 3-2 today and making excuses for being the squad that ended Duke's losing streak.

.:Canes305:.

I didn't want to check out Miami/Duke anyways...

I'm sure thrilled I plunked down the c-note and change to score ESPN GamePlan this season to watch my Canes via the left coast. Let's review. Marshall game, ESPN U. Oklahoma game ABC national. FIU game, ESPN U. Texas A&M game, ESPN national. Duke game, tape delay. North Carolina game, ESPN 2.

First six games of the season, no GamePlan necessary. Checking the cable box right now, I'm seeing a slew of empty channels in the 600s region and a lot of space for Miami/Duke to be picked up. Instead, starting at a laptop screen and 'enjoying' this match up via GameCast - which looks like a fancier version of Nintendo's 10-Yard Fight.

Current score - Miami 10, Duke 0 midway through the second quarter. We'll see how this one plays out, but I'm already baffled at the Canes inability to rattle ol' Thaddeus Lewis. Dude is 8 of 10 for 110 yards as I type. Kyle Wright is 8 of 9 for 67 yards and 1 TD, to Kayne Farquharson - the JUCO transfer who's been missing the first few game of 2007.

Lots of ball left to be played. Didn't get my bet in for Miami -24. Curious to see how it plays out. You have to believe Duke is going to get something, with Lewis' play thus far as well as Miami's recent inability to 'finish' games. Seeing what I've see thus far, I'll say 34-7 Canes.

Hopefully The U can pour it on a little more than that, though. Lest not forget this lesser squad pushed 'em to the wire last year, 20-15 with a Willie Cooper game-saving interception on the final play. I heard a lot of talk about playing a solid game in regards to last year's close one. Thus far, I'm not seeing it. Shut down, Lewis guys. This is a one-dimensional team with -18 rushing yards on the day.

R.I.P. Willie Williams... sort of

OK, so Willie Williams the young man isn't dead. But his football career is. Way to go, Weed Willie.

As most have heard by now, the recent Louisville Cardinal and former Miami Hurricane was pinched Wednesday night for possession of marijuana, felony tampering with physical evidence and driving without a license. Weed Willie brought the attention on himself by rolling around town in his ride bumping his tunes a bit too loud for the Kentucky folk.

Williams failed to pull over for several blocks, until coming to a stop and caught mid chew as he was attempting to eat his weed. Unfortunately the glove box was stocked with some back up bud, which police confiscated.

Sometimes this stuff just writes itself, I swear.

I used to feel bad for Weed Willie. His dirty laundry was aired soon after he told the University of Florida "no" after a recruiting trip and just before signing with Miami. He was a troubled teen with a shady past (arrested 11 times), but at 18-years old it looked like he'd get one final chance to man-up and turn his life around playing college football.

Williams stayed clean for two years at The U, but bailed late summer 2006 after not seeing eye to eye with the coaching staff and riding the pine. The kid was all world out of high school, yet never found stability at the collegiate level.

After a quick stint at West Los Angeles Community College, Williams transferred to Rehab U - a.k.a. Louisville. Home to former Cane linebacker James Bryant, another head case - as well as former Miami recruit Nate Harris, who The U stopped pursuing after armed robbery charges were brought against the thuggish linebacker prospect.

Somehow Miami caught grief for merely recruiting Harris, yet the media spent much of last season praising Harris for cleaning up his life, ridding of his gold grill and praising his rebirth at Louisville.

It looked like a similar story for Williams, three games into his career with the Cardinals. Had WW have found success at UL, one can only imagine the hype. That said, "Weedie" blew it... er, ate it. Football doesn't look to be an option anymore for this former high school superstar. Rumors have swirled that Williams could wind up at Florida International, but I can't really see new head coach Mario Cristobal bringing that crap-storm on his program for a crap shoot like Williams.

Most likely, Williams is (finally) going to fade into oblivions. To Williams the football player, thanks for nothing. Miami took a chance on you and you sold the program short. As for Williams the man, what say we finally decide to grow up? Come on now. This above the law mentality and rash of stupidity has to come to an end. These are some formative year and you've already pissed away the majority of your collegiate career.

Get it together, or wind up in the gutter. Good luck, Willie. You obviously need it.


.:Canes305:.

Nice work, Noles...

Stay classy, Noles. No sooner do I rip your program for you out of control, in need of a Tasing football program and we hear about The Number 23.

Not the out-there Jim Carrey flick, but just shy of two dozen FSU athletes caught in an Internet cheating scam. You're doing Emmitt Fitz-Hume and the rest of the GLG20s proud. (Obscure "Spies Like Us" reference... Arg, the pressure! I can't take it!)

Two athletic department academic assistance employees have since resigned. Upwards of 17 of the cheaters are (were) on scholarship. The athletes represent nine different Seminoles sports programs.

The student could face punishment from the university (yeah, right) and loss of eligibility ofrom the NCAA. (We'll see).

I'm sure more will come out and I'm sure when it does, it'll be swept under the rug as it's once-mighty Florida State.

Plus, the NCAA it working tirelessly right now to ensure no more Miami recruits are interviewed by local media members at Canes games. Definitely a case one can sink their teeth into....


.:Canes305:.

You reap what you sow...

I laughed when I came across the above photo of Geno Hayes in a vulnerable, fetal position during the Noles season opening loss at Clemson. It made me wonder if Hayes did a similar crouch after being Tasered by Tallahassee police last Friday outside Potbelly's bar.

Seems Hayes and teammate Joe Surratt were out raising a little pre-weekend hell on a Florida State off-week. Surratt was hit with a felony count of battery on an officer and misdemeanor chargers of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence. Hayes took it a step further and faces three misdemeanor chargers of assault on an officer, resisting arrest without violence and disorderly conduct.

According to police reports, Hayes was lurking outside the hell hole dive bar, shirtless and trying to get back inside. He was restrained by quarterback Drew Weatherford and others while "screaming profanities and waving his hands wildly". A bar employee told police Hayes was involved in an "altercation" inside the bar and his crew was trying to take him home.

As an officer tried to calm Hayes, he allegedly broke free from his friends, running towards the officer with fists clenched and yelling threats. Once down on the ground, Hayes continued his attempts to break free and was shot with the Taser. At this point, Surratt tried to play the role of hero, rushing up on the scene. When he refused the first order to back away, he was physically pushed back and hit the ground.

In an effort to arrest Surratt, the air cast-wearing fullback decided the best play at the time was to punch a cop square in the mouth, splitting his lip.

As of Friday night, both players were suspended indefinitely until a full review of the case. By Monday morning, Bobby Bowden laid down the law by demoting Hayes to second team. Hayes is bar none the Noles most talented linebacker and with #22 Alabama on the docket this week, no way in hell Saint Bobby takes a stand with a season-defining game on the line and it's hardly the first time we've seen such cowardice out of this man who is oft praised for his ethics, morals, faith and what not.

Ironically, it was two different out of control Noles linebackers in the summer of 2005 who decided to raise a little off-season hell. A.J. Nicholson was arrested for DUI the previous February and was arrested and Tasered in June when running from officers outside a Tallahassee bar. A month later Ernie Sims was in hot water over domestic dispute charges against a live in girlfriend. A witness told police Sims "slammed her to the ground", straggled her and "repeated shoved her back to the ground" when she tried to get up.

Both Sims and Nicholson were immediately suspended at the time of the incident, yet both were on the field Labor Day for a season opening 10-7 win over Miami. Bowden joked off the fact that he doesn't suspend players for big games and caught no flak from the media in 2005 for his laid back approach. One can assume the same will happen two years later with Hayes and Surratt.

Bowden's Noles went 7-6 last year, just like Miami - yet starter the season in the top 20 while the Canes started unranked. The old man continues to get the benefit of the doubt, but it's time to call his ass out. Coach, you're a Biblical man, right? Ever come across the passage saying, you reap what you sow? Look it up in Galatians if you need a refresher.

Bowden isn't attempting to please a 'sinful nature' here, but turning a blind eye by recruiting talented players who lack character - it's all starting to come full circle for this lack of a disciplinarian. Florida State has been in a boatload of hot water this decade and conversely, that's when the wheels started falling off. Five-loss seasons became the norm and local police have been working overtime taking down CrimiNoles since this program started backsliding in 2001.

Many of us Miami folk are considered conspiracy theorists or rather thin-skinned regarding the perceived media bias against the Canes. The U seems to take grief for anything and everything, while other schools get away with murder. Case in point, the lack of discipline up in Tallahassee these days versus the NCAA contacting Miami regarding - of all things - interviewing recruits on the sideline during game day.

Let me get this straight. Florida State catches no flak suiting up a linebacker eight days after being Tasered and arrested on a slew of charges, yet Miami hears from the NCAA when local media members interview recruits at a Thursday night game, because "other" schools complained.

Still, forget Miami for now. This is about Florida State. Bowden and athletic director Dave Hart should be ashamed of themselves for how they're handling this current situation with some roughneck players. Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.

Bowden has turned a blind eye way too long and I'm praying for some serious redemption. I want the old man to go out with a whimper regarding how he's run that program with a "win at all costs" mentality - actually "lose at all costs" these past few years. Any respect I had for Bowden is long since gone. I'm tired of the old man's charade. He's absolutely full of it and he's working the media every time he opens his mouth.

I hope the Canes absolutely kick the Noles a new ass on October 20th. Miami is doing things the right way, while Florida State continues to operate by their own code. If there's any justice, The U prevails in Tallahassee a few games from now.

.:Canes305:.

A change will do you good...

I wonder if Larry Coker still sits around and wonders why the University of Miami decided to go a new direction the day after Thanksgiving, with the Canes sitting at 6-6 and headed to Boise for bowl season.

The former coach showed up in the ESPN U booth for Miami's season opening 31-3 win against Marshall and gave several Canes-themed interviews that week and shared his opinions regarding the firing and the state of the program.

Game one of the Randy Shannon era showed some promise and was a breath of fresh air, but it's the past three weeks where the Miami football program has truly grown leaps and bounds. These Hurricanes would be nowhere near the team they are today if certain off-season changes weren't made after 2006.

Change. That's the operative word here. A former coach who seemed to fear it, versus a new coach who absolutely embraces it. Shannon doesn't give the grass time to grow underneath his feet. He sees a glaring issue, it's fixed immediately. Four games into the season, look back at the amount of shuffling the Canes have seen since the season opener against Marshall twenty-four days ago.

A month ago Kirby Freeman was named starter over Kyle Wright. Freeman limped out the gates with a so-so performance against Marshall and a week later, was a deer in headlights at Oklahoma. Wright entered the game and the Canes looked like a completely different team.

While I always respected Freeman's attitude, I oft mentioned during the off-season that he was yet to play a big game for Miami and that I wasn't impressed with what I had seen skills-wise. Conversely, Wright has knocked on the door of a big win on many occasions, but has rarely delivered. Even the 27-7 upset of #3 Virginia Tech in 2005 was more a defensive effort and a night where Wright simply didn't kill the Canes.

Halfway through the 51-13 thrashing in Norman, both Shannon and offensive coordinator Patrick Nix saw the writing on the wall with Freeman. Wright came in, made some plays and Freeman got one last chance to do something. He didn't and days later Wright was named starter.

Whether it was a motivational tactic or not, it worked. Wright was benched for the first time in his career and it looks to have been that spark he needed. He's made the most of his "last hurrah" and is finally showing the character and poise this fan base has expected since he took over in 2005. The competition made him better. Freeman 'wowed' coaches in practice, but failed on game day. It's been the opposite for Wright.

This staff could've stuck with Freeman to save face. Especially considering he's the better long term investment as a junior and Wright being a senior. No chance. Shannon and Nix pulled the plug on the Freeman Experiment. The result - a 21 of 26, 275 yard and 2 TD outing for Wright in the 34-17 upset of #20 Texas A&M last week and a bounce in the step this program hasn't seen in a few years.

Speaking of Wright, his "it" factor moment came on the first possession and final third down picked up before the score. On a third and long, Wright stepped forward in the pocket and dumped a pass off to Javarris James. It gained 11 yards and one play later, a direct snap to Graig Cooper had Miami up 7-0.

A year ago, Wright is sacked on a play like that and with a 4th and long, Miami settles for a field goal. This time around, the Canes go for the jugular early and set the tone - on a drive where Miami needed four 3rd down conversions and a quarterback sneak on 4th and 1 to keep the drive alive. Shannon's faith in his team paid off. Last Thursday was a huge turning point.

There've been other personnel change outside the quarterback position. Richard Gordon saw his day at kick returner come and go after the Oklahoma loss. Enter freshman Shawnbrey McNeal. Same to be said for Randy Phillips after getting torched all day by the Sooners. From corner back to safety for #6, his natural position. It's also been rotating kickers in regards to punting and kickoff duty and will remain that way until someone steps up their game.

We've also seen the whip cracked discipline-wise with Sam Shields benched the first game for breaking an undisclosed rule, as well as Bruce Johnson being absent the first two games for tardiness in regards to practice and class.

This week we'll see some starters in on special teams, as the guys there have been giving up too much field position and not getting their jobs done.

The message is clear. Mess with the bull, get the horns.

How about the upgrade in overall coaching talent? No more retreads - instead a hungry bunch out to make a name for themselves. Nix is looking more like the guy Shannon envisioned, than the one who seemed vanilla in his play calling at Oklahoma.

That said, the current MVP of this bunch is Jeff Stoutland in regards to what he's done to toughen up this offensive line and trim the fat. I liked the Stoutland hire immediately, based on what I read about him - as well as the fact he was from the Big Ten.

There isn't any other position on the field where I'd want a fast, athletic Miami team to emulate the slower paced Big Ten, except offensive line. Stoutland has brought that toughness to The U and is doing it with a mix of players who haven't gotten it done the past few years.

The rest of this new staff is performing quite nicely and it's refreshing to see the chemistry they have with the players. Watching defensive line coach Clint Hurtt chest-bumping players after the first defensive stand sounds trivial, but it means something. As does seeing Shannon grabbing Dedrick Epps, reeling him back and slamming in the chest after #18 fought for extra yardage on a touch catch.

Coaches will ride these kids on the practice field, but come game day it's time to celebrate and give that pat on the back for a job well done. We all seek approval and the camaraderie between Miami players and coaches on game day is a refreshing site. Work out the kinks next week at practice (i.e. - Cooper's fumbles), but during the game keep the kids playing loose and fearless.

The Canes struggled mightily in the red zone during their 23-9 win over FIU. A week later, some serious changes. Direct snaps to the running backs. More use of the play action pass to set up the deep ball. The Canes absolute exposed the Aggies' secondary with some new-look plays no one had seen the first three games of the year. That's coaching. Throwing the unexpected out there at just the right time.

It's took four games, but Miami is finally establishing it's identity on offense. That opening drive against aTm could prove to be the turning point of this 2007 season.

I read today that Cooper text messaged his head coach at 1:30am ET after the aTm game, apologizing for his two fumbles. Moments later, a note back from Shannon telling "enjoy the win and go work on it next week."

I like having a coaching staff and group of players, wide awake hours after the big game - being eaten up by what went wrong in a 17-point victory, instead of resting on their laurels. It's this type of intensity that wins championships over time. Coop knows other backs are vying for his job and that he's on the bench if he can't hold on to the rock. That 'fear' will motivate these kids and make them even greater assets to this team.

I don't want to keep harping on the old regime, but I can't imagine things were this way the past half decade at Miami. Jobs weren't on the line like this. Kids weren't living in fear of letting down their coaches. There's a reason the program eroded and 7-6 was a reality last season.

Finishing games. Another concept Shannon is driving home. As much as I loved the enthusiasm early on when the Canes were rolling to a 31-0 fourth quarter lead, I loved the Shannon Scowl every time Texas A&M found the end zone or made a big play. You could feel the disgust through your TV screen and knew these kids were going to get an earful next practice.

I recall Shannon getting in Gordon's face and going off after a special teams penalty and thinking to myself that our new coach was more fired up over a boneheaded play the fourth game of the season, than our past coach was over a bogus flag in the end zone which decided the National Championship and went on to end a 34-game win streak.

Finish. It something Miami has struggled with over the years. Putting an opponent away for good. Jimmy Johnson was a master at it and it seems Shannon took that trait from his former coach and boss. I love it. That killer instinct will be learned and will be a Miami thing in the near future. You can feel it.

Even though it's only Duke, this is another telling week. Miami needs to take steps forward every game. An FIU-like outing is a set back. No more playing down to the level of the competition. The Canes need to fire on all cylinders Saturday at 12pm ET. Come out crisp and Miami rolls. This offense needs to keep clicking and put up some points this week against Duke and next week at North Carolina. 6-1 and with momentum when "revenge" games (a word coaches hate and fans love) against Georgia Tech and Florida State are back-to-back mid-October.

Wright is winless against both (an 0-4 record since 2005) and has to build on the aTm win with two big weeks before the meat of the schedule. No more mental setbacks. Find that groove against two lesser teams and get into a rhythm with the receivers.

More to come on the Duke game later this week. Stay tuned. For now, I wanted to review weeks one through four and point out the turnaround this team had over the past two weeks, thanks to a new staff and a leader with a winner's mentality.

There's no doubt in my mind Miami will be back on top. The only question - 'when'.

Shannon has this ship righted and is getting the most out of these kids. The ACC title game is definitely within reach and a BCS berth is hardly out of the question, yet seemed insane after the whipping OU put on The U. The Canes are growing leaps and bounds each week. If that trend continues, look out. This team is going places.

Side note, special shout to an old school bud Luke Bennett, who I haven't caught up with in a good 15 years, yet found me through the blog as he remains a diehard Canes fan. Gotta love the power of the Internet, as well as hearing that friends from your past still share that undying loyalty to the same program you bleed for. Read on, old schoolers. Read on.



.:Canes305:.

Game 4: Miami 34, Texas A&M 17

Tonight the 'work in progress' was definitely working.

Anyone else completely forget what it felt like to not hit "erase" on your DVR before the game clock struck zero? What about SportsCenter leading in with Miami victory highlights and a spot on the new head coach? How about checking the box score, seeing a quarterback with 21 of 26 for 275 yards with 2 touchdowns and it's a QB on the Canes' roster?

I said earlier today, Texas A&M isn't Oklahoma - but they're a good football team. They came to the Orange Bowl believing they'd win, as did most in the media. aTm is light years better than FIU; the nobody bunch Miami hardly showed up for and sloppily beat 23-9 last Saturday.

Nah, to hell with the opponent. Tonight was about The U. It confirmed the 'something special' we felt and saw against Marshall wasn't a mirage. Easy to lose steam (and faith) after 51-13 at #4 Oklahoma. A game where Miami was as out of synch from the get-go as Texas A&M was tonight, if not more.

It was, in most cliche terms, "a Canes thing". The U looked good no matter who was on the other sideline... and it's been too damn long since we could say that.

The 34-17 victory is a building block. It showed that Miami is still a force when clicking on all cylinders - something this program hasn't seen since a 27-7 win at Virginia Tech in 2005. A big night for the defense where the Hokies' offense was exposed (again). Tonight was about signs of life for the Canes' offense - something this program hasn't seen since Ken Dorsey fell to his knees on that Fiesta Bowl turf.

The Aggies are no Sooners, but the impact of this win can have a similar type springboard effect.

For nine months these Canes have been preached the gospel according to Randy Shannon. The scowl. The intensity. The Canes-heavy resume. Right down to how the new 41-year old coach could relate to them. This team wants to believe every word coming out of their new leader's mouth. Play like a team. No individuals. Be accountable. I've won, you haven't, follow my lead.

It resonates in team meetings and on the practice field.

Then game day it's 51-13 upside your head.

A complete game against aTm better have whet this team's appetite for what's there's for the taking; the ACC. All this talk of the Canes looking solid at Greentree, it was time to do it come game day - in front of that nationally televised audience. The ante was upped. Miami or Texas A&M was due to shine tonight. The football gods had to allow some Orange Bowl mystique for the final Thursday night ESPN match up in the legendary 70-year old stadium. The hometown kids would expose or be further exposed.

It was Magic City from the get go. A strong defensive three-and-out put the Canes offense on the field within minutes. An opening stuff and Javarris James dropped got things off on the wrong foot, but Miami stepped it up. The rest of the 18-play, 80-yard drive Wright was 5-of-5 on third downs with a quarterback sneak on 4th and 1.

#3 finally showed the "it" factor that's been virtually lost the past few seasons. On the final third down conversion of the opening drive, Wright stepped up to avoid the pocket collapse and dumped the ball off to James.

In years past, a 3-yard Miami loss. Tonight, a conversion chalked up to some quarterback poise. One play later, a direct snap to Graig Cooper turns into a 7-yard touchdown run. It's 7-0, the quarter almost over and the Aggies tagged in the nose. Their offense stopped; Miami's unstoppable. Javorskie Lane, how U like us now?

The haters will say it's only Texas A&M, but last week was only FIU and Miami was settling for field goals or red zone turnovers. Improvement is improvement. Regardless of the opponent, the Canes were hot tonight and it's been a while since anyone could say that.

There's definitely something to build on here. Shannon's words are ringing true and this team is seeing if they follow their leader, they're going to wind up right where they want to be. 3-1 is light years from 2-2. It might not sound like much, but right now it's everything.

Duke is on the docket and 4-1 is safe to pencil a "W" there. A week later, a road trip to North Carolina - a revenge game for the 2004 upset with former Canes coach Butch Davis now calling the shots. Play like it did tonight and Miami is looking at 5-1 entering Georgia Tech weekend on October 13th - another game circled on the calendar after losing two straight to the Yellow Jackets.

A week ago, it'd have been premature to "go there" but after tonight, this team showed it might not be crazy to start thinking that way. There are going to be some setbacks, but this team has tasted some success and they'll want to build on that.

Hard to remember such a quick turnaround for the Canes in a matter of weeks. Opening the season with Kirby Freeman behind center, Randy Phillips at corner, Khalil Jones at receiver and Richard Gordon returning kicks already seems forever ago. Amazing how momentum can turn on a dime.

Wright was clicked on all cylinders. Sam Shields had his breakout game. Darnell Jenkins proved reliable and clutch. Miami tight ends weren't the forgotten, hauling in some big grabs. New wrinkles in The O with the direct snaps. A healthy, in your face defensive effort. Big hits. Turnovers. A breakout game for next-big-thing-linebacker, Colin McCarthy.

Same to be said for this staff. Patrick Nix proving his playcalling wasn't the issue; execution was. Jeff Stoutland inheriting a sub-par offensive line and is turning them into the offensive MVPs thus far. Tim Walton earning the trust of coach Shannon, to the point where the former defensive coordinator is comfortable taking off the headphones and allowing the former secondary coach to call the shots.

This team and staff are quickly growing up and meshing. We'll see it more each and every week. This is going to get exciting this team continues to make plays. There's more than enough talent here to reach the ACC title game, barring Wright keeps looking like he did tonight. Make no mistake - these Canes are only going as far as their quarterback takes them.

For now, a time to relish in a season-changing win. One more wonderful chapter closed in the OB's history. A final mid-week classic is in the books. A 34-17 win, extending Miami's record to 11-1 on ESPN's Thursday night telecasts and giving fans another one for the memory bank.

If things continue as they are, this one will be remembered as the first defining game of the Shannon Era. Something to look back on when we're on top again, but for now - enjoy the moment.

.:Canes305:.

Big Game Opp: Calling On Kyle...

This is the second time I've used this photo I whipped up for Kyle Wright. Last time I posted it for a pre-game article before last year's 13-10 home loss to Florida State. The picture itself was snapped on the sidelines during the 40-3 loss to LSU in the Peach Bowl.

A few big games in the Wright era and a few big time losses. Outside of the 27-7 win at Virginia Tech in 2005, Miami has faceplanted in too many big game opportunities. Enough is enough.

No disrespect to Texas A&M, but the Aggies aren't the Sooners. They're a good 3-0 squad ranked #20 in the nation - not a great one.

Wins over Montana State, Fresno State Louisiana-Monroe don't say much. Nor does the fact that MSU torched the Aggies' defense 304 passing yards and 403 total yards. ULM put up 348 total yards last weekend and that's on the heels of a triple overtime win against Fresno State. aTm may be 3-0, but in two of those wins the loser had more total yards than the Aggies.

On the other hand, we have Miami and the great unknown. The U looked like they came to play against Marshall in a 31-3 win, but ran into a buzzsaw a week later at Oklahoma. The Canes hung tough at times, but a lack of depth and moxy resulted in the wheels falling half halfway through the third quarter. In the blink of an eye, 21-13 became a very disheartening 51-13.

Last week, FIU and even more questions as the Canes pulled out a lethargic victory. It was Miami's best offensive output yardage-wise in the past two seasons, but a lack of redzone scoring and a few untimely turnovers were the difference between the 23-9 final score in what could've, would've and should've been a 41-3 outing against the lesser foe.

Last weeks biggest blunders can be attributed to Wright. 10 of 19 for 224 isn't the end of the world, but the two interceptions and fumble are. You can get away with that against FIU. Do that tonight against aTm and the Canes are gonna get rolled.

There was a bright spot in a long 80-yard touchdown to the erratic Lance Leggett, but like Wright, Leggett needs to get much more consistent and needs to bring it in the bigger games. Big time scores have less of an impact when you're dropping third down receptions or quarterbacks are chucking endzone interceptions when in the red zone.

Next week marks the start of ACC play, but make no mistake - tonight is pretty much a do or die game for these Hurricanes. A national television audience tuning in and a ranked opponent headed to town for the last Thursday night game in the Orange Bowl, where the Canes are 10-1 in these late week ESPN showdowns.

Texas A&M needs this game to prove they're legit, while Miami needs this opportunity to prove they're not as far off the radar as the Oklahoma ass kicking might imply. The Canes also need some early season momentum after opening the 2006 campaign 1-2. From a psychological standpoint, 3-1 is night and day from 2-2. Especially with Duke and North Carolina on the docket. A win tonight and Miami has a great shot at a 5-1 record heading into the October 13th home showdown against Georgia Tech.

The defense returns some depth - especially on the defensive line and in the secondary, so there will be some extra help in stuffing a three-headed rushing attack. But make no mistake, tonight's outcome will be decided by the Miami offense.

Defense has carried these Canes too far the past few years. It's time to start scoring some points and aTm provides the perfect opponent due to a suspect secondary and the fact that some lesser squads have proven that the ball can be moved with ease against these Aggies.

As the picture says, it's gut check time for Wright. Benched to start the season, called upon to make some plays against the Sooners - earning him his job back - and the chance to start last week for the first time this season. Tonight is 'go' time for #3; the first of nine real-deal ball games between now and late November.

If the Canes are going to make a run in the ACC, they need to start gaining momentum this evening and it's on Wright to make the throws and manage this game. He has two great running backs in Javarris James and Graig Cooper as well as a much improved offensive line and a go-to receiver in Darnell Jenkins.

Maybe I'm drinking the Kool Aid or maybe I just feel Miami is due for a good game tonight in the Orange Bowl. It ain't FIU, brother. It ain't FIU. This is Thursday night football. This is a 3-0 team who gives up a ton of yards and the stage is set for a breakout game for the Canes. Here's hoping our kids know what's in front of them for the taking. I'm a believer... for now. Are U?

Miami 23, Texas A&M 16

.:Canes305:.

The12thManchild.com's take on The U vs. aTm

I traded columns with Brad at The12thManchild.com this week. My take on the Miami game will go live later today and I'm posting the Aggies' perspective here at allCanesBlog.com.

Click here to check out my column at the aTm site. The12thManchild says:

General Preview: Both programs have a lot riding on Thursday night's game. For Miami, it's a chance to put forth a new face to the nation and legitimize the new coaching staff. For Texas A&M, it's the first game since the Holiday Bowl loss to Cal to redeem themselves in the eyes of voters. Nobody doubts the Aggies are talented and experience, they're all just counting on the Aggies to stumble on the road.

RBs Javarris James & Graig Cooper vs. LBs Mark Dodge and Misi Tupe - Advantage: James and Cooper. The Canes backfield is much quicker than the Aggie LBs, as long as play calling keeps James and Cooper running offtackle, the hurricanes shouldn't have too much of a problem running all night.

The Option vs. Miami D - Advantage: The Option. Calais Campbell or not, there aren't many teams feature the option in their packages any more. Though speed will certainly make the learning curve easier, it's a tall order to try to teach a team to properly defend the option in one week, much less a short week. Not to mention that it's one thing to master it against the scrub team O, and another to try to shut down a starting QB and Backfield that have been running it together for 2 years now.

Aggie D-Line vs. Miami O-Line - Advantage: Miami O-Line. Though the Aggie defensive line has improved since the start of the season, they're still underperforming in all aspects of play. Kyle Wright will have all night to throw.

Miami's Keys to Victory:
- Establish solid passing game, shred A&M secondary
- Contain the option, force A&M to pass
- Limit INTs and other turnovers

Texas A&M's Keys to Victory:
- establish running game, control pace of game
- get pressure on QB, force turnovers
- capitalize on turnovers

Prediction time: It's a tough call. Both teams are highly motivated with a chip on their shoulder. The OB isn't necessarily an intimidating place to play, but the Ags never fare well in their first away game of the season under Fran. The speed of the Miami offense doesn't worry me. Our team is used to giving up 20-40 pts to good opponents. It's the speed of the defense that truly worries me, a much faster defense (see Cal in 2006 Holiday Bowl) can overcome a complex offense.

Yet, this Miami team still has not displayed the discipline on the field necessary to overcome the dogfight they're in for thursday night. A team can't hope to give up 80 yds in penalties and 2-3 turnovers and still hope to come out on top in a close game.

The Ags will come out shaky in the first half, but experience and leadership will takeover in the 2nd half leading the Ags to a 35-24 victory.

Game Three: Miami 23, FIU 9

After a long weekend out of town and no ESPN U in sight, I finally got a chance to break down the FIU game. Miami got the 23-9 win, which was actually more 'understandable' on TV than it was checking GameCast on a cell phone en route to my cousin's wedding reception in Staten Island, NY. Some thoughts on the game:

Red zone production was pathetic in this one. No excuse for some of the miscues this team is having with the money on the table. The interception by Kyle Wright early in the fourth quarter was one of those unforgivable-type plays. Insult to injury that it wound up leading to FIU's second touchdown of the season. A defensive breakdown like that is inexcusable against a team of this nature. You have an opportunity to go up 30-3 and moments later it's 23-9.

A scenario like this isn't a backbreaker against a squad like FIU's, but it'll come back to haunt this squad against a Texas A&M or an ACC opponents. This was supposed to be a game where the Canes built up their confidence for aTm - but proved to be another game where Miami occasionally backslid. This should've been upwards of a 41-3 route. Instead, a game where the Canes played as if their hearts weren't into it. Very disappointing.

Lance Leggett again proved he's a hot/cold receiver. The lack of effort to fight for the ball on Wright's first interception was disheartening. As was the fact he let the FIU corner jockey for inside position.

The ball was thrown a bit short, but where was the effort regarding getting after the ball or at least breaking up the play? Of course the minute you're ready to write off #9 as damaged goods... he hauls in an 80-yard touchdown catch and teases you with his potential.

Deep posts and streak routes seem to be Leggett's only strength, so it's time to relegate him to just that role already. Darnell Jenkins is proving to be the top threat and Miami's most physical receiver. Stick with that and keep working Sam Shields into the mix.

I do like that receivers coach Marquis Mosely called out Leggett in the media, stating he needs big times games against the Oklahomas and Texas A&Ms of the world, not just FIU. Let's hope that if the lack of production (when it counts) continues, we'll see guys like Leonard Hankerson getting more reps.

No need to stick with a non-producing senior - at any position. The future is now.

151 yards between Javarris James and Graig Cooper. Some solid runs in there and I liked seeing JJ getting the majority of the carries. Miami seemed to rely on Coop too much against OU when James is the better every down back. I also liked seeing #2 in the slot, as promised. Had Wright hit him in stride, his 21-yard reception could've gone to the house, instead of out of bounds, where the pass was directed.

James needs a monster game Thursday night and Coop needs to compliment it with some big time, long distance runs. Time for JJ to start getting to that next level as a sophomore. He and Coop have looked pretty even, which is unacceptable being one is a sophomore and the other a true freshman.

I'm stunned how nicked up we are on the defensive line. You know it's bad when Joe Joseph is getting significant playing time. Teraz McCray, Dwayne Hendricks and Antonio Dixon have played sporadically due to injury and we're yet to see the banged up Josh Holmes this short season, after being praised for his pre-season efforts.

Miami needs to get production out of the defensive lineman on the field Thursday night as that position had zero impact against Oklahoma and made for a long night through the air. The Canes must pressure Stephen McGee - something they couldn't do against Sam Bradford two weeks ago. That'll be a feat with a banged up defensive line versus a very stout aTm offensive line.

Paging the tight ends. Seriously, I don't 'get' why Patrick Nix is so anti-TE, especially with Miami's recent success at the position. Sure, DajLeon Farr, Chris Zellner and Richard Gordon are no Greg Olsen, Kellen Winslow II, Jeremy Shockey or Bubba Franks - but they have to be better than 3 receptions for 12 yards on the season.

Miami didn't have one reception by the TE against Oklahoma and had one last weekend against FIU and is struggling to find full time, go-to receiver. One would think Nix would give Wright that safety valve - especially with the Canes to TE happy the past decade.

Mix in a few more reps for Farr and the boys, coach. Not only do our quarterbacks need it, but we need to send a message to top TE recruits that the position isn't dead at The U.

The Canes had 7 penalties for 50 yards against Marshall, 6 for 55 yards against Oklahoma but damn near doubled the effort with 12 penalties for 93 yards against FIU. Not exactly a promising stat. Clean it up before Thursday night, fellas. The Aggies won't allow the mulligans that FIU offered up.

Last but not least... for now. Those who didn't catch any of the Miami Northwestern match up at Southlake Carroll, you missed the top local sports showdown of the weekend. The four recruits talking Miami - quarterback Jacory Harris, defensive tackle Marcus Forston, linebacker Sean Spence and wide receiver Aldarius Johnson all had profound impacts on the game's 29-21 outcome.

Harris threw for four touchdowns, Fortson was in the backfield all day disrupting plays, Spence had an interception and Johnson led the Bulls in receptions and hauled in a big time touchdown.

Northwestern had that typical 305 swagger and Harris even threw up the "U" hands after the game's final go ahead score, at 75-yard touchdown to Tommy Streeter.

Watching this game was a vivid reminder that while this current Miami squad has it's woes, the future looks bright. Haul in this current class and these Canes will be a force by 2009. Recent recruiting woes will turn on a dime if coach Shannon keeps working his magic.

Hopefully other recruits watching noticed the ESPN U ticker and its constant reminder that four Northwestern ballers are headed to The U next year.

For those cynics questioning the verbal commitments, further conformation came when this fab four attended the Canes practice on Monday, in an effort to show their support for their future university. According to a post on a Canes-themed message board:

"We always talk about going to college, wanting to turn the Miami program around and put it back on top the way it was when we were kids," Spence said. "Winning that game was beautiful. We wanted to bring back #1 to our community and let them see how it feels."

Winning breeds winners and these are just the type of kids The U needs in it's ascension back to the top.

Some parting thoughts... I saw a great Clint Hurtt quote in Bruce Feldman's latest column on ESPN. Hurtt told Feldman, "This team reminds me of the 1998 and '99 Miami teams that were so young and really still learning how to win."

Let's hope that's the case. 1998 Miami went 9-3 on the season, highlighted with a home win against #2 UCLA, 49-45 - ruining the Bruins' season and keeping them out of the National Championship game. The 1999 Canes wound up 9-4, after upsetting Ohio State in the kickoff classic, losing a heartbreaker to #2 Penn State a few weeks later, hanging tough with #1 Florida State and getting whooped at #2 Virginia Tech, when true freshman Ken Dorsey was forced into action after a Kenny Kelly injury.

Hurtt pointed out that the majority of Miami's current talent lies in its freshman and sophomores, similar to those late 90s squads. The Canes need a signature win in their climb out of the cellar. Once that comes, these kids will gel and hopefully get better week after week...

Check back tomorrow for the allCanesBlog.com Miami vs. Texas A&M prediction.



.:Canes305:.

Look, a gratuitous fight shot....

Miami plays Florida International tomorrow and for most, it's simply another reason to show last October's brawl footage. I've already caught it a few times on College Football Live and ESPN U. Nothing like exploiting last year's debacle on the watch of two new coaches. Randy Shannon replaced the fired Larry Coker at The U, while Mario Cristobal replaces Don Strock, who resigned last fall.

Two new coaches, a slew of new players - yet a slew of old school brawl footage. Stay classy, ESPN. Anything to up the ratings for this week's ESPN U-televised event, right?

I'm not really going to 'cover' this game or waste time breaking it down. No offense, but FIU sucks. It's not worth my time to give you the Xs and Os here for a squad on a fourteen game losing streak that hasn't won since 2005. Forget the fact that their cheap shots and bush league antics brought a slew of bad press against The U... though our boys had no responding to that nonsense and getting caught up in the melee.

They did. We did. It's over. Move on.

Saturday's match up against FIU is a scrimmage for Miami. Rebound and get ready for Texas A&M on Thursday night. Stay healthy, get the young kids some reps and bounce back from that bitter 51-13 loss at Oklahoma.

I'm worried about one thing tomorrow night - Kyle Wright. I'm sitting pretty in New York city for a family wedding and I'm surrounded by some family members who bleed Notre Dame. I've got some serious Disciples of Weis here. President and chairman of the Jimmy Clausen fan club and I'm catching some heat about our boy #3.

You've read my blog. I'm not anti-Kirby Freeman here. From the get-go, I've just felt that Wright gives Miami the best chance to win in 2007. I won't dub it the 'lesser of two evils' but while it's been felt Wright has underachieved, it still feel that #3 on an average day has 'it' more that #7 on his best day.

Coach Shannon has oft stated that there are no musical quarterback as what was once Quarterback U, we've seen Freeman-Wright-Freeman in eight quarters of football and Wright dubbed the starter for game three. This position is cast in Jello and one bad quarter could throw the position into a frenzy for the rest of 2007.

The National Championship is obviously out of reach at 1-1 -- and for all intents and purposes, was out of reach before the season kicked off. Either way, there's two out of conference game before the ACC season kicks off. FIU is more than winnable and in just less than a week, Miami takes on a solid Texas A&M program. The U needs zero quarterback drama going into next Thursday, so I'm looking for one thing going into Saturday - the Wright Aerial Assault on the Golden Panties. Thump FIU with the passing game so we have zero question or flip-flopping entering next week's match up.

Miami was exposed last week at Oklahoma. There's a lot of work to be done if this program is going to compete for a conference crown in 2007. I rewatched some of the OU debacle. While the Canes packed it in last, it was still a 21-13 third quarter deficit and an ensuing drive turnover away from making things interesting. Still, that's neither here nor there. The U got waxed and looking forward, a conference title and BCS game are the goal.

Are they reachable? We'll see. Miami has to pick their guy at quarterback and then get production out of him. Wright is that guy for now and FIU is the perfect patsy to pad the stats against and eliminate any QB shuffle for next Thursday.

The Canes will only go as far as their quarterback takes them and the odds are better with Wright behind center. After seven of eight quarters on the bench and his only action seen when trying to erase a 21-3 deficit at OU - Wright came in, looked pretty good (against the #4 squad), picked up some key third downs and played with the fire of a starter benched for a junior. Hopefully that intensity keeps up and this develops into a special season.

Again, we'll see tomorrow with FIU across the field. It's not about the opponent; it's about Wright getting to air it out a bit and get his timing right for aTm next Thursday. Time to get into that starter's groove and not look over your shoulder every offensive drive. Light up FI-Who and the starting job for next week will be solidified. Play with a sense or urgency and get the job done.

Thanks to my man Victor Rivera for giving me the inspiration to bust something out here. Throwing down in Staten Island, gearing up for a family wedding and wasn't going to write about the Canes. If anything, I'm trying to find a way to scam some ESPN U between the ceremony and reception. I have a 3:30pm ET kickoff - not to mention, some driven Irish bleeding hearts looking for some Notre Dame/Michigan at the same time. Have cable TV, will travel.

Big Vic talked the talk and got the juices flowing, so it was time to blog and pimp the FIU match up this week. Bounce back from the OU beating and realize the ACC is still within reach and two OOC games remain before getting into the thick of the conference schedule.

Work FIU and gear up for Texas A&M next week. Hope that Wright can 'bring it' so that the quarterback controversy takes back seat and that we can focus on winning football games between now and Thanksgiving.

Miami/FIU at 3:30pm and somewhere sandwiched around the cousin Tanya and my new main man Mario are getting hitched. Football, family, booze and good times forthcoming.

More after the win. 0-15 en route. More to come.

.:Canes305:.

a.k.a Canes201 for this week...

Three's baaaaaaaaaaack.....

Kyle Wright was named starter for this week's match up against FIU. Randy Shannon made the call earlier this morning. This will be Wright's first start since suffering a wrist injury in a 17-10 loss against Virginia Tech last season. Shannon stated that it won't be a "round robin deal" and that "it's going to be the Kyle Wright show for right now."

I don't want to hang too much on that last comment, but I have to admit it's getting tiresome to hear about who is the guy "for now". After last week's 51-13 debacle at Oklahoma, even a blind man could see that Kirby Freeman played himself out of a starting role for the foreseeable future. Nothing about his performance had anyone believing he could lead the Canes to success against any team better than the likes of a Nevada.

Wright is 14-7 as Miami's starter with 4,123 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in 24 career appearances. He's completed 59.3 percent of his passes - which ranks as fourth-best in Quarterback U's history.

Um, why was Freeman named starter again? Wright sure has had his pitfalls, but as stated around this blog for months now - he gives Miami a better shot to win on his worst day than Freeman does on his best.

Here's hoping Wright goes out and lights up FIU so that this quarterback 'debate' is squashed out once and for all. We don't need anymore flip-flopping before next Thursday's match up against Texas A&M.

.:Canes305:.

Say a prayer for Kevin Everett...

By now you've all seen the special teams hit which left former Cane TE Kevin Everett laying helpless on the turf yesterday. Currently he's sedated in ICU after emergency spinal surgery and will remain that way for the next two days while his body recovers. The operation lasted four hours and doctors said it was a success, though the coming days will determine how much of a recovery Everett can make.

Everett sustained a cervical spine injury when driving to tackle Denver's Domenik Hixon during the second half opening kickoff. Everett twitched a few seconds before attempting to get up and then falling straight back to the ground. He showed no signs of movement the next 15 minutes as the team's medical staff and emergency personnel immobilized him and loaded him into an ambulance at the Broncos 30-yard line.

Keep this Cane in your thoughts and prayers. Football is meaningless at a time like this. It's all about the hope that modern science and technology can help Everett walk again after yesterday's tragic on the field incident.


UPDATE - 09.11.07 -- The surgery proved successful, Everett is moving his arms and legs and doctors expect that he will walk again. This is nothing short of a miracle and due largely in part to Miami Project's research and development regarding paralysis. Check out Dave Hyde's article for more.

The writing's on the wall...

After the recent debacle in Norman, OK one thing is certain. They say any team with two quarterbacks doesn't really have one. Randy Shannon has oft said that the Canes have two gunslingers worthy of the starting gig. News flash - he doesn't. Miami has one quarterback, a back up and a highly-touted, injured freshman.

After seeing what I saw against #4 Oklahoma this past weekend, Kyle Wright is Miami's lone option behind center. I don't question the heart of Kirby Freeman - I question his God-given skills-set. As bad as Wright has looked in the past, he's never looked as out of place as Freeman against the Sooners.

Which brings us to the main point of this rant - burn the redshirt of Robert Marve. Once the super frosh gets healthy, get him in the game and get him some reps. Freeman isn't the guy now and certainly isn't the guy for 2008 when Wright is gonzo. This needs to be Marve's squad come next fall, so let the kid cut his teeth here in 2007 and really compete for the starting gig next year.

There are no more Oklahoma-caliber teams on Miami's schedule. Texas A&M needed 3OT to beat Fresno State. Florida State is 1-1 and struggling. Virginia Tech was exposed by LSU, though they'll still be tough at home late November with the ACC crown on the line. Georgia Tech is the toughest 'team' left on the docket.

Wright is the Canes best option from here on out. I don't care how good Freeman supposedly looked in practice. I saw how he looked on game day against Marshall and Oklahoma and simply put, the kid doesn't have 'it' to be a starter at The U. Many will say Wright underachieved and didn't live up to the hype, but he's still eons better that Freeman. Wright at least looked the part of an underachieving five-star recruit on Saturday. Freeman looked like a 'deer in headlights' back up quarterback.

Start Wright. Get Marve ready. Assign Freeman to back up duty and the occasional wrinkle in the playbook where his mobility will help pick up yardage or confuse a defensive coordinator. Marve needs to be used like Tim Tebow was in Florida last season. Get his feet wet so that 2008 isn't a baptism by fire. This also sends a message to incoming recruits that freshman do play at Miami and that all jobs are open to the best player willing to fill them.

Anything other than that and we're looking at a very long season, my friends.

In other news, I read the best summary of the game online last night. It was a post from Steve Kim (K9Cane) and his thoughts after returning home from Norman.

Any message board lurkers have seen his comments over the years. Solid insight and knowledge of the game. Logic bests emotion. Calls it like he sees it. He definitely hit the nail on the head again this time around. Allow me to summarize:

Called Freeman "a square peg in a round hole" and pointed out that there's no real power running game with his ability to not play under center or jibe with the system. From a 'fan in the stands' perspective K9 said you could see the team and fans dejected upon his return in the third quarter. I couldn't agree more.

He wisely called out our fan base who is trashing Patrick Nix this early in the process. Again, I agree. Nix is working with what we have. Time to give this offense an identity. He asks if we're a power running team or "Scrambleball/Spread"?

Building on what Kim said here, I think we bring back Wright, instill the power running game and focus on our two most talented offensive players - Javarris James and Graig Cooper. This line can run-block and those RBs can make plays. Establish a strong ground game and take the pressure off of your quarterback.

Defensively we're down. Kim points out that outside the offensive issues, when Vegas Franklin is getting a lot of snaps, we're light up front. He's right. Miami had good defensive line rotation against Marshall, but against an Oklahoma-caliber offensive line, this defensive line was manhandled. The Canes need to make sure Marcus Fortson is a lock for 2008 and expect him to immediately have an impact on the defensive line.

Shannon inherited a team with a lot of holes. We all can agree on this point. All this talk about a strong secondary was off-base. Willie Cooper and Lovon Ponder aren't getting it done. Anthony Reddick is sorely missed. At corner, Randy Phillips is struggling big time and needs to move to safety. Glenn Sharpe needs to get healthy and help a depleted secondary. DeMarcus Van Dyke can be a good one, but a true freshman won't cut the mustard at OU.

Kim pointed out the kicking game woes and like the rest of us, is baffled at the fact Daren Daly couldn't reach the end zone with his leg. Oklahoma had stellar field position all day. How can Miami not recruit stronger-legged kickers to get the job done? This has to be a priority moving forward.

And as for Richard Gordon on special teams, safe to say that gimmick needs to be retired. Not once did Gordon impress against an opponent with a strong special teams. Ryan Hill needs another returner back there. A second threat who can actually do something other than block. Throw Coop or another burner back there already.

Kim called Miami the third best team in the ACC and called Saturday a wake up call for Shannon. Again, I agree. I've oft stated that all this undefeated talk was off-base. Kim says the Canes are three years away. I think we're good to go in 2009 if Marve and some other recruits pan out.

Either way, it's time to re-prioritize. This season is not lost, but two games into 2007 these Canes already need an overhaul of sorts. The ACC is hardly a top conference this year and can work in Miami's favor. Last year's Canes didn't take advantage of a soft schedule. This time around, the program needs to capitalize on the weaknesses of others and find a way to win some ball games. Again, there are no more Oklahomas on this schedule.

Right the ship and set the sights on the ACC crown this year. Cut the dead weight who isn't producing and get the freshman some reps. Without naming names, some upperclassmen seem too far gone to save. Get in the heads of the youngsters. The future of this program is in the youth and the few Larry Coker leftovers who 'get it' and see the light.

Start building for tomorrow today.


.:Canes305:.

Sooners say, "Later Canes"...

51-13. Ouch. Definitely didn't see this one coming. A few thoughts before drowning my sorrows in a bottle of Crown and rooting for some upsets today. Misery loves company. Bring on the pain. For now, some Oklahoma/Miami sentiments and thoughts on the future of Miami Football 2007:

Props to my guy Tru2OU. He broke it down here a few days ago and was spot on with a lot of his commentary. At day's end, he had a better feel for OU's abilities than I did. Enjoy the Joe's gift card. You earned it and waited 20 years for this day. Enjoy for now. See you in our house next time - 2009, when we've turned things around.

Speaking of underestimating... I was way off with my call this week. Pretty embarrassing. I was optimistic Miami could hang with Oklahoma. At times, they did. But most of the game you saw the drop off in talent. The Canes don't have 1/3 of the playmakers the Sooners do. OU has truly reloaded. They're a legit title contender and proved that The U is a year or so from being 'back'.

And yes, I agree with the emails I've received regarding some poor officiating in the game. That said, when you lose 51-13 you sort of lose the right to blame the refs. Regarding those of you on suicide watch about the 38-point beat down, get over it the same way this team has to. The Canes are 1-1 and there's a lot of football to be played. Lest not forget, an undefeated #2 Oklahoma team was beat down 55-19 in the National Championship game a few years back.

It happens. The wheels can fall off when you're doing nothing offensively and your defense temporarily staves off the onslaught from a superior offense. Eventually something's gotta give. Put it behind you. Don't dwell on the score. A loss is a loss. Good teams can get punked on the scoreboard. It happens. Move on.

As for the commentary that our coaching staff needs to go, I won't even discuss the stupidity in those statements. We're two games into this era and some of you are already off board? Pathetic. No mystery why this fan base is one of the most heavily criticized in the sport.

Another tale of two offenses. OU boasts a promising young quarterback in Sam Bradford, one of the top offensive lines in the nation, big time receivers and a stable of running backs. Miami flip-flopped between two average QBs, had sub-par play out of the o-line, sports a group of wideouts on par with the Sooner back ups and two promising running backs getting shut down due to a one-dimensional offense.

Coaching didn't do Miami in. A lack of talent did. Bob Stoops didn't call a genius game compared to Randy Shannon and staff. Oklahoma out-talented Miami up and down the field. You want to blame coaching? Point the finger back right back at Larry Coker. Poor recruiting set the Canes back these past few seasons. Shannon can't change that in nine months. He can work on attitude, preparation and mindset - but at day's end, he's still doing it with Coker's lack-of-talent at several key positions, most notably, quarterback.

Kyle Wright hasn't panned out and Kirby Freeman can only do so much. Behind them, a walk on; the position depleted with Coker losing potential recruits Pat Devlin, Derek Shaw and Nick Fanuzzi in back-to-back-to-back seasons and with no Plan B in mind.

Miami will only be as solid as their quarterback play. Robert Marve better be the second coming if this program is going to turn it around as soon as 2008.

Something good can be taken from this match up. Early in the third quarter, Miami brought it to 21-13 and was hanging tough, but couldn't string together enough big plays to steal momentum. Randy Phillips missing a sure interception which would've ended a would-be score. Tavares Gooden leading with the helmet as Bradford stepped out of bounds in Miami territory.

Intercept a pass, snatch momentum back. Hold OU to three instead of seven and you're still in the game. These Canes break every time they can barely afford to bend. You only get so many chances on the road against a top five team.

Great teams don't make these mistakes, nor should they need two third down pass interference calls to keep drives alive for the game's lone touchdown. The Canes are low on elite talent.

I don't need to break down game film to tell you that the wrong guy has been behind center 7 of the past 8 quarters. I've stated in the past I believe Wright has more upside than Freeman. That was never more apparent than yesterday. Freeman truly looked like a back up against OU. The game moves in slow motion with #7 at the helm. No zip on his passes. Plays take to long to develop. The lack of big game experience was beyond apparent.

Wright was hardly flawless, but in watching him come off the bench he had much better rhythm and feel than Freeman. The big game setting didn't faze him. #3 did as much as he could with this team in this situation and he looked hungrier having lost the job and getting a chance to win it back.

There's only one scenario I see for 2007. Wright is your starter, Freeman is your back up and it's time to burn, baby, burn in regards to Marve's redshirt. Once healthy, the freshman needs to see the field. Wright is gone in 2008 and Freeman isn't the guy to lead this offense. Marve needs to get his feet wet now. If he's as good as advertised, he's not sticking around more than four years anyways.

Miami played its toughest game of its season, by far. No team left on the Canes schedule will give them the challenge the Sooners did. FIU and Texas A&M are the final two OOC games before ACC play kicks off. Both are beatable. The Golden Panthers are garbage while the Aggies needed triple overtime to take out lowly Fresno State at home.

Get to 4-1 and welcome Georgia Tech into the Orange Bowl on October 13th for the next "game of the year". The ACC again looks down this year, with the exception of the Yellow Jackets. Miami is better than a North Carolina, NC State, Duke or Virginia. Florida State looked beatable at 1-1, struggling with UAB yesterday while Virginia Tech got manhandled at LSU. There's no reason Miami can't head into the season finale at Boston College a one-loss team.

Every team on the remaining schedule would've gotten equally as throttled by Oklahoma. That's not the measuring stick for Miami 2007. We started this season unranked and aren't ready to match up with top five teams on the road. As of now, Miami doesn't look to even face a top ten team for the remainder of 2007. Let's not throw in the towel just yet.

Shannon is changing the culture of Miami football, but let's be realistic regarding how quickly this thing can be turned around. Seems a lot of us let the new head coach's fire and passion dilute us into believing we were going to knock off #5. The new attitude is fine, but the "national championship" was premature. I've felt that since those two words were uttered this offseason.

You want to aim for undefeated, fine, but any realistic talk about winning it all was off base. It's time to now reassess goals. Win the ACC. It's doable as the conference is down again this year.

As this season progresses, I want less soundbites and more accountability. Miami has talked too much as of late and then not backed it up. There was a lot of chatter before last year's 31-7 loss at Louisville. During OU week I'm hearing guys like Derrick Morse quoted as saying "when we win". This coming from a guy who lost his starting gig at center to John Rochford.

I'm all for the big talk if results are delivered, but Miami hasn't won a meaningful road game since November 2005. Can the soundbites and focus executing and winning ball games from here on out.

Hang tough. Our kids will learn from this loss. Anyone on this squad who thought Miami was on the same playing field as Oklahoma, just got a big time eye-opener. That's a good thing. Want to know what it takes to be great? You just lived it for sixty minutes on Saturday. OU was the prime example of what great teams do in big time games and it showed our kids how far they are from achieving greatness. Mental breakdowns. Not stepping up. Talking it but not walking it. All that needs to be rectified quickly.

Miami will be great again as Shannon continues to recruit top-ranked talent. Find conference success this year, build for the future and attempt to make a serious splash in 2008. 2007 can still be a special season, but it starts with an ounce of humility after a big loss as well as the ability to bounce back quickly and regroup as several important match ups remain between now and December.

.:Canes305:.

T-Minus 24 hours & counting; are U ready?

So you've read Tru2OU's take. God love 'em. He's diehard OU like my crew and I bleed for The U. I have no issue with a passionate and logical explanation regarding why he feels his squad will prevail on Saturday. But now it's my turn...

As for the pic above, that's for the haters. The ESPN talking heads and other national media members simply covering this game on the surface and giving Miami no chance tomorrow. That's bogus. You're talking about a very proud program with the most impressive collective body of work the game has seen these past 25 years.

Why aren't the Canes getting the benefit of the doubt here? Because of 7-6? Florida State and UCLA had matching 7-6 records last season and both cracked the top 20, while Miami is on the ground floor looking up. How is that right?

Oklahoma is being painted as an invincible squad in the National Championship hunt even though they're coming off of a three-loss season last year and a four-loss campaign in 2005. The Sooners are 1-1 in the last two games. A beatdown of a 6A high school masquerading as North Texas and an OT loss to Boise State, where this highly-touted defense gave up 43-points (35 of coming in regulation).

The Sooners lost some big time talent on their defensive side of the ball, yet the media has this team simply 'reloading' and ready to go in the second game of the season. They sport a redshirt freshman behind center in Sam Bradford, yet all the talk is how the inexperienced quarterback carved up North Texas and he's getting the job done. The three running backs are being hyped and the homefield advantage is yet one more difference maker.

Oklahoma. Oklahoma. Oklahoma. That's all we're hearing. No one wants to talk Miami unless it's about a down 2006, a new head coach, a new quarterback or the fact the program is 'a few years away' from winning a game like this. People act as if it's The Aura of OU post-2000 going up against the Canes of last season. I'm amazed no media members are pointing out what seems blatantly obvious to anyone who scratches the surface here.

Oklahoma is suiting up a redshirt freshman quarterback against a stingy Miami front seven. Randy Shannon and new defensive coordinator Tim Walton used heavy rotation on their defensive line against Marshall and were in the backfield all day. The front four will pressure Bradford as he's never been pressured in his short tenure. He had all day in the pocket last week. That won't be the case tomorrow.

The Sooners boast a solid running game with three backs, yet for all the talk about the Canes last season, few are pointing out this bunch sports the fourth-best rushing defense in the nation. Oklahoma will get their yards on the ground, but the assumption that they'll run all over Miami is a joke.

Regarding the Canes offensively, this is hardly the juggernaut it was 2000-2002. Still, there is some talent there which is ready to take things to the next level. Javarris James is a completely different running back with Graig Cooper pushing him for playing time. Miami has a legit one-two punch on the ground for the first time since 2001 when Clinton Portis had freshman Frank Gore backing him up.

The wideout position is improved as well. Sam Shields was suspended last week, but returns tomorrow to kick off his sophomore campaign as Kirby Freeman's favorite target. Shields will bring more to the table that bac