A retrospect, and a blueprint for better days...

I started throwing NFL Draft parties a few years back. It felt like a good halfway point between bowl season and the first college football weekend at the end of August. The obvious highlight being the experience of watching NFL-bound Canes getting chosen to play at the next level.

I started the tradition around 2002 when Miami was putting four, five or six kids in the first round and I'm ready to put the tradition on ice until the current curse is reversed.

In need of a Canes-themed fix last weekend, I dove into my archaic VHS collection in search of better days and some old school memories committed to videotape. Randomly, I gravitated to Miami v. Louisville, circa 2004.

I trekked 3,000 miles back to the 305 for that Thursday night home game and I'll never change the channel when that classic is on. Love the memories as well as the constant conformation I made the right choice in picking that particular weekend to revisit the Orange Bowl.

The No. 3 Miami Hurricanes took on the No. 17 Louisville Cardinals on October 14th, 2004. The Canes were a season removed from an 11-2 run, an Orange Bowl win over Florida State... and that was considered a "down" year after 2000-2002. Back-to-back 9-3 seasons ensued... which could be stellar seasons after 7-6 and 5-7 the past two years. Talk about perspective.

Watching this thrilling 41-38 comeback, a lot of things came to mind and warrant discussion.

Quarterback Brock Berlin played the role of whipping boy for most Canes fans, even though he went 5-0 against Florida and Florida State over his two year run. Then again, on the heels of a 38-2 run by Ken Dorsey, a national championship and a second title game berth - Berlin's 19-5 run was going to pale in comparison amongst a fan base expecting perfection.

Protecting Berlin, an offensive line that couldn't hold a candle to the 2001 squad - but a bunch that would play over every starter on the 2007 line. The running game? Frank Gore and Tyrone Moss were pounding the rock. Talib Humphrey and Quadtrine Hill were capable fullbacks that the Canes haven't found a way to replace in four seasons. 

Ryan Moore was sidelined again Louisville, but looked like a budding sophomore in 2004 after a solid freshman campaign. Roscoe Parrish was the Santana Moss-like flanker - and his back up, Darnell Jenkins - arguably the best wideout Miami has seen since since and bar none, a 'throwback' Cane.

Defensively Baraka Atkins was backed up by Bryan Pata. Orien Harris had Teraz McCray behind him. Kareem Brown backed up Santonio Holmes and Javon Nanton was behind Thomas Carroll. Hardly the superstars Miami's defensive line saw in the early part of the decade, but depth was infinitely greater in 2004 than it has been anytime since.

Antrel Rolle and Kelly Jennings were your corners, with Marcus Maxey and Glenn Sharpe as your back ups. Brandon Meriweather and Greg Threat held it down at safety.

At linebacker, the beginning of what's been a depleted position since. Jon Vilma and D.J. Williams were one year removed, so it was the Rocky McIntosh, Leon Williams and Tavares Gooden show. That said, depth was still prevalent with Jon Beason, Glenn Cook and a highly-touted Willie Williams/James Bryant duo were waiting in the wings - a few years before both moved to Bust City, USA.

Even on the kicking front, a second-year Jon Peattie gave fans much more confidence than any Miami kicker since. Special teams-wise, Parrish was returning punts and kicks with Jenkins, Rolle and superstar Devin Hester setting the Canes up field position-wise.

The talent level was 'down' by 2001-2003 standards, but the 2004 squad would've taken it to the 2005-2007 Canes' teams. A No. 1-ranked recruiting class just landed in Coral Gables and in time, the talent will again be prevalent at The U. If grading every class since 2001, the Canes have progressively gotten worse over time and bottomed out last fall.

A lot of criticism was thrown the way of offensive coordinator Patrick Nix last season, hired in 2007 to replace the one-year Rich Olson experiment after Olson was brought in to take over for oft-criticized Dan Werner.

The Werner Era is one most would like to forget, but damned if the guy didn't call a decent game when he had some weapons to work with. Slant patterns, finding speedy receivers underneath, a powerful rushing attack, balance (33 rushes, 37 passing attempts), getting the ball to the tight end and making sure playmakers were involved, be it upperclassmen or freshman showing potential.

Down 24-7 at the half, Werner and crew made adjustments, threw Berlin in the shotgun and the Canes effective moved the ball up and down the field while a talented, stout defense with a decent amount of depth held a potent Louisville offense to 14 points, while the Canes put up 34.

Conversely, former defensive coordinator Randy Shannon looked all-world early on and won the Frank Broyles Award as assistant of the year in 2001 when his defensive out-talented the competition. Three short years and a handful of superstars later, Shannon's defense is giving up 38 against Louisville, 31 a week later in a win at N.C. State and 31 the following week in a loss at North Carolina. Proof that schemes are simply schemes if the right players aren't executing them and the depth isn't there.  

Miami graduated 17 seniors after 2004 and sent five starters to the NFL - Rolle, Parrish, Gore, Kevin Everett and Chris Myers. Upwards of 25 Canes that played the Cardinals in October 2004 found their way onto NFL rosters, most through the Draft and a few free agent signings. Five first rounders suited up for The U on that Thursday night.

As is the overall theme with this article, that number pales in comparison to the success earlier this decade - but will dwarf the 2007 squad's results when looking back on last season's roster years from now. At a quick glance, there are upward of a half dozen NFLers regarding 2007's upperclassmen, at best - and that includes the three who were drafted last weekend.

Superior talent made Werner look halfway decent as an offensive coordinator and two years later, inferior talent made Olson look like an utter bum, calling plays for Miami in 2006. A year later, Olson surfaced with Dennis Erickson and at Arizona State and the Sun Devils offense looked like a well-oiled machine.

Before Shannon is chastised as a head coach or Nix is shredded as an offensive coordinator, the talent and depth need to return and the team needs to jell. The seeds are being planted and the Canes are one step closer entering 2008, but still have their work cut out for them. 

Even with the boatload of new defense talent recently arriving in Coral Gables, or heading to town in fall - first year defensive coordinator Bill Young still has his work cut out for him. Sadly, most will forget that come fall and expect an exact duplication of the Kansas defense he just led to an Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech.

Miami doesn't need a Marcus Forston, Sean Spence and Arthur Brown to turn things around. It needs a dozen or so guys like that to turn the defense around. Same to be said for a Robert Marve, Aldarius Johnson or Tommy Streeter. The Canes offense needs to be two deep all the way around before steamrolling opposing defenses anytime soon.

We put on weight one pound at a time when we get fat and we melt it off one pound as a time when we workout and aim to get lean. Miami didn't get good overnight, nor did the wheels fall off in a one year span. The 2000-2003 run happened due to seeds being planted and harvested 1997-1999. Special players signed on, depth was created, superstars emerged and even more depth was added.

How else do you almost make the title game (2000), win a championship the next year (2001), lose 11 starters to the NFL (five first rounders) and rebound with another 12-0 season and screwed out of back-to-back championships? That kind of depth doesn't just 'happen'.

5-7 didn't just 'happen', either. The Canes eroded away under Larry Coker. 12-0 became 12-1, 11-2, 9-3, 9-3 and 7-6 on the old man's watch. Check out some old game footage if you have your doubts. Last year's games were unwatchable, making a three and a half-year old contest like 41-38 against Louisville as welcomed as a National Championship berth.

Of course those of us in the stands for that Thursday night thriller left the Orange Bowl bitching about 38 points given up on defense and the middle of the field being exposed - instead of celebrating a 4-0 ranking and No. 3 ranking a third of the way through the season. It was all relative and the 2004 version of Miami couldn't hold a candle to recent Canes teams.

The right staff is in place, the right players are returning and soon enough, all will again be right in college football when Miami is revamped, reloaded and reminiscent of the great Hurricane teams witnessed earlier this decade.

Hang tough, Canes.

Post Draft Free Agent Signings for The U...

A few more Miami Hurricanes made some NFL rosters (for now) as of Monday morning. Only three Canes were drafted this past weekend - Kenny Phillips (31st), Calais Campbell (50th) and Tavares Gooden (71th). It was Miami's worst draft representation since 1999.

As of this morning, here's a list of the Canes who have gotten the call:

Kyle Wright to the Minnesota Vikings.... Darnell Jenkins to the Houston Texans... Lance Leggett to the Cleveland Browns... Teraz McCray to the Buffalo Bills... Andrew Bain to the N.Y. Giants.

Congrats to the Canes picked up today. Hopefully a few of these guys can stick. Most won't, but you never know if the right guy falls into the right system at the right time and the stars align.

Wright to Minnesota sounds sort of promising due to their quarterback situation. The Vikings did pick up John David Booty in the latter rounds, but really have no proven superstar gunslinger leading their franchise.

Time is ripe for change and who knows who will rise to the top in that organization? Booty looked to be a player at USC, but safe to say the kid had eons more talent around him in one game than Wright had over the span of three seasons.

Wright is a tough kid and has the ideal NFL physique and arm... but his decision-making has oft been questioned. He came to Miami when the Canes hit a downward spiral, endured a slew of offensive coordinators and a huge drop off talent-wise regarding offensive line, running backs and wide outs.

Of course all that is hindsight. No one cares anymore. Wright's NCAA days are behind and all that matters is his ability to elevate his game and make an NFL roster. Hopefully he'll get all the tutelage he missed at Miami and can correct some fundamental wrongs. If Wright could be re-wired mentally, this kid would be your prototypical NFL quarterback. Can that happen after five years of ups and downs at The U? Who knows....

I'm curious to see how things play out with Jenkins in Houston. Former Cane Andre Johnson is the bigger receiving threat there, followed by Kevin Walters and a handful of other no names, for the most part.

'Nuke' was impressive the past few seasons. The kid showed some serious toughness. The stats may prove otherwise, but so much of that can be blamed on an overall piss-poor performance from the overall Miami offense.

I stumbled across a YouTube video of Jenkins tearing it up during his time at The U and recommend it to any of those doubting his skills. I believe there's space on the Texans' roster for a gritty player like Jenkins. There was talk of a slow 40 time at the combine - but let the critics watch the vid above where he's smoking defenders left and right as Miami's biggest deep threat the past few seasons.

Leggett to the Browns is sort of a headscratcher. Obviously seeing another Cane taken by an NFL franchise is good news... but safe to say Miami fans are still burned by #9 over the past few seasons. Drops. Short-arming receptions. Less than physical play. Leggett absolutely underachieved during his time at The U and seems to lack the toughness an NFL receiver needs. Can he turn it around at this point of the game? We'll see. I wouldn't bank on it though.

McCray to the Bills and Bain to the Giants are long shots... but so is the whole notion of playing in the NFL to begin with. Here's hoping both those guys can find a way to get it done and stick around.

(Editor's Note: Glenn Sharpe was picked up by the Atlanta Falcons later in the day...)

Campbell goes in second, Gooden in third...

Calais Campbell missed the first round boat but was eventually picked 50th overall - in the second round of the NFL Draft, by the Arizona Cardinals. Did the oversized Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman jump the gun regarding his early exit from The U and entry to the NFL? Sure looks like it... 

Tavares Gooden proved to be the exact opposite - snared up 71st overall by the Baltimore Ravens and early in the third round. Gooden's stock rose after the combine and the under the radar Miami linebacker overachived his way into an early Sunday morning pick. Gooden also returned for his senior season to up his game, as opposed to bailing early and testing the NFL waters. 

Kenny Phillips was the last pick of the first round, extending Miami's first round streak to fourteen straight seasons... but the luster of that has worn off as the Canes' Draft impact has fizzled.

Even coming off of 7-6 in 2006, Miami still pumped out three first rounders last year and a total of five Canes drafted. Disappointing after the run Miami saw earlier in this decade - 2006 (9), 2005 (5), 2004 (9), 2003 (8), 2002 (11), 2001 (7) and 2000 (5) - but still All-World compared to what The U saw in 2008.

Miami bottomed out on the field in 2007 and is gearing up to bottom out in the NFL Draft in 2008 and possibly 2009. "The Streak" should come to an end next season, barring some stellar play from NFL bound upperclassmen.

While Cane fans never want to see the day a kid from The U doesn't make his way into the first round, this program is in serious need of a wake up call. Playing for Miami is about winning national championships and being a top five team year in and year out. It's a stepping stone to the NFL for a slew of kids - but that needs to be secondary to getting one's degree and keeping this program amongst the elite.

Winning ways are going to attract front runners and some selfish "me first" players, as we've seen here and there since Miami's last championship in 2001. The trend really started with the 2004 recruiting class and seemed to be the case over the next few seasons.

The lone upside to 5-7? Knowing that the several dozen kids who signed on last February to make up this top-ranked recruiting class are signing on to rebuild. No one is riding any gravy train at Miami anytime soon. It's time to roll up one's sleeves and put this program back on the map first and foremost. 

As all this Draft news has settled and sunk in, Miami is very lucky Phillips kept the streak alive. KP snuck into the first round based on the program's legacy, the type of players Miami puts into the league and based on his potential versus his resume. The New York Giants like Miami Hurricanes. Sinorice Moss was their choice last year, William Joseph a few years back and Jeremy Shockey has been running game in the Big Apple since 2002.

Phillips made the 'right choice' if you measure his decision by being nabbed in the first round, but safe to say another year at Miami could've made this kid mid-first round material in 2009.

As for Campbell, the 6'8" lineman was somewhat exposed during the 2007 season and in the combine. Of the two highly-touted Canes in this year's Draft, Campbell absolutely should've stuck around for his senior year. #81 could've tightened up his game, mentored younger players (little bro Jason Campbell will battle for a safety positon) and worked on his technique.

I don't know Campbell's history. I don't know if his family needed the money or what his motivating factor was to bail with one year of eligibility remaining. To his credit, Campbell did earn his degree and returning to The U would've strictly been a football decision - but one has to believe another season would've helped CC climb up from that 50th spot at which he was chosen yesterday.

Randy Shannon wants to change the culture at Miami and has oft stated a big part of that is getting upperclassmen to return. A tough sell after 5-7 and no shot at being in the hunt in 2008. When Shannon turns the program around and gets the Canes back to winning ways, maybe guys like Campbell and Phillips stick around. It's sort of a 'chicken or the egg' type situation. What comes first, seniors staying or winning ways returning?

Congrats to Phillips, Campbell and Gooden. Very frustrating to see so few Canes drafted, but that can't take away from those who were. This is just another part of the Miami down-cycle the program has experienced the past few seasons and that tide will turn soon enough.

Tune in over the next few days to see which Canes get picked up as free agents. One has to believe quarterback Kyle Wright and flanker Darnell Jenkins are going to get some looks.

The Streak lives on, haters....

You go Kenny Phillips. The Miami Hurricanes streak lives on. Fourteen years. K-Phil to the World Champion New York Giants. Haters can choke on it for another year....

Thirteen years and counting...

The Miami Hurricanes are coming off a three decade low, going 5-7 in 2007 - but the million dollar question pertains to the NFL Draft. Will The U make it fourteen straight years with a first rounder?

You have to dig all the way back to 1994 to find a Draft where a Cane wasn't taken in the first round. Donnell Bennett was the first Cane chosen that season; #58 overall to Kansas City.

Since then, smooth sailing and a jaw dropping THIRTY TWO first rounders over a thirteen year span. For those who forgot, the list goes as follows:

Warren Sapp (1995), Ray Lewis (1996), Yatil Green (1997), Kernard Lang (1997), Kenny Holmes (1997), Duane Starks (1998), Edgerrin James (1999), Bubba Franks (2000), Dan Morgan (2001), Damione Lewis (2001), Santana Moss (2001), Reggie Wayne (2001), Bryant McKinnie (2002), Jeremy Shockey (2002), Philip Buchanon (2002), Ed Reed (2002), Mike Rumph (2002), Andre Johnson (2003), Jerome McDougle (2003), Willis McGahee (2003), William Joseph (2003), Sean Taylor (2004), Kellen Winslow II (2004), Jon Vilma (2004), D.J. Williams (2004), Vernon Carey (2004), Vince Wilfork (2004), Antrel Rolle (2005), Kelly Jennings (2006), Brandon Meriweather (2007), Jon Beason (2007) and Greg Olsen (2007).

Absolutely mindboggling. Especially that early 00s stretch where Miami had six first rounders in 2004, preceded by four in 2003, five in 2002 and four in 2001.

The Canes have slipped as a program the past few years, but NFL GMs and coaching staffs still flock to Coral Gables for Pro Day in the spring and certainly pay attention when a new crop of kids from The U are headed to play at the next level.

In 2007, Miami was fresh off a 7-6 season, the streak was rumored to be in doubt and the Canes sent three first rounders to the League.

Will we see the same in 2008?

Miami has two potential first rounders this year - defensive end Calais Campbell and safety Kenny Phillips. Both have big time NFL size, speed and potential - but neither matched the success of their predecessors or all time great Canes.

Campbell blew it up in 2006, but struggled at times in 2007 due to being double teamed or sloppy technique. A sub par combine didn't exactly help his cause either.

Phillps was a constant for the Canes since his freshman season in 2005. There have been some big plays, big time hits and respect shown to his side of the field by opposing offenses. That said, Phillps never drew the 'Reed' or 'Taylor' comparisons many expected when he chose The U over Tennessee three years ago.

Today's Draft will be about respect for the Miami program, the Canes legacy and the reputation kids from The U have in the NFL. If you played your college ball in Coral Gables, it's a safe bet NFL teams know what kind of hard working, ass kicking kids are going to have an impact on their franchise.

I've read a lot of negative articles this past week about 'The Streak' potentially coming to an end.Will UM's Draft Streak Continue?... First Round Knockout For Miami?... Hurricanes' Draft Streak In Danger....

And these were all from LOCAL columnists.

Whatever happened to the benefit of the doubt and saving a headline like that for tomorrow morning IF the streak ends? Or how about celebrating the history of the past 13 years and profiling each of the THIRTY TWO kids Miami sent in the first round during that span?

We're a few hours away from Draft time and my gut tells me the streak continues. I'm not sure if that means Campbell, Phillips or both go in the first round - but somebody's going. There are teams at the bottom half of this Draft who could absolutely use some defensive help. Philadelphia. Washington. Jacksonville. New York (Giants).

Campbell and Phillips both have NFL physiques. Campbell is an imposing 6'8" and 280 lbs while Phillips is measuring in around 6'2" and 210 lbs. Both were highly touted coming out of high school and both spent their collegiate careers going up against big time talent day in and day out at Greentree.

The Canes have had 19 players selected in the NFL Draft since Campbell and Phillips arrived at The U - and after today, that number will be around two dozen. That number pales in comparison to the 28 draft picks the Canes sported the three seasons prior to 2005 -- but even when depleted, Miami is still head and shoulders above most programs. You don't question the battles won on The U's practice field. Those battles help shape and mold future NFLers.

We'll see how today plays out, but I'll side with history. My non-conservative prediction has Campbell and Phillips going in the first, but for the sake of not being a bleeding heart, I'll say one late first rounder extends the streak to fourteen years. KP to the Giants is your best bet.

Tune in and find out within the next few hours.

Who are U? :: $100 (Gift Card) Reward!

The photo above has been all the rave on Miami Hurricanes message boards this past week. It shows a Canes fan/CVS employee and a baffled Bobby Bowden posing for a quick pic. Before the baffled Bowden knew what was going on, this undercover Cane threw up the "U" hands.

Being this is one of the greatest things we've seen this off-season, we're now on a mission to find this supporter of The U.

Does anyone know this CVS workin' Cane? If so, please have him contact Harry at allCanes as we have a $100 gift card with his name all over it.

Email us or call 800.226.4247 diehard CVS Cane!!!

Miami 11, Florida State 10 in shortened rubber match...

The No. 1-ranked Miami Hurricanes took two of three at No. 2 Florida State this weekend. After rolling the Noles, 11-4 in game one - the Canes lost Saturday's contest, 9-5 - setting up Sunday's rubber match.

With a curfew due to travel, no inning could start after 3:30pm ET - which worked in favor of The U as the Canes escaped with an 11-10 victory against a feisty Florida State bunch that outscored Miami 6-0 in the final two innings of play.

Yonder Alonso was again the star for Miami as a third inning grand slam erased an early 1-0 deficit. The Canes tacked on another in the third when Mark Sobolewski drove in Dennis Raben with a single to left.

Alonso homered again in the fourth, one batter after Jemile Weeks sent a shot over the right field wall. Raben eventually scored on a wild pitch and the Canes were sitting pretty, up 8-1 in the top of the fourth.

Florida State answered with two in the bottom of the fourth, but Miami came right back with three more of their own. Blake Tekotte led off the inning with a walk, Weeks struck out and Alonso was hit by a pitch. Raben singled to center, bringing Tekotte home and a Ryan Jackson double brought in Raben and Alonso, making it 11-3, Canes.

From there, the tide turned and it was all Florida State. A one-run bottom of the fifth made it 11-4 and it took four Canes batters to amass three outs in the top of the sixth. The Noles poured on five runs and roughed up Kyle Bellamy pretty good. A Buster Posey three-run shot to right center proved to be Florida State's highlight of the day.

Three up, three down for the ice cold Canes in the seventh, but it proved to be enough as the Noles could only muster up one more run before the game was called. 11-10, Miami and the Canes take the series in Tally.

Miami advances to 33-4 (17-2, ACC) and will gear up for a mid-week visit from Florida International before hosting ACC rival Virgina next weekend at Mark Light Stadium.

Noles even series; 'rubber match' for No. 1...

The No. 1 Miami Hurricanes dropped a 9-5 contest to No. 2 Florida State on Saturday night in Tallahassee. A night after a ten-run sixth inning, en route to an 11-4 victory, the Canes had no magic left in game two. The Noles tied the series 1-1 and Sunday's rubber match game is most likely for the top-ranked spot in the polls, come Monday.

The Canes scored three in the first inning when Yonder Alonso drove home Jemile Weeks, who singled and stole second. A batter later, Dennis Raben hit a two-run shot and it looked like Miami would pick up where it left off the night before.

Mark Sobolewski added another run in the third when he sent Alonso home on a sac fly, giving the Canes a 4-0 lead. The Noles stormed back with four of their own in the bottom of the third, tying the game, 4-4.

The Canes stole the lead back momentarily when Adam Severino launched a solo shot to right field, but it was all Noles from that point forward. The FSU bullpen shut down UM the rest of the night, while the Seminoles offense put up five more runs on seven hits between the bottom of the sixth and eighth.

Saturday's loss snapped a five-game win streak for a Miami team that's won 19 of their last 21.

Sunday's action kicks off at 12:30pm ET and will be for all the marbles as #1 and #2 have split the series thus far. Miami hasn't had many do-or-die type games this season and has rarely entered Sunday looking for a series-clinching win.

A three-game series with Florida Atlantic is the only other time Miami needed game three to clinch.

Eric Erickson will throw for the Canes on Sunday, in his first outing since March 21st against Wake Forest. Erickson has struggled with elbow soreness, but still boats a 5-0 record and 2.84 ERA thus far this season.

Biggest game and series for Miami all season. This one could go either way, but here's hoping the Canes have the heart to preserve their #1-ranking and steal a series from their arch rivals.

Canes OWN Noles; 10-run sixth inning seals it...

My only wish? That Miami had a ten-run inning to rough up and embarrass Florida instead of Florida State. That said, ruining the night for over 6,000 Noles always makes for a good night.

The Canes rolled the Noles 11-4 last night after taking a 4-0 deficit into the sixth inning. #2 had #1 on the ropes, but couldn't deliver the knockout blow. When The U decided it'd had enough, the floodgates opened and everyone was reminded why this was the top-ranked team in the nation.

For those watching.... you must've braved the trek to Trailerhassee for the game or tried to stream online, as there was no TV coverage for this one. Nice work, NCAA. The top two teams in the sport - not to mention an old school rivalry between two powerhouses - and not a TV crew in site. For shame.

Florida State jumped on Miami early, picking up runs in both the third and fourth innings. They nursed that lead and shut out the Canes the first half of the evening. The Noles added two more in the fifth when Dennis Guinn launched a two-out, two-run shot, extending FSU's lead to 4-0.

Then 'it' happened. The Miami Hurricanes were feeling it. In the zone. Whatever sports cliche you want to insert regarding digging deep, playing like champions and 'finding a way' in what will be an (untelevised) inning to remember regarding the Canes/Noles rivalry.

Jemile Weeks led off the inning with a single up the middle and stole second. Yonder Alonso walked, Mark Sobolewski struck out swinging, Dennis Raben walked and the bases were loaded.

Ryan Jackson singled and scored Weeks. A batter later, Joey Terdoslavich did the same and Alonso scored. Next up, Dave DiNatale, who singled to center and scored Raben. 4-3, Noles - but it was all Canes at this point with one out and the bases juiced.

Florida State then did their part to give this thing away. A double-play, a la the second inning, could've capped the Miami scoring machine, but errors gave way. Jason Hagerty reached on an error by second baseman Jason Stidham, scoring Jackson and tying the game.

A batter later, Blake Tekotte doubled down the right field line and scored DiNatale and Terdoslavich. 6-4, Canes.

Weeks and Alonso both reached base on errors, scoring Hagerty and Tekotte. 8-4, in favor of The U. Sobolewski singled up the middle, driving in two and it was 10-4 Canes before Raben flied out and Sobo was caught stealing.

10 runs. 6 hits. 3 errors (thanks, Noles!) None left on base and for all intents and purposes, game over. Miami picked up one more in the eighth, but the Canes pitching staff continued to silences the bats of the second-ranked team in the land and third-best scoring offense.

Chris Hernandez, Kyle Bellamy, Rene Guerra and P.J. Fisher struck out 13 Seminoles; the most by FSU this season - while Bellamy, Guerra and Fishers held the Noles to one hit in the final four innings. Hernandez improves to 6-0 and Bellamy threw two scoreless and hitless innings before Guerra and Fisher closed this one out.

Up next, another 7pm ET showdown tonight at Dick Howser Stadium. Do note this one COULD'VE been televised if our northern Florida brethren agreed to a 1pm start time. The Noles said no, so we're all destined to ride yet another one out thanks to the Internet and transistor radio. Thanks, Florida State.

Sunday's showdown is set for 12:30pm ET.

McClinton: Staying, Grant: Coming, Baseball: Still #1...

Football still rides shotgun right now for the Miami Hurricanes as all the recent news is basketball and baseball-related.

Earlier today, Jack McClinton announced he'd return to The U for his senior season. McClinton was an All-ACC First Team selection last season and the first Hurricane in history to garner such an honor. 

"Jack is the heart and soul of this team," said head coach Frank Haith. "He is a tremendous young man with an unmatched work ethic, who has just worked incredibly hard for everything he has achieved. There is no question we are a better team with Jack McClinton on the court, and I truly believe he is one of the most talented and dedicated players in all of Division I basketball."

The 6'1" guard led the league in three-point field goals per game (2.94) and free throw percentage (.919) while ranking second in three-point field goal percentage (.427) and fifth in scoring with 17.7 points per game - with an 18.8 point average in ACC games.

Joining McClinton next year will be Villanova transfer Malcolm Grant. Grant was a freshman point guard for the Wildcats last season and asked for/received his release a few weeks back. 

Grant appeared in 29 games as a freshman (2007-08) - averaging 5.6 ppg and starting in four games. He supposedly parted ways with Villanova due to a lack of minutes and playing time. As for his choice to head south to The U, Grant fell in love with the program. He also had a relationship with coach Haith, who recruited him out of high school. 

"He's a multi-faceted guard," said high school coach Todd Myles. "He's a great passer and great scorer."

Score two big ones for Miami basketball this off-season with the addition of Grant and recommitment from McClinton. 2008-09 just got that much more interesting. (Note: Grant will have to sit out the '08 season due to transfer rules.)

On the baseball front, the Canes remain a top the polls. The #1 Hurricanes racked up a 4-1 record this past week. A 14-game win streak was snapped against hometown 'rival' Florida Atlantic. The U is now 1-1 against FAU on the season and will face the Owls on Wednesday evening for the 'rubber match' up in Boca Raton.

Miami also took out Florida Gulf Coast before heading to Atlanta for a three-game series with tenth-ranked Georgia Tech. Friday's game was postponed due to the untimely death of Yellow Jackets pitcher Michael Hutts.

The series resumed with a double-header on Saturday. Miami rolled, 10-5 in game one behind  the arm of Chris Hernandez and bat of Dave DiNatale. Hernandez allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings and struck out three. DiNatale went 3-for-5 with two RBI.

Hours later it was the Blake Tekotte show. Two home runs. 12 total bases. 4-for-4 with four runs scored and seven RBI as the Miami cruised to a 15-5 win in game two of the doubleheader.

Sunday's game was a 9-3 Miami victory for the sweep. The Jackets got out to a two-run lead after two, which the Canes tied up in the top of the third. Miami broke the game open over the next four innings, scoring six more.

The weekend sweep brought the Canes to 30-3 on the year and set the stage for a #1 vs. #2 match up this weekend in Tallahassee when Miami takes on second-ranked Florida State.

Canes Baseball postponed due to GT tragedy...

The No. 1 Miami Hurricanes baseball squad had their game at No. 10 Georgia Tech postponed this evening due to a tragedy in the Yellow Jackets family.

Twenty-one year old pitcher Michael Hutts was found dead Friday afternoon in his Atlanta apartment.

Hurricane Nation sends it's sincerest condolences to the Hutts family, the Georgia Tech family and all who knew Michael. There really are no words at a time like this and obviously sports always takes a backseat when real-life tragedies remind us how fragile life is and how mortal we all are.

Please say a prayer for Michael and all those who knew and loved him.

Plant some seeds, watch 'em grow...

I hope the cynical, opinionated, know-it-all portion of the Miami Football fan base is paying attention to what we're seeing out of The U's baseball team - as well as what was just displayed on the hardwood this post season.

Success doesn't happen overnight. It's a calculated process. Hell, it's scientific. Plant some seeds, give them time to grow, nurture and in due time, prepare for the harvest.

Right now, it's 'grow' time for Miami Football.

A year from now it's back to 'go' time.

Randy Shannon is entering year two on the job. Year one - a disaster. Make no bones about it. Little positive comes out of 5-7 losing six of seven down the stretch.

Outside a Thursday night beat down of Texas A&M and a win at Florida State, the 2007 highlights included some off-season firings, a few new hirings and the dismissal of some players this coaching staff felt were dead weight.

Amazing what you can get done when your season ends late November instead of early January.

Miami's final spring game took place just over a week ago and a few things were apparent. (1) The Canes have some playmakers and (2) most of said playmakers are underclassmen or true freshman.

Youth is king in Coral Gables and with youth you have to expect some inexperience.

I believe wholeheartedly that Miami is on the mend and will be a top the hill again. It's not if, it's when. I echo the sentiments of defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, Clint Hurtt in a recent Sports Illustrated article:

"In my heart of hearts I believe we're back on the path to being what we were again."

Amen, Clint.

Miami will reap what it soughs and the past few seasons, the Canes haven't been soughing much worth writing home about.

Andy Staples hammers this point in this recent and rare SI gem on The U. Former coach Larry Coker went after the nation's top talent instead of finding success in his own back yard. Simply put, Coker didn't put the focus on the Tri-City area - Dade, Broward and Palm Beach - the way Shannon and staff are.

As Staples points out, some of the highly touted talent between 2003-2006 was big time on paper - but many kids failed to live up to the hype/their rankings due to playing against inferior competition in high school. The lack of production and lack of development during the tenure in Coral Gables, combined with a change in mentality helped produce the Canes recent decline.

You don't need to over-recruit the rest of the nation when you're this close to so much South Florida talent - quite possibly the hottest hot bed of high school football stars in the nation.

Any Texas or California doubters, look no further than Class 6A champs and national champions, Miami Northwestern. Same to be said for St. Thomas Aquinas of Ft. Lauderdale - the 5A state champs - and Miami's Booker T. Washington, who took home the 4A title.

After Northwestern showed Southlake (Texas) Carroll who was boss back in September, there's little doubt that the rest of Florida's best wouldn't take it to their 5A and 4A counterparts nationwide. The Miami kids 'outtalented' the Texas kids the same way great Hurricanes teams have over the years. Stronger, faster and better. Men amongst boys.

Shannon and staff target local ballers because they are damn well sure what kind of talent these highly touted players face daily in practice as well as Friday night, under the lights. That's why eleven of the aforementioned state and national champs are suiting up for The U this fall and ready to make an immediate impact.

Not only do the local high schools again have strong ties with Canes coaches - something that fell off during Coker's tenure where he didn't even employ a recruiting coordinator - but these local Miami-bound Bulls and Tornadoes were barely teenagers when the Canes made their last run.

"The Canes were gladiators that never could get beat," said freshman Miami defensive tackle and former Northwestern Bulls star Marcus Forston. "They always found a way to win. When I was growing up, those were my heroes, my role models."

How many incoming freshman across the nation had that same love and adoration for the Canes? Some, but nothing like the impact it had on the locals. When asked about the first time Forston runs through the smoke on game day as a Cane? "I might cry," he said.

Kids like Forston are the foundation for this rebuilding project. Local kids that could've played anywhere, but wanted to be a part of the Canes resurgence.

All the 'feel good' stories aside, Miami remains a work in progress. As impressive as these newbies are, fans have to remember that underclassmen are going to make rookie mistakes.

Ed Reed and Mike Rumph were both a huge part of Miami's title run in 2001, but peel it back a few years and you'd be hard pressed to forget both sophomores blowing their coverage in a 27-23 loss to No. 2 Penn State in 1999.

Nursing a 23-20 lead with 1:52 left to play, Chafie Fields streaked past Rumph and Reed, scoring the game winner on a 79-yard strike from Kevin Thompson. Years later, both Cane defenders would cite that as a career-defining moment and a learning experience, en route to a national championship and first round NFL Draft picks.

A similar tale regarding recent first rounder, Brandon Meriweather.

Trucked by running back Quincy Wilson on a nationally televised nailbiter against West Virginia, the sophomore safety endured the embarrassment of that highlight for the rest of 2003. A year later, a stronger, more experienced Meriweather was on the delivering end of a bigger blow when he sent a woozy Louisville tight end to the sidelines after breaking up a pass during Miami's thrilling 41-38 comeback win.

Even Mr. 38-2 Ken Dorsey proved mortal as a true freshman. Hurled into action at No. 2 Virginia Tech when Kenny Kelly went down, a wide eyed Dorsey's head was swimming during a 6-of-17 performance for 45 yards and an interception during that 43-10 loss.

Fans expecting Robert Marve or Jacory Harris to walk on water from day one and overcome all obstacles simply because of their high school accolades - look no further than the early history of the great Canes listed above. There will be mistakes when you're thrown into the fire and expected to perform early. There are gonna be some growing pains.

That said, if Miami Faithful remain patient, there will be also be reason to celebrate down the road. This thing is being rebuilt carefully from the ground on up. Patience must remain a virtue a while longer.

The seeds have been planted and the nurturing is underway. Anyone that's followed spring ball can attest to that. Shannon and staff threw the depth charts out the window a la Jimmy Johnson. No more seniority and other Coker-esque tactics are being employed. The best players will see the field.

In an effort to promote camaraderie, locker room assignments are being reshuffled every few weeks. As Staples' article mentioned, defensive backs will get used to sitting next to receivers, quarterbacks will suit up next to defensive lineman and scholarship players will be hanging out with the walk ons.

"You can sit by a guy for four years, and that's the only guy you're going to talk to," said Shannon. "Now, you mix them around the locker room, so you get to talk to four or five guys every so often. By the time your senior season is over, there are about 70 guys that you've had two to three months to spend every day with."

On paper it doesn't sound like much, but the mental aspect of the coaching game is as important as Xs and Os come Saturday. To the average fan, who cares about locker room assignments? In the coaches eyes, this promotes a "personal connection" to each teammate - making them more accountable to each other and less likely to want to let those guys down.

A far cry from the rumored issues a worn out defense felt these past few seasons regarding a lethargic and non-productive offense.

All these little moments, adjustments and fine-tuning are how you build a champion. Great teams don't just "happen". They're built from the ground up and only after you're a top the mountain can you look back and add up all these experiences, realizing the profound impact the had on a championship team.

Miami Basketball is coming off a 23-11 season, a No. 7 seeding in the NCAA tourney and a mid-season upset of No. 4 Duke. A year ago, 12-20 and no post season.

Miami Baseball goes 37-24 last season and has a streak of 13 consecutive NCAA Regional titles snapped. A year later, the Canes are No. 1 in the nation for the first time since 2004, are riding a 13-game win streak and sit pretty at 27-2 halfway through the season.

A year ago, this fan base wouldn't have given you a nickel for either squad. Critical of coaches and players involved with both squads, only the long-sighted fan base realized it was a rebuilding process and that both teams were a few players away from getting things back where they belong.

I hope the short-sighted contingent takes the lead of the long-sighted folks. Miami Football has officially turned the corner and the resurgence is on - but the ship won't be righted overnight. This is a process. Shannon and staff need to nurture these young, talented kids and grow some champions.

Don't believe the hype...

A few weeks back there were posts online regarding the Miami Hurricanes football team getting some fresh new black alternative Nike jerseys for the upcoming 2008 season.

Don't believe the hype. At least not according to Nike.

We spoke to our rep earlier today and he 'triple confirmed' there's nothing about this on the books. He went on to say Nike is DEFINITELY not producing a black Miami uni for this upcoming season.

Great news for the traditionalists, but bad news for the trendy Cane in search of another new-look jersey.

More news for the old school Cane? We did hear a rumor that we could see an traditional, 80s-style jersey sometime soon. Whether that's 2008 or 2009 remains to be seen - but all fans clamoring for that retro Canes look, might actually get their prayers answered... finally.

Stay tuned.

It's a great week to be a Miami Hurricane...

Canes fans got a double dose of good news when they awoke Monday morning. The Miami Hurricanes baseball squad overtook the #1-ranking in the Baseball America polls - thanks to a sweep of Clemson and formerly top-ranked Arizona State dropping two at Stanford.

On the hardwood, Miami basketball head coach Frank Haith signed a five-year extension and will remain at The U through the 2012-2013 season. Some had Haith pegged to make the leap elsewhere after guiding Miami basketball out of the basement and into the NCAA tourney this year, but Haith wanted to stick around and finish what he started.

As the press release reminded the nation, Haith's Hurricanes upset Duke this past season for their first victory against a top 5 team in nine years. Every Canes' All American Jack McClinton was the first ever Miami player selected for the All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team.

Miami went 12-20 a year ago and we're predicted to finish dead last in conference at the preseason ACC meeting. Instead, the Canes rolled up an 8-8 conference record for a fifth place finish and sported a 14-2 home record, with the highest attendance since the on-campus arena opened five years ago. The Canes wrapped up the year 23-11 with a season-ending loss to Texas in the second round of the NCAA tourney.

Congrats to Miami Baseball for their efforts these past few weeks and to The U for locking down a very solid coach after years of screwing things up contract-wise. This Haith situation is the complete opposite of how the university handled the renegotiations with former coaches Perry Clark, Fern Labati and Larry Coker.

The success of the Miami basketball and baseball programs is a reminder to all Canes fans that it takes time to build a winner - and that's a piece we're working on this week regarding Miami Football.

Check back later this week for our outlook on The State of Miami and the direction of the football program.

Canes keep a rollin....

Don't look now but the #2 Miami Hurricanes baseball squad is 26-2 after a weekend sweep of Clemson and is poised to take over the #1 spot in the polls this coming week after current #1 Arizona State dropped Saturday's game at Stanford and is in jeopardy of dropping 2-of-3, down late in Sunday's contest.

The action started down at The U on Friday evening when a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the ninth was ended after a Yonder Alonso walk-off two-run home run for a 6-4 victory. The Canes jumped to 24-2 on the season - their second best start in the Jim Morris era.

Miami threw an old fashion beat down on Clemson Saturday night to clinch the series.

Freshman catcher Yasmani Grandal was the night's hero with a career best 4-for-5, four RBI night to lead the Canes to a 15-5 victory. Sophomore pitches Kyle Bellamy improved his record to 5-0 on the year and again it was another 3,000+ capacity crowd at Mark Light Stadium.

The Canes broke open a tight 7-5 game with bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth. Dennis Raben doubled to left center, increasing the lead to 9-5 and Mark Sobolewski followed with a double of his own, making it 11-5.

An Adan Severino sac fly gave Miami a 12-5 with two outs and runners in scoring position. Grandal doubled down the left field like, putting the Canes ahead 14-5 and scored on a Blake Tekotte RBI single, pushing Miami ahead, 15-5.

Sunday's contest could've easily slipped away with the series in the bag, but again the Canes hung in there right down to the wire in a hard-fought 7-6 win. It was a Dave DiNatale three-run shot in the fifth that proved to be the difference maker.

Next up for Miami, a few mid-week contests - including Florida Gulf Coast and Florida Atlantic. The Canes beat the Owls, 16-7 last week and have a rematch on Wednesday before the Canes brace for another ACC road trip - this time to #14 Georgia Tech, fresh off of losing 2-of-3 at #3 North Carolina.

A great week for Canes baseball as Miami is all but assured the #1 spot come Monday and another great ACC rivalry is on deck for next weekend.

NFL shoots down 'The Hester Rule'...

You're pretty much in bad-ass-status if the NFL looks to create a rule based solely around you. It was shot down earlier today, but the Devin Hester Rule was on the table and being considered.

The League was considering legislating against punting out of bounds -- which seemed to be the norm the past few seasons regarding Hester's ability to find the end zone seconds after that ball hit him in the mitts.

Kind of a corn-ball rule and proposal, but still pretty cool if you're Hester.

I guess that's bound to happen when you house 11 returns after only two short seasons in the NFL and you house the opening kick of Super Bowl XLI.

Canes Baseball: The State of Miami...

23-2 in 25 games for the Canes - the best start ever under head coach Jim Morris; matching the early streak in 1995.

Tonight's 13-2 beatdown of F.I.-who comes a day after a 16-7 thrashing of Florida Atlantic. It truly is the 'state of Miami' regarding Hurricanes Baseball these days. Neither the Owls or Golden Panthers can hold a candle to The U right now.

Ranked No. 2 in the land, Miami has been on a tear of tears. Two Sunday losses (Florida on 3/2 and N.C. State, 3/16) are the difference between a two-loss bunch and 25-0.

Up next, a home stand against Clemson starting this Friday evenings. The Tigers stumble in 18-10 and 6-6 in the ACC, compared to the Canes 9-1 conference record.

CU started out ranked in the top 15 but has steadily plummeted while riding a losing streak. Clemson dropped three of their past four and went 4-6 over a ten game stretch in early March.

Friday and Saturday nights' action goes off at 7pm EDT, with a 1pm EDT start on Sunday. Miami's had two Sunday starts canceled due to weather already this season.

Kudos to Coach Morris, his staff and this team. These Canes look like the mature bunch we were hoping for in 2008. There were some glimmers of hope last season, but it's all obviously coming together. Stay focused and this team can make a nice run in Omaha.

On a side note... any other out of town Canes oft scratching their heads that ESPN hasn't found a way to make some money with a college baseball package? I'd throw down a c-note to get a season's worth of Miami Baseball on ESPN PPV.

Someone get on the ball in Bristol.

Burn, baby, burn...

It almost sounds like the punchline to some bad April Fools joke regarding the Orange Bowl catching fire in the wee hours last night. Sometime around 3:00am, a fire erupted on the field when a debris pile went up in flames.

The fire was extinguished within a half hour or so, but safe to say the ol' girl still has a little fight left in her. The OB wanted to go out on her own terms and when that wasn't the case, she got a little feisty.

On a side note, can they just implode the damned thing or bulldoze it already? This is like watching the world's biggest Band Aid slowly peeled off. Rip that sucker, already. Us diehards are sick of seeing this stadium painfully dismantled brick by brick. Put her out of her misery already.

The Orange Bowl deserves/deserved better....