NC State 38, Miami 28

From 2-3 to 7-3 to 7-5.

It's been a tale of three seasons for the Miami Hurricanes this year. Some good, some bad and some just plain ugly. Welcome to 'rebuilding mode'.

A promising defensive showing in an early season loss at Florida. An offensive showcase a week later at Texas A&M. Heartbreaking, back-to-back losses against North Carolina and Florida State, by a combined six points.

From there, a five-game win streak. Not always pretty, but effective and character-building. After a seven-loss campaign in 2007, Miami found ways to rebound against legit conference foes; Wake Forest, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Regardless of how the season would end, this alone was a sign of improvement.

A week later, with a potential ACC title game berth in the wings, Miami folded in Atlanta. A week after that - playing for pride, a season-ending win and a shot at a higher-tier bowl game - the Canes again choked in Raleigh-Durham.

A five-game win streak feels like a million years ago after going 0-2 in the span of nine days, the glaring weaknesses covered up by a nice mid-season run are that much more apparent.

The Canes gave up 472 yards in last week's loss at Georgia Tech and 219 today at NC State. Redshirt freshman quarterback Russell Wilson picked Miami apart with both his arms and legs. 220 yards through the air, 58 on the ground and three total touchdowns. Wilson played error-free on a day when the Canes quarterbacks combined for two turnovers each.

Be it Robert Marve or Jacory Harris, neither proved to be the answer these past two weeks. Supporters of both each have crow to eat. Twelve games into the season, both Marve and Harris still look, act and play like freshman. There have been glimpses of greatness, but the overall body of work took a hit after a few sub par outings. Backsliding has been part of the process.

As much as Miami still hasn't grown on offense, the defense again no-showed. NC State rang up 439 total yards in the 38-28 victory. A balanced attack that left the Canes confused, it's now two straight weeks that opposing offensive coordinators went for the jugular, exploiting Hurricanes weaknesses.

The tenacious D that kept a potent Florida offense in check for three plus quarters in Gainesville has been exposed as the year rolled on. Miami's secondary and it's linebackers were picked on consistently and once Georgia Tech proved the Canes couldn't stop the run, NC State coaches simply needed to follow the blueprint.

Up next, the bowl game. Right now that either means the Emerald, Music City or the Meineke Car Care Bowl, with the Champs Sports still a slim possibility.

On paper, it's a 7-5 season with a post-season game pending, but those who live and breathe Miami Football know there's more to the story. Randy Shannon is at a severe crossroads two years into his rebuilding project. Decisions he makes this off-season could very well determine how his head coaching career plays out. This season may be in the books, but it's officially 'roll up the sleeves' time as Shannon needs to get back to this rebuilding project.

There's no love lost with the Canes' fan base and offensive coordinator Patrick Nix. As if the product on the field isn't evidence enough, look at the numbers. 88th in overall offense. 78th in passing offense. Ranked 112th in the land regarding interceptions given up (19 between Marve and Harris) and 80th in passing efficiency.

Even more frustrating than five losses and paltry statistics, the fact that Miami still lacks an offensive identity and that both freshman quarterbacks seem to have regressed over the course of a season. Where's the leadership? Where's the development? Where are all those things that were supposed to be fixed in this new regime? What happened to addition by subtraction?

One could argue that Nix deserves more time. Let the talent jell. Give the quarterbacks and young receivers time to grow. Part of me wants to agree with that, but the other side keeps going with my gut.

I believe the writing is on the wall. Nix is unimaginative and coaches scared. He's reactive instead of proactive and seems content to milk a lead or bleed out a clock, as opposed to putting a foot on an opponent's throat and piling on. He officially lost me the fourth game of the season.

Months back, Miami jumps out to a 14-0 lead against North Carolina, abandons the run, loses any offensive identity, attempts to bleed the clock, can't pick up crucial first downs late in the game and falls behind 28-24 with under a minute to play.

After being stagnant on offense the majority of the second half, Nix opens it up on the final drive and Miami is a fingertip grab away from a game-winning touchdown and 69-yard drive in half a minute, leaving everyone wondering where was that fire the last two quarters.

Everything that worked early on was ditched once the Canes played with a lead. From there, an assortment of offense plays and no rhyme or reason regarding what Nix wanted to do.

A week later, down 24-3 at the half against Florida State after a slow start, Miami puts up 36 points in the second-half, using an assortment of gimmicky and grab bag-style plays. The Canes moved the ball and played with a purpose later in the game, but was lost the first thirty minutes. This was also the game where Nix 'answered his critics' by attempting three straight deep balls on the first offensive possession of the game.

The rest of the season didn't fare much better. Another poor offensive showing against UCF was followed by a breakout performance by Harris at Duke, in a 49-31 win. A week later, Miami can't move the ball against Virginia and is down 17-10 late in the fourth, yet the playbook is opened up and the Canes roll the length of the field for a game-tying score.

The offense backslid further against Virginia Tech, where Miami mustered up 247 yards and relied on stout defense (and a few lucky bounces) to escape with a 16-14 win, but again lacked an offensive identity, relying on broken plays and quarterbacks' legs to pick up first downs.

While the defense was to blame in losses against Georgia Tech and NC State, Nix's offense never set the tone, picked up first downs or kept drives alive. The playcalling was confusing and spotty, which kept a run down defense on the field much longer than it could afford to be. I can't remember a time when the Canes offense set the tone and truly seized some momentum.

All preseason the talk was of Miami's offensive line and the running game being the backbone of this offense, yet Nix never had this team establishing the run. The few times the run worked (UNC, for example), it was abandoned for no reason.

Times when teams absolutely rely on the ground game (4th and inches against GT comes to mind.. ), Nix inexplicably called a passing play with his quarterback in the shotgun. Later in a 3rd and long, with an obvious passing down, Nix chose to call a draw and failed.

Stop routes. Out routes. Curls. The same bubble or jailbreak screen run several times again, never fooling an opposing defensive coordinator. How long can one really blame the inexperience of offensive players and start laying that at the feet of an offensive coordinator who appears in over his head?

Could Nix turn things around? Will an influx of talent allow him to open up the playbook in time? That's a question only Shannon can answer. If there's ever a time to make this change, it's this off-season. You don't want this young squad to get that much more comfortable under this current OC, only to rip the rug out a year later, taking two steps backwards after one step forward.

Aside from Nix, Shannon will also have to evaluate Wesley McGriff (secondary), Tommie Robinson (running backs), Jeff Stoutland (offensive line) and Andreu Swasey (strength & conditioning) as all areas suffered big time the past two seasons.

As this team's CEO, the second year head coach has to take a hard look at every area of this program where a deficiency has occurred. If not, Shannon will risk eventually losing his 'dream job', effectively proving the doubters wrong.

While there are some glaring weaknesses, it should be noted that 7-5 is a vast improvement from 5-7. It's more than just a two game swing. Miami is one step closer to being 'Miami' again. The culture is changing, slowly but surely and while the critics are sick of so much being put on Larry Coker, you can't underestimate how far this once mighty program has fallen.

Coker was the first Miami coach to be fired since Carl Selmer was canned after a 3-8 campaign in 1976. Howard, Jimmy, Dennis and Butch all left for supposedly greener pastures and all left the program in tact. While Miami may have been headed towards probation when Erickson headed to Seattle, Davis inherited a team that went 10-2 and finished #3 in the land, losing the Orange Bowl to #1 Nebraska.

Even beyond the fact that Shannon inherited a dog of a program, how about the fact he was the only guy to raise his hand and sign on for the task of cleaning house? Butch Davis. Greg Schiano. Dave Wannstedt. Even the ol' ball coach, Steve Spurrier.

No one want to straighten up Coker's mess. Not even for a few million per year. The only folks who think coaching The U is a plum gig are fans still living in yesteryear, in denial about the state of the program as well as the parity in the college game and the big money other state-funded athletic departments can dole out.

Talent-wise, this Canes bunch is sorely lacking. I traded emails with a fan earlier this week who said a 7-6 season was unacceptable (barring Miami loses their bowl game) because this team is 'so much more talented' than the 7-6 squad of 2006. A squad that I quickly pointed out fielded four first round draft picks and few other NFLers.

While Miami's underclassmen are showing promise, lest not forget that no upperclassmen are expected to be drafted next spring - something the Canes haven't seen in over three decades.

It takes more than just strapping on that helmet and running out the smoke Saturdays in fall. It takes Miami-caliber players and a cupboard full of future NFL talent; something which has lacked severely the past few seasons.

Catch SportsCenter any Sunday night during football season and listen to the laundry list of NFL U superstars making plays and securing wins week in and week out. Today's heroes were Jon Beason and Philip Buchanon. Next week, a different crop of successful Canes getting it done at the next level. Wherever you look, there's a Miami alum somewhere taking care of business.

Way too many upperclassmen are making freshman-like mistakes and haven't grown in 4-5 years in this program. Until they're all replaced by better talent, the losses will keep rolling in a handful of times per year. Unfortunately, that won't happen overnight. It took a few years to fall off the radar and it'll take as much time, if not more, to right so many wrongs.

If you're in any way, shape or form affiliate with Miami Football, you have your work cut out for you. That goes for coaches, players and fans alike. Everybody needs to deal with something.

This staff needs to hit the road and recruit away, while the head honcho decides which coaches will be invited back to do it all again next year. The players? Get in the weight room, man up and get stronger for next season. Too many Canes have been pushed around the past few seasons.

What happened to the mantra, 'stronger, faster and better'? Not lately, at least.

Regarding the fans, it's time to take inventory. Quit living in the past and start dealing with reality. Miami has slipped big time and rebuilding projects don't just 'happen'. There's a science and it's a slow process. It will take several classes to right this ship and as exciting as five-game win streaks can be, don't delude yourselves into thinking it means the Canes are 'back'.

The ACC may have been 'in reach', but a title game berth or BCS game was never a reality. Not right now. Not with 31 freshman. Not when you're ekeing out last minute wins and end a season with two brutal road games. Miami was more lucky than good this year, which is fine as it resulted in a few important program-building wins. In time, the Canes won't need to rely on luck as they'll again begin 'outtalenting' the competition.

Until then, see things for what they are. 7-5 is a step forward after 5-7. A bowl game berth is big time after last season ended Thanksgiving weekend. Some freshman made a big impact and should make a bigger one at sophomores.

Wins over Wake Forest, Virginia and Virginia Tech were important, as it gave these kids the feeling that goes along with winning. They couldn't do it consistently in 2008, but they showed that if they put together a good enough game on both sides of the ball they can get the job done.

This team is close, but unfortunately is only as strong as its weakest link. As seen these past two game, a few too many weak links resulted in some ugly losses.

Ride it out. Enjoy the bowl game. Set your sights on another top-flight recruiting class.

Miami will be back. Maybe not on your timetable, but this thing is on the right track and it's a matter of time before the Canes are significant again. 7-5 was a step forward and hopefully we see a bigger one in 2009.

... And it's down to one.

Miami heads to NC State for the season finale on Saturday.

That's really all I have for you. Last time I went the 'rah-rah' route, the Canes faceplanted on Thursday night against Georgia Tech. An ACC title game berth in the balance, all the reasons in the world to win (after losing three straight against the Yellow Jackets) and the result was the worst loss of the year.

Miami sits at 7-4 and today is all about pride and a shot at a better bowl game. Riding a 5-1 win streak, the Canes have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the ACC's best. A win against NC State is doable. Tougher now after the Wolfpack upended conference and state-rival North Carolina, 41-10 last week - but doable nonetheless.

A bowl berth is on the line for NC State and it's senior day in Raleigh-Durham. The Wolfpack will come to play and Miami knows that.

Talk is cheap. The Canes have had their share of soundbites this week, talking the talk regarding being ready. I'm not a fan of talk. I want to see some action. 8-4 sounds a lot better than 7-5 and bowl games in the Sunshine State sound a lot better than New Years in Memphis or San Francisco.

Play the game and we'll sum this one up when the clock hits 0:00.

One more time, Go Canes.

Remember the Taylor family...

Sean Taylor was shot November 26th, 2007 and died the following morning - a year ago today.

November 27th tragically falls on Thanksgiving this year, making a painful memory that much worse for the Taylor family and all those who loved Sean.

Keep the Taylor family in your thoughts and prayers today. One can only imagine how they're dealing with and processing their huge loss. On a day where you're to 'give thanks', no less.

We still miss you Sean.

Gino sounds off...

Former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Gino Torretta sounded off on 790 The Zone recently when asked about The U's recent offensive woes. Click here to check out the interview and below, a transcript of the portion where he and the hosts commented on the current state of Miami's O.

Does this guarantee current offensive coordinator Patrick Nix a first-class ticket out of town at season's end? Of course not. But it does lend some credibility to the argument that the Canes signal caller isn't getting the job done.

Gino is as old school as current Miami coach Randy Shannon and if one old school Heisman-winning Cane sees the writing on the wall, you have to believe a former linebacker during the Decade of Dominance sees it as well.

#13's comments also echo the cries of Miami faithful, proving in this case that it's not just some irrational, impatient fans who disagree with the direction the Canes' offense is going.

What Shannon decides to do, we'll see after the season wraps up. Until then, check out Torretta's recent comments:


790: How closely do you follow the Miami program to this day?

Gino: Very close. We broadcast the Miami at Florida game and the game this weekend (Virginia Tech), obviously I was there to go in the Ring Of Honor, so that was only the second time I've seen them live and our offense hasn't shown up in either game I've been to.

790: They might want to keep you out of the building....

Gino: Well you guys have seen Patrick Nix longer than I have, calling plays as an offensive coordinator...

790: Hold on, is that the shot I think it just was?

Gino: I don't know... I know we're young and all that... I see two quarterbacks who've shown they can play and they're good enough athletes and it just doesn't seem like we can get anything going... we don't have a real identity at times... sometimes we want to go I-Formation and pound it right at a defense and it works and then we move to the spread and we go backwards. I think we're kind of looking for an identity on offense.

790: I don't think you were on hold yet, but I just said I don't think any of us ever thought we'd see the day where Miami is ranked 100th in the country on offense. That's what they are, they're 100th.

Gino: I got their stats in front of me... they're 91st in passing offense. When was the last time we average 181 yards passing? I think I did that in the first half ever week.

790: Now you're just bragging. I will tell you, it might've been right after you, Frank Costa. I had to sit there and go "who?" What kind of career did Frank Costa have?

Gino: Hey, Frank threw for more yards than 198 a game, I know that.

41-23 : U got Wrecked...

Not exactly the way the coaches drew it up.

Georgia Tech steamrolled No. 23 Miami on Thursday night, 41-23. After five straight weeks where the Canes seemed to get lucky bounces and eked out close games, it was the complete opposite this chilly night in Atlanta.

The Yellow Jackets smacked the Canes up to the tune of 472 yards on the ground - the second most a Miami team has ever given up. GT put up 518 total yards in the end.

Paul Johnson's triple option took it to Miami all night. The Canes could do nothing to slow the attack. Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones carried 17 total times for a combined 225 yards. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt only attempted six passes, but used his wheels to amass 93 on the ground. Even fullback Lucas Cox took it to Miami's rushing D, carrying eight times for 78 yards.

Randy Shannon and staff stressed that the triple option was all about assignments. Players would have to be in position, stick to their man, force turnovers and wrap up.

Miami did none of the above.

The defense looked lost the entire game. Misdirection had the Canes' front seven out of place and zigging when they needed to zag. Godforbid Miami found the backfield and had a shot at stuffing the opposition, players failed to wrap up. On occasion two or three defenders had a shot at a Tech running back, whiffed and turned a two-yard loss into a forty-yard gain.

It simply was one of those nights. Nothing good came from it and everyone is best suited getting this one out of their minds immediately. One game remains and The U needs to win out and end this thing a respectable 8-4 going into bowl season.

A few weeks back the Jackets put up 423 total yards in a28-7 losing effort at North Carolina. 326 yards on the ground, but three turnovers kept them off the board. Tonight, a clean game as Georgia Tech protected the football and forced Miami into boneheaded mistakes.

After a 3-0 first quarter, Georgia Tech made it 10-0 after a Michael Johnson 26-yard interception return for score. It was the 6'7" senior defensive end's first career pick as he housed an errant Robert Marve pass on 3rd and 3.

Marve was an ineffective 10-of-20 on the night for 121 yards, 1 touchdown and the interception. Jacory Harris fared a little better, going 13-0f-18 for 162 yards, two scores and a pick even more detrimental than Marve's.

Up 10-0 early in the second, Harris replaced Marve at the Georgia Tech 33-yard line after Miami recovered an onside kick attempt. After two straight runs by Javarris James for 12 yards, Harris forced his first pass of the night into the arms of Rashaad Reid, at the Tech nine.

The turnover cost Miami a scoring opp, but Tech would punt five plays later. On the ensuing drive, the Canes dinked and dunked their way down the field and the offense continued playing confused. Matt Bosher drilled the 24-yard field goal after Miami failed to convert a 3rd and Goal from the seven-yard line.

10-3 was as close as Miami could keep it. After a 26-yard kick return, Tech rumbled for a 58-yard score on their next play from scrimmage. Any bit of prosperity for the Canes was instantly met with utter disaster.

After a five-game run, Miami's streak came to a crashing halt. An ACC title game isn't mathematically out of reach, but tonight the Canes showed they're not ready for prime time. A recent run with wins over Wake Forest, Virginia and Virginia Tech gave Hurricane Nation hope, but it was false.

As thrilling as the last five wins were, they were ugly and barely effective more than they were thrilling and dominating. A few lucky bounces saved the Canes against the Hokies. Two missed field goals, a 95-yard drive, a stripped ball, missed field goal, touchdown and another strip were needed for Miami to steal one at Virginia. Against Wake, a few clutch catches down the stretch helped the Canes stave off the Deacs, 16-10.

The few time Miami has lit up the scoreboard this season, the defense still gave up points - 23 to Texas A&M, 41 to Florida State and 31 at Duke.

Bill Young failed to get it done tonight. If he had a game play to stop the triple option, calling it ineffective is a gross understatement. Had Miami defenders followed their assignments and wrapped up, they'd have made their coordinator look smarter. Instead, an outing where the Canes looked like they'd never even seen film of Johnson's quirky offense.

A few times this season I said this young team would pull out some miracle wins, playing beyond their years - but that there would also be some head-scratching moments and some backsliding. Tonight proved the latter.

Five straight wins, a 7-3 record and being ranked for the first time in two years can cover up glaring problems. It's hard to be critical of this team when they're finding a way and are getting the job done, but the minute they hit that buzzsaw and play a game like tonight, it's fair game to question what happened. Peel it back a few layers and address why eleven games into the season there are still so many issues.

Patrick Nix has been criticized all year for Miami not having any identity on offense. He's gotten a partial pass being this is a young squad with two first-year quarterbacks, but at this point of the season the offense should be further along. There's no excuse for the conservative nature and lack of ingenuity. The Canes are running a Tecmo Bowl-like offense, choosing from a grab bag of plays. Bubble screen. Short passes behind the yardage marker on third down. Runs up the middle. Designed scampers with the quarterback.

Nix's offense has looked solid on opening drives or down the stretch when he takes the training wheels off and Miami plays from behind, looking to score. We saw it against North Carolina, Florida State and Virginia. New, successful plays coming out late that would've been beneficial in the middle quarters.

Miami's O again looks basic. The running game is non-existent and the passing game lacks any real rhyme or reason. A speed back like Graig Cooper again in the game for short-yard, third down or goal line situations. James in the game as a blocker, instead of as the bruising back he should be. The supposed 'thunder and lightning' duo carried 17 times for a total of 74 yards and no touchdowns.

Lining up in the shotgun on 4th and a foot and throwing incomplete, instead of a well-designed play where it's not feast or famine regarding picking up a first down. Another outing where a 3 of 13 performance was the result as far as third down conversions were concerned.

I saw a stat today that Miami has run over 500 plays this season and only one has gone longer than 50 yards. With all that team speed? C'mon now.

At quarterback, some weeks there looks to be growth and a game later both Marve and Harris are playing like the freshman they are. That shouldn't be the case eleven games into their careers. What is Nix doing to develop this talented duo, molding them into the superstars of tomorrow?

Down the stretch, I initially felt 4-0 was a dream, 3-1 was good, 2-2 would be acceptable and 1-3 disastrous. With NC State left on the docket, Miami has a legit shot at 3-1 and an 8-4 regular season. Siting at 2-3, that sounds stellar - but at 7-3 with two to play, greed kicks in and you want it all.

Georgia Tech was the better team tonight, with 'team' being the operative word. Miami's D is as solid as its weakest link and tonight that was a pair of upperclassmen linebackers out of position and not playing fundamental football.

Romeo Davis and Glenn Cook helped kill the Canes tonight. Two seniors who have battled injuries and have had up and down careers, both looked mortal tonight. Out of place. Not wrapping up. Davis and Cook looked more like holdovers from the Coker era instead of the overachievers they've been in weeks past.

It's the epitome of this season. When playing to their potential and getting a handful of breaks, Miami is a few points better than your average ACC team. Catch the Canes off their game or in a funk and they'll get steamrolled by a good team with an effective, gimmicky offense.

You can shake your fist and remain disgusted with tonight's outcome, or you can take it in stride. This team has already done more than most thought they would in 2008. Freshman were playing beyond their years, upperclassmen stepped up their game on a few occasions and the Canes stole a few wins that could've gone either way. Be thankful for that instead of lamenting this most recent beat down.

Miami has one regular season game left and needs to wrap up 8-4, which sounds so much better than 7-5. Get that win, hope for some good ACC fortune and worst case, prepare for a bowl game - something that was no gimmie last year. Up next, more recruiting, more rebuilding and a better 2009.

It's not the outcome this fan base wanted, punch drunk from the past five weeks... but if you're honest with yourselves, you know this overall team isn't as good as its record and willed themselves to a few wins that could've just as easily have been losses. My logical side knew that and was scared of this game all year, though the emotion of the longest win streak since 2005 let me get ahead of myself.

At year's end, it then time for Shannon to reevaluate year two. Is he happy with the job he's doing? Is Nix the problem with this offense, or is it the youth itself? What about a 4-6 Jacksonville team that could wind up canning it's entire staff at season's end? Does that give Shannon another shot to lure his original first choice offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter down to Coral Gables?

As we know, rebuilding is no joke. An established, loaded, veteran Miami team doesn't get bowled over by the triple option. No way, no how. That said, these Canes aren't seasons vets. They're a mismatch of talented, yet inexperience newbies as well as some over the hill upperclassmen who never reached their overall potential.

Nine days until the final road trip of the season. Miami needs to lick its collective wounds, put this brutal loss in the rearview and concentrate on getting one last win. No more 'revenge' talk or reasons to hype themselves up. The Canes simply need a win. Forget drawing motivation from last year's 19-16 OT loss. This is 2008 and this season needs to end with a bang, not a whimper.

Regroup, get it together, land the "W" and see where things go from there.

Epic Fail Times Three; Reverse The Curse

It all comes together or falls apart tonight. Miami at Georgia Tech, under the lights. Nationally televised showdown. The ACC Coastal Division on the line and the Hurricanes looking to end a three-game skid to their conference rivals from the Peachtree State.

The media's take? It's anybody's game. Miami rolls in a a three-point underdog, down from 4.5 earlier this week. Factor in road conditions and this one's a pick 'em. Can the Canes stay red hot, or does the thirty-degree game time temp cool off the team riding a five-game win streak?

Georgia Tech is no joke and a triple-option is the type of attack that can make a good defense look silly. Assignments and execution; there's no margin for error. Midread a play and a fullback is rolling for thirty yards instead of a two-yard loss.

Miami needs a superstar tonight. A life-sized performance, but not from the field. This one needs to come from the booth. When this one kicks off, it's all about Bill Young and the defensive game plan. What does Young have up his sleeve? How prepared and disciplined will this Canes defense be against a rarely-seen offensive attack?

Randy Shannon has talked a good game this week. Tackle high. Option football can equate in turnovers if you tackle high and are in the right place at the right time. Georgia Tech will get their yards. Turnovers keep them from capitalizing.

It worked for North Carolina, weeks back in a 28-7 victory. Tech amassed 423 yard - 326 of which were on the ground - but a lone touchdown. Three turnovers, the difference.

Miami's D has come on as of late. After giving up 31 in a shootout at Duke, the Canes have become a grind it out, low scoring, defensive battle-type teams in ACC wins over some conference heavyweights.

A 16-10 victory over Wake Forest. 17-17 in regulation against Virginia, en route to a 24-17 overtime win. Then last week, a 16-14 weardown of Virginia Tech.

Georgia Tech is a different monster, but Miami can employ a similar formula. Effective possessions on offense. Solid special teams play. Stout defense that forces mistakes and wins the battle for field possession.

Another Thursday night, big stage game means another chance to take a step forward as a growing program. At 2-3, five straight wins was a pipe dream. At 7-3, it's not enough. This team wants more and these fans want revenge.

After a 27-3 smackdown of the Yellow Jackets back in 2004, the Canes' inaugural ACC season, no one expected to drop the next three against a good-not-great conference foe. Georgia Tech ground No. 3 Miami down in 2005, snuffing out any shot at the ACC title game.

A year later, a 30-23 back-and-forth, where the Canes couldn't capitalize in a must-win situation.

In 2007, the low point - a 17-14 loss against an average GT squad. Miami led 7-0 at the half, but was steamrolled by Tashard Choice in closing quarters. The Canes were outgained 244-79 yard-wise in the second half and a mid-fourth quarter field goal was the difference.

Whatever the case, Georgia Tech has found a way. Wanted it more. Fought for it harder. Caught a lucky break. Another story of one program having a hold over another. Doesn't matter how it happened; it's real and Miami needs to take the power back.

The motivation is everywhere you look. An ACC title game berth within reach. The pain of a three-game losing streak. A senior class that's "o'fer" against this division rival. Bragging rights. State pride. The list goes on.

Miami has a dozen reasons to get after it and find yet another way to score an improbable win. That said, wanting and doing provide two different results.

I haven't made a prediction in a while, as it's been too hard to read this team. Questions regarding which team would show up. 'Wanting' to believe this team could win, but not sure they could 'do' so.

I'm still not 100% and admit this game worried me since early in the season. That being the case, I can't write a piece like I did a few days back ("Let down your guard and enjoy the ride") and not start believing myself. Miami has proven their will the past five games. That should earn them the benefit of the doubt tonight.

Tech comes in riding a loss and sporting a hobbled Josh Nesbitt behind center. A hobbled quarterback running a triple option against a speedy Miami defense - that has to account for something. So do intangibles, which are in the Canes favor.

You can count on one hand how many teams sport four-game win streaks against Miami. At some point, enough is enough. The Canes will eventually turn it around in a big game situation. By my estimation, tonight should be that night.

Play for the seniors. End the losing streak. Keep the ACC title dream alive.



Miami 20, Georgia Tech 16

Let down your guard and enjoy the ride...

The apologist in me wants to excuse Miami should they lose at Georgia Tech this Thursday.

Five straight is a hefty feat. Especially for such a freshman-heavy bunch. Should they stumble down the stretch, it'd almost be forgivable. This crew has proven they're not last year's squad. No one folded up the tent at 2-3. This is a team on a mission.

Low-scoring defensive battles. Grinding games out. Wearing down the opposition. Randy Shannon said he'd rid Miami of a loser's mentality that set in last year. Bring in kids from winning programs, accustomed to being the best and ready to get busy fixing a program.

It's working.

Miami is two games away from an ACC Championship berth and three away for their first BCS game in half a decade. Didn't seem possible five games into the season, but five later, the Canes control their fate for the first time in a long time.

Logic will mess with your head, telling you that young teams on five-game win streaks stumble somewhere, somehow. At some point they have to play down to their age. Don't they?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Georgia Tech is beatable and Miami has the motivation. Three straight losses and a crop of freshman who've made it their goal to get a senior class to their first BCS game. Those same seniors are winless against this week's opponent and this is their final shot at redemption.

Yet another milestone opportunity for a young team that keeps defying the odds.

Logic. It's the best way to look at the situation. But being objective isn't always the most fun. With a proven team, you 'expect' wins. BCS games are almost a gimmie. Recruiting isn't the hard sell it can be with a losing record.

A few down seasons took away my ability to cover this team with the occasional orange and green shades. I could throw more at the wall half a decade ago and it'd stick. Miami was a perennial top-five team. BCS games were commonplace. Losses were rare and unexpected. As a fan you could puff that chest out and the question wasn't "if" the Canes would win - it was by how much.

The landscape changed and fans had to face some harsh realities about the state of the U. Some kept their heads in the sand, riding a mindset that simply strapping on that helmet and employing some 'swagger' (in recent years, false bravado) would ensure victories.

Compare and contrast this year and last. 5-7 was rock bottom. Some called for it then, while others called for a worse season this year and predicted a certain head coach getting run out of town after year two.

Hardly the case.

Shannon finally has Miami right where he wants it. The players believe and the team is building on that momentum. A season has been saved and the best could best is yet to come. Whether that starts with a BCS game this year or the stage set to make a run in '09, remains to be seen.

The one many thought was the wrong guy at the right time, Shannon is proving he should've been a no-brainer hire for Miami. Played and coached under Jimmy Johnson. Spent time on Butch Davis' staff. Ran the defensive side of the ball during this decade's dominant run.

Randy knows Miami - the school and the city. He played as a Cane and was exactly the type of kid this program thrived on. Who better to send out in the recruiting trenches, looking for 'it's factor local kids with that built-in swagger. It's not an accident when a Sean Spence, Marcus Forston or Travis Benjamin just look like the 'fit' the Miami mold. Shannon is following the blueprint. It's a proven formula.

The young talent came to play. Besides proving their tomorrow's stars today, they've changed the culture and have rubbed off on upperclassmen in need of a gut check. Sam Shields, Glenn Cook and Anthony Reddick all look reborn, after looking replaceable earlier this season.

Reggie Youngblood gave up the chance at a mid-season medical redshirt to play out his senior year because he believes his younger teammates will send this senior class off with that BCS berth.

These Canes are rising and if they believe, so can the fans. Tap into your emotions and enjoy what this team is doing. This isn't the same Miami squad you saw back in September. Freshman are playing like veterans and seniors are playing like there's no tomorrow. We finally have reason to start buying into the hype.

One game away from exacting some revenge. Two games away from Tampa. Three games away from the Orange Bowl - which prove rather fitting a year after the Canes missed the postseason and lost their home with the same name as this year's potential BCS destination.

Let loose. Enjoy this ride. Save your criticism for when it's necessary. Don't waste your time nitpicking what could've, should've and would've been done. Live in the moment. The Canes are riding high and a BCS game is a distinct possibility for the first time in a long time.

Right now it's pointless to focus on anything other than that.

Welcome "back", Miami

After a two-year absence, The U is back in a big way. It's a far cry from No. 1, but the journey to the top needs to start somewhere. For the Miami Hurricanes, it's at No. 23.

The last time The U was ranked - September 10th, 2006. After a 31-7 beatdown at Louisville a week later, Miami's streak of 107 consecutive appearances in the rankings came to a crashing halt. Since then, a 18-14 run that was 13-14 before a recent turnaround and five-game win streak.

With a North Carolina loss at Maryland this past weekend, Miami not controls it's destiny in the ACC Coastal Division.

Should the Canes beat Georgia Tech this Thursday, an ACC title game berth will be secure as long as either North Carolina loses to NC State - or - Virginia Tech and Virginia win. Tampa is within reach IF Miami can stay focused and a few other things fall into place.

Two more games. Hang on and enjoy this climb back to the top.

Miami 16, Virginia Tech 14

A five-game win streak for a young team sitting at 2-3 in early October. Raise your hand if you can honestly say you saw that coming.

Don't worry, you're not the only one.

The Miami Hurricanes' improbable roll continues. The latest victim, Virginia Tech. A former Big East foe with a two-game win streak in the series, the Hokies were another notch on the belt of these Baby Canes.

Another low-scoring defensive battle, where Miami again found a way to rise to the occasion. Dig a little deeper. Come together. Make a few more plays and most importantly, finish.

Randy Shannon has been preaching it all season and it's the reason the Canes are riding their longest win-streak since 2005. These freshman are learning the art of closing.

Against Duke, it was the arm and legs of Jacory Harris who put a once-close game out of reach. A week later, it's Robert Marve hooking up with Thearon Collier down for a much needed first down in the waning moments.

Against Virginia, a 95-yard drive in regulation to tie, a defensive strip, a shot at a game-winning field goal, a touchdown in overtime and another defensive strip to seal a fourth straight win.

This time around, it was Allen Bailey providing the signature moment. Down two, Tyrod Taylor was manhandled and thrown for a loss on a must-have 4th-and-3. Miami ran out the clock, pulled out a win and turned their attention to Georgia Tech; next Thursday's foe and the Canes most meaningful game since 2005.

Three years ago Miami was riding high after a 27-7 smackdown of Virginia Tech, rose to No. 3 in the polls and faceplanted a week later when and upset-minded GT squad came to the Orange Bowl and left with a 14-10 upset. The Canes were in the driver's seat, an ACC title game berth looked to be in the cards and at the most improbable moment, lost their mojo.

Two games later, a 40-3 loss against LSU in the Peach Bowl. The following year, an out of nowhere 7-6 season, an on the field brawl with Florida International, a four-game losing streak down the stretch, the firing of Larry Coker and an invite to a bowl game in Boise, complete with Smurf turf.

5-7 last year under Shannon, a top-flight recruiting class and a handful of hope entering year two - it all has a chance to come full circle next Thursday night, against the team that kicked off Miami's decline and a program that owns a three-game win streak over the Canes.

Whether Miami finds their way to Tampa or a BCS game, take solace that this program has turned the corner. Don't let that fact get lost if the Canes fail to pull off an unfathomable seven or eight game win streak down the stretch.

This team is overachieving. Freshman are playing wise beyond their years. Miami's quarterbacks are finally an asset instead of a liability. It isn't always pretty, but it's proving effective. Boneheaded mistakes will be part of the process, but they'll be worked out in time by both coaches and players.

Right now, the end result is what matters. Filter out the loser's mentality and rid of the dark cloud that's hovered over this program for three years. Win pretty. Win ugly. Win by the book or win an an unorthodox manner. Just win, Baby Canes.

Those criticizing the process instead of the result, you're missing out on something good. For the first time in years, it's a good time to be a Cane. The ride up is part of the process and after being dead in the water last season - the victories are overdue and welcome. Enjoy this part of the journey back.

Watching this team is like watching your kid grow. Losses are setback and it's part of the process. Mistakes can't be judged against what 'older brother' and more established programs are pulling off. There are growing pain when you field thirty-one freshman and rely on kids playing high school ball this time last year. The trip back to the top will be complete with its share of setbacks. We know that going into it.

You have two choices as a present day Cane. Enjoy the ride, or bitch about the view.

One group realizes the task at hand. The program was in horrible shape. A first-time head coach had to learn on the job, fire some coordinators along the way, settle for second and third-choice replacements and was starting from scratch, in an unforgiving city with a rich tradition and a university afraid to reach for it's wallet. Better men have failed, with more at their disposal.

That side of the fence hasn't lessened their expectations. They're being realistic regarding the parity in college football and the fact that a three year erosion of a program won't be restored overnight. As a result, they can enjoy the ride, the view and can focus on all the good things this team is doing.

Those on the other side, a miserable existence and constant bitch-fest. Head over to a Canes message board after a game and check out the impulsive rants and premature bashings players and coaches take, as early as the first drive of the game.

Three and out and it's time to fire Patrick Nix. Give up a first down on third-and-short and now it's Bill Young who needs to start updating his resume.

Marve throws an ill-advised pass and it's Harris time. Settle for three with the newbie in the game and it's time to go back to the redshirt freshman.

All before the first quarter even comes to a close.

Post-game, not a good word to say. Could've done this. Should've done that. Might've worked today, but will hurt down the road. Judging along the way, instead of looking at the final product and assessing after the fact. Hanging on every word of coachspeak as if it's gospel and judging every move made by the staff.

For all the grief Shannon's taken - be it the media or the fans - he's a few games from having his name right up there for Coach Of The Year honors. To turn around a heartless 5-7 squad that started this season 2-3; not bad for a second-year, first-time head coach.

Happy days are here again, for those who care to notice. Those with that 'title game or bust' mentality, living in yesteryear and comparing everything to 1987 or 2001... it'll be a long ride back for you. The present is now, if you open your eyes. Today's freshman are the upperclassmen of tomorrow that will take this team to the top.

The journey is supposed to be more fun that the arrival at the destination. Once a top, there's nowhere to go but down. Miami is on the fun side of the mountain right now. Enjoy this season. Root like hell these next two games. 

Hope for the best and should the result be less than stellar, take solace this this thing is already way ahead of schedule.

Dominant times are just around the corner. Another storm is brewing in Coral Gables and it's getting to that point where even outsiders can acknowledge it.

Sam Shields: On The Mend

Sam Shields is getting his mojo back, per wide receiver coach Aubrey Hill. The Miami Herald's Susan Miller Degnan recently did a piece on the junior wideout that's worth the read.

Shields has spent what seems like forever in the dog house. After a promising freshman campaign in 2006, the wheels started falling off. Randy Shannon cracked the whip and oft suspended Shields.

The wideout missed six games in 2007, due to his attitude or occasionally being nicked up. This year Shields has missed three games, most notably wins over Central Florida and Duke, both which came the week after a debacle against Florida State.

In the midst of a two-catch day against the Seminoles, Shields took the field with 9:03 left in the game and a 1st-and-goal from the four-yard line. Problem was, Shields wasn't part of the package and Miami was hit with a sideline interference penalty with too many men on the field.

Video surfaced online where Miami assistants were pulling Shields off the field and during the heat of battle, were in the wideout's face regarding a game-changing mistake. (The Canes wound up settling for a field goal and lost, 41-39).

Par for the course, the online contingent of Miami's fan base led the cries of 'good riddance', wanting Shields benched or even booted from the team. After the Florida State loss, I called for a 'hiatus' and wanted his reps to go to younger receivers - Travis Benjamin, Thearon Collier or Devon Johnson.

Shannon and staff had a different idea and it should be pointed out as it's proving more successful than the knee-jerk reaction of the fans.

Shields didn't see any action at receiver two games after Florida State week, but coaches allowed him to make plays on special teams. Again Central Florida, Shields recovered a muffed punt at UCF's 5-yard line which led to a game-winning touchdown.

A week later, Shields took a reverse handoff 35 yards against Wake Forest. Even more impressive, Shields kept his cool after a Demon Deacon threw a late hit. The lack of retaliation earned Miami an extra 15 yards, making it a 50-yard gain. Shields also pulled in an 18-yard grab late in the game, broke a tackle and picked up a Miami first down.

Against Virginia it was 3rd-and-13 from the 2-yard line when Shields reeled in the catch of his career, stretching out and pulling in a first down grab that kept the drive alive.

With three games remaining, where does Shields fit in? In what capacity will he be used? Whatever the case, the message is that Shannon and staff are figuring out how to right some wrongs.

"We never quit on Sam -- we just hold Sam to a higher standard," said Shannon. "You've got to always build their confidence back when something happens to them in the wrong way. It has helped him out tremendously but also has helped us as a team."

Two years into this rebuilding process, many love 'Shannon the recruiter' but have questioned 'Shannon the head coach'. Inexperience has been cited, as well as everything negative that comes along with a 5-7 inaugural campaign.

In less than two years on the job, Shannon has done more than reel in top-flight talent. He made some tough post-season decisions, firing first-year defensive coordinator Tim Walton and receivers coach Marquis Mosely.

When many expected Shannon to reel in an up and comer, low paid defensive coordinator he could influence, he instead went after veteran defensive coach Bill Young.

Shannon and staff have gotten immediate impact out of true freshman and after some early growing pains, these Canes are in the midst of a four-game win streak. While Miami is reliant on a slew of rookies, Shields proves that coaches haven't given up on some of the older talent.

In recent memory, how many Miami wideouts were broken beyond repair? Too many. Lance Leggett. Ryan Moore. Aikeem Jolla. All four and five-star talent that faceplanted as their careers came to a close.

It'd have been easy for Canes coaches to give up on Shields. The influx of talent at wide receiver changed overnight; from the most barren to now the most fruitful position on the team. #83 easily could've fallen to the wayside.

Instead he's being pushed, taught and brought along at a pace that's proving successful.

For those questioning this staff, here's another feather in their cap. Especially if Shields tears it up down the stretch. It takes time to rebuild and this is another lesson learned along the way.

Q&A :: Miami & Virginia Tech

Heard from someone over at GobblerCountry.com, created by a Virginia Tech uber fan who hails from the great state of Oklahoma. Wanted to do a Q&A about ESPN's Thursday night game, Virginia Tech at Miami.

Below is our back and forth regarding the game, the rivalry and the general dislike between the two programs:


.:Ask A Hokie:.

Virginia Tech looked to be in trouble with back-to-back losses at Boston College and Florida State, yet seemed to have a 'season saving' type of win last Thursday night against a hot and cold Maryland team? What changed over the past three weeks to cause both the skid and resurgence, besides quarterbacks healing from injuries?

The skid was caused by playing two quality teams on the road. Road games are usually Tech's forte, but this is a very young team by our standards. In the BC game, we faced a tough defense and couldn't do anything to move the ball. The FSU game saw the Noles make big plays and injure both our quarterbacks.

I think the resurgence against the Terps had a lot to do with being at home, in front of our fans, in Lane Stadium on a Thursday night. The team seemed re-energized. Add to that the improved offensive line play and Maryland's pitiful defense and it was a perfect recipe to get back in the win column.


The Hokies lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, yet is again playing competitive football this year. Who has really stepped up to fill the voids on offense and defense, keeping this squad in the mix for a potential ACCCG?

On offense, it would have to be Darren Evans. He has carried us in our important wins. We have shown no semblance of a passing game so far this year, although we looked close in the Maryland game. But Evans' powerful rushing has gotten us some wins we probably shouldn't have had.

On defense, I would go with the three defensive ends: Jason Worilds, Orion Martin and Nekos Brown. Worilds has had a coming out party the last two games and appears to be in line as the next great Tech DE. Macho Harris has had the year everyone thought he would at corner and the linebackers have been solid. But the ability of the defensive ends to get pressure on the quarterback has made everyone look good.


Virginia Tech has had Miami's number the past two seasons, with a lackadaisical 17-10 win in 2006 and a pretty hefty 44-10 beat down in 2007. The Hokies have won four of the last five against the Canes and two straight road games in this series. Why do Tech fans think another win might be in the cards and how will the Hokies deal with the most talented, albeit young, Miami squad in the past few years?

Well, I'm not one of the Hokie fans that thinks this is going to be just another win over the Hurricanes. I'm expecting a dogfight. It always is in Miami. I think the best way for the Hokies to deal with the talent Miami has is by getting pressure on Marve and Harris. If they have time to throw, they will be able to get the ball to your talented group of receivers against a secondary that has struggled. I think we'll be able to stop the run because our defensive line has been playing its best football of the year. On offense, if we don't run the ball, we won't win. It's that simple.


Sean Glennon or Tyrod Taylor? Who do you want behind center against Miami and why?


For the rest of the season, the answer is easily Tyrod Taylor. While he isn't an accurate passer and is often indecisive on whether to throw or run, he has a game breaking ability Glennon doesn't have. But because Tyrod's sprained ankle takes that ability away, the answer for the Miami game is Glennon. He just has to manage the offense and find open receivers. Take what the defense gives him, move the chains, all those cliches.

The problem I have with Glennon is that when his passes miss, they miss high. I think he'll throw two picks against Miami and one of them is going to get taken back for a touchdown.


How do you see the rest of the season playing out for the winner and loser of this game?


I think the winner of this game will probably represent the Coastal. I don't see VT losing to either Duke or UVa, so if the Hokies win this one, they're probably going to Tampa. Miami's a little different. If it beats VT, it has a very good chance of winning out. But the Heels have the tiebreaker over the Canes and a pretty easy schedule the rest of the way. Miami fans will become huge Maryland fans if they beat the Hokies Thursday.

A loss for the Hokies doesn't make it impossible to go to Tampa, but they would need Miami to lose both its remaining games and UNC to lose as well. So this is basically an ACC elimination game.


Where do Hokies fans rank this rivalry with the Canes? Very one-sided for years, but VT made their presence felt when the Canes were on probation in the mid and late-90s. Miami bounced back between 2000-2005, going 4-2 against Tech but is 0-2 since the wheels fell off in the post-Coker era.

With a lot of Big East history preceding the move to the ACC, Miami holds a 11-9 advantage in the modern era of this series (since 1980) and it's become fairly balanced.

I'll admit it. I love this rivalry. I hate Miami. Can't stand them. But these games are always fun to watch and I think Miami has always been the measuring stick for the Hokies going back to the Mid-90s when we first got good and the VT-Miami game started deciding the conference.

Now that we don't play the Couch Burners anymore, this is the No. 2 rivalry if you're a Virginia Tech fan, just behind UVa. However, the Miami game has been more balanced and has brought out the competive spirit in Hokie fans more.

These two teams have been perfect foils for eachother for almost 15 years now. The Hokies are the hard-working, blue-collar team that is full of guys who weren't heavily recruited. Miami is the team full of 5-star players who knew they were something special for most of their adolescent lives. Blacksburg and Miami couldn't be any more different. Hell, Miami and almost anywhere else in America couldn't be more different.

Because so much is usually on the line when the two teams play, you get a high level of football from both teams. I didn't mind the Hurricanes as much when Coker was there because I liked the guy. Like me, he's an Oklahoman with Oklahoma values. But, since Miami fired him, I'm free to loathe the Canes again.


.:Ask A Cane:.

The Younglings are on a roll and have won four consecutive games after starting the season 2-3. They have a legitimate shot now at going to the ACCCG. How has this team performed based on what your expectations were before the season?

When the season started, I said 9-3 would be a dream season and that 8-4 was very doable. 7-5 had to be the worst case, but was tolerable as long as this team played with heart, which they are doing. I think Miami can go 2-1 down the stretch and that an 8-4 looks like a reality and would be huge after a 2-3 start and back-to-back losses to North Carolina and Florida State (by a combined six points).

Personally, I don't think the Canes get to the ACC title game this year. Next year it's a reality, but the two early season ACC losses will come back to haunt. A four-game win streak would need to turn into a seven-game streak and that's asking a lot for a young, inexperienced team. They're liable to slip somewhere down the stretch.

As for how this team has performed, I'll reserve judgment until the season is over. The fact that Miami was able to rebound from a 2-3 start was impressive, as last year's team would've gone in the toilet. The Canes are showing grit, determination and heart. That said, now is no time to let up. Wins against Wake Forest and Virginia were impressive, but Miami needs to 'bring it' against Virginia Tech (11/13) and Georgia Tech (11/20) as both have had their number the past few years.

Where this team has exceeded expectations is in regards to the freshman class. On paper, Miami knew they had some ballers... but to see these kids hit the ground running and play beyond their years, it's been incredible. These freshman have single-handedly saved the season and have the future looking extremely bright.


Randy Shannon has had good luck recently at quarterback going with whoever has the hot hand. Are you comfortable with the two quarterback system the Canes have right now? Is there one quarterback (Marve or Harris) you feel should be the No. 1 guy?

I like the current system. After Harris led the comeback against Duke weeks ago, people were clamoring for him to be starter. I disagreed and posed the argument, what happens if Marve comes in and saves the day against Wake the following week - which he did. You can't flip-flop your starter week-to-week. That's how you turn a competition into a controversy.

The current system works. Start Marve, give Harris his reps and go with the hot hand down the stretch. Both these kids are first-year starters. Both need to play. Let them get through 2008 and come spring 2009, open up the competition again and see who wins the starting job. One of these guys will eventually separate themselves from the other. Until then, play them both.

If I had to rate them, I'd definitely go Harris as 1a and Marve as 1b - right now. Both are studs, but Harris' composure and playmaking ability, it's immeasurable regarding a true freshman.

Marve seems to have better wheels and plays more by feel than with his mind. Which has its benefits.


How close is Javarris James to being at 100 percent and how important is it for the Canes offense to have a healthy James in the backfield?

You only know what the coaches tell you... and around Miami, that isn't much. James hasn't been 100% healthy in his career, so it's hard to gauge his healing progress. As for the importance, it's crucial he gets back in the line up down the stretch. Graig Cooper is a superstar, but the wear and tear is showing as he's a smaller back. He had a lull there against Virginia where he was ineffective, though somehow dug deep on the final drive and in OT to will Miami to victory.

A two-headed rushing attack was so important for success this season. Miami has truly missed James and needs him these next few weeks if they have any shot at winning out. Back ups like Shawnbrey McNeal, Derron Thomas and Lee Chambers are capable backs, but none are proving to have that 'it' factor and there hasn't been any separation between the back ups.

Next season Miami looks to reel in Kansas' top-rated Bryce Brown, Killian's Lamar Miller and Mike James, from Davenport, FL. Brown and James are your Willis McGahee-type bigger backs and Miller has drawn Clinton Portis-like comparisons.

The Canes ground game will get a huge boost in 2009. Finally.


The Hurricane defense has suffered a lot of key injuries this season. How does the Miami defensive line stack up against the VT offensive line and who on defense needs to step up this Thursday for the Canes?

Miami's defensive line isn't the strong point it's been in years passed. The Canes started the year expecting senior Eric Moncur to be the team's anchor, but he was lost to injury weeks ago. That said, other under the radar guys have stepped up.

Adewale Ojomo is a r-freshman who's been a big time surprise and Miami finally has Josh Holmes back from injury - a member of the 2006 class who's been sidelined most of his career. Dwayne Hendricks. Steven Wesley and Antonio Dixon have all played good football, but aren't your dominant Miami lineman of yesteryear. Young guys like Allen Bailey and freshman Marcus Forston are more in that mold and should be superstars when it's all said and one.

The Canes front seven will need to get some penetration on Thursday night. Too many times this year, Miami's line hasn't gotten to the quarterback or stuffed the run. Secondary is the Achilles' Heel on this team and if the front seven doesn't do their job, Tech's passing game will thrive. Miami obviously also needs to hit Darren Evans behind the line of scrimmage. Evans isn't really under the radar anymore after his monster game against Maryland.


How has the move to Dolphin Stadium affected Miami football?


I think 5-7 last year, 7-6 the year before and a new coaching staff all have affected Miami football more than a stadium change. Had Miami left the OB when the Canes were thriving, it'd have been a bigger issue... but when you leave your legendary stadium with a whimper and not a bang, you have bigger things to worry about. Over the past two seasons, the Canes went 9-5 in the OB. A shell of a program that owns a record 58-home game win streak back in the day and a 26-game home win streak between 1999-2003.

Winning ways will make Dolphin Stadium feel like home, over time. The Canes need some signature home wins and to turn the program around. Once that's done, the stadium itself won't matter anymore. It was time for change. The Orange Bowl will forever be home, but the landscape of college football is changing and Miami needed a facelift. In the matter of one season, the Canes literally went from the worst stadium in the ACC to the best. Hard to argue with an NFL stadium that's hosted its share of Super Bowls. The fans may miss the tradition, but 17-year old recruits love the JumboTron and fact they're playing in a big time stadium. At day's end, that's what really matters.


What do you think of Randy Shannon and do you think he's the guy who will get Miami back to competing for national championships year in and year out?

I'm on his bandwagon and have been since day one. Anyone who isn't is either impatient or is in denial regarding how fall Miami football had fallen. This looks to be the first year since 1974 that not one Cane is drafted. Forget 14-year first round streak... rumor has it Miami won't even have Mr. Irrelevant. You can't go from being one of the most talent-heavy programs in the nation to talent-starved and expect a new coach to hit the ground running and just turn things around.

Randy Shannon inherited the worst Miami program in three decades. Larry Coker was the first Miami coach to be fired in over thirty years. All others have left for greener pastures and left the cupboards stocked when they moved on. The Canes were a putrid squad last year, which is why so many freshman are starting and are so heavily relied upon. If you look at the team Shannon took over last fall and compare them to where they are 15 months later, it's pretty incredible. He recruits like Jimmy Johnson and Butch Davis and it's looking like he'll develop talent like both his predecessors, based on the immediate impact the freshman are having.

If Shannon can get this team to 9-4 this year (after the bowl) or even 8-5, this year is a success and there's something to build on. Miami can get to the ACC title game next year and after two more classes, I think the Canes are in the hunt with Shannon by 2010. This class will prove to be the foundation and when these kids are juniors and seniors, you'll see the Miami you always knew and hated.


Give us a Canes fan's take on the Virginia Tech-Miami rivalry.


I dig the rivalry. Virginia Tech has become a proud program and although they don't have the national championships on their resume, they've definitely made their presence felt getting to some big time bowl games the past dozen or so years.

The Hokies definitely capitalized on the Canes' probation in the 90s, winning five straight. VT didn't get its first win against UM until 1995, Butch Davis' first year when probation and a lack of scholarships crippled the program for the latter half of the 90s. Of course probation had nothing to do with the 1999 beat down, as that was the year Tech became a 'player'.

Virginia Tech is again capitalizing on Miami's mistakes - this time around a lame-duck head coach who left the program in shambles almost as bad as probation did ten years ago. The Hokies never seem to beat on the Canes when Miami is on a roll (early 90s and early 00s) but true to the blue collar mindset, they get it done and capitalize when given the opportunity.

This rivalry will get back to that next level again when Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech are a top the ACC in the coming years. That was the goal when UM, VT and Boston College came over from the Big East. Since joining the ACC, the 'big time' teams haven't lived up to the billing. Once you get the aforementioned teams in the top five, a la all the Big XII rivalries, I think you'll see this one garner more interest on the national level.

For now, it's Canes v. Hokies with a lot on the line and a modern day rivalry kicking up thanks to former Big East and current ACC ties.

The same way Virginia Tech fans hate Miami, the feeling is mutual. The two programs are nothing alike and I know Canes fans don't care for the false bravado from a program that has had their number over the past decade, but still has nothing to show for it championship-wise.

There's that belief that Virginia Tech will always be second-tier until they get some hardware for their trophy case.

Bryan Pata: Two years gone, still no answers

Friends, family and teammates lost Bryan Pata to a senseless murder on November 6th, 2006 in the parking lot of his Kendall apartment, The Colony, miles from the University of Miami's campus.

Two years later, no new answers.

ESPN's Elizabeth Merrill did a piece for Outside The Lines called "Praying For Closure". If you haven't read the piece, click here and take a few minutes today to remember the Pata family and a fallen Hurricane.

Though it's a longshot at this point, anyone with any information please call Crime Stoppers at 305.471.TIPS.

ESPN's Ivan Maisel: No Experience Required

ESPN's Ivan Maisel doesn't always show the Miami Hurricanes the respect they deserve, but he took time out from his BCS rant on Wednesday to pay some respect to the rebuilding job Randy Shannon is doing down south in Coral Gables. For those who haven't read the piece, we've reprinted it below:

There are coaches who have outsized personalities, and there is Miami coach Randy Shannon. When he walks into a room, he does not take it over. He's so quiet, librarians beg him to talk.
Tough? Yes. Stoic? Absolutely. Suffice it to say that Shannon is not a man who caves to impulse.

All of which makes his decision to stake the Hurricanes' future on their freshmen that much more interesting. Give Shannon credit: After the Hurricanes' 2-3 start, they have won four consecutive games, including that 24-17 comeback victory in overtime this past Saturday at Virginia.

Alabama has climbed to No. 1 in the nation in part because of the contributions of freshmen like wide receiver Julio Jones and tailback Mark Ingram. But the Crimson Tide have veterans on both lines, at quarterback and in the secondary. Miami has 31 true freshmen, 12 on the depth chart, four of them starting. Coaching freshmen has made for a different experience for Shannon and his staff.

"You have to be very patient," Shannon said. "You can't destroy them. We coach them. We coach them hard. But we coach them on the little things. You can't beat them up when they play as freshmen."

It can be difficult for coaches not to light into their players. Coaches are intense, demanding teachers in a physical sport. It's easy to instruct in a manner that would be R-rated. But Shannon doesn't want them scorched by invective, no matter how well meant.

"A couple of weeks ago," Shannon said, "Aldarius Johnson dropped a couple of passes. I asked him to tell me what he was thinking when the ball arrived.

"He said, 'I was thinking about getting upfield.'

"I asked him, 'What do I always tell you? Secure the football, and then get upfield.'"

Shannon has scheduled 6:15 a.m. team meetings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in which the coaches dole out the game plan for Saturday. Not only do the meetings instill discipline in his young players, Shannon said, the meetings allow them to digest what they must learn.

"They got all day to look at their game plans when they get a minute," Shannon said. "We come back in the afternoon and say, 'Any questions?' We do a lot of reps in practice. The more reps they can get, the better off they can become. We don't give them a million plays to learn. If we get perfect at 10 plays, learn them with reps, then we can get two more yards upfield after a catch or two more yards upfield on a pass rush."

He plays freshman quarterbacks Robert Marve and Jacory Harris because he realized that if he picked one to start and that one got hurt, the offense would have to start from scratch with the second one. Marve starts and Harris finishes. Harris made an incredible athletic play to throw the game-tying, fourth-quarter touchdown at Virginia. On third-and-15, the right-hander scrambled to his left and flung a 26-yard pass to LaRon Byrd.

Shannon doesn't say he is coaching a high school team. It's not that he considers that an insult. It's a goal.

"It's like elementary school," Shannon said. "Many, many parts of this young football team are just doing a tremendous job. They don't know better. They don't understand about not fighting hard. They just go out there and play and keep going."

Hopefully the above piece will quiet some of the doubters and Shannon's harshest critics.

While many Miami fans realize rebuliding projects don't just "happen" overnight, there's a strong contingent who critique every move, every play and every decision. Some are quick to reference what Nick Saban is doing year two at top-ranked Alabama.

Maisel does a fine job pointing out the differences between a much deeper Crimson Tide squad (solid o-line and d-line, deep secondary, veteran quarterback) and a green Canes bunch (31 true freshmen, 12 on depth chart, four starters).

"Patience" is a word that Shannon isn't afraid to stress, though many fans continue wanting instant results and a ready-made champion. Land some freshman, just add water and 'voila!'. As if it's just supposed to 'work' when you reel in a handful of highly-touted 17 and 18-year olds.

Coaching is more than Xs and Os. The element of teaching is as important as the plays you're drawing up. You crawl before you walk. There's a science to developing newbies and it proved to be unsolvable during the Larry Coker regime, with so many top-rated kids never panning out.

Early team meetings to instill discipline and accountability. A back and forth about the plays, in an effort to teach. Game plans, practice and a Q&A session about what was learned. Work new plays over and over so in two years they'll be run to perfection by a well-oiled machine.

Those still full of doubt, go back and watch your Virginia game tape. How much more comfortable did Jacory Harris look on the final drive in regulation, game nine into the season, as compared to game one?

The true freshman is finally able to tap into his 'it' factor, improvising and making plays with the game on the line. Harris and his receivers are getting on the same page, thanks to repetition and the confidence that success brings.

How else do you explain a LaRon Byrd trusting his instincts and battling two defenders for a game-tying touchdown after a Harris scramble? Why is a Davon Johnson breaking off his route, coming back for the ball and getting to a place where his quarterback can thread a pass between two defenders?

By teaching, coaching and being patient with, Shannon has his kids playing loose and making plays. It's something the Miami Hurricanes haven't seen in half a decade. The fact that the majority of the playmakers are true freshman; folks better start taking notice. These Canes aren't "back" yet, but they're close and they've passed the point of no return for this season.

4-0 this past month, Miami is playing without thinking. Like walking out onto a ledge, the Canes are fine unless they look down. Stay focused. Move ahead. Three winnable games remain and the goal of Tampa is a reality.

3-0 is doable. 2-1 is realistic. 1-2 means the Canes looked down, remembered they were freshman and made some rookie mistakes.

Will it happen? Depends.

If Miami doesn't flinch over the next 12 quarters, an ACC title berth is a distinct possibility.

Taylor: Inducted into Washington Redskins "Ring Of Fame"

Former Miami Hurricanes safety Sean Taylor will be inducted into the Washington Redskins "Ring of Fame" on November 30th when his former NFL team takes on the the defending Super Bowl champs, the New York Giants.

"It's appropriate that Sean joins our Ring of Fame after a stellar career cut short far too soon," Redskins owned Daniel Snyder said in a statement released by the team. "His life touched so many of us in such deep and lasting ways. His presence is all around us, in our organization and among our fans."

Taylor will be the 43rd member of the Redskins organization admitted into the Ring of Fame. The death of the two-time Pro Bowl selection and fifth pick of the 2004 NFL draft will never be filled in Washington, where his lockers at FedEx Field and Redskins Park have been kept in place as he left them, as a tribute.

Keep the Taylor family in your prayers this holiday season as the one-year anniversary of Sean's death is November 27th, which falls on Thanksgiving this year.

Miami 24, Virginia 17 (OT)

It may have taken twenty-one games on the watch of Randy Shannon, but these Canes finally heard the words of their second-year leader and put them into action.

Finish. Persevere. Never give up. Find a way.

Miami took down Virginia, 24-17 in OT on Saturday. Revenge may have been the name of the game leading up to this year's meeting in Charlottesville, but once this thing got underway it was simply two 5-3 teams looking to get to 6-3, staying alive in the ACC's Coastal Division.

The Canes did all they could to self-implode. From an early Travis Benjamin fumble the first time Miami touched the ball, to a slew of false starts on the afternoon's final 95-yard game-tying drive.

Robert Marve joined the turnover parade with an interception on the first drive of the third quarter. A series later, Graig Cooper coughed up a fumble after a 15-yard run on 3rd-and-12.

Miami's defense held steadfast, keeping Virginia off the board the duration of the afternoon, after a late second quarter touchdown. Even with turnovers and a short field, the Cavs couldn't capitalize. Yannick Reyering missed a 38-yard field goal late in the third quarter and sent a 47-yard attempt wide right early in the fourth.

Either would've been the difference-maker in such a close affair. Neither were to be on this day when Miami proved to be the better team.

The critics will say Virginia gave this one away, nursing a touchdown lead for the majority of the game. A whole lot of could've, should've, would've crap the loser usually spews. "If" one of two missed field goals is good, this game never sees overtime. Stuff of that nature.

A little perspective for the folks licking their wounds today. Miami had 448 total yards to Virginia's 311. The Canes outrushed the Cavs 197 yards to 71 and let in first down conversions, 22 to 18.

Miami also turned the ball over 3 times in regulation, to Virginia's lone fumble in the final minute and like the Cavs, missed an opportunity to convert with a missed field goal of their own.

While we're building a case for these Canes, how about 12 penalties for 81 yards to the Cavs lone five-yard penalty? Ron Cherry and a lame-duck bunch of ACC officials called a horrible game. Miami was it's own worst enemy, with a slew of false start penalties - but it was a bogus personal foul and phantom pass interference penalty that twice kept Cavalier drives alive.

On 3rd-and-7 from the Miami 11, Bruce Johnson was called for PI, setting Virginia up with a first-and-goal from the 2-yard line and 'gimmie' touchdown.

To their credit and heeding their coaches' advice, the Canes stayed the course. Miami hung around long enough to give them a fighting chance with what should've been the final possession of regulation.

Jacory Harris, again playing the role of back up, was reinserted late in the third quarter and remained the ringleader down the stretch. With 8:01 on the clock and with Miami staring at 95 yards of real estate between where they were and where they needed to get, Harris channeled his inner high school senior and went to work.

For those who don't remember, Harris led his top-ranked Northwestern Bulls on a 99-yard game-winning drive against Deerfield Beach, resulting in a 19-14 victory. Also on the field that day, Aldarius Johnson, Marcus Forston and Sean Spence, then and now teammates who all played a part in both wins with Harris leading the charge.

Deerfield Beach is no Virginia. These Cavaliers worked the Canes to the bone last fall, started this season 1-3 and have since gone on a 4-0 tear, taking down some of the ACC's best - most notably, Maryland, North Carolina and Georgia Tech in the past month.

Virginia's defense was in Miami's face all afternoon, barely letting the Canes cross midfield in the entire second half. Swarming, forcing turnovers and stifling Miami's offense, 95 yards looked an even more daunting tasks with the game on the line.

Not to Harris.

Calm and cool as ever, the true freshman quarterback began picking apart the Cavs like a skilled surgeon.

A 3rd-and-13 pick up to Sam Shields on the drive's third play. A ten-yard pick up to fullback Patrick Hill. A 17-yard pick up to Davon Johnson. An 18-yard strike to A. Johnson. A few key runs by Coop and the drive culminating with a 26-yard improvised touchdown strike to LaRon Byrd. With just under a minute to play, Miami re-found the scoreboard for the first time since an early second quarter field goal.

With the game on the line, Miami smelled the blood into the water and went into 'attack' mode, channeling a playing style of yesteryear. After a short kick setting up Virginia at their 36-yard line, Marc Verica completed a 22-yard strike to Cary Koch. At the Canes 42, the Cavs found themselves one completion from what should've been a makeable field goal.

On 2nd-and-10, Verica used his legs and attempted to get Virginia in striking distance, but coughed up the ball in the process. As Verica was stopped, Miami's Spence reached in and stripped the ball from the Virginia quarterback's grasp. The Cavs first turnover of the day had the Canes in striking distance with :31 remaining.

With another chance to work some magic, Harris found Benjamin for a 30-yard strike - again, improvised as Benjamin came off his route, broke free and came back to help his quarterback. A four-yard rush by Coop had the Canes at the Cavs 34-yard line with :12 remaining. Bosher's 51-yard attempt was dead on, but a few yards shy and this thing was headed to overtime.

On Miami's first possession, Harris looked for Dedrick Epps in the end zone, but sailed is pass short. Again, a Canes wideout helped their QB, with Epps assuming the role of defensive back and breaking up what could've been a disastrous turnover.

As if shot out of a cannon, Cooper blasted for 11 yards to the 14-yard line. Two plays later, on 3rd-and-5, Harris found A. Johnson on a fade to the front corner of the end zone, putting the Canes up in the first OT. On Virginia's first play from scrimmage, Lavon Ponder stripped Cedric Peerman after a 7-yard run, Romeo Davis recovered and this one was in the books.

For the second year in a row, this rivalry saw the loser's heart ripped out in dramatic fashion. That said, this year's contest wasn't as much about revenge as much as it was a rebirth. Miami took another step forward on Saturday, albeit not the pretty, traditional, dominating type of win old school fans are clamoring for.

If you want to put this game under a microscope and dissect it, go right ahead. These Canes have their flaws. Too many penalties. Dropped balls. Missed blocks. Out of position defenders that had players whiffing on tackles. This group is hardly a well-oiled machine, but at the same time, they're not supposed to be.

The majority of your playmakers are freshman and most of your mistakes are coming from upperclassmen - some of which simply aren't Miami-caliber players who either aren't good enough, lack the 'it' factor or were developed poorly.

This coaching staff is in year two of a monstrous rebuilding effort, fixing this program from the ground up. Patrick Nix doesn't always call the right play, nor does Bill Young. That said, Nix had enough in the tank to assist these kids in a 95-yard game tying drive and another touchdown in overtime. For all the kudos Virginia's staff has gotten as of late, they laid a goose egg in the second half.

As for Young, this marks back-to-back weeks his D has pitched a shutout, though the sailing not as smooth as the box score may indicate.

Nitpick this team apart and you'll find things to get upset over.

Or simply look at the 4-0 record since a 2-3 start and thank your lucky stars these kids are simply finding a way, while not playing down to their age or experience level. Virginia is a veteran team and they wilted down the stretch against a bunch of kids who were in high school this time last year. Chew on that for a while and see where it takes you.

These Canes are improving and that's the only stat that matters today. If these type of blunder are being made two years from now, shake your fist and curse this coaching staff. But not right now. Not in 2008. Not after back-to-back wins over good teams from Wake Forest and Virginia. Not with an ACC Championship game at least in sight. Ride this wave. It's been a while since Cane fans have had anything to be excited over.

This is as good a time in Miami Hurricanes football as we've seen in three years. Soak it up. Hold your head high. Rewatch this one on your DVR. Call up some Cane-loving buddies and talk about the win the morning after, like you used to 'back in the day'.

Save your coaching staff rants and quarterback controvery arguments for another time. Allow the proof to remain in the pudding. Four straight wins. If it ain't broke... don't bitch about it. In time it can be perfected, but for now, it's working. An ugly win is better than a pretty loss, any day of the week.

Next up, a bye week. A time for this program to catch its collective breath, reflect on the last month of football and gear up for a three-game stretch that could save a season. Back-to-back Thursday night games against Virgina Tech and Georgia Tech and then a season finale at N.C. State on Thanksgiving weekend.

8-4 is a distinct possibility and 7-5 isn't all that bad, after sitting in a post-Florida State funk at 2-3. Miami is bowl-bound this year and for another 11 days (at least), the sky remains the limit.

A North Carolina loss puts Miami in control of their collective fate. Win out and the Canes are Tampa-bound.

Not bad for a rebuilding year.

Now imagine how exciting things will be once Miami is officially 'back'.