Miami gears up for Central Florida
I have to admit, I still don't get why Miami is scheduling the likes of Central Florida or even South Florida. These are the type of games where the big dog has everything to lose and the underdog is going to treat it like a national championship or BCS game.Thirty years ago Miami was a nobody and it made its name taking on all comers. The Canes would travel the country taking on powerhouses, looking for the upset and a chance at some national recognition. The U cut its teeth three decades ago and eventually became their own powerhouse, winning five national championships between 1983 and 2001, while leaving several more on the field.
Both Central Florida and South Florida remain relative nobodies. That doesn't mean they don't have a big game in them or haven't put together an impressive season here or there. It simply means they're not part of the 'big three' in the Sunshine State. Neither program is a perennial favorite in their respective conference, let alone even coming close to sniffing a national championship.
Any Knight or Bull that wants to challenge that statement, check out the hardware - Miami, five rings. Florida, three rings. Florida State, two rings.
The lack of titles doesn't seem to faze folks in Tampa or Orlando, both of which feel their programs are on the cusp, if not already there. Especially while Miami backslid during the tail end of Larry Coker's run as well as the first few years of the Randy Shannon era.
UCF and USF faithful flooded message boards and shouted from the rooftops, attempting to kick UM while it was done; ignorant to the fact Miami endured probation a decade ago, rebuilt and was stronger than ever. Anyone who didn't think the Canes would rebound from Coker, they were simply in denial.
Miami recently signed home/away series with both Central Florida and South Florida. Inexplicable for a program with Miami's pedigree. Understandable as a private school with no state funding. Florida can - and will - pay Central Florida to trek to Gainesville.
The Gators will never step foot in Orlando, able to buy their way out of home/away situations such as these. The Canes are headed north this weekend; by bus, no less. Anything to save a buck.
News out of Coral Gables today that Eric Moncur and Randy Phillips will miss Saturday's contest. Add those two veterans to the growing list of injured Canes. Earlier this week Miami lost Jordan Futch and Ryan Hill for the year, while Marcus Forston, Josh Holmes, Graig Cooper, JoJo Nicolas and Aldarius Johnson are sidelined as well.
As fate would have it, Central Florida is getting healthy at the right time. Linebacker Jordan Richards returns after a few weeks off since suffering a concussion late September. Wide outs Karim Aiken, Rocky Ross and Brian Walters all return after missing last week's match up against Memphis. All will bolster the passing attack of Wake Forest quarterback transfer Brett Hodges.
This has all the makings of a pitfall game - and a few years back, you'd have expected Miami to fold. Sitting at 4-1 with some impressive wins - combined with Central Florida's lackluster play and 3-2 record against suspect competition - you have to like the Canes chances, even with the lack of depth. Inexperienced youngsters again have to step up. Even with injured starters, Miami has the horses to beat Central Florida, if they remain focused.
Win or lose, it's not hard to get jacked up to Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech or Oklahoma. FAMU proved to be a scrimmage and now Miami is headed away from the confines of home, playing a lower-tier, in-state program with a chip on their shoulder.
Central Florida struggled against Samford, needing a late fourth quarter score to eke out a 28-24 win. A week later, a 26-19 loss at Southern Miss before a second half rally was needed week three to upend Buffalo in Orlando.
These past two weeks, a 19-14 loss at East Carolina and a 32-14 win over Memphis. Sitting at 3-2, it's fact that Central Florida hasn't seen anyone close to Miami caliber this season; starters or back ups. Still, the stadium will be packed and the Knights will be ready.
Miami has the talent and speed to upend Central Florida; but what about those x-factors? Home game in a hostile environment. Up and coming state rival in need of a big time win. (The Knights are 0-20 against AP Top 25 opponents and 0-7 against the Top 25 during George O'Leary's tenure.) They've been smacked up by both Florida and South Florida, while coming close to pulling an upset against Miami in last year's 20-14 loss.
Central Florida has a purpose, but do they have a team? All the rah-rah nonsense in the world doesn't mean a thing once the ball is teed up Saturday night. Once both teams settle into their game play, it should be a bit of Jacory Harris and a solid running game that set the tone for Miami. Defensively there are injuries and holes, but the Canes should have more than enough to tangle with the Knights.
It comes down to fundamentals and focus. Which Miami team shows up Saturday night? Tune in and find out.
The Call: Miami 34, Central Florida 20
posted by allCanes.com at
6:46 PM
35 Comments:
I think you are giving UCF a tad too much credit. This one will be decided by half time. The Canes will take this one by no less than 24 points.
47 - On paper, I agree with you.
Miami has the talent. I'd just hate to see them give it away like Florida State did to USF. Turnovers. Coming out flat versus a team who is treating this like a bowl game.
The banged up defense worries me a bit... but offensively Miami should be able to put up points against UCF.
allcanes, I agree with you. Miami has everything to lose and UCF has everything to gain in a game like this. It certainly can't be about recruiting. My thoughts are if the players on UCF had any "it" factor, they'd be playing for miami, uf or fsu.
I don't like games likes these sandwiched in between the acc games (and USF to end the year, are you kidding me) I'd like to see us play these teams at the start of the year and then dive right into the acc schedule
It is good that the Canes have to do what other big programs don't. Play these guys on the road. Take the bus. It gives us that underdog, us against the world attitude. Let UF pay folks off so they can get easy wins at home.
If we want to be the best, better that we have the hard road. And when the NCAA finally gets its act together and makes a playoff system, we will be poised to take off in it. It will no longer matter if you have one or two losses against top opponents. Easy wins like Charleston Southern, Troy and FIU or our game with FAMU at home really don't do much for your team.
It is all about focus this week. And next and next and next. We will beat you here, there, anywhere. We will take the bus to do it.
Yeah, I agree with allCanes...
However I feel like Miami is too well coached with Shannon and Whipple at the helm. These 'Canes seem to have their heads on straight and I don't think "letdown" against an in-state "rival" will occur.
Now you are correct, a lot of the UCF kids were passed up by Miami and the other big 3 schools so they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder but I just can't see Shannon not drilling that into the 'Canes heads, especially how the letdown nearly happened last year at LandShark.
I sort of agree with you both:
I don't think we will blow UCF off the field but I don't think it will be that close either.
UM-31 UCF-13
Chris,
This is a little off topic, but what are your thoughts on Boise State? Why do the voters feel so obligated to keep them in the top 10? They are a godd team, but are they a great team? Does the 5th best team in the country struggle to beat Tulsa and Fresno State? Personally, I find it insulting that the Canes have to look up at the Broncos every week in the polls! This team played Oregon at home and none of their remaining opponents are in the top 50! I say put them somewhere between 10-15, put them in a December bowl game, and let them cry themselves to sleep! Thoughts?
WHAT?!? this article is unlike you?!?! it sounds like you are making excuses, like you expect us to loose?!? We are granting these smaller schools the same opportunities we had. It is not like we are Ohio State and playing entire seasons without leaving the state. If we are "back" as we claim to be this should be a no contest game. Us against the world, any time, any place, on your terms we will beat you. That is what "Swagger" is all about. This article has none of the "Swagger" I have come to expect from this blog. It reads like something from last year. You always write fair and usually tell it like it is, but I must say this is the first time you come off as making excuses.
Cane in Tally
All Canes-
I have to disagree with you regarding the scheduling of UCF and USF. While playing FAU or FIU is utterly pointless (just play an old D1-AA team), UCF and USF are both "name brand" schools as I like to call them. Obviously, South Florida much more so than Central Florida. What I mean is, Miami gets to play a team that really isn't all that good, but will have all this national exposure from the weekday Big East ESPN schedule. USF could possibly be a 9-2 or even 10-1 team going into Thanksgiving weekend in Tampa, but we all know they are not that good. Miami then gets a victory against a "name brand" team. I equate these type of games with scheduling the Texas A&M and Colorado's of the world. Granted, they are from a quality BCS conference. But the game difficulty is approximately the same. Miami plays a nationally known opponent, with a low risk of loss, but the high reward of a notable win.
I agree with the fact that UCF really hasnt made a name for its self but I wouldnt label USF in the same category. USF has proven to be a force to be reckoned with and are only getting better. they are in the Big East which is becoming more competitive every year. And Boise handed Oregon their only loss so far. I get so tired of people dogging the lesser known teams and praising the SEC who plays maybe two ranked teams out of conference. Did we all forget one of the greatest bowl games- Boise vs Ok St?? I would recommend watching the Cinci USF game tonight and I GUARANTEE it will be much more exciting than the LSU Fl game.
Have you ever thought that maybe we schedule these games for financial reasons?
WHAT?!? this article is unlike you?!?! it sounds like you are making excuses, like you expect us to loose?!?
... how do I expect Miami to lose if I predicted a 34-20 Canes win?
We are granting these smaller schools the same opportunities we had.
No we're not. Up and comers have to go on the road to make a name for themselves - which is why UCF went to UF without a return game. Miami always went on the road back in the day. Few big programs came south to play UM.
Have you ever thought that maybe we schedule these games for financial reasons?
Displaced, I obviously do since I wrote: "Miami recently signed home/away series with both Central Florida and South Florida. Inexplicable for a program with Miami's pedigree. Understandable as a private school with no state funding."
Obviously money is behind this. Same reason the Canes are taking a bus to Orlando this weekend instead of a chartered flight.
I agree with the fact that UCF really hasnt made a name for its self but I wouldnt label USF in the same category. USF has proven to be a force to be reckoned with and are only getting better. they are in the Big East which is becoming more competitive every year.
USF is in the same category in that neither program has won anything.
UCF was an up and comer in the late 90s when Daunte Culpepper was slinging the rock around. Lee Corso called them the next state power and said they'd surpass Miami, who was on probation at the time.
USF had their five minutes a year ago, but they've come back down to earth since. Until they win the Big East, they remain a nobody -- albeit a nobody that will obviously be ready for state power Miami and was ready for state power Florida State.
As for the Big East being more 'competitive' each year, you're obviously a Big East and USF homer with a comment like that. The Big East is an absolute joke outside of Cincinnati - who won the conference last year and still lost to Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl -- the same VT squad UM beat in the regular season.
Rutgers has taken a nose dive. Louisville has fallen way off. Syracuse is a joke. UConn isn't what they were the last few years. West Virginia isn't what they were the last few years. Pittsburgh is hot/cold. The only two good squads are Cincy and USF. The rest of the Big East sucks.
UCF 24
Miami 21
"UPSET ALERT" swagger u take's this game lightly...long bus ride back to coral gables 4-2!
... shock, an 'anonymous' UCF fan found the blog and is calling for a close upset.
allCanes.com,
I am a UCF fan (not the one that posted previously) and I think the game will be close. Miami obviously is a lot more improved from last year when we lost in the 4th quarter, but I wouldn't overlook our advantage at home.
UCF plays A LOT better at home than it does on the road. Having said that, the only way we win this game is if our offense plays good enough to keep your man Jacory Harris off the field for most of the game.
There is no upset brewing. We are not last years Miami. We are stronger, faster, smarter. Better. UCF has nothing to compete with. They are horribly out coached and don't have the talent to be Miamis practice squad, let alone take down our starters. Our backups will be in the game by the 3rd qtr.
I think its cute that the UCF fans are getting excited, but its best for their sake, that they just turn that hype down a notch. If not, you are just going to be horribly disappointed. UCF fans need to understand what they have and im sorry, but its not a team that will beat the 2009 Miami Hurricanes. Im sorry, but that wont happen.
47 - I don't see an upset brewing either. Again, I called for a 14-point Miami win.
Simply saying that UCF will come to play and UM needs remain focused in games like these.
The Canes have everything to lose in a game like this and the Knights have nothing to lose. With the injuries piling up for Miami, I simply hope the young guys realize the can't mail it in for this game. It'll take a strong effort across the board.
You don't even want to let UCF get in the game the way FSU let USF hang around. Early fumble. Failing to get in from 1st and goal in a scoreless game (early second quarter). Giving up the big play (77-yard pass leading to score.) Another second quarter fumble.
Florida State's incompetence is the reason they were down 14-0 at the half, instead of leading.
Miami can't give the game to Central Florida on a platter. Had the Noles gotten up early on the Bulls, it's a different ball game. Instead, USF won the early chess match and FSU tried to play catch up. Crowd was out of it, doubt crept in, etc.
Pounce on UCF early and put 'em away.
47 - I don't see an upset brewing either. Again, I called for a 14-point Miami win.
Simply saying that UCF will come to play and UM needs remain focused in games like these.
The Canes have everything to lose in a game like this and the Knights have nothing to lose. With the injuries piling up for Miami, I simply hope the young guys realize the can't mail it in for this game. It'll take a strong effort across the board.
You don't even want to let UCF get in the game the way FSU let USF hang around. Early fumble. Failing to get in from 1st and goal in a scoreless game (early second quarter). Giving up the big play (77-yard pass leading to score.) Another second quarter fumble.
Florida State's incompetence is the reason they were down 14-0 at the half, instead of leading.
Miami can't give the game to Central Florida on a platter. Had the Noles gotten up early on the Bulls, it's a different ball game. Instead, USF won the early chess match and FSU tried to play catch up. Crowd was out of it, doubt crept in, etc.
Pounce on UCF early and put 'em away.
This is a little off topic, but what are your thoughts on Boise State? Why do the voters feel so obligated to keep them in the top 10? They are a godd team, but are they a great team? Does the 5th best team in the country struggle to beat Tulsa and Fresno State?
Boise State is a joke. Respect to what they've become over the years... but they're living off their rep since the win over OU in the Fiesta Bowl a few years back.
Their preseason ranking was way too high. They beat Oregon early, but face a slew of nobodies are the year rolls on.
They eked one out against a Tulsa team that Oklahoma smoked 45-0. They gave up 48 points to Fresno State. They're beating the likes of UC Davis 34-16. C'mon now.
Does anybody really think Boise State is undefeated if they're playing any of the schedules that rest of the teams in the top twenty five face week in and week out? Hell no.
I pray they keep dropping and that one-loss teams pass them up. They absolutely don't deserve to be a top ten team.
Us against the world, any time, any place, on your terms we will beat you. That is what "Swagger" is all about. This article has none of the "Swagger" I have come to expect from this blog. It reads like something from last year. You always write fair and usually tell it like it is, but I must say this is the first time you come off as making excuses.
I disagree that there is any "excuse making" here. Again, I still called for a 34-20 Miami WIN.
My point with the injuries is the point out the lack of depth. For all those who claim Miami is fully "back" and 4-1... let this serve as a reminder. The Canes aren't 2-3 deep at every position like they were in the past when the program was loaded.
That's not an 'excuse' - it's a fact. Miami is still stockpiling talent and to have over half a dozen defensive starters down and out - some for the year - that's a big blow. It probably won't be an issue against UCF... but Clemson... North Carolina... USF... it could come back to bite UM.
All that "anytime, anywhere, anyplace" stuff is passe. I'm sorry. I'm all for 'swagger' and the 4-1 record... but this team was 19-19 over the past three seasons. The Canes have to EARN the right to play the 'anytime, anywhere, anyplace' stuff.
You need to ride a big time win streak, have a reputation for winning big games and what not. Miami is back on track - but the Canes aren't fully back and swagger should be doled out in applicable doses.
I wrote a logic-based article regarding this weekend's game. It wasn't a fluff, rah-rah piece.
I put this squarely on Paul Dee. How do you schedule playing both UCF and USF in the same year, let alone both on the road? Like you said, Miami has nothing to gain in either situation. In the beginning of a series against a lesser opponent, how do you hit the road in the first year? Why was it not a two home for one road contract? Like you said, I guess due to our unique situation funding-wise. Regardless here we are.
Miami needs to come out early and put the smack down from the first whistle. The longer UCF stays close, the more hope they have and the more the fans stay into it. I think Whipple will take kill-shots early and often, while Lovett dials up the right counter to anything the Knights do. I'm not predicting scores, but I think the Canes win by 2+ TD's based on having too many game-changers in comparison.
I think we'll have Coop back and I think he will bring some emotion on the road, having been out last game. The defensive injuries are mounting but luckily I don't think it will come too much into play this week. Go Canes!
-Columbus Cane
Let's hope this isn't a UCF team that comes out and almost beats Texas.
Whether it was Texas' lack of focus or UCF just playing out of their minds, I don't know. I didn't see the game.
Keep focused CANES
Thanks for the writeup.
However, I believe that our team this year is a million times better than last year, when we were still developing. We aren't to where we will be at the end of next season, but I also don't think that this game on Saturday will be close. Not 14 points close. I predict a big blow out from a focused, fast, and big-play Miami Hurricanes squad that is determined to avoid a repeat of last year's close game.
And I love "The Old Cane's" words from up top --
"By the way, we will beat you here, there, anywhere. We will take the bus to do it."
Amen.
However, I believe that our team this year is a million times better than last year, when we were still developing. We aren't to where we will be at the end of next season, but I also don't think that this game on Saturday will be close. Not 14 points close. I predict a big blow out from a focused, fast, and big-play Miami Hurricanes squad that is determined to avoid a repeat of last year's close game.
This is a much better Miami team than 2008. Not debating that in the least.
My point here is that this is UCF's 'super bowl'. Biggest home game in forever, et al. This can turn around a season and help recruiting.
Just want to make sure the Canes aren't sleeping on this one. The Knights will come to play.
If Miami brings their A-game, it's a blowout.
If Miami brings their B-game, a 14-point win.
Anything less and the Knights have a shot.
Hoping for focus and that players stay healthy.
allCanes:
Can you update me on the injuries??? Who is definitely out for the year and who is back in a game or two??? We need Coop ready for the ACC trek! Have all of these come during the last two games?? Seems like we have massive injuries that have piled up in light speed..not good!
305, im with you man. My comments about UCF being put away early was aimed towards the lone two UCF fans who have graced this blog. Altho i see a more than 14 point margin of victory.
Todd,
This is the injury report according to ESPN's ACC Blog *Warning* It looks pretty bad!:
Probable
RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity
RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity
Doubtful
OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity
Out
FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity
DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity
WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity
DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity
DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity
DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity
Surgery and Out for the Season
DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity
DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity
TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity
LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity
DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity
DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw
what channel is the game going to be on? thanks.
what channel is the game going to be on? thanks.
CBS Classic. It's a cable channel carried by some but not by all. DirecTV has it, too. (Channel 613)
If you can't get on TV, the game will be streamed online for a fee.
HD - http://all-access.cbssports.com/playerHD.html?code=ucf&media=144397
Regular - http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=ucf&media=142583
BZCanes here-
Good grief--AllCanes can't by a break with his prediction. If he predicted a 42-6 beatdown there would be just as many people saying there were too many injuries for that to happen and that he's a homer.
THIS IS UCF's Super Bowl!
That can't be understated. It's as big as a bowl game for them.
This game has been circled on the calender during summer workouts in Orlando. I'm sure coaches used the "you're not good enough" to play at Miami motivation ploy.
I live in Tampa--and USF fans are already talking about the Miami game here.
They were hyped for the FSU game--and now they feel they can take 2 of the big 3 down.
UCF doesn't have as much talent as USF. Still--for the reasons allcanes mentioned we have to take them very seriously. While we are improved--we won by 6 last year....at home.
Yes we are better, yes they lost some very good defensive players, but that doesn't mean we can roll into Orlando and walk out with an easy win just because we're Miami.
As much as we've improved...we're still not at that level yet.
A few early turnovers and a couple of scores for UCF against a depleted defense will have that place rocking.
However, if we do remain focused and hungry then those are issues we do not have to worry about.
We should be hungry--in my opinion that 6 point win last year was a complete embarrassment.
I hope the players see it that way.
I'm ok with scheduling teams like this because they aren't complete cream puffs. If UCF and USF do well in conference at the end of the year a game like this won't kill our SOS. It could actually help--and it's better than Charleston Southern.
I guess I see your point about it being an in state game though. Maybe a team like Memphis(just a random example) would serve the same purpose without having all the potential pitfalls an in state game brings.
Nothing good can come out of a win except refining our skills and building more confidence.
We blow them out then we're supposed to. If it's a close game then we struggled, and God help me if we didn't win. We have to play someone though--and at least this game SHOULD be a W...and it doesn't look as bad as UC Davis, etc.
I think Randy has the guys locked in and I think we'll be ready on Saturday. I am worried about our D a little, and that's why I think AllCanes prediction is very reasonable. They may get a few scores or a garbage score late.
Plus--Randy has shown that he's not going to run up the score if we are up 34-10 in the 4th.
More than likely we would just run the ball and try to get out of town with our health.
Games like this are important.
A. We need a few games that we're supposed to win easily on the schedule. B. We need to work out any issues on both sides of the ball before we get into the meat of ACC play.
We have a great opportunity to have an outstanding season and prove a lot of people wrong.
As bad as UNC and Clemson have been they still have talent, and will be tough games. Ditto Wake, and frankly USF scares me.
We should beat them--but with a mobile QB--great pass rushers, and athletes all over the field combined with the same "super bowl" mentality that USF will have at what will be a sold out Raymond James. We will have to play well.
Right now it's one game at a time.
FOCUS is the best thing AllCanes said.
If we focus--we build some additional momentum and pad our stats on Saturday.
Also---this was hilarious: "The only two good squads are Cincy and USF. The rest of the Big East sucks."
Anyone trying to rep the Big East needs to give it a rest. 2 above average teams and a group of underachievers/never has beens is not a good conference.
They will get better over time---but beating a Big East team in 2009 carries no weight with the exception of Cincy---and maybe USF if they don't break down like they usually do.
I'm excited for the game on Saturday.
Another opportunity to build towards something special! Go Canes .
Sorry for the choppy post!
Miami 38 UCF 20
Thanks for the comments, BZ.
Yeah, a fine line between "homerism", "hater-ism" or "calling it as I see it".
A lot of people are missing the point. This has nothing to do with how 'good' or 'bad' Central Florida is. It has everything to do (1) with the Canes staying focused and (2) the Knights treating this game like their be all-end all.
Miami was 19-19 the last few seasons. How many of those 19 losses were against 'lesser' teams the Canes "should've" beat? Several.
Good Miami teams have lost to lesser foes in the past, simply because of a lack of focus combined with a fired up opponent looking to make a point.
Miami should win by two touchdowns or more tomorrow... but my commentary on this game was simply that smaller in-state schools live for games like this. Miami better come to play. Make a statement.
BZ again,
Keep calling them how you see them AllCanes.
I enjoy honest analysis from someone who's followed the program for a long time. I have followed Miami since I was 7 years old..fanatically. As a fan I'd rather have honesty than fluff or articles on what you'd like to happen compared to what you think will happen. Everyone has a different point of view--but if you're not being straight forward people can tell. All of your points are very valid--and things coaches have probably been telling the players all week.
I think we are still a couple of years away from having the depth we need to romp undermatched opponents consistently...or for those romps to be a given. We could very well go in and win 50-0, but I would be more surprised by that than 34-20.
Add in the injuries we have right now and it's completely logical to see UCF put up a few points, and I don't think that is an excuse at all--or negative thinking.
It's just being realistic. And I'm definitely a little snake bitten from years past. We need to prove game in and game out this is a different team!
I do expect our offense to be efficient.
One thing I will be very anxious to see is something that is so cliche in sports. "killer instinct" or whatever you want to call it.
Our offense played their most impressive game against GT..but a few missed kicks and playcalling prevented us from making that game look really bad score wise.
If we get up by 2 scores or so at half I'd really like to see us come out and bury them.
I'm a huge Randy supporter and have been from the beginning of his tenure. My only criticism is that he tends to call off the dogs a little early.
I'm referring to GT more than FAMU.
There was obviously more risk than reward with keeping the starters in a few more series in that game and I think he coached hard the entire game.
I think we could've and should've put up another TD on GT before we completely stopped passing the ball.
I realize that is being very picky (and I don't want to sound like an ungrateful fan) I just think it's an area we can improve on and in reality 3 score games are not out of reach. See Florida game 2003.
Not only that, but I'd like to see the players develop an attitude where they want to crush people.
Not rub it in, or be Urban Meyerish..but I'd like to see them keep executing, and maintain a level of focus throughout 60 minutes.
To me it seemed like that was something RS was stressing last week..whether it was the reserves or the starters. He coached hard for the entire game, and I think he was stressing focus and executing despite a lesser opponent and lopsided score.
That needs to become a habit--and hopefully it is something we can observe on Saturday night. By that I mean we'll be up by 2 or 3 scores at the half!
Besides some added depth and more experience the areas this group needs to improve on are little things.
You bust your ass all summer long getting in shape to play the games. Then you practice and prepare all week for 60 minutes of play. Hopefully we treat those 60 minutes on Saturday with the amount of attention and passion they deserve. Why work so hard all year and not reap the maximum benefits on gameday?
A win is obviously the major goal--but outside of that I want to see Shannon and the players put an opponent away.
I'm not big on style points--but lets face it they matter.
This is a statement game.
yes UCF we are going to allow you to play us. Hell we'll even go to Orlando and play in your house. But we're going to make you wish you would've scheduled someone else!!!
Can anyone explain how we rise above no. 9 in the rankings if we're not playing any more ranked teams? I feel as though we've been all but forgotten and need to rely upon everyone to lose (and for us, of course, to keep winning) to go higher in the polls. The way things are configured, it seems almost impossible to play for the National Championship, even if we win the rest of our games.... What do you think?
Game Day!!!!!!!
While not as easy as i might have expected, ill take 27-7 each and every week. Bring on Clemson!
I'd say your mild concerns were right on the money. Though the game was never seriously in doubt, UCF played inspired defense all night. This was certainly their national championship.
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