Mark Whipple hired as offensive coordinator

For as long as Randy Shannon has been head coach, I've had a fundamental issue with a portion of the Miami Hurricanes fan base. 

I'm a results-based kind of guy. The process doesn't interest me as much as the final result. Wins will soon replace losses, but that won't come until all the pieces of the puzzle are in place. Shannon has proven he's a masterful recruiter but his goal of building a top-flight staff has been imperfect.

Tim Walton's tenure at defensive coordinator lasted a year. While some chose to blame Shannon for giving the former defensive backs coach a shot at DC, I applauded the fact there was no hesitation regarding pulling the plug. One bad year was enough to show Shannon he made a mistake. A month later Bill Young is hired and ran Miami's defense. It was a good hire, though a better opportunity at his alma mater brought Young back to Oklahoma State this past week.

Patrick Nix was Shannon's fifth choice for offensive coordinator in early 2007 and after a failed two-year stint, again Shannon knew when to cut his losses, releasing Nix a few weeks back. The Nix Era was a bust, but the result is what matters. The lame duck coordinator was let go and the search for a new offensive guru was underway. 

Mark Whipple was hired Monday night and announced as Miami's new offensive coordinator on Tuesday morning. His resume, impressive. Whipple spent the last year as an offensive assistant for the Philadelpha Eagles and before that, quarterbacks coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aside from his five years as an NFL assistant, Whipple spent sixteen years as a I-AA coach. In a six-year span at UMass he won two conference titles and one national championship. As a player, Whipple was the starting quarterback for Brown University for two seasons.

Naysayers will downplay the hire, but those paying closer attention see exactly what Shannon is doing. It's oft been stated that Jimmy Johnson is Shannon's mentor and go-to guy for coaching-related decisions. This is a Jimmy move. Shannon needs to play the role of CEO, recruit like hell, bring in Miami-caliber talent and let the coordinators do their job.

Aside from offensive coordinator duties, the pot was sweetened when Whipple was named 'assistant head coach'. On one level it's just a title. Something that will pad Whipple's resume when he moves on in a few years. On the other hand, it's a key component for a program in flux, with a third-year head coach on board.

As Shannon learns how to a high caliber program like the University of Miami, he'll get hands on experience from a veteran coach who's familiar with running his own show. Shannon is proving he's on a mission and isn't afraid to learn on the job. There's a definitely lack of ego and quest for knowledge that's refreshing in this day and age coaching-wise.

Personally, I'm not too familiar with Whipple. I know the name, but not as well as I did a Dirk Koetter or Chuck Long. The more I read, the more I like. A year ago this time Philly brought Whipple on board and Eagles fans were digging up any ink on the new coordinator. A quick Google search shines some light on why Shannon went after this seasoned vet. 

As a college coach, Whipple developed and ran the 'whiplash' offense, a wide-open passing attack which drew comparisons to the West Coast offense. Based on unpredictability, Whipple is said to have a "daring, going-against-the-percentages style that causes concern".

A quote from the Boston Globe after Whipple led New Hampshire to a I-AA national title: "He's an offensive nut. He instructed the team to begin the game with an outrageous five-receiver flood set called "Chattanooga". He promised the players that they would run the play to begin the game, regardless of starting position. He said he did it to 'break up the tension' on the sidelines".

"Then there is Whipple's play-calling. He likes to go for it on fourth down, even if he can feel the shadow of his own end zone. Against Lehigh, the Minutemen went for it on 4th-and-1 from their own 28. They made it."

While I'll agree that risky, gimmicky play-calling  has more of a place in I-AA ball than it does Labor Day night at Florida State, there's a refreshing mindset there that's been missing at Miami for far too long. Predictability and a reactive, not proactive mindset have kept the Canes offense at the bottom of the standings for years. 

Even when Miami was winning earlier this decade, it oft felt more like "out-talenting" than it was "out-scheming". The Canes finally have not only a figurehead, but an offensive mind that knows how to coach up quarterbacks. Whipple helped develop Ben Roethlisberger his first year in the League and sounds like he'll do wonders for true sophomore Jacory Harris.

Before that, he'll have to hit the ground running as a recruiter. First order of business, convincing top-ranked recruit Bryce Brown that Miami's offense will showcase his skills at running back. The big time recruit recently stated that the Canes' OC hire would be the deciding factor come Signing Day.

How quickly Whipple turns things around remains to be seen. There will be an influx of offensive talent this coming season, with several offensive linemen and running backs coming on board. Add to that last year's crop of wide receivers and Miami should soon be a scoring machine again.

That said, it'll take time to develop some of the new talent and to implement a new scheme. Young didn't have the horses on defense to fully run his defense last year. Where might Whipple have some growing pains year one? Talent-wise he's working with a lot more offensively his first year than Young possessed in 2008.

Shannon might've landed a gem here. Unlike Nix, Whipple is said to have been Randy's top guy in this most recent search. At 51-years old, Whipple is another seasoned veteran, like Young. Shannon is showing a trend of turning to experienced coaches when filling the most important voids on his staff.

With Young gone, one has to wonder where Shannon turns for defensive coordinator help. Rumors are flying that he'll take over the reigns himself, but as a devotee of JJ that doesn't make sense. You have to believe Johnson is advising Randy to focus on being a head coach, while letting position coaches do their job.

In a perfect world, ol' Tommy Tuberville would sign on for a year or two to help his old buddy Shannon. Give back to the program that propelled him to that next level. That Auburn money is still rolling in. Spend two years putting the Canes back on the map and mentor guys like Micheal Barrow and Clint Hurtt. Keep things in the family and pass some knowledge down to the next generation of coaches.

Again, a pipe dream from the perspective of a Miami fan, but that'd definitely be a perfect scenario. Hopefully Plan B is is solid in it's own right. Until that's in place, celebrate this Whipple hire. A big move for the Canes today. 


OTHER NOTES AND NEWS: Another big move with the verbal from Malcolm Bunche. Miami's offensive line recruits are piling up, making it four commitments at the position... 

... Highly-touted Marcus Hall is down to Miami and Ohio State after a recent visit to Coral Gables and while he lists the Canes on top, Mama Hall wants her boy to stay close to home. Would love to see Hall at Miami, but it's tough to sell mom. Especially when she didn't accompany him on a visit this week. Shannon will try to close, but this one is still somewhat of a long-shot...  

... Watched Miami fall at NC State tonight in overtime. Tough loss for the Canes. Down as much as 19 at one point, it looked like a blowout was in order. Miami got hot, tied it up and had a shot to win it in regulation, but missed their final shot at the buzzer and were outplayed in OT -- their second overtime loss in as many games.

In the end, 12-of-22 at the free throw line was the difference. Seems like there's always one aspect of the game where the Canes are off. At 14-6, Miami enters a brutal stretch that could completely derail their season - @Maryland, No. 4 Wake Forest, @No. 1 Duke and No. 6 North Carolina. 

Then again, after another crushing loss this season could already be over. Rather tragic in what was supposed to be a promising year for a team loaded with upperclassmen.

My excuse for falling off the map Canes-wise

The search for two coordinators is underway, recruiting season is getting heated and I took a week off from talking Canes as it was time to celebrate another passion; following a friend on his journey to the top. 

Pat Perez is a long-time bud. Actually, more like a brother-from-another-mother. My former roommate, a client and now a winner on the PGA Tour after wrapping up last week's Bob Hope Classic out in La Quinta, CA.

Year eight on Tour and 198 events later, the kid finally took care of business and closed one out. I haven't been this excited about a win since Miami rolled up Nebraska, 37-14 seven Januarys ago.

Ironically enough, I took in that Rose Bowl conquest with both my family, some buds, PP and Tour pro Jason Gore. All were a part of Sunday's desert triumph.

Rooting for the Canes, there have been as many ups as downs these past few years. Literally. 19-19 since the 2006 season, meaningful wins have been few and far between. This weekend I saw as meaningful a sports victory as I've seen in a long time. 

After a scorching opening round 61 on Wednesday, Perez sat a top the leaderboard. After a Thursday round of 63, he set the 36 hole Tour record at 20-under after two. Back-to-back rounds of 67 had him three behind entering Sunday's round, where he kept his composure and put together a stellar final round 69.

His final approach shot, a dagger. Sitting on a one shot lead with John Merrick in the clubhouse, Pat went for the six iron and stuck his second shot a few feet from the cup. A triumphant walk up 18, an easy putt for eagle gave him the victory at -33.

With upwards of two dozen friends and family piled up outside the bunker on 18, 'la familia' rushed the green when it was over and the celebration was on. It was surreal. I pocketed a clump of grass from the fringe of the bunker. A keepsake. Last time I did that was a sweltering fall afternoon at the Orange Bowl when Miami knocked off #1 Florida State, 27-24. Wide Right III that time. A three on a par five, this time.

Equally as crazy, getting to celebrate with Canes legend Pat Burrell (pictured far right), who I've gotten to know through PP over the years. It may have been a PGA Tour event, but it felt like The U was well represented; Burrell in tow and me rocking my Miami orange polo.

Ironically enough, Perez and I first met Burrell in passing at that much-discussed Rose Bowl game, though I'm the only one who recalls the encounter. Seven years later Pat & Pat are celebrating a World Series title and inaugural PGA Tour win over the span of a few months. Again, it's crazy.

This weekend was a reminder why I love sports and keep coming back for more, despite the recent track record of who I pull for.

Life is good when your team is on top. Sadly, the Canes haven't given me that feeling in a while. It doesn't diminish my love for the program, but it can take the wind out of one's sails. Numb to losses. Forgetting what it's like to lead the pack. Being a top that mountain is amazing. Being in the valley sucks.

This last week things were good sports-wise for the first time in a long time. Thrilled for my friend and after this brush with success, that much more eager for Miami to be relevant again. Pat's first Tour event came ten days after the 2002 Rose Bowl. It's been a long seven years waiting for his initial win and it's felt like a lifetime. Crazy to think it's been even longer since Miami delivered the hardware and that they're still on the clock.

While it'll be great to get back to talking Canes this week, I have to admit, I loved getting away and getting knee-deep in this experience. Sunday's night's celebration was reminiscent to the jubilation I felt in Pasadena, back at the bar of the team hotel after the beatdown of Nebraska. Joyous tears in my beer, doing all I could to soak up the moment.

The high was the complete opposite of my two lowest moments as a sports fan; seeing Ohio State steal Miami's crown and watching Pat hit out of bounds on the 72nd hole at Pebble Beach, losing the lead and eventually the tournament during his rookie season.

In both cases, I never thought it'd be over seven years (or more) before I saw redemption. PP delivered on his end this past weekend. Hopefully in the near future my Canes can do the same.

Congrats to my boy. Besides the joy of watching a friend succeed at the highest level, the experience itself reminded me how much I enjoy the thrill of victory and am over the agony of defeat.

Bill Young, we hardly knew ye...

Yesterday it was a rumor. Today it's official. Bill Young is headed back to the Midwest. Alma mater Oklahoma State came calling, ponied up big money and lured their native son back home. 

This is obviously a big blow for the University of Miami. Not because Young is irreplaceable, but because of the timing. Head coach Randy Shannon is already knee-deep in his hunt for a new offensive coordinator, while trying to lock down another top-flight recruiting class.

While the OC search is rumored to be over (word is a new coach will be announced Wednesday morning) a new search begins. Where will Shannon turn regarding his replacement for Young? Some are conveniently pointing to Georgia's Willie Martinez, as he has UM ties. Others say former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville will on some level offer his services to the Canes, citing his friendship with Shannon. Whether either holds water, we'll see. Both sound like nothing more than Internet rumors.

Regarding Young, on one level the move is understandable. It's also a head-scratcher, as well. The desire to head back home makes sense, though it doesn't necessarily mesh with Young's comments when taking the Miami job last year this time.

The then 61-year old talked about retirement and riding into the sunset with his wife in South Florida. He also cited a desire to win a national championship and coach high profile athletes like those Shannon is bringing to Coral Gables.  

Money is obviously a factor, with Young reportedly clocking in somewhere around the $700,000 range. Whether that's true or false, with T. Boone Pickens writing the checks one have to assume it was a healthy pay bump for the veteran coordinator.

As frustrating as the timing is the fact that Young never got to plant his feet and truly have an impact on Miami's defense. His one-year tenure was watered down as the Canes lacked the necessary overall defensive talent to implement Young's system. 2009 looked to be a year where change would be a bit more obvious as Miami will suit up more talent in the secondary and linebacking corps.

At this point it truly is hard to tell how much of a loss this is for the Canes. Young's run defense was eaten alive down the stretch and the secondary struggled to create turnovers. Miami's D looked great at Florida, but definitely showed some chinks in the armor as the season went on. How much of that was due to talent versus coaching, it is unknown and with Young gone next year, there's no way to gauge any improvement.

Unfortunately this situation gives more ammunition to the Shannon haters, even though it shouldn't. This opportunity was simply the perfect storm for Young. Big money. Alma mater. A chance to go back home. At 62 years old and no head coaching experience, Young is a perennial number two guy. Miami was a good opportunity, but for the OSU alum this is truly his dream scenario and perfect job.

This has nothing to do with Shannon or what Miami was willing to pay. The U broke open the bank last year to lure in Young and he was fairly compensated. As unfair as it seems, this is simply another stroke of bad luck for a program that's had its fair share the past few seasons.

The announcement of the offensive coordinator will now bittersweet on some level as the job is only half done. Shannon will have to get on the case and lure in a solid defensive mind to take over where Young left off.

Manny Navarro talks about Andreu Swasey...

Articles like this are one of a few things I miss about being back home.

Miami Herald beat writer Manny Navarro's access to The U allowed him to uncover some things about the Canes' strength and conditioning program, as well as the man behind it, Andreu Swasey.

Some local writers simply collect a check regarding their coverage of the Canes. Their thumb is nowhere near the pulse and their negativity comes through via the articles they craft. Navarro is the opposite. Obviously a diehard fan, Manny writes about what the fans want to hear about and in this case, sets many of the critics straight.

Log on to any message board and read the anti-Swasey rants. So many outsiders thinking they're insiders, wanting Miami's long-time strength and conditioning coach fired. Blame for any on the field injury lumped on Swasey instead of the brutal nature of the game or dumb luck.

If you haven't read Navarro's piece from last Friday, click here to do so. It's a must-read. Manny doesn't just give his own take; he goes to the source, talking with NFL U alum - many of which return to Coral Gables every off-season to train with Swasey.

Jon Vilma. Roscoe Parrish. Kellen Winslow II. Sinorice and Santana Moss. D.J. Williams. Kelly Jennings. Clinton Portis. Jon Beason. Reggie Wayne. Ed Reed. Jeremy Shockey. Willis McGahee. Antrel Rolle. Edgerrin James.

These guys even bring some other NFLers with no ties to The U. Plaxico Burress and Chad Johnson head down south simply to train with the same Swasey many fans want gone.

While many fans are quick to blame the strength and conditioning program, past Canes put the blame on a lack of leadership and hint at the dropoff in overall talent. Simply put, Swasey isn't the issue -- the players and a lack of heart are to blame.

"I don't know who the leaders are with the team. They don't showcase it on the field -- at least from me watching on TV. I know when I was in school we had vocal leaders. Ed Reed would do it on the field and then come back and tell us we'd better do it, too. We had enough respect not to let our teammates down. We were scared to not go out and execute and win," said Sinorice Moss.

''Last year when I was down there, I really saw a great group of freshmen who you could see understanding the system. You saw flashes in them this season, signs that tell you they're going to take the program back to where it needs to be. Aldarius Johnson, Travis Benjamin, those guys made plays. But young guys take time to develop on the field. Fans got to be patient, let Swasey take over.''

If that's the take of a former player, it's good enough for me. Someone who's not only been knee-deep in it, but keeps coming back for more every off-season - feeling the strength and conditioning program at Miami is better than the one his NFL franchise offers.

Like Randy Shannon, Swasey too needs time to turn things around. You're only as good as the players at your disposal and right now it looks like the best of Swasey are all playing on Sundays, not Saturday.

Ray Lewis & Warren Sapp talk about The U...

Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp reminisce about their days at The U. Taken from a recent clip on the NFL Network. Future recruits, pay attention to how things are done down south.

U Family. It's a bond that stands the test of time.

Miami 77, Boston College 71

Big win for Miami Basketball today at Boston College, 77-71. Nice to see the opponent stumbling down the stretch, missing free throws and not capitalizing on opportunities.

The Canes were even forced to close it out with point guards Jack McClinton and Lance Hurdle on the bench, both having fouled out.

I missed the majority of the game, sucked into watching the RavenCanes beat down the Titans. Hi-Def NFL action trumps an ESPN U Lo-Def college basketball game.

Miami has now won five straight and eight of their last nine. Next up, a Wednesday night home game against Maryland. Next Saturday, the game of the season - Miami @ North Carolina. 9pm ET, ESPN HD and a litmus test regarding where these Hurricanes are just past the season's halfway point.

Marve: True colors shining through...

I didn't want to dedicate another blog to the ongoing Robert Marve saga, but there's new news to discuss before dragging this story out to pasture.

The UM athletic appeals committee upheld the ruling regarding Marve's transfer stipulations. No ACC. No in-state schools. No LSU, Florida or Tennessee, though the rest of the SEC is open.

The three-SEC school ban, a result tampering rumors the Marve family denies.

Last week Eugene Marve revealed his battle with prostate cancer. He was diagnosed in 2003 and stated that he selfishly wants his son to play closer to home.

In a gesture of good faith, Miami lifted restrictions on Central Florida and South Florida; both schools the Canes will face a few times over the next few years. In what should come as no shock, the Marves remain disappointed.

Crazy how the three schools the Marves and/or high school coach Robert Weiner are accused of talking to seem to be the sticking point for both sides. Miami won't budge and Team Marve won't be satisfied until the get it all. 

If the elder Marve's health and son's proximity were top priority, then why aren't South Florida and Central Florida good enough? Both are closer than Florida, Tennessee and LSU. 

Not to sound callous, but The Cancer Card was played to gain more public sympathy. I know prostate cancer is no laughing matter. My father in law was diagnosed last year, had his prostate removed and is going about life in remission. Cancer is serious business and I understand what the Marves are going through. For that, they have my sympathy.

That said, their bluff was called. They cited proximity as an issue, so Miami backed off the 'in state' ban. Still not good enough.

The Marves are frustrated, but their frustration is misdirected. Instead of blaming their son's college coach, they need to look a little closer to home at Weiner. As you put together the pieces of this puzzle, all signs point to the overprotective high school coach speaking on the Marves' behalf and tampering away.

Over the holidays I re-read Bruce Feldman's "Meat Market". I'd forgotten the ink Marve got in this tale of recruiting in the deep south:

A few feet away, his high school coach Robert Weiner beamed like a proud father. Weiner and Marve had spent weeks mapping out their summer schedule to showcase Robert. On the docket: trips to Alabama, Mississippi State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Duke, NC State, Purdue, Iowa and Minnesota.

"This is the hardest-working human being I've ever seen," Weiner said of his protege. "He comes in by 5:30am and he'll stay until 10pm at night. He's smart too. He got a 3.4 last semester. And he's a slave to the weight room." 

Saying that Marve is Weiner's protege is an understatement. The way Weiner has handled himself since Marve left Plant, it's as if his entire legacy will be defined by the quarterback's collegiate career.

In an effort to hype Marve, Weiner simply blew hot air that his quarterback never backed up. Hardest-working human being he's seen? Marve wasn't even one of the hardest-working players on Miami's squad this year.

Slave to the weight room? 3.4 grade point average and a scholar athlete? Doesn't really sound like the kid who skipped class and checked out mentally as the season wound down.

For all those who chastise universities for big talk and overselling during the recruiting process, here's further proof that players and their high school coaches play their own set of games, too.

The kid Weiner described above doesn't sound a lick like the quarterback Miami signed two years ago.

No ACC. No Florida schools besides USF and UCF. No Tennessee. No LSU.

Marve family, you have a slew of options. Be happy with that, weigh your options and move forward. The Canes have moved past this dramatic situation. You should do the same.

The BCS gives you this year's SHAMpion...

Thank God college football season is over.

I can't remember the last time I uttered those words, but for some reason they've never rang truer than this year.

Bar none the most unfulfilling and lifeless season I can remember in my lifetime. So bad that the hated Gators win over the Sooners didn't even phase me. This year's title game merely meant that Florida and Oklahoma won the beauty contest. Congrats, I guess.

The SEC and Big XII were more popular than the Pac-10 and Mountain West. Oklahoma was more well-liked than Texas, the team that beat them. Florida was on top of the world after knocking off top-ranked Alabama; a win that lost its luster after an undefeated, left-out-of-the-mix Utah did the same thing - in more impressive fashion, no less.

The BCS was created to eliminate this exact thing we're dealing with today - an undisputed champion. 119 Division I schools, yet only 66 are included in the BCS. Big time, big money schools are invited to the dance while the 55 less pretty programs aren't invited to the biggest party of the year. Money, clout, popularity and earning potential are the criteria.

If it sounds more like a fraternity than college football, that's because it is.

The sound you hear? The wind being let out of this fan's sails. A college football enthusiast since I was knee-high, this is the first time I've been let down by the game itself. Coaches have let me down. So have players. Opposing teams have broken my heart. Holidays have been ruined due to untimely losses.

I can live with all that because it was honest. Miami didn't show up or get a lucky bounce. Other times the other guy was simply better. It's the nature of the game.

No, for the first time I feel duped. I never loved the system, but I've reached my breaking point.
I've seen behind the curtain. It ain't pretty. Right up there with finding out about Santa or realizing you'll never be a rock star.

TV revenue and ad sales are the name of the game. Our president elect and the almighty Tim Tebow combined couldn't change the minds of the powers that be . Expired contracts are our only hope. TV deals are up in 2013. Only then will the "P" word finally hold some clout. Maybe.

Florida won and Oklahoma lost.

So did Utah. Texas, too. Alabama, Texas Tech and Penn State all had one loss apiece going into bowl season.

Polls-schmolls, no one wants to play Southern Cal right now. Probably the best team in the land, but the Pac-10 doesn't have the clout of the SEC or Big XII, so no invite to the ball. The west coasters also lack a conference title game, which burned SC in the past.

Sounds like it's time to reel in Utah and BYU. Call it the Pac-12, have championship and go toe-to-toe with the 'big two' when it's time for computers and biased people to crunch numbers or vote.

Unless you're from Gainesville or Norman, this title game was a snoozer. All hype, no substance. Oklahoma's high-flying offense looked great against lesser teams, but stalled against Florida in a ten-point loss. Similar to a ten-point loss they had against Texas, the Big XII team who lost the 'popularity contest' and was a dropped interception away from a title game berth.

As for the Gators and their potent O, a mere 24 points against the Sooners and their 65th-ranked defense? No big returns by the self-proclaimed fastest team in football, against a foe knocked for weak special teams play all year?

This wasn't a national championship. It was like watching two friends play a video game.

Go to 'create a player' mode and build a 6'3", 240-pound quarterback/fullback who runs over people. Make the fastest receiver virtually possible and sub him in as your running back, since you have no 'real' ground game.

Tebow and Percy Harvin together combined for 231 rushing yards while the Gators three 'traditional' backs amassed 20 yards on 11 carries.

Emmanuel Moody, the former Trojan and current Gator made headlines this week talking about Florida's speed being superior to Southern Cal's. Too bad it's the only press he'd get after one carry for zero yards in the title game. To think this kid left Los Angeles because he was buried on the depth chart. I bet Moody never expected to be a non-factor due to a quarterback and wide receiver getting more carries.

Get ready for two more years of insignificance in that system, E. But hey, at least y'all are super-duper fast, right?

Run the option. Rely on gimmicky shovel passes to an undersized tight end and some overhyped, unnecessary 'jump pass' for the game-winning score. Blech. It stinks.

Bring back the traditional balanced attack the game employed the past few decades. College football used to be a mini-version of the NFL. These days, it bears a closer resemblance to a game of Madden between frat brothers and for the first time in my life, I'd rather watch the NFL Playoffs than the college football's bowl season.

Truth be told, the spread offense is ruining the college game. It's great if you're a Gator and you just won another mythical national championship, but it's nonsense if you're an outsider who simply wanted to to enjoy an exciting finale against the supposed "nation's best".

For the record, yes, I'd rather Miami be where Florida's at today. Two 'championships' in three years and a Heisman-winning quarterback. That's a no brainer. Still, your team winning doesn't eliminate the fact there's something gravely wrong with college football these days. This game was anticlimactic and truly had no meaning.

Not after watching Colt McCoy leading his snubbed Texas bunch back over Ohio State. The Horns at home while the Sooners team they beat didn't come to play.

Not days after seeing Utah upend Alabama. The same Crimson Tide the Gators used in their argument to defend their spot in the title game. Florida beats Alabama and the talk is, "we beat #1". Utah does the same thing and it's, "we already took the wind out of their sails". How convenient.

Florida/Oklahoma felt pointless after watching Southern Cal field a junior NFL squad, manhandling Penn State with ease. This season started with SC looking like an absolute machine. One bad half of football in Corvallis and their dream season, derailed.

Like Florida, a ten-game win streak ensued - but without all the Tebow-esque fanfare. The Trojans weren't a sexy enough pick for the BCS this year. Their one loss deemed more hurtful that Florida's or Oklahoma's, with no rhyme or reason.

If there was ever an argument for an eight-team playoff, this was your year. Florida. Oklahoma. Texas. Southern Cal. Utah. Alabama, Penn State. Texas Tech. Set it up and let them all duke it out. A couple SEC teams. Three Big XII squads. The Pac-10's best. A Big Ten school and the smaller Mountain West rep.

The United Nations of college football and everyone gets their fair shot.

As the confetti fell, Barack Obama again let his feelings be known. "If I'm Utah, or if I'm USC or if I'm Texas, I might still have some quibbles," he said. "That's why we need a playoff."

Help us Barack and do it soon. You're our only hope.

A little bird told me Shannon likes Danny Langsdorf

Who knows how much weight to put into the rumor, but I've been told that Randy Shannon is high on Danny Langsdorf.

Langsdorf is currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oregon State. He's been with the Beavers since 2004 and before that, spent some time in the CFL and with the New Orleans Saints. During his tenure at OSU, the Beavers have ranked in the top ten in teh nation for passing yardage each year.

This talk of Langsdorf goes against the 'inside scoop' so many others are reporting, with all their signs pointing to an NFL assistant as the next Miami OC.

Personally, I don't know much about Langsdorf but I did watch Oregon State's offense stick it to Southern Cal earlier this year.

I also watched them muster up a 3-0 win over Pittsburgh in this year's Sun Bowl, though in fairness all everything tailback Jacquizz Rodgers - the hero in the upset of the top-ranked Trojans - was sidelined.

Rodgers also missed the season-ending showdown with Oregon, where OSU lost and played their way right out of a Rose Bowl berth.

Langsdorf used a healthy dose of the run and the pass in the few Beavers games I watched this year and could be a good addition to The U, if this is the direction Shannon goes.

There are a few schools of though regarding the hiring of an offensive coordinator.

First is to go out and hire a big name or up and comer. Someone like Gus Malzhan, who Auburn threw some big cash at to lure away from Tulsa. The plus, you're getting what looks like a solid OC. The negative, you're getting a guy who will quickly climb the coaching ladder and probably won't stick around too long.

When an assistant coach gets "hot" he's like the prettiest girl in the bar. Everyone is in pursuit and it makes it hard to settle on just one suitor, with so many offers.

These guys are usually in the college game as NFL up and comers aren't coming back down to the college game for anything less than a head coaching gig, i.e. Rob Chudzinski. No way the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator takes a pay decrease and step back career-wise to return to his alma mater. Only way Chud is back at The U is the day Shannon is out.

Second option is to find a retread. Someone who has bounced around. Former collegiate head coaches who wind up as NFL assistants and are still putting in their work as a #2 guy so the can someday work their way back to the top. Some of these guys are damaged goods, while others simply caught some bad breaks.

Dirk Koetter fits this mold, as do a few other NFL assistants who have had their names tossed around as of late.

Third is to find that diamond in the rough. An up and comer before he's earned the title, 'up and comer'. Basically, a Malzhan-type a few years back before he became a household name.

Could Langsdorf be that guy? Oregon State has quietly put together a few 9-4 seasons, while mustering up enough to go toe-to-toe with Southern Cal, beating them two of their past three meetings.

If not Langsdorf, is there another up and comer out there that Shannon can spot, before all the big money, big time programs find him and make him a financial offer he can't refuse?

In the end, no one knows what Randy is going to do. This is just a name I heard, so I'll pass it along. I'm not pretending to have any "scoop" and I'm not saying I'm hearing this from "many sources".

I know a few guys in the know and I respect what they tell me. Sometimes they're spot on and other times they're way off. That said, this is what one of them told me today, so I'm telling U.

Wetzel: Doing his best Alexander Wolff...

After a few days, the dust had settled on the Robert Marve saga. To the point where Eugene Marve retracted his statements, apologize to Randy Shannon, as well as the University of Miami.

Dad's hollow warning to future recruits regarding the situation at The U? It fell on deaf ears as Ray Ray Armstrong and Dyron Dye as both committed to Miami last night at the Under Armour All-Star game.

I really wanted to let this one go and not say anything... but I can't. Not after finally reading the biased article by Dan Wetzel over at Yahoo! Sports. A few folks forwarded me the link to the article that ran last Friday, but I ignored it. It was the holiday season, I was in a good place and frankly, I wasn't in the mood for any more negativity. It'd been a long week.

When cleaning out the Inbox today, I found Wetzel's piece staring me in the face. A few lines jumped off the page. I read on, much in the same way you double-take something vulgar on the Internet. You don't want to look... yet you can't turn away.

Which was exactly Wetzel's point when he chose to put the University of Miami on blast regarding this Marve situation. An accomplished sports journalist and screenwriter, Wetzel was calculated in his trashing of the Canes.

For as much success as Miami has experienced the past three decades, it's common knowledge this is still a small, yet brash fan base. A small private school with big time success. If you're a Cane, you loved every minute of it. As an outsider, Miami was the poster child for Public Enemy #1.

Everyone's second-favorite team eventually became whoever the Canes played on any given Saturday.

Wetzel's been around long enough to know this. He jumped at the opportunity to appease the masses with this recent beat down. Most definitely a calculated move as kicking the Canes when they're down is good business. Just ask Alexander Wolff. It got him the SI cover story on June 12th, 1995.

"Broken Beyond Repair" was an open letter to Edward 'Tad' Foote, where Wolff called for then UM-pres to shut down the football program. No knock on Butch Davis, but he was "Mr. Right" yet "Mr. Too Late".

Six year later, Davis had the Hurricanes back - building it up the right way, stocking the cupboard with all the right kids. From the depths of probation to No. 2 in the land. A year later, even with his departure, national champs.

So easy a caveman could do it... and did.

Wetzel's piece on the State of Miami in the wake of Marve? Nothing more than following Wolff's blueprint. Pile on. Take the easier angle and appeal to the masses. Kick the Canes when they're down. People eat it up.

Fact is, no one's even talking transfer or restrictions if the junior Marve kept his temper in check, got his ass to class and competed harder for the starting job.

The real story here? How about the unearned sense of entitlement many a high school senior takes into his college experience. An out of control recruiting game and out-to-make-a-buck sports media has turned the process into a three ring circus. Players are out of control, with parents more overbearing as a stage mother.

If Papa Marve spent more time preaching to his son the value of competition and reminding him that a man is only as good as his word, #9 would've reacted accordingly.

He also wouldn't have turned tail and quit.

Come hell or high water, the "kid that broke all Tebow's records" would've showed Tebow's heart and made it his mission to win the starting gig.

Spare the sob story, Danny Boy; "Marve found out this week that he was never anything more than a mercenary, just a pair of swift legs with a strong arm brought to the University of Miami to win games."

Marve was no hireling. Players get as much out of the program as it gets out of them. NCAA Football is the resume that earns you a shot at the next level. You make a commitment, you honor it and you compete. At least, that's what winners do.

It's this newfound sense of entitlement that has teenagers negotiating for immediate playing time and a 'guaranteed' role as starter.

Based on Marve high-tailing it, he's proved the stereotype. Being named numero uno and starting 11 games wasn't enough. Team Marve didn't like looking over their shoulder. They weren't fans of the term 'open competition' or the true freshman QB who showed up early and came to play.

Marve sized up the competition, thought things over and bailed. Jacory Harris aside, Marve didn't care for Mr. Shannon's rules, either.

The first player on Randy's watch, suspended for some late night tomfoolery also happened to be the kid the new coach was baking the program's future on. Not off to a great start.

Marve didn't step up and lead. He skipped out on class and when suspended for the second time in a season, he skipped town. Back to Tampa to talk 'future' with the fam and his overbearing former high school coach, instead of preparing with his teammates for the bowl game.

One side is working on becoming a team, while it's former quarterback played 'every man for himself'.

If Robert Marve and family are all about protecting themselves and their best interest, why shouldn't the University of Miami do the same?

Break a commitment or contract in 'real life' and there are consequences and penalties. Quit a job before your options vest and you're not seeing that money. Sign a contract to sell your home, change your mind, try to get out of it and see what happens.

If a player commits to a program, it's and three to four year commitment. Coached passed up others to bring said superstar on board. A game plan is built around the new talent. Up and leave and you see a ripple effect on your depth chart.

Players have the right to leave, but it can't be easy. These are college kids, on campus to learn life lessons. We'll call this one, "giving up something to gain something". You can go, but you can't go anywhere. You can also stay here, compete and live up to your commitment.

As a head coach of a vulnerable program in rebuilding mode, Randy Shannon had to draw a line. Being a teacher and leader of men, one final lesson for the young Marve.

To those programs who feel it's alright to tamper with Miami's starting quarterback; no mas. Shannon isn't having it. To the critic too ignorant to understand why, pay closer attention.

Banning a player from going to a conference school is a no-brainer. So is blocking a transfer to all state schools. Eliminate the "why here, but not there" argument completely. Those who tamper, Shannon had to draw the line.

Without these transfer criteria and no repercussions for tampering, where does the game go?

Who comes calling next year? Who gets in a player's era about depth charts and a lack of playing time? Commitments mean nothing and coaches are re-recruiting kids already signed with other programs. Promises are made and frustrated kids are breaking their word, picking up and going where the wind blows.

Everybody pays in the end. The program takes a hit and recruiting has a void to fill. On the other side, players fail to live out a valuable lesson -- at a time when it should be all about learning, becoming more responsible and growing into men.

Wetzel says Shannon is out to intimidate his players; "dare to leave and I'll bury you".

Not even close. There's a lesson here for all parties involved and there are repercussions for one's actions.

Wetzel also quipped, "Clearly at Miami you're a piece of meat. If you're going to go there, you better hope and pray it works out. If not, they might try to bully you off to the other end of the country".

Safe to assume Wetzel didn't take the time to read Gary Smith's piece in SI last fall. The legendary sportswriter actually formed his opinion after spending time with Shannon.

Smith didn't see the same bully Wetzel describes:

"One day the freshmen would chip in a few bucks and join the 35 or 40 other players who'd eat pancakes and eggs and catfish that [Shannon would] pick up at 5 a.m. at Jackson Soul Food to fill their bellies before their 6:30 meetings, and they'd begin to see another side of him.

Then they'd risk entering Randy's office with an upperclassman and find their teammates, seven or eight at a time -- often the players who'd come from the harshest circumstances -- lounging about as if it were their rec room. Some rifling through his desk drawers, closet and refrigerator for snack bars, muffins or peanut butter and jelly that they'd pitched in for him to buy. Some dozing in a chair. Some watching TV or game film, or talking life with him.

Somehow he'd sense what was troubling them, sometimes before even they could. They took things to him that they wouldn't drag into white coaches' offices, not in a million years, nor even the offices of those black assistants who'd been raised by schoolteachers and ministers. Because those guys wouldn't get it, man, couldn't possibly know what it was like for Javon Nanton to have grown up with a mother on crack and a dad missing from his life, or for safety Kenny Phillips to have three buddies who were shot and killed in separate incidents, all within a few weeks.

They'd tiptoe around the raw stuff, those assistants, trying to say the correct thing, or spoon out something straight from the coaches' can. Not Randy. Players could take the worst to him, and the worst from him. They could talk to him in shorthand. They wanted what they could smell all over him: survival."


A few years ago this time, Team Marve didn't feel the head coach was a bully, either.

Shannon was a huge reason Robert ended up at Miami. In an article Dad called Randy 'the next Tony Dungy' - at the time, a recent Super Bowl winner, a quiet leader, a teacher and stand-up human being.

Since then, what or who in the equation has changed? My money is on the flighty pupil, not the wise teacher who's remained steadfast. The one who's endured real hardship and has overcome real adversity.

Process that Dan Weztel and you'll finally see the guy Gary Smith told everyone was "hiding in plain sight".

In the end, here's hoping you're a better man than Wolff -- capable of eating crow, or at minimum mustering up a heartfelt apology.

Robert Marve. A kid with potential that gave up too quickly and created this mess.

Randy Shannon. A solution, not the problem.

'Marve Saga' not exactly hurting recruiting...

The Canes nabbed two big verbals tonight at the Under Armour All-America High School Football Game in Orlando, FL. 

So much for all that Robert Marve nonsense impacting recruiting season for the Canes. Miami didn't land the entire 'Sanford Trio', but two out of three ain't bad.

Ray Ray Armstrong (safety) and Dyron Dye (defensive end) are headed to The U, while teammate Andre Debose (wide receiver) is Gainesville-bound.

Armstrong is a 6-foot-4, 218 pound, four-star prospect. He chose Miami over Southern Cal, Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, LSU and others.

Armstrong threw a 40-yard, game-winning touchdown (to Dubose) in Samford's 28-21 win over Miami Northwestern in this year's national championship game.

Armstrong plays safety, linebacker and quarterback. He's expected to boost the Canes' secondary next season as a safety.

Dye is a 6-foot-4, 215 pound, four-star defensive end. He chose Miami over Southern Cal, Florida, Florida State, LSU and others.

Dye had 65 tackles this season and caught three catches for 46 yards. ESPN said Dye's quick get-off is second to none and that he's non-stop, with a serious motor. 

Last winter it was the Year of the Bull, with Miami Northwestern winning it all and The U winding up with a handful of national champions. A year later, Sanford Seminole stands atop the mountain, ironically enough, knocking off Northwestern. Meanwhile, Randy Shannon again lands some top talent from the nation's best. 

More winners from winning programs headed to Coral Gables, as promised. 

The doom and gloom contingent of this fan base spent the past week swearing that this Marve saga would have a negative impact on recruiting. Not quite. Armstrong and Dye are huge pick ups for Miami, with more to come.

It'll take more than an emotional rant from a former player's disgruntled father to slow down Shannon and staff. A father who since retracted his harsh words, ate some crow and offered his apology, I might add.

Miami currently has 19 commitments for the 2009 recruiting class. Today's two four-stars are Miami's tenth and eleventh in this year's class.

Bryce Brown, the lone five-star, earned MVP honors in Saturday's U.S. Army game, after a three-touchdown performance. Brown remains a Miami commit, though the commentators implied the race was still wide open. Missouri, Clemson, Oregon and Kansas State are said to still be in the mix, though Brown hinted otherwise.

After offensive tackle Xavier Nixon tossed a Miami hat aside and pledged Florida, Brown stated, "he will pay for that", a strong indicator that the Canes are still the team to beat.