The Chris Hayes Story finally out on ESPN.com

For those who missed it, props to our guy Rusty98UM for getting this clip off of College GameDay and up online for all to see.

If you don't know the Chris Hayes story, this is a must-watch. Even if you already know it, watch this piece again and prepare to be moved. The Hayes family wasn't comfortable talking about this last year when the wounds were still fresh. Thankfully they're now ready to open up a bit, which is great because this is one of those stories that needs to be heard.

For all the bad that goes on with college football or coddled athletes, this situation further proved that it's all about the U Family.

Miami v. Wake Forest : The Preview

Another game and another week where the question remains; which Miami shows up?

Sitting at 5-2, just past the halfway mark, this season is already a success. The Hurricanes weathered the early storm, hung on against a few lesser foes and fell to two quality ACC opponents; Virginia Tech and most recently, Clemson.

Five games remain, with a slim shot at a BCS berth potentially in the cards. At best, a 10-2 regular season. Realistically, 9-3 looks like a logical conclusion regarding year three in the Randy Shannon era.

For all those balking at the premise of 9-3, remember where this program spent the past three seasons; somewhere between 7-6 and 5-7.

You might also want to remember how you originally predicted this season playing out. For many, 9-3 was a dream and 8-4 would've been considered a step forward - yet at 5-2, many folks are ready to write off 2009 and consider the season a failure. Typical Miami.

Should fans be miffed over the performance against Clemson? Absolutely. The majority of the game was a car crash. Jacory Harris was half awesome and half awful. The offensive line earned a big ol' "fail".

Defensively and special teams-wise, the Canes had their fair share of breakdowns. Coaching-wise, Shannon, Mark Whipple and John Lovett came across as playing not to lose, as opposed to having their squad performing like the No. 8 team in the land. All that said, last week is in the rearview.

When Miami fell to Virginia Tech earlier in the season, Harris received a text message from former Cane great Ken Dorsey. The former quarterback's advice for the current quarterback? Simple, yet poignant; don't let the Hokies beat you twice. Oklahoma was on the docket and it was imperative that Miami was ready for its next opponent, no longer dwelling on its last.

Wake Forest welcomes Miami on Saturday and the Demon Deacons are a shell of the team who won the ACC a few years back. Riley Skinner remains behind center, but gone are the supporting players who made head coach Jim Grobe look all world.

The Deacs stumble in 4-4, coming off back-to-back losses. Clemson schooled them 38-3 and last week, an embarrassing 13-10 loss to Navy; a squad that didn't complete one pass in the contest.

On paper, a Miami win would be a safe bet. In reality, another week where a decent squad can step up and save their season with an upset win.

In reality, the Canes are as banged up as they have been all season and will again rely on unproven upperclassmen to carry the load.

For those keeping score, Miami now officially has eight players out for the year and six more which are sidelined against Wake. The biggest names on that list; Ray Ray Armstrong, Sean Spence, Javarris James and Eric Moncur. Losing Ryan Hill, Adewale Ojomo, Jordan Futch and JoJo Nicolas hurt, as well.

Miami is already underclassmen-heavy in 2009. Over fifty Canes are either freshmen or sophomores and while that bodes well for the future, it is a crushing blow this season with fourteen players sidelined tomorrow and beyond.

While the hard-headed fan pounds the table, screaming "suck it up" and "find a way", the logical fan knows better. This team is still a year or two away and for all intents and purposes, the Canes are overachieving at 5-2 this year. Another loss (or two) would be understandable, but in the same breath, Miami could still win out if bodies heal and this team plays better football.

The key this week? Shannon's ability to get Miami's collective head out of the toilet after a heartbreaking loss. Rebounding from a 31-7 pounding at the hands of Virginia Tech? Chalk it up as a bad day out. A 40-37 OT loss to Clemson in a back and forth shootout? A completely different ball of wax.

Word out of Coral Gables is that a 'focused' Miami took the field all week. The standard soundbites came out of the usual suspects; guys like Jason Fox owning the loss and talking about the Canes rebounding. All of that may sell newspapers, but it doesn't win ballgames.

The Canes' defensive line needs to get after Skinner in the way they didn't get after freshman Tigers quarterback Kyle Parker last week. Miami let Parker play like a Heisman-worty senior. Lovett must get aggressive defensively, rattling a veteran quarterback early and looking for turnovers.

Offensively, Miami is without James, but Graig Cooper and Mike James must be ready to go. Take the pressure off Harris by implementing an effective ground game. Wake's defense has proven suspect and Miami has to answer. Don't be afraid of the deep ball. Rely on J-12 and let the sophomore quarterback get his mojo back against a squad known for giving up the big play.

The Deacs should be the right remedy for a Canes win... but only if this squad is mentally ready to play.

Even with the injuries, it's hard to argue against Miami this week. On paper, Wake is the second to last easiest opponent the Canes face from this point on (Duke earns the top spot, visiting Land Shark on 11/21).


The Call: Miami 34, Wake Forest 20

Game Seven : Clemson 40, Miami 37 (OT)

I've made the comment the past few years that while Miami continued rebuilding, there'd be a few types of games; inexplicable wins and equally inexplicable losses. Clemson obviously falls into the latter category, while Oklahoma fans are left wondering how Miami eked out that one-point win a few weeks back.

Welcome to Miami Hurricanes football in 2009; year three of a five-year rebuilding project. Close to being back, but not quite there. As strong and able as the depth chart will allow, but still having to change a game plan or scheme based on one or two in-game injuries.

My inbox has been flooded since Saturday, fans venting and rivals gloating. I still marvel that at 5-2 so many people are abandoning ship. The same Randy Shannon who was a hero in the wee hours after an early October win against Oklahoma, is now back to being the goat after an overtime loss.

Welcome to Miami, eh?

The Clemson loss was ugly. No doubt about that. Everyone knew the Tigers had the athletes, but that doesn't excuse not having an answer for C.J. Spiller. The senior is a hell of a back and a special teams demon, but that doesn't excuse a school-record 310 all-purpose yards. Save those stats for Duke. How does a Miami defense and special teams get torched at that capacity?

Even more frustrating, the Canes letting freshman quarterback Kyle Parker look like a Heisman contender. Instead of planting the newbie on his back and bringing the house, Miami let Parker go 25-of-37 for 326 yards and three touchdowns - including the game-winner in overtime.

Jacory Harris was a respectable 17-of-27 for 256 yards and two touchdowns, but three interceptions proved to be the difference. As frustrating as the turnovers were, the timing and overall result were ever worse.

Late in the second quarter, Harris goes 4-of-5 for 53 yards, the drive capped by a 23-yard Damien Berry touchdown run. Up 10-7 with under five minutes to play, a poorly placed Alex Uribe kickoff put the ball in Spiller's bread basket and resulted in a 60-yard kickoff return. 14-10, Clemson.

Two solid Graig Cooper runs put Miami on Clemson's 37-yard line with a first down. A field goal should've been the worst case scenario, but an errant Harris throw turned the ball over in the end zone. Half over.

Both squads traded scores and turnovers throughout the third quarter, making for a 24-24 tie entering the fourth quarter and after a 51-yard Matt Bosher field goal, Miami quickly shut down Clemson and took possession at the Canes 15-yard line. An errant Harris pass later, gone was the momentum and a 27-24 lead.

DeAndre McDaniel picked off a pass Harris rifled into traffic and returned it for a 23-yard touchdown. 31-27, Clemson.

As schizophrenic as this game proved to be, Harris' first pass after the interception proved to be a 69-yard strike to Travis Benjamin. 34-31, Miami. Hi, I'm Jacory. Meet my other friend, Jacory.

Clemson put together a 65-yard drive, ending with a Randy Phillips end zone interception and from that point on, Miami coaches went conservative, having lost faith in Harris and the passing attack. Or at least that's the current take.

Did Shannon handcuff Mark Whipple, or was the first-year offensive coordinator relying on a ground game he felt could provide a few first downs? Javarris James was the big bodied back in the game, but three straight runs are inexplicable. 1-yard, six yards and 1-yard, setting Miami up with a 4th and 2 from the Canes 28.

Like it did against Florida State, the Miami defense made a stand when it needed to, holding Clemson to three. The clock kept ticking and the Tigers needed to force overtime.

Miami's missing ground game reappeared on the first play in the extra period. Cooper rushed for 19 yards, to the Clemson six-yard line. 1st-and-goal from the six, James was stifled for one, Cooper was stopped for no gain and on third down, an inexplicable passing play. Harris seemed to be looking for Leonard Hankerson up top, but there didn't appear to be a good second or third option. A forced pass to Tevaris Johnson fell incomplete and was almost intercepted with Johnson blanketed by three Clemson defenders. Miami was forced into kicking a field goal.

On the ensuing possession, Parker's first pass fell incomplete and on second down, Spiller was stuffed. Facing a 3rd and 11, wideout Jacoby Ford called for a passing play that hadn't worked all week in practice. Coaches were sold, pulled the trigger and within seconds Parker hit Ford for the 26-yard game winning touchdown. For added emphasis, two Miami defenders crashed into each other, allowing Ford to waltz in untouched. Game. Set. Match.

I don't have the authority to question the play calling, nor do I pretend to be in the know. Amazing what I've read on message boards this morning about Shannon, Whipple, the run versus the pass, etc. No one really knows the inner workings of a big time college football program - especially folks in the media, bloggers or message board know-it-alls.

A win against Oklahoma didn't make this staff infallible, the same way an overtime loss to Clemson doesn't mean heads need to roll. Fans need to have the wherewithal to look at the bigger picture here. Step outside of this most recent game and look at the overall state of the program.

Look at the talent which is returning, but isn't quite there. Depth-wise, Miami is still relying on too many freshmen to carry the load. Shots some fans have taken against strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey, take inventory.

When established programs and humming along as they should be, you get your underclassmen on a program and in a regime that will put some 'man weight' on them. By junior or senior year (especially if you had the luxury to redshirt), your players are closer to resembling NFL talent than looking jacked up high schoolers.

It's one thing for a Southern Cal or Florida to rely on a true freshman here or there, but the Canes are an army of underclassmen right now and that will be the case until next season. Year four, the depth will be one step closer to being back. Last year's freshmen will be juniors and the latest crop of incoming freshmen won't be thrown into the fire.

Miami's sideline again looks like a MASH unit, meaning more underclassmen will be relied upon as the year rolls on. Gone are the days of the Canes relying on an Eric Moncur to provide that senior leadership and experience. Instead, it's a defensive line chock full of underclassmen filling holes.

Blame Shannon all you want, but championship caliber teams aren't so reliant on underclassmen. Until the depth and talent return, the Clemsons of the college football world are due for their day against a Miami. Even at 3-3, no one doubted the Tigers didn't have the athletes - and the will - to hang with the Canes.

Talent and depth aside, Shannon faces arguably his biggest challenge of this season; getting his team out of the toilet. An overtime loss when sitting on a top ten record and 5-1 ranking - it's crushing. All the talk about Miami's brutal four-game opening stretch, to get through virtually unscathed and then to lose a heartbreaker weeks later? A crushing blow.

Wake Forest is on deck and Miami needs to quickly pick its collective head back up or 5-2 will be 5-3 before you blink.

It's not about the BCS or ACC right now; it's about keeping things together year three. It's the halfway point of a five-year rebuild. Take inventory, right the ship and save this season. A two-loss season would've been more than welcomed when 2009 kicked off. Right now it still remains a reality, if Miami can get back on track. Focus. Don't let Clemson beat you two weeks in a row. Take down Wake, get to 6-2 and press on.

Miami v. Clemson : The Preview

Miami and Clemson have only met up twice as ACC rivals and both contests went to the wire. In 2004, the Canes blew a 17-3 halftime lead and lost 24-17 in overtime.

A year later in Death Valley, a defensive turnover in the third overtime sealed the 36-30 win, bringing UM to 1-1 against a new conference rival.

In the four years since the last showdown, a tale of two different programs. Miami rose to No. 3 in the nation over the next seven games, but stumbled down the stretch and was smoked by LSU in the Peach Bowl. Assistant coaches were sent packing and another underachieving year later, Larry Coker was asked to pack his bags.

Randy Shannon took over and is now in year three of his rebuilding project, while at Clemson it's Dabo Sweeney who's since taken over for Tommy Bowden - the long-time coach who seemed to always hover around those four or five-loss seasons, inexplicably losing games when the Tigers were hyped and expected to do more.

Underachieving seems to be the case at Clemson. It got Bowden fired midway through last season and Swinney needs a big win to shake up that 3-3 opening as a first-year head coach. The Tigers always seem to have the talent, but rarely live up to expectations... which makes this a scary game for Miami.

And so begins another weekend as a Canes fan.

Another opponent out to prove a point and turn around a season. A talented squad who hasn't lived up to the hype, but could finally step up any given week. A defense that has been taking notes on Miami's offense. (Look no further than Central Florida sacking Jacory Harris six times last weekend.)

It's not a "pitfall" game like FAMU or UCF. Clemson can play. They simply haven't a few times this season.

Focus. It's a word that resonates as the Canes have lost it several times the past few seasons. When you go 19-19 over three years, you literally spent half those games watching Miami lose; many times again lesser competition. A lack of focus, execution and play calling to blame.

This year's Canes are proving they can maintain focus. A late comeback at Florida State. Pouncing on and never letting up on Georgia Tech (until Randy called the dogs off). Responding against Oklahoma after getting drilled a week earlier at Virginia Tech. Two straight wins over lesser state rivals out to prove a point.

Safe to say these aren't last year's Canes.

Clemson is a different kind of monster, though. A defensive front four that will pressure Harris. A bruising ground game and special teams thanks to C.J. Spiller. The biggest liability freshman quarterback Kyle Parker, with six touchdowns and five interceptions on the year.

Rumors swirled about a Swinney meltdown on offensive coordinator Billy Napier early October, prompting a players only meeting. Days later, the 38-3 rout of Wake Forest.

Have the Tigers turned the corner? Or was then win over the Deacons a one-time spirited effort, prompting a return to normalcy this weekend at Land Shark?

Clemson will dictate their fate, but again the larger question surrounds Miami; which Canes team shows up this weekend?

Miami has to treat Clemson with the same mindset they brought against Oklahoma. This will be another fast, hard-swinging defense that will pressure Harris and will look to shut down the run. Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp will pressure Harris while Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor are two good cover men.

Of course the Canes D should do the same to Parker as Miami returns several defensive starters on the line and in the secondary.

In the end, who flinches? Can Harris take advantage of man coverage, buying enough time behind his line to make plays? How will Miami run the ball with Graig Cooper, Javarris James and Mike James all banged up and returning from injury? Can fourth-stringer Damien Berry step up if need be? Running on Clemson isn't the same as running on FAMU or UCF. The Canes must establish the run with one of these guys.

Which Spiller shows up? The one stifled at Georgia Tech, Boston College and Maryland or the back who shone against TCU and Wake? Now is not the week Miami needs to let a big time back put himself back on the map.

Defense, special teams and the ground game will determine this one. Both quarterbacks will feel the heat. Which line steps up, that dictates your outcome. On paper, Harris is your gamer and at 5-1, you don't want to bet against J-12. That said, this is another physical defense. Mark Whipple better be on his game and Jeff Stoutland needs a better effort from his offensive line, that last week's sack-frenzy.

Miami is still the team to beat, but Clemson is better than their 3-3 record. Shannon, Whipple and John Lovett know that and in the end, Harris should be the difference-maker.



The Call: Miami 24, Clemson 16

ESPN, Heather Dinich and the ACC mid-season report

Heather Dinich of ESPN.com released her ACC midseason report earlier today and for anyone who follows the blog, it comes as no shock that HD was again off base.

Crazy how at 2-0 the Miami Hurricanes were media darlings, albeit for a mere five minutes. After a loss to Virginia Tech, the love affair was over - even with an upset win over a top ten Oklahoma a week later and two straight wins after that, propelling the Canes to 5-1 and their own No. 8 ranking.

Miami is currently the highest ranked ACC team in the nation and has endured one of the most difficult schedules in the nation, yet Dinich gave the Canes little love in her mid-season progress report. Miami v. Florida State earned her vote for "best game" but even in that, a dig when she implied the potential game-winning Christian Ponder to Jarmon Fortson drop in the waning moments was a "controversial" incomplete call.

A "controversial" incomplete call where the ruling on the field was unanimously incomplete and the the replay clearly showed the ball touching the ground? Nice call, Heather.

Regarding "Biggest Surprise", Dinich gave the nod to Boston College - a 5-2 team with wins over Northeastern, Kent State, Wake Forest, Florida State and NC State. The two losses, both blowouts at the hands of Clemson and Virginia Tech. She also gave first-year Eagles coach Frank Spaziani the nod as "Best Coach", citing that the first-year leader "inherited more problems than he did answers".

Where was that love and learning curve when Randy Shannon took over a Miami program in shambles?

Dinich hypes Spaziani for having BC in contention to win the Atlantic Division - something the Eagles did the past two seasons - yet in the next breath, calls the entire Atlantic Division the "Biggest Disappointment" midway through 2009. All of which begs the question, how impressive BC's record based on the poor play of division rivals?

How do you hype a 5-2 team that's beaten virtually nobody this year, giving them kudos for being 'in contention' to win a very weak division? Furthermore, how do you do this when Miami is arguably the surprise team midway through the season?

Sitting at 5-1, Miami beat the same Florida State team that Boston College took down and it lost to the same Virginia Tech squad by a lesser margin (Canes fell by 24, Eagles suffered a 34-point loss). That said, the Canes also beat a good Georgia Tech team and upset an eighth-ranked Oklahoma squad.

Many were calling for an 0-4 start in Coral Gables, promoting their fear mongering regarding Shannon's job status if and when the Canes face planted out the gate. After opening a surprising 3-1, media folk like Dinich still can't call it like it is.

Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams took home "Offensive MVP" honors, event though Miami quarterback Jacory Harris is a legitimate Heisman candidate.

Williams filled in for the injured Darren Evans, helping the Hokies to a solid start. He's earned ACC 'rookie of the week' honors five times this season, which is misleading being that first-year starter Harris saw some playing time last year, taking him out of the 'rookie' debate.

As offensive players, check the numbers Production versus specific competition. Harris has 1,518 passing yards and 11 touchdowns over a six-game run. His quarterback rating is 157.29 and he's shined on both the big and small stage.

Harris passed for 386 yards and two touchdowns at Florida State; the most yards any Canes quarterback has ever put up against the Noles. A week later, a 20-of-25 outing, 270 yards and three touchdowns in a rout of Georgia Tech.

A rough outing a week later at Virginia Tech, Harris responded with a 19-of-28 performance and three touchdowns against Oklahoma stout defense. (The Sooners were giving up an average of less than a touchdown per game; Harris threw for three.)

Florida A&M and Central Florida followed, where J12 put together good enough performances. A 20-of-26 outing, 293 yards and a touchdown were the result against the Knights, even when spotty line play allowed the sophomore quarterback to be sacked six times.

In Williams defense, he has been a workhorse this season. After a slow start against Alabama (13 carries for 71 yards), he's responded with 100+ yard games in five of the next six outings. Miami and Georgia Tech the toughest foes, Williams padded his stats a bit in wins over Marshall and Duke.

834 yards on 140 attempts and 10 touchdowns is impressive for a true freshman seven games into the season. Respect. But are these numbers better than Harris'? No. Harris has carried Miami this season and the Canes would be a shell of a team without him behind center.

Harris is to Miami what Tim Tebow is to Florida, whereas Williams is simply another back plugged into a run-happy offense. Evans was named Orange Bowl MVP after last year's BCS win, yet he was easily replaced by a true freshman a few months later.

Williams is a hell of a back and is deserving of the award, but it sounds like any back worth his weight will thrive in that system. Not the same as quarterback who comes along once-in-a-decade for a program.

Harris' performance at Florida State was his third career start and his first after learning a completely new offense with Mark Whipple now calling the shots.

A first-year starter behind center at Miami - putting together a banner year against toughest early stretch in college football, mentioned in Heisman chatter - and Harris still isn't good enough to top an ACC blogger's poll.

Hardly a shock and par for the course. Miami fans know it all too well, while outsiders ignore the bias and claim Canes are hypersensitive. To each their own.

Regardless, ESPN and Dinich aren't giving the love, so it's on UM to stay the course. Keep taking care of business. Continue building a legacy and a name by proving doubters wrong and remaining anti-establishment.

Anti-Miami contingent makes presence known

Miami fans are oft knocked for being so quick to claim there's an anti-Hurricane contingent out there. Canes are thought to not only be bandwagon, but thin-skinned and quick to shout "conspiracy".

Most notably it's due to the negative press UM receives - continuing to pay for thirty year old sins and a passe 'thuggish' image - while both UF and FSU seem to fly under the radar as the arrests pile up.

The Canes always seem to be front page news for the wrong reasons - Robert Marve's off-season transfer, a Randy Shannon imposed suspension when a player misses study hall, etc. Anything to give the Cane haters some fuel that Miami will always hang on to that Thug U moniker.

The BCS standings were released this past weekend and while it's only mid-October, you could simply drop the "C" right now and just call it the BS standings as the Canes slid in No. 10. Miami is 5-1 after playing arguably the hardest stretch in college football this season, yet still trails some less impressive one-loss teams and some loss-free paper champions.

Does anybody really believe that Miami deserves to be behind Boise State, Cincinnati, Iowa, TCU or LSU? Seriously?

Florida and Alabama? Sure. It's the SEC, it's two powerhouse programs and they're both undefeated. Give them the top two spots... for now. Same for Texas, sitting 6-0 and having been a Big XII staple the past few years, a BCS winner last season, a Heisman contender at quarterback and one failed interception away from making last year's title game. If we're going to implement and put weight into preseason polls, the the current top three deserves to remain where they are as undefeateds.

From there, it gets shady.

Boise State? Please. Wins over Oregon, Miami (OH), Fresno State, Bowling Green and UC Davis before struggling against lowly Tulsa? Show me which computers are favoring this faux program and I'll show you an all time error message.

Cincinnati? A nice win over South Florida, but the rest of the schedule reads Rutgers, Southeast Missouri State, Oregon State, Fresno State and Miami (OH).

Iowa took down Penn State, but other than that a rather lackluster schedule with wins over Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas State, Michigan, Wisconsin and a season-opening nailbiter against 'mighty' Northern Iowa. The Hawkeyes inexplicably jumped from No. 11 to No. 7 in the AP poll (No. 6 in the initial BCS poll) after a ten-point win over nobody Wisconsin.

TCU beat Virginia, Texas State, Clemson, Southern Methodist, Air Force and Colorado State to hold down the No. 8 slot in the BCS, while 5-1 LSU sits at No. 9.

The Canes are clinging to the No. 8 spot in the current AP poll, which is most frustrating - and which also proves the media bias, for those who simply feel it's a myth.

If there's no anti-Miami contingent, how do you explain some of the media members voting the Canes so low? Twenty-seven AP voters have UM ranked No. 9 or lower.

Tom Mulhern (Wisconsin State Journal) has Miami ranked No. 14. Ahead of the Canes, he inexplicably lists Georgia Tech, Oregon, Oklahoma State and Penn State.

Three voters ranked Miami No. 12, two at No. 11, twelve at No. 10 and nine at No. 9.

Ironically enough, some well-known college football enthusiasts seem to think highly of the Canes. ESPN's Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit both have the Canes sitting pretty at No. 5. Two non-household names have Miami ranked No. 4 (Teddy Feinberg) and No. 3 (Jon Wilner).

Tom Hart of CBS College Sports has UM ranked No. 6 while ABC's Craig James feels a No. 7 ranking is fair.

While thirty-two AP voters ranked Miami No. 8 or higher, the average goes down when twenty-seven biased fools rank the Canes so low. If AP voters are ranking the Canes low, what does that say for the biased coaches who might not give Miami a fair shake? Combine out-there computer rankings, crunch all these numbers in an oft-wrong computer and the No. 10 BCS rank is explained.

At what point will AP voters be held accountable? When does someone step in and make the Tom Mulherns of the world justify their bogus No. 14 ranking? Each and every year teams are screwed by those in the media with a bias or axe to grind.

How did a one-loss Florida State best a one-loss Miami team in the final regular season BCS standing in 2000? The Canes knock off the top-ranked Noles and No. 2 Virginia Tech, yet FSU heads to the title game?

How does Oklahoma back into the championship game in 2003 after losing the Big XII title game? How do you justify a conference running up getting a shot at a title a month after getting throttled 35-7 by a then-three loss, thirteenth-ranked Kansas State team?

Why did computers prefer a one-loss Florida team in 2006 instead of a one-loss Michigan squad?

Why did a one-loss Oklahoma team trek to Miami last year to face Florida instead of a one-loss Texas team who beat them earlier in the year?

Media bias. AP voters with preconceived notions and an agenda are to blame as every vote counts. Ranking a team too low in the AP is bogus, especially when the AP represents one of two post-season trophies. Where's the validity?

The Bowl Championship Series is here to stay (for now), so at least attempt to fix a fixable glitch; hold AP voters accountable. Set a standard.

For Miami, the mantra remains the same; one at a time. Keep winning. Ignore the polls. Let is all come out in the wash.

Regarding Tom Mulhern, someone revoke that yahoo's credentials immediately.


(Note: Want to gilve Mulhern a piece of your mind? Feel free... tmulhern@madison.com)

Game Six : Miami 27, Central Florida 7

A much more spirited affair than last season's 20-14 Canes victory in Miami, but again Central Florida treated this Sunshine State match up as if it were a BCS game.

Almost 50,000 screaming fans at Bright House Stadium; the largest crowd in its short history. An explosive energy on campus as this fan base knows the days of big time programs coming to Orlando will remain few and far between. (Especially with a now 0-for-21 record against top 25 teams.) This was a do or die type game for the Knights and their fans. For the Canes, it was simply game six on the schedule. Some faux hype would have to be implemented to avoid the let down.

Credit to Randy Shannon and staff, Miami was ready. It wasn't the blowout many overzealous fans were calling for, but it was a convincing 27-7 victory where the outcome was never truly in doubt. That's not to say things didn't almost get a little hairy midway through the third quarter.

After finding itself in a fourth and long situation, Miami muffed a snap before an attempted punt, setting Central Florida up at the Canes two-yard line. Attempting to cut into UM's then 17-7 lead, UCF inexplicably attempted to run an option, losing four yards. After an incompletion on second down, Miami made the game-changing third down play which brought the contest back down to earth.

Instead of pulling to within three, the Canes blitzed quarterback Brett Hodges and forced an interception by Colin McCarthy. Miami then drove 52 yards on eight plays for a back-breaking field goal and 20-7 lead. From there, no looking back. By the time the fourth quarter kicked off, fourth string running back Damien Berry was in the game.

Jacory Harris, 20-of-26 on the night for 293 yards and a touchdown, didn't attempt a pass after the 12:42 mark in the fourth quarter. The game's final sixteen offensive plays were all on the ground.

Miami didn't set the world on fire Saturday night, but in a game like this it didn't need to. Contrary to the belief of some, this was indeed a pitfall game. Had the Canes not buckled down and remained focused, this contest could've absolutely gotten away from them.

The Knights brought as much thunder as possible. Harris was sacked six times and Central Florida was hitting hard on every play. They were out to prove a point; they simply didn't have the personnel to pull off the upset - even with the Canes as banged up as they were.

Midway through October, it's all about staying the course. Win games. Find a way. Remain focused. Look around college football on any given Saturday and you'll find teams who didn't get that memo. No. 4 Virginia Tech saw their title dreams go down the drain with a 28-23 loss at No. 19 Georgia Tech. Still alive in the ACC, the Hokies are dead as a title contender with two regular season losses.

No. 1 Florida got all it could handle from unranked Arkansas, needing some lucky bounces and a late field goal to eke out a three-point win. No. 6 USC was taken to the wire by No. 25 Notre Dame. No. 7 Ohio State faceplanted at unranked Purdue. No. 15. Nebraska was throttled by unranked Texas Tech. No. 17 Kansas lost to unranked Colorado.

When you see the Hokies and Buckeyes choking away their golden opportunities, it helps you put a 27-7 victory in perspective. The Canes are now 5-1 entering next weekend's home showdown with Clemson, are back in the ACC mix and when the polls are released later today Miami will be sitting on a No. 7 or No. 8 ranking.

Not bad considering this team started the season unranked and picked fourth in the Coastal division.

One game at a time. Cliche as it sounds, it really is the only option as this unexpected seasons rolls on. Miami survived the "murderer's row" schedule out the gate and has avoided any letdowns after a brutal opening four-game stretch. Six games into 2009, can you really ask for anything more? Especially based on expectations?

This next month is all about the ACC. Clemson, @Wake Forest, Virginia and @North Carolina. All winnable on paper, but so were many other games in the 19-19 stretch Miami endured between 2006 and 2008.

A very defining stretch of football is on the horizon. Buckle down for Clemson at 3:30pm ET next Saturday and let's get this thing to 6-1.

Miami v. Central Florida : The Highlights

Much respect to the uber talented Rusty98UM for sticking to tradition and piecing together another great highlight reel - in HD, no less. Dig it. Go Canes.

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

Game Five : Miami 48, Florida A&M 16

470 yards of total offense, 48 points, a 4-1 record and a No. 9 ranking in mid-October and all still isn't well in Canesville.

Some advice for logical-minded folk; stay off any UM-related sites during game. The commentary from this supposed fan base is enough to make you lose your mind.

Miami smacked up undefeated FAMU to the tune of 48-16 on Saturday night, shut down all-world punt returner LeRoy Vann and field a squad of second, third and fourth stringers the final two quarter, yet it's still not enough the morning after.

Was Jacory Harris razor-sharp all night? Of course not. 217 yards and two touchdowns were impressive, but the two interceptions were two too many - making for a 12 TD to 7 INT ratio five games into the season. That said, we're talking about a true sophomore who made his seventh career start this week. Give Harris time. He's learning on the job.

All that said, it was an impressive win in a pitfall game. FAMU rolled in upset-minded and was absolutely beat down in every phase of the game. It was no contest, regardless of how much the Rattlers tried to hype it up all week.

Regarding the Canes and a less-than-perfect outing; it is what it is. After four straight games against ranked opponents - two of which were nationally televised and one of two regionally shown Saturday night games - forgive Miami if there was a little rust when lowly FAMU rolled into town.

How do you get jacked up for Florida A&M on the heels of Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma? You don't. It's a glorified scrimmage that 47,859 fans showed up to witness.

Your starters knew before kickoff that they wouldn't see the second half and your back ups knew they'd see their first action of the season. Your scout team brought more thunder than your opponent and couldn't hold a candle to the last four teams on your schedule.

Miami held a 31-3 lead at the half before the first-teamers were sidelined - a rarity in the modern era of Miami Hurricanes football. Lest not forget this is a program that sweat out a 14-13 win against Houston a few years back; a team that barely had the depth to eke out a 20-15 win at Duke thanks to some FIU brawl-related suspensions.

The Canes finally get some back ups some meaningful playing time, the young talent looks solid and fans still find reason to bitch. Will wonders never cease.

For all those wasting time and energy this week regarding the future of redshirt freshman Tommy Streeter, nice work. While the gurus and know-it-alls who swore their father's cousin's nephew's former roommate told them Streeter was thinking of transferring, the wideout had three receptions for 55 yards - Miami's leading receiver Saturday night.

Streeter followed up his on the field performance with the following words for the Herald's Manny Navarro: "I'm 100 percent a Cane, 110 percent. I'm dedicated to this program and I'm not going anywhere. I'm just staying humble and waiting for my opportunity, my name to be called. I'm just trying to work hard, show coaches I can make plays and that they can trust in me."

Whether Streeter is in a Miami uniform in 2010 or not, why in the hell is this even a topic of conversation when the Canes are 4-1 and just re-cracked the top ten?

Thearon Collier returned a 61-yard punt for a touchdown and had a 28-yard reception. Kendal Thompkins hauled in his first pass of the season. A.J. Highsmith went 3-of-3 for 38 yards, taking his first snaps behind center. Brandon Harris picked off a pass. Travis Benjamin averaged 26 yards per punt return while FAMU's Vann had one return for 15 yards.

Fourth string running back Damien Berry carried 14 times for 162 yards and a touchdown - the most yards since Tyrone Moss rushed for 195 against North Carolina four years ago. When was the last time the Canes had the depth to turn to a fourth string tailback?

For all the questions surrounding the secondary earlier in the year, the unit is starting to come together. The past few weeks showed the emergence of Ray Ray Armstrong at safety and against FAMU it was freshman defensive back Brandon McGee who got some minutes and made some plays. Same to be said for the offensive line, which broke in youngsters like Brandon Washington and Ben Jones.

These present-day Canes are 4-1, ranked No. 9 and are on a roll... while the Canes of tomorrow are getting broken in nicely, instead of being thrown into the fire, which has been the norm the past few seasons.

It was only FAMU and it wasn't a razor-sharp performance, but it wasn't supposed to be. Miami passed yet another test early in the season; avoiding the let down. The starters took care of business, the back ups got their licks in and the Canes are headed to Orlando next weekend for a showdown with Central Florida.

All is good in Canesville; even if the message board folk disagree.

Gearing up for FAMU...

Florida State. Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech. Oklahoma. Florida A&M.

One of these things is not like the other.

Miami survived the most brutal four-game stretch anyone in college football will see this year, putting together a 3-1 record and climbing to No. 11 in the polls entering this Saturday's showdown with FAMU; the Canes first unranked opponent of the season.

No disrespect to the undefeated Rattlers, but this one really doesn't even warrant a preview. FAMU is saying all the right things regarding staying upset-minded and the media has played their part, revisiting the Rattlers' 16-13 upset of the Canes three decades back, before Miami was "Miami". That being said, FAMU lacks the athletes to compete with UM and this one should be over by halftime.

LeRoy Vann is a hell of a punt returner and quarterback Curtis Pulley, a Kentucky transfer, definitely has some game. Still, it's Miami and FAMU. Outside of a halftime performance by the band and some Cane-related offensive highlights, there won't be much to see on Saturday at the Shark.

Miami fans, it's time to exhale. Head out to the Shark today for the 'scrimmage', root on your Canes, pray for an injury-free contest... and cross your fingers that freshman Mike James has a breakout game in place of Graig Cooper.



The Call: Miami 48, FAMU 13

Sebastian drops by allCanes...

A special thanks to Sebastian The Ibis for dropping by allCanes earlier this afternoon to sign autographs, pose for pics and spreading that general Miami Hurricanes themed cheer.

Head on out to Land Shark later today to watch UM take on FAMU at 7pm ET!

A season-changing tackle? Just maybe...

Oh to have been a fly on the wall in the Miami locker room at halftime Saturday night when Oklahoma held a 10-7 lead.

After two quarters the Canes turned the ball over twice, punted twice, found the end zone once and gave up more big plays than they made. The fact it was a three-point game was promising, but it didn't mean Randy Shannon didn't need to light a fire under his team. Especially on the heels of a 31-7 loss at Virginia Tech a week prior.

Shannon delivered what players referred to as a "passionate speech" - much to the chagrin of the anti-Shannon contingent who believes the head coach is too stoic. Before taking the field for the second half, Shannon vowed that Miami would get a big hit on the ensuing kickoff.

Nelms, the aspiring track standout from New Jersey, heard the message loud and clear and his bonejarring hit on Mossis Madu set the tone for the rest of the game.

After Nelms leveled Madu on the 15-yard line, the Canes defense pinned their ears back and came to play. Running back DeMarco Murray was stopped for a one-yard gain on 1st and 10 and on 2nd and 9, defensive coordinator John Lovett dialed up a game-changing play.

Brandon Harris sped in on a corner blitz, attacking Landry Jones from his blind side, swatting the ball loose and giving Miami possession on the 11-yard line. A play later Jacory Harris found Dedrick Epps for the go ahead score. The Canes never looked back.

Miami held strong defensively on the next possession and on the ensuing drive moved the ball 73 yards with Harris finding Travis Benjamin for a 38-yard touchdown and a 21-10 lead.

The Sooners chipped away at the stone, but only brought it to within one. The Canes weathered the storm and pulled the upset.

Did Nelms' hit set the tone for the season? Can one play really mean so much?

Back in 2006, Miami took a 1-1 record into Louisville and looked to right the season with a win over the No. 12 Cardinals. After taking an early 7-0 lead, the Canes looked to punch it in again, until Charlie Jones fumbled on the 8-yard line. Louisville put together an 87-yard drive, ending in a field goal. 7-3 instead of 14-0, Miami withered from that moment on.

A 51-yard strike from Kyle Wright to Darnell Jenkins set the Canes up at the 29-yard line. After a conservative run, run, pass progression, Jon Peattle pushed a 40-yard field goal attempt wide and Miami never regained its footing. All of this after the Canes started the game with some false bravado and a pre-game logo stomp.

Louisville rolled to a 31-7 victory and Miami struggled against any formidable competition the remainder of the season.

Did the logo stomp cause a four-game skid late in the season? Maybe. Maybe not. (A mid-game brawl with FIU and the murder of Bryan Pata certainly didn't help Miami's cause.) Still, it's plausible to believe that the Canes wheels started falling off during the loss to Louisville; a game where everything seemed to unravel.

Regarding Nelms' hit, time will tell if it proves to be a season-changing play. Without the big hit at the 15-yard line, does Miami get aggressive and blitz Oklahoma two plays later? Maybe. Maybe not. Still, Shannon's halftime rant combined with the first four plays of the second half put the Canes up for good, leading to an unexpected win over the Sooners.

Next up, FAMU and some much-needed special teams play with the Rattlers and LeRoy Vann headed to town.

Dave Hyde talks U Family and Quarterback U

Dave Hyde is arguably my favorite South Florida sportswriter. Love his Canes-related stuff in the Sun Sentinel and he's now started writing for Sports Illustrated online. Check out his latest piece about the history at Quarterback U and how J-12 is the next in a long line of Miami greats.

Game Four : Miami 21, Oklahoma 20

A week after a 31-7 beat down at Virginia Tech, the million dollar question remained - which Miami team would show up for Oklahoma? The answer? Not the one the Sooners saw two years ago in Norman.

It's time for the nation to take notice; Miami is back. What degree of 'back' remains up for debate.

This squad isn't 2001 reincarnated. A 34-game win streak isn't on the horizon. The Canes aren't a shoo in for back-to-back national title game berths. There won't be half a dozen first rounders headed to the NFL in April. Anyone measuring this team up to those standards, stop right now. These 2009 Canes don't have to achieve 'greatest of all time' status to be considered back.

Saying Miami is 'back' simply means the Hurricanes are relevant again. A 3-1 start. Wins in two nationally televised games against teams ranked higher than them - Florida State and Georgia Tech. Those are steps towards being 'back'.

So is a win over a top ten team; the Canes first since a win at Virginia Tech four years ago. Not only did Miami hold their own against Oklahoma, but the Canes did so a week after running into a buzzsaw in Blacksburg a week ago. The last time Miami fell 31-7 against the Hokies (2003), the then-No. 2 Canes followed up with a 10-6 home loss to Tennessee a week later, ending any shot at a third straight title game berth.

Different team. Different coach. Different mindset.

Randy Shannon has proven much in his tenure as Miami's head coach. He can recruit, he can assemble a staff and he can have his team ready to bounce back after a crushing loss. That might not have been the case year one and two, but with the personnel both on the field and on the sidelines, the Canes are proving they know how to forget about last week while focusing on the latest task at at hand.

Would Miami be ready for Oklahoma? That's what the college football world wanted to know. Were those first two wins a fluke? How would the Canes handle the Sooners' defense - one that is bigger, stronger and faster than the D the Hokies brought a week ago in a crushing defeat? Regarding Mark Whipple, when and how would the offensive guru implement a running game - one that's been non-existent the first few games this season?

All those questions were answered in a thrilling 21-20 upset of No. 8 Oklahoma last Saturday night at The Shark.

Miami was ready. Those first two wins weren't a fluke. The Canes were ready for that Sooners defense and Whipple was ready with a ground game, highlighted by a senior running back ready for career-type performance.

Down 10-0 out the gate after two early Jacory Harris interceptions, weaker teams would've folded - and weaker teams have. When was the last time the Sooners were down two scores and went on to lose a game? Last October against No. 5 Texas, which was a rarity. Oklahoma amassed a 34-8 record these past three years, with three BCS games and a title game berth.

During that same span Miami went 19-19, played in a blue turf bowl, missed a bowl and made their way to a lesser bowl in a San Francisco baseball stadium. Clearly on paper, this was a juggernaut taking on an up and comer ready to break out. It was just a matter of when and where.

Oklahoma was without Heisman-winning quarterback Sam Bradford and all world tight end Jermaine Gresham before kickoff. They also lost wideout Ryan Broyles early in the game, which didn't help their cause. Still, any Sooner who wants to compare depth charts with the Canes, go right ahead. One program has been reloading all decade while the other has been in rebuilding mode since 2006. Simply put, don't expect any sympathy from Miami - a program with it's fair share of injuries this season.

OU quarterback Landry Jones made his third start while Harris made his sixth for UM. Both quarterbacks had inexperience on their side and both had their ups and downs. Harris simply rose to the occasion, remained calm and made the plays needed to win a game of this caliber. Two early interceptions were followed up by three touchdown strikes - 18 yards to Jimmy Graham, 11 yards to Dedrick Epps and 38 yards to Travis Benjamin.

Stats-wise, this one was almost even - 341 total yards for Oklahoma and 342 for Miami. The Canes rushed for 140 yards to the Sooners' 153 and passed for 202 yards to OU's 188.

The majority of Miami's ground game came via Javarris James, the oft dinged up senior running back who finally had his breakout game. James carried 15 yards for 150 yards and provided some of the game's biggest moments. A 50-yard run early in the second quarter set the stage for the Canes first touchdown.

James again shone on the final drive when the Canes needed to retain possession while nursing a one-point lead. A 21-yard scamper on the second play of the drive moved the ball from the Miami 39 to the Oklahoma 40 and on his final rush of the night, James picked up 13 yards after a Harris to Epps connection sealed the game on 3rd and 6.

The only real discrepancy came in penalties where the home team was dinged by Big XII officials 12 times for 115 yards. Anyone who watched the game saw the bias and the fact that Miami prevailed keeps it from needing much mention in this piece. Had Miami lost, different story. I'd have written 1,500 words on the phantom 'roughing the kicker' call alone.

The four-game gauntlet is in the books and Miami is 3-1. Where are the haters now? All those who called for 0-4 and clamoring for Shannon to face plant so Tommy Tuberville could take over, how are you liking things now? Miami's win over Oklahoma proved that the Virginia Tech loss was an aberration and not the norm.

An even more physical defense and the offensive line protected Harris, while also establishing a ground game that was non-existent a week ago. Adjustments were made and Miami proved they belong. The Canes are a legit top ten squad, even though the pollsters stuck them at No. 11. (Based on the schedule played, who really thinks Miami isn't better than Boise State, Cincinnati, TCU or Ohio State on a neutral field?)

That said, nothing wrong with No. 11 at this point of the season. A lot of ball left to be played and the Canes need to remain focused. Act I is in the books and Act II begins this weekend, starting with undefeated FAMU and their electrifying punt returner LeRoy Vann. From there, a road game at Central Florida, a home game against Clemson and a trek to Wake Forest.

Act III starts with a home game against Virginia, a road game at North Carolina, home against Duke and at South Florida.

On paper, the most difficult part of Miami's season is in the books at 3-1. That said, now the real season begins. The Canes are no longer under the radar and the pressure is on. You can expect more nationally televised games, more media coverage and more hype. As teams in the top ten lose, it opens the door for a Miami climb - even though the Canes are ranked higher than the rest of their foes this season.

It's time to exhale, but it's also time for an even more intense focus. The pressure remains on. Every game means that much more. Wins over Florida State, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma mean little should you stumble against FAMU or Central Florida.

One game at a time for this team and for the fans, a reason to truly be excited about the state of this program. Miami isn't 'back' regarding championship standards, but the ship has been righted and the corner turned. The future is now. Soak it up.

Miami v. Oklahoma : The Highlights

Much respect to the uber talented Rusty98UM for sticking to tradition and piecing together another great highlight reel - in HD, no less. Dig it. Go Canes.

Miami outlasts Oklahoma at 'The Shark'

There were some early questions down 10-0 and with two Jacory Harris interceptions already in the books, but Miami again proved it was no fluke on Saturday night. The only aberration thus far four games into the season was last week's 31-7 faceplant at Virginia Tech; the same Hokies who struggled with Duke hours before the Hurricanes took down the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners.

3-1 when many of the critics were calling for 0-4. How runny in that egg on your face this morning, haters? Same to be said for a strong portion of the UM fan base, pissing and moaning about Randy Shannon these past few years. Don't look now, but that coach you didn't believe in has your beloved program back in the top ten (at least as soon as the new polls are released.)

A full recap is forthcoming, but for now it's time to celebrate. The sun is shining here in Miami, the beach is calling and right now it's about soaking up the fact it's a great day to be a Cane. Happy days are here again. More to come and a lot to say.

Miami and Oklahoma teeing it up tonight...

A few hours before kickoff and nothing resembling a preview coming from the allCanesBlog. A thousand apologies. Make the trek back to Miami for this one and been hunkered down in the Grove getting 'game ready'. Old friends. Familiar stomping grounds. Same passion for the program I grew up loving during my twenty-five years in the three o' five.

A few thoughts before heading to Land Shark:

... I already miss the Orange Bowl. Watching on TV, it's a stadium. This marks my first trek back for a home game since 48-0 against Virginia.

I miss the game day experience. I miss my friends and their house where we used to party on 6th Street. I miss seeing rowdy fans stumbling around in the street hours before kickoff. Hell, I even miss hearing 'no blokee' and coming out postgame seeing my ride four cars deep in someone's driveway.

It's Miami/Oklahoma tonight and Land Shark has hosted it's share of Super Bowls... but I'd prefer Canes/Sooners at the OB, just like every other fan.


... Sam Bradford isn't starting, as expected. Still can't believe the emails I received from OU fans after calling that shot weeks back - Sooners buying into the hype this week because the Heisman-winner 'practiced' earlier this week. This is a 'Grade 3' shoulder separation to a quarterback's throwing arm, people. No way Bradford could be game ready a month after sustaining an injury of this nature.

Landry Jones will come to play, but the freshman is no Bradford. The newbie did a great job lighting up a few 'nobodies' these past few weeks, but Idaho and Tulsa are no Miami defensively. Neither is BYU, for that matter. Jones couldn't move the ball late against the Cougars; the same BYU squad Florida State shredded for 512 total yards.


... All that said, nothing is more important than Miami protecting Jacory Harris. If there's on reason the Canes got spanked by the Hokies, it was the constant pressure on the sophomore quarterback.

Although they've played nobody, the Sooners still field the top-ranked scoring defense in the nation and Bob Stoops knows D. Virginia Tech gave the nation the blueprint how to shut down the Canes. What does Mark Whipple do to thwart the onslaught and more importantly, can The U finally establish a running game tonight?


... Other than that, what is there really to say? Miami was predicted by some to go 0-4 out the gate and instead made it to 2-0 before losing at Virginia Tech. 2-1 going into the Oklahoma game was an absolute dream at the beginning of the season... yet one loss later, the 'doom and gloom' has returned regarding the fanbase.

A win against Oklahoma absolutely puts Miami back on the map, while a loss drops things to 2-2 -- which was hardly an 'end of the world' scenario when the season started.

This is still year three in the rebuilding project and the schedule lightens up a bit over the next month (Florida A&M, Central Florida, Clemson and Wake Forest). 7-1 isn't out of reach and 6-2 shouldn't put a damper on what many thought would be a three to five-loss season.

Oklahoma is beatable... if the Canes come to play. Home night game at The Shark. Miami under the radar after some early-season hype. A sidelined Heisman-winning quarterback. A rowdy fan base on a Saturday night, in prime time.

Headed up 95 North to play my part. Have a feeling the Canes pull out a close one:


The Call: Miami 20, Oklahoma 16