Embarassed, Humiliated, Defeated

The Miami Hurricanes showed up for a showdown with Georgia Tech in Atlanta and proceeded to get run over in their effort to win the ACC against the Yellow Jackets.  They were embarassed on offense, humiliated on defense and defeated 41-23.

First year Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson demonstrated why he has won as many games in his first 12 seasons as many of the famous college coaches you may have heard of. He also showed why he and his staff in their first year are so far ahead of Canes head coach Randy Shannon, offensive coordinator Patrick Nix and Defensive Coordinator Bill Young that it is just astounding. 

The Canes, to put it simply, got mauled. They were never in the lead or in the game and proved once again why they are too young, too weak and too soft to compete against experienced and physical teams.  Coach Johnson's Yellow Jackets dominated the lines of scrimmage, showed flawless execution and beat Miami at every turn. 

Yes, it clearly became apparent early on that these Canes were no match for a well coached, disciplined, tough and efficient football team.  And, it has become painfully obvious that these Canes have so much work to do before they can truly compete with the big boys.

So now we can all lay to rest the ACC dreams that we had for 2008 and say what all fans say every year since sports were invented:

"Maybe next year"...

Comments

[Hurricanedave]

first

[raizecane]

1st??

[raizecane]

Damn you H-Dave, lol......good job

[Sixty Minutes of Assignment Football]

We're just not a top-drawer team yet -- on either side of the ball.

[solarcane]

wham

[Esteban]

damn this one was up quik

[Ronny]

Nix needs to go.

[The Dude]

Last!

[SOUP]

Nix needs to go.

Posted by: Ronny | November 20, 2008 at 11:09 PM

FROM CANADA WITH LOVE?

[raizecane]

Does anybody think GT's blocking schemes are illegal? I know they got called for 1 chop block but ESPN made it sound like they were the Broncos of college football.

[SOUP]

damn this one was up quik

Posted by: Esteban | November 20, 2008 at 11:09 PM

That's what she sa...

[Ronny]

SOUP.....

I work at The Score, a National Sports Channel in Canada who was actually carrying tonights game.

Dude I was hearing it FROM EVERYBODY and my only excuse I had was and still have is OUR OC SUCKS.

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Soup, how does this game reflect on our coaching staff and how far ahead Paul Johnson's is?? That's like saying Oscar Meyre's coaching and staff are so much better than Richt's and Miles, even though Richt handed Oscar his azz on a platter last year.

This game was the players, specifically our OL, which has been soft and inconsistent all year, and our DL/LBs, which have been on a good run but couldn't figure out that option.

Hats off to the GT players, their OL and DL especially.

Our boys played hard but GT's strengths were our weakness. We all know OL is our biggest weakness. Unfortunately tonight our DL-LB couldn't contain quickly enough, so got beat on both sides.

We're young and growing. This is a bitter lesson for our young lions and will be used properly as motivation in the coming months and years. Believe it.

Legion, let's not get all manic-depressive because we got handled by an experienced team.

The funny thing is we can still win the ACC. lol

[Ronny]

SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW WE STILL HAVE A SHOT IN THE ACC? I really don't know the math for this one.

[CanesgirlNC]

Does this blog article come with razor blades??? A little dark......

Ok, just back from the TSO concert - I am thinking we had trouble scoring and couldn't tackle?

Still love my Canes - and if they finish the season 8-4 or 7-5 that is much improved from last year.

[CanesgirlNC]

Ronny, what does the OC have to do with poor tackling and letting GT rip off huige runs?

[Hurricanedave]

as painful as it was to watch, it was even more painful to listen to the ESPN announcers laugh their way through this one. not sure I have heard anything like it before. Am I over reacting?

[solarcane]

Scenario 11:

Georgia Tech beats Miami
UNC beats NC State
Duke beats UNC
Miami beats NC State

Miami 5-3
UVA 5-3
GT 5-3
UNC 4-4
Miami wins division. Round robin head-to-head is even at 1-1 each. UVA and Miami divison records are 3-2; GT is 2-3, eliminating GT. Miami wins on head-to-head result.
---------------------------

peace

[SOUP]

Ronny...post the LINK to your blog?

[solarcane]

Scenario 13:

Georgia Tech beats Miami
NC State beats UNC
UNC beats Duke
Miami beats NC State

Miami 5-3
UVA 5-3
GT 5-3
UNC 4-4
Miami wins division. Round robin head-to-head is even at 1-1 each. UVA and Miami divison records are 3-2; GT is 2-3, eliminating GT. Miami wins on head-to-head result.
---------------------------
Scenario 14:

Georgia Tech beats Miami
NC State beats UNC
UNC beats Duke
NC State beats Miami

UVA 5-3
GT 5-3
UNC 4-4
Miami 4-4
Virginia wins division based on head-to-head result.
---------------------------
Scenario 15:

Georgia Tech beats Miami
NC State beats UNC
Duke beats UNC
Miami beats NC State

Miami 5-3
UVA 5-3
GT 5-3
UNC 3-5
Miami wins division. Round robin head-to-head is even at 1-1 each. UVA and Miami division records are 3-2; GT is 2-3, eliminating GT. Miami wins on head-to-head result.
---------------------------

peace

[pre83]

Well, at least I got to see Truth on TV! He's taller than I thought.

[Montreal-cane]

in jacory I trust

Posted by: Esteban | November 20, 2008 at 10:51 PM

He is just smarter with the football and less predictable when he throws the football to his receivers...

Please let him start a full game...next week
In Jacory i trust...

On defense Sean Spence played well maybe the only one...

[TJL]

Still proud of this team! no matter how the season ends up, no matter what bowl we end up in, I am looking forward to the future!!

[SOUP]

Solar..thanks!

CGNC...It cuts like a knife.

[Ronny]

CanesgirlNC,

Poor tackling has been our problem all year. I just don 't understand how Nix had TWO chances on 4th and 1 and DIDN'T RUN WITH JJ. Our offence's excuse all year was that we didn't have JJ. And now that we do, Nix doesn't properly use him. That's all I meant.

And our D was bound to miss tackles when they were out there pretty much the whole game. Our offence had so many 3 and outs. Our front seven had ZERO time to rest tonight.

Look at the first Q, we were only down 3-0.

[SOUP]

Still proud of this team! no matter how the season ends up, no matter what bowl we end up in, I am looking forward to the future!!

Posted by: TJL | November 20, 2008 at 11:25 PM

POST OF THE NIGHT!

[solarcane]

better soup

peace

[Ronny]

Soup,

I'm working on it now.

[solarcane]

im out
peace

[pre83]

Did a D-lineman make a tackle tonight aside from Bailey chasing down their third string QB 20+ yards downfield?

The things about this game wasn't so much the score; rather the fact that the Canes had absolutely NO answer at any point in the game. I mean, even the third stingers almost had their way (stopped on 4th and goal).

If I feel this frustrated, man, I can't imagine the way RS is feeling/felt!!

I don't think I would change places with anyone on that plane ride home to MIA!

[Ucane]

This loss hurts

ore than my income to debt ratio.Look,I firmly believe that this is big because we didn't want them to lose.I was pretty sure they were going to win(no blow at all)or compete(to soften the blow)but they were schooled(hardest blow this year).They are young and have fought all the way.From 5-7 to7-4,probably 8-4 most likely.They looked like the baby canes were beat up tonite also.GT does alot of below the knees blocking also which can and will take its toll.They were far more agressive then the canes and that is why they appeared less intense than us.I kinda feel a little sad for nc state,because if Shannon teaches the lesson well and the cane learn the lesson well,this loss will speak volumes down the road.Like next wkend.THE Canes will come out ballin.the U

Posted by: Ucane | November 20, 2008 at 11:23 PM

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Once we get the big boys up front things will be in place. But we don't have them yet. So, it's hit and miss. We hit in tight games the last three weeks and missed badly this week. I don't think any of us saw this coming but the potential was there because of our OL play. The D surprised me but if you make a mistake against that option you get burnt. We made mistakes and got burnt.

It's a tough pill but it's alled growing pains, guys and gals. It comes with the territory of youth, just like the close wins.

CGNC, the finger pointers want to blame someone other than the fact that we just don't have the horses yet.

I'm not any less excited about the program, just bummed by this loss. But it just showed in bold relief our weaknesses. This is actually a good thing, short of a WIN.

[Ucane]

I typed more than my income to debt ratio,not ore,I swear!the U

[Ucane]

...I typed more than my income to debt ratio,not ore-I swear.the U

[CanesgirlNC]

Ronny, I didn't see the game - I was at a concert but it just seems that this young team stumbled all the way around.

86 - I don't take these losses that hard. This game to me does not diminish what this team has accomplished this season compared to last. Terrible loss, yea, but not the end of the world by any stretch

[SOUP]

LOSING SUCKS...but the Miami Hurricanes are STILL dynamite!!!

GO CANES, BEAT NCST!!!

[Tod Melle]

coaching means everything and we dont have it

[SOUP]

86 is out...

[CanesgirlNC]

Cav we are on the same page

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Pre83, that's called simply not being up to speed against an offense like that. That OL knew where they were going and our DL wasn't ready to handle it. LBs weren't either, which is not necessarily new.

Look, it's hard to swallow but don't get down on the team.

[Tod Melle]

hey this is the guy who talked with you guys at the hampton hotel a few weeks ago. The softball guy. We talked about how much coaching is the key to sports at every level. We got out coached again in every aspect of this game that has to change or we will never compete for a national title.

[Ucane]

Sorry for the double post,everyone.I swear ocifer,I did dint mean to!

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

CGNC, yeah, it's tough to see our boys get handled but if there's one thing we learned about playing this type of offense it's that everyone must be on the same page on defense. The reason VA and VT were able to contain them was because of their experience in that system. Everyone knew where to be. We're not at that point yet. But again, we knew our weaknesses. It's just that GT's system really took advantage of them.

But we'll get there. Next year will be different and 2010 will be very, very different.

We'll learn a lot about these players by how they respond next week, and this week in practice. They should BE PIZZED THE F OFF!!

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Tod, do you honestly think talent is a distant second to coaching??

Does the name LARRY COKER mean anything to you??

[Loco]

For once, I agree that the playcalling was terrible. You do not run 4th and 1 out of the shotgun. ever. let alone on multiple occassions. Even if you pass, the defense has to respect a dive or qb sneak from under center.

I also think that young should have moved his defensive tackles from a 3 and 1 technique to a 1 and 1, or at least a 1 and 2. his linebackers obviously weren't getting the job done covering the 1 hole, and the tackles were not strong enough to hold their ground.

That being said, coaching is not everything. Ga Tech has a talented team, and they used that talent to their advantage.

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

And why do the whiners ONLY COME OUT WHEN WE LOSE??

Where are you guys when we're winning? When Nix was making those great calls and tactical moves and when Young was shutting teams down??

Where were you guys?? lol Just think about it.

[Tod Melle]

Yes I do. you can have all the talent in the world and if a coach cant put it together then it's called wasted talent. I could give you example after example about this. Think of this Larry did a good job his first year. He one it all then over coached after that. When you are a youngster and you start playing sports you are taught to listen to your coach. That still applies at every level.The coach is the main vain of every championship team. By any chance did you get to listen to John Lynch's retirement speech that said it all about coaches

[The Truth]

I'm with Angry. It's the 1st thing I mentioned when they started gashing the D. Why not shoot those wide gaps? The only thing I can come up with is knowing their personnel they didn't feel the DL could handle that and if the back gets past it, well, it's off to the races anyway. I don't know.

I've been trying to tell the legion that young has been doing it with smoke and mirrors. Think about it: is GT OL THAT much better than anyone elses? No.

Spence looked lost but he gets a pass. The other 2...as KL says: not so much. An abysmal showing by 2 SR LB's that I personaly never understood shannons facination with. Purely awful. The D as a whole tackled as poorly as they have all year. Someone mentioned how small Miami is and they are. More players are needed to make this work.

The offense...I don't know. WR's were open. The plays where there. Execution not so much. At this point it does fall on the OC. Marve looks the same every week. He makes the same mistakes and misses the same throws. GT's D is the real deal but there were plays to be had and they just couldn't make it happen.

Still, after the D gives up almost 500 yards rushing...an astronomical number reserved only for the teams that used to play Nebraska back in the day, can't pin this on the O no matter what happened over there. FIVE hundred yards...amazing.

I am dissapointed and shocked. I thought the kids were further along than this...

Anyway, changes are a commin'

'night all

[Carlos]

Tough to take...especially after how drunk I got on the Orange & Green kool aid. like The Truth said, I had thought they turned the corner but GT simply was methodical and calculating. They set up everything perfectly:

1st drive: came out throwing on the first series and threw reverses at us to keep us off balance & open up the D.
2nd drive: A back dives. & B back pitches.
3rd drive: QB options.

add in our piss-poor tackling in the secondary and our front seven repeatedly losing contain and we got clownstomped.

I would be shocked if Shannon kept you know who calling the plays. I trust he will make the correct decision in the offseason like he did with Walton. I'll leave it at that.

Keep your heads up, people. Better days are still ahead.

[darCANEgel]

Come on, y'all --- I wont bother arguing with any of you who are bitter ---

we got beat -- in every aspect...
So it goes...

some were bitter when I/ we thought we'd go 7-5...(Soup -- )

8-4 is better and I'll be wrong...cool wid that...

But nothing shocking tonight -- we got BEAT...
no, we got a beat down...

For those of y'all beatin on Nix, STILL? I woulda thought a game like tonight would opened your eyes. From reading the blog so far tonight-- obviously not -- but,hey --- no surprise here...

We're still a young team
W/o an O line
Without a history...

Nothing Shocking (to quote Janes Addiction)
Just where we are...
This game WILL help in the longrun -- barring injuries...

Chin up, fools...
8-4 is better than some of us picked...
Reality bites...
But still got a bowl and still on the path ---

GO CANES!

[Esteban]

Nix's short yardage play calling is probably his main issue with me. i'll leave it at that.

[Chicago Mia 'Cane '98]

This game reminds of the '99 game when Va Tech smoked the 'Canes in Blacksburg. Kenny Kelly got hurt, Dorsey came and the Dynasty started and the rest was history after that game. This game will be their wake up call.

The 'Canes will get their revenge on Ga Tech next year and year's after.

I still think Harris gives us the best opportunity to win. Marve looks scared out there, like a deer in head lights. (not as bad as KF)

Listen, the 'Canes stunk it up tonight but they are going to bowl game and could win 8 or 9 games this year and the future looks bright. No one expected this from a team loaded with freshman and sophomores.

[Esteban]

we know though that consistency and young players don't usually go together. just sucks cause tonight consistency and older players didn't go together either. i'm sure shannon will have these guys working on their tackling this week.

[Esteban]

i don't think marve looks scared. just isn't patient enough at times which leads to him forcing things.

[Carlos]

Posted by: darCANEgel | November 21, 2008 at 12:51 AM

Even Chris Fowler was laughing at our playcalling on offense and Palmer mentioned that we don't have an identity. And before you try to say that the announcers are full of it...when Herbstreit & Musberger praised Nix for his playcalling vs. UF, everyone ran with it.

If Shannon can let go of his best friend, Walton, he will do what's right. 100% positive.

[Carlos]

It's ok Este....you can not deny your own eyes. Truth saw it....your seeing it...everyone in the country saw it tonight.

There is no excuse for calling the shotgun on 4th and 1...and then calling a 3 yard bubble screen behind the marker. The announcers said, "Don't they have James back there."

That man has no business being an OC here. He's had enough chances to prove himself. It's time to move on so maybe we can salvage Marve because right now, he looks like a poor-man's Kyle Wright out there with his happy feet which causes his inaccuracy.

Better days are ahead.

[Carlos]

i don't think marve looks scared. just isn't patient enough at times which leads to him forcing things.

Posted by: Esteban | November 21, 2008 at 01:15 AM

That isn't his fault because he's gets his number called by Dopey to run, run, run. Then when it comes time to actually drop back and pass, he isn't patient because he makes one read and takes off running again. Poor coaching.

[darCANEgel]

Right on...that's how i judge our progress;

The Chris Fowler Fortune Cookie...

You know how many times tonight I wanted to...nah..whatever...you/ Chris Fowler -- both you Mensa geniuses can have at it, bro ---
y'all aint worth it ---
keep up the hate, dude...you'll change the world...not for the better...but you might just live up to your goals...

Coach Shannon deserves better --- but hey, I know -- you'll tell me -- 50 times over that your helpin the team --- sweet

CANES, baaby

[IraqiCane]

I just hope that Harris gets a fair chance to start next year. I've though that the offence has looked better every time he has been out there. Nothing against Marve, Harris just seems to have better flow. That said Marve will have my full support for his next 2/3 starts. As for Nix I don't think he should be on the hot sweat until after next year is over. The Off. players need to be able to get into a system and not be shuffled every 2-3 years cause the OC doesn't seem to be working out. Also that said Shannon does need to get knee deep in is a$$, as the play calling was poor. 8-4 with the possibility of 9-4 is far better than I could heaved hoped for at the end of last year.

GO CANES BEAT NC STATE!!!

[Carlos]

Posted by: darCANEgel | November 21, 2008 at 01:32 AM

Ok darCANE,

If you hadn't noticed, Truth and Este are questioning our playcalling...click the "previous" button and read for yourself.

I am not being negative. I want our team to win more than anything in the world. You might need more convincing but I have seen enough.

and that's my opinion.

[Carlos]

and Loco.

[Carlos]

Go Canes!

[Six]

- 1st and 25, GTech runs for a 35 yard gain.

- Missed assignments and poor tackling = runs of 14, 20, 27, 29, 32, 35, 40, 54 and 58 yards. TD runs of 58 and 32.

- A 20 yard run and a 40 yard run, back to back on GTech's 3rd possession of the 3rd Quarter.

- GTech racked up 470 yards of rushing

- If Dwyer would've played more than one half, he would've had maybe over 220 yards rushing ... he left with 128.

“It’s assignment football, and when you don’t play assignment football, bad things can happen.” - Coach Randy Shannon

Somedays you kick their ass, somedays you get your asses kicked. That's how it goes.

Last year at this time, the Canes were 5-6, and had lost 5 of their last 6 games. Right now, the Canes are 7-4.

I like the present and the future.

[Esteban]

not questioning overall. Just certain situations he tends to go with formations that limit our choices.

I put that pretty nice. Surprised even myself

[darCANEgel]

Nothing new ---
They always have, dude -- so have I if you'd pay attention --

we just dont sheet on the team - BRO...

Negativity wont pull you thru
-- Bobby Dylan

[Esteban]

lack of balance is what it is

[Esteban]

at least perceived

[Carlos]

darC,

Here's Manny Navarro's take:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2008/11/georgia-tech-th.html

I agree with everything he said.

[pb(CSROH09)]

That was ugly.

Nix play calling wasnt good, but I think giving up 500 yards on the ground was worse.

We looked like a team of freshmen today.

But better days are ahead.

[Carlos]

pb,

just brutal today in every facet of the game.

On to NC State...

[Esteban]

nc state will be a tough game too. Their qb makes plays

[Carlos]

nc state will be a tough game too. Their qb makes plays

Posted by: Esteban | November 21, 2008 at 02:25 AM

I'm pretty sure they'll take it out on NC State.

[Esteban]

they'll try

[hurriphin]

yawn

[hurriphin]

losing sucks

[ObviousCane]

I was at the game last night....it felt like we where playing one man short when Tech had the ball.....there was not one thing that we did good last night.....it was horrible.....

[SOUP]

Don't know what hurts worse:

Canes losing bad to GT on national TV?
AJ dropping the ball all night?
Or Solar being right at 8-4?

Yeah, definitely Solar being right...

[SOUP]

In Tampa today doing ACC Championship game prep work. See U guys this PM...

[The Truth]

I had a problem with the calls in short yardage but at that point it was already moot anyway. I don't understand the lack of patience with the running game either.

That's said, overall, I do NOT have a problem with the plays on O that were called only because the plays were there...guys were open in space.

My problem was with the execution and mostly Marves continued mistakes and missed reads. He does the same things every week. I've been told it's he that just doesn't get it. So then bench him. He's a young kid though and that's the dilema. Lots of the young ones don't and when your only other option is another player with even less experience it's a tough call.

This team is still too young. That was obvious.

I have always understood the criticizm just not the venom it's put forth with. Last night though, I think the idea the offense could have done anything different with Marve in is wrong. That's on Shannon. He's the one who walks down and decided to sit the kid. Not Nix.

Last night, sadly it was the defense. It wouldn't have mattered what Miami did on offense. You give up 500 yards rushing you lose. Period.

I'm jumping on a plane. Stay positive. There's still 2 games left on this ride and Shannon is going to make it right.

[Mephistopheles]

No team has even won a game giving up almost 500 yards of ground game. Its hard to blame Nix, but I still say Harris is the guy. The longer the coaches deny that reality, the longer it will take for the offense to take off.

I would have been surprised if we won this game, but 41-10 is even more surprising. We still have youth (and time) on our side, but the OC job is still the wild card for this team.

[The Truth]

Waiting on this jet I still can't help but wonder....

Why hasn't marve learned to step UP in the pocket and throw it from there?

Why doesn't it seem as if with marve there is no effort to get the ball into the middle of the field...is he really too short? Or are there no play designs to account for that?

What is going on with the RB situation?

Tech ran 5 plays all night. Was Miami "outcoached?" Uh...no. I've touted the idea that as long as there is execution the play call generally doesn't matter...I still firmly believe that. There was NO magic in Johnsons offense. He did it with a battered group. There is no magic to playcalling, only with execution.

Why isn't Miami executing on offense better at this point? I know some still falls on dropped balls and poor OL play, but....

Miami need to find some guys on D that can tackle. That was an absolute abomination last night. Some of those whiffs were almost comical. They've been doing it all year but last night was rediculous.

I'm not naming names but there are 2 Cane LB's that, despite their heart and character just do not have what it takes. You all know who they are. I'm sorry, but it's true. I've been on them for 3 years now. They are proof of the talent void...there isn't anyone better to step up yet. I thought one of them played (I use that loosely) his worst game ever against the Noles...then last night happened and it was worse.

Do you remember how the MLB's of old cleaned everything up? Where was he last night?

It's just one game but it should show you guys that this team won't be there till next season. They have improved. They are better than they were a year ago and not as bad as they showed last night. More talent is needed and an upgrade to a couple of coaching positions may be required as well...have the DB's improved AT ALL in the past 2 years?

Miami is still getting better, still on the right path and still going to beat NC State and hopefully ND in the gator bowl.

That was just one veeeery looooooooooong night and I'm glad it's over.

[The Truth]

Virginia, VT AND Nc beat GT...amazing. Gotta throw that film out and move on.

Looks like we are finnally going to leave. Be good legion!!

[Mr. Mojo Risen]

Did anyone else notice that it seemed like G-tech's offensive line moved before the snap on every play. I guess the refs didn't pick up on it becasue they were not standing up but instead were diving down but I swear they had 3 or 4 guys moving at once before the ball was ever snapped.

[solarcane]

I'm probably more disappointed than anyone.

I thought we would have a couple games like this before the season was over, the winning streak had me convinced we were better than we are YET.

Carlos I'm man enough to admit, this weatered down offense has to go

Here is all I can make of it

Nix gives Marve the majority of snaps in practice and in games.
Nix sees Marve isn't progressing very fast.
Marve is having trouble finding 2-3 receivers, and is bolting to quickly or throwing picks like a freshman.

Nix limits Marves playcalling fearful Marve can't( he doesn't often)pull off anything elaborate..

I think Nix out thinks himself everytime in the red zone.
We DON'T NEED to harp on this all week. We all know it we all hate it.

GT was faster and stronger than us at every position.
They execute their offense flawlessly.

Young had his team out there like the first time they saw the option was when the game started.

Watching Shannon on the sideline, I KNOW he is the man for this job, he is the only one of us that realizes these guys are 17 yr olds, and it'sd going to be one step forward two steps back until they get expereince.

Bob Knight said it best the other night..

Freshmen play best... when they are sophomores

peace

[solarcane]

soup,
I kid with you about AJ and Collier a lot.

AJ will be tremendous when he doesn't try and do too much before he has actually caught the ball.

His only drawback is he thinks he has break a big play to help his team everytime and seems to lose his concentration more and more.

I think Collier's biggest asset is he thinks catch first yardse second.

Aubry Hill isn't really impressing me at all anymore btw.

Half our guys don't fight for the ball. There aren't many good routes being run, no one but Collier ever comes back up field when Marve scrambles.

peace

[elliott]

First off I would like to say for every real fan lets stay positive Ok OUR season is not over and we still have two more games left, NC St. and our bowl game. We will win next in Raleigh and we should win our bowl game. Here are my thoughts on the game:

Nix has to go he is too predictable, switches up the offense way too much and is not consistent enough. So I will hopefully not see Nix again next year. Second off the sole reason we got beat last night is because we have terrible, little frail corners. Did U see how they were being manhandled by the GT Wide receivers? We need 6ft2 and 6ft3 big physical corners who can shed their blocks. Chavez Grant, Bruce Johnson and DVD are butt. Third Jacory should and WILL BE THE QB NEXT YEAR. Marve is too small and makes bad decisions all the time, sound familiar? "Kyle Wright" Fourth if Jacory could of scored on that first half drive where he threw a pick trying to find Byrd, who knows what the turnout who have been. Why do I say that U might ask, because people scoring td's gets our defense hype. If U were on defense would U feel like playing when U know the offense just cant and will not score. Fifth who cares about an ACC championship this season last time I checked we were 5-7 last season and played in no bowl game. Lets concentrate on next year and 2010 where I predict we will win it all. Sixth stop bashing Shannon people we has done a tremendous job and it is not his fault we got manhandled up front and our db's looked like highschoolers. Also yes I am officially in support of Nix being fired. How in the world do U call a shotgun formation on 4th and 1? Even my girlfriend was like what is he doing? What does that tell U? Nuff said I am done venting, lets beat the crap out of NC. State and get ready to win a bowl game. Shannon please start Jacory for the WHOLE GAME, Marve needs to transfer. Time for a change..

[RayChanCaneFan]

smh...Well as Usual I come in on the pitty parade...Pick ya headz up ladies and gents...yes I am still a 12%er ... yes I know we lost that end of the spectrum ... Yes we are still doing better than last year... Yes I told you guys that Marve is 2nd coming of Brock Berlin...Yes I told you guys our offense looks WAY better wit Jacory Harris...

Wide Recievers flat out need 2 catch the ball...

I honestly think in a weird twisted way this season is being put 2gether as moreless and follow me here a highlight reel for recruitment...ie..TE steppd up big this week the Offensive packages switch every week each week they are tailored seems 2 which kids have the opportunity 2 attend or watch the game...again TE play was great last night at least 2 me...Where was Orson Charles?...find out if he played a game for his high school last night or was he watching..

We Are Going 2 Get Better And I Will 12% every year becuz thtz the true heart of a CANE...n stop downing the kids let em grow hell by all means this season is way more fun 2 watch than last...Change is coming just hold ya horses...

C
A
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CANES....ahhhhhh...we lost..buts it cool We don't suck like last year!

[elliott]

Yes we lost to a good gt team but there is no denying that we still have more talent than they do and yes I still give NO RESPECT TO GEORGIA TECH. We will smash Georgia tech next year!

[elliott]

Georgia Tech I still give you NO RESPECT AND BY THE WAY THAT OFFENSE THEY RUN IS STRAIGHT CHEESE. All U online Ncaa Football gamers know what I mean, did U see all those illegal blocks?

Georgia Tech gets no respect!

[CanezNC]

The defensive debacle was painful but I'm confident that Bill Young, the young players red-shirting, and those coming in will recover and be a very good D in 2009 and a great D by 2010... Remember when FSU torched our secondary for 500+ yards passing...it just happens sometimes and especially with a young team and 2nd rate hold-overs like Romeo and Cook still on the field...

As for the offense, Jacory runs this team so much better than Marve it's almost rediculous to even discuss it. How in the world (other than Shannon's refusal to retract his "Marve will start the whole year" edict) Marve starts over Harris is beyond me. The numbers don't lie and w/o Jacory we'd be 5-6 right now (Duke/VA would be L's). Marve has yet to put this team on his back and certainly not with his arm.

Another thing, Javarris looks pretty strong again, why is he not in on EVERY short yardage situation? Especially 3rd & one and inside the 5/goaline situations? Running Coop (who I like) on short yardage makes zero sense...

Shannon has already proven to be a very strong leader (recruiting, building confidence, discipline, intensity, etc.) but the QB situation, the offensive playcalling and the use of our personnel is still a mess. This all falls on Randy and it needs to be fixed.

As most Cane fans, I'm happy with the progress in 2008 but there's no denying that Shannon & Nix have shot themselves (and the team) in the foot with the handeling of the offense and personnel...

[321CANES]

I couldn't sleep 4 ish las night, im still puzzled why Nix was in a shotgun spread formation on a couple of 3rd n 3's. Im still amazed how are dbs look worst than ever at the university, basic fundamentals . get off the blocks when there is a screen, don't fight with wr. 2nd come up for the open field tackle break down n make him chose a side. 3rd when the ball is in the air why look back and try to run wih the wr, DBS should be stride 4 stride and you will know if the ball is your way when the wr eyes gets open n their head is turn back more than 3 secs .4th For dbs and safeties, remember this rule 1 man under, 1man over the top. Don't just go chancing the ball and run into eachother. All of This is sooo basic.

[slim32]

Wow, way to man up fellas.

[canechic]

Mojo I saw the false starts allllll night long, Nick and I were screaming at the TV to no avail.

I expected the O to struggle but that D was very disappointing. I am very down but better days will come. I muted the TV so I did not have to hear the ESPN mockery of the Canes!

[Carlos]

The morning after:

- Epps is GROSSLY underutilized in the offense.
- We need a nasty MLB. Can't wait to get C-Mac back.
- Reddick and Cook....love those guys for showing heart and coming back after injuries but they just don't have it. Thank you for giving your all.
- Could we have been so poor at tackling because shannon said to "tackle high"?

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Tough to take...especially after how drunk I got on the Orange & Green kool aid. like The Truth said, I had thought they turned the corner but GT simply was methodical and calculating. They set up everything perfectly:

1st drive: came out throwing on the first series and threw reverses at us to keep us off balance & open up the D.
2nd drive: A back dives. & B back pitches.
3rd drive: QB options.

add in our piss-poor tackling in the secondary and our front seven repeatedly losing contain and we got clownstomped.

I would be shocked if Shannon kept you know who calling the plays. I trust he will make the correct decision in the offseason like he did with Walton. I'll leave it at that.

Keep your heads up, people. Better days are still ahead.

Posted by: Carlos | November 21, 2008 at 12:46 AM

>>>>>

Great post. GT tested us on the first drive, first few drives, and we couldn't adapt.

Those LBs showed that they're just not that good or that experienced. Both of them had injury plagued careers and aren't up to par for the U. But really, is this earth-shattering news??? Ditto our DBs.

Truth, if Young has been using smoke and mirrors it's because he knows he had to use smoke and mirrors to cover our weaknesses.

GT exposed them. Plain and simple.

[CanezNC]

Carlos, I commmented to a friend while watching the game that Shannon had preached all week to "tackle high" to force turnovers...man did that ever back-fire... This team doesn't force turnovers anyway so they simply need to just focus on playing solid D...if they get a gimme then great...

Forced turnovers come with playmakers and we have only one of them today (Spence - FR)...

[Cat5 Cane]

24 HOUR... BETTER MAKE IT 48 HOURS FOR THIS ONE... TIC, TOC, TIC, TOCCCCCC...

BREATH IN.... OUT

[321CANES]

TO CANEZNC With my knowledge..... Nix subs the qbs for his qoute on qoute offensive pacakages, he also the head man to call the O. Shannon has nothing to do with the O playcalling or Sub. Thats why he wanted to bring nix in because he knew how to adjust when Gt played us... Not last year or this year though. Shannon gave Nix a shot, NIx is basically dropping the ball. He is clearly not ready for what we are trying to accomplish here.

[CanesgirlNC]

Truth speaking of comical whiffs - I did catch the replay of Romeo Davis chasing that guy down by the back of his pants

C-Los - are you coming up to the NCState game?

Lopsided games come down to one team not executing well (or at all) and the other one executes like a well oiled machine

[hurriphin]

I need a morning after pill.....