Back in 2007, just one year after we first started Canespace, there was a poll conducted prior to Randy Shannon's first year as head coach that asked: "How many games will Miami win this season?"
A few bold (some would say crazy) and very confident fans, twelve percent of the voters to be exact, decided that the Hurricanes would go undefeated that year and win all 12 games on the schedule.
This select group became known forevermore as the 12%ers or the 12% Club here at Canespace.
While the 12% Club had some very prominent members here at Canespace they were led by their duly elected President RayChanCanesFan (RCCF). RCCF was joined by a few select others like Esteban, Calvin and Cavaleer.
If you ever had a chance to meet any members of the 12% Club they would look you straight in the eye and tell you that it was highly likely that Miami would never lose another game once Randy Shannon was in charge in Coral Gables.
Esteban once predicted in 2007 that when Miami played Oklahoma in Norman "The Hurricanes will pick up a few more recruits once we roll 60 on the Sooners!" Miami finished the season with a 5-7 record and lost to Oklahoma by the score 51 to 13.
Calvin would post 800 word essays on the "facts" of the matter and once posted a comment on the blog that said: "I can see Coach Shannon and Mike Barrow running out of the smoke just like the old days. And Shannon has his dream job now so it is OVER for college football."
Cavaleer was so absolutely certain that Shannon would win back-to-back National Championships that he later changed his blog name to Captain Optimist. The Captain could go on for days and days while waxing eloquent about how other teams were merely playing checkers while "The Boss Man" was playing the much more complex game of chess.
Ahhhhhhh yes, those were the days.
Unfortunately, in the four seasons that transpired since 2007, Miami and Coach Shannon got rooked.
The Boss Man and the Hurricanes lost too many games to count, Shannon got fired with a year left on his contract, many bloggers have moved on and now most Canespacers and other Hurricane fans have toned down their bold predictions and lofty expectations.
Now the overwhelming majority of Miami fans known as the "realists" like Solarcane make predictions of 9-3 seasons.
These so called "realistic" expectations are much more commonly heard around the blog these days than the occasional spirited "optimist" like 12% club President RCCF who still chimes in every single year at a resounding 12-0.
Some Hurricane fans like Canechic and CanesGirlNC who feel badly burned and even scorned by the UM football team will not even venture to make a prediction at all and fall smack dab in the middle of the ever growing "show me" category of UM fans.
But hold on a minute! Apparently the new guy in town is not willing to stand for any such nonsense or pessimism or lowering of expectations by Miami fans.
New UM head coach Al Golden wants all of you Hurricane fans out there to joyously embrace the 12% notion and to proudly join RCCF and a few others in the 12% Club.
Yes, we are here to tell you that new Hurricanes head coach Al Golden is without a doubt a proud, card carrying member of the 12% Club!
According to a recent interview with Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post Golden as much as said so. If U don't believe me here is a direct quote from that article:
Milian wrote, "Golden has spent part of the past month visiting UM alums and fans throughout the state and nation. His message?"
Golden responded by saying: “The bar has been set and that bar is not going to move at the University of Miami. The thing I’ve said is, Don’t move the bar. Let us chase it, but don’t bring the bar down. Keep it where it is.”
OK, coach whatever you say! For the record then, and as you requested, here is what we all expect now that the bar has been set very high and you sincerely pleaded with us not to move it:
1. A 10-2 season, a top 10 ranking and a victory in a major bowl game in 2011.
2. A 11-1 season, a top 5 ranking, an ACC title and BCS Bowl Game in 2012.
3. An undefeated season and a National Championship in 2013.
4. Oh, and just for old times sakes, we'll take another BCS title in 2015 before you leave for the NFL.
5. We expect a Heisman, Maxwell, Camp, Walker, O'Brien, Biletnikoff, Butkus, Bednarik, Nagurski, Outland, Hendricks or Thorpe finalist and/or award winner every season.
6. We expect to have a UM player, no make that several players, drafted in the first round every year.
7. We want sellouts and a packed, rocking Sun Life Stadium this year and every year from here on.
8. We'll also take some really cold beer and some really hot cheerleaders on the sidelines.
OK, forget numbers 7 and 8, we can handle those for you, but numbers 1-6 are all on you coach.
Welcome Coach Golden to the 12% Club, where membership has privileges!
And potentially some serious consequences too...
Good morning.
Posted by: 2002nemo | May 28, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I am with Al, let's not lower the expectations at Miami. I am confident we will return to the top and I believe we have the right personnel to make this happen.
Posted by: Jersey_Cane | May 28, 2011 at 09:34 AM
2nd
Posted by: SinisterCane | May 28, 2011 at 09:37 AM
You guys are in for some serious heartache.....my little birdie says to me last night while watching the baseball game "football really is going to be bad next year".
What is that soup says......"just saying!".
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 09:42 AM
What a bitchass blog post this is. I mean WTF??? Why don't you go root for Eastern Michigan Mr. Low Expecations Guy.
STOP THE BITCHASSNESS AND GIRD UP!
Posted by: ny miamialum | May 28, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Best UM football head coach ever.
JJ, Howard, Dennis or Butch
My vote would be JJ for overall
Although Howard would get it for greatest achievement by creating something from next to nothing.
Anyway, in style and temperament, who would be the closest to JJ? Based on what I've read, it would be Golden.
Does that mean he'll win an NC? Not necessarily, but it does mean we should expect a lot of energy and positive vibes radiating from Greentree.
Posted by: Old Skool | May 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Ahh, the good ole days. Calvin, Esteban, Cavaleer... THOSE were some epic Cane bloggers... (and diehard 12%ers.)
I'm pulling hard for Golden and our boys to make a quick return trip to the promised land, but, like Soup has said, it's been a tough few years.
Even Golden knows we have some major depth issues... (not the least of which is the QB position.) Championship teams will almost always need to call upon solid backups at some point during a season when key starters go down.... not sure if we're there yet depthwise. AG seems on top of this problem though, (if the number & quality of recent commits are any indication.)
I'll never rule out a "cinderella" season though... 12% all the way!
Posted by: roachcane77 | May 28, 2011 at 10:50 AM
One thing seems for SURE though...
The players are getting better nutrition, and tougher workouts and practices now.
(That alone should be worth a couple of wins that we didn't get last year... )
Posted by: roachcane77 | May 28, 2011 at 10:54 AM
STOP THE BITCHASSNESS AND GIRD UP!
Posted by: ny miamialum | May 28, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Your reading comprehension score is very, very low my friend.
And I really enjoy you making your point clear by going ALL CAPS in your post also.
However I'm going to go along with you and "GIRD UP" because that is what Captain Optimist would do.
Yes, I still can remember the time back in 2007 when Randy Shannon was hired and almost immediately Captain Optimist told the rest of college football to "STRAP UP!"
How'd that work out for U?
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 11:15 AM
You guys are in for some serious heartache.....my little birdie says to me last night while watching the baseball game "football really is going to be bad next year".
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Not according to NY Miamialum!
Actually, I don't think it will be that bad at all. Here's why:
1. There is no doubt that the UM football team will be a stronger, faster, better conditioned and tougher team.
2. There will be more team unity, togetherness and cohesiveness. There will be more competition, best players will play and allledged favoritism will be eliminated.
3. The players will be better coached and more focused. Execution should improve.
4. More disciplined play and fewer penalties and fewer turnovers ALONE can win an additonal 2 games. Add in some better special teams play in the return game and punt block team and U may have something evenif the kicking game may be questionable.
5. I believe that these coaches will have more positive realtionships that will produce more collaboration and better game plans than last year.
Combine those factors and 9-3 is the minimum of what UM fans should expect.
From there it seems that 10-2 is very doable, 11-1 is definitely exceeding expectations and 12-0 is NOT out of the question with a few lucky breaks and NO major injuries.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 11:36 AM
my little birdie has never failed me so I am going with that. Heard some things.....
The Chief may be a little better but the Indians are still the same!!!
I see 9-3 as the best case scenario 10-2 is really dreaming!!!
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I was flipping between baseball and hockey last night and came to the realization that..........BASEBALL IS A REALLY SLOOOOOW GAME!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 08:22 AM
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Soup what makes you think this crew is more disciplined?
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Oh and one more thing if I recall the player screaming about favoritism was Storm Johnson and well we all know how that has worked out.
Believe me or not but there is A LOT, A LOT of trouble with this team and one good leader is not going to solve all that fails it in a few months!!!!!
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 11:58 AM
10-2.
And the strike called last night to end the bases loaded 8th inning was possibly one of the worst calls that I have ever witnessed. I'm sure you guys were all over it, but I didn't go back and read the old blog.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | May 28, 2011 at 12:37 PM
There was only a couple of games that we were not competitive. But even those games we still were in the game until the fourth quarter.
I just wish Williams was available to push JH and Steven. We could use a big strong qb to balance out that run attack.
All of our games this yr are going to be close... lets see if Golden can get these guys to step it up when it counts like the Heat did against Cheatcargo.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Soup what makes you think this crew is more disciplined?
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Not as an ENTIRE team, there will always be a few bad apples or lazy players.
But there were already some players that had the right attitude and work ethic and they have upped their level of workouts and committment.
Most importantly from the reports I have been getting on the regular there are DEFINITELY an additional handful of players who have got the Golden religion and now "get it".
I will not name names of who is and who isn't but trust me there are some in BOTH camps. Look I am a realist too and I understand that only 50% of the team may get 50% better in 2011.
But that will be a LOT better this year.
And that is an amount that will get us at LEAST 2 more wins in 2011.
Wrap it up, I'll take it!
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 12:53 PM
It is easy to point the finger at a few slackers. Certainly there are a few.
It is also wise to point out a few true winners on this team. And there are PLENTY!
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 12:55 PM
One does not have to be Colonel Optimist to will your Football expecting a National Championship. If you listen to UiF players, they are in Gainesville to WIN championships!
Their Admin design-schedules games to play Charleston So. & FAM-U but not the []_[] specifically for championship-peril avoidance. Even after UiF crashed & burned last year, Gator players cite one goal: Nat'l Championship!
UM current players have the benefit of the ear & wisdom of a certain Art Kehoe sporting all five UM Nat'l
Championship rings! There is a legacy of Championship that is inherent in the veins of Hurricanes. While they have won 5 recent championships, politics & zebras have facilitated other teams to deny UM ANOTHER 5 'ships.
Therefore, this UM T E A M, not unlike others, places itself squarely & totally in contention for 2011 BCS Championship.
And while any team would need a lucky break here or there on the long 12-game run, there is zero reason, in light of the legacy of the []_[] to uphold, not to CanesEye on12-O & BCS Championship, and thus be a member of 2O11 version of the mythical 12% club without being "unrealistic".
Posted by: Scribe747SP | May 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM
They should have put ring ropes around the lane on Cheatcargos end.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Good Article....Good Article....I am 12%ing again this year U knw my motto "whtz the point in expecting to lose"....If We are the U tht everyone refers too then Losing is NOT acceptable....I think this year is going to be much better but hey thtz jus me n my crazy 12% thoughts....
RCCF
Posted by: RCCF | May 28, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Soup I remain very skeptical. I really do not have much faith in many of these kids. Many, even those who you guys think are improving have a terrible, terrible work ethic in all areas. So with that said 9-3 is the best I think we get out of this team and I will not at all be stunned if we lose the first game....well besides the few bottom feeder teams I am not sure any loss would surprise me.
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 01:16 PM
News on Gray Crow though from last night, I was getting texts from a guy in the booth … his team, Countryside, won 49-19 over St.Pete High
He said that Countryside had Crow throwing in 5 WR formations and had him back in the shotgun. He threw for a little over 200 yards and had 4 TDs in the 1st Half
This is only spring jamboree football though
Need to see what he does during the regular season, but they sure the hell weren't running him out there in 4 or 5 WR spread sets last year. He was more in a pro style formation, with an occasional 1 back set while he was in shotgun
Posted by: Six | May 28, 2011 at 01:17 PM
Like I have said many times I am a huge Miami Hurricane fan but not a fan at all of many of these players! Knowing some things I know makes it very difficult to scream for them.....just the truth!
And just to get this straight they are not "bad" kids but they are selfish, lazy kids who really don't have much of a drive to be champions. Now like you said every team has a few like this but I would say 80% of this current team is made up of these....and I kid not and this makes me really sad!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 01:23 PM
"One does not have to be Colonel Optimist to will your Football expecting a National Championship. If you listen to UiF players, they are in Gainesville to WIN championships!"
I have NO DOUBT that the PLAYERS on every major team think they have a chance of winning every game and a national championship. Of course that is what they SHOULD be thinking.
But fans are a different lot.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 01:27 PM
1. Soup I remain very skeptical.
2. I really do not have much faith in many of these kids. Many, even those who you guys think are improving have a terrible, terrible work ethic in all areas.
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 01:16 PM
1. This is NOT a shocker to any of us. I'm jus sayin. ;-)
2. U are painting this team with TOO broad a brush. Sure there are some players that are simply lazy or feel self entitled but that is no different from many of their generation and most other college football players on all teams. This is not a unique "plague" that is only infecting The U but all sports teams.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 01:32 PM
I heard that Golden does not put up with laziness. These kids will be replaced and told to find another school if they are lazy. The freshmen will replace them... there are a lot of openings for the incoming freshmen.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 01:34 PM
Sorry for the loss Bolts fans, the closer you get to the finals the more the loss hurts. It really sucks when they are in the Finals and lose or in Tempe Arizona and a flag gets thrown.
Posted by: CGNC | May 28, 2011 at 12:21 AM
I know that all the stores in Tampa that sell Lightning gear are the ones that will be real sorry that the Bolts lost - b/c all those Tampa fans that just sprung up out of nowhere as the playoffs progressed will be returning their newly purchased gear
Great example - yesterday during one of our live shots outside of a sports bar in Tampa, bunch of Bolts fans, our reporter goes to their table, they're all decked out in new Bolts gear, the South Tampa ho's sitting at the table all basically just want to go snort a bump of cocaine to go with their drink ... our reporter asks the guy who was sitting there in his brand new Bolts hat and shirt what he thinks will happen for the game
The guy starts going on about how good the new coach is, even though he couldn't remember his name and our reporter had to finally tell him the name ... then he talks about how his favorite player is that guy "Saint Martin" and how he's done so well in the playoffs, how he deserves to have a chance to finally play for the Cup
Yep. And that guy was completely stone cold sober
1) I think he meant Martin St. Louis
2) He already did play for the Cup, and won it
3) Please know the name of the head coach of your own team. That's fine if you can't name the head coach of any other team in the league, but please at least know the name of your own head coach
If you're a new fan, that's cool, nothing wrong with it, everyone was at one point and time. If you're a new fan that tries to act like you've been a fan since the get, then at least do your research. A knowledgeable fan base is a better fan base
Posted by: Six | May 28, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Posted by: CaneRock | May 28, 2011 at 03:35 AM
CR, I'm saying the torch of NBA's popularity was passed from Bird's broken down back and Magic's unprotected tail chasing to Zeke and MJ, not that they laid down for them but that rivalry set the table for a swell in popularity that Thomas would wrest away from them then for Jordan to eventually take over and take it to another global level.
If you don't think The Bad Boys had a watershed impact on the NBA then you obviously didn't notice the way defense turned to a nasty pitch in the early 90's in their championship wake leading to Riley's Knicks redefining the way playoff basketball looked in the half-court set and the league office subsequently changing the rules on hand-checking the perimeter ball handler and then ten years or so later the way all players running or driving a lane were allowed to be impeded by the defense in calling fouls to get rid of that style of defensive play in response to them. I never said the on court legacy of his teams was a good one, just there was one which was pretty influential for the time.
Great blog, but nothings changed at UM, it's national championship or bust, as usual. I'd say there actually isn't a depth problem at QB, we have the 2nd all time career passer in school history backed up by a underclassmen with about half a year of starts under his belt, which is much deeper than just about every other team in college football for 2011 runs at the most important position on the field. Next year we'll have Morris plus whatever run he gets this season and Memphis' starter with a year of experience added in with whoever signs and arrives to school so we'll be in a similar position for '12, not too unenviable IMO.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 28, 2011 at 01:39 PM
The will to win is much stronger than the physicality even tho you need those tangibles. You wont get beat up if your at the top of your game.
JJ used to say every recruiting cycle... "im going out to get someone who can replace you." lol
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 01:44 PM
http://philsteele.com/Pdf/2011PreseasonHonors/AllACC.pdf
I'm interested to know if canechic's little bird told her any of the UM guys on this projection are unduly being promoted beyond their desire to excel?
Logan Thomas 3rd team? Steele must really like the way he hands the ball off to the tailback or something.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 28, 2011 at 01:50 PM
Now like you said every team has a few like this but I would say 80% of this current team is made up of these....and I kid not and this makes me really sad!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 01:23 PM
80%? E I G H T Y P E R C E N T???
C'mon now, that % is completely arbitrary and a HUGE exaggeration!
Go position by position and name which players are and which ones aren't. U will not come up with 80%. No way, no how.
Since we are throwing arbitrary numbers around then I say 25% probably, 30% maybe, 40% perhaps, maximum.
No way more than 50% of the players on this team are lazy, worthless, losers. NO WAY!
80% and U would have lost every game.
Here is what I am trying to say in a nutshell:
1. IF Golden can get the estimated 60% of the players that are motivated and want to be the best they can be and MAKE THEM BETTER with effective player development then that will produce much better results.
2. IF Golden can get 20% of the 40% (maximum) to come away from the dark side and see the light that will result in a HUGE improvement in the results of this team.
3. Combine #1 and #2 above and that will result in a HUGE improvement in this team.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 02:05 PM
I don't recall our upcoming schedule, but as long as Miami DOMINATES, and wins the games that they're SUPPOSED to win, and COMPETE in the games that their not favored to win, then I'll be alright with whatever our W/L total turns out to be.
I think that our perception of the great Miami teams have given us this misconception that we can beat anybody anywhere...with ANYBODIES. <<<
Posted by: CaneRock | May 28, 2011 at 02:16 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^CONTINUED
Those great Miami teams didn't win with ANYBODIES, they won with great players who possessed great ATTITUDES,MENTAL TOUGHNESS, and INTENSITY, we weren't winning with Tinkerbells out there. And all this crap about somebody pushing somebody so the person in front can raise their level of play is just that...CRAP. REAL COMPETITION is YOU AGAINST YOURSELF, YOU have to be the SELF STARTER, YOU have to MOTIVATE YOU, and until AG gets these young men to buy into that, then we'll see the results won't be that much improved from what we've seen the last few years...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 28, 2011 at 02:24 PM
There is a legacy of Championship that is inherent in the veins of Hurricanes.
Therefore, this UM T E A M, not unlike others, places itself squarely & totally in contention for 2011 BCS Championship.
And while any team would need a lucky break here or there on the long 12-game run, there is zero reason, in light of the legacy of the []_[] to uphold, not to CanesEye on12-O & BCS Championship.
Posted by: Scribe747SP | May 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM
"Legacy" ain't never made a tackle, blocked anybody, completed a pass or kicked a FG.
Players do that.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 02:32 PM
If "Legacy" was responsible for winning football games Notre Dame would go undfeated every year.
How's that working for them?
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 02:34 PM
80% = 4 out of every 5.
Sounds a little high to me too. That would mean about 13 on the scholarship roster don't fall into that category, that's barely half a starting lineup on both sides of the ball.
2 out of every 5 = 40%, sounds closer to me but still maybe a little high. That means about a pro team worth of the scholarship roster doesn't fall into that category.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 28, 2011 at 02:37 PM
Canechic...there are somne things we know that U know. There are also some things that U don't know about before (Shannon) and after (Golden). Trust me on this.
One BIG thing? Swasey then and now. And not just "yeah the workouts are harder." Much more and much deeper than that.
U think Whipple and Shannon were at odds?
That is nothing!
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 02:54 PM
"Legacy ain't never..." but it reins within the veins of players of the []_[], past Championship players, and present Championship aspirant players alike.
Posted by: Scribe747SP | May 28, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Now that Hankerson is gone, I can't think of a single guy on the 'Canes football team that I can count on, game in and game out, to just rock the house. (Lamar Miller shows the most potential for being The Guy next year. Spence on D.)
Obviously, there are plenty of guys who can "flash" greatness, but we're going to need four or five guys who are just consistently awesome before we can even think ACC, much less BCS. Just hoping that four or five of your superbly talented players decide to show up on the same Saturday is not a recipe for success.
Posted by: dj moonbat | May 28, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Soup heard all the Randy stuff trust me! I still firmly believe lots of housecleaning needs to be done before we say 10-2 trust me!
And honestly just telling you what my gut tells me and what I expect! You guys can believe what u want. I am just being real and have taken my blinders off :)
Typing at the apple store!
Go canes!
Posted by: Cane chic | May 28, 2011 at 03:29 PM
Lots of stuff going on @ u athletics not just with football.
Posted by: Cane chic | May 28, 2011 at 03:32 PM
If you heard some garbage that comes from these kids mouths promise u u would say 80% too....just call it like I see it and every time I think I am painting the team with a broad brush.....I just watch them on Sat. And at the bowl game! They play just like they
talk!
Posted by: Cane chic | May 28, 2011 at 03:36 PM
"Legacy ain't never..." but it reins within the veins of players of the []_[], past Championship players, and present Championship aspirant players alike.
Posted by: Scribe747SP | May 28, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Whatever! U should change your blog name to: The Legacy.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Soup/CaneChic whats up with all the side talk? :) Could you spill the beans to us less mortals!
Posted by: SinisterCane | May 28, 2011 at 04:01 PM
CaneChic, we could've been 10-2 last season with some COMPETENT coaching. The UVA,VT, and USF games were winnable from a TALENT standpoint, but we lost those games from a MENTAL standpoint. During RS's time, all we did was just PILE ISH ON TOP OF ISH, we didn't do ANYTHING, in ANY game or season, to build SOMETHING. Tell me--since last season is recent memory--what did we do last season that made you say, "Oh, we can build off of this game."?
Posted by: CaneRock | May 28, 2011 at 04:03 PM
All I can say is wait and see...hope I am wrong really do but I said that all last season too!
Randy had issues, the school has issues but these kids do too. So hopefully with the new staff and some new leadership the canes may get on track in the next couple of years but it won't be next year....I assure u!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Sinister issues with Randy's personality, his ability to lead, his ability to handle the media and all in all his ineffectiveness as a head coach. Kids talked bad about him alumni sure did not like him and now he is gone.
My issues are with the lack of respect and lack of work ethic most of these kids have....they just don't have it! Lots of slackers and " easy way out" guys on this team.....a very lazy lot! They diss both coaches constantly and quite frankly constantly complain about having too much practice and way too much school. They would much rather chase tale and play video games. Not ever too much talk about winning a championship for the school, they love and has given them an opportunity. In fact some of the guys even say they don't even believe they can win. Of course my favorite games get in the way of their social plans.
So believe what you like listen to whomever you want.....unless a serious about face happens we are less than 9-3 and you can vault it all!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 04:36 PM
Ok now I am finished.
Did the baseball game get rained out again?
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 04:40 PM
You got to look at what made us lose those games last yr. There were two things. The penalties and the lack of effort on the defense in the fourth quarter. If we do not give the ball over to our opponent in our own end of the field then we dont give them points.
If we are in better shape then we are not going to give up big yardage when it counts.
On d did pretty good in stopping the them most of the games but we had our lack of concentration and gave up big plays.
We also played inconsistent like we played Clemson really tough then we go to Dooggy and loaf around.
I think the main problems was not the players ... Randy threw them under the bus and played head games with them all yr long. Although Randy did was not allocated the monies that Golden has access to also. But maybe Randy does not use the funds in the way Golden does.
We put up some good numbers last yr. Golden will eliminate the mistakes and motivate the players who will respond in the fourth quarter this yr.
Ive seen transition from the 80s so its going to take a couple of yrs to change the culture. But one thing we can look for is if the team responds in a positive way toward adversity. That will bring in the new culture.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 04:44 PM
canechic ...my wife was attending the U when Snells was there. She was around the football players. She said they hated Snells because he made them practices miserably hard. Ruthless. This is nothing new. The more they complain the better. So this is good if they are complaining.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 04:53 PM
miamicane really totally different players. That same attitude shows up on Saturdays. Whining quiters is what they are...I know those guys in the 80's may have complained about practices but they still showed up on Saturday and never ever shrugged their shoulders when they lost like "OH WELL". Different kids I assure you.
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 04:59 PM
She also told me the football players used to watch soaps all the time... lol. they always been crazy.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 05:01 PM
The reason they did not want to lose was what would happen the next week. She told me if they lost it would be pure hell the next week. It would be worse than the loss.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Their is absolutely nothing wrong with any of them doing anything on their off time...as long as they do what they need to be a football player and student. As long as they show up on Saturday prepared to play. These kids believe football gets in the way of being a "superstar" football player....they like all the privileges a player at the U brings but do not want to work to be a "superstar" football player.....this is the biggest mental issue with these guys.
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 05:04 PM
All i got to say is Chris Vergotis... lol... people who know that time will understand what i mean.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM
And if most of the guys did not make it in football they would be back in Liberty City. This was a huge motivator....for most it was their only way out!!!
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Listen to that Michael Irvin speech...he knows what I am talking about and he knows this team is very weak.
Posted by: canechic | May 28, 2011 at 05:08 PM
SOUP, U didn't know? Caps lock is cruise control for COOL!
Posted by: OhioCane | May 28, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Michael Irving is simply doing his part to let this version of Hurricanes KNOW about upholding the "Legacy".
Posted by: Scribe747-SP | May 28, 2011 at 06:13 PM
canes up 2-0 int the bottom of the first
Posted by: SlingBlade | May 28, 2011 at 06:19 PM
game is being shown on FSFLORIDA....2-0 with one one first and two outs...
Posted by: SlingBlade | May 28, 2011 at 06:20 PM
inning over going to the second inning with the score 2-0...go canes
Posted by: SlingBlade | May 28, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Canes up 2-0 after one inning
Posted by: 1canesfan | May 28, 2011 at 06:21 PM
3-0 canes bottom of the second
Posted by: SlingBlade | May 28, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Competition within a team and fear of loosing your starting job to the man behind you is a huge motivating factor. being a self starter is important, but this is a team sport not swimming it takes everyone on the roster top to bottom to be successful. teams can overcome a few bad apples and every team has them, competition within the ranks is a huge factor for success. players need to be pushed!
Posted by: fmcane | May 28, 2011 at 06:39 PM
canes up 4-0 after a rony rod homerun that cleared the left field bull...
Posted by: SlingBlade | May 28, 2011 at 06:47 PM
fmcane, worrying about the person behind you is NOT a competition...it's a DISTRACTION.
Posted by: CaneRock | May 28, 2011 at 07:07 PM
The winning formula for this ACC tourney is crazy lose one game and you are eliminated? Not sure it is worth the gas to even go! Has it always been like this?
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 07:34 PM
Listen to that speech again....these kids are letting the program down and he knows it! No one has to see what I see or feel what my gut feels but the proof is in the pudding! This particular bunch always proves me right!
Like I say at the end of the day this is their team, their legacy and they run out on that field with their names on the jerseys. They will decide, be quitters or be winners...their choice!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Randy had issues, the school has issues but these kids do too. So hopefully with the new staff and some new leadership the canes may get on track in the next couple of years but it won't be next year....I assure u!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 04:25 PM
So believe what you like listen to whomever you want.....unless a serious about face happens we are less than 9-3 and you can vault it all!
Posted by: Canechic | May 28, 2011 at 04:36 PM
AS U REQUEST DEAR!
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Oh I love it. We created these little bastards. Remember when everyone got a trophy whether the won or loss, well it's coming home to roost. They never experience the agony of defeat or how to come back from defeat, so do you expect a different outcome. Insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.
How many of them would have quit after getting cut from the high school basketball as a sophomore...probably the whole team. They don't understand what it takes to be a champion, because they never had to work for anything. They loose we buy them a video game to sooth the pain...take your butt outside and practice.
Different generation who expect the world to be handed to them. We're in big trouble as a country.
Posted by: MDCane | May 28, 2011 at 10:53 PM
All i got to say is Chris Vergotis... lol... people who know that time will understand what i mean.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | May 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM
It is Vagotis, and YES, U are correct!
Guess where he was a head coach in HS before going to UM?
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 10:59 PM
We're in big trouble as a country.
Posted by: MDCane | May 28, 2011 at 10:53 PM
U got that right.
But in spite of that SOME college football teams are still winning LOTS of games and National Championships.
No reason we can't be one of those teams.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Man that is some good blogging.
You guys are making good arguments for and against a 12% type season.
Personally I don't believe all the conditioning,nutrition,recalling past glory will over come 3 picks a game by two different QBs in every big game over the course of an entire season.
Unless we run the ball every down from the 25 yd line in we are still going to be looking at each other in the stands and muttering WTF was that??, til the real" That Guy" graduates from high school somewhere and spends a couple seasons on the bench learning what not to do when the game is on the line.
In defense of the 12% club, if you don't expect to win every game you shouldn't be in the game.
The fact you aren't going to win them all shouldn't be because you doubted yourself.
Reality is some very good opposing teams are going to play there best games against us.
Posted by: solarcane | May 28, 2011 at 11:13 PM
their^
and I meant 3 ints total every big game shared between two QBs with U on the side of their head.
Posted by: solarcane | May 28, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Sinister...I don't have time to get into all of the details right now but just let me say this:
As expected SOME players are getting with the new program under Golden, but others...not so much.
From what I have heard those that always gave 100% are still doing so and even MORE. I put this group at about 60% of the team.
From what I have heard there are a few who didn't get it before but have turned it around are ARE getting it now. I put this group at about 20%.
That's 80% of solid players.
From what I hear there are some that still don't and may never "get it". I put this group at 10%.
There are some that simply don't have it whether they are trying or not. That group is the other 10% of which some have already left the team.
The last two groups (20%) will be replaced by the some of incoming Freshman class especially at LB and DB and WR.
DT depth was added with the two late signees.
That is all.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 11:33 PM
all i can say is that these same kids went 9-3 as sophomores wit shannon as coach, why the hell can't they do it again wit golden as coach? if these players can go pro under shannon think what they would do under a man that sent players to the league from temple
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | May 29, 2011 at 01:04 AM
Combine those factors and 9-3 is the minimum of what UM fans should expect.
From there it seems that 10-2 is very doable, 11-1 is definitely exceeding expectations and 12-0 is NOT out of the question with a few lucky breaks and NO major injuries.
Posted by: SOUP | May 28, 2011 at 11:36 AM
That says it right there. The Canes are talented. If the Canes are better conditioned, mentally tough and eliminates mistakes, this will be a special year for us.
Posted by: WindyCane-Forecast1 | May 29, 2011 at 01:10 AM
Long time reader, new poster. Every year I feel we will be better than we were the previous year under RS. During the Ohio State game I knew right away we were in trouble. I blamed the coaches for what I saw, especially the previous two years with the 2008 class. The potential and desire was there the first two years but when you have coaches that don't see eye to eye the players follow their lead and therefore the team is not operating as one. This year we will be much better and regardless of the doubt and rumors coming out of the U. This team had some great games last year but wasn't consistent. I think the part that was missing was coaching and that has changed. They may be lazy kids but from what I saw last year along with the new staff, every team on our schedule is beatable but I am going to with with 10-2 for now.
Posted by: Swing Batter | May 29, 2011 at 04:56 AM
Good point about the 9-3 season.
The ACC blows. We have plenty of talent to be in the hunt every year for that title no doubt about it.
We were led by a complete idiot on ALL levels the past 4 years. U have to remember that.
I wouldn't expect greatness this year but what I absolutely do expect is a tougher, more disciplined, better executing, prideful team that refuses to rollover when ish does not go their way of its a little too chilly outside.
F that.
Give me all of the above and the record will fall into place.
Lose like a bunch of pussies like we have so many times under the dented one and that is when I have a problem.
A complete turnaround won't happen overnight. A LOT of damage has been done to this program.
Cautiously optimistic for this season but extremely thankful for that incompetent fool and his garbage ass football
to be long gone.
#refreshing
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | May 29, 2011 at 05:46 AM
Life time member of the 12% club. GO CANES!
Posted by: MDCane | May 29, 2011 at 06:56 AM
MDCane you got it exactly right about everybody getting a trophy. Most of us Dads stand around in shock at little league games these days where they don't keep score and everybody bats. Kids in other countries are learning to fend for themselves and I've said for a long time that this "entitlement" generation will come back to haunt us, not just in sports, but in life. MDCane said it better than I can.
Posted by: CaneSniper | May 29, 2011 at 08:02 AM
Believe it or not the canes unfortunately have more than a handful of these entitled player who seem to have much more influence than those who you guys keep trying to convince me are leaders. I am sure their are other teams with their share of the entitled ones but those kids don't seem to have the pulpit at their school. Someone on this canes team needs to step up to the leadership position and as of today no one has. Please do not expect this from either qb because they do not have leadership skills. So who will it be? Who will be willing to take on that role? This means you have to care about your teammates, you may have to give up some xbox time, you may have to give up some party time.....so who of these kids do you think will step up to the plate?
Until one of these "very talented" steps into the role of leader.....the canes will remain wandering in the wilderness of losers.
Posted by: Canechic | May 29, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Hank guest receivers coach at Golden Football Camp today.
Posted by: solarcane | May 29, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Rohan Marley guest coach at Golden Football Camp today
Posted by: solarcane | May 29, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Warren Sapp does not appear to be on the Golden bus.
Posted by: Canechic | May 29, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Warren Sapp is an ass. He is never happy about anything!
Posted by: canesteeler | May 29, 2011 at 09:19 AM
MD Cane you are correct the children of this country are turning into a bunch of wuzzies! Someone has to win and someone has to lose, learn to deal with both and life will be much better. I tell my kids no one will ride their ass like me but no one will love them unconditionally like me. As far as predicting the record next season I have given up on that. The team still has some dead weight to weed out but I have 100% confidence this coaching staff will have the team better prepared and they will played with heart and toughness otherwise they can kiss their scholarships good bye. Entitlement my ass! (EMA)
Posted by: canesteeler | May 29, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Canez1 whats happening my brother?
Posted by: canesteeler | May 29, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Canesteeler the entire time I was raising my kids it was, man your pretty strict on them, geez you should cut them some slack.
blah blah blah.
They never got allowance, money for getting good grades, paid to mow the grass or any of that crap.
They both had part time jobs while in high school, my son actually lied about his age and was working in a restaurant at 14 nights and weekends so he could buy a 600 dollar BMX bike.
They grew up without ever being arrested, doing drugs, spitting on cops etc.
One is a nurse and the other is the head of shipping at a med supply company, neither has ever asked mom or dad for a dime from the day they left home.
They have never known what entitlement looks like.
Posted by: solarcane | May 29, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Seeing your children grow up to be self sufficient, respected, caring parents that care about people, and are making a positive influence on other people, is worth more than any Heisman winner that learned from his parents that cheating is OK because everybody else does it.
Posted by: solarcane | May 29, 2011 at 10:03 AM
They may be lazy kids but from what I saw last year along with the new staff, every team on our schedule is beatable but I am going to with with 10-2 for now.
Posted by: Swing Batter | May 29, 2011 at 04:56 AM
Swing Batter...welcome to The Space!
Post here, post often.
Posted by: SOUP | May 29, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Cautiously optimistic for this season but extremely thankful for that incompetent fool and his garbage ass football
to be long gone.
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | May 29, 2011 at 05:46 AM
How refreshing!
Welcome back Canez1. Good to see U banging around in Space again. Take care and see U around the blogosphere.
Posted by: SOUP | May 29, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Until one of these "very talented" steps into the role of leader.....the canes will remain wandering in the wilderness of losers.
Posted by: Canechic | May 29, 2011 at 08:55 AM
I could give U several names but U only really need ONE:
Anthony Chickillo, 3G
Posted by: SOUP | May 29, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Warren Sapp is an ass. He is never happy about anything!
Posted by: canesteeler | May 29, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Truer words have never been spoken.
That is all.
Posted by: SOUP | May 29, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Was that A Canez1 sighting??? TOEPICK!
Good blog article! Actually my apathy has my prediction at around 9-3 mostly because I think our team will be somewhat improved and the ACC is a weak conference.
Posted by: CGNC | May 29, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Unless we solve the QB problem, our football season will be disappointing again this year.
Posted by: 2002nemo | May 29, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Vince my man what is up??
It's been too long!!
The pussification of America is alive and kicking.
We will be unigender before u know it.
Smh
Soup what's good bro? Good to see the crew still holding it down.
CG toepick!!!
I was thinking about u the other day. I'll drop u an email.
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | May 29, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Soup I hope he does and I really hope they prove me wrong because I would really like to be proud of my favorite team again!
Posted by: canechic | May 29, 2011 at 11:11 AM