The Golden Era: Year One

Wrap it up in orange paper, put a pretty green bow on it and ship it on out.

Year one of the Al Golden era at the University of Miami is in the books.

Today UM head coach Al Golden held his final press conference of the 2011 season. The local media was on hand to hear him summarize the 2011 season and offer insight into what Hurricane fans can expect next year and beyond.

The best quote of the day came in response to a question from WFOR sports reporter Jim Berry. Berry asked Golden about getting a contract extension after the Hurricanes produced a 6-6 record in his first year at UM.

Golden replied: "So 6-6 not good enough for you? Trust me I'm here 18 hours a day and it is not good enough for me either. We will get this fixed."

According to your own perspective or who you ask the UM 2011 football season breaks down into two general theories something like this:

Golden did as good as could be expected given the current talent on the roster, the disruption and chaos caused by the ShapiroGate scandal that broke just before the season began and the resulting suspensions and injuries that occurred during the season. The future is bright, recruiting is going very well and it is only a matter of time before Al Golden shows that he is more than just a slogan man and that "The Process" will eventually produce a championship calibre team.

Golden was average in his first year and the team's .500 record indicates that. The defense still was made of Swiss cheese, the offense improved but was inconsistent and the coaching was at times suspect in terms of decision making, scheme, play calling and game management. The future is still questionable and the jury is still out on whether "The Process" turns out to be fact or fiction.

Here is Al Golden in his own words at today's press conference (Part I):

Here is more of Golden being himself at today's press conference (Part II):

One thing is for certain: Golden is who he is and he is going to be at Miami for a long, long time.

Not only did he just sign a four year contract extension at UM but he also stated during his presser that he intends to be at Miami longer than any coach since Howard Schnellenberger won the first National Championship in 1983.

Golden has repeatedly called the University of Miami a "destination job" and he apparently means it.

He certainly does not shy away from responsibility and he is not afraid to tell anybody that it is his job to bring about the necessary changes and to win championships at Miami.

He is absolutely 100% committed to his plan and convinced that "The Process" will work given the necessary time to change the talent on this team and the culture at UM.

And I for one believe in Al Golden.

Comments

[herbieibis]

Maybe First

[86Cane]

VACane, Felipe and UCane...your Canespace shirts are going out this week.

My shipping department (Mrs. 86) went on strike just before Thanksgiving but has returned to work after signing a new four year contract (marriage) extension.

[UMike]

As for recruits whose commitment is "soft", Golden said: "If they're looking, we're looking."

Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2011/11/audio-um-coach-al-golden-season-wrap-up-press-conference.html#ixzz1f1gV49dw

I like that

Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2011 at 01:30 PM
UMike

Golden said he anticipates two other quarterbacks being here by Jan. 17 and having four quarterbacks in the program who will compete in spring football. "I think Stephen [Morris] made a lot of progress this year, has benefited from learning and growing and developing alongside Jacory, learning the system without having the pressure to produce week in and week out," Golden said. "There's something to be said for that. He's gotten better during the year. It's going to be great to see him, Ryan [Williams] and two kids we bring in mid-year compete."

Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2011/11/audio-um-coach-al-golden-season-wrap-up-press-conference.html#ixzz1f1gpORhf

Golden said 4 qb's....I count Morris, Williams, Thompson, Dewey and Crow....I wonder if he knows someone isnt going to make it..maybe Thompson because of baseball

Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2011 at 01:32 PM

[Q]

great article

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Golden says "we're a long way from where we want to be." says Virginia Tech is benchmark."

Guy has about half a clue. Of course, the first half of that clue is obvious, but the empty trophy case is your benchmark? The only benchmark they should be is for arguments for gun control, not college football teams. Just remember, kick the FG in 2013 if you're still here Al.

[86Cane]

Golden said 4 qb's....I count Morris, Williams, Thompson, Dewey and Crow....I wonder if he knows someone isnt going to make it..maybe Thompson because of baseball

Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2011 at 01:34 PM

Golden and Fisch just visited Thompson and he told them he would NOT graduate early and wanted to HS play baseball this season.

So IF he comes it will be in Fall. Big IF!

[herbieibis]

Now that we all have finally gotten over the fact that we no longer can win a Ship, with mediocre starred players, like we used to (Ed Reed) is usually mentioned, it's time to get with the Tom, Dick, & Harry's of the world, A La Bama, LSU, Okie and some of the other mainstays at the top of the polls, and get bigger, stronger & faster players in here. We used to win with speed, we were just plain faster than everyone else but now, while we've remained fast, everyone else has got speed but size to go along with it. We have just been plain arrogant about, not needing size. We have LB's that are 6 Ft & 220, that run 4.6 and most other teams have LB's that are 6'2 240 running 4.6. Just like Jon Holmes, size does matter. Aside from the constantant coaching carosel, we haven't been able to reshirt alot of kids that come in here and get them beefed up. This class coming in, at least half will have to play and it will be that way until we get depth. To me most of the good teams have at least 7 guys that are differnce makers. On Dee, you need one lineman, Lb & DB & on Offense One Lineman, WR, RB & a Qb that can manage the game. Most of your top teams have those ingrediants. On Defense we had Spence and really no one else and on offense we had Streeter & Miller and I guess I could say Linder. Jabonney did a good job of managing the games until the last one but reverted back to his old days. Our defense did better towards the end but they kept giving up clock eating 80yd. drives and that was the theme for most of the season.You can't win when you don't have the ball much or unless the other team turns the ball over a bunch, something that we also are not good at and that's takeaways.Anyway for us analyst, I'm glad it's over with.

[Ohio_Cane]

*OFF TOPIC*

Sources: Rick Neuheisel will not return next season as UCLA head coach; will remain w/team for pac12 title game

http://es.pn/vvB7H6

[Ohio_Cane]

Golden said 4 qb's....I count Morris, Williams, Thompson, Dewey and Crow....I wonder if he knows someone isnt going to make it..maybe Thompson because of baseball

Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2011 at 01:34 PM
-----------------------------------------

Thompson not graduating early. I think he'll be in the MLB anyways lol.

PS - I'm calling Ryan Williams as starter next year. Yes, I'm calling it now.

[Ohio_Cane]

^^ Bah, 86 beat me to it! Lol

[CGNC]

Nice blogging on the scholarship issue.

As for Swasey - spent the 2000 season as UM's co-head strength and conditioning coach in charge of speed and agility and was promoted to head of the department in 2001.

Before that in 1998 and 1999 we had Tommy Moffit currently with LSU.

Was there anyone in between Moffitt and Swasey?

Posted by: CGNC | November 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM

[CGNC]

OGV - LOL - I was kinda thinking "VirginiaTech"??? Really?

[pbcfrcane13]

Ohio way ahead of you I've called it man maybe even before the season started this year ;)

[orange 'n green in the vein]

CGNC, I was going to go in on the, "wining-est senior class in Temple's 115 year history," and the fact he's counting 8 wins under Adazio as his own, but that's like shooting fish in a barrel I figure.

So from that benchmark quote I gather the plan is to have NCAA probation bring down FSU enough to surpass them for a shot at a national title where we will get blown out, comeback to make it a game, only to get blown out a second time all in one game? Well, if that's the case, extend him another four years already and lets do it!

Seriously, he's never been around meaningful championship winning football so I'm questioning whether he has the contextual vision required to get this done right now without a epiphany of biblical proportions. At least he knows he's got to go recruit the lights out to supplement that undersized signing class from last year to get the roster rebalanced properly. If he loses another full court press to Jabba the Weiss on signing day after what a player has seen from the respective programs though, we know there's a problem percolating under the surface.

[Q]

Ryan Williams has the size and arm they looking for in a WV. Last year when Stanford was stomping va tech Golden said that's the size QB Miami needed. then Williams transfers I believe it's only footwork he needs to work on. Fisch loved him...Morris is a great kid but he is a dual threat Qb in a position where we need a pocket passer

[Old Skool]

Don't remember reading it here, but reports note that Dennis Erickson will either retire or be fired at the end of the season.

[pbcfrcane13]

I mean killing him for a weak recruiting class last year is dumb man....really? He has one month to pull in recruits when randy left there were what 5 kids who were committed?

[Q]

kinda lost by Golden he said he didn't want 6ft 208 pound linebackers....that's Raphael Kirby

[mi@mic@ne]

Its amazing to me that the Temple guys who are in the Mac ...out lift the first yr Golden Canes who are in the ACC... does that tell you what was going on in the last 9 yrs here at the U?

[86Cane]

I'm calling Ryan Williams as starter next year. Yes, I'm calling it now.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM

I've got Gray Crow beating everyone else out by a mile at QB for Um in 2012.

Cue wild rant from Six in 3, 2, 1...

[86Cane]

Does that tell you what was going on in the last 9 yrs here at the U?

Posted by: mi@mic@ne | November 28, 2011 at 02:29 PM

YES, and none of it is good.

[dj moonbat]

Before that in 1998 and 1999 we had Tommy Moffit currently with LSU.

Posted by: CGNC | November 28, 2011 at 02:00 PM

And just LOOK at LSU. Holy Smokes! I can't remember the last time I saw a football team that was simultaneously that strong and that fast. Oh, wait -- yes I can: UM 99-02.
Moffit is The Man.

[UMike]

Seriously, he's never been around meaningful championship winning football so I'm questioning whether he has the contextual vision required to get this done right now....

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 28, 2011 at 02:19 PM

Wasnt Golden on the Penn State team that beat Miami for the title? And VT is a decent benchmark when you consider their #5 in the BCS at 11-1 and are consistently in the ACC title game and winning it

[dg]

LSU is somewhat what we were. They just don't have an explosive offense like we did. They really own the entire state of LA. Most of the guys I know from down that way are just natural big guys. LSU just rolls with what they have and says "screw" the rest. Les Miles is still one of the luckiest coaches I have ever seen. I think Georgia will give them all they can handle.

[Ohio_Cane]

He has one month to pull in recruits when randy left there were what 5 kids who were committed?

Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | November 28, 2011 at 02:25 PM
------------------------------------------

2 kids committed when Golden got here. Yes, TWO.

[mi@mic@ne]

Look the U had the most electric teams to ever play in the BCS. Seriously the Bama.. LSU Offenses do not even come close to how we used to light up the score board... We developed NFL QBS ... one of the greatest was Jim Kelly.... hated that he would always beat the dolphins....Kosar...Vinny...Dont even compare these sec teams to our history...

[Ohio_Cane]

kinda lost by Golden he said he didn't want 6ft 208 pound linebackers....that's Raphael Kirby

Posted by: Q | November 28, 2011 at 02:26 PM
------------------------------------------

That's a COLLEGE kid, after 2-4 years of training.

Kirby is a HIGH SCHOOL senior.

[Ohio_Cane]

I've got Gray Crow beating everyone else out by a mile at QB for Um in 2012.

Cue wild rant from Six in 3, 2, 1...

Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2011 at 02:35 PM
--------------------------------------

TBH, I'm ok with whoever it is, as long as he WINS.

And doesn't turn the ball over...

[mi@mic@ne]

well back then it was call the NCAA championship game.

[mi@mic@ne]

This is a good comparison.. we were a mixture of USC now on O and the strength and toughness of bama and lsu mixed together ... lol

[86Cane]

And VT is a decent benchmark when you consider their #5 in the BCS at 11-1 and are consistently in the ACC title game and winning it

Posted by: UMike | November 28, 2011 at 02:37 PM

U are correct sir!

If we could average 10 wins over 10 years and win a few ACC titles under Golden EVERYBODY here would be VERY happy considering where we have been recently and where we are now.

Well, except for OGV that is.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

It tells me Temple would win a weightlifting competition against Miami.

Unfortunately the game of football is not determined by who puts up the most weight but who gets the magic handegg past the goal and post lines more times than the other team.

Maybe Golden shouldn't be commended as being a tireless recruiter at the top of his coacing attributes if he doesn't want to be judged for recruiting deficiencies at his destination job?

Oh I forgot, he's allowed to get away with any and everything without derision because he's such a great interview and has ONLY been on the job for a month, a year, a decade . . .

[CaneRock]

VT can do what they do because they run a highschool defense, it's not hard to recruit kids to run a highschool defense. One thing running a defense like that affords you is to put a premium on recruiting offense...

[UMike]

OGV...is there ANYTHING positive you took away from this season? lol

[pbcfrcane13]

Maybe OGV we can have you coach sinse you know how to run a college football team lol.....I mean going to kill the guy for a month of recruiting

Also yes if this class "sucks" he gets killed because he had a full season to recruit it....even thought grant it his next year class is his real first full class since recruiting usually starts with juniors....just saying.

[850Canes]

Wasnt Golden on the Penn State team that beat Miami for the title?
Posted by: UMike
No he was'nt, AG attend PSU from 1989 thru 1991.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Congratulations to UM Senior LB Sean Spence - 1st Team All-ACC. I expect him to have a very long NFL career. Smart.

[UMike]

pbc....not to mention his first full year has been full of negative attention he had nothing to do with.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Congratulations to UM RB Lamar Miller and C Tyler Horn - 2nd Team All-ACC selections. Both are terrific competitors.

[SOUP]

VT can do what they do because they run a highschool defense, it's not hard to recruit kids to run a highschool defense. One thing running a defense like that affords you is to put a premium on recruiting offense...

Posted by: CaneRock | November 28, 2011 at 02:57 PM

Yeah but they rank #7 in scoring D and #12 in total D in the NCAA in 2011.

[herbieibis]

Va. Tech wins because of 3 things coaching, take-aways & luck and you need all 3. It's not because of they're recruiting haul every year. They're buzzards, they feast off your mistakes and when they have a bad defensive day, they just outscore you. It's not how you drive it's how you arrive. They may never win a ship but they are going to be consistant.

[Ohio_Cane]

Don't remember reading it here, but reports note that Dennis Erickson will either retire or be fired at the end of the season.

Posted by: Old Skool | November 28, 2011 at 02:21 PM
--------------------------------------------

Arizona State confirms departure of Head Football Coach Dennis Erickson... http://usat.ly/uUA4XU

[Ohio_Cane]

2011 All-ACC Selections: Here is an article with all of the selections and honorable mentions - http://ow.ly/7HCOY

[orange 'n green in the vein]

86, if UM cupcakes it up like VT does every year then there's no reason why 10 wins a year shouldn't get you on the hot-seat when you lose two or three out of the nine real games you participate in every season to go with it.

UMike, honestly, not much. Wieclaw hitting that game winner with no time left was probably the, "high," point over a team that might finish 5-7 and whose football legacy is that of getting overrated two years in a row and then falling off the map. There's two top 25 wins on the record but neither of those teams had QB's that could exploit the DB's and where hindered by game changing drops the few times their QB did throw a pass to an open guy that was catch-able. Lamar got to 1200 yards and might be back, that's about the best news you got for the future, he might be back, might . . .

Unless the line brings it next year on offense and D'No steps his game up to ACC levels of competence, oh and find a QB who knows the playbook and can read a defense pre-snap, it's looking like a losing year right now assuming Dash does just that to the NFL. Then I can already hear the, "you've got to give Golden time," chorus for a veteran head coach, like somehow going backwards as he gets more experienced means what he did at Temple three years ago was so incredible I can't say he's failing. At least head coach interviews entertain UM fans now, that's something right?

[Ohio_Cane]

Jorge Milian - This was the All-ACC ballot that I turned in yesterday http://bit.ly/tLJvoo

[raizecane]

Cue wild rant from Six in 3, 2, 1...

Posted by: 86Cane | November 28, 2011 at 02:35 PM

Six wont even make it to 2..........and I agree. No way Eat Crow starts next year.

Canerock - Are you telling us that you would NOT want Bud Foster at Miami? I'll take that HS defense anyday of the week compared to how we played this year.

[Ohio_Cane]

Auction - Game worn jerseys from this year and last year.

http://hurricanesports.cstvauctions.com/gallery.cfm

[UMike]

OGV...I guess I just see it a little differently than you lol...my "high" might of been at the hotel by the pool for the OSU game HAHA...Last year we got beat up pretty bad..embarrassed by FSU etc...our largest amount of defeat was 8, to start the year with 8 players out, including Harris and Spence. To me, that alone is well ahead of last year. Injuries hurt us as well, Forston, Cookie, those are starters...not trying to make excuses, just saying were a few plays away from a great record, which couldnt have been said last year.

[SOUP]

OGV...I found something that is gonna make YOUR head explode later this week. U should stop reading Canespace for a while for your own safety. LOL

I'm jus sayin...

[Ohio_Cane]

OGV...I found something that is gonna make YOUR head explode later this week. U should stop reading Canespace for a while for your own safety. LOL

I'm jus sayin...

Posted by: SOUP | November 28, 2011 at 03:38 PM
----------------------------------------

This makes Captain Optimist (Me) excited! LOL

[CaneRock]

Canerock - Are you telling us that you would NOT want Bud Foster at Miami? I'll take that HS defense anyday of the week compared to how we played this year.

Posted by: raizecane | November 28, 2011 at 03:28 PM

Damn, it's funny how we forget how Stanford ran up and down the field on their asses, hell, it's funny how we forget how Lamar Miller ran up and down the field on their asses. Their defense is equivalent to what GT does on offense, once you get past all the smoke and mirrors then it's off to the races. So HELL NO! I don't want no damn Bud Foster, and HELL NO! to aspiring to be like Virginia Tech...

[DallasTX Cane]

we know there's a problem percolating under the surface.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 28, 2011 at 02:19 PM

I'm pretty sure all the problems percolating under the surface were exposed last season into last off-season. If there's many more, someone ought to consider closing the curtains on the whole deal. It should be obvious that the problems with this program originated on Coker's watch and continued thru Shannon's.

It's fair to say it's an unknown right now if Golden is the man to fix all those problems. It's not fair to throw them all on him and denounce his performance because all wasn't fixed in the 10 months he's had the job.

U should consider the posts on this blog back during Shannon's 1st year - 95% supported him regardless of the team's performance. Everything was Coker's fault and Randy was going to have it all fixed by Year 3. I believed that 100% back then. The point I'm about to make is that U seem to take every post in support of AG as criticism of RS; and U seem to take every criticism of RS personally. If U want to debate if RS should have been fired, well that would have been an interesting blog article about a year ago. Its old news now.

Most fans are going to support the new guy because they just want to see some success. They're also going to give the new guy the benefit of the doubt for 2-3 seasons.

Here's a question for U...what if the new days are a replay of the "old days", I mean the old, old days before Schnelly? U still going to wear your CANE gear or are U only a fan of the championships?

[Ohio_Cane]

Mark James from "THE FAN" on WFNZ in Charlotte - "Anyone who doesn't win their conference has no business playing in the national championship game." - Nick Saban - 2003

LOL

[DallasTX Cane]

Something to consider...

6-6 record

6 games lost by 8 points or less - 1 TD

1 score game results can, in theory, be changed by a single play. So, 3 plays in 3 games go differently and Golden starts his UM career 9-3 instead of 6-6. Given all the other "excuses" already posted ad nauseam - a 9-3 record would have made AG a huge success, probably put us in the top 15 (20 definitely), and made UM an attractive bowl opponent.

So, even if all the criticism is true, AG & Co were only 3 plays away from a completely different outcome to this season.

Too bad...thats the way the ball bounces...etc etc. We lost...AG lost and 6-6 is reality. However, IMO it's very possible to foresee significant improvement next season.

[CaneRock]

I think what Armando Salguero wrote about the Dolphins can EASILY be said about the current state of UM football, and it further reinforces my notion of dismissing this bull$hit notion that VT is "the benchmark". I especially like this quote:

South Florida knows football. It is football country. It produces more football players per capita than any place in the United States and third overall behind Texas and California. We do not accept that a player paying hard is an accomplishment. Activity does not equal accomplishment.

Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2011/11/welcome-back-when-last-we-convened-the-dolphins-had-hopes-of-running-the-table-en-route-to-a-9-7-season-there-were-wh.html#ixzz1f2IWEEjF

[herbieibis]

When you see 2 straight years of the same garbage, everyones going to be dogging the coach, Ask Turner Gill & Larry Porter, they got 2 years and are out the door. What Al's facing or has been facing has been a mess from the very beginning. Late jump on recruiting, suspensions, sanctions & injuries. He did the best he could under the circumstances. He had no depth at CB, an interception throwing machine at QB, No skilled TE's. No depth at LB and overall a bunch of weak sisters. Do I think we had the talent despite all the above to be better, hell yes! We were in every game and lost 6 by 32 pts. I can ask several questions about why Shannon didn't have a better strenght & conditioning program. Why didn't he develop more CB's, (we only had 1 coming back with game experience), Why did he flip flop coordinators so much, why were we never motivated from game to game.
Al didn't get no golden goose left for him. Will we be better next year, I'd say 8-4 but we still have issues at corner, with only 2 guys playing coming back, will still have issues at LB and will the Injury proned, trio of Robinson, Porter & Forston be able to come back and play at a high level. We'll be able to trot bodies out there but I don't see an A-A among them. Until we get game changers in here, mediocre will be our Mistress.

[raizecane]

CaneRock - Don't get me wrong. I didn't say I would want VT's defense over everyone elses. I said right now. I would take them over ours because everyone ran on us.....I do believe things will improve however, so we have some hope.

[calGary Cane]

Posted by: CaneRock | November 28, 2011 at 04:04 PM

If you are talking about UM football, you are absolutely right.

If you are trying to imply something about a coach that just took over a program a year ago that has been mediocre for almost ten years, I don't agree.

[SOUP]

Most fans are going to support the new guy because they just want to see some success. They're also going to give the new guy the benefit of the doubt for 2-3 seasons.

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | November 28, 2011 at 03:45 PM

There IT is right there.

[SOUP]

Nobody wants trade Miami's legacy for VTs or wants Miami to become VT in a literal sense.

But to say U wouldn't trade their consistency over the last 10 years compared to what we have had or trade their 2011 season for ours is just crazy.

What we ALL hope is this: Golden gets it done right and we will beat and surpass VT as the ACC's "team to beat" over the next 3 years.

But first we have to beat FSU.

[herbieibis]

Soup,
Until we start recruiting again like FSU has for the last 3 years, we won't be beating them any time soon and we can't beat Va. Tech no matter who we have. Va. Tech rarely gets beat by scum bag teams or they rarely beat themselves but make no mistake they aren't a top 8 team either. This conference is so weak and with their sisters of the poor non- conference schedule, plus them not having to face FSU or GA. Tech evey year, 1o wins should be a given.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"The point I'm about to make is that U seem to take every post in support of AG as criticism of RS; and U seem to take every criticism of RS personally. ...what if the new days are a replay of the "old days", I mean the old, old days before Schnelly? U still going to wear your CANE gear or are U only a fan of the championships?

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | November 28, 2011 at 03:45 PM"

I'm alumni, I'm in it for life up and down times. My, "gear," is in the blood like the blog handle entails DTX. As for taking every Golden comment like an insult to the former regime, I respect your right to read into what you want, just like I respect Six's right to do the same, but I disagree. To me, I watched Temple under Golden and wasn't that impressed. I don't think what he did at Temple will get this team to where it can and should be given the amount of NFL talent that is in a backyard drive. In year two, there needs to be a light years worth of improvement because for a veteran coach, his first year looked like he was a first time hire to me. But looking at the roster, I don't see any corner being turned. If I'm wrong about that or if signing day gives me a reason to believe otherwise or Miller comes back for a shot at a championship, I might feel differently and will say so st that point, until then, 6-6, losing to this team to open the year: http://www.philsteele.com/fbsinfo/TeamPages/acc/maryland.html

Is a MAJOR cause for concern IMO. Maybe I should stop taking Golden at face value when he opens every loss with the, "We're not good enough and it starts with me and the coaches and goes down from there," quote DTX?

[SOUP]

Until we start recruiting again like FSU has for the last 3 years, we won't be beating them any time soon and we can't beat Va. Tech no matter who we have.

Posted by: herbieibis | November 28, 2011 at 05:02 PM

Well Jimbo has his "magic" or something else working in Tally again with this recruiting class. They have 4 of the top 50 already verbally committed and possibly 3 more who might choose FSU.

Until we start beating them again regularly do NOT hope to win any recruiting wars over the Noles.

[SOUP]

The Hurricanes and Hokies football teams first met on November 13, 1953 in Miami. Miami and Virginia Tech have met in two bowl games, the 1966 Liberty Bowl and the 1980 Peach Bowl. The two teams have played annually since 1992, and the rivalry developed when the Hokies became a member of the Big East Conference for football in 1995. When the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) expanded in 2004, both Miami and Virginia Tech became members of the ACC. Both teams continue to compete annually as part of the ACC's Coastal Division.

The series between the 'Canes and the Hokies was one-sided until 1995 when Virginia Tech took their first game against Miami, 13-7 in Blacksburg. Since 1995, the series has been 12-5 and 6-2 in ACC play in favor of Virginia Tech. There have been several notable games in this time, including eleven meetings in which both teams were ranked in the top 25 and four meetings where both teams were part of the national top 10. In 2000, No. 2 Virginia Tech lost to No. 3 Miami at the Orange Bowl, 41-21. In 2003 the number two Hurricanes had a regular season winning streak snapped by the Hokies in Lane Stadium. In 2005, the No. 5 Hurricanes upset the No. 3 Hokies in Blacksburg, 27-7.

[Texascane]

OGV...could be worse...you could be a Texas Tech alum (like me) and watch what Tubs and the TT administration has done to a really fun team...

[mi@mic@ne]

James Burgess Jr. LB Rank 6-0/200 57
Jontavious Carter WR 6-4/202 NR
Gray Crow QB 6-3/220 24
Vernon Davis DB 5-10/175 45
Preston Dewey QB 6-3/205 22
Danny Dillard RB 6-2/205 32
Nate Dortch DB 5-11/168 NR
Ereck Flowers OL 6-6/305 47
Taylor Gadbois OL 6-8/300 NR
Jelani Hamilton DE 6-5/250 7
Dwayne Hoilett DE 6-3/214 22
Brandon Holifield TE 6-5/210 NR
Larry Hope DB 5-11/165 49
Angelo Jean-Louis ATH 6-0/185 6
Rayshawn Jenkins DB 6-2/185 75
Randy Johnson RB 5-9/170 2
D'Mauri Jones WR 6-4/190 91
Raphael Kirby LB 6-0/208 9
Amos Leggett DB 6-0/175 12
Malcolm Lewis WR 5-11/170 26
Earl Moore DT 6-1/280 31
Reggie Northrup LB 6-2/218 30
Jake O'Donnell DE 6-6/233 NR
Gabriel Terry DE 6-3/210 NR
David Thompson QB 6-2/195 NR
Herb Waters WR 6-1/170 48
Josh Witt LB 6-2/208 53

[DallasTX Cane]

OGV - I never said AG should be given a pass, just a fair shake. If U truly believe that's what U've been doing the last 10 months, then good on ya. Seems to me (and probably 90% of this blog) that U have rose-colored glasses when remembering the Shannon Era and aren't reasonable when assessing AG. Thats fine; this is just a blog and what we're saying and thinking doesn't really matter anyway. AG will either get it done or he'll be gone also and it won't have the slightest to do with U and I disagreeing.

I agree...take him at face value. Isn't it nice to have a head coach actually step up and take responsibility instead of blaming the weather, his players, or the location (Duke is an especially tough place to play football)?!? I'd say that is a step in the right direction. baby step maybe, but one in the right direction...

Re losing to maryland: Yeah, that was terrible. How many team leaders played that game? U like to point out how well Jacory played this season (and I agree) and how poorly Morris played - which qb was suspended that game? Not to mention the heart and leader of the D was suspended also. Should MIAMI still have been able to win that game??...yes, IF we had the depth and talent we should have. But, we didn't and that was a constant problem all season. Is that AG's fault? U can choose to believe he didn't do enough with what he had even with suspensions and injuries or U can chose to believe he did the best possible given the suspensions and injuries. What U shouldn't do is continue to argue about how bad a player is (morris) on one hand, while stating that losing with that same player playing qb is unacceptable on the other.

[herbieibis]

When Golden's stating that we aren't good enough yet, he's just stating a fact.He's really sugar coating it for everyone. He should be saying "nobody did me any favors when I took this job. This team is weak, mentally & physically. We need to get stronger & bigger, at certain positions and all this crap was laid on me when I got the job. Did you expect me to fix it in less than a year because if you did, I'm no miracle worker. I understand that you fans expect to win and win now, I do too but lets be realistic, no the cubbard wasn't exactly bare when I got here but it wasn't full either. This porcess is going to take time, probably more time than you would like, so if you the fans are not wit me den, you must be agin me, so to all of you doubters and nay-sayers, you can kiss the Golden ones, Whoo! Golden Azz. That's the process, Im talking about, Whoo!"

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Texas, the administration got too full of themselves at Tech, first they sign the guy to an extension coming off a historic year, then they don't want to pay him because he had the audacity to interview for better jobs, then decide Craig James' son is more important than the success of the program.

How Tubbs let that team fall off after the OU upset is one of the more puzzling things in college football this year to me. I didn't expect 8 wins again this year but he should have been able to scrounge up one more down the stretch to get bowl eligible.

[DallasTX Cane]

OVG - TX is probably a lot closer to that situation than I since he's a TxTech alum; but from what I understand Leach had a lot of enemies in the admin and among the "old boy" network of boosters. They were pretty split in support of him and those that disliked him. IMO those against him blew up the James' kid situation and, with the cooperation of Craig, used that to oust him. However, they had been looking for something to use against Leach for some time.

Tubbs was a poor hire for that school from the start. I don't think the old guard in Lubbock really understands what their program needs to be like in order to have a chance recruiting these days. No decent kid is going to move to Lubbock TX to play boring uninspired cant get on tv to save my azz football. Tech needs a guy like Leach to give recruits a reason to want to play there. There're falling behind Baylor of all places now.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Re losing to maryland: Yeah, that was terrible. Should MIAMI still have been able to win that game??...yes, IF we had the depth and talent we should have. But, we didn't and that was a constant problem all season. Is that AG's fault?

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | November 28, 2011 at 05:33 PM"

According to the words out of Golden's mouth at his well reviewed press conference after that game, he claims he did have enough talent to win that game even with the suspensions. It's recorded for posterity if you want to go back and confirm that came out of his mouth. Looking at the Maryland record of performance the rest of the way, I'd say he was right. A good coach still finds a way to get his team to prepare with a month to play while not to giving up a season best performance in yards gained and allowed to the other team and gets out of there with a win. My hope is a year of practice later will fix a lot of that or Williams will put him on the bench. Flip a coin right now which one will happen. If it lands on its side; GRAY CROW.

Herbie, it's ironic you say Golden's not a miracle worker, because that's the exact phrase his supporters were using when he was hired to describe his job at Temple. Then I was accused of kicking the ant pile for not being suitably impressed and now he's off to recruit with a 6-6 record. Like I said, ironic. Not that the record will be a deterrent in recruiting though because he can sell that all important early playing time to the top tier prospects even more with it.

[roachcane77]

"And I for one believe in Al Golden."

Nice article Soup.

I for "two" believe in Al Golden.

We're on the right track... just need some time...

[CaneRock]

Think about it, how many plays did we really get beat on where there was a distinct disadvantage in athleticism. I can only think of the FSU game on those kick returns. IMO, talent and having a "beach body" had VERY little to do with our defensive breakdowns. And the biggest thing on defense that concerns me is the number of UNTOUCHED TDs that we gave up, we gave up 3 of those to UVA, THAT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! AFAIC, "football IQ" falls squarely on the HC and the coordinators...

[orange 'n green in the vein]

/\/\/\

Edited that to incoherency, it should read;

Yes, Morris wasn't ready to lead in 2011. My hope is a year of practice later will fix a lot of that or Williams will put him on the bench. Flip a coin right now which one will happen. If it lands on its side; GRAY CROW.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

DTX, Briles is exactly the kind of coach that the Tech's and Baylor's of the Big 12 have to find to have even marginal success. I can't count out Tubbs yet, he got fired at Auburn basically for implementing the spread and it not working right out of the box, so I think he's not married to one style of attack and won't get tripped up by inflexibility, but the failure of the leadership in that athletic department is pretty appalling when you really start to peel back the curtain on what appears to me to be nothing but a nest of vipers. Have fun there Special K you doofus!

[DallasTX Cane]

A year can make a huge difference; it did for Jacory. We won't know about Morris until next fall, although spring will give a sneak peek. After the last 6 years, hope is a hard thing to come by buuuut...yeah, I hope Morris gets "fixed" but aint going to bet the bank on it.

Another example of the HC saying what needs to be said. Would U prefer he blame the players or player, in public, after his 1st game as HC? That approach doesn't strike me as a smart way of reaching a team as a new coach.

I gotta run. Later Boys.

[herbieibis]

OGV,
He can sell whatever he wants to the top tier talent, they won't be coming here. Until we get this shyt pile turned around, Tweener will be the word of the day, with a few 4 stars sprinkled in. I could careless if I see another 5 star come here. We have 3 on the team now and none of them have done much, as a matter of fact I can't go back far enough to find one that has lived up to them stars.

[herbieibis]

Whether it's Morris, Williams or whomever they stick at QB, at least now we have a QB coach. Really the problem we've had with the Qb's over the last several years, is one coaching stability or recruiting the wrong QB for this system. We don't need to be getting any spread Qb's and trying to stick them under center.

[DallasTX Cane]

1 more!...

Agree with U OGV (finally! lol). Briles has worked wonders. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep things going after his all-world qb leaves.

Also agree about Tech. I don't see how that is going to work out well for TommyT.

[DrewZ2]

From what I have heard about the last regime there wasn't really a offseason program. You see some guys that got big, some guys stayed small..hit and miss. I don't think Shannon put much emphasis on MANDATORY offseason workouts and lots of the players got lazzzzzyyyyy.

Take a look at Vernon from last year to this year. I think he got stacked in one year. Now if you could have every player do that. WOW

[DrewZ2]

*Coaching Carousel News*

UCLA (Neheisuel), Arizona (Stoops), Arizona St (Erikson), Wash St (rumored last I saw) all looking for HC

Urban to OSU..Stoops rumored to be in the mix for his DC
The OC from Clemson is rumored to be Urbans OC of choice

Adazzio from Temple getting interest from Penn State as well as some unnamed SEC coach (could be Miss St guy)

No word yet on Derek Dooley from Tenn

Zook is out at IL

[DrewZ2]

*Recruiting News*

QB recruit Thompson was first to get visit from Golden/Fisch on Sunday, will be playing baseball but sounds committed to playing football at UM

LB Kirby solidified his commitment

WR Southward switches his commitment to OSU

We need to grab Howard or Bush for CB. Word is Howard could start on day 1.

Sorry if I repeated previous news...just sharing what I've gathered

[Hassan]

Where is my long post?

[Hassan]

This is weird a wrote a long post and i confirmed it posed now it is gone?

[SOUP]

SKREETZ WALKIN...

1. Every recruit should take all visits unless they are ER. Alot of these ballahs wont get a chance to travel for free like this again.

2. Finney should be starting from go. From what I saw I really thought he would be this season.

3. With Dallas its so tough to know where pimp will be put. Im sayin datboi could play safety, CB, slot WR, even 3rd down RB. Ballah has crazy skills. Sh$# bruh if none of the QBs work out, that pimp could go back there if asked lol. Boi can throw it on the move.

4. Repeatin myself again but playah (Crawford) was the reason Miami was so well prepared for GT. Sh$#, if boi was on GT the Canes would of lost lol

[SOUP]

DrewZ2...thanks for the updates!

[SOUP]

HASSAN'S POST THAT GOT DELETED:

Ok few things to say here, Shout out to 86Cane thanks again, Canezilla great meeting you well wishes to you the wife n baby to be healthy and a great 2012. From yesterday's blog "BULL$HIT! With the exception of the transfers, Al Golden did the same thing Randy Shannon did in His first season, which is essentially run what amounted to a CFB tryout in His first season. So why is Golden considered "serious about winning", and Randy isn't?" Randy Shannon did not work 18 hours a day, he did not have the work ethic the plan, the organization or anything it takes to be a big time college head coach. If you asked that man a question you never got a good answer he probably did not even know the answer. There is no way you can compare the two in work ethic and convince me that Shannon was serious about winning if he did not work as hard as he needed to, every HS coach in sfla pulled for the guy to win and many African American coaches did the same throughout football and Shannon blew it because he shut out old canes, he did not talk to HS coaches and had terrible communication with his staff and players. Common sense would dictate that Golden HAD to change culture and get rid of people that have been in the program, and had to turn many things around, most good coaches purge rosters and staff when they take over a program, there is a reason they are hired not just to change 1 person, one person does not "change" much, the team is 85 deep with about 10 staff, one man can not change 100 other men, however he can organize and move them into the right direction he can hire 10 supporters to help that, he can purge all quitters and all non hackers and get 80 or so team players and you will always have that 1 % that does not buy in. In the military we know 1 general can not be everywhere he can however get some officers and NCO's to believe in him and the rest will fall in line. Something to chew on, when our former piece of crap AD Hocutt gave Shannon an extension a lot of people really felt he should be evaluated and possibly even let go but the reason given is essentially for recruiting, Shannon proceeded to "coach" us to a crappy year and we had about 6 commits at the time he was fired. A few decommited and one or two were "coaxed" after being evaluated by Golden and ended up elsewhere lol, We paid Shannon a buyout of 1.5-1.75 million for 5 commits and 2 recruits. So there you have it, Fortunately those one of those two are Chickillo, Cam Newton got 180k for a heighsman and a BCS title, Chick is costing 3/4 a milli so no pressure on him to produce or anything lol. * Golden is going to get this ship turned around, No one can sit her and tell me 365 days ago when Shannon was fired with 6 commits that they do not feel better with Golden with 27 commits and visits lined up and camps planned and High School Coaches excited about our program and a renewed focus on Strength and Conditioning, it is like everything Canespacers have been talking about for years is being addressed and publicly too. Nite and day between Golden and Shannon, I am convinced Golden is so good at doing his homework he read CANESPACE and took notes lol. * College football is not the NFL while it is not the 80's anymore you can still at time "out talent" people, even the best college players have major flaws in their game, the changes we saw in how the local high schools and parents feel about our program is what will turn this thing around more then any training table or X and O's. While all those things are important the college game and really any sport is more about talent more then anything else. Players make Coaches, Coaches make them better playes but you got to have playes to start with, not 208 lb linebackers that can not get off a block, not RB's playin CB and Guards playing LT. No more Senior WR that does not want to work. Golden says this is a destination job, he does not go to school here and our budget is not big and we play in a off campus stadium, what makes Um a destination job? easy it is be cause the "State of Miami" has easily the best talent in the nation and anyone with a clue and a lil work ethic can come down here and recruit and win ball games and compete for national titles, how that escaped Coker and Randy Shannon is beyond me but fortunately we have a sports psychologist coaching the team.

[Ucane]

Thanks Soup,
Looking forward to getting my CANESPACE shirt.And thank the Mrs.too.In this fast paced,revved up,unbalanced world we live in ,it takes teamwork.U and the wife are prime examples of that teamwork.Its hard enough to balance normal life-then add CANESPACE in the work,thats a challenge all by itself.
Thanks for CANESPACE and all the work that U and wifey do.It is highly appreciated.

the"U"

[Hassan]

thanks Soup.

[TonyCane]

SOUP, just got home. Thanks for the response on the previous blog. Well written!

Question regarding Jacory now that he has signed with Drew. Is there any possibility that he makes it to the NFL as a wide receiver?

[TonyCane]

Have to laugh at the comments regarding scheduling. Out here in Texas, the biggest reason that I never went to a UT home game in ten years (until this year) is that they never played a credible out of conference opponent. Apart from an Ohio State series that was treated like the Super Bowl out here, UT feasted on powers such as Rice, North Texas, and Sam Houston State year after year.

If you want to schedule a model, cream puff out of conference schedule, look no further than the Longhorns to model one after.

[Ohio_Cane]

Manny - Stopped by Miramar High today. #FSU coaches on scene to check out CB Tracy Howard. WR Malcolm Lewis appears all #Canes

[Ohio_Cane]

Preston Dewey - Goin to Abuelos with coach Fisch and the fam

[raizecane]

If you want to schedule a model, cream puff out of conference schedule, look no further than the Longhorns to model one after.

Posted by: TonyCane | November 28, 2011 at 08:25 PM

**********************************

There it is right there. Miami got on the map by taking on anyone and everyone. USF has followed the same blueprint and has been ranked as high as #2 in recent years.

If you want to play cream puffs....go elsewhere. Miami should always schedule tough opponenets because recruites want to play against the best and it's not bad for TV ratings either. We are MIAMI....not florida

[raizecane]

Question regarding Jacory now that he has signed with Drew. Is there any possibility that he makes it to the NFL as a wide receiver?

Posted by: TonyCane | November 28, 2011 at 08:22 PM

TC - I don't see it. I see him going to the CFL or possibly the arena league first.

[AlpharettaCane]

I'm calling Ryan Williams as starter next year. Yes, I'm calling it now.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM

Hell Ohio Cane, Williams was my LOF - this year! lol

[2002nemo]

Jacory Harris . . . NFL . . . ? You gotta be kidding me!

[Ohio_Cane]

Jacory Harris . . . NFL . . . ? You gotta be kidding me!

Posted by: 2002nemo | November 28, 2011 at 09:02 PM
-----------------------------------------

I don't know that he'll ever get there, or do anything if he does, but I remember a lot of guys coming out of college that ppl said wouldn't/couldn't do it in the NFL and they did.

Hell, I said it about Tebow, and he's 4-1 as a starter this year

[AlpharettaCane]

If DVD can make it in the league as a cornerback, J12INT can make it as, well, not sure, but DVD couldn't or wouldn't tackle his own shadow.

[DrewZ2]

Question regarding Jacory now that he has signed with Drew. Is there any possibility that he makes it to the NFL as a wide receiver?

Posted by: TonyCane | November 28, 2011 at 08:22 PM

This is just my opinion but NO WAY...

Way to slow, no experience, no strengtht. He would be a huge project WR because he has no experience running routes nor playing physical with CBs. WR are a dime a dozen coming out of college (both in the draft and undrafted). I think Jacory's only chance is at QB but I even then I don't think he will make a NFL roster