Defense Wins Championships

Tonight when Alabama faces Notre Dame for the BCS National Championship at Sun Life Stadium in Miami the old adage of "Defense Wins Championships" will be on full display for all to see.

It is widely accepted that the Crimson Tide and the Fighting Irish have two of the top defenses in the Nation. And not just because some talking head on ESPN like the lisping Lou Holtz said so but because statistically it is a fact.

So we though we would take a closer look at statistical rankings of the two National title contenders and then compare them to the ACC Champion (FSU) and your University of Miami Hurricanes to see where each team stacks up.

As many of you may already know there is another familiar truism that goes something like this: "There are lies, damn lies and then there are statistics." Statistics do not always tell the truth, but in this case the stats do offer insight into the reasons why Alabama and Notre Dame are playing in tonight's BCS title game.

But first an editorial comment: If you have been watching any of the television coverage of the festivities leading up to tonight's game you would swear that the entire City of Miami was located right in the middle of South Beach and that the game was going to be played by shirtless, sun-tanned players covered in oil right there in the sand and surf along Ocean Drive.

Sure, it plays well on TV (and definitely helps Miami in recruiting) and boosts ratings but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Sun Life Stadium is actually located in Miami Gardens which is about 15 miles away and about as much like South Beach as Orlando. But I digress.

I went to the www.NCAA.org web site where these stats are available to all college football fans to do a little research about the teams in tonight's game in South Florida. The site ranks teams in every imaginable category of performance but also breaks it down into 17 major statistical categories for all teams.

Here are the overall average national rankings for each the four teams we are looking at (national ranking in each category / 17) :

• Alabama: #22
• Notre Dame: #41
• Florida State: #28
• Miami: #67 

Alabama ranks in the top 25 teams in 11 of the 17 major categories. Included in these categories are top 5 rankings in the following areas:

• Total Defense: #1
• Rushing Defense: #1
• Scoring Defense: #2
• Passing Defense: #2

Notre Dame ranks in the top 25 teams in 7 of the 17 major categories. Included in these categories are top 5 rankings in the following areas:

• Scoring Defense: #1
• Rushing Defense: #4
• Total Defense: #5

I found it somewhat surprising that Florida State actually is ranked ahead of Notre Dame overall and ranks in the top 25 team nationally in 10 of the 17 major categories. Included in these categories are top 5 rankings in the following areas:

• Passing Defense: #1
• Total Defense: #2
• Rushing Defense: #3

Not as surprising after a challenging 7-5 season and a team that clearly had serious struggles on the defensive side of the ball was the University of Miami lack of presence in the top 25 national rankings. The Hurricanes rank among the top 25 teams nationally in just 2 of the 17 major categories. Included in these categories is a top 5 ranking in just one of the major areas:

• Kickoff returns: #2
• UM also ranked #25 in passing offense

When looking at the Atlantic Coast Conference and rankings within the conference, FSU also ranked ahead of Miami in the major statistical categories.

The Seminoles ranked in the top 5 in 13 of the 17 categories in the ACC and were ranked either #1 or #2 in 8 of the 17 areas within the conference.

Miami on the other hand ranked in the top 5 in only 7 of 17 categories in the ACC and was ranked #1 or #2 in just 2 of the 17 categories within the conference (kickoff returns and turnover margin).

These statistics clearly show that the Miami Hurricanes and head coach Al Golden have much work to do in Coral Gables if they want to compete for the BCS title in 2013 and beyond. We will have much more on that subject in a future article that looks more in detail at the specific areas that UM must improve in next year to compete at the highest levels of college football.

Comments

[TJL]

UNO

[UpNorthCane]

Dos Equis!!!!

[Terrance Sullivan]

I hate both teams guts, Notre Lame even more. I will Lysol down my seat at Sun Life when I come down for the Spring Game.

[laquinton]

bama got this tonight.

butttt Miami will be back where they belong in the national spotlight

[pbcfrcane13]

Would be nice if we could make that staduimm look like that for every home game

[86Cane]

PBCFR13...when we start winning ACC titles and competing for National Championships again it will! CFB playoffs start in 2014 and that's when we will be ALL the way back.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Until tonight the largest crowd at Sun Life for Football was 73,350 for Miami v FSU.

[TJL]

We could have had something to do with ND in this game if our receiver caught the feekin ball, and the refs called an honest game

[TJL]

for once ND not getting calls..I LOVE IT!!

[UpNorthCane]

Eddie Lacey is a problem!!!!

[UpNorthCane]

I love seeing the irish cry about the calls

[Willie Will in Nashville]

We'll be playing for the title next year, I GUARANTEE it

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Who had 12 minutes in the blowout and turn the tv off pool for tonight's game? Collect your prize at the door.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Amari's buddy is going to get a new white pickup truck to drive Tuesday.

[Willie Will in Nashville]

Silly Ultre Lame fans, actually thought you belonged in the title game. SMH

[86Cane]

OGV...don't U know it! Hey is that a Rolex on his wrist? Nah, can't be. LOL

[TJL]

I wanna bang Mccarrons GF

[USAFCane]

ND in big trouble, hald the nation getiing ready to switch channels. Tide might get 50.

[TLuv]

Posted by: TJL | January 07, 2013 at 09:16 PM

You ain't lying!

[laquinton]

wow, you give nick saban a month + to prepare and these are the results

[86Cane]

I wanna bang Mccarrons GF

Posted by: TJL | January 07, 2013 at 09:16 PM

Get in line, it goes all the way down the street and around the block.

[Montreal-Cane]

Notre Dame is calling Rudy.

[Willie Will in Nashville]

^^^^^^^^

You beat me to it, I was just about to say that lol

[Montreal-Cane]

DNO please take some notes on Alabama's defense.

[Montreal-Cane]

Willie it's Forest Gump vs Rudy...Lol....

[Terrance Sullivan]

The Leprechaun has left Sun Life and headed to the Clevelander or the Elbo Room.

[Montreal-Cane]

Alabama's defense is damn fast.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Since Musburger can't cheer his Irish on to victory tonight he's going to drool over the girlfriend of the winning team's QB instead.

[Jack]

Wow not even close!

Go Canes 2013!!!

[86Cane]

So everybody was prediciting a LOW scoring game and a defensive battle? Well on one side it is. LOL

[Da U N Houston]

They should fly the other Kelley's (Oregon) team in for the second half n make it a game.

[CoCane]

I'm pizzed watching this game knowing that our defense allowed Notre Dame's garbage offense to put up 41 points & almost 600 yards. Smmfh!

While Golden & the optimistic cane fans are preparing their excuses for D'No, I'll be praying for our defense the entire off season. :-( Goodnight Legion

[UpNorthCane]

Guys i just banged Mccarrons GF!!!! ;-)

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Posted by: CoCane | January 07, 2013 at 10:20 PM

I just puked reading that comment and realizing how pure truth that comment is.

[Montreal-Cane]

I can't wait for the playoff system ...
Notre Dame doesn't belong in this NC game.
The luck is gone.

[Montreal-Cane]

They should fly the other Kelley's (Oregon) team in for the second half n make it a game.

Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 07, 2013 at 10:20 PM

Or Johnny football & A&M

[Montreal-Cane]

This is a joke

[Montreal-Cane]

Sun Life Stadium-record 80,120 in attendance.

[Willie Will in Nashville]

Guys i just banged Mccarrons GF!!!! ;-)

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 07, 2013 at 10:21 PM

I hope yo girl don't read the space LOL

[TLuv]

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 07, 2013 at 10:56 PM

Hopefully that record is broken next year against UF

[86Cane]

The publicity of the game, the city and the stadium HAS to help our recruiting don't U think? When all of those players visit on 1/18 and they take them to the stadium Golden sez:

"So did U see the BCS championship game played right here where U are going to spend the next four years? Wouldn't U like to play in a game like that here in YOUR home stadium?"

Not many teams can say that!

[Montreal-Cane]

Did you just hear that about Cooper and Bridgewater...

It's just killing me to see all the Florida talent going out of State instead of playing
in Coral Gables.

[Montreal-Cane]

Posted by: 86Cane | January 07, 2013 at 11:04 PM

Agree 100%

[CoCane]

1 more thing. Sticking to the subject of the blog title. Here's a question for the entire Legion to chew on.

Does our program have a championship defensive staff, scheme & system in place???

[Terrance Sullivan]

Montreal Cane I hear ya but last I checked our offense scored enough to be a top flight team but our defense was bottom of the barrel.further great players have left South Florida to go to other teams for decades but we got our fair share plus we have gotten great players from other cities developed them and kicked butt we can and will do that again in short order. Not so long ago Alabama and other big time programs were in a rut and were so quiet you could hear a rat piss on cotton. College Football is cyclical. We will be back.

[USAFCane]

1 more thing. Sticking to the subject of the blog title. Here's a question for the entire Legion to chew on.

Does our program have a championship defensive staff, scheme & system in place???

Posted by: CoCane | January 07, 2013 at 11:18 PM

No, think Tide beat us a s bad as ND right now. Canes have a looooooong way to go. Tide are a dynasty, Saban is by the best coach in CFL with $1M assistants.

[The Dude]

No, CoCane.

[brevardcane]

I'm about 75% no and 25% unsure. I think we'll know for sure after we play the gators.

[CaneRock]

Sheez, O Saban Been Lyin' gets over 200Gs just to show up and win the game, and He gets pissed about a Gatorade shower!?

[UpNorthCane]

Willie will my girl actually said she wanted some of McCarrons girlfriend too!!! It wud be heaven for me man lol.

[TLuv]

Alabama's OL was dominant. They must have a good OL coach....

[Terrance Sullivan]

Lol UpNorthCane.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Great article 86.

[Willie Will in Nashville]

Willie will my girl actually said she wanted some of McCarrons girlfriend too!!! It wud be heaven for me man lol.

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 08, 2013 at 12:15 AM

Well in that case, can I be yo agent?? Lol

[Willie Will in Nashville]

No, think Tide beat us a s bad as ND right now. Canes have a looooooong way to go. Tide are a dynasty, Saban is by the best coach in CFL with $1M assistants.

Posted by: USAFCane | January 07, 2013 at 11:25 PM

Next year is not loooooooong

[UMike]

McCarrons GF was good looking and all..but id rather have Ms Feliciano! lol..like someone told Alex Collins on Twitter "She might be a 10 in Bama, but shes a 6 in Miami" lol

[UMike]

CaneSport is reporting Collins might announce before signing day....hopefully the weekend of the 18th lol

[Old Skool]

I disagree UMike. She's a 9 in Miami and an 11 in my life.

For those who haven't seen her bikini photos ... http://tinyurl.com/anz4qoa

[UMike]

old Skool....I actually haven't seen any pics and cant look at work..I only saw the shot at the game..shes hot and all..but she isnt all that for people to be going crazy over lol

[CoCane]

Old Skool,

A 9 in Miami??? Lmao! No way. She don't have enough booty to get a 9 in South Florida. She gets a strong 7 at best. She can get it though...

[86Cane]

Great article 86.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 08, 2013 at 02:14 AM

Thank U sir!

And to all of the other bloggers who actually READ the articles instead of just coming on here to hear yourself talk your comments about THE ARTICLES are MUCH appreciated.

I know it may not seem like much but articles like this one with the research and stats and write up and formatting and editing take about 4 hours to complete. Then do that 4-5 times a week and it is a part time job!

[86Cane]

As U all know Miami's defensive stats are not so good. But there are a few other interesting stats in other areas that may surprise you as well. I'll have a follow up feature in a few days about UM that will be interesting reading I am sure.

[CaneRock]

McCarrons GF was good looking and all..but id rather have Ms Feliciano!

Posted by: UMike | January 08, 2013 at 07:40 AM

LMAO!
Me to...sorry Johnathan.
Ms. Feliciano is "Thick As Cold Grits", McCarrons GF is watery oatmeal.

[canezilla]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0zlaDssmM

[CaneRock]

LMAO!
Me to...sorry Johnathan.
Ms. Feliciano is "Thick As Cold Grits", McCarrons GF is watery oatmeal.

Posted by: CaneRock | January 08, 2013 at 08:26 AM

DAMN! I wish I was T-Sully's stomach in that picture LMAO!

[86Cane]

David Case has been named as the University of Miami’s Head Equipment Manager, as announced Tuesday by Interim Director of Athletics Blake James.

Case comes to Coral Gables from Boca Raton, where he had served as the Director of Equipment Operations at Florida Atlantic University since March 2011. At FAU, Case oversaw and maintained equipment, apparel and field preparations for all 19 Division I varsity sports.

“We are excited to have David Case join in the University of Miami family,” Miami Deputy AD Tony Hernandez said. “David will manage the equipment operations with a great deal of motivation and hard work. He comes to ‘The U’ with a wide array of collegiate and professional sports experience.”

Prior to Florida Atlantic, he was the Assistant Equipment Manager for nearly four years (June 2007-March 2011) at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. While at Baylor, he supervised the student managers, prepared all fields for practice and games, assisted in all football camps and coordinated visiting locker room operations for all opponents.

His start in college athletics came as a student equipment manager at NC State, where he spent four seasons working with Wolfpack football. He was the head student equipment manager during the 2002-03 season. He graduated from NC State in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication.

[LB]

Blake James needs that job. Dude loves the school and community. Give it to him.

Third time the charm for the hobbit?

[LB]

Maurice Hagens!

[Ohio_Cane]

CaneSport is reporting Collins might announce before signing day....hopefully the weekend of the 18th lol

Posted by: UMike | January 08, 2013 at 07:44 AM
-----------------------------------------

;-)

[UMike]

Ohio..I am going to predict your shocker pick is 4-Star LSU Commit Rashard Robinson..DB out of ELY.

[Brevardcane]

That would definitely be a great surprise!

[UMike]

That would definitely be a great surprise!

Posted by: Brevardcane | January 08, 2013 at 09:20 AM

Especially since ELY has become a pipeline for LSU and other SEC schools...I could be wrong of course..but for him to say Miami and LSU are "neck and neck" suprised me since he is a LSU commit. He didnt say "im still commited but.."

[Old Skool]

Apparently AJ's girl started a firestorm last night

A sampling from Twitter:

@chucktodd: About only reason to stay watching this game is to see if Brent makes a career-ending comment about McCarron's girlfriend

@FrankCaliendo: The game might be getting out of hand ... But not as much as Brent Musberger about AJ McCarran's girlfriend. #NDvsAL

@SBNationGIF: Brent Musberger is in love. http://bit.ly/11a1wSi

@EliTerry: At this very moment, AJ McCarron's girlfriend is being cornered by a Cialis-breathed Brent Musburger.

@malcolli: Old announcer dudes oogling over McCarron's girlfriend is getting grosser. Just stop.

Of course, other viewers were appreciative of Webb's face time during the one-sided game. Webb, who has been dating McCarron only a few weeks, saw her Twitter account bloom from about 1,000 followers Monday to more than 122,000 by Tuesday morning.

Basketball star LeBron James was among them, but he quickly unfollowed her. Arizona Cardinals player Darnell Dockett posted his phone number and invited her to a strip club. Dockett – a Florida State alum - later deleted the tweet, saying he meant it to be a private, direct message.

Another comment came from Tampa's Aaron Murray, the quarterback at Georgia, who suggested that "Aj McCarrons girlfriend needs to become a Dawg fan."

Interestingly, Webb told USA Today her phone was dead throughout the game.

However, after the game, McCarron came to her defense on Twitter.

To Murray, he wrote: "u don't win enough bud!!"

To Dockett, he tweeted: "u better worry ab being in them playoffs, then going to king of diamonds homie.. #betterkeepdreaming like the rest of these dudes. …U gotta better chance with them strippers then this way homie know that. better stop eating them wings and win. All love."

The last time Brent went this wild: Jenn Sterger

[canezilla]

YEA SHE HOT AND ALL BUT CAN SHE COOK?

[Ohio_Cane]

Ohio..I am going to predict your shocker pick is 4-Star LSU Commit Rashard Robinson..DB out of ELY.

Posted by: UMike | January 08, 2013 at 09:17 AM
-------------------------------------

No, I've already said I think we have a pretty good chance with him. Even after he committed to L$U

[Ohio_Cane]

It wouldn't be a shock to me if Rashard picks UM.

[trianglecane]

Ely is the school where every kids dream is to be a CANE... then they pic an $ec school.

[Ohio_Cane]

Demarcus Walker to FSU.

86, U know what that means? Whispers are correct.

[UMike]

Ohio..then I have no clue lol outside of Green maybe

[Ohio_Cane]

UMike, what's your email again?

[UMike]

mmarch024@yahoo.com

[Ohio_Cane]

Check it.

[UMike]

will do..looks like Robert Weiner is staying at Plant after all...guess they upped that salary lol

[Ohio_Cane]

It's getting to the point where, because of numbers, Golden will actually be turning down a couple VERY good recruits this year.

Good problem to have.

[86Cane]

Things that make U go hmmmmmmmmm...

http://insider.espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/football/recruiting/story/_/id/8820962/michigan-wolverines-target-florida-high-school?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[86Cane]

Looks like Robert Weiner is staying at Plant after all...guess they upped that salary lol

Posted by: UMike | January 08, 2013 at 10:59 AM

VERY strange move.

HS coaches make NO $$$ and this was a career move to college ball at USF in his hometown and then he made it public that he was going and then backed away from the promotion and more $$$?

VERY strange?

[UMike]

I dont know much about recent FSU commit DeMarcus Walker...but I like what he said about his commitment..just the truth..."FSU is 2.5 hours from my house and AL is 8.5. I want my mom who I havent been with for a long time to see me play. This was the only way"

[Sinistercane]

Anybody notice how much bigger Amari Cooper looks compared to wr.

[UpNorthCane]

Taking a closer look at 86's article, as fans we have to realize that in order to be back to where we want to be our big uglies on the dline are going to have to be special all across the line. A one man show won't get it done unless your clowney.

The U needs impact players where they are 5 star or 3 star players, we jsut need them to be hungry and make an impact and get to that QB!!!!

[Brevardcane]

That's the truth. Even our Oline. I'm not sure our Oline (while pretty good) would be able to open up the holes that Bama did for Lacy

[86Cane]

CANEINSIDER ON TWITTER:

Sources tell me Mario Cristobal has spoken with Miami & possibly will be named Wr Coach, Recruiting Coordinator & Associate Head Coach

[UMike]

CANEINSIDER ON TWITTER:

Sources tell me Mario Cristobal has spoken with Miami & possibly will be named Wr Coach, Recruiting Coordinator & Associate Head Coach

Posted by: 86Cane | January 08, 2013 at 12:07 PM

Does that mean Carroll is out..or just a TE coach...I would be suprised if Cristobal would take that..big step back.

[86Cane]

IF that is the case it could have been done weeks ago?

And what does that mean for Carroll (recruiting coordinator), Robinson (FL recruiting coordinator) and Fisch (next UM head coach if Golden leaves after 5 years and winning a NC)?

Also I thought Kehoe and Cristobal did not always get along, but maybe I have that wrong?

[UpNorthCane]

Thats Crazy news 86.... our recruiting would be on some other level if this happens.

[UMike]

I think that report may be wrong...to many things wrong lol..first, Crisobal is a defensive coach isnt he? Or did he coach TE for Miami? Second, isnt either Fisch or D'No already the Associate Head Coach? This guy has been interviewing for head coaching jobs. Not to mention if we have to get rid of someone like Carroll, it would be a waste cause Cristobal will be gone aftera year.

[Old Skool]

I believe Cristobal was the OL coach for the U.

[CaneRock]

(next UM head coach if Golden leaves after 5 years and winning a NC)?

Posted by: 86Cane | January 08, 2013 at 12:12 PM

Orrrrr, maybe that's Cristobal's role should Golden leave. But this would be a big hire for AG, and frankly, we need a few coaches that don't get along, that's a good thing in some ways.

[DeployedDiehardCane]

Gonna go ahead and try out a 7 day trial for a canes site. Do I go with canesport or inside the u?

[CoCane]

Not a big step back for Cristobal. The reasons...

1. He loves the "U".

2. Assitant head coach means Golden wants his knowledge of the "U" (experience in working with South Florida athletes to tweak that horrible defensive scheme to best fit the talent they have)

3. He'll build a more impressive resume for future job opportunities. (If Golden fails or leaves, he'll most likely get the job)

4. Remaining in South Florida & building even stronger relationships with the local high schools & talent

This scenario helps The "U" & Golden more than anything but like I said. Cristobal loves the "U".

I JUST HOPE IT BECOMES A REALITY

[Ohio_Cane]

Sanctions gone, plus Cristobal with this staff? Watch out, recruiting world!