The 2008 football season starts NOW! After a warm up game at TNP Stadium against Charleston Southern and a somewhat disappointing visit to The Swamp for a game against the #5 ranked Florida Gators, the Miami Hurricanes go on the road to College Station to take on the Aggies of Texas A&M today at 3:30 PM (EST).
Canes QB Robert Marve will start his second consecutive game on the road in front of a hostile crowd, this time one full of angry, screaming Texans. We anticipate that Mr. Marvelous will play loose and play well against a suspect Aggie defense which has been very weak against the run this season.
If Miami can establish the running game early look for the Canes to throw deep off of play action late in the second and third quarters.
UM back-up QB JaScory Harris is also scheduled to see some playing time for Team Shannon. If you have been waiting for the talented and athletic Harris to run Miami's version of "the spread" offense you may get to see it today. Watch for the Canes offense to run wide open when he is in the game with three or four WRs, or three wides and the RB split out in the slot.
With RB Javaris James out with an ankle sprain, co-starter Graig Cooper and back-up Derron Thomas will handle the bulk of the carries for the Canes.
Also look for Texas speedster Shawnbrey McNeal (seen here) and Mississippi slasher Lee Chambers to also get some carries. Even the recently relocated safety turned running back Damian Berry may get his first carries of the season late in the game if the Canes can jump out to a comfortable lead.
As I predicted way back during Spring ball, true freshman WR Aldarius Johnson will start his first game of the season for Miami. That didn't take long now did it? Watch for AJ to go deep and go big against the Aggie defense. We are predicting that Johnson will score his first TD (and maybe two) of the young season today against A&M.
Speaking of Young, we assume that UM defensive coordinator Bill "Forever" Young will have his troops ready for A&M just as he did against Tebow of Nazareth and the Gators high octane offense. Young had the Gators sputtering around through three quarters during last week's game in Gainesville.
His attacking, agressive scheme is a sight for sore eyes after last year's lost and confused version of Hurricane defense was sent packing along with former DC Tim "Not John Boy" Walton.
On defense, look for Sean "Sleepy" Spence to join roommate Marcus Forston in action on the field more often. Spence is a superstar in the making and had an outstanding game against the swamp lizards while seeing only limited action. He recorded the first sack of Timmy Tebow and and earned the respect of Canes fans everywhere with his performance against the Gators.
On special teams, several changes were made this week at the return position that should produce immediate results.
True freshman Travis Benjamin joins fellow true freshman Brandon Harris at kick returner. Another true freshman, and SolarCane's favorite player, Booker T Washington's Thearon Collier (seen here) will be returning punts this week. We predict the Canes get 6 on a return against the Aggies.
Game Prediction: All this adds up to a 34-13 win for Miami over Texas A&M.
Yep. That's right. Lead off homer by Six.
Posted by: Six | September 20, 2008 at 01:02 PM
This day is looking better already.
Posted by: MidWestCane | September 20, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Numero U-no baby!!
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | September 20, 2008 at 01:05 PM
The bronze too?
Posted by: MidWestCane | September 20, 2008 at 01:05 PM
86, i'm gonna be at Sandbar, passing out your cards.
Canes 31
aTm 17
Posted by: Carlos | September 20, 2008 at 11:54 AM
EXCELLENT!
Posted by: SOUP | September 20, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Six...U and the Tampa Bay Rays ROCK!!!
Posted by: SOUP | September 20, 2008 at 01:06 PM
on Deck
Posted by: Old Skool | September 20, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Team Shannon 23
A&M 10
The Nix offense is still going to be a "work in progress." Of course, a ST touchdown and or defensive score will alright with moi.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | September 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM
86,
I appologize. I didn't know a space was provided for certain comments.
Posted by: MidWestCane | September 20, 2008 at 01:19 PM
86 - been covering the Rays hardcore since Monday, I've been basically living down at The Pit (in the locker room, batting practice, pre-game, post-game, etc.). On top of that:
- trying to get a handle on 46 High School football programs around here
- getting inside info straight about Jeff Garcia that no other media can talk about b/c they don't know it (helps that I work with his next door neighbor and have access to their gym to talk to Garcia)
- getting ready for the Lightning hockey training camp with the mullet-ized Barry Melrose
I'm heading down to The Pit right now, the Rays can clinch today. Today and tomorrow are the last two home games of the regular season. I'll be paying more attention and glued to the 'Canes game on TV in the press box, than the Rays game live right in front of me.
Posted by: Six | September 20, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Meet me here for the game and Canespace T-shirts:
WINTER PARK O'BOYS BAR-B-Q
565 WEST FAIRBANKS AVE.
WINTER PARK
407-478-6269 Fax 407-478-6271
Posted by: SOUP | September 20, 2008 at 01:23 PM
"Team Shannon 23
A&M 10
The Nix offense is still going to be a "work in progress." Of course, a ST touchdown and or defensive score will alright with moi.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque| September 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM"
Spoken like a real West Coast Fan.
Posted by: MidWestCane | September 20, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Midwest...no harm, no foul. Use the "Off Topic" blog for other comments in the future, that's all.
GO CANES, BEAT TAMU!
CANES 34, AGGIES 13
Posted by: SOUP | September 20, 2008 at 01:26 PM
SOUP is back, and we haven't even had a questionable OC call yet today. This does not bode well. At least he's not Chunky anymore.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 20, 2008 at 01:26 PM
"Team Shannon 23
A&M 10
The Nix offense is still going to be a "work in progress." Of course, a ST touchdown and or defensive score will alright with moi.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque| September 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM"
Spoken like a real West Coast Fan.
Posted by: MidWestCane | September 20, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Perhaps! But I'm just a "pragmatic, realist" Hurricane fandom. Nothing more and nothing less, Senor IOWAcanefan ( Sounds like Iowacanefan is in a TESTY mood today. ).
By the way. What's your "insightful" take regarding the outcome?
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | September 20, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Oh, you know it's coming, OGV
...even if Cooper/ Thomas break 200 yds and we get +3 TO's - you know it wont be enough for sum "fans" (not specifically calling you out, 86...but Chunky Soup? yeah, he's a candidate)/
Posted by: darCANEgel | September 20, 2008 at 01:36 PM
dont know if you guys saw any of game, but my boys just south of memphis,
south panola put a beating on apopka ajax wouldnt take off last night
They have an RB, a junior, that ran for 243 yards on 25 carries against num 1 6A team in florida....not too shabby...
was win number 79 in a row for south panola
Posted by: phillyscott | September 20, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Got some CANES over here:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/hurricanes_as_seen_from_orbit.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed5
Posted by: darCANEgel | September 20, 2008 at 01:45 PM
darC, we have now entered the official, "It's not OK to just win, it's time to roll over everybody," phase of some fan's expectations. And it's not even halfway through year two yet of The Randy's rebuilding project! If only we played in the pac-10 where there's only one decent program at any given time and a lack of NFL talent on most defensive sides of the ball. *sigh* Six years, six years, six years . . .
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 20, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Countdown 1 1/2 hours to go. Got the ESPN Gameplan and the HD TV all shined up ready to go. Have fun everyone and of course, GO CANES!!!
Posted by: MaryLouAlumni | September 20, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Oh, man! South Panola's OC must sux, Philly! Why didnt they pass more? They should fire'm!
Posted by: darCANEgel | September 20, 2008 at 02:12 PM
FYI....ESPN360 seems to be on money today. I've been streaming through a few games and all have been streaming wonderfully.
Posted by: Sy-Cane | September 20, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Anyone else notice, in the NCSTATE ECU game NCSTATE fans throwing up the U after that Eugene caught and ran the ball. Everyone seems to want to be like Us. GO CANES!
Posted by: NavyCane4Life | September 20, 2008 at 02:22 PM
So who do you all think's got the better deal, Nick Fannuzzi (remember him?) or Robert Marve?
Objectively, I would say Fannuzzi, just because Alabama is now a ranked team and has lots of freshman and sophomores playing (well except for him). However, I think Marve's got a lot more upside to him. He just needs those training wheels to come off.
Posted by: Sy-Cane | September 20, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Minnesota, are you serious?? NCST people bitin' the U??
They won't be throwing up the U when we stomp a mudhole in their azz in November. haha
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | September 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Sy, there's no comparison between Marve and Fanuzzi. None whatsoever. Thank goodness Shannon got the gig.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | September 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Sy-Cane..its not about that...if someone wants to be a Cane..they want to be a Cane..plain and simple
Posted by: UMike | September 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Cav,
Yeah I'm serious! I thought it was hilarious!
Posted by: NavyCane4Life | September 20, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Este, I saw your prediction. I can see where you're coming from.
The O is a ??? at this point.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | September 20, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Fanuzzi is riding the bench in a hick town lol..Marve is now the starting QB at the "U" and he has more young talent around him. Bama is not much better than Miami..they will loose a few just like us..IMO
Posted by: UMike | September 20, 2008 at 02:39 PM
UMIke, I would like nothing more than to see Berry break some 10-20 yard runs. He has the goods, he's just a little behind the curve right now. But if he steps up and ballz out he could move up the chain quickly with JJ's injury.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | September 20, 2008 at 02:39 PM
UMike, I think Bama's a little further along depth-wise. Shula didn't leave the cupboard anywhere near as bare as Medioker did. They're not as good as people think they are though. Clemson's just soft and clueless because of their coaches.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | September 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Fanuzzi (spelling?) is transferring, isn't he?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
what i'm looking for in todays game is OL play. IF they can give ethier qb some time back there and if the can open up some running lanes. i would also like to see some WR's blocking down field on run plays and bubble screens.
i would also like to see the TE's blocking down feild and being the saftey vowel that RM or JH needs.
On defense we need to get better pressure on tamu qb in are base 4-3 scheme. i think we should be able to get in without haveing to blitz all day. I WANT TO SEE MORE OUT OF COLIN MCHARTHY (dont know if i spelled that right) last year when he wasn't hurt he was always around the ball like a dan morgan im hoping to see that again this game and the rest of the games this year.
TO ME RANDY PHILLIPS is a liability on defense im hoping to see more of jo jo back there and i liked how they mixed brandon harris back there at safety too.
UM 35
TAMU 7
GO' CANES
Posted by: nOrThMiAmIcAnE | September 20, 2008 at 02:42 PM
nick who?
not a cane...then who cares
Posted by: orange | September 20, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Yeah...how bout Pat Devlin while we're at it? Hows that one working out for ya, buddy?
I'm out to the bar, 'manos...
GO CANES
Posted by: darCANEgel | September 20, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Off to watch the game with my Dad! There's nothing left to do but execute! Talk to you all later!
52-3 Miami
Go 'Canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'Cane | September 20, 2008 at 02:48 PM
For everyone that cant get the game on TV if you signed in to espn 360 for the CS game you should be able to just go to espn360.com and sign in.
I just did and it works fine. I signed up for the gameplan because I need to dvr the game and I want to watch it on tv but you don't have to.
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | September 20, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Remember the GS game, some folks supplied a login. That was cool, sure ewould be nice again since I can't pay for it.
Posted by: USAFCane | September 20, 2008 at 02:49 PM
360 log-in was meant
Posted by: USAFCane | September 20, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I tried it earlier and it didnt allow me to sign in
Posted by: NavyCane4Life | September 20, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Cav...i'm rooting for Berry, I don't want him to be another player that just bounces around you know..like Geathers.
Posted by: UMike | September 20, 2008 at 02:52 PM
For some reason it wants my password Canez, no luck there.
Posted by: JC | September 20, 2008 at 02:52 PM
WEEEEEE REAAAAADDDDYYYY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIInY-_fZZE
34 UM
10 TAM
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: WMD | September 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Hey guys. Place your predictions...I'm off to FIU. Sucks not to be in Texas. But I got to do what I go to do. See you after the game.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2008/09/texas-am-keys-t.html#comments
Posted by: Manny Navarro | September 20, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I just clicked on the verizon dropdown and it brought me right to it.
Sorry boyz if it doesn't work for you guys. Are you on the same comp?? That is the only thing I can think of. I don't have the passwords either.
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | September 20, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Sorry Manny try to enjoy the FIU game.
Posted by: canechic | September 20, 2008 at 03:04 PM
BTW, for the Nix apologists (who talk about patience, long waits for chemistry, young guys to execute, etc.)...did anyone see Baylor go into UCONN (who's 4-0 and smacked UVA) and put 28 on the board with a TRUE Freshman QB? Since dumping Freeman at QB, Baylor has gone 2-1 scoring 52, 45, and 28. This is a team with a NEW HC and NEW OC...so much for 2 years until a young staff and young players can get in sync... Baylor went 3-9 last year and didn't win a single Big 12 game. Baylor took the lead last night in the 4th with a freshmen-to-freshmen post play... It's attitude folks - time for Randy and Nix to stop playing 'not to lose'. Starting today, take off the training wheels and don't look back...go have some fun, play lose, and STOP making excuses... Go Canes!!!
Posted by: CanezNC | September 20, 2008 at 03:04 PM
It must have changed, because I have the id and password and it still wont let me into ESPN360
Posted by: NavyCane4Life | September 20, 2008 at 03:06 PM
play loose :)
Posted by: CanezNC | September 20, 2008 at 03:06 PM