Last Saturday, with the game, their pride and possibly the entire 2008 season on the line, your Miami Hurricanes found themselves trailing the Duke Blue Devils 17-7 late in the second quarter. Starting QB Robert Marve was struggling and had just thrown another interception, his ninth of the season, leading to a Blue Devil score.
Now, with the home crowd and the all important momentum squarely behind them, the Duke players were becoming more confident that they not only could, but would, win this important ACC conference game.
Then, the game changer. In stepped true freshman QB Jacory Harris to save the game, the season and possibly Patrick Nix's job by leading the Canes on a quick scoring drive to make the score 17-14 going into halftime. Harris' TD pass to TE Chris Zellner with only 11 seconds left in the half helped the Canes narrow the score and more importantly gave the sputtering Canes new life.
JaScory, as he is affectionately known by Canes fans, was sharp, efficient and effective leading Miami's offense down the field. He connected with multiple receivers on various patterns and also ran the ball effectively on several designed QB draws.
In fact, Harris would go on to lead the Canes in rushing on the day with 10 carries for 67 yards. Some might even claim that it was JaScory that almost single-handedly put the Canes back in business.
Miami went into the lockeroom with renewed hope, energy and sense of purpose. The only question that remained was who would head coach Randy Shanon start at QB in the second half? The shaky and struggling Marve or the sharpe and succesful Harris?
When the Canes offense took the field to start the third quarter, low and behold, it was #12 and not #9 behind center. Harris would go on to lead the Canes to a impressive come from behind 49-31 victory and provide a much needed spark for the inconsistent and at times lethargic UM offense. His masterful display of talent, touch and decision-making had not been seen since, dare we say, a QB named Kenny Dorsey was at the controls.
Harris scored on a 15 yard run and threw TD passes to Aldarius "Sure Hands" Johnson, Travis "The Blur" Benjamin and LaRon "Big" Byrd. Texas speedster Shawnbrey Mcneal also scored a TD in late action subbing for Craig Cooper who had 64 yards on the day.
So what's next? All of the Monday morning quarterbacks and most Miami fans are questioning and clamoring about who should start the next game at home against Wake Forest.
Trying to avoid or prevent the always impending QB controvery, Shannon stated shortly after the game the Marve would remain the starter and that as per "the plan", Jacory would continue to play in each game on a regular basis.
So Canes fans, what do U think? What is best for the players and the team? Who should the starting quarterback be? Marve or Harris? Harris or Marve? Should Shannon make a change? Does it matter?
For argument's sake, here are their cumulative stats for the season:
| Robert Marve | 6 | 101.4 | 73-133-9 | 54.9 | 676 | 7 | 36 | 112.7 |
| Jacory Harris | 7 | 122.9 | 51-84-3 | 60.7 | 497 | 5 | 35 | 71.0 |
Uno
Posted by: BIG DADDY CANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:03 PM
First
Posted by: canesbrewing | October 20, 2008 at 02:04 PM
leave for a minute and this is what happens
Posted by: canesbrewing | October 20, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Fizzzirst!!!!!!!
Posted by: IN_Cane | October 20, 2008 at 02:05 PM
DAMMIITTT
Posted by: IN_Cane | October 20, 2008 at 02:06 PM
What Nobodys blogging....In the middle of the day.. Man are we in a ression or what...Stocks are down on Canespace.. I thought the shares started at a $1.50 We'll Soup U have to go down futher than that!! Peace BDC OUT!!!
Posted by: BIG DADDY CANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Go Canes & GO RAYS!
Posted by: tortugacane | October 20, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Stocks will never be down on Canespace... We've got to REACH others to join in... Message to 1st timers, go ahead & post a UM comment or any other FL team comment... I don't post much, but since I've done it 1st time around, it feels good...
Posted by: tortugacane | October 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
By d way; good NC pics & nice girl... NC girl.
Posted by: tortugacane | October 20, 2008 at 02:11 PM
No matter who starts I think that both QBs should run the same offense. Marve has looked good in the hurry up as well. But I can't deny that JH just brings something to this team that has been missing for a few years.
Posted by: IN_Cane | October 20, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Y'all are funny. lol
To me the story of the game wasn't who was throwing but who was catching. Soup you might want to do a follow-up abou the freshmen WRs making ALL the clutch and TD catches except for Epps and Farr.
When was the last time we had 8-10 different WRs catch passes, and 90% of those catches, 3rd down catches especially, were made by true freshmen??
I don't think that's ever happened in the modern history of Miami Football.
Anyone?? Anyone?? Bueller?
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:17 PM
In_Cane, Jacory's timing and touch are better than Marve's right now. As someone else said on the previous, he makes his reads very quickly and releases the ball the same way. I don't think Marve is making his reads as quickly yet and he still overthrows sometimes, and obviously makes some bonehead throws, but so did Jacory.
Shannon has them where he wants them. No one is resting on anything.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I don't often agree with Michael Cunningham, whom I think is more of sensationalistic- type of writer, but he makes some good points in the following article. I find it funny that the same guys who were chiding the Boss for pulling Marve for Harris, thereby "breaking his rhythmn" are now saying Harris should have been the starter all along. You guys have to realize that both QBs are talented but both are inexperienced. As good as Harris did against DUKE (we are talking about a much improved Duke, but DUKE nonetheless) , he still made some mistakes and threw two picks himself. I stand behind the Boss and his 2 QB system--for now. When one struggles, the other who is watching from the sidelines, sees the problems and steps in. When the one who is benched is given an opportunity to talk to Nix on sidelines, when he comes back, he does better. Why do you think Nix is on the sidelines and not in the box? These boys still need some hand-holding, despite their obvious talent.
And for those calling for the firing of Nix, pls note that sweet trick play, reverse pass back to Harris that ended in a touchdown, the call for the no-huddle offense in the 2d half, the QB draws that had Harris run for like 64 yards, and the call to twice go for it on 4th down that led to 2 conversions.
Everyone is learning on this team. EVERYONE. But I think the improvements are obviously there. I have always known this was a rebuilding season and have indicated that I simply wanted us to get our 6 or 7 wins to play in a bowl this year. Then we can get the ACC Championship in 2009 and the NC in 2010. In fact prior to this season started, many of you were saying the same thing. What's changed?
Check out the article below:
Harris rescues Hurricanes
Freshman replaces Marve and accounts for five TDs
Michael Cunningham | Sports Columnist
October 19, 2008
Durham, N.C.
If you are among those who thought coach Randy Shannon was hurting the Miami Hurricanes by giving Jacory Harris some of Robert Marve's snaps, what do you think now?
Feel the same way after Harris came on in relief of Marve and led the Hurricanes to a 49-31 victory Saturday at Duke? At least see the thinking behind getting the two young quarterbacks ready?
There was a real chance the Hurricanes would lose this game and fall to 0-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Instead, Harris came on and threw for four touchdowns, ran for another and energized the Hurricanes after they trailed 17-7.
"That's why we had to play him," Shannon said of his prized freshman from Miami Northwestern. "You never know when you are going to need him. We've put Jacory in some tough situations all year long. Now is when it pays off."
Admit it, you thought by now it was time to go with Marve, to heck with Harris. But Marve hasn't looked the same since making nearly all the right decisions at Texas A&M.
His first-half interception, an admittedly "stupid mistake," was his eighth pick in the past four games. Harris came in as scheduled on the next series, ended it with a touchdown pass and never came back out.
Harris led UM to touchdowns on five of eight possessions in the second half before taking a knee to run out the clock. He looked like a good fit for the no-huddle, shotgun attack UM used extensively in the second half, showing a knack for sifting through defenders on draw plays.
Shannon said Marve would start when the Hurricanes host Wake Forest next Saturday. Marve and Harris each said they were content to share the duties
But probably there now will be calls for UM to start Harris, to heck with Marve. That would be just as shortsighted as the belief that Marve shouldn't have had to share snaps up until now.
Marve still can help the Hurricanes win, and even in this game he was playing well until that interception. But since he didn't play after the interception, he might be on a shorter leash now, and that makes sense.
It's still too risky to turn the offense completely over to Harris. He did a lot of good things Saturday, but he also had two interceptions Shannon called "boneheaded" , with one setting up a Duke touchdown.
Also look at Harris' near-blunder in the third quarter. He was draped by a defender in the end zone but tried to fling a pass anyway. Duke linebacker Michael Tauiliili dropped what would have been a touchdown with Duke leading 24-21.
It was the kind of play that reminds it's tough for UM to depend on either of its freshmen quarterbacks exclusively. If either Marve or Harris struggles, the other one is ready. If one is going good, then the other waits.
It's a reasonable plan for the quarterbacks and, for that matter, the team. There's some sentiment Shannon should be playing his best players more, to heck with the backups, but that ignores the state of the Hurricanes.
They need to develop depth for this year and next season. This was a game where you could see the value of that approach, where the short-term goal of winning and the long-term goal of building came together nicely.
It hasn't always been such a smooth formula this season, but it's still the best one for the Hurricanes, especially for the quarterbacks.
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:21 PM
ACC Announces Kickoff Times and TV for Nov. 1
Four games on the slate for Saturday, Nov. 1
Oct. 20, 2008
GREENSBORO, NC – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Monday all of the game times and television for Saturday, Nov. 1:
Saturday, Nov. 1
Miami at Virginia, Raycom, Noon
Clemson at Boston College, ESPNU, 3:30 pm
Duke at Wake Forest, ESPN360#, 3:30
Florida State at Georgia Tech, ABC (ESPN*), 3:30 pm
Posted by: The U needs A coach | October 20, 2008 at 02:22 PM
If we had those freshmen making those catches and running those routes against UNC, we win in a route. As it was, our upperclassmen, except Kayne, dropped 3rd down ball after ball.
But that's what happens after six games, right??
HOW DO YOU SPELL E-X-P-E-R-I-E-N-C-E?
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Oh, and what brought them, the freshmen, along so quickly, C-O-A-C-H-I-N-G.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:23 PM
True, you can see Marve trying to aim and place the ball. Even on his TD pass you could see him trying to aim it at where he wanted it to go versus, just letting it fly. Jacory just has a nice flow to his game.
Posted by: IN_Cane | October 20, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Jamericane, for once Cunningham does not deserve my usual "two-bit hack" label. He actually thought about this story and had some insight. lol
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Chinese Punisher, you and I are always on the same page...
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
After watching the canes on saturday and the phins on sunday, I came to the conclusion that Harris might be cut from the Pennington mold for the following reasons.
1) They have good vision and can read the d.
2) They both have total control of the offense.
3) They both are extremely accurate.
4) They both make up for the lack of a big arm with great timing and leading the reciever to the ball.
The major differenence is Jacory is much more mobile.
Anyone else see this or was I drinking to heavily again this week-end?
Posted by: The U needs A coach | October 20, 2008 at 02:28 PM
"And for those calling for the firing of Nix, pls note that sweet trick play, reverse pass back to Harris that ended in a touchdown, the call for the no-huddle offense in the 2d half, the QB draws that had Harris run for like 64 yards, and the call to twice go for it on 4th down that led to 2 conversions."
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Nix was literally coaching for his LIFE! Funny how that changes things. I hope he feels that way EVERY week...
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Coach, I see what you're saying. But I would say give Jacory another 2-3 years in the weightroom and a couple buffets, and you'll see a difference in his arm strength. Pennington has always had a below avg. arm, not to mention multiple shoulder surgeries.
Posted by: IN_Cane | October 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I think Nix is feeling more confident in what his players can do and is now moving to Chapter 2 of his playbook. The question is, how many chapters are in his playbook?
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Anyone else see this or was I drinking to heavily again this week-end?
Posted by: The U needs A coach | October 20, 2008 at 02:28 PM
We all saw it, but then again, we were all drinking heavily!
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I think the trick play with the pass to Jacory totally screwed up the Duke d because after that it was an all you score touchdown fest for Miami.
Posted by: The U needs A coach | October 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Jamericane...what's up? Did U go to O'boys BBQ to watch the game? I hear there was a low turnout???
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
We all saw it, but then again, we were all drinking heavily!
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Hello my name is _______________ and I'm a Caneaholic.
Posted by: The U needs A coach | October 20, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Soup, actually I was I've been out of town the last 2 weekends. In Costa Rica for the UCF game and golfing in Howie-in-the Hills this past weekend. I may be there for a couple more game watches this season though.
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:42 PM
I caught the games wherever I was at though...
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 02:43 PM
""Anyone else see this or was I drinking to heavily again this week-end?"
Posted by: The U needs A coach | October 20, 2008 at 02:28 PM
>>>>
Haha...The U, there are definite similarities, but as someone else pointed out the difference is Jacory is going to outgrow everything he's doing right now and look more like a bigger, stronger, slightly more mobile Joe Montana by the time he's finished at the U.
I say he'll be like Vinny. People can diss Vinny for his egomania but the man made some incredible, beautiful throws.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Jamericane, yes we do. And I agree Nix is much more confident now with his playcalling. He had Harris throwing balls he didn't throw against CSU.
I still say the story of the game was the WRs because if Kayne had been Jacory's main option, none of that would've been happening. As it turned out, Duke's defense was gassed and bewildered because of the depth of our WRs.
Hopefully, Marve will learn from what he saw and be the beneficiary of their play-making this weekend. I still haven't heard anyone tell me what went wrong for him on those drives where he didn't score, other than the pick.
Was it his decision-making or breakdowns by the WRs, OL??
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM
J...I talked to the UMAA club director from Orlando and he said the next game watch is scheduled for Wake. Here U go:
UM vs. Wake Forest Game Watch Party
O'Boys BBQ 565 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 407-478-6269
Date: 10/25/2008
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Join the Orlando Alumni Club in cheering on the 'Canes as they take on Wake Forest! For more information please contact Mark McKay, B.ARCH '95 at orlandocanes@aol.com.
--------------------------------------------
UM vs. Virginia Tech Game Watch Party
O'Boys BBQ 565 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 407-478-6269
Date: 11/13/2008
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM
"Nix was literally coaching for his LIFE! Funny how that changes things. I hope he feels that way EVERY week..."
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 02:29 PM
>>>>
Soup, I think it was confidence, being behind at the half, and the preparation from the last few weeks for running the no-huddle.
Why do you say he was coaching for his life?? Because a loss to Duke would be the end?? lol
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Sup Legion?
Been very busy as of late. read everything just not posting.
IMO...
The ACC monkey is off our back. Confidence is a very powerful thing. Someone once told me. " Always own the room" I think this team has something the U has lacked for several seasons. WINNERS!!!
We are going into the Wake Forest game off a great win. Wake is coming in off an embarassing loss. Hmmm...
There comes a point when all U work for makes sense and just seems to happen. Are we there yet? Not sure. Will we lose again this year probabaly.
I am havin a great time watchin this team.
THEY ARE FUN to watch again. Mistakes sure there are many. My thoughts...
IT'S GREAT TO BE A MIAMI HURRICANE!!!
Posted by: OCALACANE | October 20, 2008 at 03:02 PM
And where is all the praise for Nix and Shannon, Nix especially, for blowing out Duke with play-calling and tactics??
All we hear about is so and so can coach, and we're outcoached, it's a sign of poor coaching, and on and on and on, but when we clearly dismantle a team strategically, not a word is said.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Ocala...get off MY blog!!! LOL
U ready for this weekend @ TNP???
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 03:03 PM
No matter who starts I think that both QBs should run the same offense. Marve has looked good in the hurry up as well. But I can't deny that JH just brings something to this team that has been missing for a few years.
Posted by: IN_Cane | October 20, 2008 at 02:16 PM
It's called the Smooth Hand Moxy "intangible."
As for the QB battle. I say Shannon goes with the hot hand, as the game progresses.
And for Marvelous Marve's sake. Let's all keep hope alive, and hope he has "slump breaking" game against WF. Otherwise, the heat will be on Shannon as well as Nix to give JH the opportunity to start, for a game or two or maybe three games.
Also, since the Canes are going with the spread, any notions about the offense having Marve deeper in the pocket when he handles the shot-gun snap, and having the O-Line get into wider-splits.
For instance, Missouri's version of their spread has a "short" Chase Daniel seven yards deep when he receives the snap, and the Tiger O line has very wide splits. This gives Daniels a better view down field and helps to relieve the pressure of the rush in passing situations. I believe one of Marve's difficulties is locating WR's downfield in coverage. Although he's listed 6-1, he's more like 5-11 in socks.
Just a suggestion up for consideration.
Posted by: macjones de albuquerqye | October 20, 2008 at 03:16 PM
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=pkjKeqSZMzE
Highlights from Rusty98 in case you missed them.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 03:17 PM
any truth to this nightmare of a rumor I'm hearing via the Sid Rosenberg show that Jacory hates Randy and will transfer? Considering he just got the nod and is getting the majority of playing time right now, this seems fodder at best and is more likely to be the work of Cane haters. But somebody put my mind at ease, and tell me this flat out isn't true.
Posted by: caneforlife | October 20, 2008 at 03:21 PM
any truth to this nightmare of a rumor I'm hearing via the Sid Rosenberg show that Jacory hates Randy and will transfer? Considering he just got the nod and is getting the majority of playing time right now, this seems fodder at best and is more likely to be the work of Cane haters. But somebody put my mind at ease, and tell me this flat out isn't true.
Posted by: caneforlife | October 20, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Much ado about nothing.
Or, in the words of the Bard..." It's a TALL tale told by a foolish Sid, full of sound and fury, but signifying nada!!"
Sounds like this Rozzy is a rumour monger. Nothing more and nothing less.
Better yet. To borrow Chi Pun's thunder and ligtening...the WITCH is just another "shock-joke radio" 2-bit hatch.
Now, I don't know this Sid personally, but does he have any "cred" to be spreading disinformation!!?? Not that the Team Shannon coaches pay any attention to such blather.
Posted by: macjones | October 20, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Soup, I think it was confidence, being behind at the half, and the preparation from the last few weeks for running the no-huddle. Why do you say he was coaching for his life?? Because a loss to Duke would be the end?? lol
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 02:58 PM
No Cav, that was FEAR, plain and simple. And yes, fear of the end, because if the Canes lost Shannon would never hear the end of it and Nix would be "gone in 60 seconds" (at the end of the year to be exact).
As it stands now, a HUGE win @ Duke and smiles all around. Next, a win against Wake at home gives everyone some much needed instant amnesia about the UNC and FSU games.
U have to remember that for those of us who actually go to the games is that we haven't left TNP happy since CSU! As you can remember, most did not leave the UCF game happy...
Posted by: SOUP | October 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Haters gonna hate, son.
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Cane4Life, it shouldn't surprise you that media-types who don't ever say ANYTHING positive about the Canes would come out with something like this.
These types, who literally litter hollywood and the media in this country, are true lowlifes. Vulgar and worthless demagogues who will stoop to any low to make something listen to them.
Howard Stern is another example. Limbaugh as well. Just pathetic.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 03:39 PM
you guys hear that Huizenga is selling his majority share of the Dolphins? wondering if this will have any affect on the canes lease.
Posted by: caneforlife | October 20, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Macjones, that might be a good idea for Marve in the gun. Vision might be why he has to roll out so much.
But like Shannon said, it's not who starts it's who plays the most and if Marve doesn't produce, starting might not mean squat.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Let's stop refering to the stadium as TNP and start calling it "MIAMI STADIUM". I think that is fair to the 'Canes, the Fins, the Marlins and the City of Miami. Who's with me?!?
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 03:43 PM
It's a movement!!! Let's get it started. VIVA LA MIAMI STADIUM!!!
Posted by: JameriCANE | October 20, 2008 at 03:44 PM
I'm in. VIVA LA MIAMI STADIUM!
Posted by: caneforlife | October 20, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Cane4, I doubt it because why wouldn't you want to have your stadium making double the money, esp. once the U starts rockin' again?
I would also hope our atty's made the lease irrevocable in the event of an ownership change.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Macjones, that might be a good idea for Marve in the gun. Vision might be why he has to roll out so much.
But like Shannon said, it's not who starts it's who plays the most and if Marve doesn't produce, starting might not mean squat.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | October 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM
What about this one Chi Pun AKA Cavaleer. Oklahoma runs their version of the "hurry-up" O, or two-minute attack O. Perhaps Nix might go with that scheme against WF. See IF Marve is comfortable in that style of attack. Just a thought. Anything to get an edge on the opponent. No.
And, U are right on about Numero Nueve rolling out tendencies. He rolled out of the pocket on the Canes opening T.D. Of course the WR patterns were going ( flowed ) to his right-hand side, in the end zone.
Posted by: macjones | October 20, 2008 at 03:54 PM