This article was written by Canes305 for Canespace:
Hola, Canespace! Through some recent correspondence with bg1906 and 86Cane, I've been invited into the ol' Legion here and wanted to chime in.
I run the allCanesBlog.com and used to write for CanesTime back in the day, but decided to go my own direction a few years back. Something about charging fans for content never made sense to me... which is why I've been a fan of Canespace from day one. We both seem to employ this "voice of the fan" mentality, which is the only fair play in this day and age. So many other sites boast about some "inside scoop" or top notch commentary from so-called know-it-alls. That never jived with me.
How does watching a few extra spring practices make you an "expert" in this day and age? I'm not debating the fact that there are still some very skilled sports journalists across this great nation, but in this blog-happy existence what makes one opinionated writer better than the next? Is it based solely on the fact that their site charges for content? Not in my book.
You either "get it" or you don't. If you're a fan, if you possess a logical mind, if you can collect your thoughts on paper and if you live and die with your respective team, why shouldn't you have a voice? Unfortunately that whole "logical" thing seems to be falling on deaf ears these days. Message board folks have their opinions and shout from the rooftops when things don't fall into place immediately. Others simply love to start smack and ruffle feathers.
The frustration continues to boil over a little bit more each year as 2000-2002 are even further in the rearview mirror. While the frustration is understandable, a little logic serves as a reminder that Randy Shannon inherited the worst Miami team in three decades and replaced the first fired Canes coach since Carl Selmer in the late 70s. Coral Gables won't be rebuilt in a day. It's a massive undertaking to revamp a once great program, especially in this day and age where big money schools with huge athletic budgets sit atop the BCS polls.
The Canes will again have to claw their way back - under the radar, leaning on those U Family roots and one recruit at a time. Randy knows the culture and will bring The U back by reeling in the 'right' kids for the job - not just the five star headline stealers. The tide is finally turning. Miami football will take another step forward this year, but that might not be measurable in wins and losses. Again, something the non-logical mind won't process.
The 2009 schedule is light years more difficult than the 2008 line up that resulted in a 7-6 season. It includes road trips to Florida State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, North Carolina and South Florida and home games against Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Clemson and Virginia. Miami could have the exact same record in '09 and that would still be an 'improvement' based on the schedule and effort week in and week out.
That said, everyone hopes for better than 7-6 and with Mark Whipple calling the offense, 8-4 isn't too far-fetched and 9-3 would make for a stellar regular season. If the football gods care to shine a little light on the Canes, even an ACC title game berth could be in the cards.
But I wouldn't book my championship game tickets just yet. Most logical folk see Miami as being "back" by 2010 or 2011. Depth will be replenished and the raw talent of last season will be full-fledged upperclassmen by then. 2009 could still turn out to be a special season and there's reason for excitement, but the Canes still aren't truly "back". Not yet. We have to remember that if and when this team falls short at some point this Fall.
There are going to be some big time moments and big time wins... but there are still enough holes that will result in a few head scratching losses. The Canes need another recruiting class or two before they're fully stacked.
In the meanwhile, drop by allCanesBlog.com and let me know what you think. Go Canes! I'll drop by monthly in the off season and will be on board with Canespace every week or so this coming football season. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. Big fan of this site and based on the article comments, a lot of logical folk here. It's a breath of fresh air.
Canes305
First?
Posted by: Hey Yo! | April 21, 2009 at 08:33 PM
hmmm...
Posted by: roachcane77 | April 21, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Is this Harry who wrote this?
Posted by: Aqua | April 21, 2009 at 08:35 PM
So close to a shirt.....ah well, next time.
Posted by: ChicagoCane | April 21, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I saw McCartney(Miramar WR who has been rumored to be a lean toward UM) visited UF and gave the usual nice spin they all give after a visit. Also, Cody Riggs(STA) just had his visit to Notre Dame and put it ahead on his list, with a visit to Ohio State upcoming. There isn't really much news on the recruiting front today. Interesting to watch the BS, but nothing really means anything til 2/10.
Posted by: JCane | April 21, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | April 21, 2009 at 07:46 PM
'Sota...U missed a GREAT opportunity the other day I posted here on the blob. I had Rays tickets for Sunday in the Whitney Bank section. Private area with FREE food and beverages!
Next time...
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Aqua...no Chris, not Harry. New partner here at Canespace. Gonna be good with giveaways and everything. Here's the deal:
We share our traffic and bloggers.
They share content and info and prizes.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 08:52 PM
ROACH!!!
What's up buddy? Missed U...
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 08:53 PM
From www.hurricanesports.com:
DURHAM, N.C. – University of Miami sophomores Chris Hernandez and Yasmani Grandal have been named to a list of 17 initial invitees to the 2009 USA Baseball National Team Trials, as announced by USA Baseball on Tuesday.
The National Team Trials, which will be held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., June 15-24, will be comprised of 36 collegiate players vying for a spot on the final 22-man roster to be announced on June 24.
Included in the list are five members of the 2008 National Team which went unbeaten last summer (24-0) and won gold medals at the FISU World University Championships in the Czech Republic and the Honkbal Tournament in the Netherlands. In addition to UM’s Hernandez, returning members include sophomores Derek Dietrich (Georgia Tech), Hunter Morris (Auburn), Micah Gibbs (LSU) and Christian Colon (Cal State Fullerton).
Grandal is one of 12 new invitees, including sophomores Michael Choice (UT Arlington), Blake Forsythe (Tennessee), Rick Hague (Rice), Deck McGuire (Georgia Tech), Drew Pomeranz (Mississippi), and Anthony Ranaudo (LSU) and freshmen Gerrit Cole (UCLA), Sonny Gray (Vanderbilt), Anthony Rendon (Rice), Logan Verrett (Baylor), and Tony Zych (Louisville).
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 09:05 PM
CORAL GABLES, FLA. - Fans are invited to attend the 2009 University of Miami men's basketball team banquet to be held on the BankUnited Center arena floor on Wed., April 29.
The 2009 senior class - Jack McClinton, Jimmy Graham, Brian Asbury and Lance Hurdle - will be recognized and the team will hand out individual honors in various categories. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the dinner and program beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Individual tickets are on sale for $50 apiece, while fans can also purchase premier tables with seating for eight (in addition to two student-athletes) for $700. Student-athlete sponsorships are also available for $50.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Hurricane Club at (305) 284-6699 or by filling out the online order form. Please RSVP by Fri., April 24.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Hey Chris.
Glad it worked out! Welcome!
Posted by: bg1906 | April 21, 2009 at 09:20 PM
305 is the one of the best bloggers out there. Good stuff man.
Posted by: SuperCooper | April 21, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Good stuff, love the love!
Go Canes!
Posted by: canechic | April 21, 2009 at 09:26 PM
'Sota...U missed a GREAT opportunity the other day I posted here on the blob. I had Rays tickets for Sunday in the Whitney Bank section. Private area with FREE food and beverages!
Next time...
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 08:50 PM
I was at the game Saturday night!! But thanks anyway!! Terrible outcome!
Go 'canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | April 21, 2009 at 09:29 PM
.Hey 305... welcome to the Space... got lots of fans here to talk to and most agree on you assessment of 09, but forget all that, I'm a die hard 12 percenter and 12/0 is my game but come hell or high water I'll take 8/4 and smile.
Canes Baby, nothing but Canes!
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | April 21, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Appreciate the welcome. As I told 86cane and bg1906, big fan of this site. Love the content. Love the interaction in the comments section. Love the overall vibe of a solid *FREE* site that is by the fans, for the fans. Glad to finally be over here and hope to bring some quality content to the table for you guys.
Cat5 - Right there with you, brother. The goal every year should be 12-0. It's the Miami way. That said, the past few years have been very humbling as a fan. How this program went from 11-1, 12-0, 12-1 and 11-2.... to 9-3 and 9-3... and the the utterly embarrassing 7-6, 5-7 and 7-6. It's almost impossible to fathom.
I remember the frustration with 9-3 seasons the middle of this decade (not as much the record as the underachieving and way it happened) -- yet now, I'd be thrilled with 9-3 this season, because it'd mean this team overachieved, jelled and came together.
I'm a believer in Randy, though I'm not a homer. He's definitely made some mistakes the past few years. That said, his ability to recruit... his understanding of the program... his no nonsense attitude and ability to cut bait with dead weight coaches -- I focus on that more than the recent record. The record will improve with better players and new coaches. I'm just glad this guy seems to "get" the Miami culture and Miami way.
Thanks again for the warm welcome. - Canes305
Posted by: allCanesBlog.com | April 21, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Can you guys help me out?
What is a nice romantic place to eat at in Destin?
Thanks
Posted by: ObviousCane | April 21, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Cracker Barrel
Posted by: pb(CSROH09) | April 21, 2009 at 10:15 PM
pizza hut!
Posted by: Calvin | April 21, 2009 at 10:22 PM
thanks
Posted by: ObviousCane | April 21, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Hey troop... ran into Dave Kintigh... 83/86, currently coaching at Southridge. Threw him the U and invited him to the Space... Give a shout if he comes on but also told him he can ghost it, if he would rather!!!
Kintigh played under Schnellenberger's fifth and last season in 1983. Behind the passing wizardry of quarterback Bernie Kosar, the Hurricanes upset Nebraska, 31-30, in the 50th Orange Bowl Classic to cap a storybook 11-1 season and a No. 1 spot in both wire-service polls... What a Game!!!
Then under the JIMMY JOHNSON ERA (1984/85/86/87)
In May of 1984, Schnellenberger resigned to pursue a position with the USFL's Miami franchise. UM Athletic Director Sam Jankovich acted quickly and two weeks later plucked Jimmy Johnson away from Oklahoma State.
Johnson's first campaign resulted in an 8-5 record, including the Hail Flutie loss to Boston College and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. The 1985 squad was led by quarterback Vinny Testaverde who led a high-powered offense to a matchup with Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl for a claim of the national championship, but a 35-7 loss dashed title hopes.
In 1986, the 60th year of UM's varsity football history, the Hurricanes fielded what many consider to be one of the best college football teams ever. Led by Miami's first Heisman Trophy winner, Testaverde, the Hurricanes swept through the regular season with a perfect 11-0 mark.
Miami held down the No. 1 national ranking for 15 weeks in fall of `86 on the strength of a record-breaking offense and the nation's No. 5 ranked defense, a unit that featured first-team All-Americans Jerome Brown and Bennie Blades.
The dream of 86 was a second national crown in four years, but ended with a 14-10 loss at the Fiesta Bowl, but the Hurricanes of 1986 will long be remembered as one of the nation's most talented and televised teams of all time. In all, Miami appeared on network TV in eight of its 12 games and in the spring of 1987, three Hurricanes (Testaverde, Alonzo Highsmith and Eddie Brown) were selected in the first nine picks of the National Football League Draft.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In 87 The Hurricanes were supposed to be rebuilding. Reloading was more accurate. This Miami team was supposed be the lull before the storm of 1988 and 1989. After all, the "86" Hurricanes had lost five starters on offense from a team that had come within a whisper of a national title in 1985 and a 1986 squad that was considered among "The best ever", only to lose its title shot in the Fiesta Bowl.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/bowl-history-records.pdf
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Good stuff!!!... Go Canes!
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | April 21, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Obvious..
Don't know about romantic but McGuires f@cking ROCKS!!!
Posted by: The Truth | April 21, 2009 at 10:32 PM
There's some place there that starts Zamp-something Habor Grill?
I don't know...pretty "romantic" but too pricey for the quality of food. There's lots of good seafood though...pick a spot on the beach.
Sorry can't help more. Only been to Destin twice.
Posted by: The Truth | April 21, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Willie Williams in the NFL? HUH???
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cr-williewilliams042009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 10:41 PM
305Canes....welcome to The Space! This is gonna be fun. I have an idea for the gift cards at allCanes. U are gonna like it!
Check email later.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Truth, you are absolutely correct on your assessment of Elway. It's amazing to me he went the QB who couldn't win the big one, borderline loser, to one of the greatest ever because he could hand it off to the hottest RB at the time.
It amazes me the QB position is the only position in sports that truly isn't judged by the quality of play at the position rather than the ability of the team around the position. Meaning, QB's are "judged" by wins and losses, yet, have little control of 2/3rds of the game. So much of a QB success is dependent on others. How many SB's would Dan Fouts have won if he played with a decent defense? His defenses were worse than the garbage Marino played with. Judging a QB on SB wins is simply cheap and lazy journalism.
And that's not to say winning doesn't play a role in judging a QB, but it shouldn't the primary criteria. This is a real pet peeve of mine. I could go on, but I'll spare everyone.
Posted by: canesluvr | April 21, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Hey Chris.
Glad it worked out! Welcome!
Posted by: bg1906 | April 21, 2009 at 09:20 PM
305 is the one of the best bloggers out there. Good stuff man.
Posted by: SuperCooper | April 21, 2009 at 09:23 PM
THE SPACE NEVER SLEEPS!
bg...how long did it take? 5 days?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Canrsluvr
Obviously I agree with you. Especially about Fouts..,what a QB!
It is lazy journalism but it is what it is.
Posted by: The Truth | April 21, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Thanks for the help truth, will check out McGuires...
Posted by: ObviousCane | April 21, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Been reading all along... busy times... H.S. tennis season ended tonight... my first post in awhile, (2nd place, drats) was from my iPhone on a good 'ol cheese wagon school bus.
Remember, I swore off posting until the U took care of OL issues. (Seems like we're on the right track... so I guess I'm back.)
Keep up the good work 86 and all you loyal Canespacers... Solar, your "coachspeak" piece was awesome!
Calvin, always love reading your "take" on everything Canes. (We think a lot alike BTW.)
Later, long trip home from Naples tonight.
Posted by: roachcane77 | April 21, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Roach...be safe and talk to you again SOON!
We need all bloggers to stay consistent through the Summer "dead period".
We work hard to keep the content FRESH. All we ask is that you log in and comment from time to time.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Where else are U gonna find this stuff?
Canespace blog feature writer line-up...
Guest writers:
Manny Navarro (Miami Herald)
Gary Ferman (Canesport.com)
Canes305 (allCanes.com)
Canespace writers:
SolarCane
CanesGirlNC
Orange & Green In The Vein
Mephistopheles
OcalaCane
321Canes
UMike
86Cane
Who got next?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Wow my two favorite blogs combined together. He normally has some really good write ups. This just made Canespace that much better.. GO CANES!!
Posted by: Canefantasy | April 21, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Truth, I thought that allcane was you for the longest time. I guess I was wrong.. One day you have to tell us what you do for the U. Its like getting to talk to Superman every day.. when really you are just Clark Kent from accounting..
Posted by: Canefantasy | April 21, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Hey Chris.
Glad it worked out! Welcome!
Posted by: bg1906 | April 21, 2009 at 09:20 PM
305 is the one of the best bloggers out there. Good stuff man.
Posted by: SuperCooper | April 21, 2009 at 09:23 PM
THE SPACE NEVER SLEEPS!
bg...how long did it take? 5 days?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 10:54 PM
You got 'er done rather quickly Agent Soup!
Posted by: bg1906 | April 22, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Cool article 86 - Go Canes!
Posted by: jackattack | April 22, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Hey 86 or Soup; whichever; like what I read; well done! Best Canes blog; ever!
Posted by: tortugacane | April 22, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Canespace writers:
SolarCane
CanesGirlNC
Orange & Green In The Vein
Mephistopheles
OcalaCane
321Canes
UMike
86Cane
Who got next?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 21, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Hey now, that hurts :-P
Posted by: Loco | April 22, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Chris,
Welcome, This is gonna be fun!
Roach,
Thanks,appreciate that a lot.
Glad to see you back
Aqua,
Hope we are still good bro, I still respect that you always say what you feel.
SOUP, you rock brother!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | April 22, 2009 at 08:28 AM
John Wall visiting in two days, lets hope Haith and South Beach can wow him.
Posted by: SuperCooper | April 22, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Obvious Cane re romantic place to eat in Destin - I reccomend Cafe Tango on hyw 30A in Blue Mountain Beach. I's just a short drive from Destin but closer to San Destin. Its my favorite in the area and reservations are a must as it has about 10 tables. We are from the area and are surrounded by indians, reptiles,and a few pachyderms and big felines but we wear our Cane colors proudly. Go Canes
Posted by: KSF68 | April 22, 2009 at 09:08 AM
“I don’t look at my life with bitterness,” he says. “I look at it with motivation. This is the bed I made and chose to lay in, so I’m going to have to sleep in it.”
Well at least Willie got the saying right, ARod not so much!
All I can say is I hope he is sincere and has turned his life around. Wish him nothing but the best. Now that I am in college I truly see how immature these kids are and how they generally do not make the right choices. I really have come to understand the validity of this old saying: "Youth is wasted on the young!"
Posted by: canechic | April 22, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Canechic how about those pirates! (smile) 305, very good article. The proof of how far the program has dropped will be validated once again during the upcoming NFL draft. I won't predict wins or losses this season but it is very important that we see improvement in all aspects of the program. The talent level has increased, the dreadful OC (smile Carlos) is gone. it is now time to put it together and get back to being respected!
Posted by: canesteeler | April 22, 2009 at 09:56 AM
http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/04/21/49ee2a53cc03a,
lol
Posted by: DATcane | April 22, 2009 at 10:03 AM
305Canes - good stuff. I have been a fan of your blog and writing not to mention a constant patron of allcanes. - LOL. Posting comments on your site was not that easy from what I remember.......
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | April 22, 2009 at 10:08 AM
yea yea Pirates, whatever!
Posted by: canechic | April 22, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Have any of you guys ordered the 2008 Highlights video from Allcanes.com?
I have it. It is a great video. My 3 favorites are
1. Before the FSU game, after the prayer, Randy Shannon gets up and says, "I feel good today..." he shrugs his shoulders and smiles in and says it again in a joking manner, some players on the team say, "Whoooooo, Whooooo...." Too Funny! HAHAHAHA!
2. Before the UCF game, Shannon tells the team that where his office is in Dolphin Stadium, he can hear what the other team is talking about. He said all he hears UCF saying is what they are going to do to Miami. He sounds very agitated and speaks as if he feels very disrespected. It gets the team fired up and ready to go.
3. Lastly, before the Duke game, Randy Shannon gets pissed! He's pissed because Duke has scheduled UM for HOMECOMING! He then tells the team that being selected for homecoming means they think they can get an easy win, and that its disrespectful for a program like Miami to be picked for someone's home coming. You can see the anger and feeling of disrespect in his body language!
Great stuff. I love it! Get the video guys, its worth the 20 bux.
Posted by: bg1906 | April 22, 2009 at 10:59 AM
great game on ESPN classic!
Posted by: canechic | April 22, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Obvious, While you are in the Destin area I would also reccomend that you take a drive along senic hwy 30A and go to the Red Bar in Grayton Beach for entertainment and a cool one. The area has probably the best beaches in Florida. yamma yamma
Posted by: KSF68 | April 22, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Interesting article on Matt Patchan and his struggles at Florida. Should've came to Miami. Maybe would be starting at RT right now...
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/995955.html
Posted by: bg1906 | April 22, 2009 at 11:38 AM