I know that it is still very early and I know that there are still many unanswered questions regarding the 2009 University of Miami football team, but we thought it would be a fun exercise to see where the fans are right now in terms of their predictions on how this coming season will play out. So we thought we would post these two polls to get your feedback on where your Miami Hurricanes currently stand and what you think of their potential for the 2009 season.
The first poll is about the dreaded first four games of the season that some have described as suicidal and others have labled "Murderers Row". We need your prediction of what the Canes record will be after games against the Seminoles, Yellow Jackets, Hokies and Sooners:
Next we need your season prediction on how the 2009 season will turn out. Will they go 7-5 and barely get out alive? Or will the Canes go on the 8-4 Magical Mystery Tour? Will the football Gods Let It Be 9-3? Or will Canes fans be screaming 10-2 and it's all about this U!
first
Posted by: JLF | June 30, 2009 at 09:55 AM
been gone for a while stop in before going to work and......the rest is history lol
Posted by: JLF | June 30, 2009 at 09:56 AM
JLF...nice work! U know what to do right?
Posted by: 86Cane | June 30, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I am not that predictable (lol)
Posted by: True Cane | June 30, 2009 at 10:35 AM
turn away for one minute and bang!
Posted by: DATcane | June 30, 2009 at 10:40 AM
http://www.miamiherald.com/qna/forum/um_sports/index.html
Manny
Posted by: DATcane | June 30, 2009 at 10:52 AM
just finished putting a basketball goal together for the kids.. Man these things are complicated and take way too long for me. BY the way I did not realize how expensive portable b ball goals can be. They have some for $500 dollars which is ridiculous unless of course U play professionally. Anyway I say 8-4 is a good year and we start out 2-2 to open the stretch.
Posted by: elliott | June 30, 2009 at 10:58 AM
why no 12-0 option? 11-1?
Posted by: Esteban | June 30, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Este,
There is no 12-0 or 11-1 option because there is no option. I think 10-2 is crazy talk. I would not want to go to Vegas with people who automatically think 10-2 is the record. Type of people that would hit on 20 in Blackjack "because an Ace is due". Seriously? How many serious injuries continue to occur to Cane athletes? How weak is our OL? Our DL is at least a year away also. Our D forces 4 picks last year through 13 games and we think we're going to beat OU? Is this the same crowd that thought we were going to beat OU in Norman back in 2007? Seriously? I've seen Randy's D get lit up by pass happy offenses before (Louisville in 2004 and 06, OU in 2007) not even mentioning how many yards UNC threw against us last year. Okay let's dig further - with the exception of Marcus Vick in 2005, how many times have we stopped a running QB this decade? Tuiasosopo, Krenzel...even Nesbitt, Mauck, and PONDER ran on us.
I'm thinking we've got great (young) skill guys. It's going to take great experience to win close games, and it's going to take even more to beat good teams or dominate them the U way. This year, we're not even close.
- CVS
Posted by: CVS | June 30, 2009 at 11:13 AM
i'm sayyyiinnnn
Posted by: slim32 | June 30, 2009 at 11:16 AM
I think if our team plays the way it's capable of playing, and with some luck, we get by 3-0. But a lot would have to happen. FSU cannot run on us like they did before, and we have to be able to stop their blitzing. And, oh yeah, we need a TE!
GT we need to shut them down and force them into at least one 2nd and 15 situation per series. We also need to run and pass like a real balanced team. Against a mediocre Cal team, we didn't even throw for 200 yards in I think 41 attempts, or something ridiculous like that. And we were running decently - decently.
VT we need to play mistake free. I think we should beat them as we did last year. No excuses to lose to VT, even if in Blacksburg. This is our 2nd victory in my opinion.
OU - not a chance. Bradford and Murray and Gresham are a sick trio. No shame in playing them really tight.
- CVS
Posted by: CVS | June 30, 2009 at 11:19 AM
este who did washington wiz grab in the draft? i'm in a sort of blackout for now.
My free satelite TV is without a fix for a month or 2 (or who knows) as dish network changed the code(N3). bac to basics.lol
That was a nice breakdown you gave the other day. I used to spend the summers at my aunts place across from the national cathedral(DC) and shoot around n play pickup down at goergetown outdoor courts. Big Jahidi White, victor paige , boubabacar would all be out there clownin with the freshmen and upstarts.
byw ...im sayin 11-1 or 12-0 (12%)
Posted by: slim32 | June 30, 2009 at 11:25 AM
If we go 3/1 to open it up... by the end of the season we should be 10/2 or 9/3 with loses to NC and/or Wake and if we're 10/2 or 9/3 with wins over GT and VT and NC, then we'll go to and win the ACC game... ending with 11/2 or 10/3 season....My words to God's ears... let it be!
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | June 30, 2009 at 11:31 AM
no way we go 12-0 or 11-1 but I love the optimism but sorry I am no longer on the kool aid. Years and years of terrible tackling, offense miscues and a terrible o line has humbled me my friends. I wish I could come on this site and post about how we are going to beat oklahoma with our speed and stop the option with GT and then run through VT. But no longer can I be so arrogant with my talk about Miami. There was a time (07) when I did think we were going to beat Oklahoma in Norman and also be in contention for yet another BCS run. But sadly those days are over no longer do I sit back sippin Tequila, Monetebello mixed with Arizona sweet tea n lemon and wait patiently for Miami to score again. Now game days consist of upset stomachs before the game with my fingers crossed and sweat drippin down my face before kickoff hoping we atleast stay in the game and do not get our butts kicked. As I sit watching Miami play I constantly cross my fingers as if this is going to in some way shape or form help our team get over the hump each game. I have to take straight shots now during games and hope the boredom that Pat Nix gave on offense did not put me to sleep before half time. Or the porous performance from the defense did not drive me to Jose Cuervo madness. No longer friends do I light up in my private outside bar and invite friends over to witness the speedy, hard hitting talent that persists in Miami football. Now I watch the games alone hoping that the tequila will be enough to get me through the whole game..
Realism sucks but its life 8-4 at best
7-5 realistic....
Posted by: elliott | June 30, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Why 3/1... my response, why not if Whip has the system running on auto pilot and the defense is in-sink. We have the horses to pull the cart and the cart is strong enough to hold the load... So Why Not and until one of the wheels fall off... I'm riding the cart, yelling, "Lets Go Canes!!!"
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | June 30, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Why can't FSU run on us like they did before?
Posted by: The Truth | June 30, 2009 at 11:44 AM
12 and Ohhhh crap we just got ran over by GT again.lol
Posted by: Canezitis | June 30, 2009 at 11:44 AM
CVS, you raise good questions based on last year's results but to think that these players won't improve, even if we limit it to the OL and DL, is far-fetched. Truth says we'll see in August and really see at Doak. I think we'll see some indications when Fall camp begins because of if guys come in out of shape, we'll know not much has changed.
If, however, they come in in shape and sharp then we'll know everything has changed.
Plus, you're forgetting that we actually IMPROVE thanks to graduation. I know those guys gave all they had but seriously none of them would have been recruited by Team Shannon.
For every player that graduated, we upgrade in talent.
The only team we'll play with more talent and experience is OU.
Everyone else we either out-talent or break even between talent and experience. And no one we face has a QB-WR-OC shceme like ours.
Run down the list-- VT, GT, FSU, NCST, Wake, USF, Duke, Clemson, UNC..... name one that has more talent and experience.
Please don't say UNC or VT. Maybe GT but that's only because of their scheme.
UNC needed a scared OC and a couple of freshmen QBs, WRs and average WRs, and they still needed late game heroics. Plus, they lost their playmakers. Supposedly some younger, unproven players will step in and automatically replace them BUT IF THAT'S THE EXPECTATION AT UNC WHY ISN'T IT THE EXPECTATION AT MIAMI??? Butch didn't recruit those playmakers last year and I haven't seen any freshman or sophomores who looked so amazing. And Butch still hasn't won anything of signficance, with all his college and NFL HC experience.
And in case you forgot, WE BEAT VT last year, with that same cast of characters.
So we've upgraded significantly at every position and VT will be basically the same but more experienced. How does that equal an advantage for VT?? Maybe homefield but these players we have now aren't impressed by or scared of anyone's field, just like their HC.
Plus, in football, if you have a single dominant strength it can out-weigh holes elsewhere. The strongest unit on our team is the offense and its skilled players. The addition of Whipple is really the final piece. He'll be able to make the OL look a lot better than it probably is, all by the play-calling.
After last year and seeing just how bad the remaining Cokerites were and just how far behind we had fallen in talent and strength, coupled with Nix's fear and ineptitude, I knew it was going to be a rocky season. By the UNC game it became rather clear what we had and what we didn't have. That five game winning streak was amazing considering the players, the combo of youth and untalented upperclassmen, and the OC.
10-2 or even 11-1 are perfectly possible but a few things MUST happen that aren't clear at the moment.
#1) The OL MUST become a strong, consistent force in run-blocking. If we can run the ball, something we should be able to do on at least 10 of the teams we play, we'll beat them all.
#2) The DL must either be strong against the run, like 2006, or be able to make big plays with sacks or INTs, or both.
If we get those two, 11-1, right now. I'm not even adding Benjamin and STs into the equation. That would be gravy.
Oh and we shut down Tyrod Taylor LAST YEAR, to answer your question about the last time we stopped a running QB. He got a nice QB sneak for a TD but otherwise, we wrapped him up nicely, even with Cook and company.
BTW, thanks for that Latin quote that Soup wanted. I'd never heard of that. It's a little ridiculous though. WTF are a bunch of Brits doing quoting Rome.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 11:47 AM
man, if there is one team that i want the U to beat the snot out of this year it's GT-that was just too embarrassing on national tv no less.
ok maybe one more team we need to stomp is usf.tired of hearing their fans, hate their coach and need to shut them the hell up.
that is my rant for the day.
good day sir:)
Posted by: Canezitis | June 30, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Elliott... No need to drink alone...if you're in Miami... come meet up with me... 09 should be a special year for all of us!
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | June 30, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Soup, I second Este's question. Let the people be heard!!!! haha
Canezitis, those two are definitely at the top but I'd like a Doak beatdown almost as muc, just for the fear factor. WE'RE BAAAAAACCCKKK!!
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Why can't FSU run on us like they did before?
Posted by: The Truth | June 30, 2009 at 11:44 AM
>>>>
Truth, they could but damn, if we can't improve over Cook, Davis and those DTs, with Sharpton, Brown, Bailey and Forston, along with Regis and Holmes, this season will be very, very unpredictable.
Seriously, has a UM MLB ever played a worse game than Cook in that one. Other than his Cal game of course. lol
I'm betting this front seven will be a significant improvement over last years.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Realism sucks but its life 8-4 at best
7-5 realistic....
Posted by: elliott | June 30, 2009 at 11:40 AM
>>>>
Elliot, based on what?? And experience but still ??? OL, and a talented but still unproven DL.
We know Jacory and the Jets can score if given the chance. We know Whipple knows how to and likes to score a lot of points.
8-4, 7-5 were realistic in hindsight for last year, with Nix and the youngins.
This year is really the year of No Excuses. The parts are in place. The players have experience. There are a few questions?? DL-OL-CB and depth at LB but at least we have some talent at each spot and players actually playing their proper positions.
10-2 at least. OU is by far the toughest team we'll play because Wilson and Bradford will test our DBs and LBs all day long in every way possible. But it all starts up front. If our DL can stop the run, we've won half the battle.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:03 PM
And Epps is a HUGE wild-card. If he's truly 100% or if Graham et al can actually make plays consistently, Whipple will be like a kid in a candy store.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Truth, is there any chance C-mac plays a smaller role on STs since that's probably how he injured his shoulder again??
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Cooks petformance against FSU was the worst by a MLB I have ever seen.
But their front will be a year older , stronger, better too don't forget. It's not like they don't have a decent RB either...and ponder is still there.
I'm not counting on ANYTHING until I see it happen against live bullets.
I know this is a blob and speculation is what's always on the menu but until I see it I'm not believing it.
I do think Whip will make a huge impact - he HAS to - so if that's the only improvement then we are 2 games better.
Posted by: The Truth | June 30, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I don't know Cav about 44 and ST's
Posted by: The Truth | June 30, 2009 at 12:09 PM
And Whip IS the real deal.
Posted by: The Truth | June 30, 2009 at 12:11 PM
"There are a few questions?? DL-OL-CB and depth at LB but at least we have some talent at each spot..."
Dude those are some pretty major ?? right there. DL-OL... i mean games are won in the trenches.
I would love to see a killer season, but I say 8-4
Posted by: conch salad | June 30, 2009 at 12:14 PM
You're right... The offense play choice will be wide open to what defensive formation we are looking at... Whip and Jacory must be on the same page and if so... it should be bombs away or 5/7 yard chucks at any given time... The key is Jacory and how he sees the field.
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | June 30, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Hell, if Dye can come in at TE or Sanders, they could do some damage as well. Is Dye really 6-5?? He didn't look that tall on the videos. He looked more like 6-3, 6-2.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Truth, Spence slipped more blocks against UF than Cook slipped ALL YEAR.
We MUST improve over that. COME ON!!! lol
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:21 PM
2-2 to finish 7-5
The years have not been kind to me.
Posted by: DZ8 | June 30, 2009 at 12:23 PM
refering to my optimism or lack of it
Posted by: DZ8 | June 30, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Conch, to me the OL-DL question isn't whether they'll stink or not, it's how much have they improved over last year.
Like Truth says, it's all speculation until we see it at Doak, VT and GT but I'm wagering that the improvement will be significant.
Truth, true about FSUs OL but I still say Sharpton, Bailey and Forston will reach another level and be able to neutralize their OL and make Ponder and the WRs beat us.
Also, Lovett may decide to blitz and throw some different looks at the OL since FSU doesn't have all those WRs and our DBs are stronger this year.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Cat 5, I think they'll be on the same page because they have the same mentality and drive.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:30 PM
2-2 to finish 7-5
The years have not been kind to me.
Posted by: DZ8 | June 30, 2009 at 12:23 PM
refering to my optimism or lack of it
Posted by: DZ8 | June 30, 2009 at 12:27 PM
>>>>
DZ8, OMG, brother, what's happened??? haha
If anything, knowing the past should make you optimistic about this year and the entire future.
Remember, last year TRUE FRESHMEN, were the only playmakers on the team, with maybe two exceptions. And those freshmen went through a lot of growing pains. We saw it unfold right before our eyes.
They're a year older, stronger, smarter and hungrier.
It's on now. No more fakin'. The fakes are all gone or have been Shannonized.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | June 30, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Why Dutch people should run the ad industry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2phg8-Q0flk
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 30, 2009 at 12:52 PM
10-2 is a strong possiblity. The Canes obviously have a strong and proud tradition, but I can never recall a group of young players (esp. freshmen) that produced as a unit on the field as the 2008 young Canes did. If these players continue to grow (and its reasonable to think they will), 10 wins is possible.
This year's team is deeper and more experienced at every position. In addition, according to Swasey, individual players all have improved their weightroom and track numbers over last year, and the current numbers are comparable to the championship years of old.
I think RS, Whipple and Lovett are very upbeat and optimistic about the talent and their prospects for the upcoming year.
If you look at the six losses on the schedule from last year (UF -23; UNC -4; FSU -2; GT -18; NCST -10; Cal -7), there were only a few games where these young Canes were blown out. If Whipple and a more experience group on offense can generate 10-14 additional points a game on offense (very doable and expected) and the defense can either hold teams to the same points/ypg, or improve marginally in pts/ypg/TOs (doable and expected), this can be a 10 win season.
Posted by: Windy1 | June 30, 2009 at 12:56 PM
8-4 and a bowl win
Best Case ACC champ
Next best Coastal champs
Third best Gator bowl win
Fourth best wait til next year.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:06 PM
http://miami.fandome.com/video/77592/THE-U-CREW/
U
Posted by: DATcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Still amazes me that every year we are going to be sooo much better and everyone we play is going to be worse.
We will be better but some teams that beat us are going to be even better than last season GT come to mind.
we should have stayed in the Big East and let Aqua play receiver.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:11 PM
"They're a year older, stronger, smarter and hungrier. "
This is something you have to put into perspective
EVERY freashman , sophomore, and Junior we are going to face will be
a year older, stronger, smarter and hungrier.
so why would we be stronger, smarter, and hungrier than Oklahoma, GT , VT FSU UNC?
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:15 PM
solar - have you seen this one? I have this saved under my "Favorites" on youtube
No way, no how in even a century from now the US would allow this commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV6MZHRE3jU
Posted by: Six | June 30, 2009 at 01:21 PM
http://miami.fandome.com/video/76116/Hurricanes-vs-Gators-03/
never gets old
Posted by: DATcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:27 PM
SIX lmao I knew i could count on you!!
Theres one with the asian girl slurping noodles somewhere thats pretty funny also.
that one you just posted was hilarious
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:30 PM
2-2 to finish 7-5
The years have not been kind to me.
Posted by: DZ8 | June 30, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I am going with the same prediction in hopes that I am totally wrong and we do better.
Posted by: raizecane | June 30, 2009 at 01:34 PM
I say we win 2 or 3 more games than last year and end with a bowl win. With that said, every time they take the field I do not predict they will lose, I expect that they have a chance to win every game
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 30, 2009 at 01:43 PM
We beat Florida A@M I know this!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DATcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:49 PM
10-2. ACC Champs.
Man, that's some good Kool-aid!
Posted by: welcane | June 30, 2009 at 01:51 PM