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Mary Knows Football: Week 2

Washington vs. Notre Dame: Washington

Steve Sarkisian and Nick Holt are very familiar with Notre Dame, and I think they understand how to beat them.  The question is whether they have the personnel to pull it off – but we have seen them beat better teams than the whining Irish already this season.  More importantly, I want to see Lou Holtz cry because he cursed the ‘Canes last week by jumping on our bandwagon. 

FSWho vs. Boston College: FSWho?

Thanks a lot, FSWho, for your representation of the ACC!  Yeah, that’s right, FSWho?  The nation doesn’t know who they are anymore because of the egg they laid, at home, against an unranked opponent.  Frankly, I don’t think the ‘Noles know who they are either.  Their team has a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  Who are opponents going to get this week? I’m going to go with an every other game theory.  I think they bring it this week, just to fall apart with their next opponent.  FSWho, we know you have a good team.  We saw it against us and BYU.  Pull yourselves together! 

7 USC vs. 24 Cal: Cal

Cal looks to redeem themselves after being embarrassed by Oregon last week against a USC team struggling for offensive identity between rotating QBs. Cal QB Kevin Riley and Jahvid Best were largely ineffective last week because of a poor performance from the o-line – they will need to step it up against USC’s D or it will be a long night.  Cal hasn’t lost a game at home since 2007 – against USC.  I see Cal keeping the streak alive and pulling out a W in a very close game. 

4 LSU vs. 18 UGA: UGA

LSU looked unimpressive against a mediocre Mississippi State team last week and had to resort to a goal line stand to eek out a W.  I think they might be looking ahead to Florida and could let this one slip in the 4th after a close game.  UGA’s offense against South Carolina and Arkansas looked good and I think LSU’s defense is soft.  I smell an upset.

8 Oklahoma vs. 17 Miami: Miami

Now for the main event!  You might notice my analysis on other games is a little sparse.  Well, that is due in part to the fact that I am dictating this article in an orange and green straight jacket from the Palm Beach Home for Sad Super Fans.  I was committed around 8 PM last Saturday night after the Palm Beach ‘Canes Club game watch party (that's me below with LT#36 and Ben's Mom). 

I won’t go into a lot of detail, there were some jello shots, my formerly lucky game day dress, frozen turkeys, and a bonfire involved and some said they heard me singing the Aerosmith classic “Tell Me What it Takes to Let U Go.” 

On the bright side, I am not alone.  My puppy, Sebastian, had to join me after learning that I was fibbing when I told him his hero “Jacowy Hawwis” threw for 400 yards and 6 touchdowns against VA Tech.  Thanks a lot to 86 for making him face the truth, spiraling my pup down into a deep depression with me – Sebastian is the one who created the “Jacory for Heisman” website and is heartbroken. 

I also have a nice roommate here at The Home who cracked after Tebow went down and is currently bidding on EBAY for the bag in which Saint Timmy tossed his cookies, which seems unnecessary given that the seller of said bag is committed down the hall, but I digress.  Sebas and I have been going through daily counseling (“so, Mary, how did you feel when the punt was blocked?”) and intravenous orange and green Kool-Aid treatment three times daily.  Doctors are optimistic that I will be released by Thursday morning so I may begin my tailgate food and beverage prep on schedule. 

Just kidding!  I think most of us took this loss much harder than we have in years because we bought into the hype and had such high expectations for our ‘Canes.  I think the team is just as guilty of that.  The beat down by VA Tech can’t be blamed on a single factor (rain, hype, Jimmy Graham) and there are no excuses.  It’s time to make like Steven Tyler and let the U’s loss go. 

I think this is a tremendous opportunity for growth for the young ‘Canes and I think they can turn their performance at VA Tech into a motivational tool.  Here’s why:

(1) The U thrives on being the underdog – we are going to have some focused, hungry ‘Canes on the field seeking redemption;

(2) The game is at night, at home;

(3) Oklahoma lost to the only ranked team they played this season – their “impressive” scoring average is against cupcakes;

(4) Their DBs are not as good as our WRs – and to quote Solar’s awesome photo “It ain’t rainin’ today is it ____,”

(5) OU’s weak offensive line. 

Are there reasons for concern?  Sure, the  lack of sacks and turnovers from Miami’s D and OU’s D-line ranks 4th in the nation in sacks averaging 4 per game and VA Tech’s less impressive front 4 made our boys look like turnstiles. 

Hold on for a moment while I chug some orange and green Kool-Aid . . .

Ooooh, that’s good stuff.  Once it hits your lips . . .

Miami wins in a shoot out.

Circling The Wagons

Len Berman of ESPN fame is fond of saying that: "Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills."

After a their first loss of the season against the Hokies in Blacksburg your Miami Hurricanes returned to South Florida early Sunday morning and began to circle the wagons in preparation for their confrontation with the Oklahoma Sooners this Saturday at The Shark.

The Canes will attempt to regroup, re-energize and regain their mojo as they face their stiffest test of the year against the 8th ranked Sooners.  UM lead dog Randy Shannon has to get his team back to pulling together in front of the sleigh if this team is going to beat Oklahoma. Here is how that happens:

• Protect Jacory:  This is by far the Hurricanes unanimous vote for top goal of the year.  Protecting the the QB is every team's goal but for your Miami Hurricanes it priority #1.  Young Jacory is still thin and fragile and the Canes have no experienced back-up to replace him IF he were to get injured.  The Miami offensive line cannot allow that to happen and must protect The Prize if the Canes are to remain successful in 2009.
• Score Early and Often: The Canes must get an early lead to get the crowd into the game and The Sooners out of their game to win this Saturday.  They cannot afford to fall behind like they did against VT which then allows the opposing team to stick to the old ball control, running game strategy.
• Stop The Run/Damn The Pass: The Canes defense needs to go "all in" to stop the run against the Sooners or they will face the same fate they did against the Hokies.  Allowing teams to run the ball only sets up the play action pass and the deep ball eventually and when you least expect it.  Force Oklahoma to throw on your terms, not on theirs.  Pressure and hit whichever OU QB is in the game and let them know U mean business from the first play of the game.
• Special Teams:  Is Miami ever going to have an outstanding game on special teams?  Is Matt Bosher going to kick the ball deep and make all his FGs?  When will the Canes change out Cooper at returner and let some of the speedy, elusive players everyone has been talking about get some opportunities to break one?  The time is now, or Pannunzio is toast after the season.

If the Canes are to win the game these are the keys to their success.  And for what it's worth, the Canes HAVE TO WIN this week.  It is time for Miami to finally make their statement that they are back to competing at the highest level of college football.  There is no better way to do that than to beat the #8 Sooners at home.

Plus, I can't be counted on to talk down certain Canes fans from the ledge every week after another tough Canes loss.  Especially if they decide to wear the wrong socks, hats, boxers or orange dresses and then can't even decide if it is good or bad luck to wear their hair curly or straight every week. 

That is too much to ask from anyone, much less this Canespacer.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Your Miami Hurricanes now stand at 2-1 on the season (and in the ACC) after taking two huge steps forward in beating FSU at The Doak and then thrashing recent nemesis Georgia Tech at The Shark before recoiling and taking a huge step back in losing convincingly to Virginia Tech in a cold, rainy and miserable day in Blacksburg this past Saturday.

If you would have asked most Canes fans before the season if they would have been satisfied going into the Oklahoma game at home at 2-1 and ranked in the top 20 they would have taken that deal without even thinking about it.  "Hell yes" they would have said, "where do I sign?"

But that was before we had nicknamed the "Whiplash" offense and then declared it unstoppable. 

That was before new Defensive Coordinator John "U Gotta" Lovett shut down the feared GT running game quicker than Sam Shields can run a forty.  

That was before Jacory Harris looked so perfect that he had to be considered for the Heisman Trophy only two games into the new and promising season.

That was before we learned the offensive Line could actually block somebody and keep those big, natsy defensive paws off of Jacory long enough for him to find Travis Benjamin and LaRon Byrd for a quick 6.

And that was before RayChanCaneFan stirred up the 12%ers and his partner in crime Captain Optimist promised us all that Miami would never lose another game, ever.

After a remarkable and impressive 2-0 start to the season over what many thought were against two of the more difficult teams Miami would face this year, the Canes proceeded to drop the ball (Jimmy Graham), couldn't tackle (Daryl Sharpton) and generally looked uninspired and confused (Sean Spence) during their rain soaked visit to Virginia Tech.

The Whiplash offense got whipped at the line of scrimmage, had no continuity or direction and could not establish anything that even remotely resembled their performance over the first two games.  Jacory finished 9-25 and looked human, not Heisman, for the first time this season.  UM running backs Graig Cooper and Javaris James never got their footing and the Canes rushing attack never got un-tracked.

The Canes defense got run over and around and was consistently out-muscled by VT's OL on the sloppy, muddy surface of Lane Stadium.  In fact, it may have been Canespace blogger Gin & Tonic who summed it up best when he stated that: "Virginia Tech won the game because they established their running game and Miami never did."  Simple, but true.

Special Teams were not so special as Matt Bosher had a punt blocked for a TD and the Canes never mounted any serious return threat mostly due to the terrible conditions.

But the Canes still sit at a decent perch (#18 AP, #21 Coaches) above most of college football with another HUGE chance this Saturday when the #8 ranked Oklahoma Sooners come to town and pay a visit to The Shark. 

A win this weekend will re-establish the Hurricanes rise to prominence in 2009.  Another loss, at home against OU, would only send more questions about where the Canes are really at in terms of returning to the National stage and being truly competitive once again.

When The Levee Breaks

The rain was heavy and unrelenting. 

The pressure and current was too much to endure. 

When the Levee broke all that swam against the flood had no chance of survival.

That is an analogy of what happened to your Miami Hurricanes as they went up to Blacksburg to meet the Virginia Tech Hokies on this rain soaked Saturday in September. The rains cane, the flood of points followed and the rising current of momentum was too much to survive for this still young and inexperienced Miami team. 

The Hokies out played, out preformed and out scored the boys from the 305 from beginning to end of a very miserable afternoon and disappointing game from the recently ranked #9 ranked Hurricanes.

The final score is insignificant as anyone who watched the game knows that the beat down the Canes sustained was full and complete.  To be honest the Canes were never in the game and appeared to be out coached and out muscled by a more physical VT squad who were seriously motivated to make a statement on this cold and damp day in Virginia.

The Canes offense was ineffective and out of sync from the beginning in the steadily falling rain.  Mark "Miracle" Whipple could not get the Canes offense untracked against the Bud Foster led defense for the Hokies.  Jacory "Heisman" Harris looked mortal for the first time this year and lost any chance for an award for which he probably should never have been considered.

The Canes defense was gashed on the ground early and often by a more physical VT offensive line.  The Hokies ran at will against the young and still not ready for prime time defensive line of Miami. 

Matt Bosher had a punt blocked for a touchdown which pretty much sealed the deal for Miami at the end of the first half.

If anything good was to come out of this brutal loss it would be that the hurricanes bubble was burst early in the season.  There is plenty of time to regroup, refocus and reestablish their mark on the 2009 season. 

And, with Oklahoma up next at The Shark, the possibilities are endless...

The Short List: Week 4

The first month of the 2009 season draws to a close and just over half of the teams in FBS play are off the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley as conference play begins in earnest. 

The list of the irrelevant reads as such:

Oklahoma, Western Kentucky, Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee, Florida Atlantic, Miami (OH), Akron, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Navy, New Mexico State, Utah State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, Memphis, Tulane, Rice, New Mexico, San Diego State, Colorado, Oregon, Virginia, Duke, UTEP, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Temple, Troy, Washington State, Syracuse, UNLV, Wyoming, East Carolina, Marshall, UCF, Frezno State, Idaho, Buffalo, Kent State, Bowling Green, Arkansas State, Florida International, North Texas, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, UAB, Kansas State, Air Force, Army, Tennessee, Tulsa, Hawaii, Louisiana-Lafayette, Maryland, Utah, Purdue.

Once again, for the second week in a row, a six pack of teams get to gloat in my face as they win games I specifically called for them to lose and instead, they come through in a big way to get over on me yet again, including an old nemesis of mine once more:

1) Mississippi State wins the battle of the bottom of the SEC barrel 15-3 over Vanderbilt in Nashville.  Actually, depending on how good or bad Kentucky ends up being, this could turn out in retrospect to be the battle of the near-bottom of the SEC barrel, but for some reason I'm very optimistic about Rich Brooks' team this year.

2) Florida State strikes a blow for ACC pride, and a much needed one at that, 54-28 as they upend the BYU BCS-or-bust express in Provo behind a spirited defensive effort.  As much trash as I talk about this program, I will say this, it helps Miami, Florida, USF, UCF, and even FAMU when the Seminoles rise to the occasion so I'm more than happy to be wrong about the pick last week, but you can't fault me for tossing in the towel on them after they narrowly avoided going 0-2 all time against the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State.

3) Washington kicks a field goal with seven seconds left to win 16-13 over Southern Cal.  If only they had that other QB ready to play, you know the one that connected on less than 50% of his passes, for less than 200 yards, no TD's and an INT last week, you know, the STAR they had playing for them, the Trojans might have avoided such a dire result.  But no, instead they end up with some jabronie who couldn't hand off to Joe McKnight enough to win the game instead, they're just so unfortunate!  A single tear rolls down my cheek.

4) Connecticut continues to vex me as they go on the road to Waco and defeat Baylor by a count of 30-22.  Randy Edsall, what is it with you and your team?  Why won't you just die?  Look, I'll bargin with you right now, I won't pick you to lose the next two weeks, and in turn, you politely fall on the sword on the road against Pitt on the 10th of October and we call it even?  OK?  What's that you say?  You have a bye week after Rhode Island this weekend?  Well, now you see while I'll wait a whole two weeks before you find a way to prove me wrong once again Randy.  See?  I'm reasonable.

5) Colorado State continues it's great start to the year with a 35-20 win over Nevada as Steve Fairchild continues his fine work replacing the legendary Sonny Lubick in Colorado Springs.  The heavy lifting in conference play begins this week though and the Rams have their work cut out for them as they seek a second consecutive bowl berth but with the three win start to the season, four more don't seem as far away as they did just a few weeks ago.

6) Notre Dame holds on with a goal line stand against Michigan State 33-30 as once again those little Leprechauns find a way to conjure up some luck, wake up some echos, play like a champion, . . . I'm sick of the tired metaphors the Domer's use already.  Lou Holtz, you're a moron, keeping picking against the Hurricane's please.

Five unlucky teams lost games last week I didn't call for, which results in them being removed from the Shortlist and tossed onto the pile of the forgotten:

1) Vanderbilt can't get anything going against Mississippi State and watches one of it's few winnable games slide away into the loss column on the year.  The Commodores now face long odds to go to only their fifth bowl game in the history of their program for 2009.

2) Purdue gets caught looking ahead to their in-state neighbor and falls 28-21 to Northern Illinois in a startling result that suggest the Big 10 isn't that good outside of Penn State, and even that might be a reach at the moment.

3) BYU once again has their well laid plans shattered in epic fashion as FSU drops the hammer at high altitude.  I now think TCU is the last, best chance, for the Mountain West to back up what they were crying about all off-season and show the powers that be they can play with the big boys too.  At least the Christians don't cheat like the Mormons do by using 25 year old players routinely.

4) Maryland hits rock bottom 32-21 in a loss to Middle Tennessee.  The ACC brass is now openly cheering for Miami to run the table and go from unranked to National Champs, but I'll be shocked if this results in us getting any borderline calls to finally break our way from their incompetent staff of officials.

5) Utah succumbs 31-24 to Oregon without a single punch being thrown, surprisingly.  The nations' longest win streak now is broken and passes on to your defending champions, the Florida Gators, for the time being.

An un-sweet 16 teams look to play their way out of national championship contention this weekend and my suspects list as follows:

Arkansas, Mississippi State, Illinois, Minnesota, Clemson, NC State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Arizona, Washington, Louisville, Houston, Southern Mississippi, Colorado State.

TCU and Clemson face off in a Shortlist Elimination Game this weekend and I think the Horned Frogs find a way to escape the other Death Valley with the duke.  In the Big 10, Ohio State and Illinois face each other in another Shortlist Elimination Game which neither coach can really afford to lose anymore.  But the game of the week is two-time defending ACC champion Virginia Tech trying to hold off elimination at the hands of their rival, the Miami Hurricane's.  For me, the first sign of impending doom of the Hurricane dynasty of the Davis' years came in 2003, when Brock Berlin found himself blitzed into oblivion on the road in Blacksburg and the Hurricanes suffered an embarrassing defeat that demystified the program and gave everybody in the Big East the impression that maybe, just maybe, they were mortal after all.  Even a road blowout win two years later couldn't reclaim the momentum in the series for the Hurricanes, but I believe that this is finally the year where the balance of power finally shifts back to the correct side of the rivalry and Randy Shannon's team takes the third step toward reclaiming it's rightful place in the college football world in a victory that will be seen in hindsight as the moment the doubters finally were forced to admit they were wrong and that in fact, the right man for the job had been holding down the fort while Larry Coker allowed the rest of the program to atrophy away into nothingness outside of the defense.

Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as we move from counting who's out and focus on who's left in the race and where they are in the running on the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

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Canespace TV: Breaking Down Virginia Tech

Canespace TV is a feature brought to you by long time blogger Esteban, who in addition to being a knowledgeable Hurricane fan, is also one of the "Original 10" Canespace bloggers. 

The Original 10 are bloggers who have not only made major contributions to the blog but have also been with Canespace since its launch back in June of 2007.  Over that time Canespace has recorded over 3.2 million hits and has posted over 200,000 comments in becoming one of the most popular places on the Internet for Hurricane sports news, updates and articles about The U. 

But beyond the news, it is the 24/7 interactive conversation between Canes fans around the globe that powers Canespace towards success.  Founded on the principle of being run "For the Fans, By the Fans", Canespace gives the knowledgable Hurricane fan the opportunity to express their opinions, get their articles published and get recognized by their fellow bloggers.  

So here is the second installment of Canespace TV brought to you by Esteban in Break It Down:

Five Questions: Virginia Tech

This week at Canespace (CS) we tracked down the only two educated Hokie fans we could find to ask them five questions about their team and the game this week against Miami.  Both of these fans run their own VT blogs titled "Gobbler Country" (GC) and "Fight For The Old DC" (FFTODC) with high quality content that can be found at the links below (where they have posted my reply):

 

http://fightforolddc.blogspot.com/ and http://www.gobblercountry.com/

 

CS:  What the heck is that Turkey looking thing you guys have as a mascot and why do they call it a Hokie?

 

FFTODC:  Well, not to shock you guys here, but Hokie Bird is a turkey.  The turkey mascot idea came from the idea that our 1890s fatass football team ate too much, so they got the nickname the "Gobblers."  Gobbler evolved to turkey, and the name Hokie Bird was slapped on there from an old nonsensical cheer.  Makes a whole lot of sense, huh?  Although I do take a little offense to the "castrated" turkey thing, because last time I checked, animal mascots with no pants typically don't have testicles.

 

GC:  Look, we've been in the same conference almost 20 years now. Every time we play ABC or ESPN or whoever answers the same "What is a Hokie?" question. Have you guys just not paid any attention as a fan base? I don't ask you why there's a U on your helmet. Why? Because I paid attention in class while you guys were in the back row listening to 2 Live Crew on your Walkmans.

 

CS:  Why can't any of your QB's ever learn to throw the ball?  What's up with that?

 

FFTODC:  It's part poor scheme, part poor player development.  Although I seem to remember that we won an ACC championship in the OB on Bryan Randall's arm...but I digress...a lot of blame tends to go to OC Bryan Stinespring and QB Coach Mike O'Cain on this issue, but it really comes down to Beamer's core philosophy.  He wants to play ball-control offense (read: run the damn ball) and limit mistakes.  He's not out to beat teams through the air, which is why we're never built for a comeback.  On top of that, the lineman are typically recruited for their run blocking, and therefore struggle in pass protection, which is why our best players in the position aren't typically pocket-passers (read: Sean Big-Head Glennon).  Not to ramble, but it's a combination of things, and while we don't WANT our QBs to suck, we don't often give them an opportunity to, well...not suck.

 

GC:  This one actually has a real answer. Our old quarterbacks coach, Kevin Rogers, left after the 2005 season to join Brad Childress' staff in Minnesota. Rogers did a good job developing Bryan Randall and Marcus Vick. His replacement, former NC State head coach Mike O'Cain has done a good job developing not a thing. I hold O'Cain accountable for why Sean Glennon never improved while he was at Virginia Tech and why Tyrod Taylor is in the middle of doing the same. You can't underestimate the value of a good QB coach who can develop talent. It's the most important position on the field so it's also the most important position coach on your staff. We had one of the best in Rogers and we got spoiled. Now O'Cain is running the show and it just hasn't worked out.

 

CS:  I am sure you have heard by now about the "Whiplash" offense at Miami.  You can't stop it, you can only hope to contain it.  How does VT plan to do that in this game?

 

FFTODC:  Oh we'll contain it.  The Hokie defensive stats have been pretty skewed this year considering that we've been playing without our top boundary corner, Stephan Virgil (probably the most important player on defense), and young linebackers against really solid running backs.  The defense is typical in that they'll allow one or two big plays, but they hold when necessary (read: Matt Bosher could be very busy).  The only reason that did not occur against Alabama was because they were on the field upwards of 40 minutes and were seriously gassed.  This defense has already seen top tier running backs in Mark Ingram and Roy Helu, so Cooper and James are not going to intimidate them (although they're both VERY good).  This week, look for Foster to stay the course and play the run first.  Gap control defense is the name of the game.  After that, Foster will try to bring the kitchen sink at Harris, since he has yet to see pressure this season.  Our pass rushers are far better than Georgia Tech's, and you'll see that on Saturday.  Hokie DEs have typically given Miami tackles fits (read: Chris Ellis, Darryl Tapp, Jim Davis) because of their quickness and technique, and I think that will continue.  Jason Worilds is a monster.  There might not be a lot of sacks, but they've already forced several holding penalties this year, and the Miami line has their biggest challege so far in Worilds and Nekos Brown.  Foster believes his secondary can make up for the pressure in the passing game (which they have done a decent job of so far this year missing Virgil, who will be back).  Also, look out for #26 Cody Grimm, also known as the deathbacker.  There's a possibility that Harris will know him very well by dinnertime on Saturday.

 

GC:  To me, the way to slow down the Canes' offense this season is with long, sustained drives of your own that keeps it off the field and by putting pressure on Jacory Harris. Harris hasn't faced a lot of pressure so far this year. As we know, he's constantly getting great protection. While Virginia Tech has had a lot of success getting pressure on the quarterback in its first three games, it hasn't had a whole lot of sustained drives. That has to change for the Hokies to win on Saturday.

 

CS:  Special teams, special teams, special teams is all we ever hear about VT.  Tell us about your key ST players for 2009?

 

FFTODC:  To be honest, the ST hype hasn't been all that warrented the last few years, but it is this season.  With Beamer's Pride and Joy units, opposing teams have to pick their poison.  Dyrell Roberts has averaged 45 yards per KO return, and already has taken one to the house.  Jayron Hosley has also returned a punt for a score and both are among the nation's leaders in those categories.  Team's are now having to figure out whether or not to run max protect against Beamer's block teams.  If they do, the punter is safe against some of the most athletic guys VT has ever had to block kicks (specifically Xavier Boyce, Jason Worilds, and Marcus Davis), but they risk a long return.  Brett Bowden, our senior punter is 4th in the nation in net punting, and Matt Waldron has yet to miss a field goal.  If the Hokie D can keep things close on Saturday, this could be the difference.

 

GC:  I've been really impressed with our punter, Brent Bowden and our kick returner, Dyrell Roberts. Bowden leads the ACC in punting average and has put seven of his 19 punts inside the 20. Roberts already has a kick return for touchdown under his belt and leads the ACC in kickoff return average at just over 48 yards per return. Both teams are excellent in the kicking game and it will be fun to watch the chess match between the two teams' special teams.

 

CS:  Score prediction:  Tell us how much VT will lose by?  Will it be 10, 20, 30 or more?

 

FFTODC:  Miami wins two freaking games and everyone is all over their nuts.  I'm pretty sure that Miami fans should table back their giddiness for now, at least a little bit.  Last time I checked, you weren't supposed to be excited about wins over FSU and Georgia Tech because you're the hallowed Miami Hurricanes...geez.  That being said there are a lot of things to be excited about, but you haven't really won anything yet.  You win Saturday, and you can brag all you want.  It is nice to see Miami fans coming out of the woodwork now that you're doing well again.  I was beginning to think the school was just paying random bums to fill up the old OB and LandShark (REALLY?  Nice name Parrotheads) stadium.  Probably a good thing you all have people on your bandwagon again.  Whether we're 11-3 or 5-7, we still have a packed house.  But then again, it's been a long time since we've been THAT bad.

 

A lot of people are bringing up the 2003/2005 Miami matchup comparisons.  Both games had TERRIBLE Hokie offensive outputs, but the differences between the two (both were blowouts, one for each team) were turnovers, special teams play and discipline.  I think either game is possible.  In fairness, this is their first flirtation with national praise, and I think it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their poise against a top 15 team on the road (and this ain't Doak, it's Lane...and we're effing crazy).  That being said, I am completely split on this.  My heart says the offense will be able to scrape out two friendly field position touchdowns (set up by the D or ST) and the defense finally shows their toughness.  They've always played better in ACC games, and it's been a long time since Miami romped offensively against them (whether or not Whipple is there, it's still the same athletes that have always been there).  These Hokies proven that they can be effective in close games(whether it's pretty or not), and Saturday is effectively for the Coastal Championship.

 

However, my head says otherwise.  Our passing game is ineffective and predictible, and we might not be able to move the ball.  Our running backs are very good, but if they don't have help through the air, it'll be a long day.  My heart says 20-17 Hokies (mostly because of homefield), and my head says 23-9 Miami.  It could be ugly, but I don't expect a blowout either way.

 

Over the last five years, the biggest difference I've seen between the VT and Miami programs is toughness.  The U prides itself on flash and dash, and being athletically superior to everyone on earth...the Hokies are just there to win, however they can do it (and it's often not pretty).  We don't have the athletes that Miami does, and I'm the first to admit it, but we have a hell of a head coach, and a hell of a defensive coordinator.  I think in order for Miami to be a National Championship contender again, they have learn a little of that scrappiness from the Hokies.  I haven't seen this sort of 'want-to' in a Miami team in a long time.  For your sake, and the conference's sake, I hope you continue to improve in this area.  Just not on Saturday.

 

GC:  It's going to be a tough game for us. Our offense is anemic, like it has been since 2006, and our defense has struggled at defending passes over the middle. If we can mitigate your big plays, we've got a chance. Unfortunately, I just don't see that happening. This one could play out like the 2005 game, except you won't need Marcus Vick to commit six turnovers for it to happen. I'll go with Miami 31, Virginia Tech 10. At least that's what I'm going with Thursday in the "What to Watch" post.

Mary Knows Football

For the remainder of the season, I will be highlighting five college football matchups weekly and making my picks.  If you disagree with my sophisticated football analysis and wish to challenge, speak up! 

If you are right (highly unlikely, but hey, give it a shot), you will win a Canespace t-shirt. 

Good luck.  You’ll need it.

5 Penn State vs. Iowa: Penn State

Penn State started off the year with another top 10 ranking for reasons unknown, and have held on to it through week 4 with such nail-biters as Akron, Syracuse, and Temple – all in Happy Valley.  However, Penn State has yet to cover the spread this year against cupcake opponents.  Iowa is the Nittany Lion’s first real challenge of the season and a revenge game all in one as Iowa is the team that kept them out of the title game last year.   Penn State is missing one of its two star LBs while Iowa’s starting RB Hampton is out for the season with an injury to his right knee. The Nittany Lion offense has looked strong at times, but has made numerous small mistakes and sputtered at others.  Last week against Temple was the first time they showed much of a running game, but it was also the first time Evan Royster got many carries. The defense has been dominant and the majority of the points by opponents have been after turnovers.  Iowa faces the longest trip in the Big Ten when traveling to State College.  As much as I would like room to be cleared in the rankings for Miami’s ascent, I have a soft spot for JoePa and the Nittany Lions . . . despite the 1999 game in the Orange Bowl being the first time that a football game made me cry – like a baby, or like I coached in Gainesville.  I say Penn State, 28-10.

18 FSU vs. USF: FSU

Thank you, FSU for becoming relevant again – it only makes the ‘Canes look better.  Notice, I didn’t say FSWho – the nation knows who they are again.  FSU lost their mojo with the Miami defeat.  Their performance against Jacksonville State was a combination of being sad, tired, and looking ahead.  Their performance against BYU has redeemed them.  They can pretty much score at will.  I doubt they will see much resistance until they face Florida’s D – and even that is questionable.  They are going to roll over USF, especially with Grothe out.  Another out-of-conference win for the ACC.  FSU 59-6.

1 Florida vs. Kentucky: Florida – barely

Florida is slowly starting to be exposed for their weaknesses thanks to Lane “the mouth” Kiffin and his “moral victory.”  Saint Timmy is the only consistent player they have on offense (it’s that darn swine flu!) and even he is cracking.  I mean, did you ever think you would see Jesus fumble the ball and throw a pick all in one game?  And this was in a game where they were supposed to be seeking revenge!  I didn’t see any blood on the walls of the Swamp, but the writing is definitely on the wall.  Attention Tebow: please return your Heisman and report to Coral Gables – Jacory Harris has agreed to do some charity work to teach you how to throw a touchdown pass against a ranked opponent, just in case your team ever plays one.   Still, despite the lizards’ lack of offense, I don’t see them losing this game unless they are completely ignoring Kentucky to look ahead to LSU.  It’s then, and/or possibly at the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party on 10/31, that we will see Saint Timmy and Urban Cryer with the Kleenex out, embracing on the sidelines in the agony of defeat.  Barring the vicious “swine flu epidemic” spreading to their defense, I predict Florida’s D and scrambling Saint Timmy will save them once again.  Florida, 23-17

22 UNC vs. GA Tech: UNC

Butch’s boys don’t look impressive this year on offense, but after the funeral of the triple option last week at the Shark, it might not matter.   UNC has a very balanced D.  Not only can they stop the run (No. 6 nationally in total defense and allowing less than two yards a carry), they have a pretty good secondary.  I also predict GA Tech will have a hangover from our game.  Look what happened to FSU after we beat them!  They nearly lost the will to live and barely escaped being beat by Jacksonville State at Doak!  I watched the funeral of the triple option again last night and Nesbitt looked at our Miami boys like they kicked his puppy.   Look for Butch’s boys to finish Nesbitt’s puppy off in a low-scoring game.  UNC 13-9

9 Miami vs. 11 VA Tech: Miami

While we are on the topic of playing against teams with players who like to finish off puppies, I have to physically restrain myself from driving to Blacksburg after work on Friday.  Probably the only thing that will stop me is fatigue from Thursday night’s Journey show at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood (sans Steve Perry, the ultimate ‘Canes fan).  Anyway, this is huge.  We are so on the verge of the comeback that my gator friends have gone from congratulating me to telling me “’Canes suck” (that’s the best they could come up with) again.  I guess I would be pretty upset too, if my QB couldn’t throw a touchdown pass unless the opponent was University of Phoenix Online College or Barbizon Hair Institute.  But I digress.

Frank Beamer has got to be nervous after watching Miami’s first two games.  VA Tech has primarily a running offense and a running QB – and he’s seen what our D can do with that.  I personally buried the Dwyer under our RV after the game to complete the funeral of the triple option.  On the other hand, VT ranks last in the ACC in rushing D (enter a touchdown each by Baby J and Coop here) and we have Jacory and the most talented group of wide receivers in the nation against a weak secondary.  Meanwhile, VT’s O-line is either inept or has it in for Taylor –he is getting sacked left and right.   I think we have the advantage on both O and D, although I am a bit concerned with the 81 yard bomb Taylor threw in the touchdown drive for the W over Nebraska.  I could just see them targeting the WR who Shields happens to be by.  Let’s just call that a fluke and not lose sleep over it. 

It is obvious the game comes down to special teams.  VA Tech is known for it, and ours are um, suspect. VA Tech had a great kickoff return against Nebraska, but we have better tacklers and returners.  The keys to the game are the length of the field and getting those easy field goal and extra points.  Bosher and Uribe will improve - Uribe was nervous on his first outing and Bosh never wants to get “the stare” from Randy again.  Miami 36-13.

Other interesting matchups this week:

3 Bama/Hogs – Razorback offense looked impressive in the Dogs/Hogs shootout last week, but I think Bama’s D will contain them.  I don’t look for Bama to lose – we need quality wins to climb ahead of them in the rankings.  Bama.

4 Ole Miss/South Carolina – Sure, Ole Miss has looked impressive against Memphis and Southeastern Louisiana, but who wouldn’t?  South Carolina is their first test to prove they deserve a number 4 ranking.  South Carolina looked good against Georgia and narrowly lost (41-37).  This could be the upset the ‘Canes need to clear room in the top 5 for our ascent. South Carolina.

6 Cal/Oregon - Although Oregon knocked Utah off this week, I still think this is a favorable matchup for the Bears.  Jahvid Best will add more to his Heisman highlight reel, and Cal’s defensive speed will contain Oregon’s option attack.  Cal.

Five Reasons Why Miami Beats Virginia Tech

This blog was written for Canespace by UMike...

 

There are probably a million reasons why people believe Miami will beat Va-Tech on Saturday, and I’m sure our friend and Canespace writing legend Calvin could write a 500 word essay about it, but I only have time for these five reasons why Miami wins in Blacksburg.

 

Reason #5: Rushing

 

Virginia Tech is dead last in the ACC in rushing defense allowing 200 yards a game. Now correct me if I am wrong, but they haven’t played anyone with a top rated running back. This bolds well for Miami. Baby James and Super Coop may very well be the best two running backs the VT defense has seen so far, add in Mike James and perhaps some Damien Berry late in the 4^th quarter and we should be able to run all over the Hokies.

Reason #4: Pass Rush & Defense

 

Virginia Tech has already given up 12 sacks through 3 games, the second most in the ACC. With a healthy Eric Moncur, Marcus Robinson, Andrew Smith and future start Olivier Vernon on the end, this may very well turn into a “sack-fest”, with the Canes doing the sacking. Having Randy Phillips healthy, DVD back, a steadily improving Sam Shields and a lockdown corner in Brandon Harris our secondary should be able to cover well enough to force some coverage sacks. Our improved linebacker group will not only contain the over-rated Taylor, but they should also rack up some tackles for loss. Remember, we dominated this team last year with the likes of Glenn Cook, Romeo Davis and Anthony Reddick, this year should be no different.

Reason #3: Patrick Nix’s Absence

 

At this point I would normally rave about how Whipple will score 100 points if he wants to, and how the Whipple-Ball will take over, but I wanted to take a different approach. Last year we beat this team with Nix “calling plays”. My thinking is, if we can beat ANY team with Nix as O.C., we should be able to destroy them with The Whip. His absence has taken the handcuffs off this deeply talented offence and allowed Miami to become the prolific scoring machine it could have been last year.

Reason #2: Virginia Tech Is Over-rated

 

I am not saying this will be a huge blow out has some have suggested, although I wouldn’t be shocked if it happened, but Virginia Tech is once again over-rated. They lost to Alabama, beat up on powerhouse Marshall and then beat a “decent at best” Cornhusker team on the final play. I for one think VT is overrated every year. I know they are the defending ACC champs and they win 9 – 10 games a year and all, but they don’t win in the big games. Even when they start off the year 8-0 they find a way to self destruct. This year is no different. Tyrod Taylor is to VT what Chris Rix was to FSU, a QB that will never get any better, no matter how you hype him up. VT is predictable and lacks any real playmakers and have been exposed by Bama and Nebraska already. Now Miami gets to push them even further down the rankings.

Reason #1: Renewed Swagger

 

I don’t know about you, but I think the term “Swagger” is grossly overused. Not because it isn’t a great word, but the word has gone commercial and its now cool for everyone to use it. Whenever a team is playing well you will hear, “their getting their swagger back”, or “their playing with swagger”. If you ask me I think the University of Miami should have a trademark on the word “Swagger”. Afterall, we invented it. But these Canes have REALswagger, the swagger only Miami can have. Not the kind of “were 8-4 this year with a bowl win” type of Swagger, but the “we will dominate you every play in any game against any team” type of swagger. It is this swagger and mentality that assure Miami will not get ahead of themselves despite going from “zero to hero” in 2 weeks. It is this swagger that will have Miami 3-0 after Saturday and well on their way to national title talk.

Pokin' The Hokies

This blog was written for Canespace by SolarCane...

 

“You do the hokey pokey, and you turn yourself around, that’s what it's all about.” 

That pretty much describes the possible outcome of our next game.  Beating three ranked teams in a row would be a huge turnaround for the Miami Hurricanes.

Turning UM football around is what is what Randy Shannon is all about.

 

Here are a few facts and statistics going into Blacksburg:

 

The Canes are 2-0 on the season and in the ACC. They lead the entire conference.

 

But they now face Virginia Tech, who as you know, is the reining ACC Champion. 

 

VT has been in 16 consecutive bowl games.

 

VT is 1 of only 3 BCS schools to win 10 games a season over the last five years.

 

Since 1995 only Ohio State and Florida have one more games than Virginia Tech

 

Against Nebraska Tyrod Taylor was 12 of 27 for 193 yards.  Taylor threw one TD and was sacked 4 times.  Hokie RB Ryan Williams had 106 yards on 21 carries with a long run of 46 yards.  He averaged 5 yards per carry against Nebraska.  VT WR Danny Coale had 2 receptions for 81 yards averaging 45.5 yards per catch.  Teammate Jarret Boykon had 4 catches for 44 yards.

Miami has never won the ACC football Championship. 

From 1953 through 2008 Miami is 17 - 9 playing Virginia Tech.

The Hokies loose more often to Miami than any other team with the exception of Alabama.

 

Virginia Tech has an all time 36 % winning percentage against ranked teams.

 

The Hokies haven’t lost at home this season and are 2-0 in Blacksburg.

 

VT has scored a TD in the first quarter of their first 3 games.

 

The Hokies red zone scoring average is 77%.

 

In spite of all this, we got this.

 

And that’s what it’s all about!