Shot Through The Heart And You're To Blame

U give love a bad name.

Miami's stunning, saddening loss to Clemson on Saturday at The Shark broke the hearts of Hurricane fans everywhere.  For those who made the trek from near and far to show their love for the team wearing orange and green, all they could do when the game was finally over was to file out of Landshark Stadium in shock (and some even in tears) after the overtime loss to the Tigers.

There is no need to rehash the sordid details of the game other than to say the Canes lost to another ACC opponent and most likely any chance for an ACC title in 2009.  Once again, when given an opportunity to take control of their own fate in the conference, Miami spit the bit and came up lame down the stretch in another important game at home.

Canespacers showed up in force to support the Hurricanes and each had their own view about the difficult loss.  Coaches, players, personnel decisions, play calling, penalties, turnovers and special team breakdowns all were pointed out as possible culprits for the loss.  But in the end all that mattered was that the team with the tiger paw on their helmet scored more than the team with the U.

Now Hurricane fans will need to find a way to keep faith, hope and love alive through the rest of the 2009 season.  All is not lost if the Canes can to regroup, refocus and regenerate the magic that led to huge wins over FSU, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma.  There is enough talent and almost enough depth to still finish 10-2 and make this season a major stepping stone towards a real run at the ACC title and more in 2010.

Frustration with inconsistent play is acceptable.  Disappointment with another ACC loss is certainly likely.  But be strong CaneNation, this too shall pass and right now is when your team needs U the most.

Comments

[AngryCane]

Well Legion we made it back up to O-Town without having to deal with Clemson Fan at any of the Turnpike rest stops... And after close to a 24 hour cool-down period, I believe that everything will be OK.

Getting me through the process is having kids that are basically the same age as our beloved Canes, and realizing just how young the team is. Coupled with the responsibilities they have off of the field; and how it can't be football 24/7 which may affect preparation.

Now granted some questionable coaching decisions (4+ minute clock eating drive against Sooners but not Clemson?) and several blown calls by the Refs (CLEARLY a backwards pass along with ANOTHER missed block-in-the-back) aided in the Tiger win, our youth zapped us during key plays.

But if the Devil asked ANY OF US before the season, "I'll guarantee your Canes will go 5-2 for the first seven games with WINS against FSU, GT, AND the Sooners", we'd ALL sign our souls away! Even if El Diablo brought this proposition to us at the end of last season--before know the ranking of those three teams prior to playing them--we would be onboard...

That said--I KNOW that the Team, The Legion, and all of Cane Nation will make it through the rest of the season while our solid core of youth obtains another important year of experience...

And look to win it all in 2010; getting that monkey off of our back--aka, the FIESTA BOWL!!! So no worries Legion.

Just "serenity now, serenity now..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5513mXmQbw4

[CaneRock]

Legend, the team that BD took over (lost scholarships and all) was probably more talented than the team that RS took over. And you're probably right, Coker would've took the blame for a game like that, but mostly because Coker was to scared to hold His own players accountable. Not to rehash old arguments about Coker, but at the end of the day, Coker got canned for making rash and desperate decisions about His coaching staff, player discipline (Ryan Moore), and very questionable recruiting (Willie Williams).

[BahamaCane]

I hope Lovett is watching this dolphin game and noticing how the dolphins blitz is giving Drew Brees trouble.

[BEERicane]

Dear John Lovette,

Please take some time to watch the Dolphins and take some notes. They are doing such a nice job on 3rd and long against an all-world QB. It would be great if you could steal some intelligent defensive strategy. If not, keep rushing 4 and hoping for the best. Thank you.

Cane Nation.

[BEERicane]

Woah, nice Bahama!

[macjones de Albuquerque]

and pat hill to open some holes in the run game.

but especially would have been nice if we didn't lose to a team that has 2 players on offense that they look for on every play.

Posted by: Esteban | October 25, 2009 at 10:45 AM

What the FREAK' are U talking about Stevie. The Canes had over 170 yards rushing, and the fullbacks, as well as the O-linemen were locking down their man.

I can recall three long gainers were T.J. took out the linebacker and or safety. Even the fourth team ABC commentators complimented him on those three particular blocks.

Dude, U needs to look at the FREAKIN' game films again!!

[macjones de Albuquerque]

As for the D, i dont know where to begin. I dont know that blitzing would have worked any better. While we say that Parker had all day he rarely threw the ball deep. Out of of 30+ attempts only probably 6-7 were more than 10 yards down field. Blitzing would have just opened more opportunities for spiller. They ran nothing but tosses,wr screens and playaction to the TE. You blitz a screen and its a TD. YOu have to respect Spiller so on the play fake it opened up the TE. This was no more evident than when Mccarthy blitzed the edge and Parker hit the TE for like 30 yards. how about someone actually cover the guy? There are holes in every Defense. Its up to the offense to find it. Their Oc called the right plays. Also, outside of Bailey and Mccarthy, who really made plays. Vernon might get up field but nothing ever happens. he got pancaked numerous times in the run game. we stopped the run up the middle well. Mrob and wesley were no factors aside being offsides. The secondary didnt realy get tested but blew coverages the few times they were. You can blame Lovett but Clemson ran some good plays that isolated Spiller.

Look obviously plays that didnt worked should have been called differently after the fact. Sometimes u just need to tip your cap to the opposing team. The offense made plays, the D forced 4 TO's and they returned a kick. Sometimes Although difficult the other team plays a good game.

One last thing, I defended Fluzzy at times but ST's are horrible. How can Coop, TB and Collier, avg less than 1yd per return?

Posted by: jimmy | October 25, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Jimmy my man, U are right on about blitzing Clemson yesterday.

No way Joze, or is that Stevie do U leave single coverage on those two world class sprinters. Absolutely no way! Chit, Miami couldn't even stop the Tigers on a absolutely crucial, crucial 3rd and ten.

Because if Miami doesn't get to ALL A.C.C. Tiger QB, then it's turn out the lights, it's DOUBLE-DIGIT Clemson win. U's dig.

[CaneRock]

CL,I'm with you as far as the game managment goes, but Butch didn't have the personnel issues that Randy walked into. Butch had all His scholarships in the tail-end of His Miami tenure, so shouldn't He have had a better record in 99'? Just think about who was on that 99' team: Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss, Bubba Franks, Ken Dorsey, Ed Reed, Dan Morgan, Clinton Portis. Hell, if anything, that 99' team should've went 11-1 if anything. But the way I look at things, good things happen when they're supposed to happen.

[macjones de Albuquerque]

Randy has just not bought into the fact that this offense is going to score points...he still thinks that if we play aggressive defense and the other guys score 21- we lose.

RS has to understand that if you hire good people, you have to let them do their job. Whipple was right to be ticked off...it was his call, not Randy's. It turned out that Whip was right, that TO taken probably cost us points.

Posted by: Texascane | October 25, 2009 at 12:13 PM

The only thing, is the Miami D-unit ain't played aggressive defense on a overall consistent basis.

The last time Lovett's unit played all-major college football was against Georgia Tech, and the Yellow Jackets are one-dimensional, albeit a damn good one-dimensional rushing squad.

By the ways, wasn't in Randy Phillips who said Miami wouldn't play a terrible defensive game like they's did against an average F.S.U. squad.

Bottom line, no if's, and's or may be's, what's HURTING Lovett's D-unit is all the injuries. Simply a lack of depth, and no relatively quality reserves, because some are still green, and some are Coker recruits.

[Caneslegend]

I agree CaneRock. I just think Randy is our Ron Zook and we need somebody like Urban to take our talent and do something with it.

[Canez1]

If you don't see that this team is MUUUUCH better then last years team you have some serious head trauma issues to deal with.

It's not even close.

Is this team "ready" or "back", not sure what that means. We really need to stop comparing any team to the greatest football team ever to take the field. It is not going to happen.

This team is what we thought they would be. They are a good, young team on the rise. Youth brings inconsistency. One play a pick 6, the next a 60 yard bomb.

Lumps will be taken and lessons learned but there is no doubt that this team is progressing.

Don't forget your helmet son.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[canechic]

Canez1 correct as always!

Go Canes!

[JSQ]

Canespacers,

I just want to say thanks to 86 for the great article and all of you for helping me get through today. I haven't been right in the head enough to post until now, so I've just been reading comments. I am still crying now and then and feel like I have been punched in the stomach, but I'm getting my hope back and it is because of you fine people. It really helps to hear everyone's opinions and know I'm not alone. We are lucky we have such a great community to turn to after this kind of loss.

My take on things:

This game was lost because of the inexperience (and lack of depth) with both the players and the coaches. Although they have shown us glimpses of what is to come, both are not there yet. The result is inconsistency. Inconsistency from such a talented crew is heartbreaking.

I am not giving up. I don't think this year is headed the direction we have gone in Randy's first two years. We will be back next week. When interviewed on Palm Beach county's local ABC affiliate in the pre-season about the Palm Beach 'Canes Club football kickoff event (the one 86 attended with Lamar, DBJ, and Steve), I was asked my predictions for the '09 season. I said we would lose to one of the Techs, beat Oklahoma, and then have a heartbreaking loss to a team we should have beat. The anchorman (a UM alum), thought I was out of my mind and that there was no way we were only a 1-3 loss team.

That was two months ago. Look how much our fan base's expectations have grown since then. This is a reality check. As much as we love the 'Canes, they just aren't where they need to be yet. We can't call for people's heads or turn on each other because a young team and inexperienced coaching staff showing their age. It is not about us, IT IS ALL ABOUT THIS U. And it will be back. It's just not going to happen overnight, no matter how much we love them, and how hungry we are for another NC.

It will just make it that much more sweet when we get there. Together.

GO 'CANES!!!

[Esteban]

missjones, stop being yourself and be cool for a change. i was gonna list all the injured dudes and just stopped at pat hill. excuses were being listed so i added some.

[macjones de Albuquerque]

This has to be the quote of the Miami locker room chatter. Jason Fox said Clemson was in a goal line D on Miami's last series in regulation.

So, it begs the question. Does Harris have the authority to checkoff from a Whipple running play. Because, I believe JaCory audibled against Florida last season. That checkoff of his was from a running play into a slant pass for a much needed first down.

Here's Fox's quote courtesy of Shandel.

"Now, Mark Whipple has shown his creativity on offense all season, but the Hurricanes went conservative. Three straight running plays? What happened to the team that gambled against Oklahoma on the final drive?

The worst part is Clemson left it open for passing game. Jason Fox told me the Tigers were basically playing a goaline defense, playing for the run. A simple pass play could've been the difference.

UM tried to play it safe, but it came back to bite them. "

[Canez1]

Miss Jones LMFAO!!!!!!

This blog is gettin testy. I like it!!!

Reminds me of three a days in the middle of August.

Helmets gettin ripped off n shyte!!

Gangsta!!

BTW that kid Sharpton hit is still spinning!!!

Nothing feels better on the field than simply destroying some dude and knockin his dyk in the dirt. Feel no pain!!! Just feels right!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

Mac no offense to you.

The Miss Jones thing just made me laugh.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Caneslegend]

I am out Canespace. Good night... Go Canes

[macjones de Albuquerque]

Mac no offense to you.

The Miss Jones thing just made me laugh.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | October 25, 2009 at 06:36 PM

I'm not sweating it baby. Stevie just don't LIKE BEING CALLED OUT, regarding one of his opinions. That's all.

Speaking of the Cane VOICES OF AUTHORITY. What happened to the "truth almighty."

Nah, that's unsportsmenlike conduct, or something like that. Because the "untouchable truth" could be in deep doo-doo. LMAO

[Sebastian]

Depth Depth Depth

I know we have injuries across the board

We were just dead tired toward the end of the game

Unlike teams of the past and a few unnamed QBs we bounced back from mistakes

I expect us to do the same with the rest of our season

IMHO we are ahead of schedule....we are #18 right now from starting unranked with 10-2/9-3 looking us in the eye

[solarcane]

just got my swamp donkey Halloween costume back from the cleaners

trick or treat

peace

[86Cane]

just got my swamp donkey Halloween costume back from the cleaners

Posted by: solarcane | October 25, 2009 at 07:28 PM

Me too!

[RandyCane]

Great Post JSQ, I am right there with you!

I have some questions for Canespacers.

If you were told before the year started we would be 5-2 with wins over FSWho, OU, Ga. Tech, what would you have said?

If you were told that this young team would be in the top ten in the first few weeks of the season, what would you have said?

Can we say with accuracy that RS has really only had two recruiting classes?

Can we agree that RS is learning as well as his team?

Can you see the future with this team or are you stuck in the present with an ugly loss as your only point of reference?

Why, oh Why, wasn't Damien Berry on the field in the second half? What does this young man have to do to prove he is our best running back?

Why does a senior running back run out of bounds in OVERTIME!?

Why do the Gayturds seem to be the beneficiary of ref calls game after game?

Where was Damien Berry in the second half?
mm01 and I talked with him after the game and he was very dejected. He wasn't hurt.

This young man screams DESIRE, the way he plays and runs. He needs to be on the field!!!!

[solarcane]

wad up soup,
i'll switch this one out in a sec lol
peace

[mi@mic@ne]

While the future is so bright, 10-2 is still likely and I love this team, our lack of depth is what separates us from true contenders this season.

5)Dont understand the surprise. Canes teams have ALWAYS been sloppy. They just overcame it with superior talent.

6)JSQ has absolutely gorgeous blue eyes.

Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM

pb I agree with your #4 statement. I told my mom last night that is one thing that is killing us this year. If we had all the guys injured or the ones out for the season it would of made a great difference. Imagine having Ojomo, Forston, futch and even Dye out there last night. I bet Ojomo and Forston would of got some past rush WE NEEDED. Next year though we are going to be STOUT. the depth is going to look ridicoulous crazy. We should have at least 8 Dts and 8 ends that is damn near double the amount we have now. Shannon knows he has to get the horses as well as the BULLS to get us to the elite level of playing.

One thing i like about our team is that we don't need the same players to win games we have enough talent to spread the field. My point is if you took out SPILLER AND FORD Clemson would of got blown out by us. Well with us byrd or cooper can miss a game and we'll still win. Another team for instance is that if you take number 81 and rilley cooper from Florida they will loose. They can't loose out on two of their most productive guys but we can and win. So in Essense i like the way our team is forming.. " the key word is TEAM NOT A COUPLE OF INDIVIDUALS. NEXT year they will have us starting pre season in the top 5 because they know we will have at least 85 percent of our team coming back. Most important our QB and skilled postion players return.

i just want us to finish off the season blowing teams away. I think Whipple and Lovette will call more aggressive plays now. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to say We don't have enough pass rush. The announcer was saying that the whole game. That is why most teams play shot gun because they can't play under center against us.

ANYWAYS....yesterday was a tough loss , i felt just as bad as the team. SINCE COKER DAYS WITH THIS TEAM, LOOSING GAMES BECAME NORMAL. I was immune to it for awhile but under SHANNON it makes U PUKE. The mentality is there for this team ...add depth to that and we are going to destroy teams.. This year is the ONLY YEAR I MEAN THE ONLY YEAR TEAMS WILL BE ABLE TO HANG WITH US. Next year the D in the 4th will look fresh as hell..... depth will be our biggest asset we will have.

LAST NOTE

WHIPPLE KNOWS HE CAN CALL BETTER PLAYS AND WILL. When we had the ball with 5:00 left IN THE GAME why didn't he call a play action pass just like he did against OU. That would of gotten us a first down and ran a lot time out.
NOW ON THE DEFENSIVE SIDE... LOVETTE HAS TO REALIZE HE HAS DEPTH AND PASS RUSH PROBLEMS SO HE HAS TO BRING THE PRESSURE THROUGH BLITZING. LETS GO GET IT!!!!

i'm out for now....PEACE!!!!!

Posted by: mr troutman | October 25, 2009 at 02:48 PM

I agree Mr troutman... this is why i cant understand how a recruit thinks if he goes to a crummy team ... or a team that will never reach our level of play ... cause we can see we are really close to being THE TEAM ... that these young ballers would be able to crack the rotation at some point in their first yr... cause we know how to develop talent. When you come to Miami... you are going to play if we want you here...cause we do want you if you do not want to be here, but if you want to be here then you are almost guaranteed to be with the best ballers in college football. I was really impressed with our toughness even tho we got a little tired at the end cause we did not have enough young talent in the rotation.

[Canez1]

Solar LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What was up with that dude?

Seemed intelligent but.....

Is that a flesh colored chef hat????? LOL

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Esteban]

called out? when did that become the cool thing to do? people always are putting that up these days. i'm calling out "fill in the blank". and in this case calling out an excuse put up there to be an excuse. just dumb. that's why i generally skip her post.

[dg]

I mentioned it before, Shannon and Whip need to get in Jacory's a$$ about the turnovers. I knew they would cost us eventually. Spiller is a top 10 pick and whomever decided to kick to him should be smacked. He's like Hester was--lightning in a bottle.

[solarcane]

canez1,
its a pic from an adult costume catalog it was lsted as dkhed. lol!
I couldn't resist, i'm changing it out in a sec just so canechic and cg don't get embarressed

peace

[Esteban]

dg, is a 3rd down back who is a great returner a top 10 pick?

and forget the color of that hat...whats up with that face?

[Esteban]

two close losses at the shark back to back...sucks.

[mi@mic@ne]

its a pic from an adult costume catalog it was lsted as dkhed. lol!
I couldn't resist, i'm changing it out in a sec just so canechic and cg don't get embarressed

peace

Posted by: solarcane | October 25, 2009 at 07:46 PM

thats what i call a baller with man boobs..

[Esteban]

k, time for the simpsons.

[solarcane]

"Is that a flesh colored chef hat?????"

thats what she said last night
peace

[Canez1]

LMFAO!!!!

I love it!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[AngryCane]

Canes lose...

Raiders lose...

Dolphins lose...

Isn't football a great sport?

SERENITY NOW... SERENITY NOW!!!!

[Hurriphin]

Hey guys, guess how I feel?

24-3 huh?

Yeah, Culpepper was a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better pickup than Brees. We sure did get over on the Saints. And boy did our secondary shut sh!t down when they needed to.
I know this is gonna sound petty, but I knew without a SHADOW OF A DOUBT that the Phins' would lose this game. EVEN WHEN IT WAS 24-3, I was just shaking my head saying, "Does it really matter?" MY generation's Phins are the Wile E Coyote of the NFL.
I could blame the ref's for those two botched fumble calls and no-calls, but why bother?

SOMEONE with some serious pull in this universe, hates the Miami Dolphins.

[Six]

Anyone know the severity of Andre Johnson's injury

[canechic]

Homework done finally!
GO CANES!

[canechic]

Hurriphin Dolphins sold their soul for the undefeated season, lol!

[86Cane]

SERENITY NOW... SERENITY NOW!!!!

Posted by: AngryCane | October 25, 2009 at 08:01 PM

SERENITY does not exist!

[Mephistopheles]

A mistake leads to a TD late in the first half that changes the game and leads to a tough home loss. Didn't I see this movie yesterday?

[SwagGirl]

I promised 86cane I would post for the first time instead of just reading!!! Enjoyed meeting everybody at the Hampton. It was great going to a game just wished for a better outcome. GO CANES!!

[dlu]

One example noone has mentioned is end of time just befor overtime, Clemson kicks off. M.James back there at 5 yrd like finally gets a handle on ball takes 2 huge hits goes down, comes to the sideline and Whipple explains to him, let it go into end zone, if James fumbles there with one second left the Canes lose in regulation on a Clemson kick. NOONE explained to James how to handle the situation, him a freshman, come on ST coach where are you?? Coaching.

I am on the A list for having about lost faith in Shannon, Only one reason, I cannot take his defensive approach any longer it is driving me nuts. Has for yrs. and is just the fsu game all over again. With the present defensive phil. Wake, S. fla about any decent team will look great on offense. Even NC and their qtback sucks watch him light the U up, he is a double stinker but they all look good if the defense is totally predictable, NOt just blitzes, stunts, a whole bunch of nothing on D. UCF is the only game the U showed a little more on D and it worked, it always works but Shannon seems to keep shaking his head no do not do anything creative on D. Cannot take much more of it. Love everything else Shannon does with direction but the U needs a D and maybe will not get one under Shannon.

[AngryCane]

"... Didn't I see this movie yesterday?"

Posted by: Mephistopheles | October 25, 2009 at 08:18 PM

SERENITY NOW!!!!!!

[miamimike01]

Love everything else Shannon does with direction but the U needs a D and maybe will not get one under Shannon.

Posted by: dlu | October 25, 2009 at 08:19 PM

REALLY? 2001 Broyles Award Winner for Best Assistant in CF? I know you're disappointed about the outcome, but this is nonsense.

[mr troutman]

A MIAMI HURRICANE AND DOLPHIN NIGHTMARE WEEKEND.....THEY BOTH LOST THEIR PERSPECTIVE GAMES AT HOME THAT THEY COULD AND SHOULD OF WON....WHAT A DEPRESSING WEEKEND...OH WELL PASS ME THE DUTCHIE ON THEE LEFT ON SIDE.. I NEED TO RELIEVE THIS PAIN,,,LOL

[solarcane]

mm01,

2001 was a long time ago.
I am ready for some postive Cane football that has nothing to do with what we did a decade ago.

peace

[dlu]

Shannon seems to really believe that he is giving the players opportunities to make plays and in a way he is: rush 4 see if someone makes a play. And see if other players linebackers, and dbacks, safeties make a play. But Shannon does not seem to see that the straight van. defense is killing his players not helping them only helping the other team's offense.

Like a guy with a cheating wife, last one to know, Shannon seems to be the last one to know the present D phil.it is not working. About everyone else sees it, fans, announcers, he is the last one to know.

Where am I wrong here?

[dlu]

Miamim.Well if you have over whelming players , d line and guys headed to stardom in the nfl , a coach can go the van. route and look good. If not a teams needs to get creative and use their players to best efffect.