60 Minutes

If football games were only 30 minutes long, University of Miami fans would have been seriously disappointed in yesterday's game against Duke.

Fortunately for Miami fans, football games are 60 minutes long, which was plenty long enough for the Hurricanes to beat the Blue Devils 34-16 on a sunny Saturday in Miami. 

By the way, just for the record, I had predicted 34-20 all week long so I wasn't too far off on my estimation of exactly how this game would turn out.

Canespace was on hand to see the festivities before, during and after the game.  And oh, what a game it was!  We attended the game with RaizeCane (seen above at R), his buddies Tim and Dietrich, and Canespacers AngryCane and Canechic. 

Talk about a good time?  Oh yeah, this was it!  Before the game we boogied with the band in the parking lot (see below).  We met at E22 with Canezilla (who unfortunately was without "The Shoes" because she was sick), then visited KLCaneFan in W13, then the Swag Man (see above in the first photo at top) in W12, then Canechic and Angry in W33.  Then I walked RaizeCane and his buddies over to the RV lot for a short visit with the JSQ, who we also ran into at haltime at the Smirnoff bar near Section 107.

During the game we moved around and sat anywhere and everywhere in the over half empty (see below) stadium.  Canes fans, just forget the first half.  It never happened.  All I remember was it was slow and boring and Miami was losing.  Let's fast forward to the second half.

Jacory hung tough and got hot, hitting his receivers consistently, including WR Leonard Hankerson for a long TD.  Miami got the running game going with Damien Berry, who is quickly becoming a crowd favorite, doing the heavy lifting.  You could here chants of "Berry, Berry" throughout the fourth quarter at the Shark.

The Canes scored some quick points when Senior LB Daryl Sharpton came up BIG for Miami as he intercepted a pass and used his blazing speed (LOL) to take it back for a pick six for the Hurricanes.  The game was over and the fans that did show up breathed a sigh of relief as Miami notched it's 8th win of the 2009 season with USF left up next week at The Ship.

But it was the fans that we met, and the time that we had, that made this day a very special event.  There are only a few times each season where the perfect storm happens.  It happend at at home against OU, then again at UCF in Orlando, once again in Durham for UNC and then again at home in a spectacular finish against Duke. 

U simply had to be there!  And if these pictures don't tell you that, then well...

Comments

[solarcane]

wha?

[solarcane]

angry you kill me brudda LMAO!

peace

[86Cane]

Solar...U had to be there! More photos to follow on Monday night.

[CGNC]

86 glad you had a good time. U are right the first 30 minutes were really really painful

[JCane]

Hey Solar:

Teams ahead of us to lose include LSU, Stanford and Wisconsin, with #11 Oregon behind unranked AZ by ten early in the 4th.

I have to say I saw a mix of good and bad, but was more unimpressed than impressed.

The bad: Can ST learn to stay in their lanes? This is basic. Not doing so gives up big returns, and Bosher really isn't supposed to get a tackle almost every game, although I give him a ton of credit. He has been the model of what you want at K/P, other than the P blocks (hard to blame him for) and the kickoff depth (had one that made it deep into the Duke end zone today though). The answer for stopping returns ultimately became long squib kicks today.

Jacory clearly looks hurt, although it looks like his decision making and OC's playcalling, mostly in the first half, left a lot to be desired. I have to remind myself the qb is only a true soph., has a hurt throwing hand, has nobody with seniority to learn from, etc., and I was embarassed to hear the crowd boo the guy, regardless of how much pass and catch he was trying to play with the Duke D. If Jacory truly is hurt and limited, why aren't there more adjustments made to compensate, let alone toward the weaknesses of the opponent (which is why I think BG is raising concerns)? Nobody ever left Shaq in when they knew the other team had to foul?!

The D: ugh. I give credit to Sharpton today though. He made some nice plays in the second half before the pick six. He stayed home on a few options and helped stop a few drives as a result. The Dukies early on kept hitting RBs with passes while they were covered by slower LBs...gotta adjust, although there's not much personnel left to adjust with. Fortunately they managed to hold up okay in the Red Zone, mostly giving up FGs, but they also gave up a few long passes and got the benefit of a missed FD. Chavez Grant got called on a PI that might as well have had him throw the flag personally. He's a sr....at least pretend to take a peek back somewhere along the way....

BTW, if Jacory truly is hurt, why risk leaving him in on the last drive with an 18 pt. lead, as even handing off repeatedly is dangerous with a messed up thumb???

The positives: Jacory stuck it out and had some nice plays/throws, although he definitely got the kind of help he was hoping for in past games with that Hankerson catch. Graham made some nice receptions, even when getting hit (pity he wasn't yet ready to do this vs. VT). Berry has become a beast. Every game he just bruises and accelerates. He's a perfect RB with this mediocre OL. The fans love him. The chants of "Ber-reee" got louder with each run that wore down the Duke D.

All facets of the game need to be improved upon to make sure the U comes out ahead of USF next week. They, like the U, seem to never know which team is going to show up each week. I don't like the fact that the U is definitely losing steam down the homestretch for another season though. It's almost like they heard so much about the opening four games that the players and coaching staff forgot about getting ready for the rest of the season.

All that said, it was nice to see them respond in the second half and especially the fourth, and a win is a win. They clearly outclassed Duke ultimately.

Posted by: JCane | November 21, 2009 at 11:09 PM

[JCane]

BTW, my daughter thought the highlight of the game was watching purple hippo on the screen dancing to the music and watching the cheeleaders do flips in the end zone. Kinda gives a different view of another flat game!

On the recruiting side, Glades Central destroyed C. Gibbons on Friday. Dent got a two point conversion in that game. In the Pahokee game, as we'd talked about earlier today with Pahokee getting a beatdown, Buxton actually got some minor time at QB with things so desperate. As Six had said earlier, Dunkley didn't play (I think due to the hammie that limited him the prior week). Interestingly, Christian Green got some time at QB, as well, but Tampa Catholic fared a lot better than Pahokee(end of an amazing several year run for them). I'm tired of reading about Dwyer's Elam destroying everybody every game, knowing he's going to be a 'turd.

Time for some sleep. Hope to possibly meet a few of you folks in Tampa next week.

Posted by: JCane | November 21, 2009 at 11:16 PM

Rock: The other thing was that the D got a bit of pressure on the qb, forcing some tough passes and throwaways. This was actually an improvement.

Posted by: JCane | November 21, 2009 at 11:17 PM

I had to copy and paste after typing just to be at the end of the last blog! Sorry for the length of the first one! BTW, nice article. I agree. The first half didn't happen!

[86Cane]

86,

If you're still on just wanted to thank you for the shirt. Got home happy with the 4th quarter win, and it was sitting in my mail pile To tell the truht it may actually have been there for a couple of days, but I've been out of town all week and had bushelfull of mail (most junk of course, excpet for this). I really appreciate it and my wife and I were just saying how great it looks in person, and high quality too. Thanks again so much, I really appreciat it.

Posted by: CanesCanesCanes | November 21, 2009 at 10:51 PM

No BIG deal my friend. It's what we do here...tell your friends about it!

[solarcane]

jcane good post I agree with everything you said.

soup looked like a helluva time!
great pics I love that stuff.

This team will have you sucking Pepto one minute and champagne the next.

peace

[86Cane]

Solar...wait until tomorrow night. The photos just get better and BETTER!

[solarcane]

CaptO

Georgia managed to lose to Kentucky.
When GT beats them into the turf next week you are gonna hear a lot of grumbling about Richt and his staff

peace

[solarcane]

soup, sounds great
I think you should do a Canespace photo essay as an article after the season, it's cool seeing what the folks you spend hlf your day blogging with look like.

peace

[SJMPARMAN]

I am hoping we get the Meineke bowl for selfish reasons so I can attand the game. Would prefer the Gator bowl for the credit the team deserves.

[pb(CSROH10)]

This team will have you sucking Pepto one minute and champagne the next.

peace

Posted by: solarcane | November 21, 2009 at 11:29 PM

Don't think there has been a Top 25 team that hasnt done the same.

I only wish we had an entire officiating crew in our pocket for half a season, just to help out the cause.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Solar, GTFOH!!!! UGA lost to UK?????? hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

How in the hell does Richt still have a job? He's been there HOW LONG?? 10 years or so. lol

All these fools complaining about Shannon PUHLEEZE tell me what is Richt's excuse/cause??

I'm just glad we're limping to the finish so the last of the Cokerites can get the hell outta dodge and we can start building champions. I'd almost rather have B. Jones and B. Wash out there getting reps than continue watching these guys get beat.

It affects Jacory and Whipple, though neither would admit it. Remember that incredible pass Jacory threw to TB against FSU on that last drive?? Wasn't it about his 3rd option?? Now, six games and 20 sacks and 40+ hits and pressures later, is it any wonder he's not taking the time to go to his 2nd and 3rd reads??

And Whipple has no confidence in them any more either. Cane anyone blame him??

[404Canes404]

Going into the '08 season Georgia had come off of a BCS game against Hawaii that they completely dominated. They tried to argue that they should of had a shot to play for the whole thing. They had 1st round draft picks on offense and a DC that many Cane fans wanted as our HC... They were ranked #1 in preseason polls...

I moved up to Atlanta that summer and have witnessed the entire thing fall apart, lately listening to Georgia fans calling for that same DC's head and even questioning Richt as the HC...

That same summer the Canes were coming off of a 5-7 season under Randy's first year.

It's funny how quickly things can turn, trust me!

Go Canes!

Posted by: 404Canes404 | November 21, 2009 at 10:56 PM

and Georgia gets beat by Kentucky in Athens for the first time since 1977... Again, things change really quickly. Look who has 8 wins with 1 more regular season game to play?!?!?

[CGNC]

From Manny's blog:

Manny Navarro: Damien Berry is so tough he actually played his senior year at Glades Central with a torn ACL and still led his team to the Class 3A state title. He ran for over 1,000 yards.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

JCane, if Shannon does not fire Joe Pannunzio this year I will honestly have my first DOUBT about his executive ability as a HC. NIX did better than Pannunzio.

I think Fluzzi simply does not know how to focus, teach or discipline his players. And the worst part is he MAKES EXCUSES.

Disgusting. Bring back Sol.

[86Cane]

Two new photos are up!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

and Georgia gets beat by Kentucky in Athens for the first time since 1977... Again, things change really quickly. Look who has 8 wins with 1 more regular season game to play?!?!?

Posted by: 404Canes404 | November 21, 2009 at 11:40 PM

>>>>>

And we're doing it with nowhere near the upperclass talent UGA had. That's why, to me, these coaches are doing a good job.

From Lovett, I'd like to see more blitzes on 1st down.

From Whipple this year, hopefully we'll see more Berry, early and often.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Soup, that crowd looks about right for Duke. haha

[pb(CSROH10)]

86 for the record I dont think you should ban Caneslegend. The kid is a total douche, but he isn't offensive to anyone.

Don't think being clueless should get you kicked off.

[solarcane]

soupbone,

After an impressive back, to back, to back 3 in a row first posts and a seemingly unreachable number of previous 1st posts (not even including the dozens you have felt obligated to delete and screw me out of, lol!)

I am going to retire from the lightning round for the betterment of the sport.

Like Jim Brown,Rocky Marciano, and Oprah I'm stepping down whie I'm still on top.

peace

[SJMPARMAN]

JCane, if Shannon does not fire Joe Pannunzio this year I will honestly have my first DOUBT about his executive ability as a HC. NIX did better than Pannunzio.

I agree with this one. He may be a nice guy, may have a family to support and all but he is a weak link on a staff that is pretty good.

Now, maybe someone knows why this post is wrong, and if so, say it. But on its face, it is hard to justify him being on the staff.

[solarcane]

I agree with pb on the caneslegend thing.
He got on nerves but he wasn't abusive.

pb,
I really love watching these kids play, I can deal with the warts and farts , as long as they keep giving it everything. every play.
Like CaptO has stated, the very last of the stain on the U is bout to be purged and we will see exactly what we have.

peace

[Sarasota 'cane]

Your right I will change my tune from now on...I am just hard on this team because i grew up during the glory days...and i see the team like this...my uncle played at the U....So it is just hard to watch...but everyone's point is true...i will show some optimisim

Posted by: Caneslegend | November 21, 2009 at 11:04 PM

Tell us more "Legend"!

"Hey guy's, I know I've been on here for months with NOTHING good to say about UM, did I forget to tell you that my uncle played for the team?"

"Ever here of Bernie Kosar? You have? That's my cousin...er...my uncle!"

"I'm so "Old School" and "Hardcore" that it's impossible for me to be positive about UM's recent accomplishments."

[Sarasota 'cane]

Let him stay 86! Manny's had enough of him and Shandel can't be far behind. The "Legend" will have no where else to go if U ban him!

Go 'canes!

[pb(CSROH10)]

Oprah I'm stepping down whie I'm still on top.

peace

Posted by: solarcane | November 21, 2009 at 11:55

You should never use on top and Oprah in the same sentence.

Made me throw up into my mouth a little.

[SJMPARMAN]

I also don't think you should ban Caneslegend. Believe me, I said worse watching the game with my wife. She has said to me coutless times to just pipe down and believe in the team. And she relishes, after the game, telling me how right she was 8 of 11 times, lol. We all get frustrated because we have seen excellence, and this isn't it. It is especially frustrating this year because we have excellence at the WR position, RB position, at one DE postion, one DT position, one Corner position and at one safety position. We are really close. But we are not there.

When Randy purged most of the Coker players, we lost any sembelance of senior leadership for 2 years. This is our last year to suck that up. I can't thank Sharpton, Hankerson, Fox, Phillips, Pipho, James, Grant and the others enough for sticking around. Yes, some of them haven't played like "national championship players" but without them this team does not win 8 games to this point.

I am very proud of these guys. They played like a team all year long, win or lose, and they gave it their all. Please don't respect their contributions with negative stuff on senior day. Or what was senior day.

[solarcane]

pb I apologize that was a poor example to be sure.

Sling Blade, 348 yds passing today,not too shabby for a guy with a gimp hand.

I'm out
peace

[SJMPARMAN]

BTW did any one else throw up reliving Brent Musbergers recollection of the Flutie Hail Mary today? It still pains me to this day. And yes, I called for Jimmy Johnson's head that day. After the Maryland loss, that one was too much to take. I am glad 25 years have passed or I might be bitter, lmao.

[pb(CSROH10)]

The last thing I ever want to picture is my boy Solar riding something people tie ropes to Thanksgiving morning.

[Nashvillecane]

SJMPARMAN | November 22, 2009 at 12:18 AM

Yeah I'm wit u on those guys...and u can add shields to that list...dude was in trouble for three yrs...passed up by underclassmen...then asked to switch positions and gave all that he had...major props to u Sam

[SJMPARMAN]

Yeah Shields was great this year. So many dissed him but he was really great. Teams threw away from Brandon Harris early, and Shields always was in position. I would not be surprised if NFL teams see him as a Bruce Johnson guy only better. With his speed he might slip into the top 2 rds.

[Esteban]

Shields in the top two rounds?

And caneslegend is negative but not a jerk. No point in banning him.

And 8-3...the team don't suck. They aren't the 2001 team. The 2001 team wasn't the norm. Especially not the norm in the last 10 years. If we win out will it be our best record since 2002? I think so. Please turn off the selective memory people.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Brent Musberger is a complete idiot. During one of our games this year they showed a shot of the old range Bowl site and he said that the construction going on there was for a new freeway! He saw two concrete columns and just assumed they were for a bridge, not the Marlin's new park.

Then he remembered all the "great" players to come through the OB and only mentioned Flutie and Namath! What a joke!

Go 'canes!

[SJMPARMAN]

You run a 4.2 Esteban? Believe me, that is what NFL scouts care about.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Please turn off the selective memory people.

Posted by: Esteban | November 22, 2009 at 01:03 AM

Problem is Este, a lot of the people posting the crap on here werent around to see anything before the 2001 team.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | November 22, 2009 at 01:10 AM

IMO Sam wont even be drafted.

[Daytoncane]

next year when we have more bodies and another year in the system, i hope Lovett incorporates some zone looks in our coverages. you can't just play man to man and expect to be a great defense.

spread offenses are too complex these days for strictly man coverage. couple that with all these mobile QBs and your d can get ate up real fast.

next year we'll really see if McGriff is for real or not. the same staff will be together two consecutive years so there will be no excuses if our defense doesn't improve dramatically.

[Esteban]

Okay 2003 was last 10 plus win year. Only 4 of those since Dennis Erickson left. 1995 to present...4 seasons of at least 10 wins. This team still got a chance to do that and people bytchin.

And Six, as talented as USF's DEs are they don't have many sacks. Was surprised when I saw that they both only had like 3 a couple weeks back. Pierre Louis must have gotten all his sacks against FSU. Still, I'm not exactly lookin forward to Pipho lining up across from him.

[SJMPARMAN]

You will be surprised. The NFL is about combines, not your play over four years. If you run fast, some team will find you. Because that is Pro Ball. There is a limited amount of space in the NFL. If you have a guy who can close the space, by his speed, he has a value. If you look at his body of work during this season, you have to be impressed about what he offers you.

[Esteban]

I think Shields will get drafted. Don't think he'll run a 4.2 (4.3 maybe) and know he won't be a top 60 pick. He's a project at CB. His special teams play and his speed will get him drafted. Just won't be high.

[SJMPARMAN]

btw pb, i was sitting in Canes game since 1979, actually before that, and I have seen it all. I could tell you about losses to ND before it was a rivalry, or to Fla or whatever. We used to go the Cane's game in hoping they wouldn't embarass themselves. Or at least not in front of the kids.

These players don't know what that means. That might be a good thing.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | November 22, 2009 at 01:19 AM

Right now the Dolphins have less than 5 players any NFL team would trade a second round draft pick for.

Do you really think Sam Shields is worth a pick that high?

[Esteban]

Shields got picked on in each game. He fought threw it but didn't get picks or deflections. He got beat. Speed will get him drafted but unless Al Davis falls in love with his speed he ain't a first day pick. Too raw and doesn't do anything great.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | November 22, 2009 at 01:25 AM

Definitely wasn't talking about you buddy!

There are some who were in junior high or higschool in 2001 who thinks that team is reality.

[Rashad]

Possible Gator Bowl Miami vs Nebraska????

[pb(CSROH10)]

Nebraska is a damn good defensive team. Their DT would make our lives miserable.

[Esteban]

Gator Bowl vs anyone would be cool with me.

[Esteban]

pb, I'd enjoy seeing our guards against Suh.