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Hurricanes Shut The Door On Any Plans For A Big Four

There were all kind of nasty rumors floating around out there. 

Some seemingly very intelligent people appeared to actually believe them. 

No, I am not talking about some little known golfer named Tiger Woods who apparently shanked his drive and recently had a minor car accident where he allegedly took out a fire hydrant and a tree with his Cadillac Escalade at 2:30 AM near his mansion in the expensive and exclusive enclave of Windermere, Florida.   Fortunately for Woods his lovely wife was there to get him out of trouble as the word on the street is that she used a five iron to hit a high fade and free him from the vehicle by breaking out two windows.  Phew, that was close, huh?

No that's not it at all.  You see it seemed to some relatively well informed people that some how while the good folks in Coral Gables, Gainesville and Tallahassee were not looking, a little upstart University over in Tampa had caught up to the "Big Three":  Miami, Florida and Florida State.  

Yes, some smart and educated people really thought that there was now a "Big Four"; one that included Big East Conference representative USF. 

Clearly this smart and attractive young lady pictured above had fallen head over heels for her Bulls and was seen proudly representing the USF D-Fence early in the game.  That was until Miami scored on their first possesion.  Then she sat down and got real quiet just like the rest of the USF faithful on hand to witness the slaughter of their home town Bulls. 

Others even went so far as to consider a "Big Five" that would include the ever growing University of Central Florida in Orlando. 

Well, as Lee Corso from ESPN would say: "Not so fast my friend!" 

Corso, who for the record predicted on College Game Day from The Swamp in Gainesville that USF would beat Miami, said he believed it: That USF had finally matched Miami in talent, speed and coaching.  But Mr. Corso, who many claim is entertaining but at the same time question if he is playing with a full deck, was eventually exposed by his now obviously misguided prediction. 

In some ways Corso fell victim to the hype.  It might even be understandable from the outside looking in at the UM program.  After all, Miami did get blown out by VT in Blacksburg early this season and more recently dropped two more ACC games to Clemson and UNC. 

Add to that the fact that UM QB Jacory Harris was nursing a sore thumb, starting LT Jason Fox was out with an illness and the Hurricane defense was decimated by injury. 

Miami seemed ripe for the picking.

The Grand Illusion over in Tampa had even our own Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald predicting a USF victory.  Of course he then spent most of Saturday and Sunday apologizing for his embarrassing faux pas.  If only the Mandingo would have listened to me and my prediction of UM 27, USF 17, he would have been fine.  But nooooo!  Well, we forgive you Manny (sort of). 

But can you really blame Corso or Navarro for their swoon over the new kid on the block?   Not really.  Shoot, there were even some hard core Canespacers who openly stated here on the blog that they were "worried" or "concerned" about the USF game.  They also were taken in by the hype, the misdirection and the smoke and the mirrors that Jim Leavitt was wielding over there in the 813.

After Saturday's 31-10 whipping of the Bulls by the Hurricanes anyone who might have subscribed to the theory of evolution of the Big Three becoming the Big Four can cancel their subscription. 

That bull is over and done with.  End of story.  Period.

Sure they have a pretty stadium.  They have won a few big games.  They even were ranked in the top 10 a few times over the last couple of  years.  But with no Big East Conference titles or National Championship trophies in their case the delusions of grandeur at USF need to be treated with some serious psychiatric medication, not the respect of the college football world or the media.

And while I don't usually condone violence, especially that of the domestic kind, I am confident that next year when the Bulls come on down to the 305 to play the Canes at The Shark you can bet that they are going to get smacked around worse than an Ike Turner girlfriend. 

Or a Tiger Woods owned vehicle might look like after an attempted late night run.

Or maybe like Canezilla and his crew might do to a bottle throwing USF fan at The Ship. 

Not that any of that would actually happen.  I'm just sayin'...

Bulls Get Slaughtered By Hurricanes

So USF, you thought you were good enough?   You were not.

You said you had a big beautiful NFL stadium right?   OK, we'll give you that.

You thought you were strong enough to compete with the big boys?  No way.

You thought that the 813 had caught up with the 305?  Not even close.

Think again.  Take that you stinking Bulls.  This is where the bull shyt stops! 

The University of Miami walked into your house, took over your stadium and proceeded win the game to the tune of 31-10.  Any questions?  I didn't think so!

We ran into this two-fisting Canes fan before the game even started who was clearly feeling no pain at all:

Next we met this UM fan posing as a beer truck who said after climbing up several steep flights of stairs at Miami's new stadium: "Y'all gonna make me look like Tiger Woods, don't put me in the Hospital!"

USF was actually thinking they would beat Miami.  What did you think we were FSU? 

Miami dominated from start to finish on this cool, windy night in Tampa. 

Tampa never felt so good as it did when your Miami Hurricanes came, saw and kicked some major bull.

Two Years Later, One Life Lost

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

The Short List: Week 13

The stagnation on the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley's among the final eight entrenched teams remains immovable as a slate of rivalry games bring determined opposition onto the field of play for the remaining 2009 title contenders.  They continue to list in worthiness of championship consideration as follows:

Florida, Alabama, Texas, TCU, Cincinnati, Boise State, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh.

I essentially was forced to play a check on calls for eliminations last week and across the board, the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley contenders held up their end of the bargain by winning all their games.  This week however, I expect a few long-shot upsets to impact the rankings here on the Shortlist as the teams I believe will be eliminated by conference championship read as follow:

Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh

As much as I would rather see the Panthers win and the Bearcats to lose to Illinois this week to set up a Shortlist Elimination Game for the Big East Championship between the two next Saturday I unfortunately see the exact opposite happening over the 48 hours of Friday and Saturday evening. 

Even if the very distinct possibility of the Panthers winning in Morgantown doesn't make me any more hopeful that The Zooker can pull the upset against Cincinnati to help ratchet up the pressure for the best team in the state of Ohio when they play for their conference BCS berth. 

As for the Yellow Jackets, their SEC rivals are coached by a former Hurricane who has firsthand experience in how to defend the triple option to uselessness, which combined with the Bulldogs propensity for winning in an opponents stadium makes me believe that Old Fashioned Hate might be reserved for the tarnished bigger name in this game due to the home fans' disappointment at the final result.

Boise State's home winning streak and Shortlist consideration hopes will have to tackle one of their toughest conference challenges in years as well this weekend, the Broncos are the anti-BCS-establishment's poster child for reform but will Chris Petersen even be around to coach them when and if anything is done to assist them out of their second class status in the game?  Hall of Fame Coach Chris Ault brings the first ever team with three 1,000 yard rushers in Idaho in a game that matches the Pistol offense against the blue cloaked precision of Petersen's program. 

Can the seniors who came up a 2-point conversion short, thanks to a diving Chavez Grant interception, of upsetting Larry Coker's final Hurricane's team on the same surface pull what would amount to an even bigger upset?  As mind blowing as that sounds being true, that result would reshape the big money bowl scenario in their final game of the year to win the WAC against it's better wishes. 

Bigger titans have fallen to lesser accomplished foes already this year.

All the other undefeated teams on the Shortlist can clinch a spot on the final Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley with a win against their opponents this week, join me here next week as the final composition of the championship picture comes clearly into focus as we see who stands the test and who decides to sit out until next season here on the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

It's All About The U

“It’s a ‘U’ thing, you wouldn’t understand.”

 

To outsiders, this is just a cocky slogan for a t-shirt.  However, for those of us who have followed this program through thick and thin, through it’s highs and lows, who would gladly walk through fire for a sixth national championship ring, it means so much more than that.  It’s about the “U Family” – what makes the University of Miami so special and so different than every other football program in the nation.

 

On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at ESPN’s world-premier screening of “The U,” I had an opportunity to be reunited with my old “U Family,” including Ben Leis, President of the Palm Beach ‘Canes Club, Don Bailey, Jr., who is like the fun uncle you immediately seek out at a family reunion to hear some good jokes, and Palm Beach county’s own, Lamar Thomas, who is like, well, I don’t know if anyone is quite like Lamar, so I’ll just leave it at that. 

 

Amongst the crowd, I saw members of the family who I had only seen in pictures or on television:  Melvin Bratton, Tolbert Bain, and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, amongst others.  I had a warm feeling in my heart before the film even rolled, because I knew I was with people who shared the same passion as me, people who are all about “this ‘U.’”

 

Once the film rolled and I stopped dancing to Uncle Luke’s title track, I was taken on an emotional journey through the origins, rise, highs and lows of our beloved football team.  I promise you, ‘Canes fans, this film will take you through a range of emotions including excitement, hope, elation, disgust, embarrassment, humility, and ultimately, pride. 

 

I didn’t think I could have more love and pride for our ‘Canes before Wednesday night:  I was so wrong.  Hearing the voices that shaped history and the humanity behind the headlines made my heart beat more orange and green blood through my veins and made me want to punch my chest with pride like I was Kellen Winslow II.  

 

I don’t want to spoil the movie for you, but here are some highlights to look forward to Saturday night at 9pm on ESPN, immediately following the Heisman Trophy presentation:

 

• “The U,” much like Billy Corben and Rakontur’s previous films, takes painstaking measure to reflect the historical environment in Miami that set the backdrop for, and greatly contributed to, the ‘Canes success.  The players themselves talk about the differences in their backgrounds compared to Coral Gables with amusing, but real, antidotes.

• The portrayal of Howard Schnellenberger was heart-wrenching.  The emotion with which he spoke about my alma mater was so moving, it brought tears to my eyes.  After feeling the same excitement as if I was watching the 1983 National Championship game live, the film made you feel like you were dropped off a 50 story building when he left the U. 

• The stories from Jimmy Johnson and the players in those years are downright hilarious.  You WILL laugh out loud over, and over, and over again.  One of my favorite parts of the movie was the scene we’ve all heard about starring Melvin Bratton and Alonzo Highsmith calling “The Boz” the morning before the Oklahoma game (with some cleaned-up language for television).  The intensity still in their voices will give you goosebumps, and the following scene on the field with the coin toss will make you want to growl with anticipation for the Hurricane’s dominance.

• The portrayal of Dennis Erickson was pretty sympathetic, comparing him to a substitute teacher.  While opinions differ on his ability or desire to control the team, the antics at the Cotton Bowl make great film footage.  This, and the specific explanation of the origins of “The Miami Rule” are, by far, the most hilarious moments of the film, although some of the more embarrassing parts of our history. 

• The players, in particular Don Bailey, Jr., Lamar Thomas, Steve Walsh, Melvin Bratton, and Michael Irvin deliver hilarious one-liners.  My favorite interviewee, however, was Uncle Luke.  The portion of the film that discussed how much money these players, such as Bennie Blades, brought to the U, yet were unable to buy food on the weekend and diapers for their children, really brought out the humanity behind the notorious “Thug U” image.

• You all will enjoy the disdain with which our former players still describe rivals such as Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Florida State, and even that school near Ocala, Florida who could never really be a true rival because it was too afraid to keep us on its schedule.  The reaction to the “Seminole Rap” made me cheer and clap like I was at the 31-0 beat down – although I was in the 2nd grade at the time.

There are more highlights to mention, but I’m not going to write you a thesis on the subject - you’ll see on Saturday night.  Besides, who cares what I think?  Let me tell you what the Lamarkable LT #36 (seen below with me, Ben and our friend Erika) had to say:

 

• Regarding the content of “The U”:  “I thought it was accurate . . . about the Hurricanes and the era.  People know of the ‘Canes but they don’t know the ‘Canes.  It was accurate.  It was a different time.”
• On whether the ‘Canes will ever see a time like the 80s-90s again:  “That time can’t come back as far as the behavior of the student athletes.  Rules are different and the times are different.  The winning tradition can come back, though.  I think we are on the cusp of that happening.”
• On what was left out of the film: Billy Corben told Lamar there would have been more clips of him if his editors could stop laughing at everything he said.  Pay special attention to Lamar’s quote regarding his concerns during the national championship against Nebraska.  “During half time, that’s what we were talking about . . . that’s how little respect we had for Nebraska.  We knew we was gonna win.”  Lamar also discussed Coaches Dennis Erickson and Larry Coker who he described as “two of the nicest guys” and “favorite coaches” who were “given the keys to a Porsche and told not to crash it.”

Although many parts of the film are a joyous Hurricanes highlights reel, you might see a few things that make you angry, as well.  The film’s inclusion of a clip about Randy Shannon made my blood boil (keep in mind this is coming from the same girl who kicked a date out of her house for questioning Randy’s integrity).  Regarding this clip, Lamar remarked that he had the same problem with the film and spoke to Billy Corben about it after the premier. 

 

About Randy, Lamar said “After everything he’s done for the program . . . it should have been explained.  [The film] put a guy working so hard to clean things up on the defense.  He was just a GA at the time.”

 

Further, I did not like the ending – at all – because there was so much more story to tell.  I know there are time constraints and perhaps not everyone wants to sit through another 3 hours of ‘Canes football history.  It is what it is, however, the footage shown during the ending – the destruction of the Orange Bowl – not only made me want to vomit, it was historically inaccurate to the time period discussed on the voice-over. 

 

The abrupt ending of the film makes “The U” ripe for a good sequel, which I hope they make after our boys get the 6th ring.  LT #36 agreed, stating they were “building it up for a sequel” and creating “two phases” of Hurricane football.

 

Overall, I think fellow Miami Hurricane Billy Corben (seen above) did a spectacular job and delivered a moving portrayal of the team we love.  I had no doubt he would – it’s a “U” thing.

Mary Knows Football: Week 10 / Rivalry Weekend

12 Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma:  Oklahoma

 

First an apology: To the Okie State Cowboys in my family, please forgive me.

 

The annual “Bedlam” rivalry is usually all that stands in the way of Oklahoma reaching a prestigious bowl game.  Same scenario, but this year, it’s the Cowboys who are BCS bowl hunting, taking on the Sooners in Norman.  This is only the third time a ranked Okie State team will play the Sooners when Oklahoma is unranked (1945, 1997).  Although it looks like the odds are stacked against them, I don’t count the Sooners out.

 

We all know how Oklahoma has been bitten by the injury bug hard this year (Bradford, Gresham), but add C Ben Habern to the mix (he broke his left leg playing against Texas Tech) and you have the third starting offensive lineman for the Sooners gone for the season. Are the Sooners doomed?  I don’t think so.  Last week the Cowboys were unimpressive, barely eeking out a W against Colorado, and it is questionable whether QB Zac Robinson will be back at full strength after injuring his shoulder and head near the end of OSU's previous game against Texas Tech. 

 

Bottom line: the Sooners rarely lose at home and I predict Oklahoma will fight hard to salvage something out of this disappointing season for the Sooner faithful.

 

7 GA Tech vs.  Georgia:  GA Tech

 

I’m genuinely surprised GA Tech ended up in the top ten after our ‘Canes dismantling of the triple option and Jacory’s Heisman-worthy performance – I didn’t think the Yellow Jackets were that good.  I guess it just shows what our boys can do when healthy, prepared, focused and on top of their game. 

 

Speaking of being on top of their game, the Bulldogs are not – they have been struggling this year.  Instead of reloading, they look to be sliding at worst, rebuilding at best.  The Yellow Jackets haven't beaten Georgia in Atlanta since a 51-48 win in 1999 (before they were defeated by Miami post-season in the Gator Bowl).  We all know about GA Tech’s offense and inconsistent defense.  Besides GA Tech’s talent, here are the reasons Georgia will lose:  (1) Georgia has allowed an average of 354.6 yards against FBS opponents this season and forced eight turnovers in 11 games - fewest in the nation; (2) The Dawgs are tied for 11th in the country with 26 giveaways, leaving them 119th in turnover margin at minus-18; (3) Georgia also fourth in the nation with 94 penalties.

 

The Yellow Jackets’’ history with the Bulldogs extends through 103 games back to 1893 and has been given the nickname “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.'' While the hate has been one-sided for the better part of the last decade, GA Tech’s 2nd consecutive win in this rivalry will boil the blood of Dawgs fans for a comeback, and payback, next time around.

 

9 Pittsburg vs. West Virginia:  Pittsburg

 

Pitt has won the last two meetings with West Virginia, a game often referred to as the "Backyard Brawl," including a 13-9 victory in Morgantown in 2007, which kept the then-No. 2 Mountaineers from playing for the national title.  In the two years since, the Panthers have gone 18-5, and have consistently remained in the top 25 this season.  Pitt hasn't won three in a row in the series since a seven-game streak in the 1970s-80s, but I expect that to change this week. 

 

Stats-wise, the teams are nearly identical:  Pitt’s QB Stull is 65.8% for the year while UWV QB Brown is 65.1%.  Passing accounts for 222.9 ypg for Pitt and 209.7 ypg for UWV, while rushing is 187.6 ypg for the Pitt and 183.5 for UWV.  Both have outstanding running backs in Lewis (1,291 yards and 13 TDs) and Devine (1,098 and 10 TDs). The difference? Brown has an 11/8 ratio compared to Stull’s 18/4.  Ultimately, the game will be close and I think it will come down to turnovers with Pitt on top.

 

1 Florida vs. Florida State:  Don’t make me say it . . .  cough *Floriduh* cough

 

There was a time, in the not-so-distant past that I would root for Floriduh to win this one – back in the day when FSWho was our most hated rival (UNC might be earning that title for me now) and the Crocs were just those neighbors to our north who are too cowardly to play us.  I welcome the return of those days because Criminole fans are fun and not usually too obnoxious – nothing like most (with the exception my esteemed colleagues and my wonderful friend Jenn) self-righteous Croc supporters. 

 

Oh, how I would like to say that I see FSWho upsetting Tebow of Nazareth, Urban Liar, and the rest of the “grimy and two-faced” (in the words of my new favorite verbal commit!) University of Felons football team on senior day – but I just don’t see it.  Here’s why:  the Criminoles are without Christian Ponder, who I think could have at least made the game interesting with his ability to score at-will.  EJ Manuel will have a tough time with the Croc’s D.  Further, Floriduh’s offense, who hasn’t looked that impressive outside games against Charleston Southern and FIU, will be facing one of the worst defenses in CFB. 

 

The glimmer of hope here for all of those who want to silence annoying Croc fans?  FSWho HATES Floriduh, perhaps more than a ‘Cane ever could (even one who was spanked with a rolled-up poster board outside the dump, aka, the swamp, last year) and I’m sure they want to send Saint Timmy off to the 7th round of the NFL draft and a 3rd place finish in the Heisman in tears.  May the force be with you, Criminoles.  Please prove me wrong, FSWho, and show me you can beat a team in Florida this year.

 

17 Miami vs. USF: Miami

 

This weekend Miami kicks off a five-year series with the University of South Florida to join the rest of the country in rivalry weekend.  However, this series is so far from a “rivalry” it is laughable.  That’s like saying my imaginary marriage to Kirk Herbstreit is a threat to the real Mrs. Herbstreit.  Miami has only played the Bulls once, in 2005, and it wasn’t even close.  Yet delusional USF fans are turning this game into their super bowl and talking smack like they live in jorts country.  The ‘Canes need to start this series off right and show these kids why there is only a “big 3” in Florida football:  no national title, no admission into the club.

 

USF is coming off a big win against Louisville where QB BJ Daniels, with 304 passing and 141 rushing yards, single-handedly surpassed Louisville’s entire offense (313 yards).  On D, USF has some threats to J12 in DEs Selvie & Pierre-Paul who have 7 combined sacks, plus Nate Allen & Jerome Murphy in the backfield with 7 interceptions combined giving their D a ranking of 25th nationally.  But with those stats, let’s consider the Bull’s strength of schedule, consisting of such football powerhouses as Wofford, Western Kentucky, and Charleston Southern. 

 

The ‘Canes O-line needs to have a big day for Jacory, as well as help set things up for Berry, Coop, and Baby J who will be rushing without the help of FB Mike “Smiley” James (my LOF).  Please Whipple, don’t make injured Jacory throw for another career high, put in Berry early and often and light up the scoreboard, like I asked of you last week. 

 

It is important our Miami boys set the tone early in the first quarter and force USF to quit like they did against Rutgers.  This isn’t going to be easy with our consistent lack of pass-rush and troubles in the secondary – we can’t let BJ Daniels have enough time to throw to do a crossword puzzle before he chooses a receiver. 

 

I am optimistic with the return of Sean Spence and Ray Ray to full strength, plus Bailey, CMAC and Telemaque (my other LOF), and Darryl “Speedy” Sharpton, we can shut down Daniels and silence the “upstart” Bulls.

A Hurricane Warning Has Been Issued

Some people have short memories.  Some people learn to forgive and forget. 

Some people do not hold grudges.  I am not some people.

If you think back to last February and you remember the excitement that was National Signing Day (NSD) 2009, your Miami Hurricanes had just signed another stellar class of student athletes to play for The U.  UM Head Coach Randy Shannon and Canes Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Clint Hurtt (seen below with OcalaCane) had proven once again that they could get the job done while playing the always challenging recruiting game.

Still something was missing.  No, I am not talking about not Bryce "I'm Busy Meditating So Talk To My Handler" Brown (seen below wearing Tennessee gear with Canespacers 86Cane and OcalaCane at the UM Fan Fest event). 

I'm talking about Miami Pace High School standout Kayvon Webster. 

If you recall Webster, a three star recruit, was considered by many to be a Hurricane lock.  He had even gone as far as giving his verbal committment to Miami back in November of 2008. 

Then, in shocking fashion on NSD 2009, Webster along with Pace teammates WR Derrick Hopkins and WR Sterling Griffin, signed with the Hurricanes in-State rival the University of South Florida Bulls. 

Pace coach Andre Slaughter (seen here with his star recruits) confirmed the news on NSD: "All three just signed with South Florida."  

Webster was a highly recruited two-way player that had scholarship offers from Miami, Kansas State, West Virginia and LSU among many others schools that expressed an interest in the South Florida propect. 

At 5'11" and 184 pounds, he was ranked as the 28th best safety prospect by Rivals and 29th at that position by Scout.  ESPN had him rated as the 33rd best "athlete" in the 2009 class.

While Kayvon played WR and OLB in high school he projected as a Safety or Cornerback in college.  Recruiting analyst Mike Bakas from Scout.com had this to say about Webster before NSD 2009:

"Webster plays WR and OLB in high school but projects as a CB in college. He's a big, physical prospect there with lots of speed and toughness. He has a lot of tools you look for at that position but he'll start out a little raw because of lack of experience. Still, he's a good-sized kid with nice ball skills and excellent speed who should adjust well to playing in space."

Cornerback was a position of high need for Miami and Webster was supposed to help fill that gap for the Hurricanes in the 2009 recruiting class.  Then, Kayvon apparently caved in. 

On NSD Webster stunned Shannon, Hurtt and all Hurricane fans when he signed with USF and not UM.  Apparently, Kayvon felt he would look better in green and gold instead of orange and green.  

Had Webster signed with Miami it is hard to say what, if any, impact he would have had during the 2009 season.  This year for the Bulls, Webster has played in nine games, starting five.  He has recorded 22 tackles (14 solo, 8 assists) and has one interception this season.

But the fact remains that back on NSD 2009 USF Coach Jim Leavitt stole a player right from under Randy Shannon's nose, took him right out of the 305 and lured him to the 813. 

Confused, rejected and hurt Miami coaches, players and fans (me included) were pissed. 

And, we still are. 

We don't forget getting lied to.  Or getting fed BS.

So Mr. Webster, take this blog as a Hurricane Warning. 

We think you are full of Bull and we are coming after U. 

We plan to wipe that cute little smile right off your face!

Miami Wins Charleston Classic Basketball Tournament

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- James Dews scored 22 points and Dwayne Collins added 17 points to go with 15 rebounds, leading Miami past South Carolina 85-70 in the championship game of the Charleston Classic on Sunday night.  Collins was selected as the MVP of the tournament.

Miami (5-0) outscored the Gamecocks (4-1) 11-5 in the final 2:25 to clinch it. South Carolina led by as many as 11 points in the first half, but Miami came back to take a 34-31 halftime lead. 

Miami outrebounded South Carolina 30-16 in the first half.

The Gamecocks played without forward Dominique Archie for most of the game.  Archie injured his right knee and left the game with 13:29 to play in the first half and South Carolina leading 9-2.  He did not return.

Miami reached the championship game by beating Tulane 74-54 in the opening round and North Carolina-Wilmington 67-60 in the second round.

Miami remains undefeated so far during the 2009 season.

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...

Break It Down: Miami vs Duke

HE'S BACK!  Our good friend Esteban returns to Canespace with his latest video version of "Break it Down."  This time:  Miami vs Duke.  Check it out!