Hurricanes Sports Trifecta

Over the weekend your University of Miami Hurricanes were busy on the hardwood, the diamond and the gridiron as the women's basketball team and the men's baseball and football teams all saw action and had successful outcomes against their opponents and even each other.

1. First on the hardwood: The UM women's basketball team (21-13) advanced to the WNIT semifinals for the first time in their history behind an amazing performance from their best player Shenise Johnson. 

Johnson easily played the best game of her exciting career with the Hurricanes and led Miami to a 73-65 over the Providence Friars (19-15) on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Hall.  She ended the game with a career-high 33 points while snatching 10 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season.  Johnson was also a perfect 4-of-4 from three point range.

As a result of their big win, the Hurricanes will play Michigan in their first WNIT semifinal appearance. The Wolverines beat Syracuse in their quarterfinal game on Sunday, 78-52. Miami will travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on Wednesday, March 31.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7 PM.

2. Second on the diamond:The 12th ranked UM baseball team took two of three games against ACC rival NCST in Raleigh, NC.  Still, UM head coach Jim Morris had to be disappointed that the Hurricanes did not sweep the Wolfpack over the weekend. 

The Hurricanes took Friday night's opener over the Wolfpack behind the strong pitching of Chris Hernandez.  Hernandez allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out six over five innings to lead  Miami to its sixth straight Atlantic Coast Conference game with a 6-5 victory at Doak Field at Dail Park. 

Leading 6-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth, Miami (15-6, 6-1 ACC) was able to get out of trouble after the Wolfpack loaded the bases with one out.  UM closer David Gutierrez walked in a run to make it 6-5, then struck out NCST pinch-hitter Tarran Senay before getting the next batter to fly out to left, sealing the victory for the Hurricanes.

Miami then dropped a heart breaker on Saturday night to NCST as UM closer David Gutierrez allowed the Wolfpack to come back from 5 runs down in the ninth inning and eventually win the game in the bottom of the 11th 7-6.  Miami led 6-1 going into the bottom of the ninth and had two outs on the Wolfpack before the wheels completely fell off the wagon and the Hurricanes crashed and burned.

On Sunday the Hurricanes bounced back from the tough loss the previous night to take the three game series with a 4-0 win behind the stellar pitching of UM ace Eric Erickson.   "Big E" turned in his best performance of the season to tilt the series in Miami's favor.  He allowed seven hits against four strikeouts and no runs to seal the game, and the series, for the Hurricanes. 

The Hurricanes (16-7, 7-2 ACC) have now won each of their first three ACC series with back-to-back road series wins at Duke and NC State (15-9, 3-6 ACC).  We like the way that sounds going forward!

3. Third in football action:Miami held their Spring Game at Traz Powell Stadium in North Miami.  Apparently UM Offensive Coordinator Mark "Miracle" Whipple has found his mojo once again as the Hurricane offense put on a point scoring display not seen in this annual Spring ritual in many years.  

Now just sit back and watch as Miami fans start jumping on the Hurricane bus and the UM bandwagon after the offensive explosion.  In year four under head coach Randy Shannon Miami fans expect more and more points is what they will most assuredly get in 2010. 

One of the most surprising things is that all of this offense was generated without starter Jacory Harris, who is currently rehabbing from thumb surgery over the Spring, at QB.  The talent at the skill positions for the 2010 version of the UM football team appears to be of National Championship caliber.  Now if the offensive line does their job the sky is the limit for the Hurricanes.

Obviously sick of eating the standard vanilla ice cream served up in previous year's Spring scrimmages Miracle Whip ordered up some double chocolate fudge brownie as seven different Hurricanes scored TDs during the game.  Travis Benjamin was electric and hauled in a short pass and took it 75 yards to the end zone outrunning several UM defenders along the way.  It was a nice change for UM players and fans to see some serious offense in late March.  A very nice change indeed that we endorse wholeheartedly.

QB AJ Highsmith (11/20, 131 yds, 3 TDs, 2 INTs) and WR Travis Benjamin were the stars of the game for the Hurricanes but it was little known and seldom used WR Kendal Thompkins that led Miami with 8 catches for 87 yards and RB Mike James who busted a big 48 yard run to lead UM in rushing with 64 yards. 

QB's Stephen Morris (12/21, 209 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT) and Spencer Whipple (7/16, 112 yds, 1 TD) also played well in the scrimmage giving hope to Hurricane fans that Miami will be able to select from three good options and have for a solid backup at QB for Jacory Harris going into the 2010 season.

Benjamin, Thompkins, Leonard Hankerson (seen above with OcalaCane at the 2009 Fan Fest), Aldarius Johnson, Davon Johnson all caught TD passes while Lamar Miller and Damien Berry had rushing TDs during the scrimmage.  UM kicker Jake Wieclaw added a 33 yard FG for the final score.

Comments

[404]

1st?

[Sarasota 'cane]

Nooooooooooooooooo......

[404]

I haven't heard anything as far as TE contributions in the passing game this spring. Maybe Miami's counting on getting contributions from the TE/H-Back combo, which they did a little bit of last year with T.Johnson...

Posted by: CaneRock | March 29, 2010 at 12:54 PM

I see a big lineman jump up on Saturday and make a catch and it did not look pretty, dude was huge and I made a comment that he better be careful jumping up with that big body catching a ball like a WR... It ended up being Richard Gordon our TE, not looking so good. I hope the jr transfer Chase can come in and make an immediate impact...

[DrewZ2]

So I heard the game is being replayed at 6:00 tonight...is there a link to watch it online that anyone knows of??

[404]

^^^ Dude should be a stud at blocking though...

Gordon is listed at 6'4" and 265lbs but looked closer to 280 on Saturday

[404]

anyone that has ESPN insider and can paraphrase the rest of Bruce Feldman's blog would be much appreciated!

[j.w.]

philly, if Soup ok's it. :) Seriously, it's premium so I don't want to get anyone in hot water by posting it. If we can't I'll summarize for you.

[IraqiCane]

Hey does anyone know how many ND football players have been arrested in the last 5 years?

GO CANES!!!

[PhillyCane]

Thanks j.w. that sounds good. I understand you cannot do that here. A summary would be cool

[j.w.]

HEre's a quick summary: Feldman likes the vibe around the team, not willing to say they are a title contender yet, but he's paying a lot more attention to them after seeing the practice on Friday.
- a 90's era Cane said the recievers look like Cane receivers- big, athletic, talented, for the first time in forever.
- Swasey confirms they are not only bigger, but much more mature awbout workouts.
- lack of focus last year, especially in bowl game, this speaks of lack of lockerroom leadership. Feldman isn't buying the youth excuse, but does think this team has the maturity that last year's didn't.
- Thinks jacory will be better in year two, not as reckless as last year. And QB depth is much improved.
- RB depth reminds him of the McGahee, Gore, Portis days.
- Even the OL looks good, especially likes Jermaine Johnson.
- DL depth is very impressive.
- DB can match up with any WR groud in the nation.
- Schedule is tough, but won't be the endc of Shannon, who will have his extension before then.
- Players say Shannon has lightened up, noticeably. Feldman concludes he trusts them, they are playing like they are having fun again.
None of this is earthshattering to the Cane faithful, but Feldman is a national writer and this should help us in preseason polls, etc.

[86Cane]

1st?

Posted by: 404 | March 29, 2010 at 01:03 PM

Oh yeah! U know what to do:

[email protected]

[86Cane]

jw...well done on the summary. Once you read it and then summarize or paraphrase in your OWN words then we are cool.

[404]

j.w. - thanks!

86 - it's all good, I've got plenty but appreciate it!

[86Cane]

Sarasota...since U were second and 404 is set with his Canespace gear, U want some? Let me know...

[Caniak]

J.W. will a subscription to ESPN insider get me access to insidetheu?

[86Cane]

Old news but good info and article:

By Marc Larocque
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
Posted Mar 26, 2010 @ 12:57 AM
Last update Mar 26, 2010 @ 01:08 AM

Ever since he was 7 years old, Albert Louis-Jean admired University of Miami football.

“I got a video game and always played with Miami,” said the Brockton High School junior. “I got a jersey, a Frank Gore jersey. And I started watching them play.”

Next year, Louis-Jean will be playing his college football down in Coral Gables, Fla., as well.

On Wednesday, Louis-Jean verbally committed to play football for the Hurricanes starting in the fall of 2011.

The 6-foot-1, 172-pound Enterprise All-Scholastic from last fall touched down in Miami on Wednesday and is spending a couple days touring the Miami campus and surrounding area with his dad, Albert Sr., before they fly back home on Sunday.

“I've been talking to a couple of Miami teammates,” Louis-Jean said Thursday night from Florida. “Everyone is saying, ‘Welcome to the family.’ I had a tour around campus. I talked to all the academic advisors. I watched their practice yesterday. I like what I see.”

Read more here:

http://www.enterprisenews.com/sports/x905411192/Brockton-High-junior-Louis-Jean-verbally-commits-to-play-2011-football-for-Hurricanes?utm_source=bleacherreport.com

[CGNC]

Whatever we took care of the Devils yesterday and I think moved into 5th or 6th in the playoff hunt.

Posted by: PhillyCane | March 29, 2010 at 12:28 PM

Yes you did! And we thank U for that- LOL

[Sarasota 'cane]

Not sure bout ND, but I believe I read somewhere that the Naval Academy has had more arrests than UM going back to the Butch Davis era!

As long as the TE can block we should be fine. Our QB, RB's, and WR's should easily make up for any shortcoming at TE. Our DL and DB's should help us with any shortcoming at MLB. EVERY team has a weakness, very few have the strengths that UM has!

The 2010-2011 seasons should be as fun as any we've ever witnessed!

THIS "THING" HAS LEGS!!!!!!!!

Go 'canes!

P.S. 2 years ago UF had better coaches, QB, RB's, and WR's. Now...not so much! I love the "cyclical" nature of this game as long as UM is at or near the top of the cycle.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Sarasota...since U were second and 404 is set with his Canespace gear, U want some? Let me know...

Posted by: 86Cane | March 29, 2010 at 01:38 PM

"I want a hamburger...no wait, I want a cheeseburger...I want a hotdog..."

"You'll get nothing and like it!"

-Caddyshack

Go 'canes!

P.S. I don't want any gear, I want football season to start! (And two STRAIGHT days of sunshine!)

[bg1906]

The vibe around the Miami football program is much different than it was a couple of years ago. The Canes look -- and seem -- like a legit powerhouse program again.

I was out at practice Friday and everywhere you looked they had freakish athletes. At receiver, there is 6-4, 225-pound LaRon Byrd, 6-3, 215-pound Leonard Hankerson and 6-5, 210-pound Tommy Streeter. Each casts an imposing shadow and all three move like cornerbacks. Travis Benjamin, the fastest of a UM receiving crew that goes seven-deep, showed how dynamic he was in UM's spring game, catching six passes for 171 yards, producing one huge play after another.

There is also a deep stable of explosive tailbacks, evoking visions of the Clinton Portis/Willis McGahee days. The D-line, rocked by injury in 2009, is loaded again, led by uber freak Allen Bailey, a chiseled 285-pound defensive end with 4.6 speed. The secondary also can match up athletically with any receiver corps.

Even the area that has been the Canes' Achilles Heel the past few years -- the O-line -- looks good. Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Jermaine Johnson, a nimble 6-6, 322-pound former prep basketball star, is just one of a batch of lean up-and-comers that had insiders raving.

Mort importantly, this 2010 UM group passed the eye-ball test of perhaps their toughest critics, the former Cane players who came out to observe Friday's practice. There were more than 100 old Canes lining the field, ranging from Jimmy Johnson to Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks to Cortez Kennedy. There was also former UM standout Tony Chickillo, who watched with son Anthony, one of the country's top D-line recruits in the Class of 2011.

"This looks like what Miami is supposed to look like," said one UM player from the '90s, pointing at a group of the Canes' towering wideouts. "It hasn't been like this for awhile, but we're ready now. Just look at them."

Andreu Swasey, the team's long-time strength coach and the guy who is more qualified to say when a team is ripe than maybe anyone at UM, beamed as he spoke about not only the athleticism -- but the work ethic and maturity of this team.

I'm not ready to anoint Miami as a national title frontrunner just yet, although after seeing this team up close, it made me think a little harder about them.

The Canes made big strides last season, but it was still too much of "three steps forward, one step back," punctuated by a dismal bowl performance against Wisconsin. The Canes burst onto the field with two big plays that night -- then acted like the Badgers would be so in awe of the Miami speed, they'd fold. Didn't happen. And, that kind of resolve and focus that UM lacked comes back to locker room leadership.

Optimists could shrug it off and say Miami was still young last year. Eh. Regardless, Miami's definitely not young any more. Jacory Harris, the unquestioned leader of this team, sat out this spring after having offseason thumb surgery on his right throwing hand. He was great at times last season, but too often was reckless and made bad decisions. He should be a Heisman contender this fall. The spindly Harris will be much better with a second year in offensive coordinator Mark Whipple's system and the development of that group of receivers. Harris' body also has matured physically. UM was perilously thin behind him last season, but in A.J. Highsmith, walk-on transfer Spencer Whipple (son of Mark) and early enrollee Stephen Morris, the Canes are improved here as well.

Here's a problem: once again, the season begins with a treacherous first month. After opening with Florida A&M, the Canes visit Ohio State, then visit Pitt and then visit Clemson. Expect to hear some talk about how this start will impact Randy Shannon's future at UM. It shouldn't. The UM brass should address that issue by then. Shannon's contract status has been a hot topic down in South Florida for awhile now. (He is in the final year of his contract and currently the second-lowest paid coach in the ACC.) He has not won as many games as some would've expected, but in fairness, he inherited a tricky situation. He's provided stability and done outstanding work instilling more discipline into the program. Off the field, the results have been outstanding. On the field, critics can knock some decisions, such as hiring Patrick Nix as his offensive coordinator a few years back. Some former UM players also had questioned that he held his team with too firm of a hand.

"They just aren't having fun out there," was a common critique from some past players a few years ago.

Shannon, though, has grown into the head coaching job. The team has more life now, as was evident on Friday afternoon. Harris, the boisterous quarterback, has helped provide some juice as well. Bailey, now a senior, says he's seen a change in Shannon too. "He has lightened up," he said. "He's giving us a little more leeway."

Shannon knows he can have more trust in his players. Now, I think UM needs to show the same trust in their coach and extend his deal.

Feldman's article but it was posted on another message board. So I copied from there. Soup, let me know if I am out of order here.

[86Cane]

BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
[email protected]

On the first play of the University of Miami's spring game, defensive end Steven Wesley pummeled quarterback Spencer Whipple.

The Traz Powell Stadium crowd of 7,000 likely prepared itself Saturday for a sack party similar to the one in the Hurricanes' first open scrimmage a couple of weeks back. But this time the offensive line decided otherwise.

Miami's three quarterbacks, aided by much improved pass-blocking and some phenomenal catches, combined for 452 yards, six touchdowns -- and three interceptions -- to give hope to fans that these backups have plenty of promise.

With starting quarterback Jacory Harris watching from the sideline as he recuperates from thumb surgery on his throwing hand, newcomer Stephen Morris, who struggled two weeks ago, completed 12 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns -- one of them a 75-yarder to speedy Travis Benjamin. He threw one interception

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/28/1551500/backup-qbs-display-promise.html?utm_source=bleacherreport.com#ixzz0jaZMbcJx

[404]

Just want to repeat real quickly that if you get your season tickets TODAY you can still do a 5 month payment plan. Tickets start at $99, and $199 puts you lower level!

I think the payment plan option ends TODAY though...

www.hurricanesports.com

[86Cane]

bg...I'm not sure about that but I'm gonna let it ride for now. If I get an email then I'll address it, that's the rule.

BTW...good to see U blogging again!

[86Cane]

From The Bleacher Report:

Going into spring practice the team needed to take care of the offensive line issues that plagued them in the Champs Sports Bowl. Even with the injuries, the team made several new additions, and after several weeks of practice, it looks like there was improvement.

The offensive line on Saturday only surrendered three sacks; this is an improvement over how things looked earlier in spring practice.

The running game was strong as usual, but it was a bit surprising to see Mike James emerge as the top guy in the back field. Berry will more than likely start once fall rolls around, despite James' strong showing.

Even more puzzling is the lack of carries given to Storm Johnson.

He has been all the rave during the spring, but he received very little work during this scrimmage. I believe this is a clear sign that they are leaning towards redshirting him. With strong showings by James, Berry, and Miller, it seems like the logical thing to do.

The offense looks like they are ready to be dominant in 2010, and it looks like Highsmith will win the backup job, although he throws too many interceptions.

Read more here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/369902-miami-hurricanes-2010-spring-practice-wrap-up-final-week-spring-game?utm_source=newsletter

[j.w.]

Thanks guys, gald I could help! Caniak- no on the insidetheu question. They do summarize some of the articles (especially abt. recruiting), and occasionally some of the interviews. If you get ESPN the magazine, you get insider for free.

[bg1906]

86.

Not a problem.

[404]

"The running game was strong as usual, but it was a bit surprising to see Mike James emerge as the top guy in the back field. Berry will more than likely start once fall rolls around, despite James' strong showing."

I was not surprised at all to see Mike James look as good as he did, remember he honed his blocking skills last year and that will ultimately make him a stud complete package RB and along with Damien Berry, next year we are looking great. The future is bright for Lamar Miller and Storm Johnson!

[86Cane]

If you have Berry, James, Miller (healthy)and Cooper comes back for Fall practice does Storm red-shirt in spite of his impressive Spring?

BTW...Miller is going for an MRI today.

[404]

I think you RS Storm either way unless Berry James or Miller goes down with an injury. Cooper is simply icing on the cake moving forward...

[PhillyCane]

How much will Coop play if he comes back for the first game? Will he start over Berry because of seniority even though Berry is a senior to? How does Shannon/Whipple work enough carries for Berry, James, Miller, and Coop? Last year we say Coop/JJ, with Berry as mop up and M. James at FB. So how is Berry, James, Coop, Miller gona split carries?

IMO Berry has to get atleast 15 a game. Then from their give James/Miller/Coop split maybe 20-25? But we dont run the ball that much anyways so I am just extrmeley confused on how this will all work out. Does anyone else share the same concerns?

[404]

^^^ great problem to have...

[PhillyCane]

WONDERFUL problem to have. I just want to see and hear opinions on how it will work out. I just dont wana see Berry get screwed somehow. But i wana see James and Miller, I just dont see how Coop fits into the equation. BTW I love Coop though. Been a personal favorite since his freshman year.

[86Cane]

Coop is apparently ahead of schedule in rehabbing the knee. He says he will be good to go for the Fall. We hope so!

Also hope that Miller's MRI is negative and that he is good to go as well. Go Cougars, Go Canes!

[Ungar]

PhillyCane, I cannot speak for the other backs, but James showed good hands last year in catching out of the backfield, so perhaps that will help increase their "touches", especially if defenses cover our WRs deep and our line gives Harris time to look to his dump off options.

Get James past the line, and have a safety try to tackle him, it will be fun to see.

[Ungar]

Do we cheer for Duke in ACC solidarity, or go for one of the underdogs to hope that we would be in the same position next year?

I always root for the underdog (1983 Miami versus Nebraska, for example) unless Miami that favorite.

[moneycane]

I agree with philly and 404 this is a great problem to have. Also if Coop is healthy he can fill the role of a third down back. Until proven otherwise Coop is the best receiving back we have and he would be a great option to have on third and 5 or longer. I think Storm is gonna be a beast. Dude is cat quick and is a big back. Anyone saw how he broke J. Reid's ankles during the spring game.

[Mike]

just thought this was too funny to pass up...enjoy...

http://www.allcanes.com/blog/uploaded_images/jorts.jpg

[Montreal-Cane]

...Also hope that Miller's MRI is negative and that he is good to go as well.The same with Brandon Harris...And JH...Let's send Manny to get the hot news on that....

[macjones]

Baby, your Miami, F-L-A Hurricanes will find out IF they are B.C.S. PRETENDERS. Or, B.C.S. CONTENDERS, after the September 11th game in rowdy Columbus, Ohio. No bloody if's, but's or may be's! U'all dig! No. Well, I didn't think so. LMAO

[Loco]

You realize that the corner getting torched (most of the time) was a 5'7" 160lb walk on don't you?

Posted by: 404 | March 29, 2010 at 10:08 AM
404

Also, our best corner did not play. Here are the others:

Among the players who did not participate in the spring game were Orlando Franklin, Jacory Harris, Brandon Harris, Marcus Forston, JoJo Nicolas, Jared Campbell, Jordan Futch, Ryan Hill, Ramon Buchanan, Joel Figueroa and Lee Chambers.

Posted by: 404 | March 29, 2010 at 10:08 AM

I love how now I'm chicken little for pointing out something nobody else would like to even consider.

The walk-on that got beat up was playing... why? Oh, because of our lack of depth you say? What happens if players get injured? Granted, he's less likely to play, but let's look at the other side of it.

Players who did not participate:
Jacory Harris - so our starting QB didnt play, meaning our backups torched the D.
Brandon Harris - he would have helped. But he's only one corner. plus, no Jacory
Franklin - offensive player, which means d-line should have done better right?
Forston - he's been hurt a while, can we count on him?
Nicholas & Campbell - safeties that are not even supposed to start.. right?
Futch & Buchanon - that hurts a little bit
Figs & Chambers - would hurt the offense, right?
Hill - if he plays and gets torched, then its oh, he's just the WR converted to corner

Basically, I'm just saying that it doesn't hurt to look at all sides. Not that the sky is falling. Though today, it was

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 29, 2010 at 01:52 PM

Got to love a mid-day Spalding reference.

Go Canes!

[solarcane]

we got a big group headed to georgia tech this year anybody else planning on going?

Posted by: canezilla | March 29, 2010 at 09:25 AM

zilla I'm in for GT it's right down the street.

soup,
you will have more fun in Atlanta in 10 minutes than you would have in Columbus in a decade.

you and the wife can stay with us if you want.

Great to see the offense blowing up in the spring game.

loco,
if Jacory and Brandon played there would have been at least three more picks.
You could count on Jacory going deep as often as possible heaving up at least one duck and you could be certain Brandon would have would caused a receiver to cough one or two up.

[CaneRock]

Ran across this Tubin', Luther Robinson was unblockable in these 1 on 1s:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=933c-zIwbps&feature=related

[solarcane]

wad up peeb

[Cat 5 Cane]

DVD... "I for one am evening considering him as my defensive LOF." Posted by: shwarma

Go for it! and would love nothing more then he makes it!!!

I want all of the guys sitting in the 2nd and 3rd tiers to make LOF...

Per my picks, with Futch and Sanders!

[86Cane]

Let's send Manny to get the hot news on that....

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | March 29, 2010 at 05:33 PM

I am all over it!

[86Cane]

soup,
You will have more fun in Atlanta in 10 minutes than you would have in Columbus in a decade. You and the wife can stay with us if you want.

Posted by: solarcane | March 29, 2010 at 06:09 PM

That's the plan and kayaking all around. We both are experienced kayakers and have done ocean, bay and whitewater before.

My Isuzu Rodeo has a kayak rack on top that can hold two. We are GOLDEN!

[86Cane]

I want all of the guys sitting in the 2nd and 3rd tiers to make LOF...Per my picks, with Futch and Sanders!

Posted by: Cat5Cane | March 29, 2010 at 06:19 PM

THAT my friends is the way it is done!

[GURU]

U

[Fighting Ibis]

Basically, I'm just saying that it doesn't hurt to look at all sides. Not that the sky is falling. Though today, it was

Posted by: Loco | March 29, 2010 at 05:55 PM

The defense absolutely shut the offense down in the first scrimmage. It would've been more of the same in the spring game if Lovette sicked the dogs on them again.

Go look at all the defenders who played on the 2nd string in the spring game. Most are ready to start on the 1st string. I'm only worried about one thing on defense and that's MLB.

Defense will be fine.