Canespace

Legends Of The Fall 2010

One tradition that we have established here at Canespace over the last three years is that each year over the Summer, after Spring practice and before the season begins, we ask bloggers are asked to select their personal choices for what we like to call "Legends of the Fall". 

This tradition actually started when CanesGirlNC, who is without a doubt a legend herself here on Canespace, started a series of player features with the same title.  Two years ago she wrote features about former UM players QB Kenny Dorsey and TE Jeremy Shockey among others.

In our fan selection process true "Legends of the Fall" are those players who the fans feel will have outstanding seasons for the Canes on offense and defense each year.  It's not about simply picking the Hurricanes' best players, but your personal favorites among the UM players apart from the usual suspects and most obvious stars.

So this year the following players who had their breakout seasons in 2009 are not eligible for selection: Jacory Harris and Leonard Hankerson on offense and Allen Bailey and Brandon Harris on defense.

Some bloggers choose first or second year players who are likely to break on the scene as true freshman, RS freshmen or sophomores.  Two years ago those players were Sean Spence and Aldarius Johnson.  Last year they were Jacory Harris and Brandon Harris.

There are your usual sselections at key positions like QB, RB and WR and then there are those unexpected surpises like kicker, punter and lead body slammer Matt Bosher who just happened to be the Canes 2008 MVP (seen here with OcalaCane at the 2009 Spring Game).

Other bloggers are more traditional or conservative in their picks and select juniors or seniors who are projected to finally have that incredible breakout season.  

These are picks that could really be any defensive or offensive player who may be primed to explode on the scene after a solid previous season or a spectacular Summer with Swasey.

Offensive and defensive linemen may not be popular or sexy picks but they are just as eligible as any other position player.

And don't forget special teams standouts too who can change a game with that one big play that shifts the entire momentum of a game.

Some bold predictions even result in selections of completely unexpected dark horse candidates for this honor like Sam Shields (seen here at R) last year. If these picks actually play out, the blogger who picked them look like absolute geniuses.  This is the most risky, but potentially most rewarding, approach of all.

It's your choice.  One offensive and one defensive player.  

Vote early, vote once.  U choose, U win!

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.

Spring Game Summary

Spring Game highlights:

AJ Highsmith 16 yard TD pass to Leonard Hankerson

Highsmith 3 yard TD pass to Davon Johnson

Stephen Morris 75 yard pass to Travis Benjamin (seen below R next to AJ)

Lamar Miller 2 yard run

Highsmith 39 yard pass to Lenard Hankerson

Ray Ray Armstrong (seen below with Canechic's son Nick) INT of Stephen Morris

Colin McCarthy INT of AJ Highsmith

Whipple 9 yard TD pass to Aldarius Johnson (seen below)

Morris 5 yard pass to Kendal thompkins

Damien Berry 26 yard TD run

Wiecalw 33 yard FG

Ray Ray Armstrong INT of AJ Highsmith

Travis Benjamin 4 catches for 151 yard at haltime.

Thompkins was the leading receiver for the scrimmage with 8 catches.

Mike James (seen above with 86Cane and OcalaCane) was the leading rusher with 64 yards.

More to follow...

Weekend Preview: UM vs NCST

This article was written by Mephistopheles for Canespace...

 

Our Baseball 'Canes are riding a five game conference winning streak, and find themselves tied for first in the Coastal Division.  So far, and it's real early, the Coastal is shaping up as the class of the conference with UVA and the Jackets tied with UM at 5 - 1, and UNC lurking after a slow start. 

 

College Baseball Insider has declared the Cavaliers as the cream of the ACC, but there's a lot of ball to be played.  If the order remains as it is, the last two weeks of the season will decide the division with Miami visiting Georgia Tech, and UVA visiting the the Hurricanes in the last two weeks of the Conference regular season.

 

This week Miami travels to North Carolina to face the Wolfpack for a three game series beginning on Friday night. 

 

NC State enters this week as the Conference's most productive offensive team leading the ACC in batting average and runs scored.  However, much of their production this season came against less than stellar teams, including 7 games against LaSalle, Quinnipiac and NC Central. 

 

Against good teams, the Pack's offense has had more bark than bite, although they are a streaky team that if they get going early they can plate some runs. 

 

Fortunately for the Canes, UM's pitching has been a strength all season long with just a few exceptions.  They are ranked 5th in the pitching heavy ACC with a solid 3.58/9 innings, but are at the top in opponent's batting average, strike-outs and strike-out to walk ratio.  All three of UM's starters have been steady all year and all have a wealth of experience. 

 

The pen has been good overall, but the late innings have been this bullpen's strength.  Although Gut is the named closer, no one in the pen has really established themselves as "The Guy," unless you count Iden Nazario as the guy opponents love to see.  Sorry Naz.

 

On the mound, the Pack has not distinguished itself at all.  Their team ERA is more than two runs/game higher than The U, and they lead the conference in walks.  Their only reliable starter is Buchanan, who will likely go Friday against Hernandez.  If Erickson stays as the Sunday starter, UM should have a huge pitching edge in game 3. 

 

The Pack's pitching staff has struggled with walks, and their battery has only caught only 2 of 31 base-stealers.  This should set up a nice match-up advantage for the Canes who are 2nd in the ACC with 37 steals, and although Miami's fielding has been its achilles heal this season, N. C. State has fared even worse, ranking 10th in the conference. 

 

Football fans who go to the game may recognize the Pack's shortstop and occasional relief pitcher, Russell Wilson who doubles as the football team's QB.  Wilson is obviously athletic being able to start at such a high level in 2 sports, but he will not likely be the difference this week.  He has a nice average and some occasional power, but is also succeptible to strike out.  He throws hard, but has average stuff and walks as many as he K's. 

 

This series should set up well for the Canes to keep pace in the Coastal division.  If Miami can get to Buchanan in Game 1, they should put up some nice numbers this weekend against the balance of NCST's vulnerable pitching staff. 

 

As you may have noticed, all season long I have encouraged the Canes to be aggressive on the bases, and this game should give the rabbits a chance to run, baby, run.  

 

This is a series that UM must take advantage of if they hope to contend for the conference title, and a national seed in the post-season.  The second half of the conference season is a gauntlet, so they need to get as many wins as possible in the next three weeks.

 

I think they will.  

 

Flying Around

The most likely thing that you are going to hear about the University of Miami's Spring Game on Saturday is this quote from UM Head Coach Randy Shannon: "The players were flying around."

Other than that don't look for too much coming out of Saturday's little exercise at Traz Powell Stadium in North Miami.  Last year during the Spring Game UM LB Arthur Brown played great. 

Now his biggest fan Canespacer Cat5 sits at home heartbroken and crying in his beer as Sir Arthur is back in Kansas with Dorthy, Toto, his family and most likely his younger brother Bryce joining him some time soon.  Oh what a difference a year makes!

Last year UM RB Mike James was the BMOC.  This year Miami running backs Lamar "The Truth" Miller and Storm "Hurricane" Johnson are all the rage heading into the Spring Game.  One of the two are almost sure to be the star on Saturday. 

But before you get all excited and annoint one of these two "The Next Great One" let's take a look back at what last year taught us.

Last year RB Damien Berry was the MVP of the Spring Game.  He rode the bench and played sparingly.  Mike James, in spite of his obvious talent, could not unseat starters Javaris James or Graig Cooper and eventually was moved to fullback after an injury at that position. 

So please try to keep your pants on and bite your tounge even when one of the newest kids on the block "breaks out" in the Spring.  It often takes a while for the next great thing to actually develop.

Other than that you will see all three of the back-up QBs trying to solidy their hold on the second string position behind Jacory Harris who has the Spring off after surgery on his thumb.  Watch for some interceptions be safties Vaughn Telemaque, Ray Ray Armstrong and Jamal Reid.

Our advice: Enjoy the game, meet the players, but don't get too excited until Fall rolls around.

That's when you will find out what really is going to happen, who is going to play and who the difference makers will be during the 2010 season.

One Year Ago This Week...

March 28, 2009

Canes Play It Smart, Look Sharp at Lockhart

Over the last few years the annual Spring game held at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale has become more of a public relations exercise than a real competitive event between the orange and white or offense and defense. 

To be honest, the Canes and recruiting Coordinator Clint Hurtt (seen here with OcalaCane) use this "game" primarily as a recruiting event.

The University utilizes it as a community outreach event for fans living in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  There usually is very little in the way of showcasing or evaluating talent of the players or the team.

With Head Coach Randy Shannon playing it smart by resting several projected starters and other players who managed to get themselves "nicked up" while "flying around" in practice, the annual Spring game was supposed to be another vanilla scrimmage to appease the fans insatiable appetite for football, any kind of football, even if the score or the outcome didn't matter. 

Or maybe it was for the cheerleaders?

Anyway much to the surprise of many fans who attended and maybe even some of the coaches, this Spring game may have been made with vanilla ice cream, but it was topped with a generous helping of chocolate syrup, and maybe, just maybe, a cherry, I mean a Berry on top. 

It's simply amazing what some real competition on a team can do.  So here is our summary of what we asked you to watch for. 

Compete with this:

Offensive Line: 

While the OL was no where near dominant, as a unit they played MUCH better than most had projected.  They opened several nice holes for the RBs and provided above average protection for Harris and Cook.  There were very few penalties for false starts or holding.  The OL was certainly NOT a "Mongolian (well U know)". 

Running backs: 

There was chocolate syrup all over the place here and even a cherry, ahh Berry, on top.  If Mike James (seen below with his co-star Berry) isn't the second coming of Frank Gore (before the knee injuries) then I don't know who is. 

If you didn't see his run after catching a short screen pass just before half let me tell you that the he showed the vision, balance and the moves to make it happen.  His cutbacks (3) during this one run were nothing short of spectacular.  It is apparent that his feet are direct wired to his brain and it is wonderful to watch them work in complete synchronicity without any delay. 

And due to injuries, Damien Berry finally got a chance to show what he can do.  And boy can he DO!  Berry was the star of the scrimmage and broke off a 54-yard run that ended with a flip into the end zone for a TD.  When was the last time you saw that?  The run was a thing of beauty but was NOT Berry's only moment on the day.  He showed he means business as he ran mean and hard and right around and then over a bunch of Cane defenders.  We are pleased to report that Loco's favorite player is indeed a p l a y e r.

Cornerbacks: 

Keep moving, keep moving, there's nothing to see here, keep moving...we have taken the stance of don't ask, don't tell on this one.  OK, OK they made a few good plays but there is still much work to be done here.  The only positive surprise here is the continued play of coverted WR Sam Shields who may just have found a home at CB.  We talked to his father in the parking lot after the game (more on this later).  We suggest that you come back tomorrow for additonal information.

Linebacker: 

The LB play was good, but not great.  The good news? Sean Spence is Sean Spence.  No sophomore slump or worries there, only a future NFLU player in waiting.

We met and took photos with Jordan Futch (he's bigger than we imagined) during the autograph session before his start at OLB.  Futch (seen here with Ocala's bride-to-be) is a bright, personable and athletic player who appears to have great potential and great future at LB for the Hurricanes. 

Arthur Brown continues to impress as he makes progress in the middle.  It says here he starts by mid-season (As Cat5 goes crazy!).

Wide Receiver:

If there was ever any doubt let it be known: Thearon Collier can ball.  Be ready to see him early and often in games this season making tough catches over the middle and moving the chains.  This fearless slot receiver might be the missing link that finally allows the outside recievers to get open and get deep this season. 

And wouldn't we LOVE to see some of that with LaRon Byrd, Travis Benjamin, Davon Johnson, Tommy Streeter and my personal favorite Aldarius "Glue Hands" Johnson scoring a quick six. Here, for the first time ever on any blog, a perfect view of the soon to be famous six million dollar (projected NFLU signing bonus) glue hands!

And by the way, don't forget WR Kendal Thompkins who caught a pass (as predicted) and WR Leonard Hankerson who made a nice leaping catch for a big gain during the "game".  The Canes are loaded at wide-out and will take advantage of other teams secondaries in 2009. 

And we would like to see all of this just in time for Labor Day!   Please.  Pretty please.

Over the last few years the annual Spring game held at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale has become more of a public relations exercise than a real competitive event between the orange and white or offense and defense. 

To be honest, the Canes and recruiting Coordinator Clint Hurtt (seen here with OcalaCane) use this "game" primarily as a recruiting event.

The University utilizes it as a community outreach event for fans living in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  There usually is very little in the way of showcasing or evaluating talent of the players or the team.

With Head Coach Randy Shannon playing it smart by resting several projected starters and other players who managed to get themselves "nicked up" while "flying around" in practice, the annual Spring game was supposed to be another vanilla scrimmage to appease the fans insatiable appetite for football, any kind of football, even if the score or the outcome didn't matter. 

Or maybe it was for the cheerleaders?

Anyway much to the surprise of many fans who attended and maybe even some of the coaches, this Spring game may have been made with vanilla ice cream, but it was topped with a generous helping of chocolate syrup, and maybe, just maybe, a cherry, I mean a Berry on top. 

It's simply amazing what some real competition on a team can do.  So here is our summary of what we asked you to watch for. 

Compete with this:

Offensive Line: 

While the OL was no where near dominant, as a unit they played MUCH better than most had projected.  They opened several nice holes for the RBs and provided above average protection for Harris and Cook.  There were very few penalties for false starts or holding.  The OL was certainly NOT a "Mongolian (well U know)". 

Running backs: 

There was chocolate syrup all over the place here and even a cherry, ahh Berry, on top.  If Mike James (seen below with his co-star Berry) isn't the second coming of Frank Gore (before the knee injuries) then I don't know who is. 

If you didn't see his run after catching a short screen pass just before half let me tell you that the he showed the vision, balance and the moves to make it happen.  His cutbacks (3) during this one run were nothing short of spectacular.  It is apparent that his feet are direct wired to his brain and it is wonderful to watch them work in complete synchronicity without any delay. 

And due to injuries, Damien Berry finally got a chance to show what he can do.  And boy can he DO!  Berry was the star of the scrimmage and broke off a 54-yard run that ended with a flip into the end zone for a TD.  When was the last time you saw that?  The run was a thing of beauty but was NOT Berry's only moment on the day.  He showed he means business as he ran mean and hard and right around and then over a bunch of Cane defenders.  We are pleased to report that Loco's favorite player is indeed a p l a y e r.

Cornerbacks: 

Keep moving, keep moving, there's nothing to see here, keep moving...we have taken the stance of don't ask, don't tell on this one.  OK, OK they made a few good plays but there is still much work to be done here.  The only positive surprise here is the continued play of coverted WR Sam Shields who may just have found a home at CB.  We talked to his father in the parking lot after the game (more on this later).  We suggest that you come back tomorrow for additonal information.

Linebacker: 

The LB play was good, but not great.  The good news? Sean Spence is Sean Spence.  No sophomore slump or worries there, only a future NFLU player in waiting.

We met and took photos with Jordan Futch (he's bigger than we imagined) during the autograph session before his start at OLB.  Futch (seen here with Ocala's bride-to-be) is a bright, personable and athletic player who appears to have great potential and great future at LB for the Hurricanes. 

Arthur Brown continues to impress as he makes progress in the middle.  It says here he starts by mid-season (As Cat5 goes crazy!).

Wide Receiver:

If there was ever any doubt let it be known: Thearon Collier can ball.  Be ready to see him early and often in games this season making tough catches over the middle and moving the chains.  This fearless slot receiver might be the missing link that finally allows the outside recievers to get open and get deep this season. 

And wouldn't we LOVE to see some of that with LaRon Byrd, Travis Benjamin, Davon Johnson, Tommy Streeter and my personal favorite Aldarius "Glue Hands" Johnson scoring a quick six. Here, for the first time ever on any blog, a perfect view of the soon to be famous six million dollar (projected NFLU signing bonus) glue hands!

And by the way, don't forget WR Kendal Thompkins who caught a pass (as predicted) and WR Leonard Hankerson who made a nice leaping catch for a big gain during the "game".  The Canes are loaded at wide-out and will take advantage of other teams secondaries in 2009. 

And we would like to see all of this just in time for Labor Day!   Please.  Pretty please.

Canes Play It Smart, Look Sharp at Lockhart

Over the last few years the annual Spring game held at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale has become more of a public relations exercise than a real competitive event between the orange and white or offense and defense. 

To be honest, the Canes and recruiting Coordinator Clint Hurtt (seen here with OcalaCane) use this "game" primarily as a recruiting event.

The University utilizes it as a community outreach event for fans living in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  There usually is very little in the way of showcasing or evaluating talent of the players or the team.

With Head Coach Randy Shannon playing it smart by resting several projected starters and other players who managed to get themselves "nicked up" while "flying around" in practice, the annual Spring game was supposed to be another vanilla scrimmage to appease the fans insatiable appetite for football, any kind of football, even if the score or the outcome didn't matter. 

Or maybe it was for the cheerleaders?

Anyway much to the surprise of many fans who attended and maybe even some of the coaches, this Spring game may have been made with vanilla ice cream, but it was topped with a generous helping of chocolate syrup, and maybe, just maybe, a cherry, I mean a Berry on top. 

It's simply amazing what some real competition on a team can do.  So here is our summary of what we asked you to watch for. 

Compete with this:

Offensive Line: 

While the OL was no where near dominant, as a unit they played MUCH better than most had projected.  They opened several nice holes for the RBs and provided above average protection for Harris and Cook.  There were very few penalties for false starts or holding.  The OL was certainly NOT a "Mongolian (well U know)". 

Running backs: 

There was chocolate syrup all over the place here and even a cherry, ahh Berry, on top.  If Mike James (seen below with his co-star Berry) isn't the second coming of Frank Gore (before the knee injuries) then I don't know who is. 

If you didn't see his run after catching a short screen pass just before half let me tell you that the he showed the vision, balance and the moves to make it happen.  His cutbacks (3) during this one run were nothing short of spectacular.  It is apparent that his feet are direct wired to his brain and it is wonderful to watch them work in complete synchronicity without any delay. 

And due to injuries, Damien Berry finally got a chance to show what he can do.  And boy can he DO!  Berry was the star of the scrimmage and broke off a 54-yard run that ended with a flip into the end zone for a TD.  When was the last time you saw that?  The run was a thing of beauty but was NOT Berry's only moment on the day.  He showed he means business as he ran mean and hard and right around and then over a bunch of Cane defenders.  We are pleased to report that Loco's favorite player is indeed a p l a y e r.

Cornerbacks: 

Keep moving, keep moving, there's nothing to see here, keep moving...we have taken the stance of don't ask, don't tell on this one.  OK, OK they made a few good plays but there is still much work to be done here.  The only positive surprise here is the continued play of coverted WR Sam Shields who may just have found a home at CB.  We talked to his father in the parking lot after the game (more on this later).  We suggest that you come back tomorrow for additonal information.

Linebacker: 

The LB play was good, but not great.  The good news? Sean Spence is Sean Spence.  No sophomore slump or worries there, only a future NFLU player in waiting.

We met and took photos with Jordan Futch (he's bigger than we imagined) during the autograph session before his start at OLB.  Futch (seen here with Ocala's bride-to-be) is a bright, personable and athletic player who appears to have great potential and great future at LB for the Hurricanes. 

Arthur Brown continues to impress as he makes progress in the middle.  It says here he starts by mid-season (As Cat5 goes crazy!).

Wide Receiver:

If there was ever any doubt let it be known: Thearon Collier can ball.  Be ready to see him early and often in games this season making tough catches over the middle and moving the chains.  This fearless slot receiver might be the missing link that finally allows the outside recievers to get open and get deep this season. 

And wouldn't we LOVE to see some of that with LaRon Byrd, Travis Benjamin, Davon Johnson, Tommy Streeter and my personal favorite Aldarius "Glue Hands" Johnson scoring a quick six. Here, for the first time ever on any blog, a perfect view of the soon to be famous six million dollar (projected NFLU signing bonus) glue hands!

And by the way, don't forget WR Kendal Thompkins who caught a pass (as predicted) and WR Leonard Hankerson who made a nice leaping catch for a big gain during the "game".  The Canes are loaded at wide-out and will take advantage of other teams secondaries in 2009. 

And we would like to see all of this just in time for Labor Day!   Please.  Pretty please.

Two Years Ago This Week: Part II

March 29, 2008

Vanilla Please?

The Spring Game is always a hard read for Canes fans. 

Is the Offense really showing what they can do? 

Is the Defense showing their blitzes and coverages? 

Is it that the coaches are serving only one flavor: Vanilla? 

Are the Cheerleaders showing all of what they can do? 

Well, here is the Canespace summary of today's Spring Game according to those who were there:

According to Cane Since 1982:  The Canes were NOT impressive today.  The recievers dropped to many passes, the OL was not dominant enough, the defense was gashed by the run and the play calling was vanilla.

If U asked Cat5 (pictured here): He would say the Canes looked MUCH more impressive than last year's Spring Game when they did absolutely nothing.  He liked the play of Marve, Bailey, and the kickers.  He thinks the kicker will win at least one game and maybe more this year.

HurricaneMitch would say: I came all the way from Nebraska for this!  As far as I'm concerned, the Canes looked GREAT!  They produced big plays on offense, the QBs were accurate, the defense was explosive and cheerleaders were awesome!

1. QB: Cannon Smith is short.  Marve and Harris are ALL of what they are billed to be.  They are accurate passers and looked good, but not great today.  Marve has a rocket for an arm.  On one pass to the sideline, the receiver was well covered.  Marve gunned the ball in there to the only spot it could be completed - the receiver's outside shoulder.

2. RB: JJ will start but Craig Cooper will break more long runs and score more points. Both James and Cooper looked much quicker and faster than last year.  Cooper showed he has an extra gear on both of his touchdown runs.  McNeal (#33) played well also and will see some quality time off the bench.  Unfortunately, Derron Thomas appeared to suffer a major leg injury.

3. WR: Too many drops STILL!  We counted at least fiva balls that easily should have been caught.  Shields, Farqhuarson and Hankerson likely will start.  AJ will will come off the bench according to Solar who was NOT at the game.

4. OL: Run blocking?  A+ with many solid runs and major gains.  Pass blocking?  C-.  Snaps are NOT consistent or good in the shotgun.  This is still a work in progress.

5. DL:  WATCH OUT!  WE got this.  Moncur, Forston, Bailey and the gang will bring it! The D-line played well overall but also got blocked on some of the long runs.  They pressued the QB and recorded several "touch" sacks on the day.  Much better play than last year.

6. LB: Spence and Brown will be the gasoline that ignites this D.  They are dynamic playmakers who will disrupt and destroy plays.  This is gonna be fun to watch.  People may get hurt.  And when we say "people" we mean opposing team's players, and Tim Tebow in particular.

7. DB: Better than expected.  DVD is a stud.  Bruce johnson is very good.  Chavez Grant is excellent.   JoJo at Safety is gonna be great.

8.  The cheerleaders also looked a little rusty during many of their routines.  Their timing was abit off and they had a few drops during some of the more difficult stunts and formations.  However, they worked the game well, had good vocal projection during cheers and showed good spirit, enthusiasm and determination.  Plus, UM cheerleaders just LOVE Canespace. 

At the post scrimmage party we met some really great Canes fans from Lakeland. 

They are die hard Caniacs and will host a Central Florida Game Watch Party on November 1, 2008.  Here they are! 

The Spring Game is always a hard read for Canes fans. 

Is the Offense really showing what they can do? 

Is the Defense showing their blitzes and coverages? 

Is it that the coaches are serving only one flavor: Vanilla? 

Are the Cheerleaders showing all of what they can do? 

Well, here is the Canespace summary of today's Spring Game according to those who were there:

According to Cane Since 1982:  The Canes were NOT impressive today.  The recievers dropped to many passes, the OL was not dominant enough, the defense was gashed by the run and the play calling was vanilla.

If U asked Cat5 (pictured here): He would say the Canes looked MUCH more impressive than last year's Spring Game when they did absolutely nothing.  He liked the play of Marve, Bailey, and the kickers.  He thinks the kicker will win at least one game and maybe more this year.

HurricaneMitch would say: I came all the way from Nebraska for this!  As far as I'm concerned, the Canes looked GREAT!  They produced big plays on offense, the QBs were accurate, the defense was explosive and cheerleaders were awesome!

1. QB: Cannon Smith is short.  Marve and Harris are ALL of what they are billed to be.  They are accurate passers and looked good, but not great today.  Marve has a rocket for an arm.  On one pass to the sideline, the receiver was well covered.  Marve gunned the ball in there to the only spot it could be completed - the receiver's outside shoulder.

2. RB: JJ will start but Craig Cooper will break more long runs and score more points. Both James and Cooper looked much quicker and faster than last year.  Cooper showed he has an extra gear on both of his touchdown runs.  McNeal (#33) played well also and will see some quality time off the bench.  Unfortunately, Derron Thomas appeared to suffer a major leg injury.

3. WR: Too many drops STILL!  We counted at least fiva balls that easily should have been caught.  Shields, Farqhuarson and Hankerson likely will start.  AJ will will come off the bench according to Solar who was NOT at the game.

4. OL: Run blocking?  A+ with many solid runs and major gains.  Pass blocking?  C-.  Snaps are NOT consistent or good in the shotgun.  This is still a work in progress.

5. DL:  WATCH OUT!  WE got this.  Moncur, Forston, Bailey and the gang will bring it! The D-line played well overall but also got blocked on some of the long runs.  They pressued the QB and recorded several "touch" sacks on the day.  Much better play than last year.

6. LB: Spence and Brown will be the gasoline that ignites this D.  They are dynamic playmakers who will disrupt and destroy plays.  This is gonna be fun to watch.  People may get hurt.  And when we say "people" we mean opposing team's players, and Tim Tebow in particular.

7. DB: Better than expected.  DVD is a stud.  Bruce johnson is very good.  Chavez Grant is excellent.   JoJo at Safety is gonna be great.

8.  The cheerleaders also looked a little rusty during many of their routines.  Their timing was abit off and they had a few drops during some of the more difficult stunts and formations.  However, they worked the game well, had good vocal projection during cheers and showed good spirit, enthusiasm and determination.  Plus, UM cheerleaders just LOVE Canespace. 

At the post scrimmage party we met some really great Canes fans from Lakeland. 

They are die hard Caniacs and will host a Central Florida Game Watch Party on November 1, 2008.  Here they are! 

Vanilla Please?

The Spring Game is always a hard read for Canes fans. 

Is the Offense really showing what they can do? 

Is the Defense showing their blitzes and coverages? 

Is it that the coaches are serving only one flavor: Vanilla? 

Are the Cheerleaders showing all of what they can do? 

Well, here is the Canespace summary of today's Spring Game according to those who were there:

According to Cane Since 1982:  The Canes were NOT impressive today.  The recievers dropped to many passes, the OL was not dominant enough, the defense was gashed by the run and the play calling was vanilla.

If U asked Cat5 (pictured here): He would say the Canes looked MUCH more impressive than last year's Spring Game when they did absolutely nothing.  He liked the play of Marve, Bailey, and the kickers.  He thinks the kicker will win at least one game and maybe more this year.

HurricaneMitch would say: I came all the way from Nebraska for this!  As far as I'm concerned, the Canes looked GREAT!  They produced big plays on offense, the QBs were accurate, the defense was explosive and cheerleaders were awesome!

1. QB: Cannon Smith is short.  Marve and Harris are ALL of what they are billed to be.  They are accurate passers and looked good, but not great today.  Marve has a rocket for an arm.  On one pass to the sideline, the receiver was well covered.  Marve gunned the ball in there to the only spot it could be completed - the receiver's outside shoulder.

2. RB: JJ will start but Craig Cooper will break more long runs and score more points. Both James and Cooper looked much quicker and faster than last year.  Cooper showed he has an extra gear on both of his touchdown runs.  McNeal (#33) played well also and will see some quality time off the bench.  Unfortunately, Derron Thomas appeared to suffer a major leg injury.

3. WR: Too many drops STILL!  We counted at least fiva balls that easily should have been caught.  Shields, Farqhuarson and Hankerson likely will start.  AJ will will come off the bench according to Solar who was NOT at the game.

4. OL: Run blocking?  A+ with many solid runs and major gains.  Pass blocking?  C-.  Snaps are NOT consistent or good in the shotgun.  This is still a work in progress.

5. DL:  WATCH OUT!  WE got this.  Moncur, Forston, Bailey and the gang will bring it! The D-line played well overall but also got blocked on some of the long runs.  They pressued the QB and recorded several "touch" sacks on the day.  Much better play than last year.

6. LB: Spence and Brown will be the gasoline that ignites this D.  They are dynamic playmakers who will disrupt and destroy plays.  This is gonna be fun to watch.  People may get hurt.  And when we say "people" we mean opposing team's players, and Tim Tebow in particular.

7. DB: Better than expected.  DVD is a stud.  Bruce johnson is very good.  Chavez Grant is excellent.   JoJo at Safety is gonna be great.

8.  The cheerleaders also looked a little rusty during many of their routines.  Their timing was abit off and they had a few drops during some of the more difficult stunts and formations.  However, they worked the game well, had good vocal projection during cheers and showed good spirit, enthusiasm and determination.  Plus, UM cheerleaders just LOVE Canespace. 

At the post scrimmage party we met some really great Canes fans from Lakeland. 

They are die hard Caniacs and will host a Central Florida Game Watch Party on November 1, 2008.  Here they are! 

Two Years Ago This Week...

Spring Forward

Just back from the Spring Game at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.  It was great to see fellow Canespacers Ocala, Cat5, Keoki, Delray, Mitch, 1982, WMD and others at the game and post game party at Bru's Room in Margate. 

We met tons of 'Spacers and fans who are aware of The 'Space.  We even met some Canes Fans of the Month (CFOMs) who want to get involved.  Our only wish was that more of U could have made it.  A good time was had by all!

To satiate your need for info we are going to run TWO blogs tonight.  The first is going to be a photo essay from today.  OcalaCane was working the crowd and game as usual and got some great shots.  I will follow this blog with another at 8 PM with a complete detailed write up on today's action.

 

Just back from the Spring Game at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.  It was great to see fellow Canespacers Ocala, Cat5, Keoki, Delray, Mitch, 1982, WMD and others at the game and post game party at Bru's Room in Margate. 

We met tons of 'Spacers and fans who are aware of The 'Space.  We even met some Canes Fans of the Month (CFOMs) who want to get involved.  Our only wish was that more of U could have made it.  A good time was had by all!

To satiate your need for info we are going to run TWO blogs tonight.  The first is going to be a photo essay from today.  OcalaCane was working the crowd and game as usual and got some great shots.  I will follow this blog with another at 8 PM with a complete detailed write up on today's action.

It's A Cinderella Story

Like many health-conscious college sports fans I spent most of this past weekend exercising. 

I firmly exercised my right to be a couch potato and watch almost every game of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.  As I sat there on my couch stunned in amazement at the incredible upsets happening all around me I started to wonder to myself: "Why can't Miami do that?"

Every year one or more Cinderella teams emerge at the NCAA tournament.  I mean if little St. Marys can beat #2 seed Villanova and Northern Iowa can beat big bad #1 seed Kansas and all that talent, then why can't Miami beat ACC rivals Duke or UNC or any other of the designated NCAA kings of the hardwood and win an ACC title or make it to the Big Dance next year?  

Even the Butler did it!  The Butler Bulldogs advanced to the Sweet 16 from the West Region as did Cornell from the East Region.  Located in Ithaca, NY Cornell was the first Ivy League school to make the sweet 16 since Penn did it 31 years ago.  They beat #5 seed Temple and #4 seed Wisconsin (take that Badgers!) to advance.

If universities that you have never even heard of like Wofford, Morgan State, Lehigh, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, East Tennessee State, University of Cal at Santa Barbara, Utah State, Montana and Vermont can get invited to The Big Dance then why can't Miami? 

Did all of those schools recruit better players than Miami?  Do they have more talent on the floor?  Do they have better coaching?  Do they have better teamwork and chemistry?  Do they play in a less competitive conference?  

Each of these questions are not easily answered.  Yet the Hurricanes return their three young stars that sparkled most brightly in the ACC tourney this year: Durand Scott, Reggie Johnson and DeQuan Jones.

So Hurricane fans I have to ask U: Why can't Miami do that?

The 10th seeded Gaels of St. Mary's sent Villanova packing on Saturday by the score of 75-68.  The Gaels did so by playing a team-oriented style of offense and a solid, relentless defense.  And don't be mistaken, it was not the Gael's "luck of the Irish" that won the game.  St. Mary's was not hurt by their lack of five star recruits or McDonald's All-Americans.  The Gaels won the game by simply giving greater effort than the highly favored and more talented Wildcats.

So why can't Miami and head coach Frank Haith do that in 2011?

The good 'ol boys from Northern Iowa put a good old fashioned whoopin' on the high flying Kansas Jayhawks.   The ninth seeded Panthers used an aggressive defense to set the tone early on and held the usually high scoring Jayhawks to just 67 points.  The Panthers managed to survive the Kansas press and over come a late Jayhawk rally to pull off the 69-67 victory.  Northern Iowa had never played a #1 ranked team and nobody from their conference had beaten one since 1962.  What were the chances that NIU would play bracket buster? Go figure, huh?

So why can't Miami and freshman sensation Durand Scott do that next year?

During the 2009-2010 season your Miami Hurricanes started the season with easy early victories to post up a 16-1 record.  The one loss?  To ACC foe Boston College on the road.  

Then during the second half of the season the Hurricanes faced much tougher Atlantic Coast Conference competition.  Miami faded down the stretch and finished the regular season at 18-12 overall and a 4-12 record in the ACC.  The Hurricanes four conference regular season victories were against Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Virginia.

(Note: The ACC sent nine teams to the post-season.  Duke, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Clemson and Maryland all made the NCAA tournament while Virginia Tech, UNC and NCST made the NIT). 

However, the Hurricanes gained strength in March and played their best basketball of the year in Greensboro, NC.  With leading scorer Dwayne Collins on the bench due to injury Miami beat Wake Forest by 21 points and nemesis Virginia Tech (both for the second time this year) before losing to eventual ACC champion Duke in the semi-finals. 

"Faith in Haith" was restored for most if not all of the Hurricane faithful.

In fact it was Collin's injury that may have been the proverbial "blessing in disguise" for Miami.  The Hurricanes offense actually found an identity (it never really had one all year) and the Miami defense became much more physical with the BIG inside presence of RS freshman Reggie Johnson. 

While Johnson was banging the boards and claiming the paint as his own, the Hurricanes were being led on offense by dynamic freshman Durand Scott and athletic sophomore DeQuan Jones.  All three of these key players will be back at UM next year.  So I have to ask U:

Why can't Miami put on their boogie shoes and do some serious dancing next year? 

Why can't Miami be next year's St. Mary's, Northern Iowa, Butler or Cornell?

Why can't Miami do that?

With some Faith in Haith, returning talent and a little luck I think we can.

Sweep Up That Mess

Your Miami Hurricanes swept the weekend baseball series from the Duke Blue Devils with a come from behind win on Sunday to take all three games from the basketball school located in North Carolina.

On the seventh day Yasmani Grandal smacked a RBI double to right field in the top of the ninth inning to give the 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team another important ACC win.  The Hurricanes beat the Blue Devils 7-6 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to pull off the three game trifecta.

With the victory, Miami improved their season record to 14-5 overall and 5-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The Hurricanes' top pitcher Eric Erickson gave up all six runs on seven hits while striking out three in five innings.  The UM bullpen combo of Whaley (over 2 innings), Robinson (he earned the win) and Gutierrez (he got the save) managed to get the Miami victory.

Duke took an early lead but Miami responded quickly.  The Hurricanes scored hree runs in the fifth on four hits.  Broad got the rally going by hitting a lead off infield single and then stole second.  He then scored on a Melendres double off the "Blue Monster" in left-center.  Two batters later, Ratcliff's first homer of the season brought Miami to within one, 5-4.

Earlier in the series junior left-hander Chris Hernandez threw his first career complete game Friday night as the 11th-ranked Hurricanes scored a 3-1 win over Duke.  Hernandez (2-2), whose previous career-high of eight innings came twice during his freshman year in 2008, allowed just the one run on two hits while walking one and striking out six to eeven his win/loss record on the season. 

On Saturday UM starter Jason Santana pitched the Hurricanes to its second straight ACC series as the Hurricanes waltzed to an 11-3 victory.

This time it was third baseman Harold Martinez who led Miami at the plate, finishing the day 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored.  For the second time on the weekend, he homered over the famous "Blue Monster" in left as Hurricanes Lawson, DeVoss and Grandal also had good days knocking the cover off the ball.  In fact, Miami totaled 15 hits on Saturday which was good enough for the second-highest hit total by Miami this season. The Hurricanes 11 runs also led to the team's seventh double-digit scoring game this year.

Miami will return home to the friendly confines of Alex Rodriguez Park for a mid-week game against UCF on Tuesday, March 23 at 6 p.m.  Will we see U there?