Anaylyze This: The Miami Hurricanes' 2009 Season

I need you to put down your beverage, stop multi-tasking, take a deep breath and try to focus.  Ready?  OK, here we go: 

When reviewing the 2009 season, name four specific ways the Hurricanes MUST improve in 2010 to be successful? 

You would be correct If you said:

1. Improve their interception ratio (for/against).

2. Improve their QB sack ratio (for/against).

3. Commit fewer penalties; and

4. Improve first quarter offensive production/scoring.

Sure, I know what you are saying: "Any team could claim these general goals to improve their performance from one season to the next."  But let's break down the numbers on each of these issues one by one to prove our point as it relates specifically to the University of Miami football team. 

Here are the stats and the facts according to the UM web site, www.theacc.com and www.ncaa.com: 

Interceptions:  On defense Miami had only 9 interceptions for 98 yards and one touchdown in 2009.  In the ACC only NCST and Duke had fewer (8).  Clemson led the conference with 21 INTs and UNC was second with 19.  Miami ranked 87th in the NCAA in this category in 2009.

Yet, on offense the Hurricanes threw 17 interceptions for a stunning 447 return yards and 4 TDs.  That ranks 105th in the NCAA.  Only 7 teams threw more INTs than the Hurricanes did in 2009.

If you did the math then you realize that results in an INT ratio difference of 8 INTs, 350 yards of field position and 3 TDs for the opposition.  That is a huge obstacle to overcome for any offense, much less a young Miami team with a first year starter at QB and a thin, weak and often wounded offensive line.

Every football fan knows what a huge momentum changer any turnover is and a pick six can take the breath right out of a team and a home crowd.  Miami's unfortunate loss to North Carolina in Chapel Hill last year can be directly pinned to Jacory's four INTs, two that went for TDs of 77 and 44 yards.  In Miami's loss to Clemson at The Shark Jacory threw three INTs and another pick six with just nine minutes left in the fourth quarter that shifted the momentum, and eventually the game, to the Tigers.

In 2010, that cannot happen if Miami is to be successful.  Fewer interceptions thrown by Jacory Harris and more interceptions by the Hurricane defense will certainly change the momentum and very possibly the outcome of many games in 2010.  As many of you already know the best way to generate more interceptions in by generating a more effective and successful pass rush, which leads us to...

Sacks:  Miami had a measly 24 sacks on defense in 2009.  They gave up 11 more, or about one per game, by surrendering 35.  Only Maryland and Virginia gave up more sacks in the ACC while GT, BC and Clemson did much better at protecting their QB as all three gave up under 20 sacks all year.

Yes, 2009 was not a fun year to be Jacory Harris.  Just ask his thumb, knee, ankle and shoulder.  Poor Jacory got smacked around so often that some Hurricane fans would turn their heads not to look at the brutal beating he was taking.  With a make-shift OL, numerous injuries and "The Human Turnstile" at RT it is no reason to wonder why Jacory feared for his life on every play. 

And sacks are a much bigger deal than you might imagine.  Not only do they often result in a significant loss of yardage and a change in field position but they also reduce scoring opportunities.  Recent research in the NFL shows that teams average scoring on about 35% of their offensive possessions.  However, when there is a defensive sack during the drive the scoring percentage is cut in half to around 17%.  That is huge impact on a team's scoring chances.

Forget about "dominating the line of scrimmage."  Miami's offensive and defensive lines have to do two things in 2010: reduce the number of sacks allowed and increase the number of sacks recorded by the defense.  If they do the difference could be significant in the outcome of several games this season.

Penalties:  Limiting or reducing the number of penalties a team commits can be directly linked to three things: discipline, discipline, discipline.  The Miami Hurricanes will need more of it in 2010 if they are to be successful and capture their first ever ACC title. 

In 2009 UM committed a whopping 93 penalties the most of any team in the ACC.  Their 703 penalty yards against were an average of 54 yards/game and third highest in the conference.  It also ranked 94th nationally in the NCAA.  That is simply not good enough for a Randy Shannon coached team.

Meanwhile, Miami's opponents committed only 68 penalties (25 fewer) for just 581 yards (122 fewer) for an average of around 44 yards/game.  Miami lost 10 yards per game in penalty yards versus their opponents.  Like turnovers and sacks, penalties are huge drive killers and momentum changers. 

In 2010 Head Coach Randy Shannon must ensure that Miami is disciplined and avoids costly penalties at critical times if they are to win games against the six top 25 ranked opponents on their schedule.

First Quarter Scoring: In case you were napping or hiding under a rock somewhere last year, Miami's offense improved significantly in 2009.  New offensive coordinator Mark "Miracle" Whipple had a huge impact on the Hurricanes offensive scheme and production.   He made it really easy to forget Patrick "I Ain't The Fix" Nix.

Miami improved to 31st Nationally in scoring offense and 45th in total offense last season in spite of a weak offensive line and a first year starting quarterback.  The Hurricanes were 4th in total offense and 5th in scoring offense in the ACC.  Considering from where they had come in 2008, not bad at all.

The Hurricanes scored 394 points, or an average of just over 30 points/game.  That is an increase from 352 points and 27 points/game in 2008.  However most of those points came in the third and fourth quarters.  Miami scored 175 first half points and 219 in the second half during the 2009 season. 

How many times did you sit in the stands at The Shark during the first quarter of games last year and say to yourself or even out loud "When is this team going to show up" or even worse "What team is that?"  Hurricane fans even booed the home team during the first quarter of the Duke game last year.

Slow starts and three and outs seemed to be the norm early in games in 2009.  The first quarter saw Miami score their fewest points: 79.  Frustration (Clemson) and at times desperation (VT and UNC) would then lead to sacks, penalties and turnovers.  That is a a recipe for disaster.

This season the Hurricanes must score early and often to take the pressure off of themselves and to allow the Miami defense to put the pressure on the opposing team. 

Miami must avoid the three costly negatives of penalties, sacks and turnovers on offense.

Miami must sack the opposing QB more often and pick off more passes than they did last year on defense.

That my friends is the recipe for success in 2010.

Comments

[SOUP]

Butch ...on spring game... note around the 7:50 to 8:40 mark... WR

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/

Posted by: Cat5Cane | April 16, 2010 at 05:54 AM

VT... W/L record since 1953 playing 27 games

Opponent W/L, PCT, PF-PA, AVG, STK ,Last10
Miami 10/17, 37%, 483-534, 18-20, W-1, 5-5

Note we've beat them 63 percent of the time and we have the best record against them in there history.

http://www.hokiesports.com/football/opponents.html

Posted by: Cat5Cane | April 16, 2010 at 06:37 AM

I'm pissed...

2009 ACC Championship ring
http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-tech-sports/2010/04/14/isaiah-johnson-impressing-the-bling-bling-is-here/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_tech_sports

2009 National Championship Ring
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2010/4/14/1422448/sec-championship-ring-on-the-left

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2010... MOTTO... GET THE F@CK OUT OF THE WAY!

Posted by: Cat5Cane | April 16, 2010 at 07:38 AM

[solarcane]

wha 2

[Aqua]

Does anyone know how many Canes were drafted #1 overall?

Posted by: Aqua | April 15, 2010 at 10:32 PM

[Lurker]

This offseason is killing me

[Ungar]

With that being said, when would announcing a deal (timing) have the MOST positive impact?

Think, think, think...

Posted by: SOUP | April 15, 2010 at 04:57 PM

Oh, about three months ago would have been nice.

[Ungar]

SOUP, you are first, so contact 86Cane to get your Canespace Shirt.

(yeah, I know, I know...)

[Lurker]

Does anyone know how many Canes were drafted #1 overall?

Posted by: Aqua | April 15, 2010 at 10:32 PM

Ok, I'll bite. It's 59 all time 1st round picks.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?abbr=M&collegeName=Miami+%28Fla.%29&abbrFlag=0&type=school

[Aqua]

I didn't say first round picks, I said #1 overall, including supplemental draft.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Five from ACC on Lott Trophy Watch List

April, 15, 2010 Apr 152:28PM ETEmail Print Share By David Ubben

The Lott Trophy put five players from the ACC on its 2010 watch list.

Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech Hokies
John Graves, Virginia Tech
Robert Quinn, North Carolina Tar Heels
Duenta Williams, North Carolina
Alex Wujciak, Maryland Terrapins

The award is given to the nation's best defensive "IMPACT" player, an acronym that sums up the player's performance on and off the field. The committee considers each player's integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.

No ACC player has ever won the award, which began in 2004. Jerry Hughes, a defensive end from TCU, took home the award last year.

Comments anyone?
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/10778/five-from-acc-on-lott-trophy-watch-list

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This needs to be pinned up on the locker room door.

[CGNC]

Aqua other than Steve Walsh and Vinnie T I can't remember.......

[Aqua]

CGNC,

good job, those are 2. Walsh was a supplemental pick by Dallas. I'll give you a couple others: Bernie Kosar got taken #1 in the supplemental by Cleveland, and Russell Maryland was taken by Dallas in '91.

That leaves 3 #1 picks left, can u name them? Hint: they're old

[Aqua]

Lol, CGNC knows more about the Canes than you do.

[novaCANephinatic]

Aqua I think only Vinny T and Russell Maryland were the only 2

[novaCANephinatic]

NVM didn't see the post with the supplement included

[Aqua]

Aqua I think only Vinny T and Russell Maryland were the only 2

Posted by: novaCANephinatic | April 16, 2010 at 10:46 AM

that's because your memory doesn't go back that far.

1957- Don Bosseler drafted #1 overall by Washington
1956- Jack Losch, Green Bay
1952- Jim Dooley, Chicago

that makes 7 #1 overall draft picks including the supplemental draft.

Maryland-1991
Walsh- 1989*
Vinny T- 1987
Kosar- 1985*
Bosseler- 1957
Losch- 1956
Dooley- 1952

[Aqua]

Consider your Cane knowledge upped..

[francis w]

Don Bossler was picked by Washington as their first pick at # 9 in the 1957 draft 3 picks after Cleveland picked some running back named Jim Brown from Syracuse
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1957.htm

[CGNC]

Funny that Craig Erickson got drafted twice - 4th and 5th rounds and had a pretty decent season at Tampa Bay when they were the bottom of the barrel- several thousand yards and almost 20 TD's I think. Let's face it Tampa Bay was the undoing of alot of 'em....LOL

[CGNC]

LOL I can't believe I forgot about Kosar....

[Aqua]

Don Bossler was picked by Washington as their first pick at # 9 in the 1957 draft 3 picks after Cleveland picked some running back named Jim Brown from Syracuse
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1957.htm

Posted by: francis w | April 16, 2010 at 11:03 AM

good stuff Fran, I gotta book here at the Hecht that lists him as the #1 pick of the 57 draft. I guess it needs revising.

[Aqua]

CGNC, yeah Kosar was a supplemental pick, I think if you took a pick in the sup draft, it took away a pick in the same round in the real draft that year..

I think the last guy I saw drafted in the sup draft was the DT from USC Manny Wright, I think Saban took him in the 3rd for the fins. Saban tore him a new one and he started crying on the practice field..

[j.w.]

Thanks, Aqua- I didn't know about the older guys and also totally forgot about Kosar going in the SUpp. draft.

[The []_[]]

http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2010/04/15/man-dunks-gets-foot-stuck-in-rim-video-promptly-put-on-youtube/?icid=main|main|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fbackporch.fanhouse.com%2F2010%2F04%2F15%2Fman-dunks-gets-foot-stuck-in-rim-video-promptly-put-on-youtube%2F

This is hilarious....

[CaneSawMassacre]

SOUP - you mentioned spring game DVD's were you giving a few of those out... Or do I have to pay a charge?

If it costs I want it but I'll have to wait until next month.

Ballin' on a budget.

[Cat 5 Cane]

The price of taunting rises in college football

01:26 AM CDT on Friday, April 16, 2010

Column by CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News | [email protected]

Chuck Carlton
Archive | E-mail

Senior receiver Quan Cosby hauled in a Colt McCoy pass, split two Ohio State defenders and leaped into the end zone.

Back in the 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the play produced a game-winning touchdown for Texas in the final seconds, albeit with a celebration penalty tacked onto the kickoff.

Come 2011, the points could be taken off the scoreboard and the ball placed at the 18, 15 yards from where Cosby launched himself.

Of the three major college football rule changes announced Thursday by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, a crackdown on taunting seems destined to cause the most discussion.

A well-intentioned attempt that begins in 2011 could carry unforeseen consequences. While only people with Miami Hurricanes championship rings actually defend taunting, the solution may not be perfect.

"I don't disagree with it, but am worried about the consistency in how the rule is interpreted, especially when it can cost a team a touchdown," Texas coach Mack Brown said. "It can be looked at so differently by the various officiating groups around the country and a call would have such a major impact on games that in fairness, it's crucial that it is called the same way for everyone."

Under the current rules, players who taunt on their way to the end zone could receive a 15-yard penalty on the conversion attempt or kickoff.

Now, it's a spot-of-the foul penalty, which means a touchdown could be negated by a player holding the football aloft or high-stepping or some other theatrical move.

SMU coach June Jones agreed with Brown that it could be a "critical, critical call." FSN Big 12 studio analyst Pat Jones, the former Oklahoma State coach, noted the celebration penalty incurred by Washington quarterback Jake Locker two years ago.

After scoring a touchdown to bring the Huskies within one point of BYU, Locker tossed the football high into the air.

Out came the flag for excessive celebration, and the long Washington PAT was blocked.

"They have to be careful not to put the officials into a gray area," Pat Jones said, "but the intent is good."

Just imagine the uproar if a borderline call negates a touchdown in a high-profile game like the AT&T Red River Rivalry.

Grant Teaff, the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, expressed faith in officials. He also acknowledged natural nervousness on the part of coaches while offering old-school advice.

"If you don't taunt, you don't get your touchdown nullified," Teaff said.

NCAA FOOTBALL RULES CHANGES
A look at the changes enacted Thursday by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel:

2010

• A ban on wedge blocking. The new rule says that when the team receiving a kickoff has more than two players standing within two yards of one another, shoulder to shoulder, it will be assessed a 15-yard penalty. SMU coach June Jones said the rule might be hard to enforce, because "any time there's a judgment rule, it's not fair to the officials."

• No eye-black messages. Eye black containing symbols or messages – including Bible verses, a la Tim Tebow – are prohibited.

2011

• Taunting during a touchdown. Live-ball penalties will be assessed from the spot of the foul and eliminate the score. Examples include players finishing touchdown runs by high-stepping into the end zone or pointing the ball toward an opponent

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More controls!!!

I wonder what Sabin is thinking... ?

Somebody get that bank roll out!!

[PhillyCane]

Has any one else recieved their DVDs of the Spring Game cause I haven't :(

[Six]

Props to Gov. Charlie Crist for vetoing Senate Bill 6

How many people would have the stones between their legs to do that - even if it meant basically losing a HUGE majority of support in your own party

Wow. Crist actually did what you're supposed to do, and that's listen to the people that it's going to affect the most - not the ones on the side that just like to bitch and moan about it

110,000 calls from teachers to your office up in Tally will help do that

That's my political take on the day

[Sebastian]

How deep into the season until some team gets a victory ripped because of that idiotic rule?

What a joke

[NativeCane]

yep Six I thought about U when I passed all them teachers with their Six signs ha!
Go Canes!!!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

What exactly is so offensive about high-stepping or diving into the endzone after you've busted your azz in practice and made a big play??

I understand pointing at another player but what does you celebrating what you've accomplished have to do with anyone else?

Just more of our medieval, miserable past rearing its dismal, ugly head.

[CGNC]

Has any one else recieved their DVDs of the Spring Game cause I haven't :(

Posted by: PhillyCane | April 16, 2010 at 01:10 PM

LOL FLyers fans get their DVD's last....:-D

[CGNC]

Six, I am in Cackalacka, fill me in please?

[NativeCane]

only people with Miami Hurricanes championship rings actually defend taunting
Cav Ha ha.
Go Pat Hill!!!
Go Curtis Porter!!!
Go Canes!!!

[Cat 5 Cane]

When reviewing the 2009 season, name four specific ways the Hurricanes MUST improve in 2010 to be successful?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Starts with Jacory. He must make better decisions and not lock on to one playe, whether he is open or not.

Oline play... The #1 reason why Jacory rushed his throws or got hammered... Look no further the WISC.

We were good last year but Better D-line, DE and LB play... allows more aggressive CB and DB play, which leads to more INT's and turning 6 around.

More production from Special Teams... Panz still isn't off my list.

[Sebastian]

All `phin fans must be rejoicing now that Ginn has been sent packing

[Six]

Native - nice! haha

Ya, I wish they would've had a different number for that Bill instead of Six

[PhillyCane]

HAHA ok I see how it is.. Ima just have to get Hextall on yo a$$ with a tomahawk or whatever else he has in his repertoire

[Six]

CGNC - here's the gist of Senate Bill 6

• Decrease the ability of local school boards and school districts to make a wide array of decisions having an impact on local schools and replacing them with a one-size-fits-all approach mandated from Tallahassee.

• Require that all teachers be retained, certified and compensated based on student test scores on standardized tests -- not years of experience or degrees held.

• Penalize school districts that even consider length of service or degrees held when determining compensation or reductions in force.

• Order that teachers be issued probationary contracts for up to five years; then an annual contract every year after that … eliminating due process.

• Mandate more standardized testing for students (end of course exams for all subjects) and for teachers (additional certification requirements).

• Exclude the salary schedule as a subject of collective bargaining. The state will decide what categories of differentiated pay will be provided for.

• The state will have a much greater hand in appraisals.

• Abolish an effective and popular program that rewards those who become National Board Certified Teachers, a rigorous national program that awards certification after a yearlong, independent review of a teacher’s work in the classroom and knowledge of their field.

Crist's verdict: "We must start over. This bill has deeply and negatively affected the morale of our teachers, our parents and our students. They are not confident in our system because they do not believe their voices were heard."

Under the bill, half of a teacher's evaluation would depend on what kind of learning gains their students made. Those evaluations would determine their pay. New teachers would have been hired on annual contracts with no chance of tenure.

Crist then listed "several reasons of concern" about SB 6 -- among them, that the bill did not "appropriately accommodate" children with special needs and their teachers.

The governor voiced concern that the bill robbed teachers of job security and wrested too much control away from local school districts. He also accused lawmakers of ramming the bill through without involving or heeding the concerns of educators and families.

Crist:

"I find the content of Senate Bill 6, and the manner of its adoption, significantly flawed," said Crist, describing the process as reminiscent of Congress' passage of federal health care reform legislation.

In contrast, Crist said, he will form a task force involving teachers to revamp the state's application to President Barack Obama's $4.35-billion "Race to the Top" education reform grant program, which ties teacher performance to student gains.

[Six]

CGNC - sorry the post was so long, but, it tells what Senate Bill 6 is about and Charlie Crist reaction

I know he was really concerned for the special needs kids, he did an interview at our station and made that a major point - along with certain teachers who are in less than ideal situations with students who basically are in school b/c their parents are using school as a babysitter for the day

When you have kids that christmas tree answers onto a standardized test, just so they can get it over with and sit around the rest of the period - what exactly are you supposed to do. It's not the old days where you can discipline them with a paddle or ruler across the knuckles - and too many times, the parents of the kids just don't care b/c it is a jacked up household at home

[CGNC]

^^^LOL Hextall was entertaining tat's for sure. If you scored a goal you needed to skate away/....FAST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtCGc_6nxfk&feature=PlayList&p=D7D425EB9416D744&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1

[Fighting Ibis]

SOUP - you mentioned spring game DVD's were you giving a few of those out... Or do I have to pay a charge?

If it costs I want it but I'll have to wait until next month.

Ballin' on a budget.

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | April 16, 2010 at 12:36 PM

BG posted a torrent link to download the spring game. Hell I already have the spring game on my MP3 player.

[Fighting Ibis]

More controls!!!

I wonder what Sabin is thinking... ?

Somebody get that bank roll out!!

Posted by: Cat5Cane | April 16, 2010 at 12:52 PM

This BS happens because there's always some asshole with a little bit of power trying to pass his beliefs on to others. The socialism that oozes from the public sector will destroy the greatest game ever along with the entire country. Liberals are the weakest link and they get their way because of bleeding hearts.

[j.w.]

Ginn for a fifth round pick! Rejoiceing indeed, Seb. 57. Great deal for the Phins to get anything for him.

[j.w.]

Rejoicing ^^

[CGNC]

Thanks Six - I couldn't get past Paragraph 2 - it was insane. When Heather was younger I used to dread FCAT time

[CGNC]

What happened to Dayton?

[pb(CSROH10)]

The Gator's D will suck this year so they made that rule to help take away opposing team's TDs at a crucial point of the season.

They already used the multiple questionable calls from a biased officiating crew deal last year. Needed something fresh.

[CGNC]

PB - LOL didn't think of it that way

[Caniak]

The new rules sucks

[CGNC]

"Excessive" celebration rule is ridiculous too - the way it is enforced