Canespace

Five Things I Want To See Against FAMU

This blog was written for Canespace by UMike

I’m sure you all feel the same way as me about the upcoming Miami-FAMU game: Thank God college football is back! 

 
As I am sure many of you would agree I can’t wait to see this year’s version of my beloved Hurricanes as it appears that Miami is ready to return to National prominence once again. 

On a personal note, I am also especially looking forward to watching the games with both of my sons now that they actually understand the game of football.  This season should be fun to watch together.

 
I got to thinking about this game and things I was hoping to see, so I made a list, in no particular order, of five things I want to see happen in the FAMU game. 

Most Starters Out For Second Half: It seems like it’s been a long time since this has happened. With both coordinators returning as well as many returning starters on both sides of the ball there is no reason for this not to happen. Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple should have the offense clicking on all cylinders to start the year unlike in years past where UM had to break in a new offense. Same goes for the Miami defense that returns with John Lovett at the helm. Miami should easily have this game in hand by half time, allowing the starter’s time to rest up for the Ohio State game.

At Least One Long TD Run: Quick, who can remember the last 50+ yard touchdown run by a Miami running back? I know I can’t. Maybe it was McGahee, or Gore or perhaps even Tyrone Moss?  All I know is it seems like it has been forever. No offense to Graig Cooper who I love as a 'Cane, but on all his long runs he always got caught from behind. With the exception of the Texas A&M game, none of his long runs have resulted in touchdowns. With so many reports of long touchdown runs this year in Spring practice and Fall scrimmages, this shouldn’t be too far fetched.

With Damien Berry, Mike James (seen below flashing The U and his trademark smile), Lamar Miller, and Storm Johnson in the lineup, someone should be able to break free and hit another gear and take it to the house!

 
First Defensive Shutout of 2010: Plain and simple: a team like FAMU should NOT be scoring on our first team defense. I miss the days where we had a shutout going until the fourth quarter when our second or third team defense would come in and eventually give up a meaningless touchdown in the closing minutes. Our defense needs to set the tone early and often, get off of the field, stay healthy and then rest up for Mr. Pryor and his Ohio State Buckeyes.

Zero INT’s For J12:  For starters, Harris should only play a half of this game, limiting the amount of time he would normally have to throw an interception. Second, J12 is completely healthy and a year older which should cut down his INTs tremendously in 2010.  Against FAMU there would be no excuse for him to throw an INT in only one half of work.  No mistakes, no injuries and score lots of points early and often.  That is the recipe on offense for the Hurricanes against FAMU.

 
Four or More Sacks:  We should have one of the best defensive lines in the nation and we need to put America on notice that we have arrived. With Allen Bailey, Adawale Ojomo, Andrew Smith, Marcus Robinson (seen above with OcalaCane), Olivier Vernon, Dyron Dye and others at the defensive end spot we should be able to muster up at least four sacks against an over-matched FAMU offensive line.  Coach Petri better be feeding the DL raw meat all this week and then, come game time, let the big dogs out to eat against FAMU. 

These are just some things I want to see Thursday night. 

Please feel free to add to the list...

Canespace News and Notes

The Hampton Inn: If you are traveling to South Florida for a University of Miami football game this year then we highly recommend that you stay at the designated Canespace hotel for these events: The Hampton Inn - Plantation. 

 
This award-winning, luxury hotel is situated in an ideal location just West of University Drive and just a few blocks north of I-595.  The Hampton Inn is located near numerous restaurants and several sports bars, is in walking distance to the Broward Mall and only 20 minutes from Sun Life Stadium. 

 
Hurricane fans from near and far literally take over the hotel lobby and patio before and after UM home games.  There are always opportunities for car pooling to the game, purchasing tickets and snatching up one of the prized  Canespace T-shirts.

 
Canespace usually throws a "Party On The Patio" after every home game with free food, beverages and prizes for UM trivia contests.  With a lush, tropical setting and a large pool and jacuzzi, the Hampton Inn patio is THE place to celebrate each Hurricane victory in 2010! 

The special Canespace Rate is $89 and includes a FULL hot breakfast.

For reservations please contact the hotel front desk or speak to: 

Susan Stern, Director of Sales, Hampton Inn Plantation: 954-382-4500 

Or reserve your room on line with Canespace Corporate Code 0002702804 at: 

www.ftlauderdaleplantation.hamptoninn.com

It Pays To Discover:Discover Financial Services announces a Four-Year, Five-Game Deal with ESPN and the Orange Bowl Committee Includes 2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game.

 
Discover, the Orange Bowl Committee and ESPN announced today that an agreement has been reached for Discover to be the title sponsor for the 2011-2014 Orange Bowl Games and the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.

The Orange Bowl Game will be known as the "Discover Orange Bowl" and the 2013 BCS National Championship game to be hosted by the Orange Bowl in South Florida will be named the "2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game." Under the partnership, Discover will be the official card of the Orange Bowl and the Bowl Championship Series.

 
"We are very excited to partner with the Orange Bowl and college football on ESPN," said Harit Talwar, President of U.S. Cards for Discover. "As title sponsor of the Orange Bowl, Discover will be rewarding our cardmembers all year long with exclusive benefits, including ticket offers and unique experiences at the Discover Orange Bowl. It's a great way to show how it pays to Discover."

"Discover's commitment to the Orange Bowl reinforces the game's national strength and appeal as one of the premier sporting events in the country," said Eric Poms, CEO of the Orange Bowl Committee. "We welcome Discover to South Florida and the home of championship college football and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership. Our shared passion will leave a lasting impact on our community, while further enriching the 77-year history of the Orange Bowl."

 
The first Orange Bowl game was played in 1935 with the mission to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and Festival. In its 77-year history, the Orange Bowl has hosted 19 National Champions, 17 Heisman Trophy winners and in 1965 became the first Bowl game to be played in prime time. 

 
The Orange Bowl Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the South Florida community, and brought nearly $200 million in economic impact during the 2008-09 season, when the Orange Bowl Committee hosted both the Orange Bowl and BCS National Championship. 

Miami Hurricanes Radio Show:  Long-time Canespacers and Canespace Ring of Honor members Esteban and bg1906 have started their own nationally syndicated radio show for Hurricane fans all across the Country to enjoy.  The show is on Sunday nights from 6-6:30 PM.

The show, titled Hurricane Alley, can be found here: www.blogtalkradio.com/ufrsports.

The call in number is (646) 716-4648.  

Esteban was the originator, writer and director of the highly acclaimed video series, "Break It Down" here on Canespace last season while bg1906 is renowned for his college football recruiting knowledge, National Signing Day coverage and NCAA video game previews over the last three years.

Remember to tune in on Sunday nights from @ 6 PM.  We encourage you to listen in for Hurricane news and call in and ask them a question as they break down the upcoming Miami games this season.

UM Going Techno:  Thanks to UM Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt and newly hired UM Director of Communications Chris Freet the University of Miami is all of a sudden leading the charge to use the currently available technology and every single one of the Internets developed by former Vice President Al Gore to communicate with Hurricane fans everywhere. 

 
As techno savvy fans have learned UM has begun utilizing Twitter to provide real-time updates of UM Athletic Department news and has developed a new blog to provide daily practice information and extensive video highlights and interviews from all of the fall practices and scrimmages. 

The 'Canes are also now on Facebook and YouTube as well as on the official UM web site at www.hurricanesports.com.  

U can find info on UM at these links all across the Internet:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hurricanesports

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miami-Hurricanes/142963282409341

Blog: http://www.theufootball.com/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/canesallaccess

I have sent several emails to both Kirby and Chris thanking them for changing the way the UM AD does business with their fans by becoming more accessible and informative about what's happening in and around the Hecht Athletic Center on the beautiful UM campus in lovely Coral Gables.

The Optimist And The Pessimist

This blog was written for Canespace by Rashad (The Playa)

As many of you know, college football fans often see the glass as either half empty or half full.  As we enter the 2010 football season it is no different among University of Miami fans. 

When discussing the UM football team on a regular basis I've heard both arguments on last season’s 9-3 record.  Some say the Canes should have had an even better record while others claim that Miami was lucky to get to nine wins. 

 
I consider myself a HUGE Canes fan, but one that looks at everything objectively. I criticize when I see certain things that don’t seem right, but I also give praise when it calls for it.

So I thought I would share some of the arguments that I’ve been having with other Canes fans over the past few months so all of you could throw in your two cents. 

The Optimist: The ‘Canes finished 9-3 and could have finished 11-1. If not for the INT's against UNC, Miami might have been in a different bowl, thus not playing a lackluster game against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl. Jacory threw for over 3,000 yards, many of them with a bad thumb, and this team is on the cusp of being a National Title Contender in 2010.

The Pessimist:  The Canes finished 9-3, but if not for a dropped pass by FSU, if not for an injured Sam Bradford, and if not for an early Christmas gift at Wake Forest, the Canes could have easily finished with a 6-6 record. Shannon calls too many timeouts at the wrong times, the team doesn’t have enough depth at linebacker or defensive back etc. etc. etc.

 
This is where I stand with the Canes: I'm very proud at the steps being made. Then again, I tend to look at things down the middle, and I personally see a team that is ready to compete for the ACC title.  Yes, of course we all want to win it all, but you have to learn how to walk before you run. 

Miami is loaded with weapons on offense. The ‘Canes have a deadly three headed monster at running back. Jacory has weapons at his disposal at WR and another 3,000 yard season seems to be a mere formality. If the offensive line can do their job there could be an explosion of points like we have not seen in the 305 since 2001. 

 
On the defensive side of the ball the D-Line has as much depth as any UM team.  I personally cannot wait to see Ojomo on one side and Bailey on the other. At LB Spence and McCarthy staying healthy will be key in helping the Canes win the ACC for the first time. I have a feeling that Spence is going to have a breakout year, after having a setback in his sophomore year. At safety I think Miami has two of the better young players in the conference. 

So as I stand back and look at this upcoming season I see the Canes going 10-2. If anyone thinks that’s a disappointment, then take off the 2001 goggles.

 
Going undefeated in today’s NCAA is so hard to do. Sure Alabama may have accomplished it last year, but they had their own close calls (remember Tennessee and Auburn?). 

This Miami team has turned the corner in my personal opinion, and there are no more excuses that can be made.  The coaches, the players and the entire team should be ready to rumble. 

It is time to either win or go home. 

I say 10 wins and an ACC title sounds about right. 

What do U say?

Hurricanes Unlikely To Get Rattled By FAMU

Quick, riddle me this: Has "The U" ever lost to FAMU?

OK, your time is up...If you said no, you would be dead wrong! 

 
In 1979 when Howard Schnellenberger (seen above with his famous pipe) arrived at the University of Miami to revive the almost comatose UM football program and just four years before he coached the Hurricanes to the National Championship against Nebraska (seen below), the Rattlers beat the Hurricanes 16-13 at FSU's Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Here is a summary of that season and game from the FAMU web site:

1979 – 7-4-0 • Upset University of Miami, 16-13
  
In 1979, injuries spoiled a potential championship season, as the defending national champs bolted to a 5-0 start before finishing 7-4.
  
FAMU came into the season armed with a boatload of veterans off their 1978 team, including future College Hall of Fame guard Tyrone McGriff, a three-time All-American (1977, 1978, 1979), and were ranked No. 1 for most of the first month of the season.
   
However, the singular highlight of this campaign came in week four, when the University of Miami came into Doak Campbell Stadium thinking the Rattlers would be an easy mark.  Instead, the Hurricanes found themselves in a battle as the Rattlers dueled them toe-to-toe for four quarters, using a hard-hitting defense and the option ground game to keep the Boys from Coral Gables off balance all day.

Vince Coleman’s 34-yard field goal with 3:49 left staked FAMU to a 16-13 lead, but the defense saved the day, slamming the door on UM after the ‘Canes had driven inside the 10-yard line, forcing a game-tying field goal try on fourth down which missed, igniting a celebration for the ages.

Here is the all-time FAMU vs UM series scorecard:

1979 - FAMU 16, Miami 13
1980 - Miami 49, FAMU 0
1992 - Miami 38, FAMU 0
1995 - Miami 49, FAMU 3
1999 - Miami 57, FAMU 3
2002 - Miami 63, FAMU 17
2006 - Miami 51, FAMU 10

The two teams met again in October of 2009 and before that game this was posted on the Rattlers' web site:

The anniversary of 1979 upset looms this week Despite the fact that Miami has won the last six games in the series with FAMU, Rattler fans still cherish the moment of rarified air they enjoyed in October of 1979, when FAMU stunned the 'Canes, 16-13 in Tallahassee's Doak Campbell Stadium.

In 2009 FAMU lost to UM by the score of 48-16. 

So, if you add it all up, since 1980 the Rattlers have scored 49 points against  the Hurricanes while Miami has scored 368 points against FAMU. 

Can you say "mismatch"?  Yeah, I thought you could!

But at least FAMU does have the best marching band in the Country:

Like I said, FAMU does have an awesome marching band!

Game Prediction: Miami hangs half a hundred on the Rattlers as the Hurricanes' defense shuts down the Rattlers offense and Miami's third (Lamar Miller) and fourth (Storm Johnson) string running backs break long runs for two additional scores late in the game.

Score: UM 55, FAMU 10

Rewind: 2009 Legends Of The Fall Winners

As all of you Canespacers (old and new) now know one of our annual traditions here at Canespace is for the fans to select their "Legends of the Fall" (LOF) prior to each football season.  

Each blogger selects one player on offense and one on defense that they believe will have either an all-star season or a breakout season that will lead the Hurricanes to victory.

In 2009 we had 131 total bloggers vote in the official LOF poll.  Some were frequent bloggers who you would recognize but many others were those who read regularly but rarely comment. 

In addition we had several guest bloggers who also voted in the poll that you will read more about later in the article.  Among these we former Hurricanes OL Don Bailey Jr. (seen above with Canezilla and The Shoes), QB Steve Walsh, LB Jon Beason, and WR Lamar Thomas (seen below with 86Cane). 

We also had responses from media representatives Manny Navarro (MIami Herald) , Shandel Richardson (Sun-Sentinel) and Gary Ferman (Canesport).

Here are the official Canespace Legends of the Fall for 2009:

Offense: Leonard Hankerson, Jacory Harris, Jason Fox, Jimmy Graham*.

Defense: Brandon Harris, Allen Bailey, Colin McCarthy and Sam Shields*.

QB Jacory Harris, who early on was considered to be a legitimate Heisman candidate during the 2009 season, was a no-brainer.  WR Leonard Hankerson was a surprise to many as apparently 'Hank's work with former Miami Dolphin WR Mark Duper paid huge dividends.  Jason "No Flaws" Fox was steady and reliable and the Canes best and most consistent OL. 

Allen Bailey played both DT and DE and was a popular choice among the fans. CB Brandon Harris was the Hurricanes most improved player and won several post-season accolades.  LB Colin McCarthy was among the Canes leading tacklers and was Miami's best LB in 2009. 

Jimmy Graham (seen above with OcalaCane and The Queen of Coffee) and Sam Shields were selected as "Honorary Canespace Legends", not necessarily for burning it up on the field but for their hard work, effort and team orientation that helped Miami win games this year. 

As you know, Graham went from being a basketball player at UM to becoming a very good TE in less than six months.  Shields changed positions before the season to help the team as he went from being a WR to becoming a starting CB and special teams star. For their unique contributions and special efforts they deserve to be recognized as Legends of the Fall.

The official winners of the Canespace 2009 "Legend of the Fall" selection process were:

ColdCane: Jacory Harris and Brandon Harris

TeflonCane: Leonard Hankerson and Allen Bailey 

OrangeandGreenintheVein: Jacory Harris and Allen Bailey

Conch: Jacory Harris and Allen Bailey

SarasotaCane: Jacory Harris and Sam Shields

CoCane: Jimmy Graham and Sam Shields

In the original voting WR LaRon Byrd led the ballots on offense with 26 votes.  Jacory Harris was second in the balloting and received 23 votes. 

Only six Canespacers voted for 2009 LOF selection WR Leonard Hankerson: ColdCane, Calvin, 360, Rashad, TeflonCane and guest blogger Lamar Thomas.  Only three bloggers went out on a limb and voted for honorary selection TE Jimmy Graham: OceanCane, CoCane, and Sy-Cane.

Vaughn Telemaque (seen below with AngryCane), Eric Moncur and Marcus Forston all received numerous votes on defense yet failed to make the final cut.  LB Colin McCarthy led the Canespace LOF selections on defense with 11 votes.  UM DE/DT Allen Bailey was second among the defensive selections with 8 votes. 

DB Brandon Harris received five votes from Bham, ColdCane, NashvilleCane, Slim32 and SeoulCane.

Surprisingly Canespace honorary selection DB Sam Shields received eight pre-season votes from RayChanCanesFan, 323Cane, CanesGirlNC, CoCane, NativeCane, SarsotaCane, Sam Shields Sr.  and 86Cane.

Among the former players three had selections that had one correct pick were: Jon Beason who selected Jacory Harris; Lamar Thomas chose Hankerson; and Don Bailey Jr. voted for McCarthy.  Only Steve Walsh who selected Graig Cooper and Sean Spence (seen below with 86Cane) was shut out.

The media representatives were not as lucky.  Manny voted for Kendal Thompkins and Vaughn Telemaque, Shandel chose Graig Cooper and Telemaque and Gary selected Thompkins and Ojomo.  

All were all shut out in the selection process, which just goes to show how difficult the Legend of the Fall selection process really is! 

So now we move to the 2010 Legends of the Fall and the new selections are in.  They will be posted tomorrow night here on the blog.

Good luck to all of those who participated and GO CANES!

Miami Hurricanes 2010 Pre-Season Rankings

Most experienced and knowledgeable college football fans do not place much importance or put much credence into pre-season rankings. 

It seems that every year there are always some examples of complete flame outs and some shocking surprises among the top 25 teams that are ranked prior to the season in the major college football polls.

For the University of Miami football team "13" seems to be their lucky number for 2010.  The Hurricanes will enter the 2010 season ranked No. 13 in several polls including the Associated Press, The USA Today and the ESPNU Fan polls. 

Miami's highest ranking comes from the ESPN Power Poll where the Hurricanes are ranked #10.

Last season, Miami opened the year unranked in the AP poll and finished at No. 19 after posting a 9-4 record. The Hurricanes return a number of important pieces to this year's team, including All-America cornerback Brandon Harris, All-ACC defensive end Allen Bailey and junior quarterback Jacory Harris.

Miami has their hands full this season as they will face six of the pre-season Top 25 teams this year: No. 2 Ohio State, No. 10 Virginia Tech, No. 15 Pitt, No. 16 Georgia Tech, No. 18 North Carolina and No. 20 Florida State. 

Three of those games are at home at the recently renamed Sun Life Stadium but three are on the road @ OSU on 9/11, @ Pitt on 9/23 and @ GT on 11/13.

The Wisconsin Badgers, who beat Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl last December in Orlando, are ranked just ahead of the Hurricanes at #12 in the AP and USA Today polls.

Virginia Tech, which is ranked in the top 10 in all of the polls and as high as #6 in one poll (USA Today), is the only ACC team ranked above Miami.

Season prediction: 10-2, with a loss to Ohio State on the road early in the season and VT at home late.

Editor's Note: Please click on the link below and post a comment at The Miami Hurricane site:

http://blogs.themiamihurricane.com/index.php/2010/08/21/canespace-colleagues?blog=24

Legends Of The Fall: Part Deux

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 Leonard Hankerson (seen below) and Brandon Harris.

There are your unusual selections and surprises like kicker, punter and lead body slammer Matt Bosher who just happened to be the Canes 2008 MVP.

Other bloggers are more traditional or conservative in their picks and select juniors or seniors who are projected to finally have that one 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 above with Ryan Hill) 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.  

U choose, U win!

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 Leonard Hankerson (seen below) and Brandon Harris.

There are your unusual selections and surprises like kicker, punter and lead body slammer Matt Bosher who just happened to be the Canes 2008 MVP.

Other bloggers are more traditional or conservative in their picks and select juniors or seniors who are projected to finally have that one 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 above with Ryan Hill) 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.  

U choose, U win!

Straight From The Source

Recently we had the chance to chat with University of Miami student Justin Antweil about the upcoming football season for the Hurricanes.

 

Justin is the sports editor for The Miami Hurricane, the student newspaper at UM.  He is also the sports director for WVUM, the student radio station.

 

 

You can read his articles at themiamihurricane.com and listen to him and his staff broadcast all Hurricane home football games at wvum.org. 

 

1.  We hear from the UM ticket office that sales are WAY up this year.  UM AD Kirby Hocutt and the newly hired Chris Freet as SID is changing the way UM communicates with their fans for the better. What's the general consensus on how students at UM feel about the players, coaches and direction of the team?

Students at UM are extremely excited and optimistic about the season. I think every student will put his or her name in the lottery to try and get the right to buy tickets to the Ohio State game. But I think students are ready to see this team win on a consistent basis. From a public relations standpoint, the school is happy to report high Academic Progress Reports and a great Graduation Rates but the bottom line is fans just want to win. The current seniors at UM have not seen UM win a bowl game in their four year tenure. Miami is a football school first and foremost and it’s time Miami gets back to its winning ways.

 

2. Many Canes fans feel that the 2010 team may go 10-2 and compete for an ACC title.  We have a group of hard core fans known as the 12%ers that believe (like every year) that the Hurricanes will be undefeated and compete for a BCS Championship.  Still other's have their doubts about the experience, talent and depth on this team and see another 9-3 season ahead with 2011 as the year the Canes once again grasp the Holy Grail.  Where do you fall along this continuum?

 

I would define a successful season as making the BCS National Title game. January 8, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona is the only date and place UM fans should have on their minds. Once you make it to the big game, you have no control what happens (cough cough pass interference call against OSU). Miami has improved every year under Randy Shannon going from five to seven to nine wins, now it’s time to make the next step. There is really no excuse. Players are not young, the same pairing of coordinators return and there is finally depth on the roster excluding tight ends and linebackers. It’s hard to believe Miami has yet to even make the ACC Title game since they switched conferences. The ACC is not a premiere conference in football, it’s known for its basketball prowess. This team has all the tools, the big question is can these athletes become football players and make plays on the gridiron. We hear a lot about All-Americans on Green Tree Practice Field, now let’s see it when it counts.

 

3. We know the offense is loaded with talent at the skill positions but some fans are still concerned about the UM offensive line.  Do you have any clear evidence that the OL will be able to keep QB Jacory Harris standing upright and most importantly staying healthy all season long?

 

I have an extreme amount of confidence in the offensive line. While they allowed 35 sacks last year and were abysmal in the bowl game against Wisconsin, this year they have depth and talent. Orlando Franklin will be solid on the offensive line and Joel Figueroa will make the seamless transition from guard to tackle. Tyler Horn can do a serviceable job at center like AJ Trump did last year. And there is plenty of depth. Players like Brandon Linder, Shane McDermott and Malcolm Bunche won’t even start and they could be starting at a lot of other BCS schools. The big wild card is what does Randy Shannon and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland do with Seantrel Henderson, the top offensive line prospect in the country. He’s too good to redshirt. I think he starts by the Florida State game. He’s just too talented to be watching from the sideline.

 

4. Now about the linebacker situation, what do your sources and senses tell you that Randy Shannon is going to do at MLB?  Kylan Robinson?  Surely U must be kidding?

 

Randy Shannon, a former linebacker himself, just loves veteran linebackers. We’ve seen him play Tavares Gooden, Romeo Davis, Glenn Cook, Darryl Sharpton and now he’s hyping up Kylan Robinson. There’s a reason why Robinson has not seen meaningful action during his tenure. I don’t trust K-Rob at all. I think Colin McCarthy will slide over to MLB and Jordan Futch, once healthy as he recovers from ACL surgery, will start at OLB.

 

5. The schedule, especially early on, is brutal.  What games do you see as Miami's toughest challenges or match-ups along the way?

 

While it is brutal, that’s why you come to Miami. To play in big time games. But the schedule is not as tough as it seems. Miami’s toughest ACC games are at home at Sun Life Stadium. They play Florida State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina all in Miami Gardens. That’s a big advantage. I think the biggest game will be October 2^nd against Clemson in Death Valley. That will set the tone for ACC Play. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker is expected to return and not sign a pro deal with the Colorado Rockies.

 

6. Now for the REALLY important stuff: How are the cheerleaders looking in tryouts and early practice this year and do you have any video or photos of the 2010 squad?

Unfortunately I have no inside nuggets about any five star recruits the cheerleading squad brought in. Personally, I prefer the Sunsations over UM’s cheerleaders.

Canespace Catches Some Rays

I know, I know football practice has started and all you want to hear about is who is "flying around" out there at Greentree Field in Coral Gables.   

Or how big and agile Seantrel Henderson really is.  Or how Mike James is pushing Damien Berry for the starting position at RB. 

Or how maybe about why Aldarius Johnson cut his hair, re-dedicated himself and is now in great shape and looking forward to an outstanding season at WR.  Or how Graig Cooper and Jordan Futch are recuperating from their knee surgeries.

We have and will continue to bring you as many updates as is humanly possible over the next several weeks leading right up until September 2 when your Miami Hurricanes begin to play games that will count for the 2010 season.

But on Sunday several Canespacers decided to take a break from the two-a-day practices and go and catch some Rays over in Tampa.  No not at the beach but at The Trop where the Tampa Bay Rays were playing the Baltimore Orioles in a Sunday send off game of the three game series.

Bloggers Six (L), RaizeCane (C), his friend Tim (R) and yours truly (86Cane) got a chance to see how the other half lives when we had the opportunity to sit behind home plate at Tropicana Field and watch the Rays beat Baltimore 3-2 and take the series from the Orioles.

Tampa now sits one game behind the Damn Yankees in the battle for AL East lead. 

We were close up and personal as we watched Evan Langoria as he warmed up to take his hacks at the plate.  But it was Carl Crawford who went yard for the Rays in this contest.

RaizeCane was up to his usual fun and games, Captain Morgan constantly in hand (he was NOT driving).

Longoria was in a fan friendly mood as he chatted with his teammates behind home plate.

And wherever you go please be sure to remember that Canespace rules ALWAYS apply, not matter the sport, the team, or the opponent:

1. U gotta show up.
2. U gotta stay until the end.
3. Good things are bound to happen!

 
Don't even ask me how I do it, I just do.

I'm just sayin...

Hurricanes Introduce Two-A-Days And Two Big Events

Your Miami Hurricanes got busy on Friday for their first of three two-a-day practices of the Fall.  While the big hits could be heard all around the 305 UM was also announcing two big events for fans in South Florida.

The first event is a casual, family type gathering called "Canes Carnivale" scheduled for Saturday, August 28th at the Bank United Center on the lovely UM campus in Coral Gables (see below for details).

The second event is a more formal weekday luncheon on Tuesday, September 7 in Fort Lauderdale with Head Coach Randy Shannon at Timpano Chophouse on Las Olas Boulevard (see below for details).

The reports out of Greentree Field is that he heat (the 'Canes practiced in mid-90's afternoon heat) and the intensity (there were a few altercations) of the first two-a-day practice session picked up significantly. 

There were several heated confrontations between the offense and defense and these incidents clearly reflected the increased enthusiasm the team has going into the 2010 season. 

Several great battles are going on during practice at a number of positions on both sides of the ball as the 85 players compete for one of the 22 starting jobs on the 2010 roster.

The UM Athletic Department provided the following information about the afternoon session on the official University of Miami Hurricane web site @ www.hurricanesports.com:

Defensive Highlights
- Adewale Ojomo, Sean Spence and Brandon Harris swarmed to the ball on rushing plays.
- Spence was solid at his linebacker position all afternoon with good blitzes and dropping back into coverage.
- Micanor Regis and Allen Bailey won the early battle for the defensive line, blowing past offensive linemen Tyler Horn and Harland Gunn. Bailey and Regis combined for a great hit on running back Mike James in 11-on-11 work.
- Freshman defensive back Devont'a Davis made some good plays in the secondary, making good with his time on the field.
- Brandon Harris had an amazing interception on the sideline in 11-on-11 action. Harris was solid all afternoon from his cornerback position, showing great coverage in a variety of defensive packages, as well as coming up for big open-field tackles.
- Fellow defensive back Ryan Hill had an interception return for a touchdown.
- Sophomore linebacker C.J. Holton made a tremendous tackle on running back Eduardo Clements.
- Ramon Buchanan slipped into the offensive backfield several times for pressure and sacks on the quarterbacks with blitzes.
- The entire defensive backfield had lots of solid coverage on the wide receivers, resulting in coverage sacks and tackles-for-loss.
- The backfield included Brandon Harris, Devont'a Davis and DeMarcus Van Dyke.

Offensive Highlights
- Storm Johnson began practice with a long run, assisted by the offensive line opening a huge hole for the freshman to scamper through.
- Aldarius Johnson caught a touchdown pass from Jacory Harris on a long ball fade route.
- Harris hooked up with wide receiver Leonard Hankerson for a nice reception of about 40 yards, beating the defensive coverage of Van Dyke and JoJo Nicolas.
- Quarterback Spencer Whipple completed a long pass to lengthy wide receiver Tommy Streeter.
- Offensive linemen Jared Wheeler and Andrew Tallman opened a huge hole for Whipple to run through.
- Hankerson made an amazing catch on the sideline from Whipple just before falling out-of-bounds.
- Quarterback Alonzo Highsmith, Jr. and Mike James hooked up for a good run-and-catch.
- The second string offensive line gave good protection for the quarterback and opened holes for the running backs, using the blocks of Clive Walford and Billy Sanders.
- Running back Damien Berry ended practice with several good cuts, giving his offensive line time to open holes, and then reading the holes well and exploding through them.