Miami Hurricanes Draw Fans To See Open Practice

Hurricane fans showed up in large numbers early Saturday morning to watch their University of Miami football team practice at Cobb Stadium. 

An estimated 3,000 fans made their way to the lovely UM campus in Coral Gables for the "invitation only" event held for season ticket holders and UM employees. 

Those who did manage to wake up and then show up had to endure the sweltering Summer heat in a dedicated effort to catch a brief, yet exciting glimpse, of the much anticipated 2010 team.

The event was also the only practice that will be open to the media this Fall so many of them were on hand to cover the Hurricanes and grab some quick interviews with a limited group of players selected by UM.  More on that later in this feature article.

Here is our quick summary of the event with information provided by www.hurricanesports.com :

Offensive Highlights:

• Backup QB Spencer "The Younger" Whipple connected on a handful of big passing plays to Freshman TE Asante Cleveland (who may have been the surprise star on the day), Tommy "Downtown" Streeter and Aldarius "Glue Hands" Johnson.
• Mr. Whipple also found Spring sensation Kendal Thompkins on several occasions. Thompkins recorded the most catches during the event, mostly on routes over the middle of the field.
• For the third straight day of practice, projected starting RB Damien "The Beast" Berry stood out in short yardage and goal line situations.  Berry was able to consistently get through the defensive line for what would amount to easy TDs in game situations.
• Starting QB and Heisman watch list nominee Jacory "Tattoo U" Harris connect with the speedy Travis "Beep Beep" Benjamin and AJ II on big passing plays in 11-on-11. Johnson, who some fans believe is the Hurricanes' best WR, had one of the better days among offensive players.

Defensive Highlights:

• Players who recorded sacks were: DT Marcus Fortson, CB Brandon Harris, DE Allen "The Manimal" Bailey and DE Andrew Smith.
• Players who recorded INTs were: CB DeMarcus "DVD" Van Dyke, CB Cory Nelms, S Jo "Squared" Nicolas and S Ray "Squared" Armstrong.
• Others who made plays included: LB Shayon Green, S Jared Campbell and LB Sean "Sleepy" Spence who broke up a reverse attempt by the offense.

The TE battle, in addition to the expected competition at RB and WR, is suddenly shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested positions on the team. 

Many Hurricane fans had already penciled in transfer Chase Ford (seen above), who some have compared to Jeremy Shockey, as the man to beat.  But Saturday's surprising showing by Freshman Asante Cleveland had Coach Shannon and the media buzzing. 

Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald had this to say about Asante Cleveland and the TE position:

University of Miami coach Randy Shannon said Saturday he won't really begin zeroing on position battles or worry about who is running with the first team until after his team's first scrimmage Wednesday night.

But based on what he did Saturday, Asante Cleveland can feel good about at least being on Shannon's radar. In the first and only practice open to season ticket-holders and media this fall, the freshman tight end made a spectacular play that impressed a crowd of about 3,000 -- and Shannon -- when he yanked a Spencer Whipple pass out of the air between three defenders, rolled off contact and sprinted down the middle of the field for a touchdown.

"Unbelievable," Shannon said of the play afterward. "I'm very excited about Asante Cleveland's performance today. He's learning a lot of things and improving every day."

Cleveland (6-5, 250) is one of four tight ends the Hurricanes signed in their 2010 recruiting class. Junior Chase Ford (6-6, 245) also looked impressive Saturday, making a handful of catches over the middle of the field in traffic. Shannon said with only two returning veterans -- fifth-year senior Richard Gordon(6-4, 265) and redshirt freshman Billy Sanders (6-4, 248) -- there is no doubt in his mind at least two newcomers will have to play this coming season. So far, Cleveland looks like the most advanced freshman with Andrew Tallman (6-5, 245) and Clive Walford (6-5, 235) a little further behind.

Read more of Manny's article here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/08/freshman-te-cleveland-turning-some-heads.html#ixzz0vxT8XcgS

Shandel Richardson of the Sun-Sentinel wrote this about the talented TE who came up big today:

UM coach Randy Shannon wasted little time to give a few props to freshman tight end Asante Cleveland.

Shannon opened Saturday’s post-practice press conference by addressing the pending NCAA investigation for improper contact with recruits, but Cleveland was the first name he mentioned. He caught a few passes, including a leaping catch over a couple defenders.

“I’m very excited about Asante Cleveland’s performance today,” Shannon said. “The big catch he had with three people around him was unbelievable.”

Shannon said Billy Sanders and Richard Gordon remain in front because of their experience, but don’t be surprised if at least two of the newcomers grab playing time. Cleveland, out of Sacramento Christian Brothers, and junior-college transfer Chase Ford appear to be the likely candidates.

“I’m going to work as hard as I can to do whatever they need me to do,” Cleveland said.

Of his spectacular grab, Cleveland said, “I had to run a deep route and (Spencer Whipple) just threw it where it needed to be. I jumped and hoped I caught it.”

To hear more about what Shandel was saying after today's event click here: http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2010/08/freshman-asante-cleveland-makes-his-case.html

Comments

[NativeCane]

Whopahead!

[NativeCane]

5th 1st?

[Sebastian]

Its nice hearing some real positive talk about the TE position

Maybe a place of concern will become a place of quality depth much quicker then anyone expected

[SOUP]

Native...I do believe it is! Nice work on brining the news lately.

I was working and traveling for a few days and am just returning to the CCC to resume control of the blog.

SolarCane and Cat5 are on temporary hiatus from the blog until the starting line up is annonced.

[NativeCane]

Teddy Bridgewater and Co. on ESPNU Dish ch. 141 7 0n 7

[NativeCane]

Thanks Soup, Ill do the best I can til Cat5 gets back.

Go Canes!!!

[SOUP]

POLL RESULTS:

41.3% 60% Talent / 40% Coaching

33.9% 70% Talent / 30% Coaching

18.3% 80% Talent / 20% Coaching

6.4% 90% Talent / 10% Coaching

0.0% 100% Talent / Coaching is over-rated

Over 40% believed coaching is 40% of the mixture for success.

Less than 20% believed that coaching accounts for just 20% of success.

Less than 7% believed that coaching only accounted for 10% of success.

Combined more than 75% believed coaching had BETWEEN a 30-40% influence on sucess.

I REST MY CASE!

[WindyCane1]

You need talent in order for coaching to matter. "talent" is a loaded word. Obviously, Coker taught us that 5-star recruits do not mean talent. Good coaches have an eye for true talent, and they know how to recognize it and project it to the next level. Then, that potential has to be brought onto campus and developed into "talent" capable of making plays on a football field.

Although many recruiting websites criticized our staff for not recruiting or keeping "talent" like Willie Williams or Bryce Brown, seems like Shannon and Co. know what they are doing and have recognized, recruited and developed some amazing talent in Coral Gables. The world will be shocked by what the Canes do this year.

This is the most talented team since the early 2000s, and in the near future many of the current Canes will play on Sundays.

[SOUP]

This is the most talented team since the early 2000s, and in the near future many of the current Canes will play on Sundays.

Posted by: WindyCane1 | August 07, 2010 at 07:08 PM

BOLD PREDICTION!

But true...

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Johnson, who some fans believe is the Hurricanes' best WR, had one of the better days among offensive players.

>>>>>>

Hahaha, good one. You're slicker than that giant dome would lead people to believe Charlie B. ;-)

[ZarOkoN]

Seantrel Henderson not being able to fit into the ice tubs is too funny...at 6-8 330 wow...that is a mammoth human! And by reading all the reports..i know its the third day of practice...but is the OL really blocking that good?? didnt record sacks til the end of 11 on 11's?

[SOUP]

Hahaha, good one. You're slicker than that giant dome would lead people to believe Charlie B. ;-)

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 07, 2010 at 07:14 PM

Tee hee, tee hee...U make me laugh like a little school girl.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

The talent vs. coaching question all depends on how equal the talent is for one team versus the other.

If the talent's more or less equal, which it is among top 30 or so schools, then coaching will be the deciding factor. And by coaching I mean everything from pre-game prep to off-season training regimen to 2nd half adjustments.

To me, one of the best examples of the importance of coaching is the way OSU gets whooped when they play teams that can stand toe-to-toe with them athletically then stomp on them tactically and strategically.

That's all coaching.

But the mark of a superior college coach is find the best players both physically and mentally and put them in a systme that maximizes their abilities.

Some coaches do this well, like Petersen and Patterson of Boisie and TCU.

Others not so well, like Tressel, Lloyd Carr, Mark Richt, and of late Les Miles.

Randy Shannon is about to give all these fools a lesson though.

[SOUP]

If the talent's more or less equal, which it is among top 30 or so schools, then coaching will be the deciding factor. And by coaching I mean everything from pre-game prep to off-season training regimen to 2nd half adjustments.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 07, 2010 at 07:22 PM

Agree 100%

[ZarOkoN]

Moreover, Godfrey is not shy on confidence. He broke Miami QB Jacory Harris' county record for career passing yards, and he likes to think that it wasn't by accident. "He's a great quarterback," Godfrey said of Harris. "I'm not saying anything bad about him. I think I'm a better quarterback than he is even though he has a lot of experience in college. He's a great quarterback. He's a great friend. I just think I'm better than him."

Wow...better than Jacory?? when do we play UCF again?

[SOUP]

We don't. Here’s a look at UCF’s future schedules:

2010
Sept. 4: South Dakota
Sept. 11: N.C. State
Sept. 18: At Buffalo
Sept. 25: At Kansas State

2011
Sept. 10: Boston College
Sept. 17: At FIU
Sept. 24: At Texas
TBA: Charleston Southern

2012
Sept. 8: At Pittsburgh
TBA: FIU
TBA: Kansas State

2013
Sept. 7: At FIU
Sept. 21: Bethune-Cookman
Sept. 28: South Carolina

2014
Aug. 30: FIU

2015
Sept. 26: At South Carolina

[dlu]

Another aspect of coaching when former players help out in the off season.

And when the U develops a tradition of upper classmen helping new comers in all phases of the game. Thus, its not totally only the staff coaching at the U.

[Old Skool]

Thanks Native.
Apparently the Buckeye Bandit Maurice is back at OSU taking courses. He's probably a PE student majoring in fencing.

[j.w.]

Thanks for the updates and reports, Soup and everyone! You guys made my day after spending the last few hours at a wedding.

[Six]

Six, what the hell is a "bad feeling that the OL won't gel until Clemson?" Based on what?

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 07, 2010 at 08:26 AM

Based on the fact that Ohio State is only the 2nd game with basically a new Canes line outside of Franklin and Figs. Did I or did I not say that outside of Franklin and Figs, we don’t know what to expect from this OLine? The reason I said that this OLine might not gel until Clemson – is that really much of a stretch? That would only be the 4th game. You expect them to just come together all the sudden by the 2nd game? That’s after only one game of live action vs. FAMU, which they could do in their sleep. Ohio State will be the wakeup call. Pitt will be the after effects of the Ohio State game – good or bad. Clemson will be the 4th game, in which they should hopefully come together as a unit like a damn S.E.A.L. team, knowing each others tendencies. But, you don’t think that’s reasonable? You think it should be before then?

At least with Fox, the Canes knew what they were going to get from his past starts for – they knew they could pencil him in at LT. What was the mainstay that everyone talked about going into last year with the OLine? Fox. Guarantee you go back and look about people talking about the OLine, and I will guaran-damn-tee you that everyone from every electronic/print publication talked about how Jacory will have Jason Fox protecting his blind side. Why did they say that? B/c they had seen him from previous years as the LT. As I said, who other than Franklin and Figs has ANYONE on here really seen in action? Potential? F**k potential. Everyone has potential. Potential is a tag slapped on every jabroni with 4 or 5 stars out there. Potential means jack. You show me exactly what you can do during games and that’s what I go on – not potential – I go on performance. Wow, a kid is big and has good size to him .. he’s a good practice player. You know what we called a couple of kids in college on the baseball team that shined during BP and regular practice, but didn’t show any of that “potential” that people raved about during live games? Mr. 3 pm. Batting practice was a 3pm – and that’s basically what these guys were .. they showed up at 3pm. Come 4pm game time – no where to be seen. These kids had “potential” but they didn’t perform, so we threw that “potential” that was written on their scouting reports on the ground and pissed on it

This year’s “talent” based on what? I already said Franklin and Figs, simply b/c of them playing last year for a huge majority of snaps and both being Seniors this year. What has anyone else on this OLine ever shown you from last year? I must’ve missed every single game that Ben Jones & Tyler Horn started. Ya, they all saw limited action – but you’re trying to tell me in that very very limited action that you saw them in last year that you can evaluate them enough to not have some doubt in your head about going into Ohio State the 2nd game? Alright.

Horn played in 7 games & saw time against FAMU, UCF, UVA & USF at center .. notice the teams

Jones played in 5 games & saw limited time against FAMU, UVA, Duke & USF .. notice the teams

Washington had the most experience out of the 3, just b/c he was on the place kicking unit for 13 games. He finally made a start for the first time in his career vs. USF at LG & also started at LG against Wisky

Washington is like the grandpa of experience of these 3 kids – and that’s not saying much, considering he only started 2 games

All the other OLineman are Frosh, RSFrosh or maybe a Soph thrown in there – with basically no live action seen

And I really don’t care how Ohio State only won by very little against this team or that – they still went 11-2 with a win in the Rose Bowl against Oregon and 7-1 in conference … they still won the game & that is last year, with them being a year more experience in all facets for their starters

What is there to argue about that? 11-2 with a Rose Bowl win. Ugly or not, high scoring or low scoring – they still found a way to pull 11 wins

Remember all that “speed” that the Canes had in the Champs Sports Bowl, going up against a slower Wisky team? Ya, how’d that work out in the end. And that’s a team that lost to Ohio State, even with a bad performance by Pryor and the Ohio State offense – they still won the game … and as I said, good teams find a way to win, when one of their components aren’t clicking that day. Offense is sputtering? Then the defense and special teams take up the slack. Defense blows that day? Then the Offense has to pull an Arena Football type score to win the game

If you don’t think that Ohio State has some players on their offense, then have you really paid attention to them? 9 returning starters on Offense .. 7 returning on Defense. They might not put up great stats due to Pryor taking off and running, but, they still have some players at RB. Saine, Herron, Hall and Martin is the bruiser at RB. Who even knows if Jamaal Berry will fit into their rotation. Saine & Herron combined for 1,339 yards & 11 TDs. Ohio State’s OLine helped the team run for more than 2,500 yards last year.

Posey and Sazenbacher at WR are workers. There’s only one Brandon Harris, so, who’s going to cover the other Ohio State guy? Remember all the talk last year of how bad DVD was? All the sudden people like him now? Or McGee?

You’re telling me you don’t think Ohio State didn’t overlook Navy? Seeing how their next game was USC? Oh, alright. That never happens to teams at all

You talk about BIG, FAST, EXECUTING teams, but yet are you saying that the Canes are BIG, FAST, EXECUTING? B/c they sure the hell didn’t look like it a lot last year & esp. the bowl game against Wisky. You’re talking about 2 games against Navy or Iowa – one is a game they basically overlooked, the other is against a Kirk Ferentz Iowa team who is basically known as a coach that always has a very well prepared team .. and did Ohio State win both of them?

What are these OSU “squads” that you said I speak of? I’m talking about last year’s Ohio State team. When did I ever go plural with them, speaking of other years? If you want to talk that way, then go ahead and tell me how an OLine at Miami that gave up single digit sacks with Dorsey back there, was getting completely manhandled by an Ohio State DLine in the Fiasco Bowl. You tell me then how that Canes team, whom Clinton Portis even sent out invitations before the game even happened to come to his post-game National Championship Winners party for the Canes – lost to that Ohio State team and let that horrific call by Terry Porter decide it? Weren’t the Canes the BIG, FAST, EXECUTING team going into that game?

It happens both ways. Ohio State beat Miami. UiF beat Ohio State. I wasn’t talking about Ohio State “squads” – I was and am talking about Ohio State of last year coming into this year on 9/11 at the Horseshoe

It’s like people just think the Canes are going to roll in there with no problem & just beat that ass. Listen, no one can question what a die-hard Cane fan I am – hell, I’ve been one since 1983-84 when Jimmy Johnson left his house, a few houses down from ours, and went to Miami, while my family followed suit and moved to Florida that same year. But until I see that the Canes are back on the level of not having to think twice about an opponent, like the 12-0 season under Jimmy .. the 12-0 season under Erickson .. the 12-0 season under Coker – the I’m not taking any opponent lightly

We’ll see how people’s tunes change during the game on 9/11 on here from how they are now. You know my feelings already. I’m not taking this game for granted or thinking it will be as easy as some are

[Six]

Ya, that's right

I just got all you peeps ready for my boy Calvin

[Six]

So, which one is it then?

"Their home field advantage should prevent this from being a beatdown, that's about all it will do."

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 07, 2010 at 08:35 AM

"And for the record I never said OSU would be EASY. That's what other people have interpreted from my words."

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 07, 2010 at 04:14 PM

Isn't a beat down generally regarded as easy? even if their "bullshyt mystique" at home as you called it will prevent it from possibly being a beat down?

Using the line of how the Hurricanes have to play Hurricane football in order to win, or, they lost b/c they didn't play Hurricane football ... come on Cav, you're better than that

That's pretty easy to say of the reason they might lose - it's like saying that in order to beat the other team, you have to score more points

[Six]

CanesCanesCanes - the jorts & overall hillbilly Croc fans aren't the normal type people I was probably referring to when I wanted to know just what regular type male will go buy Jockey underwear now just b/c Tebow wears them

Men who buy their underwear based upon a sports person saying they wear them, are not normal ... not at all

[Six]

Sebastian - if I ever hear anyone call James Shields "Big Game" again in a serious tone, I might need some bail money & a good lawyer for the aftermath of what I unleashed upon that person

Outstanding performance today by Shields

9 Hits .. 8 Earned Runs .. 6 HRs .. in 4 innings pitched

Unbelievably crap-tastic

[dlu]

The U , in my opinion, will kill osu. From everything that I have read.

This yrs. team is not going to be last yr.s team but much better.

The o-line will get serious experience going up against a deep, healthy defensive line.
SH has drawn rave reviews, from where he projects to be by the end of practice. The O-line will be better than last yr.

The defense has a different out look this yr. more amped up and ready to attack, be aggressive.
The U speed, at w.receiver and running back will eat osu for lunch. (with the added schemes of Whipple this yr.

[8th Man in the Box]

I was listening to the sport radio here in Columbus yesterday and the host call the Hurricanes #13 ranking an egregious error. Chris Spielman,didn't seem to agree but kept quiet.

Six, I think the Wisconsin game showed us a lot last year. Hopefully the team learned for the manhandling they got and used it to fuel their preparation for this season. I feel the VT, and Wisconsin losses will be a blessing in disguise for us, but I have no doubt in my mind the OSU game will be a slug fest.

Most Ohio folks don't even remotely follow the U therefore they take what they saw for the bowl game as us being weak. Based solely off that performance they are right, but they have to look at some of the other games (ie. OU with the DL) to get a true understanding of who we are. I feel we will pull it out, but I think it won't happen until late in the game.

As a person who watches Buckeyes games every week I warn you not to underestimate them. They don't have many players who stick out on paper, but collectively they know how to win, and will not go away with a couple punches to the face. We'll need to jump on them fast, and not relent until the game is over. If you can keep that crowd quiet, that will be a huge plus.

OL/DL play will be the key for us. I trust Whipple will go with more quick passes/ misdirection early slow down the pass rush.

At the end of the day, I think Buckeye fans will be shocked by the team that shows up. Here hoping for another romp similar to the beatdown in Beaver Stadium in 01

[Sebastian]

"Lame Game" Shields was/is horrible this season. He had that great game last outing against the Yankees but other then that has been a major letdown to this staff.

He tied the Major League record by giving up those 6 HRs today

Oh yeah and the other news that came out is that Stretch is not going to start Sunday because of shoulder soreness and Sonny is coming off the DL to start in his place. He might need to fly back and see Dr. Koco Eaton(never good when you mgiht have to see a doc)

Now how bad is it getting right now. Im really starting to worry about this Division title as well as the wildcard. Wade is hurting, Jeff was scratched, Lame Game is, well Lame Game.

They cant get Helly up here quick enough IMO. Gee...Andy or Helly....

[SOUP]

Ya, that's right

I just got all you peeps ready for my boy Calvin

Posted by: Six | August 07, 2010 at 08:05 PM

Calvin ain't got nothin' on U.

In fact he can't even hold a candle to U!

[SOUP]

OSU since 2002 when they went 12-0 and stole the Fiesta Bowl from UM:

10-2
8-4
10-2
12-0
11-1
10-2

Yeah, they and their coach all suck.

[Sebastian]

Soup
You seem to follow the Marlins a little closer then I am able to do

I flipped to the game and I see Hanley is hitting just .279

Is he fighting some kind of injury? Or has he mailed it in, hoping for a new home next year

[canechic]

Marlins are falling apart period.

[SOUP]

57...Hanely mailed it in three weeks ago, maybe sooner. The Marlins should have traded their "STAR" a long time ago for PITCHING.

Instead they fired their Manager and now have dropped below .500 after losing 5 in a row including beinf SWEPT at home by the Phillies.

HanRam's body language has been FOUL since June.

[SOUP]

UGGLA TIES IT!!!

[SOUP]

Canechic...what's new in your world?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Isn't a beat down generally regarded as easy? even if their "bullshyt mystique" at home as you called it will prevent it from possibly being a beat down?

Using the line of how the Hurricanes have to play Hurricane football in order to win, or, they lost b/c they didn't play Hurricane football ... come on Cav, you're better than that

That's pretty easy to say of the reason they might lose - it's like saying that in order to beat the other team, you have to score more points

Posted by: Six | August 07, 2010 at 08:09 PM

>>>>>>

I can do better than that?? lol

Bro' all you do is site how many returning linemen they have and what Tressel's records have been. Even after I demonstrated to you with four stunning examples that W-L records DON'T MEAN JACK to TACTICS.

If the only thing you can say about the Navy game is "OSU took it lightly", you don't get it bro, you don't get what your Hawaiian boy got when he was studying OSU film.

You definitely don't get what USC got in 2008 and 2009. Hell you don't even get why Iowa, slow-footed Iowa had OSU moved the ball up and down the field AT THE SHOE.

Oh, I forgot about that Shoe mystique that's so intimidating.

Listen, I've said it fifteen different ways but none of them seem to connect the dots with you so I'll try again.

Talent-wise, OSU has a solid team.

Strategically and tactically, they're way below the level of their talent. Just watch any game last year and you'll see what I mean, especially on the offensive side of the football. I don't care whether you watch the Ws and blowouts or the Ls and close games.

The strategic mediocrity of OSU's offense is clear as day. But don't take my word for it. Ask Gino Torretta why he was so underwhelmed by Pryor that he said we could shut him down just by taking away Posey. He said this on WQAM.

I think Gino knows a thing or two about QBs and defenses, no?

But to anyone who's watched CFB over the last five years, this is nothing new.

Hurricane Football means what?? Execution. Speed. Intensity. Mercilessness. Tactical excellence. All rolled into one.

Apparently this is news to you.

After all the examples I gave you did you think I meant we'd beat them the way we beat FAMU or UVA???

Or maybe you think the team we fielded last year played Hurricane Football. To clarify my point I used the RR hit on Murray highlight to show just how far below Hurricane Football we were last year AND WE STILL WON THAT GAME.

So now, maybe you'll understand that I fully expect this team to play Hurricane Football out of the gates. Why? Because now, after two years of ups and downs, Ws and Ls, they have finally learned what it takes, every down, every day in practice and every game.

Now since you seem to know so much about OSU explain to us all why and how they had their asses stomped for three consecutive years after rolling through the Big Ten, with talent, experience, size etc.

If you can't answer it just end this conversation.

[Ungar]

I know you asked SOUP, but yes, since the all star break (and new manager that won't take him out for dogging it), he has slumped at the plate and on the field.

Costly errors and "missed balls" on the field. He had one good play recently backing up a Logan Morrison misplay of a doulbe against the wall, but I would say he hasn't shown much spark otherwise.

Still a top 3 player on the team even when at half speed.

Remember when they accused Wade of dogging it this year? He still has is as he showed Boston for one game. I am betting that Hanley is in the same boat, just keeping from injury until next season.

[Zakkee]

I'm with Six on this debate. We do the same thing (guzzle too much Kool-Aid) there's nothing wrong with wanting to see it on the field. There is NO reason to be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are going to "beatdown" OSU. If you have watched us perform (ESPECIALLY in big games) in the Shannon era, you've seen inconsistency, and you're a little apprehensive about this game (OSU).

8th, brought up a point I made last week and still stand by it. The Hurricanes know how to throw punches (and we will connect first in Columbus), but the question is and has been: 1. can or do we have the ability to take a punch and 2. then can we counter punch. I know OSU will take our punch (their coaches are preparing them too; they're expecting it). I hope our coaches are doing the same. This goes a long way in keeping intensity high and not getting complacent. Stay mentally strong and temper expectations. Its all about what we do; not what they do. DON'T TELL THESE KIDS that they are better than OSU before the game...let them prove it during the game. We have alot to prove and most of the players being mentioned by Cav are unproven like Six said.

In short, if we: 1. protect Jacory and he has time to make reads and check down his receivers (a successfully running game will have a big hand in this key coming to fruition) 2. No turnovers; our RBs don't fumble, so its on Jacory (& the o-line of course). WE WIN every game on our schedule.

They're gonna attempt to bait Jacory into throwing across a congested middle of the field (like they did Dorsey; FSU & Mickey Andrews always does this as well..its part of the "to beat Miami blueprint). Teams have been banking on us not having talented or intelligent QBs since Dorsey. Harris can read and execute plays physically. Run then go up top to Streeter, Hank, Blur and Byrd. I have a feeling that the defense will be fine if we don't turn the ball over.

Where's Calvin, DallasTXCane, & The Truth...good to see dj moon back!

[Nashvillecane]

Lol lol lol..6 and cav goin at it like cane greats did in practice..hahahahaha

[Sebastian]

His contract, if still the same 6 year 70 mil. shouldnt be to hard to find many takers

Pitching shouldnt be a problem in that kind of a trade

[Sebastian]

"any"

[Zakkee]

Cav, you're posting you azz off today brutha! We don't have to totally agree (I do agree with most of your points). This is a blog..and you're making it great today.

[dlu]

There is only one area in the game against ous that is still in doubt, and that is the U's pass coverage.

Myself I am not one to have to wait and see but rather, I like to project from my information. Usually I am right, its a historical fact. The U wins.

[SOUP]

"I'm with Six on this debate."

Me too!

Cav is always CAV. He would believe a blind man could negotiate I-95 in central Miami during rush hour if he wore ORANGE and GREEN.

[SOUP]

FISH WIN, FISH WIN!

Han Ram with the game winner!!!

[SOUP]

Lol lol lol..6 and cav goin at it like cane greats did in practice..hahahahaha

Posted by: Nashvillecane | August 07, 2010 at 09:49 PM

Right? This is like a classic match-up of old. Toe to toe, face to face.

U get hurt or take a play off U going to the bench.

[Sebastian]

Marlins are just 8 1/2 out of the WC chase

They still have a sliver of a chance

[Coach]

Love that Emmitt Smith shouted out everyone BUT the Gators (with Urban Meyer in attendance) and spoke about Jimmy Johnson for about 5 minutes. #TheU

And that Whipple was Dick Lebeau's college roommate.

[NativeCane]

Emmitt Smith Hall Of Fame induction ceremony thanked everyone in his life but never mentioned the stinkin' Gata.
Is it possible he hates em as bad as I do?

[canezilla]

would u thank them?gators aint sh*t

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

There is only one area in the game against ous that is still in doubt, and that is the U's pass coverage.

Myself I am not one to have to wait and see but rather, I like to project from my information. Usually I am right, its a historical fact. The U wins.

Posted by: dlu | August 07, 2010 at 09:56 PM

>>>>>

I agree, more specifically our LBs covering OSU's RB and TE.

But I mentioned that several pages ago.....you weren't around DLU.