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?

Comments

[411]

Not gettn a shirt!

[86Cane]

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[86Cane]

#15 MANATEE BEATING THE PANTS OFF OF #1 RANKED PLANT 28-7 IN THE FIRST HALF.

WILDER LOOKS LIKE A CHUMP!

[411]

10 wins and in the ACC Champ game and this is a good season... but were CANES, not hokies, so that is not ENOUGH! 12-0 regular season with an ACC Champ and a shot at #6 is what we all expect! DOMINATE!!!!!!

[Brownsub]

^That's Right 411!

[SOUP]

POLL RESULTS:

22.7%

For Jacory Harris to look healthy and throw NO INTs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0.0%

For the special teams to look spectacular and score a TD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9.1%

For the players to come out and stay highly motived

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13.6%

For Miami's offense to score at will and over 50 points

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

31.8%

For Miami's defense to completely dominate like days of old

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

22.7%

For the coaches and players to look like a well oiled machine

[411]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-football-news-0828-20100827,0,4096407.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sun-sentinel%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Fhurricanes+%28Miami+Hurricanes+%2F+South+Florida+Sun-Sentinel%29

`Canes CB Brandon Harris remains focused

[411]

^^^^. Ok, staying healthy is obvious. J12 looking sharp (or not in pain) is important.
BUT, because the following week is a BIG game in a LOUD stadium; I think we need this team to show us that with maturity and experience they look like a "well oiled machine". No penalties, time outs at weird times, offsides, 12 men on field, roughing calls, etc. And know your assignment, routes, etc. If they look ready for a big game then I'll gfeel better about week 2.

[SOUP]

I guarantee we have to blow a T/O for too many men on the field on defense.

Wanna bet?

[SOUP]

Mannatee 35, Plant 10 in the 3rd quarter.

But WATCH OUT, the refs are starting to favor Plant with penalties.

[411]

I guarantee we have to blow a T/O for too many men on the field on defense.

Wanna bet?

Posted by: SOUP | August 27, 2010 at 09:07 PM

Yes, let's find someone who thinks it won't happen and we can bet them' :)

[Coach]

I remember back in '05 Manatee scheduled us (Chaminade) for their Homecoming and we expressed or disgust by smashing them in front of the whole town of Bradenton. lol #GoodTimes

Glad to see plant is being exposed tonight tho. St. Thomas Aquinas is gonna have something to say to both these teams come playoff time.

[NativeCane]

Soup, Weiner is gonna have to fire his recruiting coordinator cause this batch of transfers being whupped by Manatee Hurricanes.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Rashad, nice piece. I don't think going undefeated is any more difficult today than it was in 2001 or 1991 or 1987, haha.

You just have to have all the parts clicking. This team has the parts. The question is how close are they to clicking at the right time and place for this fall??

We have depth issues at a couple of key positions, OL and LB, so that may or may not play a role.

But we also have more game-breakers on this team than anyone we'll play. So it should be interesting to see.

Playcalling is also a huge part of the puzzle.

[SOUP]

Soup, Weiner is gonna have to fire his recruiting coordinator cause this batch of transfers being whupped by Manatee Hurricanes.

Posted by: NativeCane | August 27, 2010 at 09:29 PM

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

[SOUP]

But we also have more game-breakers on this team than anyone we'll play. So it should be interesting to see. Playcalling is also a huge part of the puzzle.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 27, 2010 at 09:45 PM

Cav...absolutley. We could break open some games in embarassing fashion with our talent level at the skill positions.

Play calling will determine our level of success.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

FYI I would not even dress up Miller, let him be a mystery going into the Ohio State game and then throw his in at slot receiver in a spread formation Whipple. I would do the same with Vernon and then run a 4-3 all game against FAMU. Then switch to a 3-4 package for several plays against FAMU with Vernon at OLB. How is that for creativity?

Posted by: elliott | August 27, 2010 at 12:45 PM

>>>>>

Very creative Elliot. I've been wondering how much Miller Time we'll see against FAMU and I could see very little. Maybe some goal line stuff just to get him some action but I'd save any real display of his explosiveness for OSU and everyone else.

I might even let Storm and Eduardo get in the mix more than Miller.

I don't know if we'll switch to a 3-4 because it changes so many things but Vernon, Smith and Dye could probably do it if necessary.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Cav...absolutley. We could break open some games in embarassing fashion with our talent level at the skill positions.

Play calling will determine our level of success.

Posted by: SOUP | August 27, 2010 at 10:05 PM

>>>>>

Yeah, Whipple has to feel like a kid in a candy store with all these weapons. There are so many things he can do now compared to last year, especially in the running game, between the new RBs and the upgraded, more physical OL.

He's never been around this much talent, even in the NFL. Pittsburgh hasn't had a really talented squad since the 70s, even though they've won a couple more rings. Philly was sort of stocked with Jackson and Westbrook but that's only two compared to what, six or seven serious threats to house it that he has now.

He has to be licking his chops.

[roachcane77]

Playcalling is also a huge part of the puzzle.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 27, 2010 at 09:45 PM

Don't forget we'll need a little LUCK too... We had close calls, and lucky breaks in every championship season. (We definitely "made" a lot of our "luck" too.)

Just hope JH's thumb is REALLY 100%.

[8th Man in the Box]

OK Space, who's will be this years top 5 game breakers?

Mines are

1. Travis B
2. Lamar Miller
3. Mike James
4. VT
5. Ojamo

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Recipe for a national champion:

1. Stop the run.
2. Stay healthy.
3. Have a positive turnover ratio.

Any team in the top 20 can get that and with the right breaks win a title this year. Except the Hokies of course. Nice empty trophy case you have there, "geniuses.

Miami has plenty of depth at OL and LB, it's just they don't have anybody who's produced and proven beyond the first two or three guys at each group. I've always thought Stoutland develops versatile, fit linemen everywhere he's been so far, I don't know why the guys he's had under his watch the last three years won't be able to be versatile and fit enough to give Mr. Football II and the RB corps enough time and space to gash any defense for a full four quarters, they just need the reps and opportunity to take it to the opposition after being prepared all this time. Barrow with the LB's is such a great recruiter I'd let him get away with his coaching only amounting to making his students watch full game tape of his time at the position mixed in with Morgan and some of his boss as well. He's obviously a better coach than that IMO but even if he was only that good, the man knows talent and how to entice it campus to compete against the other like-minded best.

[SJMPARMAN]

Number one recipe is always stop the run. Number 2 recipe is run the ball. Number three recipe is throw the ball after you establish the run. All great teams do ALL of the above.

Where do the Hurricanes stand then. Can they stop the run? The Hurricanes ranked 32 giving up 122 yards a game last year. That is good but not great. Now you can say these players are better and maybe they are. But until they dominate the line of scrimmage, and yield less than 100 yards a game, they have something to prove. In the four losses, Virginia Tech rushed for 225 yards against Miami last year, Clemson rushed for 84 yards, NC 116 yards, and Wisconsin gained 170 yards, or 148 yards a game.

Can this team stop the run better than last year? Hopefully, but we have to see it.

Can we run? Before we get into the stats, let us remember the theme for optimism. We are Cokerless, our kids are juniors now, they will overcome all. So, who are the fans most excited about? True Freshman! Storm Johnson and Lamar Miller. What happened to needing a few years to grow and mature? Oh it doesn't matter to the optimists. These kids are so fast that they naturally overcome the high school to college transition. Uh huh. I have some Everglades swamp to sell you too. Please step this way.

Let's look at the line before we do the stats. Figueroa. He was here last year, played alot too. Suddenly, because we wish it to be so, he will be all world at tackle when he wasn't spectacular at guard. Tyler Horn. Great guy. But suddenly, he is going to dominate at center when he didn't dominate at guard. Wisconsin didn't just win the game but they dominated the trenches. We are asking three new players to step in and be all world. That is asking too much, even of players as talented as Seantrel Henderson and he is not even going to start until the fifth or sixth game.

Last year, we ranked 70th in rushing at 138 yards a game. Three of the four teams who beat us were ranked better in average time of possession than us. Dominant teams get off the field, and dominant teams stay on it. Until those stats change, I don't see us being back.

Last year, Jacory threw first and ran the ball later. While we continue to need Jacory to pull out the tough games we need to rely on him less. His injury last year was a big blow. He was a warrior and fought through it and ended the season. But he was like 60% at the end of the year. Jacory at 60% is better than most teams at 80% but it is still less than the best he can offer.

Let me just end this thing with this thought. I have seen alot of great passers. Dan Marino, Dan Fouts, Ken Anderson, Fran Tarkenton, and so on. But it is the quarterback who realizes the little things matter that wins.

Joe Montana to Roger Clark is a great example. He threw the ball 7 yards and the RB did the rest. I can recall a 5 yard screen pass to Magahee that went for like 80 yards. Or a swing pass to Moss that went for 90. There is high rewards when you throw deep, but also high risk. It will be interesting to see how Jacory manages the rest of his career.

Believe me, my heart bleed optimism. But I can join the bandwagon until I see the players do it on the field.

[dj moonbat]

"Play calling will determine our level of success."

Heh.

If the lines do their jobs, the coaches won't have to be creative at all. The skill position talent is just unreal. But if they keep being denied a chance to use it, all will be lost.

[NativeCane]

Mother Trib:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/aug/18/ums-cooper-among-hornung-nominees/sports-colleges-canes/

[NativeCane]

SS
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-football-news-0828-20100827,0,4096407.story

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-bkn-lebron-miami-hurricanes,0,422.story

[NativeCane]

Herald: Bailey
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/28/1796219/allen-bailey-latest-hurricane.html

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/08/canes-award-nominees-are-plentiful-or-at-least-a-lot-more-plentiful-this-season.html

[NativeCane]

U - Free Ohio Sate tickets:

http://theufootball.com/

[NativeCane]

ESPN- Jacory: Whipple playbook

Miami quarterback Jacory Harris said his playbook is “like a dictionary.”

“It’s huge,” he said. “You have to study it.”

As Harris enters his second season under coach Mark Whipple, he now knows it much better, thanks in part to the fact that Whipple has simplified it a bit by cutting down on some of the terminology. Still, there is the same number of plays -- a number Harris estimated to be about 300, many of which are variations of each other.
Read more:
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/13868/miamis-jacory-harris-expecting-fewer-mistakes

[NativeCane]

Fox- Urban Liar: Smoke?

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Meyer-Freshmen-Powell-Easley-all-good-now-71529212

[NativeCane]

OS- Bianchi: Funny.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-bianchi-saturday-circus-20100827,0,2863051.column

[the "U" is America's team]

Can someone....anyone tell me honestly why the Urban Liar at UFelon always seems to get a free pass on virtually everything? I know for a fact that if the canes had 30 something arrest in a short time that there would be an outcry for Randy's departure. For Christ sakes these coaches are molding young minds at the most impressionable time of their lives. Heck, even some canes fans are drinking the UFELONY kool-aid, and I'm totally sick of it. Oh by the way good morning canespacers.....lmao

Signed,
I'm freakin sick of the fake a$& canes fans

[the "U" is America's team]

Lol, I'm still laughing at James Wilder Jr's lame attempt at a tackle that ended up as a big touchdown scamper by manatee. Yes sir he did the right thing committing to Free Shoes U as a RB because tackling is not his strong suit.

[MDCane]

Fox- Urban Liar: Smoke?

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Meyer-Freshmen-Powell-Easley-all-good-now-71529212

I knew it was just a matter of time before those 5 stars players woke up and smell the coffee. Were they even thinking on signing day or just following the hype? Team loaded with 5 stars, somebody has to sit, ego bruised. What you did in high school don't mean diddley in college.

[WindyCane1]

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/08/canes-award-nominees-are-plentiful-or-at-least-a-lot-more-plentiful-this-season.html

Posted by: NativeCane | August 28, 2010 at 05:31 AM

This article by Manny (I mean Susan Miller Degnan, who has done a good job filling in for Manny) shows how far the program has come since the last days of Coker. Shannon and Co. have really re-stocked the talent in Coral Gables. I believe that as the season progresses and the wins start piling up, that list will grow.

My LOF picks are Franklin and Regis, because I believe that the success of this team all starts up front. With Franklin now on a preseason watch list, I now have a concern if this is consistent with the LOF rules. Can you select someone as a LOF if he is on a preseason watch list?

[DZ8]

Great job Rashad! No matter what solar says I think I'm pretty realistic as a Canes fan and it always amazes me how we gloss over the Wake Forest game (not to mention our struggles for much of the game with Duke & UVA).

[DZ8]

I thought James Wilder quit on his team last night. The more we get into this the more trust I have in Randys recruiting ability.

[DZ8]

I guarantee we have to blow a T/O for too many men on the field on defense.

Wanna bet?

Posted by: SOUP | August 27, 2010 at 09:07 PM

If I was a fan in the stadium I'd be trying to sneak on the field and get a hit on FAMU too! Can't blame the players for wanting to be out there.

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

Wow!! Thanks guys!! Its my first time writing, and I just wanted to give it a try. Thanks Soup for posting the story!!

[360Cane]

Yea, Wilder was not impressive at all. Dude even pulled a facemask and still didn't get that RB down. It's the usual. A team full of prima donnas ain't going to win anything. Plant flat out sucked last night.

[360Cane]

86,

I got my shirt. Thanks man. I will be wearing it at the RV parking lot before games.

GO CANES!!!

[Da U N Houston]

OK, just got OSU tickets, last minute, but can't find a flight!!!!!!!!

[SOUP]

RE-POST FROM LAST WEEK:

Some of you may be familiar with me and some of you may not, my name is Bryce and I go by the name of bg1906 on the Internet. I'm a HUGE Canes fan and have guest blogged for Manny Navarro at the Herald, as well as I've written for fan blog site, Canespace. I'm also responsible for the Soundz of The U Stadium Sounds pack for the EA Sports NCAA Football Series: NCAA 09, NCAA 10, NCAA 11 (http://mysite.verizon.net/bgaylor/nca11).

At any rate, my partner Esteban and I will be hosting a first of its kind weekly blog Internet radio show by and for Canes fans called Hurricane Alley every Sunday at 6 PM starting August 15th.

We will be covering all things Miami Hurricanes Football from game day to recruiting each and every week, and you will be able to call in and ask questions as well as chat with me, Esteban, and our special guests. Henry can vouch for my and Esteban's passion about Miami Football as well as our knowledge of current events and happenings when it comes to Miami football. We plan to bring intelligent conversation, thought, and analysis on ALL THINGS Miami Football. In fact, we already have some nice guest appearances scheduled including Manny Navarro (August 29th) of the Miami Herald and Braden Gall (Sept. 5) of Athlons Magazine.

So please join us on every Sunday at 6 PM for Hurricane Alley @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ufrsports or http://www.ufrsports.com/

Thanks for your support U-Family! Go Canes!

Bryce aka bg1906
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ufrsports
http://www.ufrsports.com

[SOUP]

I got my shirt. Thanks man. I will be wearing it at the RV parking lot before games.

Posted by: 360Cane | August 28, 2010 at 10:52 AM

NICE!

[SOUP]

Believe me, my heart bleed optimism. But I can't join the bandwagon until I see the players do it on the field.

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | August 28, 2010 at 12:52 AM

Your post was "FEATURE ARTICLE WORTHY".

U should write for Canespace?

Rashad did it.

UMike did it.

U can do it!

[SOUP]

UMike I am saving your article for Tuesday night since it is FAMU related. It will run until game time when we will have our "Game Day" blog up at 7 PM Thursday night for the game.

[SOUP]

but can't find a flight!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Da U N Houston | August 28, 2010 at 11:05 AM

Try SouthWest Airlines.

[Zakkee]

Canes 5 game changers:

1. Jacory Harris (self-explanatory)
2. Leonard Hankerson (these two have their chemistry and timing down, if you noticed, they connect at will in practice).
3. Travis Benjamin (no DB in the country can stay with him on a fly route).
4. Damien Berry (over 6 yards per carry; I HAVE NEVER seen him lose yardage, he always crosses the line of scrimmage; no TFL's when he runs).
5. Brandon Harris (he's dialed in now; this is easy for him now; he knows where he needs to be, so its full speed ahead now...expect huge defensive numbers).

Honorable Mention: Vaughn Telemaque (see: what I wrote about Brandon Harris).

Canes keys to a Championship:

1. stop the run
2. run the ball successfully
3. stay healthy (especially Jacory)

Has anybody else thought about what this defense would be like with Patrick Petersen (Johnson) opposite Brandon Harris? It was very close to happening...wow. The outside would be locked...8 in the box.

Ray Ray is checking Terelle Pryor on Sept 11th.....yes!

[NativeCane]

I thought James Wilder quit on his team last night. The more we get into this the more trust I have in Randys recruiting ability.

Posted by: DZ8 | August 28, 2010 at 09:13 AM
Yea Uh-huh, yea uh-huh, yep, yep, yep!

Go Canes!!!

[CanesCanesCanes]

Other than the games at my kids HS I really don't watch too much HS football on TV other than flipping the channels.

Anyway, I thought this kid Wilder was a can't miss, but I didn't see that. It's just one game but I have to say just based ont the scant info. from one game, we did the right thing not going after this kid. Randy's judgement reaffirmed.

BTW, nice article, Rashad. Your analysis is spot on. At the end of the year, I dont' think anybody goes away unhappy with 10/11 wins and an ACC ship. I'm still holding out for all the marbles and an NC until proven otherwise though, but that's just me.

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

Desmond Howard has Bama beating Miami in the National Championship Game.