Top Ten Changes To Hurricane History: Part II

This article was written for Canespace by Ungar

Returning to re-write Hurricane history for a second straight day, today we look at five more plays and five more games that would have changed college football forever and resulted in more national championships, maybe some additonal Heisman Trophies and other various assorted awards and acomplishments for the Miami Hurricanes.

 

Here they are changes 6-10, but remember they are listed in no particular order of importance:

 

6. 9/24/1994 versus Washington - "Whammy in Miami"

 

WHAT HAPPENED: Rare is the game that can be claimed as having been lost at the game opening coin toss. The referees, choosing to ignore common sense, seize on informal terminology by the winner of the coin toss, who instead of saying the key words “We will defer” said “We will kick off”.  So, Washington gets the ball first in both halves.  But they also did not TELL anyone that they were going to do that to Miami, who spent halftime preparing to go on offense instead of defense.  Miami, up 14-3 at halftime, gives up an easy TD to start the second half, and then two more quick TDs, and are suddenly down 25-14, in a classic example of meltdown, Brent Musberger shouts with glee, and the 58 game home winning streak is broken.  After our split title, losing to this team at this time in this manner was sickening.  The flight to Rutgers the next week was the least fun of any road trip, even the old-timers were moping on their way to the plane, as the end of an era occurred.

WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED:  By either the team captain saying “we will defer”, or the Pac 10 ref UNDERSTANDING (let’s be honest, he understood, but CHOSE to screw Miami) that he meant they would receive in the second half, we get the ball to start the second half, and the huge momentum shift in the third quarter does not occur.

 

7. 1/1/1995 versus Nebraska - "The Osborne Strikes Back"

 

WHAT HAPPENED: In the third quarter, in a home game that could lead to another Miami National Championship, Warren Sapp is rolling around, having fun, and WEARING HIMSELF OUT.  So when it comes time to rush the QB in the fourth quarter, he is exhausted.  Nebraska rallies behind their suddenly free from pressure QB, and wins the title for themselves in OUR HOUSE.  Nebraska fans still point to this as their redemption and Tom Osborne’s revenge for 1983.

 

WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED:  Warren Sapp, at the first sign of taking the game lightly, gets pulled.  He understands the message, and is FOCUSSED the rest of the game, leading to sacks and tackles that he otherwise did not make.  Miami wins, and the next day is given another National Championship.  This would have allowed for a 34 game win streak on the heels of the previous 43 game winning streak, clearly making Miami the team of the century, not just of the 1980s and 1990s.  The 58 game win streak, with this and the Washington game changed, would increase to 72 straight wins, From a loss to Florida on 9/7/1985 until a loss to FSU on 10/12/1996, over eleven years later. The eight straight titles unify the city, the stands in the renovated Orange Bowl are full, and assistant coaches like Coker and Shannon are given high paying jobs in the NFL.  Osama Bin Laden, seeing the unity of the Miami Hurricanes, decides against attacking the World Trade Center, and peace reigns on Earth.

 

8. 9/9/2000 versus Washington "Bowden Charity System gets it’s excuse"

 

WHAT HAPPENED: On two separate TD throws by a young Kenny Dorsey, Santana Moss got the ball despite suffering from flu symptoms, and dragged his feet in the end zone, the scratch in the turf plainly visible.  However, the refs called him out of bounds.  You can’t find it in any recap or box score, but I remember that game clearly, and the replays showed the bad calls.  Miami then has too large of a hurdle to climb, and loses to Washington.  That loss, on the road, somehow is enough for the computers to give the BCS chance to FSU versus Oklahoma instead of Miami.  While folks were demanding recounts in the Gore and Bush election (I know, politics!) the real injustice was being carried out by pointing to the point spread of this loss as the reason Miami was only third.

 

WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED:  Dorsey’s throw is just a BIT earlier on the first of those two catches, giving the refs no CHANCE to call him out of bounds.  Miami doesn’t even need to WIN the game, they just need to make it so close that more pollsters vote them ahead of FSU and we go on to play Oklahoma.  Anyone that saw that snorefest of a game knows that the Hurricanes would have won.  In an interesting turn of events, the media catches on that the Miami Hurricanes are the good guys now, and that the Washington Huskies were the thugs in the year 2000.  Butch Davis, rather than running off to Cleveland, stays to defend his title, and the Larry Coker years never happen.  After Miami’s time off the national map from 1993, fans are overjoyed that Miami is back and ready for more.

 

9. 1/3/2003 versus OSU "The Fiasco Bowl"

 

WHAT HAPPENED: I know, there is ANOTHER play that catches the mind of Canes fans, and we could change that one, but I think by changing this one, we end up even happier.  Ken Dorsey, spreading out the OSU defense after some finally successful inside runs, passes in the flat to Willis McGahee, leaving him open to Will Allen’s awful illegal spearing that tore out his ENTIRE knee.  And not just for the sake of his NFL career.  He was just getting the running game going, which was in turn opening up the pass for Dorsey.  His previous three runs had been 9 (for a TD), 9, and 4 yards.  Of course, this game has been voted by OSU fans as THEIR best win ever.

 

WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED:  McGahee, seeing the helmet coming his way, jumps over the low cheap shot, and after a flip in the air that gained him another ten yards, he trots back into the huddle.  Instead of having to settle for a missed FG, McGahee and Miami score a TD to make it 21-17 and avoid a double overtime where we are at second and 1 from the 1 and throwing the ball because we have lost our running back.  Butch Davis is praised for back to back titles while “doing it right”, McGahee goes into the draft healthy and lives happily ever after.  With these changes, Miami’s eventual 48 straight wins surpasses their own 34 and 43 game win streaks, and peace guides the planets and love fills the stars.  Virginia Tech, who would have given Miami their losses on each end of the streak, on 11/13/1999 and 11/1/2003, brag about being the only team to beat Miami for four years.  Miami’s three straight titles after their previous 8 in a row and the starter in 1983 leads to an ESPN movie called “The U”, full of positive vibes and without the scandals that were in the original version.

 

10. 12/29/2009 versus Wisconsin "The Red Scare"

 

WHAT HAPPENED:  Running back a punt, Craig Cooper spots an opening to the left, but as he cuts back, the poorly sodded turf under him gives out, tearing out his knee, and costing the Hurricanes their RB for the rest of the game and a TD.  Miami ends up losig the game by six, and falls in the polls, as the question of “Is Miami Back?” again gets answered “No.”  I know it isn’t of title contention level, but just as with McGahee, if I can go back and change the past, this ranks higher to me than the Spiller run or the UNC ints.

WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED:  The roots in that sod, thanks to the care of the groundskeeper, hold fast, the cut is successful, and Cooper blasts into the end zone.  The momentum of the game shifts, after a second long run of the night, and Miami ends up just needing to get into FG range to win the game, if not already with the lead at the end.  Miami’s win moves them back into the Top 10, and Randy Shannon’s contract gets signed much earlier, removing the negative recruiting option from other coaches.  We get those coveted five star recruits that were swayed by the bowl loss and the missing contract.

 

So, there you have it.  Twelve National Championships in 20 years; two fewer knee injuries; no more Brent Musburger replays in BC games; and even better recruits every year through the two complete decades of dominance. 

 

What a team and what a special time it was.  What more could a fan ask for?

Comments

[DZ8]

1st!!

[Da U N Houston]

2nd?

[DZ8]

Great work Ungar!

Original and emotional.

[Montreal-Cane]

Ungar very interesting again!

I didn't remember that Collier dropped the ball on the very last play of the 2009 season.

The games against Wisconsin and VT were unnacceptable by a team on the rise like the canes. Dropped balls and bad defense...

[DZ8]

Maybe firmer grass would've helped us cover the TEs.

I remember he slipped but I didn't think it was a very good throw. I know it hit his hands but I think he was expecting it in a different location. I can't see the video here at work so I'm just going off memory.

[Sebastian]

Very good

Up until I hit the play button then I have to make sure my wife is in the other TV room so she doesnt here me fling the 4 letters around

During the season im allowed an outburst or 2. But not in the offseason

[SOUP]

Ungar...Love the perspective and history. Nice work.

[canezilla]

they played on the same field as us and played in the same weather,enough already.lets hope we get another crack at whisky

[Old Skool]

Ungar
I like your style -- wishful thinking with a sense of humor and irony

[Old Skool]

Soup
If you still got a ticket to the 8/15 Rays game. I'll probably be down in the 813 on that date.

[Ungar]

canezilla, I am not asking for the field to be better for the WIN as much as for the saving of a knee.

Just sayin...

[Canez1]

Kelvin Cain reporting tomorrow per his mom.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Ungar]

BTW, no need to watch that wisconsin fan's video above. It doesn't even have the Cooper play in it. As others have pointed out, it DOES have Collier's last play as a Cane, and it has an OBVIOUS hold at around 2:10 that didn't get called. The rusher's jersey comes out for all to see, but no call.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Me7ui5kIE

This is the Cooper runback and knee injury.

[Ungar]

And thanks for all the compliments, guys. It makes me eager to write more....

[Ungar]

Oh, and for those that might think I was asking for too much, I am GREEDY when it comes to the Canes.

[elliott]

good write up ungar... really good stuff enjoyed the reading the part on the Washington game. I can barely remember that game........

[Zakkee]

Wow, people actually bragging about not caring for the kids that don the orange and green (from last blog). They were "average"...yes. But how many players from last years team have performed above average statistically? The only contenders are Jacory (17 ints), Bailey (no sacks in the last 5 games), McCarthy (my BOY! but still can't stick a TE), Bosher (definitely), Brandon Harris (definitely), Hank and maybe Benjamin. 3 sacks (Wesley) and 2 special teams return scores (Collier) is production on this team.

Talk about loyalty, respect, and love for the U.

There's A TON of room between: "the sky is falling..without these kids we're toast" and "who cares...this isn't even story worthy". There both extremes..please don't be an extremist.

With fans like these, how could you get upset with a player who doesn't take a picture or sign an autograph?? If we don't care about them when they take their jersey's off, why should they care about us when they have them on?

Good luck Wesley and Pimp C

[27 Ave Cane]

hey guys what ever happend to WR Davon Johnson???

[JUST CANE]

hey guys what ever happend to WR Davon Johnson???

Posted by: 27 Ave Cane | August 04, 2010 at 12:40 AM

Did you check Aldarious Johnson's belly???

['87 Canes]

lol....well dayuuuuuum !!!!!!

[Old Skool]

Typepad attacks. If this shows up as a respost Oh well

Scout is reporting Jeremy Davis to Milford.

[CanesCanesCanes]

Well said, Zakkee.

Couldn't agree more.

Glad you put your perspective on here, it was about time for a sensible post on this issue.

[SOUP]

New blog tonight at 7 PM:

Camp Shannon: Year Four

[Ungar]

New blog tonight at 7 PM:

Camp Shannon: Year Four

Posted by: SOUP | August 04, 2010 at 08:26 AM

Oh well, there goes MY fifteen minutes of fame.

Go Camp Shannon! Be a beacon of football dominance for us all!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530765740]

Great article! I would love to have had some of that happen. I remember the days when Miami getting screwed was a huge deal and had an impact on the rest of the college football season and who got to what championship game. The powers that be wanted Oklahoma to play against a weaker FSU team because they KNEW that the Canes would have beaten that vaunted Oklahoma team. In the Washington game that year, there was another bad call. Dorsey went back to pass and as his arm was moving forward, the ball came loose and was ruled a fumble. The ensuing Husky drive resulted in a touchdown. What a screwjob!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530765740]

Being a Cane fan stuck in SC (especially after last year's tough loss to Clemson) has been rough. I look forward to this year's game in Death Valley! My daughter is a Clemson fan and she and I will be there. Hope to run into some other Canespacers there!

[Canez1]

Looks like Hardin and Plein will be medical hardship cases and won't count against schollies.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Old Skool]

In the last day before practice begins: here something off topic, but an instant classic

Here's the premise:

Across the country millions of people are using cityvoter.com to vote for their favorite local businesses and tell the world what makes their town special

Here’s a five star review posted for Wendy’s:

This place is BAWLIN’ yo. Chicken nuggitz be crispy like you never SEEN. I tasted one and I was like “WHAAAT! Are you serious, Wendy?” Mean girls working the friers, tho. This one chick wouldn’t even let me holla. I was like “please you ugly, anyway”

[Ungar]

Welcome back, 530765740, and glad the article led you to comment.

I still cannot beleive that we played at Washington with Pac 10 refs, after they played us in the Orange Bowl with Pac 10 refs in the 1994 game. Our schedulemakers are too generous or they think the refs won't be so blatent against us.

Yeah, I remember that "fumble". It reminded be of the Cleveland Gary "fumble".

[Ungar]

Hey SOUP, how about a poll to see WHICH of the ten folks would MOST want to change?

(yeah, I am milking that 15 minutes for all it's worth!)

[Ungar]

Looks like Hardin and Plein will be medical hardship cases and won't count against schollies.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | August 04, 2010 at 09:19 AM

I guess that takes care of any conspiracy theories about Collier and Wesley being removed to fit LA and SH. There was going to be room for them anyway....

[Ungar]

So, this Camp Shannon, is it gonna be a discussion of what the guys did at summer camp, or a talk about where position battles will be occurring at camp, or a chance to pick a legend of summer?

[elliott]

Losing Wesley does not hurt people I know that he was good for stopping the run but other than that he is NOT better than:

Ojomo who in my mind will start for sure
Vernon
MRob
Smith
Bailey Nuff said....
Dye

We r three deep at end people and I know injuries happen but everyone would of had to been hurt before Wesley was going to get any burn..

As for Collier best of luck to ya kid leave your jersey in the hamper and make sure you sign out. Lets see who is going to step up in your place:

Streeter
Kendal?
Davon

Not to mention Byrd, Hank, TB and Aldarius

WE R LOADED!

[Gin & Tonic]

Losing Wesley and Collier is kind of like dropping two beers on the way to the pool deck. You think dam, I had high hopes for those two beers, then you shrug your shoulders and grab another two out of the cooler that is packed with an additional 10 equally cold and tasty beers.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530765740]

Thanks Unger....Never left, read the Space everyday....gives me a nice distraction from work.....I remember when the Canes getting screwed on a call at least once a game was commonplace. I look forward to those days again. Reason being, that means the Canes are back on top and scaring the living daylights out of every other team in college football.

And when it comes to Ohio State this year, I will take a quote from Remember the Titans...

"Run it up, Randy! Leave no doubt!"

Which team do most Cane fans hate more? FSU or Florida?

I would say FLorida cause they refuse to play us on a regular basis. I can at least respect FSU because they never droppped us off the schedule.

[dj moonbat]

I'm going to make my annual appearance to say that Warren Sapp was the only reason that 1995 Orange Bowl was even close; it's not like there was some better choice on the Miami bench to stop that Nebraska leviathan. You could tell by the late third quarter that we were going to get ground down before the game ended.

Also, this quote by G&T is very close to exactly correct:

"Losing Wesley and Collier is kind of like dropping two beers on the way to the pool deck. You think dam, I had high hopes for those two beers, then you shrug your shoulders and grab another two out of the cooler that is packed with an additional 10 equally cold and tasty beers."

My only correction would be that, obviously, if I'm headed down to the pool deck, I'm going to have more than 12 beers with me. Frankly, G&T, I don't know how you could lowball yourself like that.

[DZ8]

Posted by: Old Skool | August 04, 2010 at 09:29 AM

Classic

[Ungar]

FSU is a rivalry that made a difference in football history.

Florida is a team whose games never meant anything in the final balance.

But still I cannot really hate either team. I have learned to respect both for showing that the state of Florida is the best state for college football. We are not just a one-team state. Win or lose, the state survives as the best.

Notice that none of the Top 10 changes were to UF or FSU.

ND, OSU, PSU, Washington, they get the hate, for their "catholics versus convicts" attitude, their actions on the field and off, and because losses to them actually hurt.

But UF dodging us while Bowden continued to play us does give FSU more respect in my eyes...

[BEERicane]

Losing Wesley and Collier is kind of like dropping two beers on the way to the pool deck. You think dam, I had high hopes for those two beers, then you shrug your shoulders and grab another two out of the cooler that is packed with an additional 10 equally cold and tasty beers.

Posted by: Gin & Tonic | August 04, 2010 at 11:12 AM

WOAH! easy there. You clearly need to have more reverence for beer sir. : )

[THE MAN]

Thanks Zak for saying that as well. I wonder if Wesley and Collier were still on the team would those people still be saying who cares. No one is saying that they should be on the team, but these guys played hard when their number was called to only have some people say who cares about them now that they are off the team. And to say those two positions are loaded is a bit premature. There is depth yes, but lets see that depth perform on the field before declaring guys who basically have never played are better than those guys who have left. Just my two cents...

[Sarasota 'cane]

Losing Wesley and Collier is kind of like dropping two beers on the way to the pool deck. You think dam, I had high hopes for those two beers, then you shrug your shoulders and grab another two out of the cooler that is packed with an additional 10 equally cold and tasty beers.

Posted by: Gin & Tonic | August 04, 2010 at 11:12 AM

That's alcohol abuse my friend!

Go 'canes!

[BEERicane]

Those positions are loaded. WR there is no question about it, there has been enough evidence already. DE is another matter. However, I will predict right now that Vernon will have more sacks per drop back (for each down played) than Bailey will. Vernon is so quick off that edge he is almost unblockable.

[DZ8]

WR-Loaded
RB-Loaded
DE-Loaded
All other positions we have adequete depth.
LB-a little thin
TE-very thin

JMO

[Canez1]

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[THE MAN]

There has been good production from the receivers overall yes, but as far as a slot receiver to date there has been virtually no production other than Collier.

2009 Stats
RECEIVING GP No. Yards Avg TD Long Avg/G
Thearon Collier 12 18 250 13.9 1 29 20.8
Kendal Thompkins 10 2 33 16.5 1 18 3.3
Davon Johnson = goose egg

Going off potential yes they "may" be better or equal.

The DE position is another position of "potential" so far. Wesley had the third most sacks on the team last year (although a paltry number of 3 sacks) and did very well against the run. Again, as far as actual production these two guys have been better.

My point is give these guys their due. It's not like they were kicked off for a criminal offense. They were good role players for this team and they are Canes!

[canechic]

Do I see a Moonbat? Woo hoo!

[DZ8]

A little thin at CB as well...

[BEERicane]

A lot thin in the attendance as well... Hopefully that will change come October.

[calGaryCane]

My point is give these guys their due. It's not like they were kicked off for a criminal offense. They were good role players for this team and they are Canes!

Posted by: THE MAN | August 04, 2010 at 12:25 PM

Agreed.

It's like, everytime someone leaves the team, they suddenly turn to crap.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359]

Well Said Zak ...I been sayn the same thing for a while so I hope at least they will listen to U...It really grinds my gears to read CANES fans bashing players ie. rite now especially all of the AJ haters who are going to jump on bandwagon as soon as he scores...Whtz the point of bashing guys who play for U...