Will The 2010 Miami Hurricanes Remind Fans Of 2002?

The year was 2002.   College football mania was running high in the 305.

The University of Miami was coming off of their fifth national Championship in 2001, and even though they had lost several players to the NFLU, the team was loaded with talent. 

Miami's opening game that season, just like this year in 2010, was against FAMU.  And, just like this year when the Hurricanes travel to face 2nd-ranked Ohio State at The Horseshoe in Columbus, the Hurricanes second game of the season was on the road against a highly ranked opponent, the Florida Gators at The Swamp in Gainesville.

The Hurricanes played for the National Championship that year, losing to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. So the question is: "Could the 2010 UM team make fans feel like it is 2002 all over again?" 

Let's take a look back at that season and what was being said about that Hurricane team.  Here is how the FAMU game was described on the UM web site:

As Miami Hurricanes assistant coach Art Kehoe jogged off the Orange Bowl field, he turned to the emptying bleachers and started doing the "Gator Chomp."  After disposing of Division I-AA Florida A&M 63-17 Saturday night, the top-ranked Hurricanes think they're ready for The Swamp.

Ken Dorsey threw three touchdown passes and became the winningest quarterback in school history as the 'Canes overwhelmed Florida A&M in their season opener.  Dorsey improved to 27-1 as a starter and moved past Gino Torretta (26-2) on the school's career victory list. The Hurricanes also extended the nation's longest winning streak to 23 games.

No. 6 Florida will provide a much tougher challenge next Saturday, especially considering how convincingly the Gators beat Alabama-Birmingham.

"It's a huge game, obviously," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "They have great talent. We're playing at their place. It's going to be a tremendous challenge for us, but at the same time, it's what our players are looking for.  "National championships seem to come through the state of Florida, so it's certainly a very important game for both of us."

Dorsey played a little more than a quarter, spending part of the first half with his hands on his hips, a towel around his neck and former Miami quarterback Bernie Kosar by his side.  Dorsey probably wasn't getting any tips from Kosar on how to win in Gainesville. Although Kosar led the Hurricanes to their first national title in 1983, he lost 28-3 at Florida in the opener of that season.

Miami looks much more prepared for the Gators this time. It'll be the first regular-season meeting between the teams since 1987. The Hurricanes were sharp, efficient and almost error-free against Florida A&M.

"It's not about Florida; it's not about FAMU," defensive tackle Vince Wilfork said. "It's about us. If we go out and play like we practice, there's no one who can beat us."

The following week, Miami traveled to Gainesville to play "The Damn Gator" as Eddie Dunn would say.  The Hurricanes smashed the Gators at The Swamp 41-16.  Here is how it read on the UM web site...

Miami dominated. Florida flopped.

The top-ranked Hurricanes left The Swamp on Saturday the same way they came in - best in the state, best in the country, and still waiting for their first big challenge of 2002.

Ken Dorsey threw four touchdown passes, Willis McGahee ran for 204 yards and the Hurricanes rolled through another overmatched opponent with a 41-16 win over No. 6 Florida.

A great opportunity for new Gators coach Ron Zook to prove he can make it in the big time instead turned into a showcase for Dorsey, and a couple of Hurricanes trying to replace key players from last year's national championship team.

Miami (2-0) actually came into this game as a 2-point underdog, but when the day of domination was over, that seemed silly.  "I don't know what that was all about," defensive tackle Matt Walters said. "It's not a big surprise to us that any of that happened."

Safety Maurice Sikes, replacing big-play defensive back Ed Reed, had two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 97-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.  "We have players who want to play and can play," Sikes said. "Just nobody has heard of them."   Until Saturday.

Sure the 2002 season ended with the phantom pass interference penalty that resulted in Miami losing to Ohio State in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.  But to even be competing for a BCS title again would be a huge step forward for this Hurricane team after several years of being kept off of the National stage.

So Hurricane fans, can this 2010 team compete for a National Championship? 

Can Miami travel to Columbus and beat OSU at The Shoe in week two?

We're not sure but is sure is going to be fun finding out don't U think?

Comments

[elliott]

first

[elliott]

At this time of my Fifth first place Anniversary I would like to thank Canespace and all the bloggers who frequent our beloved space, for without U I would have no record...

[Old Skool]

I've got to follow that?

[SOUP]

At this time of my Fifth first place Anniversary I would like to thank Canespace and all the bloggers who frequent our beloved space, for without U I would have no record...

Posted by: elliott | August 12, 2010 at 08:13 PM

elliott...U have earned your spot here with commitment and dignity. I have a new batch of Canespace shirts just shipped to me from Jacksnonville. Can I grant U one?

Do U go to games?

[nemo2002]

Re: The Clearing House

NO NEWS is bad news.

[nemo2002]

PLAYBOY's top 25:

1. Ohio State
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. Iowa
6. TCU
7. Florida
8. Wisconsin
9. Oklahoma
10. LSU
11. USC
12. Nebraska
13. Virginia Tech
14. Miami
15. Pittsburgh
16. North Carolina
17. Georgia
18. Stanford
19. Houston
20. Clemson
21. West Virginia
22. Utah
23. Oregon
24. Arkansas
25. Georgia Tech

[nemo2002]

NEMO's top 25:

1. Miami
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. Iowa
6. TCU
7. Florida State
8. Wisconsin
9. Oklahoma
10. LSU
11. USC
12. Nebraska
13. Virginia Tech
14. Ohio State
15. Pittsburgh
16. North Carolina
17. Georgia
18. Stanford
19. Houston
20. Clemson
21. West Virginia
22. Utah
23. Oregon
24. Florida
25. Georgia Tech

[NativeCane]

Nemo, I like the way your thinkin'.

[NativeCane]

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Terrell-Brown-may-be-the-largest-football-player?urn=ncaaf-262065

[DZ8]

no news is bad news
??
the only one we are waiting on is L.A.

I get it... the 2nd top 25.

Finding Nemo was always a favorite of mine.

[SOUP]

2 new photos up...

[SOUP]

Re: The Clearing House

NO NEWS is bad news.

Posted by: nemo2002 | August 12, 2010 at 08:23 PM

I told U next week, W or TH.

Relax...

[411]

The last time the Canes had 3 road games in a row?

In 2002 on our way to a title game...

I'm just saying!

Go Canes!

[Old Skool]

Dang 6'11' 390 Hopefully he moves better than Ian Symonette. Otherwise he'll be riding the bench or more likely just become the bench.

[411]

August 31, 2002 W 63-17 #1 Florida A&M Miami Orange Bowl - Miami, FL
September 7, 2002 W 41-16 #1 @ #6 Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - Gainesville, FL
September 14, 2002 W 44-21 #1 @ Temple* Franklin Field - Philadelphia, PA
September 21, 2002 W 38-6 #1 Boston College* Miami Orange Bowl- Miami, FL
October 5, 2002 W 48-14 #1 Connecticut Miami Orange Bowl - Miami, FL
October 12, 2002 W 28-27 #1 #9 Florida State Miami Orange Bowl - Miami, FL
October 26, 2002 W 40-23 #1 @ West Virginia* Mountaineer Field - Morgantown, WV
November 2, 2002 W 42-17 #1 @ Rutgers* Rutgers Stadium - Piscataway, NJ
November 9, 2002 W 26-3 #2 @ Tennessee Neyland Stadium - Knoxville, TN
November 21, 2002 W 28-21 #1 Pittsburgh Orange Bowl - Miami, FL
November 30, 2002 W 49-7 #1 @ Syracuse* Carrier Dome - Syracuse, NY
December 7, 2002 W 56-45 #1 Virginia Tech* Miami Orange Bowl- Miami, FL

[Ungar]

Remind me how VT scored 45 on that defense?

We should have come out blazing instead of sleeping against OSU after giving up that much the previous game....

[willie will in nashville]

hey soup,

can i get your email address? i wanted to ask u a question off the site

[DZ8]

Wednesday or Thursday...

Patience Danielson, patience.

[elliott]

elliott...U have earned your spot here with commitment and dignity. I have a new batch of Canespace shirts just shipped to me from Jacksonville. Can I grant U one?

Do U go to games?

Why certainly I am going to the Duke game in Durham and I am debating the Clemson game. I live in NC so I have close access to Winston Salem, Chapel Hill and Durham.

[SOUP]

can i get your email address? i wanted to ask u a question off the site

Posted by: willie will in nashville | August 12, 2010 at 09:40 PM

canespace86@aol.com

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Soup, that's a great analogy. You could do the 2000 early season loss to Washington as the other side of the coin....hmmmmmm

[SOUP]

Soup, that's a great analogy. You could do the 2000 early season loss to Washington as the other side of the coin....hmmmmmm

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | August 12, 2010 at 10:50 PM

That's what I'm sayin!

We play for the ACC Championship?

We WIN?

We play in a BCS Bowl game?

We WIN?

What's next???

[WindyCane1]

Remind me how VT scored 45 on that defense?
....

Posted by: Ungar | August 12, 2010 at 09:39 PM

Two words: Larry Coker

[raizecane]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[usagainstheworld]

optimism.

[elliott]

Im lights out fellas kinda tired and hungry. Tomorrow is another day closer to watching Bailey crush Florida A & M's QB. Peace.......

[elliott]

Mel Kiper showin sum love for us....

http://espn.go.com/blog/sportscenter/post/_/id/73138/mel-kiper-jr-best-team-in-college-football

[Zakkee]

Hey DTX, good to see you as well. We are looking like the real deal right now...I'm seeing some sincere intentions being made on being mentally focused every game. Shannon's words about not coaching effort anymore, were a joy to my ears. I think we ready!

[Brownsub]

I have been saying that this team reminds me of the 2002 Team much more than any other past team!!!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Somebody wanted to call the HB toss trick play to Dorsey so he could win the Heisman with a memorable moment on field and it went for a TD the other way so in essence it was a 14 point swing the other way on the play in the final score, they didn't score that many on the D.

[NativeCane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-football-news-0813-20100812,0,7639940.story

[NativeCane]

Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/13/1772868/miami-hurricanes-hold-first-scrimmage.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/13/1774168/miami-hurricanes-wr-leonard-hankerson.html

Manny http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/08/haith-would-welcome-seantrel-henderson-on-court.html

[NativeCane]

PBP
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/hurricanes/a-j-highsmith-stars-in-scrimmage-for-um-856836.html

Bobby
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/seminoles/commentary-former-fsu-football-coach-bobby-bowden-forced-856870.html

[NativeCane]

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/#top

[NativeCane]

Heather/Coach Shannon
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/13294/feldman-on-scheduling-cream-puffs

"Somebody always questions the University of Miami,'' he said. "They say, 'Coach, how are you guys going to be able to make it to win the championship because your out-of-conference schedule is so tough.' I'm thinking, 'I don't understand. We've always been a school that doesn't back down from anyone.

[NativeCane]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/977726.html

['87 Canes]

Yeah man yeah man yeah...that Mo Sikes and Sean Taylor were a pretty formidable safety tandem.

[usagainstheworld]

ohio state. pitt. clemson. -- road work baby. anyone. anytime. anyplace.

[Chi Mia 'Cane '98]

Actually this team reminds me of the 2000 team. Young and just waiting to break out. They will stumble sometime early in the season (like at Washington) and really start to gel as the season progresses.

Personally, I think next year could be the year.

[BEERicane]

This year is the year. But so will next year. There are too many players with serious ability who are playing for NFL contracts next year. These players know in order to be put in the best draft position possible the record of this team will go a long way to getting them onto teams draft boards. They cannot afford to lose. What makes this even better is the fact that the guys who have a year or two left are the most talented group in the country. This scenario will propel this team into the national spotlight and a BCS convo. When these guys come out firing on all cylinders, NO ONE can compete with the canes this year.

[Ungar]

Somebody wanted to call the HB toss trick play to Dorsey so he could win the Heisman with a memorable moment on field and it went for a TD the other way so in essence it was a 14 point swing the other way on the play in the final score, they didn't score that many on the D.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 13, 2010 at 01:37 AM

Oh God yes, the Garo Yepremian moment for the Canes. Ugh....

[SOUP]

POLL RESULTS, TOP 3 TOUGHEST GAMES:

64.3%

Ohio State

8.7%

Florida State

15.1%

Virginia Tech

[SOUP]

ohio state. pitt. clemson. -- road work baby. anyone. anytime. anyplace.

Posted by: usagainstheworld | August 13, 2010 at 07:36 AM

Pack your bags. Dress up right. We are going on a business trip.

[SOUP]

Shannon working with LBs at practice today:

http://twitpic.com/2eapuo

[SOUP]

Twitter updates from UM:

Another former Hurricane great taking in practice today, Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta.
32 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Orlando Franklin gets payback on big time block on a screen pass for a TD
42 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Vaughn Telemaque just had a BIG HIT in 11-on-11 work!
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Former Hurricanes Joaquin Gonzalez and Don Bailey Jr. chatting it up as they watch linemen drills.
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Tommy Streeter has been impressive in 7-on-7 drills, he's made a few tough catches.
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Aldarius Johnson has been finishing strong on his downfield blocking in 11-on-11 work.
about 2 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

After facing Seantrel and Bunche in linemen drill, No. 96 Curtis Porter said, "Those guys are big, its never going to be harder than this."
about 2 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

[360Cane]

Looks like Wesley is off to North Alabama to play for Bowden. So is FSU's Fortson. They say Bowden is trying to bring that program to D-1.

[usagainstheworld]

thanks soup for the updates!!! keep it coming.

[Ungar]

Former Hurricanes Joaquin Gonzalez and Don Bailey Jr. chatting it up as they watch linemen drills.
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Taking off his "media" hat for the day, I guess?

BTW, GREAT photos in the article. Sometimes, folks forget how valuable a picture of a Gator getting his head knocked off can be.....

[Ungar]

Actually this team reminds me of the 2000 team. Young and just waiting to break out. They will stumble sometime early in the season (like at Washington) and really start to gel as the season progresses.

Personally, I think next year could be the year.

Posted by: Chi Mia 'Cane '98 | August 13, 2010 at 08:33 AM

Your comment made me think of an article I read recently by an acclaimed author:

Ahh, here it is!

http://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2010/06/could-2010-be-the-year.html

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

After facing Seantrel and Bunche in linemen drill, No. 96 Curtis Porter said, "Those guys are big, its never going to be harder than this."
about 2 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® .

Posted by: SOUP | August 13, 2010 at 10:48 AM

>>>>>>

Haha, that's what I like to hear. Porter gives some good quotes.

Great to hear the classic Canes are flocking to Greentree. Very good sign indeed.

Good to hear Streeter's putting it together. I knew he would.