They started off fast and furious. They finished off slow and steady. When it was over Miami had beaten Pittsburgh 31-3 in the Steel City on Thursday night in front of a national audience on ESPN.
It was a satisfying if not spectacular evening of football for the Hurricanes and their fans who managed to keep their faith and hope alive as Miami now heads into the heart of their ACC schedule.
While a few hard to please fans are claiming that last night's win was not quite as impressive as they would have liked, the fact of the matter is that your Miami Hurricanes won a big game on the road by 28 points against solid competition and put to rest, at least temporarily, the demons that have been haunting them away from home.
While Miami failed to get what they wanted, a win in Columbus against the second ranked Buckeyes, the Hurricanes certainly got what they needed against Big East wanna-be champion Pittsburgh. UM Head Coach Randy Shannon had his team ready to play and deserves some serious props for beating his former coach and mentor Dave Wannstedt.
It was clearly obvious to observant fans that Randy gave his friend Dave some personal hygiene advice by shearing The Mustache and in the process removing any hope he may have had of pulling off the upset. It was Wannstedt that looked more like the student and his team looked like a bunch of Freshman as they struggled on offense against a resurgent Hurricane defense.
The Panthers went three-and-out on their first four possessions and were held to just 76 yards of total offense in the first half. The deep and talented Miami defensive line hit the Panthers offense like a tidal surge, constantly knocking the Pitt OL backwards. The consistent pressure and several sacks kept Panther QB Tino Sunseri off balance all night and running for his life on several occasions.
UM QB Jacory Harris was, well, Jacory Harris. He completed 21 of 32 pass attempts for 248 yards while throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions on the night. That brings Jacory's 2010 season totals through three games to 6 TDs and 6 INTs respectively. If Harris can find a way to stop throwing the ball to the other team, he and the Hurricanes offense will simply be unstoppable.
In a recent poll here on Canespace almost 60% of UM fans felt that J12 would throw more than 28 TDs and less than 14 INTs this season. If it is to be so then it's time to start a more positive TD : INT trend against the Tigers in Clemson next week (more on that later).
Travis Benjamin and Leonard Hankerson had TD grabs for the Hurricanes while Damien Berry led Miami with 91 yards rushing on 21 carries. Lamar Miller added 31 yards on 8 touches.
If before the game you would have offered up a 28 point win on the road against Pitt heading into a week where Miami will prepare for trip to Death Valley against ACC foe Clemson I would have replied: "Wrap it up, I'll take it!"
Now about that Clemson game...not to worry. Just like all this week before the game against Pitt when I told you to BELIEVE that the Hurricanes would beat the Panthers easily, next week when Miami travels to Clemson I will be at the game. And, as you already know: I GOT THIS!
PREDICTION: Miami 34, Clemson 24
Can it be?!?
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:01 PM
not at the table Carlos
CANES 24 - 14 over Clemson
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:02 PM
HAT TRICK
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:02 PM
DTX is in da house!
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 03:05 PM
Zakkee...where are the photos of Matt Bosher's girlfriend? ;-)
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 03:15 PM
Here's a good explanation as to why we threw so much last night:
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/15574/video-miamis-laron-byrd
Posted by: 360Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:17 PM
Wooooooooo!
Posted by: j.w. | September 24, 2010 at 03:19 PM
Byrd's a future NFL pre-game host. And I'm serious, the kid's got it together in front of a camera.
Posted by: j.w. | September 24, 2010 at 03:22 PM
The pics are coming SOUP, I'm still on this one tank trip, so my ladies turn to shop and visit some nice restaurants she's seen on The Food Network. I'll be back home on Sunday. She's the camera woman and she says she has some good ones!
DZ8, you had to see me bro. After the Pitt fans left (11:00 left in the 4th) all the Canes fans rushed to my section, right behind our bench) . We all moved down to front and we had a Cane party (had Ojomo, Miller, Spence, Forston, Seantrel, B. Harris, Davon Johnson, AJ2, Travis etc... all rolling...they had fun last night!).
Posted by: Zakkee | September 24, 2010 at 03:23 PM
DTC - the stars have aligned.....LOL
If we minimize turnovers we can win the Clemson game
Posted by: CGNC | September 24, 2010 at 03:23 PM
Posted by: j.w. | September 24, 2010 at 03:22 PM
after he is done playing for someone on sunday :-D
Posted by: CGNC | September 24, 2010 at 03:26 PM
I'm starting to agree with you Solar. I try not to play "arm chair coach", but when the entire room (bar) you are in questions the play calling, there has to be some aspect of truth to it.
We should have done nothing more than what we did on the first drive until Pity figured it out. From what I saw, they were not going to figure it out!
I'm not questioning Whips schemes, just their execution. We have not needed the "deep ball" in any game we lost by the "deep ball interception"!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:26 PM
I'm starting to agree with you Solar. I try not to play "arm chair coach", but when the entire room (bar) you are in questions the play calling, there has to be some aspect of truth to it.
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:26 PM
Good God man! I thought playing "arm chair coach" (or QB) was what fans blogged for???
LOL
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 03:30 PM
What up Soup? Nice blog articles lately. Clemson is much more difficult test than Pitt; better team & harsh environment. But, our CANES can handle it. We're better than Clemson; more athletic and have the experience and leadership to deal with Death Valley. We've already been to the 'Shoe...can the Valley be any worse?? I think not. I don't think blow out like Pitt was, but we should prevail. 10 pt W for the CANES.
Hey CGNC! Yeah...my lucky day!
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:32 PM
Soup
that kayak link you gave gets a lot of good reviews in magazines.
It looks great.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Good analysis by Greg Cote
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/24/1839822/um-had-enough-good-vs-pitt-to.html
Posted by: CGNC | September 24, 2010 at 03:35 PM
I think Whipple's light years ahead of where we were before he got here.
What I'm saying is, if something has a very predictable result, and it is usually counter productive, you don't need to continue doing it to try and prove otherwise.
Whipple says he has a zillion plays and can use the ones that fit his quarterback.
I think the rainmaker should be a once a game excercise.
pbc,
You make a good point about knowing when to throw deep.
I think we are watching the same games, but maybe our perception of what we see is different.
I believe if you throw the deep ball as often as Jacory decides to the law of averages say some will get there.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 03:46 PM
What up Soup? Nice blog articles lately.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:32 PM
U know what we say around here: "Even a blind squirrel..."
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 03:46 PM
I think the rainmaker should be a once a game excercise.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 03:46 PM
IMHO, THERE IT IS! (Maybe twice!)
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:49 PM
Soup
that kayak link you gave gets a lot of good reviews in magazines.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 03:33 PM
When U come here in November for the VT game, how many days are U planning? Might we slip in a morning kayaking adventure over in St. Pete while the women go shopping or exploring?
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 03:50 PM
31-17 Canes over Tigers. VAULT IT! =)
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 24, 2010 at 03:53 PM
after he is done playing for someone on sunday :-D
Posted by: CGNC | September 24, 2010 at 03:26 PM
Poitn well taken, CG!
Posted by: j.w. | September 24, 2010 at 03:54 PM
point ^^^
Posted by: j.w. | September 24, 2010 at 03:54 PM
sota
I love seeing the long bomb. But we have too many guys that can run after the catch.
Let them make plays for you.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 03:54 PM
Ohio, If Parker is hurting as bad as he was at the end of their last game you have a good chance of being right. :)
Posted by: j.w. | September 24, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Soup
Forget St. Pete. Take Solar kayaking on the Wekiwa or Wekiva. It can be a very pretty trip and a lot less of a drive. I would imagine there are kayak rentals around Orlando.
Posted by: Old Skool | September 24, 2010 at 03:57 PM
Old Skool they do and it is fun:
http://www.wekivaadventures.com/index.php
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2010 at 04:00 PM
soup,
I'd love to kayak around there if we get a chance!
I'm taking the new(est) kayak out for it's sea test tomorrow.
I brought it and another paddle home this AM
What an awesome company!
No BSing around.
They said cut the damaged kayak into pieces for the recylcer, take photos, and a brand new replacement would be in my hands within three weeks no questions asked.
10 days later the dealer calls and says your new boat is here.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 04:02 PM
I hear what U guys are saying about the long ball. Consider this tho...that the WRs at the U are faster (at least on paper) than the DBs they're playing against; that if we connect with one of these WRs in space it'll be off to the races we go; that the threat of the long ball prevents all but the absolute best defenses from stacking the LOS thus opening up the running game and underneath passes; finally...that if we only throw it deep once a game, 100,000 crazed Miamians will storm The Gables and hang The Whip in effigy (or for real) for not utilizing all those highly recruited stud WRs.
IMO, if we throw it deep and connect, the fans complain that we need to throw deep more frequently...once a game is BS since we should score 8 TDs per game, at least, b/c JJ would.
If we miss or throw an INT, than the fandom wants a "power running game". except for 321 of course, who wants The Spread regardless. lol
Thats our right as fans...to constantly demand/want what we dont have or what isn't realistic. Doesn't make us right tho.
Oh...and for those calling for Randy to "reign in" Whip...U all remember last season when people were calling for RS to get out of the way and let Whip run the O, call/manage the timeouts, etc?!? Randy dealt with Nix for 2 years to get Whip...the O Whip is running - pro style - is exactly what Randy wants. I'm sure Whip has all play-calling duties, but this is the type offense RS wanted and its what we're going to run.
U dig?
if I can borrow from mac...
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 04:03 PM
skool,
when are you coming down to the house?
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 04:03 PM
DTX,
I understand everything you are saying.
I also understand every defensive back on our schedule knows he has an opportunity to be on ESPN.
Our deep passing game needs to intimidate people, I don't feel it has.
I think Whipple is doing a good job, I think Jacory is as Shannon stated doing a decent job.
I think they both make questionable decisions for the salary, and praise they receive.
Having fast receivers that have to turn completely around while a slower defender catches up negates having fast receivers at all.
Every now and then when everything clicks our guy catches a deep ball in stride and no one touches him, too often there are times it seems average defensive backs are standing around in a crowd waiting patiently with our receivers for Jacory to loft one out there.
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 04:17 PM
has there been any update on jacory's left arm
Posted by: xxcanes305xx | September 24, 2010 at 04:24 PM
The throwing of the long bomb ISN'T THE PROBLEM! In fact it's a vital part of the solution because defenses must fear the deep strike every play and have to respect it accordingly. Now Mr. Football II has to make better decisions on when to go deep depending on the amount of over the top coverage being played and he also has to be a little more fine with his delivery of deep passes into coverage in terms of trajectory and where to lead the receivers. His short and medium passing game is fine to exceptional at this point, he just needs to get his bombing skills up from sub-to-par or better and we'll average 40+ this year a game.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 24, 2010 at 04:24 PM
Solar,
I definitely agree that our deep passing game doesn't intimidate. And with what you're saying about poor passing making average DBs into stars.
Guess I'm willing to give J12 more time to start making those throws versus giving up on him and declaring we cant do it. IMO, J12 needs to do a better job with his progressions and check off or throw it away instead of throwing into coverage. Just b/c a long ball is called doesn't mean he has to throw it; there are always 2nd or 3rd options. If however the problem is that he simply cant make those throws (for whatever reason - arm strength or pass placement or decision making etc), then its different. In that case, why bother? Do it once a game in a very safe situation or when the outcome is decided. I think Whip & Randy still believe he can make those throws. We'll see what they bring out vs Clemson.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 04:26 PM
Forget St. Pete. Take Solar kayaking on the Wekiwa or Wekiva. It can be a very pretty trip and a lot less of a drive. I would imagine there are kayak rentals around Orlando.
Posted by: Old Skool | September 24, 2010 at 03:57 PM
EVERYBODY ALWAYS TELLING ME WHAT TO DO! SHOULD I RENT THE YELLOW OR THE BLUE KAYAK?
JUST KIDDING! But seriously, I have been to Wekiva Springs State Park and it is very beautiful. The St. Pete/Wheedon Island Preserve is also a very nice kayak trail through a mangrove island with fishing for snook, redfish and sea trout. Both are very nice trips.
From where I live both the 407 and the 813 are about the same distance way. Orlando is about one hour and Tampa/St.Pete is about 1.5 hours away.
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 04:30 PM
His short and medium passing game is fine to exceptional at this point, he just needs to get his bombing skills up from sub-to-par or better and we'll average 40+ this year a game.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 24, 2010 at 04:24 PM
In a previous poll everyone said that "UM would average 35 points a game or more."
It was supposed to be a "no-brainer".
So far? 33 PPG.
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 04:32 PM
See, I think if Jacory thinks he can connect for six he should go for it everytime. I'd tell him NEVER throw into triple coverage no matter what and only throw it to a 6-3 or taller receiver in double coverage if he has a window to complete the pass in due to the receiver having the CB beat and the safety in hot pursuit to try and close the break in coverage. Benjamin doesn't have the Santana Moss vertical necessary to out-jump two guys if needed, save those type of hero plays for the Hank's, Byrd's, and Steeter's, AJ II could be in that group as well.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 24, 2010 at 04:34 PM
Check out this place Soup:
http://www.wekivaisland.com/
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2010 at 04:36 PM
"The throwing of the long bomb ISN'T THE PROBLEM!"
Throwing the long bomb to guys wearing different colored jerseys almost always is tho
DTX,
I haven't given up on Jacory at all.
He is the best we have at the moment.
I have given up on making excuses for every bad throw that he makes.
too young, sore thumb, receivers run the wrong routes ,lack of concentration do to social media.
When is it just a stupid mistake?
If we had a number 2 quarterback that was just dying to come off the bench, I think Jacory makes better choices
jmo
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 04:38 PM
In a previous poll everyone said that "UM would average 35 points a game or more."
It was supposed to be a "no-brainer".
So far? 33 PPG.
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2010 at 04:32 PM
That # is going to go UP after Clemson...
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 04:40 PM
SOUP, we've played three games with two of them being against the best and about the 3rd, 4th, or 5th depending how it finally shakes out teams on our schedule. That's why the averages are totaled after all the games are in the books big guy.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 24, 2010 at 04:43 PM
solar, if he's throwing it into a field of the opposite color uni's yeah it's a problem, but he's not, he's taking shots at guys who usually have a step and sometimes the ball's not getting out of his hand the way it needs to be. That can be improved and is on the QB, but it's not like he's just bombing blindly into a sea of waiting guys all the time, usually the receiver looks like he has a step but coverage gets there quicker than the ball needs to or the it's off and the guy can't adjust. Occasionally he's making bad reads but those seem to be being cut down so far this year, I think maybe half the picks at most this year would fall into a bad read category.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 24, 2010 at 04:47 PM
DTX, the fans will complain if he throws picks and loses games, not if he plays the dink and dunk. The first drive was poetry, who would need more than that?
And besides that, if you score on three consecutive carries, the long ball will reveal itself naturally!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 24, 2010 at 04:48 PM
I didn't mean that we score more than 33 on Clemson; but rather that after the Clemson game (and FSU game), we'll get into the softer part of the ACC schedule and THEN our PPG will rise.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 04:51 PM
DZ8, you had to see me bro. After the Pitt fans left (11:00 left in the 4th) all the Canes fans rushed to my section, right behind our bench) . We all moved down to front and we had a Cane party (had Ojomo, Miller, Spence, Forston, Seantrel, B. Harris, Davon Johnson, AJ2, Travis etc... all rolling...they had fun last night!).
Posted by: Zakkee | September 24, 2010 at 03:23 PM
Did you shave your beard? I wasn't looking at faces, just for beards... or ladies trying to rush the field to hug Bosher:)
I stayed to the end and I was in 107. Before the game I went over to 110 (your section right?) and looked out for you but didn't see you. After that it was game-time focus. After the game ended I moved to 108 where there were a lot of Canes fans getting the Ibis to throw up The U. Saw this one middle age man acting like a kid when he showed his wife his picture of Sebastian...lol.
I'm still getting over a cold so I didn't launch a mission to find you but it's all good.
I did see PhillyCane and Canez1... good people.
We better fine tune some things against Clemson:)
Posted by: DZ8 | September 24, 2010 at 04:52 PM
I hear U solar. I agree...a bad throw is a bad throw and a bad decision is a bad decision. No more babying necessary for J12 or RS and the staff.
But, some of the fans are slitting wrists and becoming human bonfires b/c we didnt score every drive or make a perfect play every play. Nuts.
J12 made 2 poor throws that resulted in INTs against Pitt. IMO, the decisions to call those plays by Whip and to throw the passes by J12 were good decisions.
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 04:56 PM
alrighty...hope U all have a good weekend. Stay thirsty my friends.
I'm out.
CANES!
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | September 24, 2010 at 05:03 PM
Figs needs to move inside. Where's Jermaine Johnson? Seantrel looks good!
Storm, Streeter and Davon Johnson don't look so happy, but they shouldn't be...they're on the bench, so it depends on who they're mad at.
Pitt didn't suck...we are that good.
BEERICANE, very angry last night, UpNorth was right, that defensive swagger was/is contagious and we saw it last night. Once one guy makes a play, everyone wants to match or raise it one! Even DVD tried to address himself last night with that pick return...our kids are running downhill on defense now.
Six nor any other Cane fan shouldn't be made to feel bad for expecting a tougher game last night. That doesn't make them less of a fan.
Now I see what darCANgel has meant all the years by: "Go to the games...don't boo...support the team...cheer"..etc There's much wisdom in his crytic posts. Going to games, brings you back down to Earth as a fan and it makes your post more intelligent and even-keeled SEE: the bloggers who regularly attend games like: SOUP, solar, canechic, Angry, aqua, ocala, keoki and others etc...they get it on all fronts.
Zakkee...listen I gotta be straight with U dude: If you and your girlfriend run into unfortunate circumstances and get arrested at Heinz Field tonight, Canespace only has enough bail money to get one of U out of jail.
And I hate to tell U this but...U may have to spend the night in the lock up.
Posted by: SOUP | September 23, 2010 at 06:55 PM
SOUP lol! ONE THING FOR SURE..TWO THINGS FOR CERTAIN:
1) I don't go to jail...I'm not cut from that cloth. She DEFINITELY isn't cut like that!
2) If was to go to jail...it wouldn't be WITH my bail. One of us aint going.
3) If I was to go to jail. It wouldn't have anything to with a Canes game...it would be alot of money missing or someone would be on life support (for an unforgivable reason), thus Canespace wouldn't be able to afford my bail...there wouldn't be any bail issued bro.
Posted by: Zakkee | September 24, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Solar
You have no idea how anxious I am to come down. Alas, I'm still in the midst of deal closing hell.
Posted by: Old Skool | September 24, 2010 at 05:09 PM
Check out this place Soup:
http://www.wekivaisland.com/
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2010 at 04:36 PM
VERY NICE! That looks like a winner right there. Have U been?
I heard on Orlando talk radio recently that some whacko environmental group was trying to shut them down to 'save the river".
Here's an idea: U and Angry want to spend some time splashing around on the river in November with me and Solar?
Solar could tip my kayak over, U could hit me in the head with your paddle and then Angry could feed me to the alligators?
Then the three of U will have accomplished what Old Skool could not do on the Chattooga River.
Sounds like a plan huh? LOL
Seriously wanna go? Maybe RaizeCane will join us and share some of his bountiful supply of Cap'n and coke?
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2010 at 05:18 PM