Hurricanes Blow In, Destroy Atlanta

Finally, after all of this time, your Miami Hurricanes went on the road in the ACC and opened a major can of whoop azz on an opponent.

And oh, it felt so good!

On Saturday afternoon when the stars aligned it happened to be Georgia Tech on the losing end of the beat down.

And oh, it felt so good!

UM backup Quarterback Stephen Morris continues to look really good and is no longer looking like a backup.  He is solid, confident and has a rocket for an arm.

And oh, he looked so good!

Miami Hurricanes head coach Randy Shannon has his team looking motivated and dominating the line of scrimmage.

And oh, his team looked so good!

Miami may not officially be out of the ACC Championship race yet, but with Virginia Tech's win over North Carolina yesterday, the Hurricanes' hopes are now tied to beating VT at Sun Life Stadium next Saturday and then relying on Virginia to beat VT at home in the final game of the 2010 regular season.

Regardless of how the ACC Coastal Division race turns out, the Hurricanes still have a lot to play for.  If the Hurricanes beat VT and USF at home over the next two weeks, they will finish the 2010 season at 9-3 and with momentum going into their bowl game and hopefully next season.

GO HURRICANES, BEAT THE HOKIES!

Comments

[wartown canes]

1

[usagainstheworld&thereferees]

on to the next one. (brandon harris, reggie sutton)

[usagainstheworld&thereferees]

wartown got me. guess i'm willis mcghaee.

[canesteeler]

It would be great to play the Gayturds in a bowl game!

[WGT22]

Oh, btw, going to the Roger Waters concert tonight. Going to be sweet.

Posted by: BEERicane | November 13, 2010 at 09:38 AM

Was it sweeter than the Gator game last night ?

[WGT22]

The older fans, that sat through what we are going through now, before the great years, realize how wonderful and improbable a run like that was.
That doesn't make anybody a truer fan or bigger fan.

Posted by: solarcane | November 13, 2010 at 11:01 AM

yup, those 2 year stints of Curci,Elliot,Saban and Selmer were some lean years indeed until the "Pipe" showed up... but, the games were in the ol lady O.B. and you could sit just about anywhere you'd like.

DAMN I miss that stadium ! Left my DNA many times out on that field back in high school.

Anyway, in retrospect, things are good, not great now and hopefully getting better. HAVE to finish strong.

[SOUP]

Anyway, in retrospect, things are good, not great now and hopefully getting better. HAVE to finish strong.

Posted by: WGT22 | November 14, 2010 at 10:47 AM

There IT is right there.

[WindyCane1]

Shannon wants to win and the coaches all know that Morris gives the Canes the best chance. Also, if he puts J12 in there the home crowd will boo on J12's first incomplete pass. Moreover, if he throws an INT, the fans will be upset at J12 and RS. I also think many players in that locker room favor Morris.

It would be too much for J12 to handle. J12 was a key reason the Canes have turned things around from the Coker years, and he helped recruit many players in that 2008 class. J12 is a true Cane -- but there is a better QB on the roster and he has won over the fans and his teammates.

We all love Coop, a true Cane, but Berr), Miller and James are better RBs. I don't believe Coop lost his starting RB spot solely because of injury. Coop, a 5-star recruit by Coker, is probably the 4th or 5th best RB on the current Canes team. Coop is probably NFL-bound, but so are the other Cane RBs.

Let the best man play - regardless of their seniority - that is what makes the Canes great.

If the Canes win out, I believe several Canes will be drafted and make NFL rosters - Bailey, Hank,McCarthy, Hill and Coop all have good chances of being drafted and playing on Sundays.

If the Canes win out and Morris keeps improving, everyone will be very optimistic. However, I am concerned as to who will replace Hank. After Hank, Benjamin is the best WR and after TB, Byrd and AJ are distant third and fourth WR options. Hopefully, Streeter, Thompkins, Hurns or another WR will step in and show us something we have not yet seen.

I think the Canes can be deeper and better at the other positions, and J12 has to step aside and do what is best for the Canes and support Morris. Morris is another example of the failure of the star system to project how a recruit will play in college. I will take Morris in Whipple's offense over any QB recruit I have seen recently in S Fla High school

[Galagos]

How are we officially out of the ACC race?

We are two games behind VT, but VT still has two conference games left.

If we beat VT and Virgina beats VT, wouldn't we be Coastal Champs?

[TJL]

Yes Galagos, but VT plays UVA at home and UVA has not beaten the Gobblers in a million years. We need to win this week no matter what, to play for a decent bowl game, to get ranked...I hope they continue to play at this level..I want the Gators in a bowl!!

[SOUP]

If we beat VT and Virgina beats VT, wouldn't we be Coastal Champs?

Posted by: Galagos | November 14, 2010 at 11:02 AM

UVA has about as much chance of beating VT as they do beating Miami.

Oh, wait a minute...

[SOUP]

"Coop, a 5-star recruit by Coker, is probably the 4th or 5th best RB on the current Canes team. Coop is probably NFL-bound, but so are the other Cane RBs."

Canez1 is a BIG Cooper fan and loves the fact that he is returning kickoffs and punts. Ain't that right Canez1? ;-)

[pbcfrcane13]

Or I could go the route of UVA has as much of a chance as JMU has at beating VT at VT.....oh wait??? Lol

Wishful thinking!!

[WGT22]

How's about the Canes not only beat Va. Tech, but kick the ever living sheet out of them 1986-1989 style and put some of their players on the 2 week I.R. to give Virginia a shot at pulling off the upset... No doubt, the Hokies tried to rest some players against James Madison and it bit them right in the tail feathers.

It is possible, but we need to physically fight V.T., between the whistles echos even at the risk of a half-dozen personal foul calls to send the clear message, on National TV that this season ain't over and we're going down fighting... Sorry Donna, it's a football thing.

So yeah, Galagos, it's possible. Concussed brains, broken bones and knocked out teeth be damned.

The Gators ? F'em and their soon to be 7-5 record. Let'em enjoy Shreveport in December. I'll take Orange, Peaches, Citrus or Outback in January anyday... 2013 will be here soon enough.

[SOUP]

Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams was arrested early Friday for suspicion of drunken driving and driving at night without his headlights on, a spokesperson for the Denver District Attorney's office said.

Williams, a team captain and the Broncos' leading tackler with 72 stops, was pulled over by Denver police near the intersection of 9th and Broadway downtown at about 2:40 a.m. MT.

He has been ordered to appear in Denver County Court on Dec. 13 to answer to the misdemeanor allegations.

This is Williams' second such arrest since joining the NFL in 2004. Williams was also arrested in 2005 for a DUI charge, to which he eventually pleaded guilty.

[SOUP]

For those interested, Dolphins-Titans preview:

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/12/titans-vs-dolphins-preview-score-and-more/

[SOUP]

Dave Hyde

Sun Sentinel Columnist

November 13, 2010

ATLANTA — Randy Shannon smiled when I asked the question, then gave a small chuckle, as if to say, "You're going to start a quarterback controversy?"

It's time, isn't it?

So here it is: Stay with Stephen Morris. Sit Jacory Harris. It's not without risk, and it's not the way Shannon is making plans if the doctors clear Harris to play this week.

But it was one of several conclusions that became clear about the Hurricanes as Saturday's 35-10 smackdown of Georgia Tech played out.

The first was that Morris isn't turning into a pumpkin. If he was, the freshman's first start on the road against a decent team and the season on the line would have been the intersection to do it.

Too tight? He turned on the sideline to Shannon at one point and said, "Can you loosen up a little bit?"

Too raw? A week after playing the hero with a last-second touchdown pass against Maryland, Morris played the part of a cog in the machine, completing 10-of-18 passes for 230 yards a touchdown and — here's the difference-maker — no interceptions.

"Stephen Morris did a tremendous job of just managing the game,'' Shannon said. "He was getting the ball into the wide receivers' hands, giving it to the running backs, throwing it to the tight ends. If we continue to do this, we can be a very special football team."

This quote leads to the second and more important thing Miami hopefully learned about itself: Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple needs to call the kind of game he did Saturday no matter who is at quarterback.

Whipple stayed simple with the freshman quarterback. Short passes. Lots of runs. And a week after Miami's offense produced a season-high 504 yards against Maryland, Miami topped it with 507 against Georgia Tech.

[AlpharettaCane]

WGT22: Sorry Donna, its a football thing.

That has to go down as an instant classic.

[SOUP]

More from Hyde at the Sun Sentinel:

Three stars:

1. Leonard Hankerson: The senior WR had three catches for 132 yards, including a career-long 79-yard touchdown.

2. Lamar Miller and Damien Berry: Miller had 85 yards and a TD on 11 carries while Berry, recovered from a leg injury and the flu, had 60 yards and a TD on 10 carries.

3. Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence: McCarthy had 15 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and Spence had 11 tackles, three for a loss, to lead Miami's defense.

Hankerson caught his 11th touchdown of the season, tying Michael Irvin for most in a season in school history. He also became third UM player to record back-to-back 800-yard receiving seasons.

The 'Canes committed just four penalties after 22 the previous two games combined. They came in leading the nation with 83 penalties.

[SOUP]

Top 25:

#s 1-12 all won.

#'s 13, 15, 17, 18, 24 (Gators) and 25 (UCF) all lost.

Miami back in top 25?

[SOUP]

From the Miami Herald:

Four Miami running backs scored touchdowns, receiver Leonard Hankerson joined the party with three catches for 132 yards and another touchdown, and the Hurricanes amassed a season-high 507 yards to dominate the Yellow Jackets 35-10 Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Orchestrating it all: true freshman quarterback Stephen Morris, who had another impressive outing in his first career road start. Morris, filling in for the injured Jacory Harris, connected on 10 of 18 passes for 230 yards and a 79-yard touchdown to Hankerson.

The win keeps UM (7-3, 5-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) alive in the hunt for a berth in the ACC title game. The Canes meet Coastal Division leader Virginia Tech (8-2, 6-0) in a nationally televised showdown next weekend at Sun Life Stadium.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/14/1924803/miami-hurricanes-pound-georgia.html#ixzz15HDJGwWj

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

A couple of Bowl Projections via ESPN
Hyundai Sun
(ACC vs. Pac-10) Miami (FL) vs. Oregon State

Champs Sports
(ACC vs. Big East) Miami (FL) vs. West Virginia.

[SOUP]

Champs Sports
(ACC vs. Big East) Miami (FL) vs. West Virginia.

Posted by: Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad | November 14, 2010 at 11:55 AM

I'm good with that.

[CaneRock]

Here are the offensive highlights from yesterdays game. Like I said in a previous post, Whipple has finally found the value of play action passing, like "hmmm, this thing really works". But I won't tell anybody He really found it in the UNC game on that epiphanic play action pass to Asante Cleveland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CxQiIaxjsM

And here's the defensive highlights from yesterday. All I have to say is BEAUTIFUL. That was a textbook performance on how to stop the flexbone, loved the gap/assignment exchanges that Spence and McCarthy had going on. But for the second week in a row, the refs find a way to take a game clinching TD away from the defense. And these so called cut or chop blocks by GT needs to be looked into. I don't have a problem with the block itself, but it seems like their players are deliberately aiming the crown of their helmets at the knees of the defenders.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CaneInsider

[SOUP]

Linebacker Colin McCarthy, who had a game-high 15 tackles, said he can't wait.

``It's a statement game,'' he said. ``Last year we went up [to Virginia Tech] and got embarrassed. We'll be ready to play come Saturday.''

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

Me too Soup. Wouldn't mind seeing that matchup. i always read in the Orlando Sentinel, that if Norte Dame wins out, that they would be a possible team for the Champs Sports Bowl... I believe they have Army, and USC remaining.

[SOUP]

UM player video interviews from Manny at the Herald:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/11/video-canes-react-to-georgia-tech-win.html

[SOUP]

that if Norte Dame wins out, that they would be a possible team for the Champs Sports Bowl... I believe they have Army, and USC remaining.

Posted by: Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad | November 14, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Noter Dame could LOSE both of those games.

Army, Navy and Air Force are ALL bowl eligible in the same year (2010) for the first time in a long time.

USC will prolly beat The Irish.

[Six]

You want to see a light speed surgical destroying of a human? He's like a little Filipino category 5 hurricane

Re-watch that Pacquiao-Margarito fight

Pacquiao was almost half a foot shorter ... 17 to 18 lbs lighter ... and had a 6.5 inch reach disadvantage

148 lbs to 165 lbs

I'm sure Cowboy fans have been used to watching their team get destroyed in the Dallas DeathStar Stadium, but Pac took it to another level there

The ref of the fight must know someone or have someone in his family that has Parkinsons, b/c he let Pac just keeping destroying Margarito's face and body, almost as payback to the stupid act of Maragarito and his camp making fun of Freddie Roach for having Parkinsons

Margarito's corner are a bunch of idiots as well for not stopping the fight

[Old Skool]

Two thoughts.
I believe in playing a hot hand or riding the mojo. If you have a quarterback whose undefeated in every start he's made. You don't replace him until he falters.

Also Bryce Brown. He would be buried deep in this backfield. Seeing Lamar play in high school either initiated or sealed his decision to go elsewhere

[SOUP]

Also Bryce Brown. He would be buried deep in this backfield. Seeing Lamar play in high school either initiated or sealed his decision to go elsewhere

Posted by: Old Skool | November 14, 2010 at 12:23 PM

YUP!

And Miller Time is only going to get better. Once he gets his confidence to where it should be he will start playing MUCH faster and break some of those short runs into LONG gains and TDs.

He's Miller Lite right now, but by the end of this season he's going to be "Miller Draft" because that's the ONLY thing defenders are going to feel as he runs by them.

[Six]

DUIs are no joke, you have a possibility of killing someone innocent out there. Just hire a damn driver DJ, it's not like you don't have the cash to spring for a limo for the night. You're officially an idiot now for getting a 2nd DUI

With that being said ..

I bet it was Tebow of Nazareth out there, messing with DJ. When DJ wasn't looking, Tebow kept turning his water into wine or Spirytus Vodka (192 proof) by just touching DJ's glass or water bottle

I bet a lot of Broncos players or fans are out there drinking heavily.

- Your team traded away Peyton Hillis for an idiot young punk QB from Notre Dame, who is riding the bench as the 3rd Stringer, making over $2 Million

(on a side note, Hillis has run for 644 yards 7 TDs for the Browns .... 10 players on the Broncos have rushed for a combined 538 yards)

- Your team traded away a 2nd, 3rd and 4th Round pick to get Tebow of Nazareth in the 1st Round, when you could've used those picks to help your depth

- Your team is 2-6 on the year

[Six]

It's all b/c Miller chose the correct number to wear

[Six]

I'm off to the blacked out game here in Tampa

At least I get to see BeasTon out there

[SOUP]

It's all b/c Miller chose the correct number to wear

Posted by: Six | November 14, 2010 at 12:37 PM

Yeah buddy! Now if only number 86 could get some PT we might have something here.

[Ashamed UM Alumni.]

So we are going to another sh!t bowl which we are also going to lose anyways. RS has 0 bowl wins. 0 ACC Championships. Just look at who is the best ACC team and where it is ranked. We have fallen big. Fire RS.

[BahamaCane]

UM ranked 24th in the AP!

[WindyCane1]

Miami is #21 in the USA Today poll and #24 in the AP.

The Canes with Morris at QB, the stable of RBs, the massive OLs, and their elite D, they can beat anyone and might even be favored against Va Tech.

I am really pleased with the progress of this team over the last 2 weeks. For the first time in two seasons, I can say that I see steady improvement at every position.

Surprised that Morris has looked so good. He doesn't look like a true freshmen making his 2nd start this late in the season.

That OL loves to mash people and the RBs can be truly speacial with 40+ rushes. Berry and Miller must eliminate the fumbles though.

Va Tech will be a true test.

If the Canes win out and their bowl game - regardless of whether they make the ACCCCG - the Canes will have a chance to move up pretty far in the polls. Then, I think their goals for a BCS run next year will be more realistic than they were this year.

[macjones]

For all yous Harris DISTRACTOR'S.

Coach Shannon knows best and will start the best QB the rest of the season, as well as next season.

And IF Steveie- No Not Nicks- Morris happens to start next week, and helps Miami defeat VA Tech, then he will be obviously the FRONT-RUNNER going into spring ball practice. If not the bowl game.

So por favor. leT the Orange AND Green QB cards play out. No.

Posted by: macjones | November 13, 2010 at 03:34 PM

>>>>>>>>>>

Mac, I love you bro, but THERE IS NO FRIGGIN WAY J12 SHOULD EVER START AT THE U AGAIN!!!

UNLESS MORRIS GOES DOWN....lol

Seriously. RS will give J12 a shot but it won't be next week. It might happen in the bowl game but even then he hasn't earned it.

He's stunk up this year more than anyone.

Meanwhile, the difference Morris makes for this offense and by extension this team is clear as day.

J12 is not making those completions Morris made to-day simply because of arm-strength. He's also NOT running the ball the way Morris runs, not at all.

Morris, MIller and James......THAT is the ticket. Bring in Storm and Hagens too. Lots of balls to go around next year.

J12 could RS and get stronger then maybe compete. Right now, he's not competitive with Morris.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 13, 2010 at 06:43 PM

Hold that notion Cavy, my man.

Because according to Randall. No not Cunningham. LOL Harris will get, at least , one more start, whenever he comes back this season. That's all I'm saying.

And yes Captain Optimist, there's no question Morris has the stronger arm and is not afraid to scamper with the oblong rock. The kid just has that ' field-General intangible ' Jacory once had, but seems to have lost.

However, from all indications, it's still possible Jacory will probably be M.I.A. next Sabado against Beamer Ball.

Thus, all the Morris loyalist will have another A.C.C. game to justify their reasons for the Second Coming leading Miami to onward towards championships ( Hasn't Hurricane fandom repeated that mantra before. LMAO ).

Now dig this U'all Cane rowdies. The fast approaching encounter with one Bud Foster's Hokie D-unit will be the true barometer for Stevie- No Not Wonder - Morris.

IF Stevie happens to start his third game in his young career and helps lead Team Shannon to victory over VA Tech, then just maybe Morris dethrones Jacory Harris.

[macjones]

And honestly considering the shit-hole the Idiot Coker left behind, I'd say he's AHEAD of schedule given the academic and budget constraints.

But people often don't like to consider ALL factors when evaluating things.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 13, 2010 at 09:11 PM

VOILA!

It would also help Miami, IF that bloody fickle ?? fan base ?? at least fills Miami's home field 3/4 of the capacity.

fUc!. Even that Herbie Cornhusker team has a typical game sold out for the likes of MIGHTY South Dakota St. Or a Idaho St.

Or say, a PACIFIC University team, which happens to be no longer playing major college football. LOL

[SOUP]

If the Canes win out and their bowl game - regardless of whether they make the ACCCCG - the Canes will have a chance to move up pretty far in the polls. Then, I think their goals for a BCS run next year will be more realistic than they were this year.

Posted by: WindyCane1 | November 14, 2010 at 01:38 PM

U are correct sir. I've said all along and even before the season started that NEXT year is OUR year.

[SOUP]

Javaris James scored for the Colts.

The NFL scoring streak coninues another week!

[SOUP]

Greg Olsen just scored for da Bears also.

[macjones]

Looking at the highlights, we are stacked at RB for a few years with LM, James, Clements/Johnson. The oline looks like it could be very good. Once the receivers become consistent and the QB situation improves (JH gets better or Morris starts) this O could be very dangerous in the future.

Posted by: USAFCane | November 14, 2010 at 06:23 AM

He!! USAFCane, the future is NOW for this Miami squad.

As for the O-line unit. Other than S.H. and B.W., Linder will be All-Conference before he graduates from The U. Yes.

B.L. flat out balled on Saturday afternoon. The kid is just getting better at his assignments as the season progresses. No.

And if I'm not mistaken, Brandon balled more plays than Gunn yesterday. Perhaps.

Other than Team Shannon's special team play, I'm feeling real good about the Hokie game. U'all feeling me!

[macjones]

It would be great to play the Gayturds in a bowl game!

Posted by: canesteeler | November 14, 2010 at 10:46 AM

U may just get yours wish, canesteeler.

Miami, F-L-A Hurricanes vs. Florida in the Gator Bowl, anyone.

[Old Skool]

I doubt the Gator Bowl committee would go for it. They seem to have a problem with the Canes. Plus, more than likely, such a matchup would have minimal impact on local hotel occupancy.

[macjones]

How are we officially out of the ACC race?

We are two games behind VT, but VT still has two conference games left.

If we beat VT and Virgina beats VT, wouldn't we be Coastal Champs?

Posted by: Galagos | November 14, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Galagos, I dig your high hopes. However, Virginia ain't going to defeat Beamer Ball!!

When Miami defeats both Beamer Ball and SoUTH Florida, there will be a possible Gator Bowl or another Champs bowl appearance waiting for Team Shannon. No.

I do believe the A.C.C.'s TOP 3 bowl games are the following:

1. B.C.S. Orange Bowl
2. Gator Bowl
3. Champs Bowl

IF wrong, then correct moi! LOL

Of course, the bloody ' politics ' of the A.C.C. would have a North Carolina St. or F.S.U. getting a spot in two of those top conference affiliated bowl games. Fandom traveling factor, anyone.

A.C.C. title game:

Beamer Ball vs. North Carolina St. or the Seminole. Albeit the Wolf Pack owns the tie-breaker over F.S.U.

[macjones]

I stand corrected. The Peach Bowl in Atlanta is the A.C.C.'s No. 2 bowl.

Just came back from a research project. LOL

1. B.C.S. Orange
2. Peach
3. Gator
4. Champs
5. Sun

IF everything holds to ' form. ' No not thoroughbred racing form. LMAO

The loser of the A.C.C. championship game will likely play in the A-T-L. No.

[macjones]

But for the second week in a row, the refs find a way to take a game clinching TD away from the defense. And these so called cut or chop blocks by GT needs to be looked into. I don't have a problem with the block itself, but it seems like their players are deliberately aiming the crown of their helmets at the knees of the defenders.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CaneInsider

Posted by: CaneRock | November 14, 2010 at 11:57 AM

I'm guessing Johnson learned a thing or two about having his offensive players DELIBERATELY go for the knees, from one Tom Osborne and or the diminutive Frankie Solich.

That Hinterland football is historically known for the chop and or cut block to the knees. For instance, their wide-outs and linemen and running backs ALL practice the block for the ' injury prone knees! '

Matter of fact, those type of blocks are most beneficial for squads that run the option. Nebraska anyone.

[SOUP]

Solar...your team is moving up the polls:

Boise State jumped back ahead of TCU in The Associated Press college football poll Sunday after the Horned Frogs played their closest game of the season.

No. 1 Oregon and No. 2 Auburn held their places, though the Ducks' narrow escape in a 15-13 victory Saturday night at California cost them 11 first-place votes and left them with 38.

Auburn, which erased an early 14-point deficit and beat Georgia 49-31, picked up 10 first-place votes for a total of 12.

The big move came at Nos. 3 and 4.

TCU moved ahead of Boise State last week after a 47-7 victory against previously unbeaten Utah. But that win didn't look quite so impressive after the Utes were beaten 28-3 at Notre Dame on Saturday. The loss by Utah combined with TCU's 40-35 victory against San Diego State and Boise State's 52-14 win at Idaho on Friday night caused a 41-point swing.

The Horned Frogs led the Broncos by 25 points last week. This week they trail by 16.