When Life Gives U Turtles, Make Turtle Soup

After a tough loss on the road to Virginia next up for your Miami Hurricanes is a home game at noon (better get used to it) against the Maryland Terrapins at Sun Life Stadium.  The Hurricanes will try to continue their yo-yo like season with a bounce back win over the slowly emerging Terps.

Just in case you aren't sure exactly what a "Terrapin" is here is some background and history for you on how Maryland adopted the cute little turtle as their school mascot:

The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) was made the State reptile and official mascot of the University of Maryland College Park in 1994 (Chapter 476, Acts of 1994; Code of State Government). 

As a mascot (also fondly known as Testudo) the Terrapin, however, has been affiliated with the University of Maryland's athletic program since 1933.

 
Terrapin are carnivorous predators whose preference for unpolluted saltwater make them indicators of healthy marsh and river systems. In winter, they hibernate underwater in mud. Around late May, diamondback terrapin emerge to mate, nest, and bask in the sun on coastal dunes or narrow sandy beaches.  Chesapeake Bay area colonists ate terrapin prepared Native-American fashion, roasted whole in live coals. Abundant and easy to catch, terrapin were so ample that landowners often fed their slaves and indentured servants a staple diet of terrapin meat.  Later, in the 19th century, the turtle was appreciated as gourmet food, especially in a stew laced with cream and sherry. 

For a turtle soup recipe click here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/foodnation-with-bobby-flay/turtle-soup-recipe/index.html

Maryland steamrolls into the game with a 6-2 record (3-1 ACC) and fresh off a thrashing of Wake Forest.  Maryland picked up its fourth straight home win, became bowl eligible and most importantly, remained in a second-place tie in the Atlantic Division race with Saturday's dominating 62-14 victory over the Demon Deacons. 

 
Maryland has won six of their first eight games for the fifth time under Coach Ralph Friedgen (2001, 2002, 2006, 2008). The Terrapins are bowl eligible for the seventh time in Friedgen's 10 seasons. Maryland, 2-6 at this point last year, has posted the best turnaround in the ACC. No other team has improved by more than three games from its 2009 record after eight contests.  

 
Interesting Fact: Maryland has not had a punt blocked in 132 straight games, but over that time span they have blocked 16 of the opposition's, including four on the season (two vs. Wake Forest, 10/30; two vs. Morgan State, 9/11).

Miami meanwhile is limping forward after suffering a 24-19 loss against Virginia to to send their record tumbling to 5-3 (3-2 ACC).  The Hurricanes had appeared to be taking turns struggling on offense or defense each week.  That is until the Virginia game where Miami decided to go all "fair and balanced" and struggled equally on both sides of the ball against what was perceived as a weaker opponent.

 
UM running back Damien Berry is currently averaging 86.2 yards per game, which ranks fourth in the ACC. The senior has scored four TDs on the season, in addition to 93 receiving yards.  Leonard Hankerson leads the Hurricanes in receiving with 681 yards this season. The senior ranks second in the ACC in both receptions (5.5 pg) and receiving yards per game (85.1 pg) . Hankerson also leads the league with nine TD receptions, including a three-TD game against Clemson (10/2). 

 
Miami linebackers Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence anchor the Miami defense with 128 total tackles between the pair. McCarthy ranks fourth in the ACC with 8.7 tackles per game, while Spence sits right behind him with 8.4. The Hurricanes have the top-ranked passing defense in the ACC, and are ranked seventh in the nation, allowing only 152.5 yards per game.

As all Hurricane fans know Miami suffered a significant loss against the Cavaliers when UM starting QB Jacory Harris was body slammed to the turf and suffered a concussion that is likely to keep him out of this week's contest.  If Harris can't go then Miami will turn to true freshman Stephen Morris who played well and led the comeback in the second half of the Virginia game after Harris was knocked silly.

Somehow, in spite of their records and the nay-sayers, the wisdom of the odds-makers has the Hurricanes listed as an 11 point favorite over the Terrapins.  Go figure.

Having officially retired the "I GOT THIS" saying after last week's debacle against Virginia I will not be making a score prediction for this week's game. I will only offer this:

GO CANES, BEAT THE TERPS!!!

Comments

[CGNC]

Solar, did you make all of those?

[CGNC]

Article on Alvin Slaughter, Morris' high school coach - I like him!

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/11/will-freshman-qb-stephen-morris-be-ums-savior.html#tp

[solarcane]

cg,
I made the ones that have gottacanne above them thats my You Yube account
I hope you enjoyed the effort

They aren't to hard to do.
I'm working on something a little more advanced for later

[solarcane]

gottacane not gottacanne sorry

[NativeCane]

CGNC- Slaughterisms:

"I just told him whatever happens you better go back to being humble because that's what always kills football players -- the success and not being able to handle it," Slaughter said. "It's like marrying Halle Berry, Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian. You wouldn't know how to act

[CGNC]

Native - I loved the whole interview.

[CGNC]

Ok Solar. I will go and listen to yours maybe tonight :-D

[j.w.]

Berry's out
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/

[Chris]

This is kind of painful to read:

Minnesota Gopher Coaching Candidate Profile - Randy Shannon

Randy Shannon is currently coaching the Miami Hurricanes and prior to a Joe Schmitt tweet he wasn't the radar of anybody's radar. But his name has been tossed into the ring (remember where you heard it first) so let's run him through the TDG profiler.

Playing Career

1984-88 - Linebacker for Miami's 1987 National Championship Team

Coaching Career

1991 - Miami (Grad Ast)

1992 - Miami (DL)
1993-97 - Miami (LB)

1998-99 - Miami Dolphins (Ast)

2000 - Miami Dolphins (LB)

2001-05 - Miami U (DC)

2006 - Miami U (DC and LB)

2007-present - Miami (HC)

You may notice that Shannon has basically spent his entire career (playing and coaching) within the city limits of Miami. He did play a season for the Cowboys after college but other than that his entire career has been in the 305 area code.

Why He Fits

Well he is really on the list only because he was rumored to be interested in getting out of the Miami pressure cooker. In one respect he is a Tubby Smith type hire but only from the perspective of the coach. Maybe Randy Shannon is fed up with the unrealistic expectations of Hurricane fans and would love to come to a place where he could build something and not be vilified if a BCS Title game isn't a regular occurrence. The minor difference is Tubby Smith did win a National Championship and won 10 conference titles with a .760 winning percentage. Randy Shannon has a .650 win % and actually a losing record in conference without a conference title or a bowl win.

He has great coordinator experience putting together 5 Hurricane defenses that finished in the top 10 nationally during his six year in that role. And then he has is in his forth season as a head coach at one of the premier programs in the country.

This is a bit of a stretch but he may be pretty solid in recruiting the Miami area. He's from the area his whole life and has been recruiting the area for a very long time. He clearly has built relationships with area schools and coaches (stronger than those we are assuming from a guy like Kevin Sumlin who has been in Houston for all of two years).

Why He May Not Fit

The main criteria I've been using for this whole endeavor has been experience, proven winner, Minn/Big10 ties and recruiting. And to tell you the truth Shannon isn't a home run in any of these categories. His head coaching experience is about two more games than Tim Brewster's. He has won more games than he's lost but if I'm giving credit to other coaches who have done more with less I need to point out that Shannon has excelled at doing less with more. He has absolutely no ties to the Big Ten or Minnesota. And he has recruited OK but he is coaching the Hurricanes which is right in the heart of a target rich environment. He eventually landed Seantrel Henderson but he was clearly plan B (or maybe even C).

The biggest thing is that he doesn't view this as a place he wants to be, it is a place that isn't the Miami pressure cooker. I don't see the appeal from his perspective to come here.

TDG Approval

Experience - B-
Proven Winner - C-
Minn/B10 Ties - F
Recruiting - B

It seems really odd to say that a coach who is good enough for the Miami Hurricane's isn't good enough to be the coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. But Randy Shannon was been pretty average, especially for Miami standards. He has virtually unlimited resources, a fantastic recruiting base within blocks of his office and has managed just a .650 win % before this season. He seems to be a great coordinator but hasn't put it all together as a head coach.

He has done a nice job trying to restore the image of "Thug U." But Minnesota doesn't need an image makeover, they need a winner. He may very well put things together and be very successful at Miami, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'd be successful at Minnesota where somethings just won't come as easily. If he truly wants to make a move out of Miami I just don't see Minnesota as the logical landing spot for him or for us.

His defensive coaching history would give me hope that we'll see an actual defense in Minnesota capable of stopping somebody. I wouldn't be pissed if we hired him, he has some credentials, but he's not at the top of the list. He is a sexy name that on the surface would sound great to Gopher fans. But moving from Miami to Minnesota is a step down. This seems to be more about him than it would be about us and really there is no reason to believe he would actually leave Miami.

[canesteeler]

I just returned home from a two day stay in the hospital after thinking I had a heart attack. The thought of me never seeing my children again scared the hell out of me! I am blesssed all test were negative but I must get back into shape to lower my cholestral and blood pressure. I well always root for the canes and steelers but their winning and losing is insignificant in my live at this time. Go canes and steelers!

[macjones]

Ah, one correction on the latest Hurricane story, SOUPY.

The Sin City line ' was ' -11 ( It opened at - 11 points. ).

However, it took a bloody DRASTIC fall to - 8 points by ' Tuesday Afternoon. ' That my man, is not a good omen for yoUr Miami team.

What this indicates is this. The freakin' HIGH ROLLER'ers have put ' beaucoup Benjamins ' on Maryland, to either cover the spread or win outright. Bloody Ouch!

Yet, I still see Team Shannon reighning victorious in front of a sparse Cane crowd. LOL

And like the author of this latest take on the Hurricanes, I won't even attempt to guess the final score. LMAO

[macjones]

Herbstreit on Rose this morning, shockingly has jumped off the Miami and FSU bandwagons.

Now he is full on Oregon. That could be the kiss of death for that team....

Posted by: Ungar | November 03, 2010 at 08:43 AM

Can yous blame Herbert for CHIT-CANNING both Team Shannon and the Seminoles. Well, can U's!

And the only member on ESPN's GAMEDAY, who gives ' the kiss of Death, ' is the Clown with his mascot wearing ways. LOL

[macjones]

Finally someone in the media calling out Mark Whipple

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/hyde/blog/2010/11/_is_this_the_week.html

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/hyde/blog/2010/10/hyde_um_loss_points_to_offensi.html

Posted by: BahamaCane | November 03, 2010 at 10:47 AM

Both the six'ER and 57'er, as well as Whipple apologists aren't going to take too kindly to Hyde's ' INSIGHTFUL ' opinion. LMAO

Because there is a degree of truth to what he pens.

[Ungar]

I just returned home from a two day stay in the hospital after thinking I had a heart attack. The thought of me never seeing my children again scared the hell out of me! I am blesssed all test were negative but I must get back into shape to lower my cholestral and blood pressure. I well always root for the canes and steelers but their winning and losing is insignificant in my live at this time. Go canes and steelers!

Posted by: canesteeler | November 03, 2010 at 05:14 PM

Wow. Welcome back, and read SOUP's previous blog, it hits home for you.

BTW, soy milk is not as bad as it sounds...

[macjones]

" This was an awfully called game. Even with under a minute left in the half, with his backup quarterback in the game, Mark Whipple was calling for downfield passes. Run out the clock. Get to half. Make adjustments. Virginia intercepted a ball and Miami was lucky it came with 4 seconds left in the half rather than earlier, as it could have been. " Hyde, Palm Beach post LITERALLY lmao. I BLOODY SAID THE Whipple Factor PANICKED!!!! AND THE Whipple Factor CONTINUED TO PANICKED EARLY IN THE 3rd QUARTER.

" It isn’t just that Whipple strayed from his offense’s strength with this barrage of deep passes this year that has led to too many turnovers. It’s that the defense has been put in bad positions. This isn’t excusing the defense at the end Saturday. It was asked to make a stop. It couldn’t. But Whipple coaches an offensive game that takes in no consideration of the defense. " Hyde, Palm Beach Post

[canesteeler]

Ungar thank and I just read Soups previous blog. I agree 100%!

[j.w.]

Steeler- really gald to hear that it wasn't what you feared! Stay strong, red wine can be good for the heart!

[solarcane]

cansteeler man I'm happy for you to be out of the hospital.
Thats natures way of telling you she won't be kidding next time.

Losing weight and getting your heart and endurance up will really make you feel better.

ungar is correct soy milk isn't bad at all.
I have a banana, strawberry, spinach,nectarine, low fat yogurt and soy milk smoothie or similar for breakfast every day.
Ask soup or old skool how they taste.

I have lost 29 pounds since last Thanksgiving and the painful swelling in my joints is all but disappeared.
My wife hasd lost 22 pounds by watching what she eats and kayaking.

I hope you can adjust your lifestyle so you can be enjoying your grand kids and everything ahead of you.
like I said glad as heck you are doing better!

[macjones]

Thank g-d Phil Steele, the premier college football pundit, doesn't have Team Shannon on his ' Upsets of the Week. '

Mr. Steele has an uncanny .700 ' winning percentage ' for his upset special picks.

He was 2-1 last Sabado.

So, Phil says ' I GOT THIS! ' lol

[canechic]

Glad you are better canesteeler, take care of yourself not a football team in the world worth your life :)

[BahamaCane]

Herbstreit on Rose this morning, shockingly has jumped off the Miami and FSU bandwagons.

Now he is full on Oregon. That could be the kiss of death for that team....

Posted by: Ungar | November 03, 2010 at 08:43 AM
---------------------------------
Oregon will loose its next game, lol! Thanks Herbie!

[NativeCane]

U

Stephen Morris speaks to press after practice today.

http://theufootball.com/

[NativeCane]

CFT-Shannon: Berry still nicked up.

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

[NativeCane]

TBO

B-Ball

The strength coach for the Miami Hurricanes' basketball team took Reggie Johnson to the grocery store to show him what kind of bread and milk to buy.

Roommate and teammate Malcolm Grant gave Johnson a scolding for trying to sneak fast food into their kitchen. And Johnson lost five pounds during a summer trip with Athletes in Action to China, where he ate squirrel and chicken heads.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/nov/03/031747/johnson-says-canes-wont-be-acc-lightweights-in-bas/sports-colleges-canes/

[SOUP]

CGNC...those cartoon videos (there are two different ones) have been posted here a few times already. But they ARE funny!

[SOUP]

Was in Homestead earlier and now in the 954. There is no support for Shannon left anywhere I go even among die hard fans.

The haters (FSU and UF fans) are having a field day at our expense.

LOTS of rain down here in SFL. Flooding rain and more tomorrow. Gonna be in the 50's here this weekend. OHHHHH cold!!!

LOL

[solarcane]

actually there are four I made two and another cane fan made two

and rumor is SUPER KEN is coming all the way from Caneterria later tonight to really let the players have it stay tuned!
It will post in a bit

[NativeCane]

Stephen Morris Interview after practice was very good. Likeable kid seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

I hope the Whipple naysayers are wrong and this young man and his receiving corp smoke the Turtles drawers.

Go Canes!!!

Stephen.... Skitchem'!!!

[j.w.]

And it's amazing, Soup, all the folks who told us to trust him, that he knew what he was doing, knew what really mattered, and yelled at anyone who suggested otherwise have turned on Shannon as well.
solar- Super Ken?

[j.w.]

There's only one person I know of who deserves a nickname like that but thought he was in Canada these days.

[SOUP]

Steeler...take care of yourself FIRST! All this traveling to away games has run U ragged.

Have Solar email U that smoothie recipe. They are healthy AND taste good!

"A little change, will do U good."

[solarcane]

solar- Super Ken?

Posted by: j.w. | November 03, 2010 at 06:42 PM

j.w. I promise you, monte, Six, canesteeler, Matt, ungar, alph, skool and a couple others will back Super Ken 1 million percent.
Hes on his way!

[solarcane]

Hot of the griddle
SUPER KEN kicks the Canes into manhood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_BmtxQP1bo

[SOUP]

"The strength coach for the Miami Hurricanes' basketball team took Reggie Johnson to the grocery store to show him what kind of bread and milk to buy."

BTW...UM Basketball coach Frank Haith was on the Sid Rosenburg show on WQAM this PM and they were all buddy-buddy. That's right the same Rosenburg that apparently is a Shannon hater is a Haith lover.

Shannon will not even go on his show and Haith was hanging out and having fun for over 15 minutes talking college hoops. Rosenburg prasied Haith and appeared genuinely excited about UM hoops in 2010.

[solarcane]

that came out better than I imagined it would lol!

[SOUP]

And it's amazing, Soup, all the folks who told us to trust him, that he knew what he was doing, knew what really mattered, and yelled at anyone who suggested otherwise have turned on Shannon as well.

Posted by: j.w. | November 03, 2010 at 06:42 PM

U mean like a lot of people who used to blog here? They have ALL flipped to the darkside even the #1 Shannon fan of all. He used to LOL at the Shannon doubters. Used to bash and belittle them. Used to call them ignorant or stupid.

Now he cries himself to sleep at night...alone.

[NativeCane]

Solar nice, Super Ken and Jerry Jeff Walker.

[SOUP]

Can yous blame Herbert for CHIT-CANNING both Team Shannon and the Seminoles. Well, can U's!

Posted by: macjones | November 03, 2010 at 05:21 PM

U completely missed the point (again).

He was the one touting first Miami as the one to beat, then he jumped on the FSU bandwagon with both feet and said all kinda crazy things. Now he dumps them both after losses.

The guy has turned into a slut jumping at the next lover just as fast as he can and telling each one "I Love U" on national television before he moves on the next week to another one he's loving even more.

ESPN Game Day has become more like "The Bachelor" TV show.

[Old Skool]

Interesting that Shannon lets a freshman QB speak to the press and not Jacory

[SOUP]

I hope the Whipple naysayers are wrong and this young man and his receiving corp smoke the Turtles drawers.

Posted by: NativeCane | November 03, 2010 at 06:42 PM

Talked to Six by phone today and we BOTH said the exact same thing.

Personally I think Shannon tied his horse to Jacory's wagon and the wheels came off that ride.

If Whipple handpicked Morris and he attaches his wagon to him it will be interesting to see how that ride turns out?

[canechic]

Been here done this...I will wait and see what happens...not riding anymore jocks...let your actions to the talking.

Go Canes!

[canechic]

Except Angry's lol!

[NativeCane]

Last saturday if the defense stops Virgina
and Whipples battle plan works in the last minute he is a instant Genius.

I don't think Whipple is the weak link in this coaching chain.... we'll see?

Go Canes!!!

[Sebastian]

I have not given up on this current staff and I wont give up on them

Fly the insults my way, say what you must but I will not leave the ship

I dont claim to be an expert and I have my own reasons for backing the key players on this staff but it does amaze me to hear these self professed experts come up with these fix it ideas.

I guess thats what the web world has created...alot of space age experts

Go `Canes

Ill be there Saturday in full gear supporting my guyz at the U

[canechic]

Go Sebastian that is the attitude to have. I hate all the innuendos and I know stuff crap. No of us knows anything we all just have opinions. What will be will be but I will always support the school and the team.

GO CANES!!!

[BahamaCane]

Go Canes!

[mi@mic@ne]

Let Whipple have more control.. this is not working with Randy... let Whipple start talking to the media.

Whipple is the best candidate for the job. Look at the qb he hand picked.

[solarcane]

native,
Canes, hats, outdoors, Jerry Jeff Walker we have quite a common bond.
glad you enjoyed that.

[solarcane]

Interesting that Shannon lets a freshman QB speak to the press and not Jacory

Posted by: Old Skool | November 03, 2010 at 07:11 PM

skool I thought the same thing.
A true freshman.
Why can't Jacory, Lovett and Whipple share their thoughts?

[NativeCane]

Solar, Im ready to mainline some pure adrenaline with you on that ride down Chattooga!

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/wallyporter/IMG_6864.jpg

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/wallyporter/IMG_6865.jpg

Go Canes!!!