The Miami Herald provides some of the best coverage of University of Miami athletics that can be found in the print media and on the Internet.
The Herald's local resources, contacts and in-depth reporting of all UM sports is unparalleled and provides the most accurate, detailed and insightful information available to Hurricane fans.
Manny Navarro (seen above at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando) and Susan Miller-Degnan work hard to bring U the news U can use as a Hurricane fan.
Tonight Hurricane fans will have a chance to chat with both of them during a LIVE Q & A session from 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Post your questions on the blog and get real-time responses from the two leading reporters on UM sports.
Ready, set, GO CANES!
First
Posted by: MassivCane | August 10, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Susan-Manny what have you heard about the nature of the surgery regarding Seantrel?
If the season starts tomorrow....who do you start Morris or Jacory?
Any news on Ryan Williams can he practice with the team?
A 9-3 seaon is my prediction...Based on what you have seen so far and the new attitude... is this realistic?
Tell us about your predictions and the LOF on offense and defense...
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Hi Guys. This is Manny. How are you doing? Let's start early. I've got a couple things I'm working on.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Hi everyone,
It's Susan Miller Degnan. Any questions? Please post them as soon as you can, as I need to leave here by 7:50 p.m.
Thanks everyone!
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Manny, hope the family is doing well. My question is which early season game's result will be most indicative of what to expect the rest of the way in Golden's opening campaign and why?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 10, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Canespace welcomes Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald to our LIVE chat!
Q: Everybody knows that the QB battle is all the rage this season. But what I want to know is which WRs are actually going to catch their passes this season?
Q: Top four or five WRs on this squad? Most dependable? Most explosive?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:29 PM
@Montreal-Cane
I'll let Susan handle the Seantrel news.
If the season started tomorrow I'd start Stephen Morris. I think his arm strength and overall athleticism is better than Jacory's. He's the younger QB and has the chance improve. Jacory is a senior. I think the team would be better served if Jacory was the backup.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Canespace welcomes Susan Miller-Degnan from the Miami Herald to our LIVE chat!
Susan: We have heard reports that Ojomo has been a BEAST on the DL in practice? Rate Miami's defensive line players and what do U think of Marcus Robinson's move to LB/DE?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:32 PM
@Montreal Cane: OK, here we go. From what I know, Seantrel will be out long term. The surgery involved his lower back and was disc-related. I believe there was something pressing on his disc, though I am certainly not a doctor, not positive and don't want to misrepresent the procedure. I did hear that it went very well and was faster than they thought. But I have a feeling he could be out a very long period, if not the season. Redshirt? We'll see.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:32 PM
@Montreal Cane
As far as I know Ryan Williams is taking reps with the team. That's what Al Golden said today. We have no idea when a decision regarding his hardship waiver will be announced, but I would assume soon. The idea is for him to be eligible this season. Do I think he will get it? No.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Do you think we are a top ten team this yr?
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | August 10, 2011 at 07:35 PM
Manny: All of the doubt seems to be about the defensive secondary. U have JoJo Nicholas at one CB and Lee Chambers at the other? What about McGhee, Finnie and others? Where is the talent there?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:35 PM
Is it REALLY the case that Hurns could be in the normal rotation at receiver, or is that just motivational stuff from Golden?
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 10, 2011 at 07:36 PM
@Montreal-Cane: They won't be 9-3 because they will be in a bowl, which will be their 13th game. I think 9-4 is realistic, but I think 10-3 is a good prediction. 11-2 is pushing it for sure, though wouldn't that be a nice surprise!
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Susan: What the heck is Brandon Washington doing at OT? We thought he was a Guard? Is Linder the most talented player on the OL at UM? What impact has Kehoe had on the Miami OL?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:37 PM
A 9-3 seaon is my prediction...Based on what you have seen so far and the new attitude... is this realistic?
Tell us about your predictions and the LOF on offense and defense...
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:25 PM
A: 9-3 is about right in my eyes. I think the only teams more talented than them on the schedule are Ohio State and Florida State. I think playing at Virginia Tech won't be easy. So those are three games they'll likely lose.
As for the Player of the Year, my guess is Lamar Miller on offense and Sean Spence on defense. My surprise players: Anthony Chickillo and Asante Cleveland
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Manny, hope the family is doing well. My question is which early season game's result will be most indicative of what to expect the rest of the way in Golden's opening campaign and why?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 10, 2011 at 07:27 PM
A: I think we'll learn a lot from the Maryland game. The Terps are a team UM should beat and shouldn't have a problem beating -- even on the road. If the Canes lose, we could be in for another frustrating season. If they scrape by, there's hope for improvement. If they blow them out, then Miami really is a Top 25 team capable of playing in a BCS Bowl Game.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:40 PM
@OGV
P.S. -- The family is doing great. My daughter is 4 months old already. I'm very much wrapped around her tiny little fingers.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Manny: We all know that Lamar Miller will rush for over a 1,000 yards this season because he is a Killian Cougar! But does he have the potential to be among the all time greats at UM before he leaves?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Q: Everybody knows that the QB battle is all the rage this season. But what I want to know is which WRs are actually going to catch their passes this season?
Q: Top four or five WRs on this squad? Most dependable? Most explosive?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:29 PM
A: Travis Benjamin, LaRon Byrd, Tommy Streeter, Aldarius Johnson and Phillip Dorsett. That's the order I predict in terms of number of catches among WRs. I think Asante Cleveland will have a huge year too. I'd say the most dependable is Byrd. Most explosive are Dorsett and Benjamin.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:43 PM
@orange 'n green in the vein: I think you should know better about what you have by the third game of the season. The first game, on the road, is too early to tell. Too many miscues usually happen and it's this staff's first game. Kansas State is home, after Ohio State. Bethune-Cookman is a cakewalk, but when you'll REALLY KNOW FOR SURE is at Virginia Tech. But that might not be early enough for you! :)
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Susan: Are U willing and capable to play MLB for the Canes this season? Can U bust some heads and mix it up in the middle? If not, who will: Gaines, Futch or Freshman Gionni Paul?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:44 PM
We had problems on the defense with discipline last year, bad talking, taking bad angles, players taking plays off, getting winded and not playing well in the fourth q. Do you see a difference already in how they are practicing?
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | August 10, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Do you think we are a top ten team this year?
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | August 10, 2011 at 07:35 PM
A: No. Not yet. Quarterback play just doesn't give me the confidence to believe that. But Top 25? Could be. I think coaching will make a huge difference.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:45 PM
tackling
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | August 10, 2011 at 07:46 PM
@86 Cane: I think it's somewhat risky because the kid was an All-ACC guard and we know he's really good there. However, he played a lot of tackle at Miami Northwestern, and the move opens up the guard slot for Brandon Linder, who is excellent, to slip right in there. Bunche is supposed to be a beast, but he has never played in a real game in college. However, I have a good feeling about him. Love Kehoe! Players do, too. He's so damn fiery and funny -- and cares so much. He's good.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:47 PM
I had lower back disc related surgery, to release presure from a herniated disc. Procedure took about 1 hour. My mother had 4 back related ones even a disc fusion where they take out the disc. In the first case I was not allowed to lift more than 10 lb in the first two weeks. In week 4 I was swimming but the tenderness and weekness takes time. My educated guess out for the season and it should be this way considering its football !!
Posted by: jerry | August 10, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Manny: All of the doubt seems to be about the defensive secondary. U have JoJo Nicolas at one CB and Lee Chambers at the other. What about McGee, Finnie and others? Where is the talent there?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:35 PM
A: The biggest issue here 86 is that none of these guys are natural corners. All of them are converted safeties who don't have a ton of experience in 1-on-1 coverage. Coach Paul Williams talked about that Tuesday. There is speed and talent, but a lot of immaturity according to Williams. The good news for UM is there aren't many great passing teams in the ACC. If the defensive line can create pressure like it did last year then UM can hide some of its holes in pass coverage. And by the way, I expect Ray Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque to have great years. That will definitely help.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Manny: Eduardo Clements is clearly a team player. If U were the Head Coach at UM where would U play him?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Susan: Special teams, special teams, special teams! What is UM to do in this area this season?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Is it REALLY the case that Hurns could be in the normal rotation at receiver, or is that just motivational stuff from Golden?
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 10, 2011 at 07:36 PM
A: I don't think so regarding Hurns. He's exceptional in pass blocking at WR. But I've heard he needs work in his route running.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:52 PM
@86Cane -- Since I doubt I'd make first-string, I'm going with Jimmy Gaines in the middle. Just today, defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio was raving about Jimmy. He's very, very smart, and super nice, smiley kid. I happen to have a soft spot for Jordan Futch. He's been through a lot and I hope he gets some substantial playing time. They're high on Gionni Paul as well, but for now, it looks like Gaines, then Futch, then Miller Degnan.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Manny/Susan: In the Over/Under arguement: How many wins will UM have this season? If Miami cuts down on turnovers (119 in the NCAA) and penalties (117) can't they win 10 games?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Manny: We all know that Lamar Miller will rush for over a 1,000 yards this season because he is a Killian Cougar! But does he have the potential to be among the all time greats at UM before he leaves?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:41 PM
A: I think Lamar could end up having a Leonard Hankerson type of breakout season this year, where he comes close to breaking records. The issue with me regarding Lamar has always been health. Will he hold up from taking the pounding. Honestly, he's talented enough to have a monster year this year and end up going early in the NFL Draft come April.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:55 PM
@DJ Moonbat: Re: receivers, I'd say Travis and LaRon would likely be the starters this season. Hurns was used 100-percent as a blocker last season, but he insists he will be catching the ball this year. I also think they'll give Aldarius a shot, as well as Tommy Streeter. However, from what I hear, Phillip Dorsett is the man. He's supposed to be really good.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Guys, I've got to go. I'll be back later tonight to answer questions. Leave them here for me and I'll answer some more later. Just have some high school work to get done. See you later.
Posted by: Manny Navarro | August 10, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Manny which current players were throwing snowballs at the Sun Bowl?
Posted by: SinisterCane | August 10, 2011 at 07:56 PM
@86 Cane: Stop asking such good questions. I have no clue about special teams. Not yet. I know they have a lot to improve on from last year, that's for sure. And if they don't find a guy who can REALLY kick, the U is in trouble. I do not have much faith in Wieclaw until proven otherwise. Hope Botts is a good punter (or Dean). Hope they can cover kickoffs, etc.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Manny...U ROCK!
See U later tonight after 11 PM?
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Susan...Thanks for your time here on Canespace tonight. We enjoyed getting U into the mix with REAL Hurricane fans and to see how much FUN it can be!
If U have time stop by later with Manny after 11 PM so we can chat it up some more.
We offer FREE beer here on the blog.
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 08:01 PM
@86Cane: I really do like the defensive line. Regis is doing really well at tackle, and I heard Porter, who was injured last year, also is progressing well.
But Ojomo and Vernon are the real deals, and with them as bookends, you've got to think the Canes can tally up the sacks and tackles for loss. They were No. 1 in the country in TFL last year and No. 9 in sacks. I'm interested to see how tackle Darius Smith (he's very large) plays.
Yeah, I think using Robinson the way they want to (as OLB in 3-4 and as end in certain 4-3 situations) is a good idea.
And by the way, how GREAT is Chickillo going to be!!!
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 08:05 PM
I've got to go home and see my family, everyone. This was fun. Have a great night.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 08:06 PM
And by the way, how GREAT is Chickillo going to be!!!
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 08:05 PM
NO LIMITS!
Posted by: 86Cane | August 10, 2011 at 08:06 PM
P.S. I'd take one of those blog-beers, but you can't drink and drive! Bye.
Posted by: Susan Miller Degnan | August 10, 2011 at 08:07 PM
The way it sounds we are not going to see enough improvement in JH or Steven to give us a shot.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | August 10, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Its going to be a long yr if we cant throw the ball well. D is going to be on the field most of the time. Hope i am wrong.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | August 10, 2011 at 08:14 PM
Sucketh to be talking to a customer when you could have been doing something important like blogging with Manny and Susan
It just depends on which one can hand the ball off better Mike, then again they could just snap it to Lamar and TB the entire game if the qbs tank
Posted by: solarcane | August 10, 2011 at 08:17 PM
So it's cost Ohio State $800K, for the investigation so far... Wow, the must had to pay the rest of team ALOT to keep their traps shut!
Posted by: HawaiiCane | August 10, 2011 at 08:20 PM
I think I like Susan, she sounds like a nice gal!!!!
Posted by: canechic | August 10, 2011 at 08:26 PM
I have just spent about an hour on the phone trying to help my Mom download an attachment to her desktop....and I need a very stiff drink!!!!!
Posted by: canechic | August 10, 2011 at 08:28 PM