On Wednesday, if you looked hard enough and stared long enough somewhere off in the distance, the orange and green Hurricane Express could be seen coming around the bend and clearly into focus.
Driven by first year head coach Al Golden the train was clearly gaining speed and momentum as The Process appeared to be actually working for the 2011 Miami football team.
But by midnight on Thursday all that was left of the Hurricane Express was a heaping, steaming, smoldering pile of twisted metal and dreams after Miami ran into Virginia and lost another game they should have won by the score of 28-21.
Laying at the bottom of the pile of junk that is now the 2011 Miami Hurricane season was The Process, now flattened, unrecognizable and significantly damaged.
The Process did not help the UM offense which suffered from another slow start, some very questionable play calling and one of their poorest and least productive performances of the season. Sure Jacory Harris and his high school teammate Tommy Streeter put on a show for the 30,000 or so 'Canes fans at Sun Life Stadium but it was a little too little and a little too late for Miami.
The Process did not help the infamous Swiss Cheese Hurricane defense that gave up way too may yards and four touchdowns to what had been an anemic Cavalier offense. Of course as they have been known to do on too many occasions the UM defense made an very below average college offense look like the New England Patriots being led by Tom Brady.
The Process did not help Al Golden and the UM coaching staff who got out-coached all evening by Mike London and his UVA staff. London caught the Miami staff off guard on several occasions as he dialed up several trick plays and a few big play calls that led to long TDs for the Cavaliers.
The Hurricane Express was derailed on Thurday night just as it was gaining speed and momentum as it jumped the tracks of The Process and crumbled into a heaping, steaming, smoldering pile of junk.
The 2011 season has turned into just another year in which your Miami Hurricane now have absolutely no chance at winning an ACC title that has eluded them since joining the conference seven years ago.
But I guess there is always next year, right?
Bleh!
Posted by: Felipe | October 28, 2011 at 11:36 AM
not a good time to be a sports fan in Miami
Posted by: Hermosa Cane | October 28, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Very honest and sadly truthful Soup!
Nicole was blowing a gasket on the bus last night driving back to campus....she was fuming!
Yep always next year....IT IS WHAT IS....CAN'T CUT 'EM....CAN'T TRADE 'EM!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 11:48 AM
WVU leaving Big East for Big 12 is official. Begins in 2012-13 season.
Big East is DONE, IMO.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 12:03 PM
SOUP, I can only imagine how dissapointed you were Thursday night, but let's not insult the superlative 2001 team or their legendary Coach Clappy in this blog no matter how upset we all are with that first mention of a year paragraph two.
CGNC, Velvet Revolver broke up when the GNR guys told Scott Weiland he would have to pay them for the missed dates for going to rehab (again). Special K got bamboozled, he should have hired the other UVA assistant from the last decade, but that would require in conference coach poaching which is decidedly unposh around UM.
VA C, Scarface has owned the Governers Cup but London has his team playing at fever pitches for the big games since he got there, ranked teams, National Championships against Miami, he might be able to cook something up at home. Foster won't be dialing up defense with his eyes closed though like D'No, which will be a big difference in bringing UVA's attack back down from the 400+ yard stratosphere.
I'm very concerned that with the ammount of film now on Fisch's scheme a bowl is in jeaporady because there's no offense I have any faith in the college roomie to be able to diagnose and design a plan to stop. UM might not hold another team under 400 yards of offense the rest of the way and all the upperclassmen probably are now tuning the coaching staff out and thinking about the draft and their paychecks, never a good recipie.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | October 28, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Odd info of the day: Rutgers is now the only team left in the Big East from when Miami was there.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Ohio-lets bring Rutgers over-maybe we can win a game?
Posted by: TJL | October 28, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Too many not so bright players. Maybe the revnege talk was what lost the game, they semeed more intent on whacking someoneone than tackling. And Jimmy Gaines is just young and dumb. Hopefully he's like the majority of us who used to be young and dumb and figures it out with experience. But I don't think I've ever seen one guy standing next to a pile at the conclusion of a play more often than he is.
Posted by: j.w. | October 28, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Is Jacory ok?
Posted by: Hermosa Cane | October 28, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Is Jacory ok?
Posted by: Hermosa Cane | October 28, 2011 at 12:43 PM
---------------------------------------
No idea yet. Golden didn't know last night, and I haven't read/heard anything today.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Are they closing off the upper deck for the Duke game?
Posted by: Hermosa Cane | October 28, 2011 at 01:02 PM
2/3rd's of the way through the season, so how do we grade out?
OL - C- = supposedly the strong point of the team turns out to be average.
WR - A = Streeter, Hurns have all performed
TE - N/A = Not sure we have one on the roster
RB - B = Hard to grade without the OL performing, but capable of more
QB - A = Gotta say it, JH has been getting it done and the stats show it.
Overall O = B -enough to win 6-7 games...
DL - D = other than a game or two no pass rush, no turnovers, no game changing plays
LB - D = Other than SS we'd better better off playing with 6 DB's (or maybe not)
DB - C = Not as bad as the LB's, but not enough int's or game changing plays.
Overall D = D - sorry, just not enough talent to win more than 5-6 games.
Special Teams - B - No big mistakes, consistent kicking game, but no big returns.
Coaching - AG's reduced the penalties and turnovers, but the talent level just isn't there.
Still sticking with my 6-6 or 7-5 forecast from week 1.
Posted by: longtimecanfan | October 28, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Michael Rocco: 36 passing yards against NC State
226 passing yards against UM
Posted by: Hermosa Cane | October 28, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Maybe the Canes can recruit this OL?
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/phenom/201110/six-mile-prep-football-player-monique-howard-may-be-detroits-comeback-story-year
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Still sticking with my 6-6 or 7-5 forecast from week 1.
Posted by: longtimecanfan | October 28, 2011 at 01:13 PM
I'm feeling 7-5 as well, but we could still squeak out 8-4 with a win in Tally. Before the doomsday crowd jumps me I will state that we have the ability to win or lose in Tally.
Rather than take a bite out of the shyt sandwich that many are sharing today I would like to give you my over-simplified analysis of the state of UM's program as compared to last year.
Offense: Better than last year.
QB: So much better that I feel bad Jacory wasn't in Jedd's system all 4 years.
Defense: No better, maybe a little worse. IMHO the issue is "the Jimmy's and the Joe's, not the X's and the O's"!
Special Teams: So much better than last year that I don't even recognize this squad anymore on kick coverage and returns!
Coaching: He He He, ummm yeah. Certainly better at HC, OC, and ST.
Fan Base: Mean spirited, fair weathered, delusional, spoiled. In other words, nothings changed in this category in the 30 or so years that I've followed the team.
That's my assessment. For all of UM's faults this year we've had the ball with the ability to win or tie at the end of all 4 losses. That's a fact not an excuse. If Al is around to guide us through the NCAA minefield that we are about to deal with then I think we will rise again. If Al is not around then I think UM will rise again!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 28, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Hermosa- LOL numbers don't lie do they? Yuck
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 28, 2011 at 01:52 PM
+1
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Longtime..I agree with most but is flip the lbs and dbs. Our dbs are terrible or should I say Turble...I though or Atleast hope the safties would hold the unit together, bit is argue they've been worst. VT is is invisible and Ray Ray is totally lost. It scares me that we have no faith in the youngsters. I hope they mature over the summer b/c something has to change. If I were a major D1 CB or S recruit, Miami would be on the top of my list. Is be confident enough to know I could do no worst then what's out there now.
Posted by: 8th Man in the Box | October 28, 2011 at 01:59 PM
By the way Soup....tell Skreetz he Needs convince me the secondary will see better days soon.
Posted by: 8th Man in the Box | October 28, 2011 at 02:00 PM
WQAM - postgame interviews
http://canes.wqam.com/audio.php?id=59
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2011 at 02:02 PM
RAY RAY KILLED IT ON THE TOSS PASS LAST NIGHT..IF U SEE A SWEEP TO THE RUNNING BACK AND HE IS HOLDING THE BALL HIGH PLUS RUNNING BACKWARDS,THEN A WR BLOWS BY U WITHOUT BLOCKING!!!!!ITS GOING TO BE A PASS...SHYTS SUCKS..CANES JUST MAKE A BOWL GAME THIS YEAR AND HOPEFULLY WIN IT..LAST WIN WAS ON THE BLUE FIELD BY 1 POINT OVER NEVADA!!!!!
Posted by: canezilla | October 28, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Hope we can recruit good players on defense. We have nothing good on defense. It is a slow death team. Other teams have lots of fun against this defense. They can make 10 minute drives or score on one play. Anyway they want. And our O-line, it is sad to see them get manhandled all game buy FOUR players all night. Miserable. Our J12 was hurried on every play, except when he got a sack! As far as opening holes for the run, NADA.
Posted by: Alberto | October 28, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Damn it! Finish strong CANES!
Posted by: jack | October 28, 2011 at 02:57 PM
"The 2011 season has turned into just another year in which your Miami Hurricane now have absolutely no chance at winning an ACC title that has eluded them since joining the conference seven years ago. But I guess there is always next year, right?"
WRONG! Remember, we're going to get hit with NCAA sanctions starting next year.
IS IT TOO EARLY TO START BOGGING ABOUT OUR 2014 RECRUTING CLASS?
"Are they closing off the upper deck for the Duke game?"
YEAH, AND MAYBE THE LOWER DECK TOO.
Posted by: 2002nemo | October 28, 2011 at 03:11 PM
I hate to say it and I know how everybody loves Swasey, but this team has been weak since he took over strength and conditioning. As I can recall, he took over after we won our last ship and how have we looked since then?
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 28, 2011 at 03:37 PM
This makes me sick...
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201110/tim-tebow-starts-latest-internet-craze
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Ohio,
I'm pretty sure it will be short lived after tebow plays against a real team this week lol
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 28, 2011 at 04:16 PM
BURGER KING IS GIVING TICKETS AWAY THIS WEEKEND IF U BUY A WHOPPER U GET A TICKET TO THE DUKE GAME
Posted by: canezilla | October 28, 2011 at 04:18 PM
That's funny that it's such a given the head coaching is better this year because I have a giant news flash for a lot of you:
With one more UM loss this season the numbers will tell you otherwise, two more and the coaching is worse, three and it's time to extract a pound or so of flesh from the Lubbock AD, four and it's crow time for some people (you know who you are bunkie) to go with the Lubbock prairie justice.
Next week Petri is bringing Duke's defensive line to homecoming. Do you think they'll engage, shed and get ripped while trying to free the linebackers up to make the play five plus yards past the scrimmage line? Or do you think they're coming for our hurt #2 on the passing list QB to put him out by running around the blocks to disrupt the backfield?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | October 28, 2011 at 04:20 PM
zilla, seriously? Well, we're back to where we were before Schnell just in time for him to hand it up. A fitting bookend.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | October 28, 2011 at 04:26 PM
BURGER KING IS GIVING TICKETS AWAY THIS WEEKEND IF U BUY A WHOPPER U GET A TICKET TO THE DUKE GAME
Posted by: canezilla | October 28, 2011 at 04:18 PM
--------------------------------------
Please be joking...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Al Golden says Jacory Harris is "OK" after taking shot to upper biceps. Will be able to practice next week.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Golden says that Lamar Miller will also be fine.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Please be joking...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:27 PM
They used to do this in the 80's!!! May just have to start going back to this idea!!!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 04:38 PM
They used to do this in the 80's!!! May just have to start going back to this idea!!!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 04:38 PM
----------------------------------
I know. Schnell started it. That's why I said please be joking. If we're back to the 80's in terms of crowd, that's just sad.
Looked like a sad amount of ppl last night. Damn shame.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:45 PM
They used to do this in the 80's!!! May just have to start going back to this idea!!!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Ahhh... the 80's...
Posted by: calGary Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:49 PM
... Fire and Ice was the place to be in Miami, Miami Vice was one great TV show and the U won it's first NC!
Posted by: calGary Cane | October 28, 2011 at 04:53 PM
Ohio it was just awful according to my daughter...everyone left at halftime! She finally broke down and said Donna just cares about academics, which is okay with her but she would prefer both :). She was really sad last night! :(
Announcer bad, stadium sucks, players not playing up to par, Al disappointing.....
She and I both knew these players were C's at best but we had a glimmer of hope that a new coach could changes things. Unfortunately like I said in the beginning Golden is going to realize these players are a real challenge. Work ethic is abysmal!!! I too had some hope but now my motto has become....IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please Go Canes!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 04:53 PM
Fire and Ice was awesome
I went to the Kitchen club more!!!!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 04:53 PM
Have we hit bottom yet?
Posted by: Jack | October 28, 2011 at 04:54 PM
The 5 o'clock whistle just sounded...now to get the hell up out of here...just to sit on I4 for an hour....Can't wait to get home!!!!
Posted by: canechic | October 28, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Are they closing off the upper deck for the Duke game?
Posted by: Hermosa Cane | October 28, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Could be. Employee Day tickets (usually located in the upper deck) are Club Level for the Duke game.
Posted by: BEERicane | October 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM
They should close the whole stadium. It is embarassing to watch our defense. It should be illegal. People get sick of watching other teams run and pass all over us.
I remmember when our defense pushed other teams backwards and we would wait for the second and third string defense to come in and root for them.
Posted by: Alberto | October 28, 2011 at 05:26 PM
CANECHIC I"VE BEEN SAYING THIS FROM THE FIRST GAME.EVERY SINGLE GAME AT HALFTIME THE STUDENTS LEAVE.EVEN THE OHIO STATE GAME.ITS LIKE MOST OF THEM DONT EVEN CARE!!!
Posted by: canezilla | October 28, 2011 at 05:30 PM
COME ONNNNNNNNNNN GEORGIA!!!!!
Posted by: canezilla | October 28, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Swasey sucks. I agree. Can't let little guys manhandle us. Have you seen how we can't bring down a player on first contact. There has to be more than 3 Canes to bring down somebody after first contact....10 yards after.
Posted by: Alberto | October 28, 2011 at 05:35 PM
They need to have drug test.. i think some of these guys are juicing... how can they be so big... thats my question.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 28, 2011 at 05:40 PM
Just like the baseball fiasco.. they come back the next season and hit 40 home runs ...lol
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 28, 2011 at 05:42 PM
All our problems are about defense. If we just hold them to a touchdown ... our NC years we had games where our o did not perform well...but our d only allowed them 50 yrds rushing... unless we get a stout d we will always be in this mess.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 28, 2011 at 05:45 PM
I really believe that coach D could do much better with the Temple d then our d. Al likes big linebackers and cover guys in the secondary. We have guys who are big in the secondary...can hit but they are not good cover guys.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 28, 2011 at 05:59 PM