WARNING: This blog is not for those easily offended, the faint of heart or complete Miami Hurricane "homers" who are desperately looking for some way to turn yesterday's game into a positive simply because Miami won. In fact, this blog is not going to make anybody happy so that is why I am issuing a warning and an apology to everyone here at Canespace right up front.
That nasty, foul, wretched stench you smell today is the lingering smell of bull dung that your Miami Hurricanes stepped in, no make that fell face first into, yesterday against the USF Bulls in Tampa.
The Hurricanes equipment staff may as well burn the uniforms from yesterday's stinker of a game because I've taken three showers and washed my clothes several times and I still can't get that awful smell off of my skin or out of any of the orange and green clothing I had on at the game.
The performance by Miami at Raymond James Stadium was that bad.
The game was possibly even worse than that if you happened to be among the 57,000 fans who actually attended the game like Chris Whelpton and his lovely girlfriend (seen below).
Chris, or Orange and Green in the Vein as he is known here at Canespace, is a self professed critic of Al Golden and has (along with one or two others) tried diligently to recruit others to "The Darkside" without much success so far this season.
But that may have changed after yesterday's excuse for a football game in Tampa. The game was so completely devoid of action, excitement or big plays that several fans actually feel asleep during the game.
No seriously, my wife was among those fans who literally fell asleep during the second quarter.
When she and a few other fans woke up all I could do was assure them that they didn't miss much at all except for maybe a few tackles and a couple of punts by both teams. In fact, while kickoffs were rare (4 total) the two teams managed to punt the ball 17 times during the defensive struggle.
Sure, sure, sure...the positive spin on the game is that Miami beat USF to go to 6-5 on the season and become bowl eligible. And yes, the UM defense played surprisingly well as the Hurricanes out kicked the Bulls by the score of 6-3 in what looked more like a soccer match than a football game as the game was decided by the kickers for both teams.
Both teams seemed to treat the end zone as some toxic nuclear waste storage area as neither team ever approached, got close to or much less tried to cross the goal line during the entire 60 minute contest. There is more action in a single rugby scrum than there was in this entire football game.
The UM offense, which had consistently been receiving such high praise from most Hurricanes fans near and far, completely stagnated in their second to last game of the season on the third Saturday in November.
The Hurricanes rushing attack was anything but effective as they rushed for a measly 57 yards on 40 attempts for a paltry 1.4 yards per carry. That is simply not going to get it done.
The six points UM scored against USF was the lowest total allowed by the Bulls this season. Even NCAA powerhouse Ball State scored a touchdown and seven points in a losing effort to the Bulls earlier this season.
Even the mighty Rattlers of FAMU managed to score 17 points against the Bulls back in October.
USF (5-5) had lost previous games to Rutgers, Cincinnati, UConn and Big East power Pittsburgh by 27 points earlier this season. Yet Miami could only muster up two field goals against the Bulls.
UM Offensive Coordinator Jedd Fisch, who some had crowned as an "offensive genius" in recent weeks for his success and the complete transformation of UM QB Jacory Harris this season, did his best imitation of Patrick "I ain't the Fix" Nix as the Hurricane offense choked, sputtered and at times completely stalled out under his uncoordinated direction.
The aforementioned Harris looked hurried, lost and confused as he faced a fierce USF pass rush all afternoon. Harris had his worst game this year by far and held the ball way too long on way too many occasions as he was either pressured or sacked on seemingly every passing down.
Al Golden also deserves his fair share of criticism for the Hurricane's lackluster effort and poor performance in his first bus trip across the State to the city by the bay. After losing to the Seminoles in the 850 last week, losing to the Bulls in the 813 yesterday would have been unforgivable even by the most dedicated and die-hard Hurricane fans.
Especially those fans that are easily tempted by opposing team's cheerleaders and The Darkisde.
Yet it took a 36 yard field goal by Jake Wieclaw with 2 seconds left in the game to seal the deal for Miami against lowly USF. That is simply unacceptable by any standards, much less Miami fans' expectations, at this late point of the season.
The bottom line is that this team, with these players and coaches, should be performing at much higher level after eleven games. That fact, and the stench from yesterday's smelly and highly objectionable performance by the Hurricanes, lands squarely and firmly in the center of Al Golden's desk at the Hecht Athletic Center in Coral Gables.
Al Golden barely managed to fend off OGV's efforts to recruit other Miami fans to The Darkside for another week.
But let me be clear: Against Boston College there will be no time for any more of this nonsense.
The Darkside is always nearby and always calling for more members.
1ST!!!
AND WHAT!!!
CAN YA' SMELL THAT!!!
Posted by: CaneRock | November 20, 2011 at 05:31 PM
completely behind the administration decision to skip the bowl. Its the upper classmen actions that led to this, therefore its them that should suffer for it. I think we definitely could use the extra 15 bowl practices, but its incoming classes that should be given priority.
Posted by: 8th Man in the Box | November 20, 2011 at 05:35 PM
It always amazes me that this group gets more angry after a win than after a loss...just go back and look at the posts after VT,Virginia...even Maryland...
They played a close game and finally won one...maybe a 38-35 loss at VT is better than a win...after all we scored a bunch...
Posted by: Texascane | November 20, 2011 at 05:40 PM
No bowl game...at least now no one will have to bitch in December...
Posted by: Texascane | November 20, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Will it be the last game of Al Golden at Miami on friday?
I hope not!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | November 20, 2011 at 05:43 PM
They should have suspended the 12 players for the bowl, given the bowl money to a charity and then played the game and dared the NCAA to punish them for it...
Posted by: Texascane | November 20, 2011 at 05:44 PM
CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- The University of Miami has made the decision to withhold the UM football team from bowl consideration following the 2011 regular season in response to the ongoing NCAA inquiry and has informed both the NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference of its decision.
We understand and share the disappointment that our student-athletes, coaches, staff, supporters and fans are feeling but after lengthy discussions among University leaders, athletic administrators and outside counsel, it is a necessary step for our University. The University of Miami has not self-imposed any other penalties.
The team was informed of the decision earlier today and is in preparations for their final game of the season.
As we stated in August, the University of Miami maintains the highest standards in our academic and athletic endeavors and we will remain steadfast in our commitment to building winning programs with the utmost of integrity. We will be more vigilant in our compliance efforts and continue to work cooperatively with the NCAA on the joint inquiry to determine the true facts.
To continue to protect the integrity of the inquiry, the University will not comment further at this time.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | November 20, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 05:46 PM
If Miami were 10-0 at this point would the decision be the same?
Posted by: BEERicane | November 20, 2011 at 05:50 PM
Will it be the last game of Al Golden at Miami on friday?
I hope not!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | November 20, 2011 at 05:43 PM
FROM WHAT I AM TOLD AL GOLDEN IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE.
And I was told by ULTRA reliable sources (not Da Skreetz, someone at UM) that we do NOT have to worry about Al going to Penn State.
That's ALL I can say, take it for what it is worth.
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 05:52 PM
If Miami were 10-0 at this point would the decision be the same?
Posted by: BEERicane | November 20, 2011 at 05:50 PM
OK, I'll bite: Probably NOT.
I think the decision was based on practical reasons as much as it was based on principles.
SHHHHHHhhhhh...but don't tell the NCAA that!
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 06:01 PM
I called it, didn't I?
No bowl game . . . No surprise.
When we won our sixth game we immediately became self-bowl-ban eligible. Hence, the U's announcement.
One has to wonder, however, what U would have done if the team was still in contention for the ACC title and a BCS bowl game?
One also has to wonder how much more severe the NCAA sanctions will be? A lousy bowl ban probably won't suffice.
Posted by: 2002nemo | November 20, 2011 at 06:02 PM
It always amazes me that this group gets more angry after a win than after a loss...just go back and look at the posts after VT,Virginia...even Maryland...
Posted by: Texascane | November 20, 2011 at 05:40 PM
We always bitch about POOR PERFORMANCE. It really has less to do with winning or losing than PERFORMANCE.
If U are content with a 6-3 win over USF then have at it. That was an unmotivated effort and a poor performance by Fisch, J12, the Oline and really the entire offense any way U slice it.
When the hero of the game is your PUNTER then U know everything that needs to be said. The defense DID play well, I'll give them that.
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 06:06 PM
after yesterday's performance (or lack there of) a bowl game would only offer us a chance to get stomped on national tv.
I agree, the smart play is to sit this one out, hope the NCAA gets happy with it, and start the prep for next season.
Posted by: longtimecanefan | November 20, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 05:52 PM
SOUP it's good to hear but Al should make a strong statement to this effect and send the right message to have a top notch recruiting class.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | November 20, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Right decision...Now lets see how the seniors play against BC.
Posted by: dg | November 20, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Nemo...U did call the "NO BOWL GAME" as did PapaCane on Twitter. Certainly there will be more penalties but not as bad as first thought is my guess.
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 06:10 PM
SOUP it's good to hear but Al should make a strong statement to this effect and send the right message to have a top notch recruiting class.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | November 20, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Al and his agent are still in a negotiating posture with UM and rightfully so after what they did to him with the whole scandal issue so U will not hear him say anything reassuring until that process is completed.
I believe that his agent is spreading false rumors about Al to PSU to those that will listen like @SPORTSbyBROOKS on Twitter to reinforce their bargaining position and make UM act quickly.
Once contractual issues are resolved going forward then U will have all of the reassuring words and actual legal proof in the form of a new contract that U will need.
The time off from the bowl game will deal with that issue and also help with recruiting this year AND next.
TRUST ME!
Posted by: SOUP | November 20, 2011 at 06:18 PM
At first I was like:
Your blog-master ... was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. He ceased to be Tom Popadak and "became" SOUP. When that happened, the good man who was your blog-master was destroyed. So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view.
But then I was like:
You underestimate the power of the Dark Side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 20, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Completly agree Soup! Al has no obligation to say a word about his status until the school makes him a strong offer.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 20, 2011 at 06:23 PM
will be interesting to see how the team responds for the BC game.
We'll see if we finish 6-6.....
Posted by: longtimecanefan | November 20, 2011 at 06:25 PM
[Donna tries to convince Al not to go to a bowl]
Donna: You must not go!
Al: But Denzel and Dorsett will fail to develop if I don't.
[Jimmy Johnson's Force-spirit suddenly appears]
J-J: You don't know that. Even Donna cannot see their fate.
Al: But I can help them! I feel the Force!
J-J: But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 20, 2011 at 06:27 PM
From Manny's blog: (I like AG's statement, and I also like the latest word on Henderson.)
Golden was asked about his own future at the program considering the potential sanctions at UM and the coach opening at his alma mater Penn State.
"I don't have any decisions to make," he said. "I am coaching the Miami program and moving forward. My family and I enjoy living here and we have a great group of kids on the team and I am excited about the direction we are going."
Eichorst assured the media he will do his best to make sure Golden remains the coach of UM for a long time. "I truly believe in my heart that I have one of the best football coaches in America and I plan on working side-by-side with him for a very long time," Eichorst said.
> Golden seemed encouraged by the MRI results of offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson on Sunday and has upgraded him to doubtful for Friday's game. "It doesn't look like it will be a surgery deal, which is great for the young man," Golden said.
Posted by: roachcane77 | November 20, 2011 at 06:28 PM
always amazes me how people come on after an announcement is made or after something happens that everyone knows is gonna happen and says "i called that one"...that kind of stuff annoys me...
we all knew it was gonna happen...dont try to take credit for "calling that one"...
just like this guy at work on monday says pacquiao and dos santos were his picks and no one believed him...and no one ever even knew he was interested in fighting...
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:28 PM
imma go out on a limb and say that jimmy johnson doesnt win his 6th ship in a row...
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:29 PM
imma say that frank gore gets a td on san frans next possession...
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Good article, soup. I don't like the bowl ban, or how this decision was made at all. If Golden really wasn't included in the decision, it really looks bad. The timing is awful as well- if we really want to show the NCAA we are serious aobut compliance, why not do it before the Maryland game? Why waste bowl officials time scouting us if we're not going? Very disappointed with Eichhorst.
Posted by: j.w. | November 20, 2011 at 06:34 PM
you dont announce it before the maryland game because you are not bowl eligible...those are things you announce after you are eligible to do it...
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:35 PM
I agree with the decision to stay at home. History states if they went to a bowl half the team would not show up to play anyway! That shat yesterday was horrible.
Posted by: canesteeler | November 20, 2011 at 06:37 PM
I agree, AG should have been "in" on the decision making process, NOT "informed" of the decision after the fact.
Posted by: roachcane77 | November 20, 2011 at 06:37 PM
Hey SOUP, let me repeat a question I posed earlier in the season:
Is this year's team better than last year's team?
Posted by: 2002nemo | November 20, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Did anyone keep the streak alive today?
Posted by: UMike | November 20, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Gore should have a couple of looks as SF should run the ball to kill the clock.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 20, 2011 at 06:40 PM
not yet mike
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:41 PM
I will still take a 6-3 win over a 38-34 loss...to anyone...
Really, go back and look at the posts after VaTech...compared to the ones above, you would think we won VT and lost this one...everyone needs to make up their mind...do we want to win or look good losing?
Posted by: Texascane | November 20, 2011 at 06:41 PM
i agree texascane...but a 6-3 win over a .500 team looks alot worse than a 4pt loss to a top 5 team on the road...but a win is a win
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Posted by: 2002nemo | November 20, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Team, better, but they have 13 seniors on the roster so that figures. Coaching, way worse in some areas and a little better in others.
Add that all up and it equals to being no better at all or slightly worse if BC returns the receipt for the '06 upset Friday.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 20, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Im glad Al and the administration are putting the punishment on these players. They have under performed for Golden and that performance against the Bulls was like throwing Al under the bus. I know Al doesnt think all the players deserve the punishment but there are some specific players who know they have not put in the time enough to meet the standards that Al wanted. Im glad we got a new class coming in because i hope some of the joiners who return are benched for these freshman. It pisses me off that we lost games we should never have lost.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | November 20, 2011 at 06:45 PM
juniors
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | November 20, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Soup tell me you got to talk to the coacahes or someone WHY do our OL not wear knee braces?
Posted by: Hassan | November 20, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Hey SOUP, let me repeat a question I posed earlier in the season:
Is this year's team better than last year's team?
Posted by: 2002nemo | November 20, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Yes they are. It's not even close. They may not be more athletic, but they are a better coached squad. As frustrating as they have been over the years they could have won all 5 games that they lost this year. That's the only stat a first year coach should be measured on. Did they plug the glaring problems from last year?? No question. Jacory was 10 times better this season.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 20, 2011 at 06:49 PM
Texas, what's missing so far is accounting for this simple, but crucial fact:
USF has such an inferiority complex in these state games that they are all in and will give better effort in them than trying to win the Big East.
UM doesn't and shouldn't consider USF a rival at all.
Plus, Fisch has been planned for now and needs to regain the initiative of surprise he had earlier in the year going forward into 2012. Another year in the system will only help get that back on UM's side.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 20, 2011 at 06:49 PM
you dont announce it before the maryland game because you are not bowl eligible...those are things you announce after you are eligible to do it...
Posted by: SlingBlade
Sling- my point is don't wait until you know you're turning down a weak bowl bid if you want people to believe you're contrite. Kind of like telling your kid that you don't get credit for confessing to taking candy when you return it only because it doesn't taste good.
Posted by: j.w. | November 20, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Looks like The Streak is going to end.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 20, 2011 at 06:55 PM
C-Mac ballin
Posted by: 4-Real | November 20, 2011 at 06:56 PM
j.w., that has no bearing on this. Butch took his bowl ban when he did because he was convinced he had enough next year to make a Bowl Alliance run the next season, which ended up being like the Car Care Bowl instead. Seriously, the main concern of the NCAA is the cooperation into the investigation, which bowl you remove yourself from is a tertiary at best concern for them I'd imagine.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 20, 2011 at 06:57 PM
Kind of like telling your kid that you don't get credit for confessing to taking candy when you return it only because it doesn't taste good.
its nothing like that...that would be like playing the game against boise state and getting blown out and saying scratch that game from the record books...
you can not impose a penalty on your team until you are eligible to enforce that penalty...
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 06:57 PM
j.w. you can't turn it down until you qualify! Be real dude! This team would never have made it to "bowl eligible" if you had made the decision in August.
Besides that I knew they would self impose, how could the team not?
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 20, 2011 at 07:01 PM
OGV, I agree...I hated the game but these are the games that we used to lose...always. Let the other team stick around, make some stupid mistakes late in the game and lose...
We went 64 yards, made three third down and shorts (running) and kicked the field goal with no time left...storybook.
No stupid timeouts, no holding calls, no 12 men on the field. It's always good to win one on the last play...
Posted by: Texascane | November 20, 2011 at 07:02 PM
looks like san fran shut gore down for the rest of the game...now our only hopes are kenny phillips and antrel rolle...a pick six tonight would be nice
Posted by: SlingBlade | November 20, 2011 at 07:05 PM
I love it, not only are we not bowl eligible, but we have also already lost a bowl game to Boise! In November!!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | November 20, 2011 at 07:06 PM