Undefeated

When was the last time you could say that a Hurricane team was undefeated?

Well, UM baseball coach JIm Morris can.  And Morris, who has won two National Championships at UM, is coaching up a storm with his new players and coaches in Coral Gables this season.

Here is coach Morris before the UM game against FAU:

After dispensing of the FAU Owls tonight in summary fashion tonight by the score of 10-5, Morris and his Miami Hurricanes are now headed towards the always tough Atlantic Coast Conference competition and an even more intruiging  match-up with the hated and #1 ranked Florida Gators this weekend at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

Powered by an eight-run performance over the game’s first two innings, the eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes moved to a perfect 8-0 on the season with a 10-5 win over visiting Florida Atlantic University.

Shortstop Michael Broad, who was riding a five-game hit streak into Wednesday’s match-up with the Owls, connected on his third career grand slam to put the Canes up 4-0 in the first inning.

Miami tacked on another four runs in the next frame, keyed by left-fielder Rony Rodriguez’s team-leading sixth double of the season. Rodriguez, who knocked in two runs on his double to centerfield, would cross home plate on Michael Broad’s fifth RBI of the night later in the inning.

Junior pitcher Steve Ewing (2-0) earned the victory for the second consecutive start with an impressive showing against a talented FAU offense. The Owls, who scored 23 runs over a three-game sweep of Alabama, struck out eight times and were held to only two runs in the lefty’s seven innings of work.

The Owls threatened late in the game, as Michael Sylvestri connected on a three-run homerun off freshman reliever Andrew Suarez to shrink the Canes’ lead to three runs. The Miami bullpen then managed to hold off the late surge, and the Canes won by a final score of 10-5. 

Jim Morris has proven that he can win ACC titles (2008) and National Championships (1999 and 2001) at UM and as a result has earned UM fans' respect.  Here is coach Morris after the FAU game talking about the team and his players:

And now, obviously energized with new assistant coach Gino DiMare on his staff, Morris knows that the sky is the limit for this 2012 Miami Hurricane baseball team.

Comments

[2002nemo]

We lose!

[2002nemo]

Damn, NCST . . .

[MIA Chi 'Cane '98]

The 'Canes cannot beat NCST. When will we actually get some breaks in basketball. It seems like all the good teams hit a clutch 3, grab an important rebound, etc and the 'Canes, can get a steal but blow a layup and cannot grab a defensive rebound in an important situation... I guess that is why Elite teams win and the 'Canes will be middle of pack.

Very frustrating...

[MIA Chi 'Cane '98]

^^^not saying NCST is an elite team. It would be nice for the 'Canes to come up clutch in important games. Like actually hitting a 3 at the buzzer to win or take the game to OT.

[Usagainsttheworld]

Andre Johnson

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Anybody here know why the St. John's River is one of very few that flows North?

Posted by: SOUP | February 29, 2012 at 08:23 PM"

Depends on who's asking the question, if it's a turd fan it's because Georgia sucks.

[IraqiCane]

Yup.

[Ohio_Cane]

Christian Hackenburg commits to Penn State.

[IraqiCane]

DALLAS (AP) Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks Eric Crouch, Danny Wuerffel, Vinny Testaverde and Ty Detmer are among first-time candidates on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot this year.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/four-heisman-qbs-college-hall-011051428--spt.html

GO CANES!!!

[MattInNY]

Anyone else heading to the baseball games this weekend? Going to be a sick environment. I am flying in tomorrow afternoon for a full slate of baseball and spring practice!

[Ohio_Cane]

Jets just signed Chad Henne

[Ohio_Cane]

Yahoo:

Golden, Miami looking to fill some holes:

Miami was consistent in its inconsistency last season.

In coach Al Golden’s first season, the Hurricanes beat Ohio State and Georgia Tech and lost in the final seconds to Virginia Tech. But they also lost to Boston College and Maryland, and finished 6-6.

Actually, Golden deserves credit for keeping the team from imploding. The school faces an NCAA investigation into the actions of former booster Nevin Shapiro, and that became the overriding storyline with UM last season.

In an attempt to lessen some penalties later, Miami decided to self-impose a bowl ban last season.

[ACC spring preview: Miami among those with work ahead]

On paper, this season’s team doesn’t look as good as last season’s. Golden and his staff will be busy this spring, especially on offense. The Hurricanes need a new starting quarterback, a new tailback and a new go-to receiver. They also need to rebuild the line.

Former starter Steven Morris looks likes the guy at quarterback, but he won’t have much to work with this spring at receiver. UM will go through spring drills with just three healthy scholarship receivers, and the presumed new go-to- guy, Allen Hurns, will miss spring practice with an injury.

Defensively, Miami will be looking for some more pass rushers and a new middle linebacker. In addition, the secondary is undergoing some changes. It would help if S Ray Ray Armstrong bounces back from a mediocre 2011 season and has a strong spring.

[Y! Sports Investigation: Renegade Miami football booster spells out illicit benefits to players]
Al Golden has a lot of work to do this spring.
(US Presswire)

Gary Ferman of CaneSport.com – a Rivals.com website that covers Miami – provides a more in-depth look at spring practice.

The biggest problem: Wide receiver. The Hurricanes enter the spring with only three healthy scholarship receivers, which could put a major crimp in plans to make progress with coordinator Jedd Fisch’s offense. Cornerback also is an area of extremely weak depth, with just three returning players (including starter Brandon McGee) and two newcomers who enrolled early. The good news at those positions? Six freshmen receivers and six cornerbacks arrive in the fall.

On the spot: RB Mike James. James, a senior, began last season as the primary backup to Lamar Miller; he was the “Smash” to Miller’s “Dash” in Miami’s “Smash and Dash” backfield. But James had some fumbling issues and never really hit his stride. He was pushed by Eduardo Clements as the season went on, and now James will have to hold off Clements, a junior, this spring. If James doesn’t show coaches what they’re looking for, he may not wind up getting many reps in 2012, considering highly touted freshman Duke Johnson arrives in the fall along with fellow signee Danny Dillard. But if James lives up to his potential, he could emerge as the starter and help carry the offense all season.

On the verge: TE Clive Walford. With only three scholarship receivers on the roster this spring, the tight ends will be getting a lot of balls thrown their way. Walford is the most athletic and best pass-catching tight end on the roster. This is his time to shine.

General overview: The offense needs to find a way to function despite having only three scholarship receivers, and integrating the tight ends more heavily might help. While it’s expected Stephen Morris will be the new starting quarterback with Jacory Harris gone, it will be hard for him to get much going with the depleted receiving unit. On defense, the team needs to find a starting end opposite Anthony Chickillo, and another goal this spring is for a middle linebacker to step up and fill the shoes of the departing Sean Spence. Finding a quality cornerback or two to complement McGee also is a must.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news;_ylt=AgfQVhUGgkK9eMpijtwQEIscvrYF?slug=ys-miami_spring_football_holes_fill_022912

[herbieibis]

Well, we'll see what the baseball team is made of this weekend. We need to make a statement by at least taking 2 out of 3.

[TheWhat]

The reports from rivals and yahoo shows that these guys simply have to step up. No more excuses. The slackers are gone (for the most part), step it up. This program simply doesn't have another day to waste.

I wish I could go to the baseball games, I'm sure these games will be huge and would have loved to be in the stands.

Go Canes!

[LB]

Who else is a QB target save Olsen?

[pbcfrcane 13]

Whos going to both events on Sunday?

[Ohio_Cane]

The Hurricanes have released the spring roster with updated heights and weights:

http://miami.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1337872

[Ohio_Cane]

Golden comments incoming:

Al Golden says UM has six players who can bench 225 pounds for 30 reps.

Al Golden says DT Corey King, listed as out for spring, has a chance of participating

Al Golden confirms QB Stephen Morris had back surgery.

Golden says he doesn't know how Morris hurt himself. Perhaps aggravated existing injury

Golden says quarterback situation wouldn't have been decided in the spring even if S. Morris wasn't out.
Al Golden on Stephen Morris this spring "He's moving around and he'll be on the field calling plays but he won't be throwing."

Golden said depth chart based on off-season performance.

Golden: "Ray-Ray Armstrong had the best offseason of anybody" ...says he clearly got the message, leading by example (GREAT NEWS!! Will he be my LOF for a 3rd straight year? I think so lol)

Golden on veterans demoted on depth chart: "We all coached a 6-6 team. We all played for 6-6 team. That's not good enough."

More coming...

[Ohio_Cane]

Golden says RT Jermaine Johnson has made real progress: "I'm knocking on wood, as we all are, that he's going to continue to do that"

Golden says after Armstrong, TE Asante Cleveland has had the next best offseason

Golden says Asante Cleveland has gotten up to 270 pounds. (Wow!)

Re: Ray-Ray - Team evaluated in 8 areas, Ray Ray was tops in all of them

Golden says RB Dallas Crawford has lost 18 or 19 pounds, regained his quickness

[Ohio_Cane]

Al Golden "I've been asked about it and yes, last year we weren't strong enough. You can either make excuses or do something about it."

Golden on CB Brandon McGee, listed at No. 3 after 12 starts last season: "Should be better than he is. No excuse. End of story."

Golden: "Now he has his hands full with all of those guys. If I was in his shoes, I’d try to lock it down before six guys show up in August"

Golden says WR coach George McDonald will be passing game coordinator. OC Jedd Fisch will still call plays

[3G Cane]

Great stuff Ohio. Hopefully this version of the Canes will actually live up to the No Excuses mantra unlike the previous versions that just payed it lip service. Glad to hear that double R is going all out and I cant wait to see the Dallas Crawford experiment in action. I'll be there on Sunday funday.

[]_[]

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Recruiting Update: 2013 UM verbal commitment WR Kermit Whitfield, the fastest player in the nation, is being pursued by South Carolina & FSU

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - WR Kermit Whitfield: He is 5'8'' and 170 lbs. Working on gaining weight and strengh. Solid commitment to UM. Unmatched speed.

Recruiting Update: 2013 CB Artie Burns, currently committed to Bama, is looking at other schools - USC, FSU, Miami. I expect a flip to UM.

[j.w.]

Thanks, Ohio- great updates!

[Six]

I think realistically the Canes will be lucky to get 1 game this weekend against UiF

If they somehow manage to take 2 games, then the Magic of Gino is in full force

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Recruiting Update: 2013 WR Kwamane Bowens, 6'2'' and 185 lbs, is being recruited by UM's Coach George McDonald. No offer yet.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Recruiting Update: 2013 QB Kevin Olsen, younger brother of ProCane Greg Olsen, will visit Miami shortly. Has offers from everyone.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Recruiting Update: 2014 OL KC McDermott, younger brother of UM C Shane McDermott, has been offered by UM. He is 6'6'' and 270 lbs. Only 15.

[herbieibis]

Bigger, stronger, faster, meaner, smarter & nasty, is what I want to start seeing weekend & week out. Lets revisit the past & bring it to the future.Lets get players in here that want to bust someones azz and get rid of the players who are living on there high school rep and are lazy!

[LB]

"Al Golden says UM has six players who can bench 225 pounds for 30 reps."

!

That's pretty amazing.

[2002nemo]

Nobody talkin' basketball any more?

[Ohio_Cane]

WVUM - Miami coach Al Golden stressed in how much better shape and how much this year's team is than last year's team. Said the amount of players who can bench more than 225 10 times is way up from last year

[TheWhat]

Anyone know what the number was previously. I seem to remember it was 2 players just 3 months ago is that correct?

[TheWhat]

Why do I get excited after every Al Golden press conference. Oh and thanks Ohio for all the updates.

[UpNorthCane27]

what is the passing game coordinator? and hwo does that affect Fisch play calling?

[Hassan]

We improved from 0 players repping 225 30+ to currently 6 players doing this. Only 34 guys out of 280 ish at the NFL combine did this.

We also improved from 11 players repping 225 20+ to currently 31.

[SlingBlade]

To me that means they are getting him ready to take over when fisch leaves.

[j.w.]

Ha, not after that disaster last night, Nemo. I can't get into the NIT. Always want my Canes to do well, but if they did away with the NIT tomorrow I wouldn't care.

[UpNorthCane27]

slingblade i think you might be on the right track bro...

[Hassan]

Mike James does 28 reps of 225 which BTW would have tied 2 RB's at the combine this year for tops for a RB.

[Ohio_Cane]

Brandon Odoi - Shayon Green is the early leader to start opposite of Chickillo on the DL. Coach praised his off season workout.

[Hassan]

Brandon Odoi - Shayon Green is the early leader to start opposite of Chickillo on the DL. Coach praised his off season workout.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 01, 2012 at 04:07 PM
------------------------------------------

Early leader lol man in March that don't mean squat. Not picking on this kid at all, just saying on March 1 there is so much time between now and Fall who knows who will start or who will even be enrolled lol

[CaneRock]

Early leader lol man in March that don't mean squat. Not picking on this kid at all, just saying on March 1 there is so much time between now and Fall who knows who will start or who will even be enrolled lol

Posted by: Hassan | March 01, 2012 at 04:21 PM

Yeah, I wouldn't put any stock in it either.

It's just like last Spring when Whipple was #1 on the depth chart...

[Hassan]

BTW anyone think We should change Coach Golden title from Head Coach to

Leader of Men

That man is a Lion, he took over a pride that could not bring down a Gazelle with a map and directions and now has them ready to take down a Elephant wearing body armor.

[CaneRock]

UM update: Golden addresses assorted issues

A THURSDAY UPDATE FROM AL GOLDEN'S BRIEFING WITH REPORTERS

Barry Jackson

Ray-Ray Armstrong “got the message”; Brandon McGee isn’t where UM wants him; and defensive end (opposite Anthony Chickillo) looms as a major question. Those are some of the defensive headlines creating a buzz as UM prepares to open spring practice Saturday.
“Ray Ray had arguably the best offseason of anybody,” coach Al Golden said Thursday of the ballyhooed safety. “He got the message. Gave up his winter vacation and made a lot of progress. He’s leading by example.

### McGee and Thomas Finnie are UM’s only returning cornerbacks who have played much, but McGee enters spring on the third team because he fell short in the offseason program. Finnie and early arrival Larry Hope, from American High, are the current first-teamers.

### At defensive end, here’s the unproven group on campus that’s trying to earn the spot opposite Chickillo and replace the departed contingent of Olivier Vernon, Marcus Robinson, Andrew Smith and Adewale Ojomo: Shayon Green (seven tackles in four games last season), Ricardo Williams (a three-star defensive end who is Homestead’s all-time sack leader but redshirted last season), Junior Alexis (a two-star recruit who joined UM last September after originally committing to Hawaii) and early arrival Dwayne Hoilett (a three-star recruit who had 52 tackles and 6.5 sacks at Vero Beach High but must bulk up from 230).

### Golden is excited about tight end Asante Cleveland, who had only one catch last season and never regained his edge after shoulder surgery. Now he’s first on the depth chart, ahead of Clive Walford.

### Early arrival Ereck Flowers, the former Norland High standout, is listed behind Malcolm Bunche at left tackle and “has blown us away” in the offseason program, Golden said.

### Philip Dorsett is listed as the first team punt and kickoff returner, but UM wants to give Dallas Crawford a look in both roles.

### Golden said Eduardo Clements “is going to be a really good player. He just kind of figures it out. At the end of last year, he was the guy we wanted on the field on third down and in short yardage. We have two talented guys coming in.”

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2012/03/um-update-golden-addresses-assorted-issues.html#storylink=cpy

[herbieibis]

I'd still like 2 see the LBs in the 235 to 240 range. We're still between 220 & 230.
Glad to see the strength numbers up all across the board.

[Big chuck]

Having all them wr out this spring maybe a blessing in the long run, this allows the oc to work te in more to the play calling, that where more team in the NFL is going now. We really under use our te.

[SOUP]

To me that means they are getting him ready to take over when fisch leaves.

Posted by: SlingBlade | March 01, 2012 at 03:29 PM

That sounds about right.

[SOUP]

Just back from the 904. Long drive...

[JamaiCane]

Truly I am excited for this season. Win or lose, I agree with most fans that we are moving in the right direction. I anticipate seeing a young, hungry team that has no idea they are supposed to lose. I will make at least one practice and 3 games this year.

I think this will be Fisch's last season here due to his and the teams offensive success. We can expect some inconsistency early but by the end of the year there will be a ton of growth. Can't wait!!!!!!