'Canes Hold First Fall Scrimmage

The Miami Hurricanes’ three-headed rushing attack of Mike James, Duke Johnson and Eduardo Clements stole the show Sunday during the first #CanesCamp scrimmage.  

The scrimmage lasted a little under two hours in the 90-degree heat and ended before a torrential afternoon thunderstorm. The scrimmage opened with goal line and short yardage situations as the offense showcased a number of different looks. The next set of plays flipped the field, with the ball being spotted inside the five-yard line. 

The running corps of James, Johnson and Clements showed toughness up the middle and burst to the outside throughout the day, while the offensive line showed athleticism and mobility to move to the outside and block to spring runs down the sidelines. The blocking wasn’t limited to the O-line; the wide receivers made some nice blocks on the outside to aid James and Johnson in long runs. 

“We need [big plays],” second-year head coach Al Golden. “We need some guys to step up. We lost some explosive players from a year ago.” 

The senior James rushed for a team-high 137 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns, including an impressive 51-yard burst down the sidelines, while outrunning three defenders. Johnson had 49 yards on nine carries and posted four touchdowns – three rushing and one receiving. He took a Morris screen pass 37 yards for a score, eliciting several “oohs” and “aahs” from teammates on some of his cutback moves. 

“We’ve been saying it all camp: Mike [James] looks quicker,” Golden said. “He has always been strong but now he looks healthy. 

“[Duke Johnson] found [the end zone] a couple of times today,” Golden said. “He has a low center of gravity and a knack for diving and finding the end zone.” 

Quarterbacks Stephen Morris and Ryan Williams showed good footwork to elude pressure in the pocket and scramble for yards when needed. Morris completed 24-of-36 passes for 193 yards with four touchdowns and one interception towards the end of the scrimmage. Williams threw for 121 yards and three scores on 12-of-17 passing. 

“I thought both [quarterbacks] showed command of the offense,” Golden said. 

Morris and Williams threw completions a variety of receivers; Johnson led all receivers with 44 yards. Malcolm Lewis caught three passes for 42 yards, while Kendal Thompkins hauled in a team-best five catches for 22 yards. 

The scrimmage ended on an interception when Dwayne Hoilett batted a ball up in the air and into the hands of Tyrone Cornileus. 

A.J. Highsmith registered a team-high nine tackles, while Cornileus, Tracy Howard and Ramon Buchanan all recorded seven tackles apiece. Anthony Chickillo, JaWand Blue and Cornileus each recorded a sack for the defense. 

To purchase tickets for the 2012 football season, visit HurricaneSports.com. For football updates, follow our official Twitter feed at @HurricaneSports. 

Scoring:

Maurice Hagens 3 pass from Stephen Morris

Mike James 1 run

Duke Johnson 1 run

Dyron Dye 3 pass from Ryan Williams

Rashawn Scott 2 pass from Williams

Eduardo Clements 2 run

Jake Wieclaw 56 FG

Allen Hurns 29 pass from Morris

Duke Johnson 37 pass from Morris

Mike James 51 run

Matt Goudis 24 FG

Mike James 1 run

Duke Johnson 13 run

Scott 3 pass from Williams

Goudis 42 FG

Wieclaw 51 FG

Dallas Crawford 2 run

Phillip Dorsett 10 pass from Morris

Duke Johnson 10 run

Comments

[LB]

"Besides, UM could easily open 1-10 or 2-9 looking at the schedule unless some freshman play like upperclassmen for them."

I'm as critical as anyone over the UM program. Not winning a bowl game since 2006 does that to a person. But you are nuckin' futs if you think they'll win only 2 games this year.

I'll preface this with a reminder that at no point last year, with the Shapiro news, suspensions, and transfers did UM lose a game by more than 8.
-----------------
BC was 112th in scoring last year. With injuries abound (see their TE), that doesn't help. They were 100th in passing and 82nd in rushing. Word from UM is that the Cane defense is much, much improved.

Kansas State is absolutely a complete team. They were also 108th in passing.

Bethune Cookman. I don't think anyone in their right minds would think that UM would be down playing this team. Not this team.

Georgia Tech, like BC and Kansas State, cannot throw the ball (112th). D'Onofrio also has an excellent record against this style of offense. Take away that QB, and they're toast.

That's the first fourth of the season, plenty of time to get the secondary prepared.
------------------
NC State was 109th in rushing. As good as the QB is, there's no reason to think that they've taken an exponential step forward or UM a step back.

Notre Dame is a descent team. Their QB, however, has a 20-14 INT ratio. Notre Dame also has massive defensive issues.

Notrh Carolina has gone through tons of turmoil lately. They also have no playmakers at receiver. And we play them at home.

FSU looks like a blowout against us. However, they were 104th in rushing. They also have massive underachieved and have a creampuff schedule to boot. Oh, and FSU won by 4 last year. Not exactly a blowout.

It looks like a couple of bad games here. But they aren't immortal. It's the second half of the season, where the offense should be in sync.
---------------------
Va. Tech is solid and nasty. They'll replace Wilson. We also play them at home.

UVA. Really? Where are the dynamic players?

South Florida played UM close. That surprised me. But Daniels is their entire offense.

Duke. As awful as the last few years have been, I do not recall a loss to Duke. Kirby Freeman and Kyle Wright did not lose to Duke. The plague of 2010 did not lose to Duke. It's a safe assumption that UM is no worse than last year. It's a safer assumption to say that Duke is no better. They have one receiver. That's it.

That's an excellent end of season schedule... perhaps the best in a few years.

There's no way you can tell me that there are only 2 wins in here. NO WAY. Our running game is too talented and this team will evolve. Even in its assumed death throes, no team got more than an 8 point victory against UM.

[Panamacitycane]

I'm gonna predict 9-3 with losses to Virginia tech, Florida state, and Virginia. I have nothing to say why. Just throwing a prediction out there. To me last year we absolutely beat ourselves against fsu. Fsu did not beat Miami. Boston college was a fluke game and players seemed like they were done already since announcement of no bowl game. Virginia was a good team last year and I think they will be a surprise this year. I think we can easily beat Kansas state. They are a good team but last year I think Miami was shell shocked and by the time we came back it was too late. And Stephen morris gets in on that last play where jacory missed it by an inch. These are just my opinions.

[BigTimeCane]

The season can range from a win loss of 5-7 to 9-3. It all depends how the secondary plays. I know a lot of people aren't concerned about the D in the scrimmage game but I did not like what I read. But again I'm just a fan so I could be way off base. If our defense is more solid than I think I it is we will be closer to a 9 win season. I do believe we will get better as the season goes on though so a 3 game win streak to end the season is a strong possibility.

[86Cane]

Miami plays four ranked opponents (pre-season) this year:

#7 FSU
#20 VT
#21 KSU
#24 ND

IF Miami wins just one of those four then 9-3 is a real possibility. Any more and then there is some serious icing on the cake.

[86Cane]

BAD NEWS AT/NEAR TEXAS A&M:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/13/texas-am-shooting-college-station_n_1773387.html#3_press-conference-two-people-are-dead-in-college-station-shooting

[CaneRock]

Damn, this wreck that SH was in wasn't no fender bender:

"The collision sent the sports utility vehicle — carrying Greene, her 16-year-old sister, and four children all under the age of 10 — spinning toward two other stopped vehicles at the eastbound intersection.

Somewhere after the first collision and before the second, Wi’Karria Walls, Greene’s five-year-old daughter, landed on the hood of one of the other two cars involved before rolling over on the pavement and sustaining a gash on her forehead. Greene said her daughter’s gash required 16 stitches."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/13/2949881_miami-hurricanes-seantrel-henderson.html#storylink=addthis#storylink=cpy

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I think BC is a win. They needed all the picks Jacory threw to come out on top. I for one didnt think Luke Kuechly was all that going into the game and he proved me wrong. He's looking good w/ the Panthers too. The key to K State is making them throw. Get them into 3rd and long and go after the QB. I think we can do that better this year. That being said, until the Canes do, I am wait and see. Floor 6-6, ceiling probably 9-3.

[WWIN]

The season can range from a win loss of 5-7 to 9-3. It all depends how the secondary plays. I know a lot of people aren't concerned about the D in the scrimmage game but I did not like what I read. But again I'm just a fan so I could be way off base. If our defense is more solid than I think I it is we will be closer to a 9 win season. I do believe we will get better as the season goes on though so a 3 game win streak to end the season is a strong possibility.

Posted by: BigTimeCane | August 13, 2012 at 02:29 PM

You wasn't at the scrimmage so you don't know who was even on the field on defense. You don't know how long Perryman or Chick played. Think about this, our defensive line has its weight up, that's what's hurt us the past years. Chick, Porter, Green, and Da Plug will dominate this year, F what you heard Golden say, he's just tryna light a fire and not give em the big head. We have 9 DT's when is the last time we had that. And if you think Perryman won't be a play maker this year you smoking on sum of da best. Plus its not hard for a freshman to come in and be successful at CB its not like playing QB, hell DVD did it and did pretty good and he wasn't half the player Tracy is.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

BTC, I wanted to add that while the secondary is key on D, I think WRs are key on offense. We gotta have someone to throw to on 3rd and 6. I think Hurns has got to be the man and fill the Streeter void.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Wasnt Sundays practice mostly situational? If thats the case everyone should relax about the TDs from the RBs. Especially if the ball was on the 5 for 30 snaps. Also who can say who was in for what plays?

[solarcane]

dude

Rushing
Mike James 13-137 3 TD; Eduardo Clements 10-55 2 TD; Duke Johnson 9-49 3 TD;

That's 7.5 yds a carry so they were running from a lot farther out than five yds.

They average 7.5 yds a carry all year against other teams yea we go 9-3
We give up 7.5 a carry all year we go 6-6
Nobody on this blog knows how good or how much improvement is needed until we play at least 3 quality teams.

Soup you're are right I'm taking the cautiously optimistic route just like last year. I have no idea how this team is going to play, I know they are going to play harder for greater lengths of time that's all I'm positive about.

[86Cane]

HERE'S A NAME FOR U:

The headliner of the Springfield (Ohio) 2014 class is Thaddeus Snodgrass.

[86Cane]

I have no idea how this team is going to play, I know they are going to play harder for greater lengths of time that's all I'm positive about.

Posted by: solarcane | August 13, 2012 at 05:00 PM

There IT is right there.

[CaneRock]

I have no idea how this team is going to play, I know they are going to play harder for greater lengths of time that's all I'm positive about.

Posted by: solarcane | August 13, 2012 at 05:00 PM

There IT is right there.

Posted by: 86Cane | August 13, 2012 at 05:07 PM

There IT is right there +2!

[j.w.]

Solar is 100% right.
On another note, did anyone else read that UNC article today? I don't agree with this writer that it's bigger/worse than Penn State, but it could be very bad.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2012-08-13/north-carolina-academic-scandal-mark-emmert-ncaa-penn-state

[Hassan]

Hope arrived in January weighing 168 pounds. He has since bulked up 15 pounds to weigh 183. His bench press reps at 225 pounds went from six to 12 and he claims he can still run a 4.4 in the 40.

Not bad, our strength program is really awesome this year. Imagine 12-24 more months of this development. We look so good we should play with our shirts off!!

[Hassan]

When Raphael Kirby arrived at Miami in January he could do nine reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Now, Kirby can do 27.

“I’m just working hard with (strength and conditioning coach Andreu) Swasey and getting in the weight room,” Kirby said. “Not just taking time, always in the weight room, and doing extra work on my own.”

Kirby (6-0, 218), who also improved his max from 315 to 360, has noticed the improved strength when he’s on the field.

Read more ITU

This strength gain is crazy we must have new "supplements" lol JK but wow that is a really good endurance gain from 9 to 27 reps. That is elite already.

[Hassan]

Dortch is 165 up 5 lbs from 160 when he arrived a few months ago, he is focused on gaining weight and seems to be content to RS this year.

[Hassan]

Ray Ray transfers will not pursue more legal action

According to Joe Schad.....Will not pursue further legal action against the university will enroll at Faulkner College an NAIA program in Alabama

I am on fire today BTW blog.

[Hassan]

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-13/news/sfl-recordbreaking-python-found-in-everglades-with-87-eggs-20120813_1_burmese-pythons-exotic-pet-industry-kenneth-krysko

Damn snake ate an entire full grown deer.

[SlingBlade]

HERE'S A NAME FOR U:

The headliner of the Springfield (Ohio) 2014 class is Thaddeus Snodgrass.

Posted by: 86Cane | August 13, 2012 at 05:06 PM

sounds like a relative to Henry Hogshead

[86Cane]

I am on fire today BTW blog.

Posted by: Hassan | August 13, 2012 at 06:06 PM

Indeed! Good work young man.

[BigTimeCane]

I do believe the defense will be much better than last year. And I think will wil hit the 8 win mark potentially 9 wins.

UNC's recent violations are bad but not comparable to psu. Nothing is even close to that. But what that reporter uncovered seems pretty big. And again another schools violations make miamis look like boy scout violations.

Good luck to ray ray. Glad that's behind us. Hope he finds success there and in the nfl.

[TonyCane]

No way at all that Miami loses 9 or 10 games. That is absolutely absurb.

First of all, is this year's Miami Hurricanes any less talented that the Miami roster in Shannon's second year, that was laden with freshmen and led by two freshmen quarterbacks?

Were Jacory Harris and Robert Marve that much better in 2008 than Stephen Morris (Jr) and Ryan Williams (So) are projected to be? Are the freshmen horde of 2008 + Hankerson that much superior to the freshmen horde + Hurns? Were J. James/Cooper/Chambers a huge leap over what we think M James/Johnson/Clemente should be.

The 2008 team lost 6 games. Why would the 2012 version, with better conditioning and continuinity with both coordinators lose 3-4 more?

[Tsully76]

Yes Ray Armstrong is enrolling at Faulkner University here in Montgomery, Alabama. Someone needs to tell Joe Shad the state of Alabama has 4.8 million residents. Btw I think anyone with a half a brain has heard of Montgomery. Because I was about to say when did Nick Saban give Ray Armstrong a scholarship to play football in Tuscaloosa.

[pbcfrcane13]

Just got an email from the canes Morris is number one at on the depth chart.

[Pbcfrcane13]

Wr: Allen hurns, Dorsett
Wr:Scott, Thompkins

[Pbcfrcane13]

LT: Bunche, Ben Jones
LG: Feliciano, Lewis
C: Mcdermott, Wheeler
Rg: Linder, Isidora orWells
Rt: Flowers, Johnson

[Pbcfrcane13]

TE: Clevelans, Walford, Perry, Dye

FB: Hagans, Harvey

QB: Morris, Williams

RB:James, Clements, Crawford, DUke

[Pbcfrcane13]

DE: Chick, Hamilton or O Donnell

DT: Smith, Porter
DT: Ivery, Pierre, Robinson, or Grimble
DE: Green, Hoilett or mccord

[Pbcfrcane13]

OLB: Armbrister, Terry
MLB: Perry, Gaines
OLB: Buc, Cornileus

[Pbcfrcane13]

DB: Mcgee, Howard
S Rodgers, Bush or Jenkins
S Telemaque, Highsmith
DB: Gunter, Finnie or Crawford

[Tsully76]

Great stuff

[Pbcfrcane13]

PR: Dorsett, Lewis
KR: Dorsett, Duke

their you have it

[WindyCane-Forecast1]

The Canes will surprise a lot of people this season with their talent, strength and conditioning.

This may seem unconventional, but I actually think the Canes are better this year than last year. Fisch did a great job with Jacory, who cut down on his mistakes drastically. I could see, however, that Jacory's lack of arm strength left a lot of plays on the field. Jacory missed a lot of open receivers by simply not throwing them the ball deep.

Morris can make those throws and still throw for a higher percentage. If Morris keeps his INTs down, Morris will be lot better QB for this team than Jacory was.

The Canes will miss Lamar, but James is better this year and Duke is the real deal and can bring that big play element.

These Canes are serious and the coaching is making a big difference. Even with the young players, I expect to see growth and development as the season progresses. The challenge is whether Golden's team will start off strong because I am sure they will finish strong.

Canes fans will have a lot to smile about this year.

[Hassan]

http://blog.allcanes.com/canes-2012-youth-gone-wild

[CaneRock]

I wonder if all scoring in the scrimmage, had something to do with the new kickoff rules they're planning on implementing this season. For those that don't know, the ball will be kicked off from the 35, and all touchbacks will start at the 25.

More rules:
If a helmet comes off ON IT'S OWN, that player will have to come off the field for 1 play.

And a player on the punt block team, CAN'T jump over another player to block a punt.

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!