Five Questions With Canespace: Michael Casagrande

In the third installment of our "Five Questions" series of feature articles with local media reps we are excited to have the opportunity to talk to "The New Guy" on the Miami Hurricanes beat: Michael Casagrande from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  He will be joining us LIVE tonight to chat with Miami Hurricane fans for the first time.

It has been a busy five years or so at the Sentinel as the UM post has seen a parade of reporters pass through their ranks trying to satisfy the demanding and sometimes difficult University of Miami fan base. Casagrande took over the UM beat at the Sentinel from Steve Gorten, who had replaced Shandel Richardson, who had replaced Omar Kelly.

Since his arrival in June of this year from Alabama with a fresh perspective and what must have been a couple of cases of Red Bull, Casagrande has been nothing short of outstanding.  He has been dominating the 'Canes coverage by tearing it up on the blog and providing excellent content on the Sentinel's other on-line media applications. 

His blog is here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/

Here are our Five Questions with Michael "Big House" Casagrande at the Sun-Sentinel:

Canespace: Since arriving in South Florida and your new position at the Sun Sentinel what has surprised you most about the area in general, the University of Miami and the football team itself?

Casagrande: The pace of the city is an adjustment. It's the slowest, fast place on earth. (Does that make sense?) I enjoy the culture and the spirit of this place. I'm a big fan of New Orleans because it's unlike any other city in the country. Miami goes in that category, too. I've lived in several different places, but none compares to this place.

Canespace: I know before coming to South Florida you used to work in Alabama and cover the Crimson Tide. With all of their recent success, what was that like as a reporter covering that team and head coach Nick Saban?

Casagrande: Again, I get a kick out of unique experiences. The last three years were quite a trip. There are all kinds of legends about covering Nick Saban and his relationship with the media. Of course very few are true. Just remember the truth always sits somewhere in the middle, but that might not be easily expressed to Dolphin fans. From the perspective of an unbiased newsman, I have to say he has quite a system going up there. That place is a machine. Don't be surprised if he makes his South Florida return this January in Sun Life Stadium.

 

Canespace: Coming from the SEC and from the outside looking in at the University of Miami football program what would you say is the current national perception of the Hurricanes and the ACC in general?

 

Casagrande: I was thinking about this the other day. I was trying to remember my perception of Miami this time last year. To be honest, I was so focused on my job at the time, I didn't spend much time thinking about much else (much like I am with Miami right now). I caught parts of a few UM games on TV last year and remember being surprised at how small the crowds were at Sun Life Stadium (just being honest). Now that I know the geography of the situation, I see the issue. But that's another debate for another day.

On the ACC, the perception in the SEC isn't pretty. They don't really take anyone seriously outside of the SEC. If it's any consolation, the folks in my last state don't even respect the other half of the SEC. They're an elitist group, but after winning the last six national titles and supplying both contestants in January, it's hard to argue with them (not us for the record).

Canespace: The Legends of the Fall selection process is an annual ritual at Canespace. The bloggers select one player on offense and one on defense that they think will have a spectacular, break-out or legendary season each year. This year the most selected players were of course QB Stephen Morris and LB Denzel Perryman. Apart from those two obvious selections which two players do you think will show up and show out this season? In addition please also select one freshman player and one coach who you think will be difference makers for UM in 2012?

Casagrande: It's an interesting question. I'll be quite interested, after watching 15 minutes of practice every morning, who can play in a real game. I'm looking forward to seeing what Allen Hurns can do. He looks like a serious receiver. I'm also looking forward to seeing Mike James perform when the spotlight is on him. He's easily one of the most personable, friendly athletes I've ever dealt with. Though I'm not a homer, I wouldn't be disappointed if he turned into a star. With the freshmen, I'm going to cop out. Of course it's easy to say Duke Johnson. But I'm saying it. My first year covering Alabama was Trent Richardson's freshman season. He was a star from the very beginning and the running back position lends itself to making a more seamless transition than maybe a cornerback or offensive lineman. That said, it looks like he has to improve his pass blocking -- a skill Richardson had right from the beginning.

Canespace: OK, finally it is time to put you on the spot in year one of your coverage of the Miami Hurricanes for the Sun Sentinel. I need your overall season record prediction for this season? Just give it to us straight!

Casagrande: Honesty is my policy. So let's get real, folks. Five, maybe six games. The month of September is brutal. It might be a different story if the young team could ease into the year with two or three Bethune Cookmans, but there's only one. Road games at Boston College, Kansas State and Georgia Tech could easily come and go without wins. The 'Canes must hold serve in home games with NC State, North Carolina and USF. A road win at Virginia would be nice, but home wins against BCS caliber Virginia Tech and Florida State would be sizable upsets. Who knows, though. I've allegedly been wrong in the past, I guess.

Comments

[AbUlIcCaNe]

Casagrande,Who wins in a fist fight Golden or Saban??

[ByCasagrande]

Well, at Alabama, everything was choreographed down to how they drank water. It was a machine and nobody stood still except the kickers. Miami has some of the same elements, but it's not quite the theater Saban creates.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Golden is in a different weight class. He should destroy Saban.

[solarcane]

c mac killing it

pick 6

[ByCasagrande]

Great question. Golden has the youth and reach. But Saban has that West Virginia scrap. And I bet he fights dirty.

[Laquinton]

Anybody watching Colin McCarthy doing work with the Titans agaisnt Kevin Kolb just had a INT to the house !

[ByCasagrande]

(I was totally kidding about Nick fighting dirty. Please don't tell him I said that. Please.)

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Around here we know Saban fights dirty.

[AbUlIcCaNe]

I'll tell him I said it!

[86Cane]

Mike...talk about your BIG plans for your blog at the SS? Links?

[UpNorthCane27]

Mr. Casagrande,

I will be at the UM vs BC game ur more then welcomed
To come get a bite as i will be tailgating and drinking just a tad loll...

How does it feel to cover UM, knowing there is so much rich history? Do you think UM will be a top player next year? Or even maybe as early as this year??

[86Cane]

Please don't tell him I said that. Please.

Posted by: ByCasagrande | August 23, 2012 at 09:57 PM

As long as U agree to weekly chats like this for LIFE then I think we can keep it on the "down low"?

[ByCasagrande]

My big plan is to carpet bomb you people with everything I think you'll find interesting. Video, pictures, practice notes, Springsteen lyrics, it'll all be there.

[roachcane77]

Michael,

Thank you for your coverage of our Canes!

Hope your 6-6 prediction is about 3 or 4 wins short of where we end up.

(Kind of a similar question to one earlier, but slightly different.) Can you give us any insight into what you've seen at our practices as to how they're run compared to other practices you've witnessed at other institutions? (Besides the Al Golden smiling more part.)

[AbUlIcCaNe]

Oh, I forgot that his wife does all the fighting!
I second that 86.(chats)

[ByCasagrande]

Wow, somebody called me Mr. Casagrande. I think my dad is in bed and he won't be at the BC game.

I'll be there, though. Drop me an email. mcasagrande@sun-sentinel.com.

Covering UM is quite a trip. It's very different from Alabama, but that's not bad thing. Not sure. Probably not.

[ByCasagrande]

About practice, we see about the same 15 minutes of uninteresting drills everywhere. It's really difficult to make any informed decisions based on what we're seeing here, there or anywhere. Those who pretend to make real evaluations are blowing a little bit of hot air. It's designed to show us as little as possible. I wish that wasn't the case.

[86Cane]

Yo Mikey...U are a real stand up kinda guy. Thanks for your time here at Canespace. We appreciate U taking your own personal time out to chat with REAL UM fans.

Next time we'll plan to bring the snacks and beverages to have a real party. Well done my friend, well done.

[ByCasagrande]

Question for you folks: What do you want to see beat writers cover more? (And don't tell me positive news. I cover the news whether it's good or bad.)

[UpNorthCane27]

I agree Casagrande has that UM SWAG , he killed it tonight!!!

[86Cane]

I guess more in-depth stories about the players. Not just "Are they starting" but who they REALLY are as people.

Then also about schemes and strategies, real intense FOOTBALL talk. Deep analysis of the offense and defensive schemes, game plans that worked and failed (after games).

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Question for you folks: What do you want to see beat writers cover more?

LOCAL RECRUITING!!!

[ByCasagrande]

Good suggestions. I would really love to dig deeper into the personalities of the athletes. It can be difficult with the interview schedule, but I'll see if I can work around it.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I concure 86. Special matchups too. And I hate statistics.

[86Cane]

What we get from UM media is the very basics: The score, the stats, the comments.

NO CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE COACHING, THE CALLS, THE PLAYS AND THE OUTCOME!

[solarcane]

Question for you folks: What do you want to see beat writers cover more?

mostly each others azzes

[ByCasagrande]

Ahh, recruiting. I'll do my best, but that's a separate job itself. The current players/coaches make for 13 hour days already.

[AbUlIcCaNe]

ok, I'd like to see you cover Malcom Lewis on a hitch route!
just keep doing yo thing and come back here once in a while! thank you for al the 411.

[ByCasagrande]

Good feedback. I'm always interested in opinions from outside the bubble.

[ByCasagrande]

I've done athlete challenges in the past and learned my lesson in a video feature I did with a softball pitcher once. She made a chick out of me. I'd hate to see what Malcolm Lewis would do.

[AbUlIcCaNe]

cover brian london then!

[ByCasagrande]

If that's all, I'm going to get back to building my hurricane bunker.

[86Cane]

Mikey...OK, U are officially off the hook until next time. We love U man, good times, good convo. Now get back to work and bring us the news we can use!

Post a blog link and Twitter handle again?

[ByCasagrande]

Thanks for having me. The blog: http://www.trbimg.com/img-50325a56/turbine/sfl-miami-hurricanes-blog-graphic-header-20120820/950

Twitter: @ByCasagrande

Thanks for the company and BaBa Booey to you all.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

One last question...

Fiesta Bowl, 2003, pass interference?

[86Cane]

Casagrande's home sweet home:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/

[ByCasagrande]

I screwed up the blog link. Here it is: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/

[86Cane]

cover brian london then!

Posted by: AbUlIcCaNe | August 23, 2012 at 10:16 PM

LMAO!

[ByCasagrande]

Pass interference? Of course it was

[ByCasagrande]

...not the right call.

[86Cane]

BIG HOUSE U ROCK!

[AbUlIcCaNe]

how you doing 86?
Not sure if you remember me, but I still have a pic we took together at the spring game a few years ago. I'll send it to you...

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

:) Your alright in my book!

[86Cane]

This guy has the goods. I am VERY impressed.

[CaneRock]

About practice, we see about the same 15 minutes of uninteresting drills everywhere. It's really difficult to make any informed decisions based on what we're seeing here, there or anywhere. Those who pretend to make real evaluations are blowing a little bit of hot air. It's designed to show us as little as possible. I wish that wasn't the case.

Posted by: ByCasagrande | August 23, 2012 at 10:04 PM

I don't know Mr. Casagrande, with the time costraints these coaches have, I don't think they have the luxury to burn 15 minutes.

And question: Is it me, or does Nick Saban look like the guy on the Papa John's pizza box?

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Its not just you.

[86Cane]

Where else but The Space?

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

McCarthy's pick was a joke by Kolb. He threw it right at McCarthy. Kolb was never going to throw it anywhere else.

[SJMPARMAN]

Nice job by Casagrande! It is nice to have an honest (ok his prediction hurt a tad) look from someone who is neither a homer or jaded member of the local press. I like his perspective. It is good to have fresh eyes on the Hurricane scene.

I also agree with him that the limitation on access to the practices does not benefit him doing his job or us following the team. For a team struggling to improve its fan base it is a policy that makes little sense. I wish Golden would open up at least a couple of days of practice a week to the local media.

[86Cane]

A million thanks to Michael Casagrande from the Sun-Sentinel for joining us tonight for another one of our now relatively famous Canespace LIVE chats.

He held up the tradition of excellence established by Manny Navarro and Susan Miller-Degnan over the past five years.

Thanks again to "The New Guy" for bringing U the news U can use.