Five Questions With Canespace: The Miami Hurricane

If you were not able to attend the University of Miami or never had the opportunity to set foot on the beautiful UM campus in Coral Gables, then you might not be aware of the of the two on-campus sports outlets available to students at UM: WVUM radio station and The Miami Hurricane Newspaper.

Both are completely staffed and operated by students on campus.

After having already interviewed our friend Chris Whittyngham from WVUM in our now famous "Five Questions" series, today we have the privilege of speaking with Ernesto Suarez, the Sports Editor of the Miami Hurricane student newspaper. Here are our five questions with The Miami Hurricane:

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 assistant or position coach who you think will be difference makers for the 2012 UM football team?

Suarez: On offense I would probably have to say Allen Hurns. He had his spurts last year where he would show the potential of being a big time receiver, especially in the beginning of the season against Maryland and then his two-touchdown performance against Ohio State a week after. Right now there’s no clear-cut established No.1 receiver on the roster, but of them all I think Hurns has the ability to become that guy. The key is consistency.

On defense, I would have to select Ladarius Gunter. He had his on and off moments during the spring while he was still picking up the playbook, but he seems to feel comfortable with it at this point and figures to play a big role in the defensive backfield this season. He also has freshman Tracy Howard right behind him gunning for that spot, so he can’t afford to let down.

Freshman to watch out for would have to be Tracy Howard. Although you have a couple of good choices in Howard, Deon Bush, and Duke Johnson, I think Howard’s impact will be felt whenever he is on the field. At one point during fall camp he was spotted wearing the starters black jersey, and coaches have credited him with his ability to make plays. It remains to be seen how it will translate on the field when it matters, but there’s plenty of upside with him.

Coaching wise, I would say Jedd Fisch. Consistency at the coordinator position is important, especially for a new regime still looking to form an identity. For an offense that is currently looked upon as the strongest part of the team, Fisch has the opportunity to put the team in a good position to win some of the toss up games.

Canespace: Which position(s) on the field worries you the most about this team going into the 2012 season in terms of talent, production and depth?

Suarez: I’d be most concerned over at linebacker. Denzel Perryman is expected to be a force, and as long as he can stay healthy that shouldn’t be an issue. Jimmy Gaines, behind him on the depth chart, also has experience and was really impressing coaches during fall camp last year, but it never really translated well on the field. Besides those two and Ramon Buchanan, who is coming off of a torn ACL, there isn’t much experience to speak of there.

Canespace: What is the mood around campus in class, the dorms and the Student Center about the 2012 team? Are the students unanimously in support of head coach Al Golden or are there some doubters among the current student body? Will the majority still remain supportive even IF the Hurricanes struggle this season and finish at 6-6 or worse?

Suarez: Right now, the vast majority of the student population is in love with the work that Al Golden and his staff has accomplished. For the most part, they understand that not everything has gone the way he had envisioned to start off, but they are pleased with the way that things have been handled. No one on campus is expecting a national championship this year (the reasonable ones anyways) but if the team can make a bowl game and show significant progress as the season goes on, give them a little something to be excited for next year, I think they’ll be alright.

Canespace: Golden has indicated and the depth chart shows that as many at 10-12 Freshmen are likely to play at least some during this season and a few could possibly even start a game or two be season's end. Apart from likely candidates RB Duke Johnson and CB Tracy Howard who do you see as the most likely Freshmen to get some serious playing time in 2012?

Suarez: Undoubtedly has to be Ereck Flowers. Heading into camp, he wasn’t a household name, and it was almost a given that Seantrel Henderson was going to be platooned over at right tackle. But Henderson has missed out on a significant amount of time at camp taking care of personal issues, and Flowers has thrived in his absence. Growing pains are to be expected once the games start to matter, but expect Flowers, especially early on, to be lined up at right tackle for most of the snaps.

Canespace: OK, time to get real and get down to business. I need your season record projection for the 2012 Miami Hurricanes football team? Give it to us straight!

Suarez: I don't think too many nationally would agree with me, but I think a 7-5 record is certainly possible. I can see the Hurricanes going, at minimum, 2-1 through its first three games (loss likeliest at Kansas State). Depending on how the defense looks in those first few games, Georgia Tech is a toss up. Their big ACC matches (UNC, FSU, VT) are all at home too, so that works out favorably.

Ernesto Suarez
The Miami Hurricane
Sports Editor
sports@themiamihurricane.com

Comments

[solarcane]

boink

[CategoryIV_in_Pittsburgh]

deuce

[CategoryIV_in_Pittsburgh]

Nice articles...diggin' the five Q's!

[solarcane]

but I think a 7-5 record is certainly possible.

see soup?

[solarcane]

Coaching wise, I would say Jedd Fisch. Consistency at the coordinator position is important, especially for a new regime still looking to form an identity.
====

The man knows what he is talking about

[CaneRock]

I think our season comes down to "Bubble Screens".

If we CAN stop the "Bubble Screen", I say 7-5 or 8-4.

If we CAN'T stop the "BUBBLE SCREEN", I say 6-6 or 5-7.

I thought we'd stop getting victimized by the "Bubble Screen" when Patrick Nix left...NOPES!

[Tsully76]

Great stuff 86 and Ernesto. Really informative. Keep up the awesome work fellas.

[canesteeler]

Category IV what part of the Burgh are you in? I am from New Kensington.

[WWIN]

Solar,

The debate started by me sticking my two cents in on LB's comment lol

[CategoryIV_in_Pittsburgh]

Canesteeler, I'm over on the North side of town. We'll have to get together sometime for a game. Know of any decent places to catch games?

[86Cane]

With Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey Jr. on the call, 560 WQAM Sports Radio will once again serve as the flagship station for all 2012 University of Miami football games.

Below is a list of radio affiliates that will carry Canes' games throughout the state of Florida. SiriusXM will also broadcast each Miami game and will announce channel listings on a weekly basis.

2012 MIAMI HURRICANE RADIO NETWORK AFFILIATES

Miami/Ft. Lauderdale WQAM (560)

WSUA (1260) – Spanish

Belle Glade WBGF (900)

WSWN (93.5 FM)

Coco Beach WIXC (1060)

Ft. Myers ESPN (770)

Fort Pierce WPSL (1590)

Jupiter WSTU (1450)

Kissimmee ESPN (1080)

Key West WKWF (1600)

Marathon WFFG (1300)

Melbourne WIXC (1060)

Meritt Island WIXC (1060)

Naples ESPN (770)

Orlando ESPN (1080)

Port St. Lucie WPSL (1590)

St. Augustine XLAM (1010)

St. Petersburg WMGG (1470)

WHBO ESPN (1040)

Stuart WSTU (1450)

Tallahassee ESPN (97.9 FM)

Tampa WHBO ESPN (1040)

WWBA (820)

WMGG (1470)

Titusville WIXC (1060)

West Palm Beach ESPN (760)

[86Cane]

Year two of the Al Golden Era kicks off Saturday when the Miami Hurricanes take on the Boston College Eagles in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Kickoff is set for 3:35 p.m. EDT on ABC.

The majority of the eastern seaboard will see Miami/Boston College on ABC (34 percent of the country), while the remainder of the country will get the Miami/BC game on ESPN2. The states of Massachusetts and Florida (except WEAR in Pensacola/Mobile) plus Manchester, N.H. (WMUR); Albany, N.Y. (WTEN+1); and Providence, R.I. (WLNE) are among the protected markets that will see Miami/BC on ABC.

Saturday's game is the first of four nationally televised games for the Hurricanes. Next week, Miami will face Kansas State on FX (12 p.m. EDT) in Manhattan, Kan.

Season and single-game tickets for the 2012 football season are available online, by phone at 1-800-GO-CANES (1-305-284-2263) or in-person at the Miami Athletics Ticket Office, which is now located on the bottom level of BankUnited Center.

For the latest information on Miami Hurricanes Football, follow @HurricaneSports on Twitter and the official blog for Hurricanes Football, www.theufootball.com.

GAME INFORMATION
Date / Time: Sat., Sept. 1, 2012 / 3:35 p.m. EDT
Site: Chestnut Hill, Mass. / Alumni Stadium (44,500)
TV: ABC/ESPN2
Play-by-Play: Bob Wischusen; Analyst: Danny Kanell; Sideline: Maria Taylor
Local Radio: 560 WQAM
Play-by-Play: Joe Zagacki; Analyst: Don Bailey Jr.; Sideline: Josh Darrow
Spanish Radio: Caracol 1260 AM
Play-by-Play: Roly Martin; Analyst: Pepe Campos
National Radio: Compass Media Networks
Play-by-Play: Gregg Daniels; Analyst: Tony Hill
Student Radio: 90.5 FM WVUM
Broadcasters: Kyle Sielaff and Alex Schwartz
Satellite Radio: Sirius 91, XM 91 (BC broadcast)

[Ohio_Cane]

Cat IV and Canesteeler, I'm 45 minutes from both of U!

[Ohio_Cane]

@JamieNewberg: Top 6 for DT Jaynard Bostwick - #canes #gators #lsu #crimsontide #uga #ducks - http://t.co/Sd3kQjX1

Also, Ojomo tearing it up for Giants. He'll be on the 53 man roster

[86Cane]

Swiss cheese defense?

[Laquinton]

Best Sean Taylor video ever

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko1iFkz11xg

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Great post Laquinton!

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Athletically speaking, Sean was the best talent to ever play the game.

[Hassan]

Sean Taylor is perhaps the only guy i ever saw play that could be an ALL-PRO at perhaps 4/5 different positions.

Both S positions, Any LB position. WR, RB, FB, Rush End.

[Laquinton]

I keep watchin that video Sean wS amazing. Its crazy that some compared ray ray to him.. Noway close. Ive been a fan since 04. Seeing Sean,DJ,Vilma,k2 in the league got me looking around for info and I was on allcanes for awhile..then canesport..then I saw procanes..and then I saw this site and I love it

[Laquinton]

How many safeties Can keep up with a prime randy moss..blasting t.o, taking over games

[IraqiCane]

Miami game on AFN Extra at midnight (Afghanistan) on Saturday.

GO CANES!!!

[tjl3909]

Ojomo:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/08/29/nfl-exhibition-roundup-giants-patriots.ap/index.html

[raizecane]

I think our season comes down to "Bubble Screens".

If we CAN stop the "Bubble Screen", I say 7-5 or 8-4.

If we CAN'T stop the "BUBBLE SCREEN", I say 6-6 or 5-7.

I thought we'd stop getting victimized by the "Bubble Screen" when Patrick Nix left...NOPES!

Posted by: CaneRock | August 29, 2012 at 08:13 PM

CaneRock - I am going to disagree. Our problems have been 1) stopping the TE, period and 2) stopping the running QB (See Kansas State and Virginia Tech).

[LB]

"The debate started by me sticking my two cents in on LB's comment lol"

I am known to stir up some stuff. At least we haven't long to wait for Al Golden's newest recipe.

Chestnut Chicken
- 5 tablespoons of Michael James
- A pinch of Duke Johnson
- 20 cloves of crushed Perryman
- Add 17 dashes of Mr. Morris's Artful Surgery
- Throw in the bird for 3.5 hours, and poof!

- Dessert: Bostonian Cremed Pie

Review: This dish is excellent, and best served on Saturday afternoons. This is also an amendment of the previous Chestnut Chicken, which made its consumers quite ill. This recipe is sure to be an absolute delight.

DELICIOUS!

[Ohio_Cane]

LMAO, LB!!

[CaneRock]

CaneRock - I am going to disagree. Our problems have been 1) stopping the TE, period and 2) stopping the running QB (See Kansas State and Virginia Tech).

Posted by: raizecane | August 30, 2012 at 07:49 AM

True dat. But I used the "Bubble Screen" to illustrate a bigger point, meaning, our CBs were SOFT AS HELL! last season. Now I didn't expect them to be Antrel Rolle, but c'mon now...

[86Cane]

I was on allcanes for awhile..then canesport..then I saw procanes..and then I saw this site and I love it

Posted by: Laquinton | August 30, 2012 at 02:03 AM

LQ...we are glad U are here!

[86Cane]

FROM HEATHER AT ESPN:

Miami 17, Boston College 14: The Eagles will give it everything they’ve got in a hard-fought game, but they’ll come up short late in the fourth quarter. Miami’s speed will be too much for a defense that will sorely miss tackling machine Luke Kuechly.

Clemson 34, Auburn 31: This has a high-scoring, last-play-of-the-game feel to it, and I’m willing to give Clemson the benefit of the doubt. Losing Sammy Watkins is going to hurt, yes, but the Tigers have enough surrounding talent that they’ll be able to compensate for his loss with a group effort.

NC State 28, Tennessee 24: The Volunteers desperately need this victory, and it should be another down-to-the-wire game, but the Wolfpack will have the edge up front, and quarterback Mike Glennon will make enough plays down the stretch to be the difference.

Florida International 34, Duke 31: The Blue Devils beat FIU on the road last year, but Duke’s injuries have accumulated over the past two months and will be a factor on both sides of the ball.

Virginia Tech 31, Georgia Tech 20: Did I mention this game is in Lane Stadium? Virginia Tech will come out fired up by its home-field advantage and force a fumble or a turnover that gives the Hokies the momentum early. The Hokies have questions on offense, yes, but it’s going to be Bud Foster’s defense that is the difference in this game.

[86Cane]

Miami coach Al Golden on opening with conference opponent Boston College: “The time to complain about the schedule is when they're making the schedule, not when they release it.”

[86Cane]

Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA

Passing clouds. Mild. 76 °F, Wind: 14 mph/SE

[Ohio_Cane]

SMD - Injury Report w only 2 players. DT Porter (appendectomy) & LB Kirby (leg) out. No one else listed

[Ohio_Cane]

Adam Schefter - "Dolphins team plane backed into another plane, damaging the wing of the Dolphins' plane. The entire team - about 70 players, plus the coaches and support staff - was forced to de-plane and wait for another ride. Classic Hard Knocks."

LOL

[Ohio_Cane]

Good to see Lamar Miller got his first NFL touchdown last night. 17 carries for 60 yards

[Ohio_Cane]

Herbstreit - "I think if they (UM) gets to 5 or 6 wins, that'd be a lot to ask."

Shut it, Herbie!

[j.w.]

Scary that I agree with nearly all of Heather's predictions (I picked Duke to hold off FIU). And her margin of victory.

[Ohio_Cane]

Thurston or EJ starting at Sam LB Saturday.

[Ohio_Cane]

Finnie, Kacy Rodgers, and McGee have worked at nickel corner and may play some there Saturday.

[LB]

"Herbstreit - "I think if they (UM) gets to 5 or 6 wins, that'd be a lot to ask."

Shut it, Herbie!"

I guess he's gone a little crazy with the loss of Erin Andrews. Not getting some to do odd things to a guy. It happens.

[Ohio_Cane]

Herbstreit - "I think if they (UM) gets to 5 or 6 wins, that'd be a lot to ask."

Shut it, Herbie!

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 30, 2012 at 12:57 PM
-----------------------------------------

This was on Joe Rose this morning, just FYI

http://wqam.com/dj/joe-rose

[86Cane]

Ohio...just listened to the Golden interviews from yesterday and today. I can't tell if he is either worried about the team or hiding something really good like a good poker player ready to call someone's bluff?

[Ohio_Cane]

86, I honestly think it's a little bit of both.

[Ohio_Cane]

Full list of Canes in the NFL - http://espn.go.com/nfl/college/_/letter/m

[Cane4eva]

This Sunday @SaveUMFootball has a new podcast on Hurricane Alley at ufrsports.

http://ufrsports.com/review/index.php

Give it a listen. There will be lots of great information and the unique inside info you can only get from reliable PapaCane!

[86Cane]

UM rankings in NCAA stats from 2011:

Passing Offense: 60th

Rushing Offense: 67th

Passing Defense: 26th

Rushing Defense: 63rd

[LB]

Wow. I heard that Herbstreit interview. I'm flabbergasted.

As much as I criticize the team, I equally give it to the media.

Joe Rose is such a crack sniffer, and went beyond the usual five questions and the "help me out here's." As Herbstreit was berating UM's chances this year, Rose is chuckling and giggling and outright agreeing with him.

In previous interviews, he was being "the good old boy" with Golden, as Al touted the maturity and toughness of the team.

It's going beyond the ex-dumb jock trying to buddy up with people and look cool. He's friends with whoever is on air. That also goes against the rabid fanbase and their demands for consistent information.

Isn't that why Canespace is so successful? Because the CEO gives excellent, verified information. No sugarcoats? Where 12%'ers and realists have a place to enjoy themselves?

Rose is downright duplicitous. His kissing up to Randy Shannon made me ill. Now he's biting at two different scenarios here. If you want to suck face with Herbstreit, then at least admit such to Golden. If you want to give props to UM, then do it to Kirk. Choose whose butt you choose to lick, Mr. Rose.

Somebody get that idiot off the air, and UM away from that station.

OPEN MESSAGE TO COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT:

Go to Sid. At least you'll have some honesty, and some entertainment as well. Teach us about the program (as is done through Raising Canes). You'll generate revenue and sway public opinion. The athletic department will be powerful and people will buy tickets. Guaranteed. You're doing an excellent job so far, but you need to cut ties with WQAM... especially Joe Rose. His idiocy does you no favors, and we gain no insight.

The Canes deserve better. Tell Freet. Please. I'm dead serious.

[86Cane]

Cane4eva...please email me at:

canespace86@aol.com

Thanks!

[UpNorthCane27]

I will be at the game on saturday!!!!!! taking picture with a banner that has all of the Canespace hall of Famers names on it!!!!

lets get it CANES!!!!!!!!!!

[86Cane]

UpNorth...email me the photos, U know where.

[IraqiCane]

Do I count right with 59?

Full list of Canes in the NFL - http://espn.go.com/nfl/college/_/letter/m

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 30, 2012 at 01:39 PM