When The Wolfpack Comes To Town

After spending three of the first four weeks of the 2012 season on the road this week your Miami Hurricanes get to enjoy some home cooking as they take on North Carolina State at Sun Life Stadium at noon on Saturday.  It will be the 14th all-time meeting between the programs, with UM owning a 7-5-1 series edge. However, the Wolfpack has won the last two meetings.

Here are some more quick facts about the Hurricanes coming out of big win against Georgia Tech and headin into their showdown with the Wolfpack:

• Miami and NC State have not met on the gridiron since Nov. 29, 2008 — the longest stretch between two meetings for Miami’s ACC opponents.

• Since joining the ACC in 2004, the Hurricanes are a 35-31 in conference play and are 1-2 against NC State during that span.

• Freshman RB Duke Johnson has 838 all-purpose yards through four games, the national leader in that category. He is on pace for 2,514 yards in 12 games. The single-season all-purpose mark at Miami is 2,102 by Willis McGahee in 2002.

• Eight of Miami’s 20 scoring drives this season have needed less than two minutes.

• For the second consecutive week, a Miami RB scored four touchdowns in a game. Against Bethune-Cookman, Duke Johnson had two rushing, one receiving and one kickoff return for scores. At Georgia Tech, Mike James rushed for three touchdowns and added another on a receiving score. The Canes are the only team in the nation to have two different players score four touchdowns in a game.

• Junior QB Stephen Morris threw for a career-high 436 yards in Miami’s 42-36 road win at Georgia Tech. Morris is the first UM quarterback to throw for 400+ yards since 2002 and it was the most passing yards by a UM QB since Gino Torretta’s 485 yards against San Diego State in 1991.

NC STATE SERIES HISTORY

• Saturday will mark the 14th series meeting, which dates back to 1939. Miami leads the all-time series, 7-5-1, but NC State has won the last two meetings by a combined score of 57-44.

• Miami and NC State have only met three times as ACC members, with the Wolfpack holding a 2-1 advantage in the ACC-only series.

• No active player on Miami’s roster has faced NC State.

A WIN BY MIAMI WOULD...

• Give the Hurricanes their first three-game winning streak under Al Golden and first since the 2009 season.

• Give the Hurricanes a 2-0 record on the season at Sun Life Stadium.

• Give the Hurricanes their first 3-0 ACC start since 2004 — the first season in the conference.

• Give the Hurricanes their first 4-1 start to the season since 2009.

QUICK HITS

• Through four games, 17 freshmen have seen action for the Miami Hurricanes, including 14 true freshmen.

• Five freshmen have started at least one game for the Miami Hurricanes — true freshman RT Ereck Flowers, true freshman RB Duke Johnson, true freshman WR Malcolm Lewis, true freshman S Deon Bush and redshirt freshman LB Eddie Johnson.

• Junior QB Stephen Morris ranks fourth among ACC quarterbacks in passing yards per game (267.2) and fifth in total offense (274.5).

• Freshman DE Tyriq McCord and DE Anthony Chickillo are tied for fifth in the ACC and tied for 91st nationally in sacks per game (.50). Chickillo is also tied for first in the ACC with .50 fumble recoveries per game.

• Nearly 70 of Miami’s 2012 roster hails from Florida (67 players), including 21 that hail from Miami-Dade County. 

PLENTY OF OPTIONS

• Miami has 14 different players that have at least one reception in the first four games of the season.

• Allen Hurns, Rashawn Scott, Phillip Dorsett, Clive Walford, Malcolm Lewis, Duke Johnson, Davon Johnson, Mike James, Asante Cleveland, Kendal Thompkins, Eduardo Clements, Dyron Dye, Maurice Hagens and Herb Waters each have at least one grab through two games.

• Sophomore WR Phillip Dorsett leads UM with 21 receptions and 273 receiving yards this season.

 MR. JAMES’ CAREER DAY

• Through the first three games of the season, senior RB Mike James had not found the end zone. In Miami’s 42-36 OT road win at Georgia Tech, James scored four times, including three rushing scores and the 25-yard game-winning scamper in overtime. James finished with 15 rushes for a career-high 89 yards and three scores. He also added a 10-yard TD reception.

• James became the second Hurricane in as many weeks to record four TDs in a game. Freshman RB
Duke Johnson accomplished the feat against Bethune-Cookman. Prior to last week, the last UM player to score four times was Tyrone Moss in 2005 against North Carolina.

Comments

[tjl3909]

1st?

[Gin & Tonic]

If Miami leans on the o-line and establishes a dominate run game, they should wear the pack out by mid third quarter.

It seemed like in the loss @ K-state, Miami tried to rely on a finesse game on offense. Use the o-line and rotate between James, Clements, and Johnson.

[Brevardcane]

VH3???

[canezilla]

EVERY YEAR THERE IS A TEAM IN THE NCAA THAT SURPRISES THE NATION.COULD IT BE MIAMI THIS YEAR?

[Ohio_Cane]

From the previous blog...

The Dude, I missed the earlier post but just went back and looked. Let me see:

-----------------------------------------
We really dont have but a few more spots left.

1 QB Olsen
2 RB Collins
3 RB Lewis III
4 FB/TE Johnson
5 TE Standish
6 OL Kerr
7 OL Gall
8 OL Kirkland?
9 WR Jean-Louis
10 WR Cunningham?
11 NT Bryant
12 DT (Bostwick?)
13 LB (Thomas?)
14 LB (Grace or Ngakoue?)
15 DE (I dont know)
16 CB Burns
17 DB Carter
-----------------------------------------

Looks about right, Dude.

A couple notes:

- Kirkland: loves Canes, but FSWho lurks.

- Cunningham: I have no idea on, except Bama, ND, OK St and Stanford are in the mix.

- Bostwick: Yes, we get him, IMO.

- Thomas: Boy I hope so, but this will probably be a :wait-and-see till signing day" type deal

- Grace: Yes, all Cane, IMO.

- Yannick Ngakoue: Toss up. Just decommited from Maryland and is high on Canes, but no idea with him. We'd be lucky to have him tho.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 26, 2012 at 03:01 PM

[JameriCANE]

Really good article. On an unrelated note, when are the 'Canes going to get new uniforms? The ones they are using are the ones changed for Randy Shannon's regime. We need new uniforms for the "Golden era".

[canezilla]

I DONT CARE IF WE USE PRACTICE JERSEYS FOR GAMES..JUST WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CGNC]

^^I second that Zilla!

[CGNC]

Mike James will activate his beast mode this Saturday

[CGNC]

ATLANTIC DIVISION - First Place

Florida State 2-0


COASTAL DIVISION - First Place

Miami 2-0

That is all

[Pre83]

Posted by: TonyCane | September 25, 2012 at 10:26 PM

I may be a touch more optimistc than you TonyCane. If we win our next 2, one of which is on the road vs a top 10 team, I will go out on a limb and say we get to between 17 or 19. But yeah, beating NCST and getting ranked is a stretch. It will really depend on how we win.

Posted by: The Dude | September 25, 2012 at 10:30 PM

If Miami win they will be ranked...BUT ONLY for television marketing purposes.

The world of college football is shameless and they will find a way to get the Canes ranked, even if it's #25, so as to market it as a battle of two ranked teams seeking a return to national prominence, yada, yada, yada...

I honestly could care less about rankings. I know it goes against human nature, but I wish the team would view the process as one play, one series, one quarter, one half, one game at a time.

Everything will take care of itself

[canezilla]

WE ONLY GOT 1 VOTE IN THE AP POLL! NO WAY WE JUMP 16 TEAMS TO BECOME #25 AFTER BEATING NC STATE..THAT GETS A CHILD PLEASE!!!

[86Cane]

- Grace: Yes, all Cane, IMO.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 26, 2012 at 03:25 PM

Sounds like U been talking to Hassan? ;-)

[86Cane]

Mike James will activate his beast mode this Saturday

Posted by: CGNC | September 26, 2012 at 04:07 PM

I thought he did that LAST week? LOL

If he scored FOUR TDs last week and is waiting to go BEAST mode this week then there's no telling what he is capable of!

[86Cane]

JameriCANE...good to see U still lurking around the blog. U should post comments more often, I'm sure U have something to say about 'dem Canes?

[j.w.]

Amen, zilla. Just win guys.

[MassivCane]

My biggest concern is that this game will be a trap. Next week we play Notre Damn. I am sure the players are looking forward to that game. Hope Golden gets these kids focused for this game and then Sunday start getting them ready for ND in Chicago. I hope Duke and MJ got Beast mode then.

[Tsully76]

No conference game is a trap game. Smh. Btw I could give two craps about the Notre Dame game this ain't 1987 when both teams were independent. Conference games are first priority every thing else falls into place. See you Canespacers at Sun Life Saturday morning

[Brevardcane]

Anything on VH3 or has that ship sailed?

[86Cane]

See you Canespacers at Sun Life Saturday morning

Posted by: Tsully76 | September 26, 2012 at 05:45 PM

Rise and shine,
And give Canes the glory, glory,
Rise and shine...

[LaQuinton]

Vh3 commited (%verbally) to uf months back. We got plenty of young corners we need defensive tackles

[Brevardcane]

True true

[Hassan]

No way we are rated unless we blow out NC State like 50-7 or something AND at least 2-3 teams from 20 down lose in front of us then Maybe we can pick up enough votes to be 24 or 25.

Some guys might come out lethargic this weekend but Mike James and Duke Johnson will not, I say establish a run game early and keep NC State off the field and keep the ball away from the NC State ball hawks.

[The Dude]

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 26, 2012 at 03:25 PM

Are we going after and DEs that you know of? Seems to me we could still use some bodies there. I'd also like to see us get a redzone WR.

[tjl3909]

In year past when Randy had a big win every one would start talking ranking/bowls etc until we get beat the following week. I dont think that will happen anymore-I think AG will keep them focused on the task at hand, not look forward past the opponent, and not to read the press clippings. NC State can beat us but I'll take the Canes 31-29

[The Dude]

The thing is that even if Miami is super focused and fights like hell, they could still lose this game. We are not all that. Now, If we have some how figured out how to play defense, then we will probably win. If not, then its either another barn burner or we get blown out because the offense doesnt show up either. All I am hoping for this weekend is some timely D. A pick on our side of the field, a stop on 3rd down, a sack that forces a FG. I think we are starting to figure out who we are offensively, which if recent history means anything, its just about time to sh*t the bed. Defensively speaking, I am really hoping there is at least enough confidence after last weeks win to at least stop the bleeding.

[Tsully76]

The Negative Nancies b****ing will commence in 5,4,3,2,1.

[Tsully76]

86 or OGV would one of you gentlemen do the road to Charlotte. That should be our first goal to start every season. Winning our Division, having a chance to win our Conference, and then a chance to win the National Championship.

[LaQuinton]

Only thing I would change about d'no is his philosophy "bend don't break" is verrrryyyyy weak. I want a remember the titans type style don't cross the Los type shhi*

[AnthonyJManis aka Antcane]

Amen Sully....All CANES fans are aware of what could happen but it ain't. Get your butt in the stands. I'll be there how bout U

[AnthonyJManis aka Antcane]

I'll be Duking it all the way down the turnpike from Lake to SLS.

[The Dude]

Posted by: Tsully76 | September 26, 2012 at 09:14 PM

My bad! Canes 1,476,244 NCST -60. Go Canes!

[86Cane]

Antcane...I'm going to the game from Winter Haven. Used to live in Clermont (Lake County) and drive to Games also.

FILL THE STANDS, LETS GO CANES!

[Tsully76]

AntCane leaving from Montgomery, Alabama in the morning will see you and 86 and other Canespacers at Sun Life on Saturday. Fill the Stands, Let's go Canes.

[SJMPARMAN]

Not that it is a big deal but there is an error on the facts. It says no active player played against NC State in 2008. That is not correct. In Tim Reynolds article today, he identified two players on each team who played in that game.

"According to the player participation charts the schools posted after their 2008 meeting, only two players who were on the field that day will likely play in Saturday's matchup. Miami receiver Davon Johnson recorded one tackle in that game after the Hurricanes threw an interception; N.C. State linebacker Sterling Lucas was involved in two tackles that day, both of them against former Miami running back Javarris James."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/25/v-print/3020925/nc-state-miami-playing-for-1st.html#storylink=cpy

[SJMPARMAN]

I remember that game well because I took the family to the game in Raleigh. I was hoping to turn my 7 year old boy into a Canes fan. He got caught up in the excitement at the stadium, especially the fans yelling Wolf on one side of the stadium and the fans on the other side responding by saying Pack on the other side.

Jacory replaced an ineffective Marve in the second half and proceeded to hit wide open NC State players with passes repeatedly during the second half. Russell Wilson was the QB for NC State that day and was awesome. He ran through Miami's defense for like 60 yards.

This was like a week after GT ran over us for like 4 million, er I mean 400 yards but we still had a shot at the Coastal with a win at State. My son turned into an NC State fan that day. He backed off them considerably last year but he still isn't a Miami fan. I think he likes agitating me, lol.

I went to that game not knowing much about NC State or Russell Wilson and thinking we would clobber them. Probably like GT fans went into that game last week against us. I saw a little of NC State against Tennessee, maybe a quarter or so while channel surfing. I don't have any idea of how good they are or how bad they are or how average they are. But O'Brien is a good coach. I wouldn't under estimate him or his team. The Canes better be ready.

[raizecane]

Anything on VH3 or has that ship sailed?

Posted by: Brevardcane | September 26, 2012 at 05:58 PM

************************

I personally liked Van Halen's first album best.... LOL

[WWIN]

 I was hoping to turn my 7 year old boy into a Canes fan. He got caught up in the excitement at the stadium, especially the fans yelling Wolf on one side of the stadium and the fans on the other side responding by saying Pack on the other side.

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | September 26, 2012 at 11:41 PM

Sad day in sports history, Damn it :-(

[The Brown Recluse]

Yes...2008. Remember it well. The Canes whipped VT at home, and earned a #23 ranking. Then went to Atlanta and got schooled in the ways of the triple option...kicked out of the Top 25. Then there was the NC State game, where the whole team underachieved.

I have noticed that the Canes always have a let down after an emotional victory ala 2008. The Canes were full of emotion and energy for VT, but totally shat the bed for the Yellowjackets.

The Canes exorcised the North Carolina demon, exorcised the Georgia Tech demon, when will the Virginia Tech demon be cast out? Oh well first things first beat NC State, sack Glennon, stay healthy!

It's all about the U!

[Panamacitycane]

Luckily I think this team is young and golden has their minds in the right place..they should be able to win this game. Win or lose when its time for the next game you have to worry about the moment and not the past or future!

[SJMPARMAN]

I saw something in the team last week that I haven't seen in a really long time. If I was anywhere close to the stadium this week, I would attend the game.

These player ARE different. They have the will to win. I expect them to win. They truly deserve the support of this team. I brought up the 2008 game because that was the last time I felt that way. When you commit to a family ALL IN moment you do so because you BELIEVE. Of course, I bought those tickets before the GT debacle in 2008 but I still thought winning was an afterthought.

I am not saying NC State will be any afterthought. But there was a will to win on display last week that I haven't seen since the early part of this millenium. I expect it to continue this week.

[canezilla]

• No active player on Miami’s roster has faced NC State.
WASNT DAVON JOHNSON ON THE TEAM LAST TIME WE PLAYED THEM?

[canezilla]

According to the player participation charts the schools posted after their 2008 meeting, only two players who were on the field that day will likely play in Saturday’s matchup. Miami receiver Davon Johnson recorded one tackle in that game after the Hurricanes threw an interception; N.C. State linebacker Sterling Lucas was involved in two tackles that day, both of them against former Miami running back Javarris James.'''' PER ESPN

[tjl3909]

What ever happened to this blogs favorite whipping boy patchan? I have seen 2 gaytor games and not a glimpse of him. also you think Jacoby Brissett is having 2nd thoughts? Driskel is starting and playing well-looks like JB will sit the pine the next 3 years.

[86Cane]

SJM and Zilla...the "facts" came directly from UM so apparently they got it wrong?

Off to the 321...

[canezilla]

WE CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH !!!!!!!

[BigWindyCane1]

Golden has a new generation of Canes, and last year 40 players failed the conditiioning test in August, and this August all passed.

That says a lot about culture change and work habits under Golden. I think the Canes will be ready and they will respond.

[canezilla]

DIDNT SEE YOUR POST SJM .U BEAT ME TO IT.CANT WAIT FOR SATURDAY NOTHING LIKE WAKING UP AT 6am TO GET READY TO TAILGATE AT 8

[Brevardcane]

Good article by manny on Eddie Johnson at the herald site

[Ohio_Cane]

Davon Johnson had 1 tackle in the game in 08, and one of their LB's had 2 tackles, both on Baby J