Golden Is Golden

Facing the biggest test of his young coaching career at Miami, head coach Al Golden and his young Hurricanes faced down the more experienced Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech Hokies at Sun Life Stadium on Thursday night.

And oh, what a sparkling night it turned out to be for Golden and his Hurricanes. The University of Miami football team finally won a game it had to win in dominating fashion against an ACC rival. It was by far the biggest and sweetest win of Golden's two year tenure at UM.

And even though there were far too many people there to witness the event it was an absolute cure to what has ailed Miami fans for far to long. The Hokies died a slow, dark and steady death in Miami on Thursday night.

And that was exactly what was ordered by the the few and faithful Hurricane fans who attended the game. But ignore the stats, and facts and fantasies and just accept this win for what it is.

Stats: Miami was one for twelve on third down conversions.

Facts: Miami beat Virginia Tech for the first time in Al Golden's career.

Fantasies: Miami controls their path to the ACC Championship game.

This season could turn into one like we have not seen in many, many years.

And we like that. Yeah we like that a lot.

Even though all of the haters and Negative Nancy's out there had wished for his peril, Al Golden has a chance to win out and win big with this UM team and Hurricane fans. There is a good chance that they could finish at 8-4 in 2012 and be very ready to do some serious damage next year.

And that is all we can ask for in this season and as we look forward to 2013.

Comments

[Terrance Sullivan]

Lol 86. Thank you Clemson, Pittsburgh gets the Donkey Balls Award, and we got a battle in Baton Rouge and Kansas State is the real deal.

[86Cane]

USC has 6 players from FL on their roster.

None are from South Florida.

[86Cane]

K-State wins.

LSU looks in good shape to beat Bama.

[86Cane]

Friggin Bama wins. Roll Tide.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Les Miles, easily the worst coach to ever win a national title.

[raizecane]

Miles cost LSU that game...no doubt. Bama and ND luck out....

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I can't help but laugh that right now you can get a ticket to the Duke/UM game for 10 bucks on the secondary market online. Division title game! 10 dollars! ACC football! Wallace Wade Stadium with a track encircling the field!

[raizecane]

OGV - I dont think it has sunk in with the fans that Duke actually has a winning record in football yet.

[CaneRock]

USC has 6 players from FL on their roster.

None are from South Florida.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 03, 2012 at 11:32 PM

True that, but this kid is from your neck of the woods ain't He:

Nickell Robey
(Frostproof Middle HS)
Frostproof, FL 5-7/165/4.38 02/02/2010
USC

[CaneRock]

Les Miles, easily the worst coach to ever win a national title.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 03, 2012 at 11:54 PM

Ain't that the truth. 4th and 1, and you give it to a PIP SQUEAK!, that EVERYBODY! and they Grandma knows is going to run the ball.

[raizecane]

so 3 out of our 4 losses are to teams that will be in the top 10 after tomorrow....I guess thats worth something, right?

[orange 'n green in the vein]

raize, you sound like you're Golden's agent looking for another .500 extension and raise.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

CR, Miles gets away with his stupid gambles once every four years so he keeps doing it despite the fact that the other 75% of the time it blows up in his face. But he once lost to Kentucky and Arkansas in the same year and still finished #1 so he's going to get promoted as one of the best in the biz. That might be the only thing dumber than his risk taking.

[WWIN]

Les Miles, easily the worst coach to ever win a national title.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 03, 2012 at 11:54 PM

Coker is 1st place, Miles is 2nd, Meyer is 3rd

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Two of those don't belong with the overrated dunce that is Les Miles, Willie.

[CaneRock]

That might be the only thing dumber than his risk taking.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 04, 2012 at 12:22 AM

Yeah, I actually heard somebody say that He was NFL material...whatever.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

CR, he might be slightly better than Lane Kiffin there. Is that what they meant?

[CaneRock]

CR, he might be slightly better than Lane Kiffin there. Is that what they meant?

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 04, 2012 at 12:34 AM

I think they said something about His personality was a fit for the NFL.

[j.w.]

Barry Jackson gives an update on the sanctions, self-imposed bans, etc:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2012/11/umncaa-investigations-tidbits-dolphins-heat-marlins-chatter.html

Summary: Shalala will make the final call. If we make it to the ACC title game, trustees who spoke to Jackson don't think we'll impose a ban- bad for ACC, and playing in it would be "the right thing" per the source. And it would be yanking the prize that Golden has dangled in front of the players all year. Shalala could go either way, but the trustee doesn't see how she could say no bowl. Recruits testimony was damaging, Kyle Wright likely squealed, NCAA is finished but for internal review, NOI coming in late Nov. or early Dec., response time 3 months after, and punishment handed down 7 months from NOI.

[Montreal-Cane]

From Andy Bitter

Miami officials will only take action once Miami becomes bowl eligible, a similar tack it took last year when it self-imposed a bowl ban in Al Golden‘s first year. The decision was made by university leaders, athletic administrators and outside counsel, without input from Golden.

But the Hurricanes were 3-5 in the league and in fourth place of the division. This year, they could make their first appearance in the ACC championship game and have a shot at playing in a BCS bowl, in their home stadium no less.

Then again, Miami has four losses already this season with a roster made up mostly of underclassmen. Would the school rather bite the bullet this year in hopes of keeping future postseason hopes alive, when it might be capable of accomplishing more in the postseason, perhaps even in a nationally relevant game?

It’d be an odd move, but take the case of Ohio State, which in the face of NCAA sanctions chose not to self-impose a bowl ban last year when it finished the regular season 6-6 and lost to Florida in the Gator Bowl. The NCAA did it for them this year. Now, the Buckeyes are 9-0 in Urban Meyer‘s first season, with no hopes of winning the Big Ten or playing in the national title game.

If Miami does self-impose a bowl ban, amazingly it would keep Virginia Tech alive in the Coastal race.

[Montreal-Cane]

Final San Diego State 21 Boise State 19

[WWIN]

I guess this is why fans shouldn't trash players

Wright – through his father – declined to respond when I asked whether he spoke to the NCAA. A UM person said Wright was unhappy when he left UM because of what he perceived as harsh fan treatment.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2012/11/umncaa-investigations-tidbits-dolphins-heat-marlins-chatter.html#storylink=cpy

[Montreal-Cane]

Canes vs UVA will be at Noon next Saturday.

[Montreal-Cane]

Canes vs UVA will be at Noon next Saturday.

The game will be on ABC (split coverage)

[CaneRock]

Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | November 04, 2012 at 01:23 AM

You think KW read CS.
What a Pee-You-Ess-Ess-Wright.

[BigWindyCane1]

With limited reps, Tyriq McCord leads UM in sacks with 3.0. McCord needs to see more snaps, especially in passing situations.

Bush still has some strides to make in terms of communication, understanding what is going on, recognizing plays and leading the defense, but the talent is there to make plays. Tracy Howard is starting to play really well.

The thing you look for with the young players is progress, and that is what the young players are showing under Golden. You see gradual progress across the board, and if that continues, the Canes can be very good.

The defense is not that good, but it is getting better. With all the young talent, the future is bright.

[The Dude]

No way The U should should ban itself from the ACC Championship. NO WAY! Its not fair to the players.

Kyle Wright was treated like crap here, that's a fact. That being said, Kyle was one of the worst QBs in The U's history. I will give him that he had 2 bad coaches and I dont even know how many OCs.

[WWIN]

Dude,

Its not fair to Ohio state players this year either, but wit the rules being how they are its part of the game

[86Cane]

The Miami Hurricanes’ football game Nov. 10 at Virginia will be televised live at Noon ET on ABC, the Atlantic Coast Conference office announced late Saturday night.

The ABC telecast will be Miami’s 10th televised game of the 2012 season and the seventh on the ESPN family of networks. Miami (5-4, 4-2 ACC) leads the ACC Coastal Division and leads by a full game following its 30-12 win Nov. 1 over Virginia Tech.

[86Cane]

so 3 out of our 4 losses are to teams that will be in the top 10 after tomorrow....I guess thats worth something, right?

Posted by: raizecane | November 04, 2012 at 12:15 AM

Like I have said 100 times on here losing to #2 KSU, #4 ND and #10 FSU has no shame for this Canes team this year all things considered. The only loss that is completely unacceptable was UNC.

KSU looks unbeatable except maybe by 'Bama in the NC game. Klein will win the Heisman.

Pitt showed that ND is VERY beatable and had Dorsett not dropped the 7 TD passes early in that game then who knows?

FSU tried to give us the game in the first half but we could not take it. NCST beat them and we should have too.

The UNC game just stunk from all aspects of the game. The team was flat, the coaching was poor and the execution was non-existent.

Had we beat UNC we would be 6-3 and looking at a top 25 ranking IF we can finish the season with three wins over UVA, USF and Duke, all very winnable games. Plus my 9-3 prediction would have been spot on. LOL

[CGNC]

Kyle Wright was treated like crap here, that's a fact. That being said, Kyle was one of the worst QBs in The U's history. I will give him that he had 2 bad coaches and I dont even know how many OCs.

Posted by: The Dude | November 04, 2012 at 02:04 AM

Didn't his dad get in a fight in the stands too?

[86Cane]

BTW...Note to Golden, Fisch and D'Onofrio:

Losing ANY of the remaining three games is NOT acceptable on any level.

I don't care if you have to cheat, lie, beg or steal just DO NOT LOSE any of the three remaining games and we are all good!

[CGNC]

Plus my 9-3 prediction would have been spot on. LOL

Posted by: 86Cane | November 04, 2012 at 09:04 AM

One day 86 we will hit that prediction, one day.

[86Cane]

Rock...yes Robey is from nearby in Polk County but is listed at 5-7 and 165. He doesn't fit the mold at UM.

The other players from FL on the USC roster are from Tampa, Daytona and TWO from Tallahassee. I guess that means that the great five star recruiter at FSU "missed" on those two huh?

[86Cane]

CGNC...I doubt it. Next year we will prolly be 10-2 and zip right past 9-3 for a few more years. At least I hope so and I'd be totally OK with that!

[pbcfrcane13]

If you read Barry jackdons article you have to skip it. If you UM is worried that Emmert mite make an example of us than that means were looking at another 2 bowl bans. If you don't skip this year. That means next year seniors and juniors can all leave the team. Guys like chick perryman morris hurns all our online Williams. You can't risk it to go get beat by FSU and play in a crap bowl. Again look at Ohio state wanted to play in the crap gator bowl and because of that they have taken themselves out of the national title picture....for what the gator bowl really?

[pbcfrcane13]

I would hope if we qualify for the acc chip skipping that and s bowl with last year ban would be enough. That's 3 post season games we skipped. Take our medicine now our well regret it next year. When we could be playing for more important things.

[Tonycane]

Ageed, pbcfrcane. I expect a minimum three year bowl ban from the NCAA, which hopefully becomes a one year ban if we self-impose again. And a four year ban (subtracting the bans we self impose) is a distinct possibility.

Realistically, I think that any acc rematch against fsu will end in a loss this year. So part of me thinks that we may as well go the game, knowing that in all probability we will lose, and then self impose our bowl ban after.

I do wonder, if the NCAA wants to make an example of us, do they stop at 4 years? Could a 5 + year ban be in the offing? Or even an "indefinite" bowl ban, subject to a "carefully considered" review every four to five years?

[CGNC]

Tony I think if we self-impose it has to be before the ACCCG but I think we can still play in the ACCCG game?

[CGNC]

86 for us to be 10-2 our QB play and defense has to really improve

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Kyle Wright didn't like how fans treated him? Should have played better and not been a total moron who cheated by accepting extra benefits from a weasel. Glass houses, loser, and don't forget to EAD more than you already did from Nevin. Wonder if he returned any cash value from his romantic vacation with the midget to Bermuda like the school agreed to or did he just whine that the fans expected him to not be a total bust and keep the memories of his thong adventures with his felonious boyfriend without doing the right thing for those that were defrauded so he could have his escapades paid for by them? Somebody should go ask him on his MySpace, bet he keeps plenty of tabs on there still since you know, he doesn't have football on the calender to distract him from it anymore.

[pbcfrcane13]

If we go to the ACCCG we have to play in our bowl game.

Like I said if we skip it that would in the end be 3 post season bans we have given ourselves. Last year the chip and the bowl game.

I think than the Ncaa would not give us anymore bowl bans. PSU got 4 there is no way we will get what they got....if we did that would be crazy!

[TrollAlert]

So raping children in the football showers with a massive coverup involving the coaches, athletic department, and school officials, gets fewer bowl bans than free bowling shoes rental? Are you freaking kidding me?

5 + year ban be in the offing? Or ... an "indefinite" bowl ban"

Are you a gator troll?

This is one of the stupidest, most baseless things I've ever read.

[TrollAlert]

"I do wonder, if the NCAA wants to make an example of us, do they stop at 4 years? Could a 5 + year ban be in the offing? Or even an "indefinite" bowl ban, subject to a "carefully considered" review every four to five years?"

More bowl bans than pedophiles? Permanent bowl ban?

[orange 'n green in the vein]

TC is not a troll, but to call him paranoid of the NCAA infractions committee is fair IMO. No need to attack his legitimate worry with a personal insult if you want to keep posting here much longer.

[86Cane]

I do wonder, if the NCAA wants to make an example of us, do they stop at 4 years? Could a 5 + year ban be in the offing? Or even an "indefinite" bowl ban, subject to a "carefully considered" review every four to five years?

Posted by: Tonycane | November 04, 2012 at 09:53 AM

Tony...U know I like your posts about the star gazing and scoring stats but what is it about you that insists on predicting or wanting to believe in what amounts to nuclear armageddon for the Hurricanes program?

Do U stay up all night just wondering if the Sun will suddenly implode and stop shining tomorrow?

Do U think about the earth being hit by an asteroid next week and ending all life as we know it?

Do you think that the recent meningitis outbreak due to injections is going to mutate and then be spread from person to person and half of the US population will die before Christmas?

C'mon man enough with the WORST case scenarios. If it happens (NOT likely) then it happens but to even think it or to sit around all day just talking about it or even worse wishing for it is just wrong. Be positive it will not cost U anything.

Say it with me: "The glass is large, and it is beautiful, and it is WAY over half full!"

[orange 'n green in the vein]

And I should add, I even agree with your premise that even being made an example of (which Emerett won't even be on the infractions board for our case unlike the unprecedented summary judgement he delivered for Pedo-State where he went all Terminator) doesn't mean UM gets more than PSU and the scandals aren't comparable in scope so the punishments won't be either.

[BigWindyCane1]

I am not sure that the Canes will get any additional harsh punishments. For example, why should the Canes get more harsher penalties than OSU? Let's compare:

-The Canes graduate their players and OSU does not. the sweater vest lied to NCAA investigators.

-Prior to this year, OSU never took a self-imposed bowl ban, but UM did.

-Last year, some of the OSU players were suspended, they played and lost to a 6-6 Gator team last year. The Canes had the same record and chose to take a bowl ban.

-the NCAA imposed a bowl ban on OSU this year because they refused to do it last year under similar circumstances that UM faced.

- The major source of the allegations, Shapiro, is a convicted felon, with an axe to grind and books to sell.

-Shannon banned Shapiro from the program, and Shapiro was in jail by the time Golden took the job.

-The Canes players were punished with suspensions last year and the Canes did not compete in a bowl last year.

Any additional pushinshment would be totally unfair.

[TrollAlert aka Tbutch]

Sorry for the insults. To put it in a nicer way, I thought those suggested punishments were way farfetched and unrealistic. Like he end of the world.

Big Windy makes a lot more sense. Of course the idiots at the NCAA could possibly go harder on us than OSU, but not like this Tony said. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed. But you can also make an argument that they are going to be lenient too. Nobody knows.

[nemo2002]

Unfortunately, others on the UM coaching staff were clearly involved, most notably Shannon's recruiting coordinator, Clint Hurtt. That's not good. Moreover, to paraphrase Joseph Stalin, "quantity has a quality all it's own." And the body count of NCAA infractions is potentially huge.