Too Painful To Watch

This team. This season. This game.

They are all just too painful to watch.

Just when you thought it was safe to believe that your Miami Hurricanes would almost definitely, certainly and easily win an ACC game late in the season against an overmatched opponent, become bowl eligible and win the Coastal Division for the first time in history you were left to wonder:

"What the hell just happened?"

Yesterday in Charlottesville Miami head coach Al Golden and his assistant coaches, to put it simply, failed at their job descriptions.

The highly maligned swiss cheese UM defense, for lack of a better description, was in a word, indefensible.

The highly praised Hurricane offense scored lots of points but could not seal the deal with a simple first down when it mattered most in the final minutes.

This team, in need of their biggest win in over five years, just could not get it done. They lost and in the end that is all that really matters. Miami could not win a game they needed so desperately that at least a few of their fans (including me) were actually on their knees praying, begging and shouting for some sort of divine intervention to get the win.

Yet once again it was to no avail. Even divine intervention wasn't enough to help this Hurricane team win a game it should have won as many fans' hopes, dreams and prayers went unanswered on this Saturday in November.

The loss left Miami fans asking more questions than they started the game with and no answers in sight. Whatever the questions you found yourself asking the reality is that for hard core 'Canes fans it has been a difficult period of time over the last 10 years and yesterday did not make it easier or better. In fact it made it worse, much worse.

After Miami went three and out and punted to Virginia with about three minutes left the game was beginning to become too painful to watch.

Around 90% of Hurricane fans apparently knew what was now seemingly inevitable. Miami's swiss cheese defense would somehow give up the winning score and the Hurricanes would lose the game they so desparately needed to win.

Still, at that point I remained defiant and as one of the 10% who believed that UM could, and would, still win this game. They had to; losing was simply not acceptable and they simply had to win. 

With just over a two minutes left I stood there with my heart pounding, adrenaline racing through my veins while cheering and pleading with the Hurricane defense to stop the Cavaliers just this one time.

With under two minutes to go I literally got down on my knees and prayed. I shamelessly begged each of the UM defensive players to make a play and groveled with the UM coaches to please do something, anything, to make a call that would work.

With under a minute left and the Cavaliers now in scoring position in Miami's red zone I turned off the television and left my house to go to the "Sunset and Symphony" concert at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

I could not take any more suffering and had yelled and prayed my last.

I needed to see (and hear) something beautiful.

I just knew that the ending of this game was going to be too painful to watch.

Comments

[raizecane]

Here is one of my "jaw dropping" moments from the game.....

We actually ran a a read option play that would have worked if it wasn't for a holding call on #77 and a fumble by #17.

[mi@mic@ne]

I hate the NCAA ...like nazi germany

[raizecane]

Miamicane...RUMORS are that they were selling their complimentary tickets which is a no-no but a very minor offense that occurs ALL the time at EVERY school. IF the rumor is true then they will have to pay back any $$$ and be reinstated.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 12, 2012 at 08:49 AM

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

Shouldn't take long to pay be the $7.00 per ticket....LOL

[mi@mic@ne]

how i long for the old days ..this system is like being water boarded

[86Cane]

OFFENSE DEPTH CHART:

WR 1 ALLEN HURNS 6-3, 192, Jr.
86 Herb Waters 6-2, 185, Fr.
LT 79 MALCOLM BUNCHE 6-7, 325, RSo.
64 Hunter Wells 6-4, 300, RFr.
LG 70 JONATHAN FELICIANO 6-5, 314, RSo.
68 Jeremy Lewis 6-4, 316, RSr.
C 62 SHANE MCDERMOTT 6-4, 295, RSo.
75 Jared Wheeler 6-5, 314, RJr.
RG 65 BRANDON LINDER 6-6, 308, Jr.
63 Daniel Isidora 6-4, 320, Fr.
RT 77 SEANTREL HENDERSON 6-8, 340, Jr.
74 Ereck Flowers 6-6, 314, Fr.
TE 46 CLIVE WALFORD 6-4, 250, RSo.
82 Asante Cleveland 6-5, 263, Jr.
49 Dyron Dye 6-5, 255, RJr.
FB 33 MAURICE HAGENS 5-11, 240, Jr.
43 Sean Harvey 6-4, 262, RSo.
QB 17 STEPHEN MORRIS 6-2, 214, Jr.
11 Ryan Williams 6-5, 221, RSo.
RB 5 MIKE JAMES 5-11, 220, Sr.
8 Duke Johnson 5-9, 188, Fr.
25 Dallas Crawford 5-10, 192, RFr.
WR 4 PHILLIP DORSETT 5-10, 185, So.
83 Kendal Thompkins 5-10, 182, RSr.
WR 24 DAVON JOHNSON 6-0, 188, Sr.
87 Garrett Kidd 6-2, 186, RFr.

[86Cane]

This system is like being water boarded

Posted by: mi@mic@ne | November 12, 2012 at 08:59 AM

Sooner or later even the toughest ones (like me and U) will break.

I'm jus sayin...

[86Cane]

DEFENSE DEPTH CHART:

DE 71 ANTHONY CHICKILLO 6-4, 262, So.
92 Jalen Grimble 6-2, 295, So.
99 Jelani Hamilton 6-5, 271, Fr.
DT 96 CURTIS PORTER 6-1, 305, RJr.
72 Earl Moore 6-1, 300, Fr.
66 Dequan Ivery 6-1, 303, Fr.
DT 91 OLSEN PIERRE 6-4, 300, So.
93 Luther Robinson 6-3, 288, RJr.
DE 51 SHAYON GREEN 6-3, 260, RJr.
17 Tyriq McCord 6-3, 236, Fr.
90 Ricardo Williams 6-5, 240, RFr.
OLB 34 THURSTON ARMBRISTER 6-3, 222, So.
59 Jimmy Gaines 6-3, 230, Jr.
MLB 59 JIMMY GAINES 6-3, 230, Jr.
56 Raphael Kirby 6-0, 218, Fr.
OLB 36 GIONNI PAUL –OR– 6-1, 230, So.
52 DENZEL PERRYMAN 6-0, 229, So.
31 Tyrone Cornileus 6-2, 210, Jr.
CB 37 LADARIUS GUNTER 6-2, 198, Jr.
3 Tracy Howard 5-11, 185, Fr.
20 Thomas Finnie 5-10, 183, So.
S 22 KACY RODGERS II 6-2, 210, Jr.
29 Rayshawn Jenkins 6-1, 203, Fr.
S 30 AJ HIGHSMITH 6-0, 202, RJr.
7 Vaughn Telemaque 6-2, 204, RSr.
CB 21 BRANDON McGEE 6-0, 194, Sr.
39 Antonio Crawford 5-11, 188, Fr.

[BigWindyCane1]

Although I can no longer defend these defensive coaches, I don't think Golden will make any changes. I think he will keep them and his fate will rise and fall with them next year.

On the bright side, we have the leading candidate for ACC rookie of the year, and the most exiting player in college football - Duke Johnson. Duke is running like he did when he was in high school or in optimist league. By his own words, he does "everything I can" to contribute to a win.

Its been years since I have seen a Canes RB as good as Duke. I am just going to enjoy the ride. The Canes may have lost a few recruits the last few years, but I think Golden scored big last year with Duke's class and we have only seen glimpses so far.

The players need to put that bowl-ban, media conversation behind them and focus on winning out. Play these last two games like they are bowl games, become bowl eligible, finish the season strong, then let everything else take care of itself.

[86Cane]

Saturday is Miami’s 2012 home finale and will also be Senior Day for its 17 seniors playing in their final home game. Miami’s 2012 senior class includes: P Dalton Botts, LB Ramon Buchanan, P Cameron Dean, DL Chris Dunckel, RB Mike James, WR Davon Johnson, OL Ben Jones, LS Paul Kelly, OL Jeremy Lewis, OL Eduardo Lopez, DB Brandon McGee, WR Shawn O’Dare, DL Darius Smith, DB Andrew Swasey, S Vaughn Telemaque, WR Kendal Thompkins and PK Jake Wieclaw.

[mi@mic@ne]

Posted by: 86Cane | November 12, 2012 at 09:12 AM\

Lol...im a Cane at heart.. aint given up no one...lol

[pbcfrcane13]

I know nobody cares to hear it at this point listen to Golden on Joe Roses show....man he just sounds so fed up and just so worn out....I hope for him the players and our sake he gets this thing turned around!

[86Cane]

It appears to me that Golden's underlying issue is the he suffers from a somewhat closed belief system. He believes that most other people think and feel the way he does. That they share his undying passion and insane level of commitment. Until he finds 85 players that share his values and views he will not be successful.

I guess he has two more years to get that done, huh?

To be honest I don't think that he had any idea what he was getting into at Miami even after his Temple experience. He was conviced he had the formula and in fact I believe that it still has a good chance to work here IF he makes the right moves on his coaching staff and wins out this season to finish at 7-5 and on a positive note.

Then he MUST win some more games next year (9-10) and the recruiting wars over the next two years. If he gets 85 strong then he has a chance to win BIG at UM.

If not...well U already know.

[pbcfrcane13]

Dan Sileo finally not killing the kids and coaches today killing the Admin really Donna

[86Cane]

So how many fans will be at the USF game?

[Old Skool]

Looking at the senior list, who gets drafted highest? Botts?

[raizecane]

+ 2 bacause me and a buddy will be there.

[pbcfrcane13]

Ill be shocked if we have 20K....SMH.....

[herbieibis]

Sports fans, relax! We'll be okay. You have to crawl before you can walk and we're definetly crawling. Whether or not Johnson, Bush & Perryman would of made a difference is irrelavent. We still coughed up half a hundred when they were on the field. On the job training can be painful, especially when you have so many trying to learn. Al hasn't even been on the job 2 years yet and wasn't left with the keys to a Bentley but a dam VW Van. You have to have some talent to win consistently and good coaching, now that's where the debate starts. Is DeNO the answer to our defensive problems? It appears everyone on here thinks so but if you look closer and think about it for a minute, who does he really have to work with on that side of the ball, except pups that really aren't ready to play every down, some players that are questionable for even being on this roster and a few washed up has beens, like Luther, Rogers Armbrister, Telemaque and Davenport. Did DeNO recruit these guys? No! Could his schemes be better, Hell yes!
Okay, lets say we end up canning DENO, then what? We bring in another guy, which in turns means, learning another system and yeah maybe the results will be somewhat better, but lets face it we need more talent on that side of the ball, PERIOD. I don't care who's calling the shots. It all starts up front, we have to many Hobbits and third string talent up front, that's having to start and play. No rush means a QB has all day to throw, this has been a problem all year long! Add to the fact that aside from McGee & a washed up Telemaque are your only 2 guys back there that have played a lot, this is nothing but a rescipe for dissater. Okay we want more blitzs, we blitz and still get torched because we suck at blitzing.
I could go on and on but the bottom line is this conference sux, with mediocracy and we fall right along with them. There is a reason FSU ruled this conference for 10 to 12 years, prior to the last 6. losing to Virginia, Maryland, UNC, BC and some of the rest of these schools is unacceptable, I don't care who is coaching. These schools are rarely in the top 30 in recruiting, which means they are not supposed to have top flight talent or depth of talent and they still beat are azz. I'm by no means a DENO fan either right now but the man needs some players (TalenT) to work with and then I'll pass judgement

[Brevardcane]

I would say he has two more years or until the worst of the NCAA mess is behind the program

[pbcfrcane13]

Btw not sure whats really going....but reading Alonzo Highsmith and Dan tweets to each other holy crap. They are so pissed at this Admin!

[pbcfrcane13]

Alonzo Highsmith‏@alonzohighsmith

@DanSileoShow I have sat and talked to every top coach in America ! They ask same question? Why won't they help football program down there?

[86Cane]

Old Skool...IMHO here it goes:

CB Brandon McGee 3rd round

RB Mike James 5th round

P Dalton Botts 7th round.

[pbcfrcane13]

Alonzo Highsmith‏@alonzohighsmith

@DanSileoShow I see colleges everyday! Miami heading on collision course with Rice & Tulane and has nothing to do with coaches , players!

[pbcfrcane13]

Man those two went off...if you have time I would go back and read the thread between those two....I know neither are inside the program, but I would say they probably know more than most if not all of us when it comes to UM.

Its very sad to read the tweets they had with each other. One good thing is they both love Golden and think hes going to be good they are done witht he higher ups at UM!

[Terrance Sullivan]

I will be there at Sun Life Saturday for the USF game. 20,000 fans tops.

[86Cane]

BRIAN THE BEAST LONDON FROM CANESINSIDER:

On defense, as I said above, I’m not worried. I don’t want to fire the coach. I don’t want to suddenly change schemes. What I want is for the offseason to get here already and for guys to bulk up, get faster, and grow up. Give me Denzel and Chick as juniors, Deon, Tracy, Earl, Tyriq as sophomores and you start to see a pretty decent defense. If Coach D couldn’t coach or develop players, how do you explain his stats his last few years at Temple or the draft picks he put in to the league? At some point the players have to play. Have there been some personality conflicts? Yes. Might Coach D, and even Coach Golden figure out a different communication approach when it comes to South Florida athletes? No doubt about it. But this staff can coach. Oh, and I think the argument about Coach D is a wasteful one.

HE’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE! EVEN IF YOU START A BONFIRE ON THE GREENTREE AND PICKET IN FRONT OF THE HECHT, HE’S NOT GOING ANY WHERE, UNLESS HE CHOOSES TO.

[nemo2002]

I regret to say (again) that Al Golden is going to leave Miami - sooner than later. WHY WOULDN'T HE? Only one reason - lack of a better paying job offer (from a school that really places a priority on WINNING).

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE $$$

[j.w.]

The rumors re: Scott that you are posting a re a heck of a lot better than what I read, hoping you guys are right on this one.

[CaneRock]

Miamicane...RUMORS are that they were selling their complimentary tickets which is a no-no but a very minor offense that occurs ALL the time at EVERY school. IF the rumor is true then they will have to pay back any $$$ and be reinstated.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 12, 2012 at 08:49 AM

They actually SOLD THEM?!!! WHAT!!!
We need to put those two in charge of marketing.

[herbieibis]

Here's a new one from Rivlas.com, Bryant said he would flip to FSU if they offer Brisley Estime. Great, just f-ing great!Sound familiar, Brown last year, trying to get his brother a schollie, with a package deal.

[CaneRock]

and Davenport.

Posted by: herbieibis | November 12, 2012 at 10:35 AM

Herb, who the hell is "Davenport"?
The only Davenport that I've known that played for Miami is Najeh.

[86Cane]

jw...email me.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Is Mark D'Onofrio still employed this morning? Sigh. Fire his @ss.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Hey now The Dude, for all we know the magic defensive fairy visited the D'No household last night, waived her magic wand over the mutant from Philly's White Russian left out on his nightstand and when he woke up and downed it this morning it turned him into the second coming of Wanny's mustache so there's no need to get hasty.

Besides, he's only been here two years, you can't judge a guy with his record at Temple plus all the draft pick(s?) that were turned out there just yet, according to some guy on a website, and guys on websites are always right about everything as we know.

[herbieibis]

I meant Highsmith, sorry!

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 12, 2012 at 12:05 PM

Something has got to give. We suck. I know its not all his fault but his crappy defense cost us the Virginia game. We can debate all day that the ffense should have put it away but at the end of the day they scored 38. At Miami, that wins you ball games. Its like a challenge for D'Onofrio to see how many points he can give up.

[WWIN]

Why did i just hear on the radio down here that the top 3 choices to replace Derek Dooley are 1. Gruden 2. Jimbo 3. Al Golden

I guess everybody but Canes fans love him

[USAFCane]

wow so much doom and gloom on here today. I get why, we still seem to be hovering over the abyss, win one more, miss a bowl game and see what the NCAA has to say (18 months now!)then maybe we finally will have hit the bottom. It hurts to be so irrelevent.

[Panamacitycane]

gruden I highly doubt will coach again anytime soon, jimbo will not leave FSU for tennessee, maybe auburn. golden??? well possibly, atleast that school gives a crap about their football, they have sucked for awhile but still have almost sold out crowds for every home game

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Spike Dykes to UT way before fear the lie.

[billb]

Football isn't the only sport that SUCKS at Miami. The basketball team just got drubbed by FGCU. It wasn't even close.

I'm sorry, but SOMEONE at this university has to do SOMETHING about the quality of these men's sports teams soon, or they will lose whatever fans they have left. These programs are pathetic and disgustingly bad. (Baseball sucks also.) Either put an effort into improving them (including oversight for NCAA violations) or drop all of them.

The state of Miami sports in general is just abysmal. Who the hell is minding the store in Coral Gables?