OK, the time has come for you to go ahead and openly confess it right now.
We all know that way back in early November, back when you were sitting around thinking about the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team as they were just starting the 2012-13 college basketball season, your only thoughts were something along the lines of:
"I sure hope UM can just hold their own this year in the always tough ACC."
Well, don't look now but your Miami Hurricanes sit all alone in rarefied air at the very top of the ACC with a perfect 10-0 record.
Not only are they "holding their own" against their conference rivals and are clearly the best team in their conference, but are very possibly the very best team in the Country as of today.
Let me say it again just to make sure you heard me correctly: The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team may simply be the BEST college basketball team in the United States.
That's right, I said it. But don't just take it from me, even the talking heads on the four letter sports network are saying it OUT LOUD to their national television audience watching the team in orange and green dominate like never before.
The U getting some serious love from ESPN? I know, who would have thunk it!
Before today's game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Bank United Center in lovely, balmy Coral Gables, the Hurricanes had already beaten FSU and Duke at home by 24 and 27 points respectively they had also badly beaten The Heels on the road by 9 points in another shocker.
But those wins paled in comparison to today's total and masterful domination of what was supposed to be one of the Nation's best teams in North Carolina. The Tar Heels and their high priced coach and their highly recruited players decided it would be nice to take a mid-Winter trip to sunny South Florida and wade into the clear blue waters of South Beach.
Unfortunately for the boys from Carolina they soon found themselves in some seriously deep water and suddenly discovered that they were also in way over their heads, stuck in a strong rip current and surrounded by several sharks that smelled blood in the water.
In front of another raucous, sold out crowd that included Miami Heat stars Lebron James and Dwayne Wade and their teammate and former Miami Hurricane James Jones, this Hurricane team put on a display of NBA-like basketball often seen down the road at the American Airlines Arena in Miami but rarely if ever seen before at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables.
Oh yeah, in all of the excitement and commotion, I almost forgot: The score!
Well suffice it to say that the local sharks (Hurricanes) first circled, then swarmed in, attacked and killed the helpless, tired and eventually lifeless swimmers from the Outer Banks (Tar Heels) by an incredible 26 points.
Final Score: Sharks 87, Swimmers 61.
I'm with you RCCF! As you said, Never expect to lose!
Posted by: BEERicane | February 10, 2013 at 06:32 PM
Some thoughts for today.
The RB hire, I have met brown on a few occasions and let me tell you he knows how to work a room, I have 0 clue how much he knows about coaching RB's but I do know that for the past few years he is out there at the camps and all the practices so you have to think he has soaked up plenty of football coaching know how (it is not rocket science). I can tell you he is a Cane and he is a great guy so I am sure he will be a great recruiter, plus now his Football OPS position has opened up and that job is now allowed to RECRUIT now per NCAA rules!! So we can bring in another SFLA guy to recruit for us in Hurlie's old job.
Lockett and the other HS coaches I am sure still feel great about the U, the fact that jobs like the FIU RB's job was open only a couple of years ago and none of those guys even got an interview there but the U is showing serious interest in them not only helps their resume and career but further builds the rapport we have with those programs although none of those coaches was selected. (It's still and honor to have the opportunity)
Coley's Offense sounds like every OC's speech when they take over a new team, he has the keys to a Ferrari I hope he can drive. I would be fine with anything he cooks up AS LONG AS HE GIVES MORRIS FREE WILL TO AUDIBLE. That will ensure we always get into a good play, Morris is much better at reading D's now and he rarely had us in a bad play last year despite what the original call was.
The comparison with coach L and Coach G is cool but they had totally different situations, a professional scout and Former Cane just reiterated yesterday that the cupboard was bare when Golden took over, the program was a mess (1 WR ready for spring, 1 cb, 0 visits set up til NSD, only 2 commitments, no relationship with SFLA HS coaches, terrible practices, terrible nutrition and off season weight program. etc etc) Coach L took over a team that has been repeatedly been called very talented by many coaches including Roy Williams and Coach K, although interestingly sports writers do not have any canes in the top 100 players for the 2013 draft:(
Next years D, will look totally different with our young guns a year older and the Juco guys Golden brought in.
Freshman DT's are typically RS'ed and are not expected to do much, which is exactly what out DT's did, not much!! next year after a year in the off season weight program a full off season to work on technique and to learn the D they will be reacting not thinking, they will be stronger and better. Our DE's will bring ALOT more pressure next year. McCord will be a monster after a year in the weight program, Chick will show his talent and be steady next year, we brought in a couple of Juco's that can really get after the QB, they will be ready to play much more then if we brought in kids out of HS. Our DB's should be really good, we had a talented group last year that got alot of PT and a full year in the off season program they should be ready, Crawford and Howard are very talented and they have capable back ups. Our LB's wil lb's will be beast, they will be a year bigger and a year better as we bring back almost all of them. We have depth as well something we have lacked in that position the past couple of years. Our Safeties should be as good as anyone in the country. We have depth there now with a mix of experience and youth, our Safeties are as athletic as any in the country and should provide a security blanket to prevent big plays and strike fear into opposing offenses.
Finally with all the athletes we have on the team we should have a great ST unit next year, we redshrted a lot of guys last year (about 16) and some of those guys will really be a great help on coverage and return units, look for us to continue to excel in those area's.
Posted by: Hassan | February 10, 2013 at 06:48 PM
Hassan,
Did I see you mention ANTONIO CRAWFORD?????
Posted by: WWIN | February 10, 2013 at 07:17 PM
Does anyone know WHERE in Naples, FL, the April 5th Spring Scrimmage #2 is taking place? (Naples High School, Gulf Coast High?)
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 10, 2013 at 07:23 PM
good stuff, Hassan. Still not sold o. The dl, but agree with u on the rest. Brown as en coach is interesting. Don't know what to think or expect if this offensive staff in general.
Posted by: j.w. | February 10, 2013 at 07:23 PM
The coach before Coach L was hired by another school to be HEAD COACH and his team is currently in the top #25, the coach before Coach Golden was fired and is currently a POSITION COACH.
Posted by: WWIN | February 10, 2013 at 07:26 PM
I have to believe that RB is the easiest position to coach. Maybe kickers are easier. But if the guy's been around a while, he should be fine.
I'm much, much more worried about this Coley fellow. Not that I have any reason to think he sucks, but that I really thought Fisch was doing a quantifiably good job (i.e., he was often able to compensate for a defense that was unusually bad). If the switch to Coley is even a little bit disruptive, the defense will have to improve a LOT in order to avoid a losing season.
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 10, 2013 at 07:35 PM
1. You can bank this forecast, 8-4, improving one game per year, sets us up for 2014 at 9-3 or better.
Posted by: longtimecanefan | February 10, 2013 at 02:49 PM
2. If our Canes cant go 10-4 this season it would be an epic fail. Real Talk.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 10, 2013 at 02:53 PM
1. If U are gonna go: GO BIG! Get that lame azz 8-4 crapola outta here.
2. I agree 100%, we are headed for 10-2 or bust. OGV may not see it that way, but my friend Terrance, U and I BOTH know that only some things are literally: "As thick as cold grits!
3. Maybe CGNC finally gets her 9-3 prediction right, but that is as LOW as we go. If the Canes do worse than 9-3 the bandwagon will actually FLIP over.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 10, 2013 at 07:41 PM
I actually kayak there a lot, theres nothing that gets your adrenaline going than yaking up beside a 10 or 12 foot gator laying on one of those islands and watch him hit the water beside you, you should go out with me, its a rush!
Posted by: NativeCane | February 10, 2013 at 03:51 PM
As long as we can take OGV with us (wink, wink) I am ALL in.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 10, 2013 at 07:49 PM
Duke losing late in the 2nd half to BC.... The new rankings should be interesting this week. Go Canes.
Posted by: NY Trooper | February 10, 2013 at 07:57 PM
Sarasota...it was GREAT talking to U last night on the phone. U know, that I know, that U know. I couldn't call U back later because Mrs. 86 called "Family Night" (U are allowed to do that once a month around here) and I had to cut off all outside contact. But it is NOT such a bad thing to do IF U get my drift!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 10, 2013 at 07:58 PM
What's up fellas! Just catching up now after a very eventful weekend (started new marriage group at my church on friday and got water baptized on sat!)
Posted by: RBLCane | February 10, 2013 at 02:46 PM
God bless U, and "The U"!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 10, 2013 at 08:02 PM
RCCF,
Some people get EXCUSES and FACTS mixed up
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | February 10, 2013 at 04:38 PM
Tru dat!
But after this year (yes, there is one more year for that) there will be JUST facts and NO excuses left. Get 'er dun or get to steppin.
I think Golden gets it gets WELL done.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 10, 2013 at 08:06 PM
1. You can bank this forecast, 8-4, improving one game per year, sets us up for 2014 at 9-3 or better.
Posted by: longtimecanefan | February 10, 2013 at 02:49 PM
2. If our Canes cant go 10-4 this season it would be an epic fail. Real Talk.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 10, 2013 at 02:53 PM
1. If U are gonna go: GO BIG! Get that lame azz 8-4 crapola outta here.
2. I agree 100%, we are headed for 10-2 or bust. OGV may not see it that way, but my friend Terrance, U and I BOTH know that only some things are literally: "As thick as cold grits!
3. Maybe CGNC finally gets her 9-3 prediction right, but that is as LOW as we go. If the Canes do worse than 9-3 the bandwagon will actually FLIP over.
Posted by: 86Cane
Based on sheer talent (collective number of 5 star, 4 star, 3 star players) vs our opponents, Miami on paper should be favored to win 10 out 12 games.
Posted by: TonyCane | February 10, 2013 at 08:13 PM
Sid the petulant child needs to follow up his slew foot/elbow to the back of the head un-penalized cheap shots against the Eastern Conference champs with a good old fashioned spearing tonight I think or else the birds are grounded.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 10, 2013 at 08:33 PM
OGV -
Al Golden I like him! You will see... :)
Posted by: Jack | February 10, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Yes sir 86. OGV since I you questioned my questions on Canes football fans who like UNC or Duke in bball I just go by people that have on Facebook and other blogs that go to games rocking Canes gear attending Canes games but in the Winter and Spring supporting those said other teams. But oh well it is what it is. Go Canes.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 10, 2013 at 08:49 PM
86 if our Canes stay healthy. I think we have a magical ride with at the very least sees us at Home at Sun Life for Discover Orange Bowl or best case scenario is we be back in LA for the first time in 12 years to play in the Vizio BCS National Championship Game.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 10, 2013 at 08:54 PM
Okay, so we head into Monday trying to figure where the U will be ranked in hoops. First, it's too early to even get a real bead on things, as Arizona is down by 6 vs. unranked Cal with @ 8 and 1/2 min left in the game. If Arizona loses then the pollsters have a bit easier time moving the U up potentially over teams with better records imo. It is impossible to do this with a two loss team that has already beaten this three loss U team, but given how the U has been playing lately I doubt that victory over the U would keep Arizona ahead of the Canes with equal loss totals (especially if they lose to unranked Cal). Duke, barely beating BC, along with getting its butts kicked by the U and being behind in the same conference by 2 games could potentially be overtaken. It doesn't matter though, as the U destroyed them at home. Beat them again, and at their home, and the U will look unstoppable (and playing at Cameron is tough). Gonzaga is tougher to figure, but the same could be said for Indiana in the other direction. IU won pretty handily over the Suckeyes in a nice rebound game, giving them a chance to potentially not drop behind the U from the 1 position after losing earlier this week, along with the team that beat them, Illinois, looking like better competition after taking down top 30 Minn. today.
Again, none of this matters. I'd rather they not be #1 at this stage. Let them keep being hungry and feeling slighted a bit straight through until the game at Duke. After, if playing for an ACC tnmt. title and a 1 seed in the NCAA tnmt. isn't enough to drive a team, I don't know what is.
Okay, now Cal is up over Ariz. by 4 with a bit over 4 min. left. The key to me is that now watching basketball is fun not just because I love hoops, but because it matters as a fan of the U. Whether the U is #1 tomorrow (small chance if Ariz. loses), or more likely between 2-4 with an Arizona loss, all is great in Caneland right now. Worst case, with an Ariz. win, is #5(IU could still stay ahead of them), but more likely a #4, and I'm a happy guy. Put the U ahead of FU in hoops would also feel just right!
As for the U football haters out there, how can it not be obvious that the ship is turning?? It may not be to undefeated championship levels, but it is clearly improving as a program bigtime.
Cal is now up over Ariz. by 4 with just under a min. left. Hang onto your seats...this could be big for the U!
Posted by: JCane | February 10, 2013 at 08:57 PM
Cal with a 6 point lead again over 'Zona with 38 sec. left. All bets where to rank the U could be off with a Cal win....
Posted by: JCane | February 10, 2013 at 09:00 PM
Forgive me, but holy crap! Cal is now up by 8 with 21 sec. left, and a foul on 'Zona. Looking like Cal is gonna hang on, likely bringing up the U to anywhere from 1-4 tomorrow. Hang on to your seats!.....It's OVER! Cal wins over Arizona, 77-69! To the tune of the Jeffersons, Movin' on Up!
Posted by: JCane | February 10, 2013 at 09:03 PM
and, btw, can we please talk a little more hoops over here? It's a little disheartening to see a team this good be put #2 by our football team before spring practices even get going. We don't want to let the cat out of the bag to hoops recruits that we only care about football here!
Posted by: JCane | February 10, 2013 at 09:05 PM
Real classy by Brooks Orpik cross checking a 30 goal scorer after he's celebrating and nice to see not even the petulant child's teammates have to worry about getting whistled for gooning it up.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 10, 2013 at 09:11 PM
Comments by Lunardi (brackets predictor for ncaa tnmt. prior to starting the day):
" The best seat in the house for Sunday's action belongs to the Miami Hurricanes. Everyone's favorite "under the radar" team is no longer that, sitting at No. 5 on the S-Curve and just waiting for someone ahead of them to fall. With No. 1 Duke (at Boston College) and No. 7 Arizona (versus Cal) still to play Sunday, it seems likely the Hurricanes get their wish and move up to the top line between now and Tuesday's full bracket.
Clearly the U will now be guessed as a 1 seed, as they will be in the top 4. I wouldn't be surprised to see them anywhere between 1-4, and most likely 1-3 at this point, with a whole bunch of first place votes now (for the first time ever!).
Posted by: JCane | February 10, 2013 at 09:17 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
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