On a hot, humid and overcast night in the 305, your University of Miami Hurricanes beat their South Florida neighbors, the Florida Atlantic University Owls, by a score of 34-6.
However, the eventual four touchdown margin of victory turned out to be maybe the most ironic or misleading stat of the evening.
For the highly favored Hurricanes the 28 point win was much more workman-like than it was impressive. UM struggled to get anything going offensively in the first half and meandered to a 20-6 halftime score. And even though the 'Canes broke off at least two or three big plays in the second half they managed only 14 points against the over-matched Owls.
Fans at they game walked away only mildly impressed with the outcome and wondered out loud about how it was that the much maligned Miami defense could clearly out-perform the highly touted UM offense. The 'Canes gave up only 6 points, substituted players on a regular basis and looked markedly better on the defensive side of the ball as compared to last season.
Senior QB Stephen Morris had an evening that could easily be summed up in one word: meh. As usual and as expected RB Duke Johnson did his thing but it may have been WR Herb Waters who had the best play of the evening. The Herb took the ball from The Duke on a reverse and sauntered his waY left and right through the Owls' swiss cheese defense for a much needed score.
The special teams were very solid with Matt Goudis handling the FG and point after duties and highly experienced newcomer Pat O'Donnell kicking the stuffing out of the ball all night on punts and kickoffs. The return game did nothing special but at least there were no turnovers and consistent play all around.
But do not be fooled by this workman-like win over FAU Canes fans. Much, much more will be required of the Hurricanes on both sides of the ball next week when the hated Florida Gators come to town. It will be time to put on your big boy pants and get ready to rumble when the dreaded SEC reptiles show up at Sun Life Stadium on September 7.
So I have just one question for you: "Are U ready?"
first
Long time reader, first time poster. Not overly impressed with last night but saw glimmers of hope.
KYcane
Posted by: freedomforlife32@yahoo.com | August 31, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Oh, and BTW, the tailgate was AWESOME!
Many thanks to DeeCane, Terrance, Old Skool, NativeCane, Kenny, Canezilla and Anthony and crew for showing up to ensure a good time was had by all.
Posted by: SOUP | August 31, 2013 at 10:54 AM
>> So I have just one question for you: "Are U ready?"
Sure. I don't have to do that much, really. This year, like last year, I don't even have to steel myself for the Sunday hangovers. The only challenging part of the upcoming season, for me, is that the Moonbats ditched our satellite dish a few months back, and finding games can be tricky.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Glenn Dennison!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 10:54 AM
OK, time to hit the road. Leaving the 954 and headed back to the 863 and the CCC.
LEAD, FOLLOW OR...WELL U KNOW THE REST!
Posted by: SOUP | August 31, 2013 at 10:55 AM
DJ I like your point.....I think HS was much more of a fundamental guy than the others...ie he was part of the 72 phins and pro ball.......he knew and coached fundamentals cause that's how you go 16-0 I think JJ and DE got to that fundamental game after UM....when they went to the pros...you have to in order to win like JJ did.....JJ was highly successful DE ok.
BUT.....that was then...Howard beat Nebraska playing a disciplined D and a skilled passing and run game....the other 2 had the great athletes that could out talent and talk you.....
We have Duke....he is an exceptional athlete....but everybody else has got the guys we used to get.....and if you look at the game now you have to execute. Nick Saban....say no more. You may not like him....but he's going for the 3.....those are athletes....disciplined talented athletes. The Circus of the 80s 90s was fun, but it does not win this game at any level....you must execute to win....and be smart....and fundamentally sound....JMO
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 11:02 AM
Canes left 3 sure touchdowns on the field! 2 dropped td passes and a pick 6!! Should of, could of........ U know the rest!
Posted by: Jack | August 31, 2013 at 11:12 AM
We need to learn from it....cannot leave 3 tds laying around against anybody....but vs the tough teams spells LOSS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Any word on Scott yet? Golden said last night he wasn't sure.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 11:57 AM
Canes show flashes but going to need MUCH better and full 60 minutes beat the tails next week! 3rd down conv rate was SAD....Have to make plays and stay on field. Def looked much better than Off.
Posted by: LA3 | August 31, 2013 at 11:57 AM
Look, u 'Debbie downers r clueless: VA Cane & OGV et all.
The defense is clearly better every where. The whole nation knows what our offense can do. It was just out of sync, that's all. R u going to crucify a freshman for dropping two passes in his 1st game? Chill the F out. Our kick off/punt coverage was awesome. Our return game wasn't because they had a hell of a punter who boomed the ball each time; knullified our skilled returners. For crying out loud, K-state lost to a div 2 school. U guys over the off season, have been the Darth Vaders of canespace; consistently negative. CALM DOWN & CARRRY ON with less negativity.
Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2013 at 11:59 AM
To beat the Gators the Canes will have to avoid silly mistakes, avoid turnovers and execute on the big plays when the opportunities present themselves. They did not do that last night, but hopeully Golden can get that cleaned up.
I am anxious to see how this Canes defense stands up to the Gators next week. I did not see FAU get any movement up front, but the Gators have a better OL. If the Canes can stop the run, the Gators will have a hard time scoring. And we all know that when the Canes offense executes and eliminates mistakes, they can score a lot.
This is going to be interesting.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | August 31, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Look, u 'Debbie downers r clueless: VA Cane & OGV et all. . .CALM DOWN & CARRRY ON with less negativity.
Posted by: NigeianCane | August 31, 2013 at 11:59 AM
Look, after a season opener, fans are going to discuss the game.
The range of possible outcomes was somewhere between a) Shocking, Disgraceful Loss; and b) Total Domination. Most fans here correctly perceive that UM is much better than FAU, and as such, they think the outcome should be closer to b). They are discussing where the actual outcome landed, and why it landed where it did relative to expectations.
All perfectly normal.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 12:14 PM
NigeianCane well said, all you negative Nancy's suck the fun right out of the opening game. It phukin game UNO. Defense didn't give up anything and with the offense out of sync we handled this team. How you guys manage it through a season is beyond me. Should we cut Coley, bench Perryman? Take a pill and relax.
Posted by: Ftmcane | August 31, 2013 at 12:18 PM
I hope Scott is ok. Scott made a big-time catch, and really is one of the Canes most talented receivers. When Scott is in the game, he runs good routes, he gets open, blocks well and is capable of making plays. When Dorsett is struggling, Scott can step in the breach and make some plays.
Except for one crucial drop, Walford looked good catching the ball and blocking. I think we are ok at TE.
Duke is simply the best RB in the ACC, and he really does have the heart of a lion to go along with his extraordinary talent. Duke is the X factor (X = explosive player). Duke can make the play or also be a decoy.
It was not the best game the Canes could play, but I can see that the Canes are coming back.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | August 31, 2013 at 12:19 PM
Look, u 'Debbie downers r clueless: VA Cane & OGV et all.
Friend, I am a lot of things, but not clueless about football. I was an All State HS player, played in college and have coached 35 years...I have produced some very good people/players/student athletes....been there for a long time.
I love UM....we just need to get some things corrected. I think we all express ourselves and thoughts on UM...the reason we are here. I also will say I can get overboard....and I realize it. If I offended you or anyone else, I did not mean to do so.
Hope we get the problems worked out with good practices all week. We will know soon enough as UF is a much tougher talented opponent.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 12:22 PM
Had a blast with Soup, DeeCane, NativeCane, Kenny, CaneZilla, Old Skool, Anthony. Can't wait till next Saturday.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 31, 2013 at 12:23 PM
As long as the tailgate was a success the bad opponent hanging around despite having their QB suspended is excusable.
Oh wait, it's still not, but the tailgate being fun is the key to the opener.
Driskell just hit the quick hitch route for 15. Oh, the weeds aren't long enough!
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 12:31 PM
I stand corrected VA cane.
Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2013 at 12:33 PM
My biggest issue is the Ol is not physical. They are too damn big not to move defenders off the line! Get freaking physical!
Posted by: Canesteeler | August 31, 2013 at 12:38 PM
I don't know what game you were at, chief, but FAU was NEVER in this game, and they NEVER "hung around". I saw a different game.
You just keep on with your agenda, and I'll just keep telling you that your hero is never coming back to be head coach, whether this current staff pans out or not.
Time to let that tired, bitter attitude go, don't you think?
Posted by: Canesfan _1 | August 31, 2013 at 12:40 PM
LEFT THE GAME LAST NIGHT FEELING OK ABOUT THE TEAM. D SEEMED ALOT BETTER. MORRIS THREW INTO SOME DOUBLE, SOMETIMES TRIPLE COVERGE WHICH MADE ME SCRATCH MY HEAD. I JUST PRAY WE WERE SAVING OURSELVES FOR THE GATOR GAME.MAYBE IT WAS GOOSE BUT IT SEEMED DUKE LOST A STEP WITH THE ADDED MUSCLE??
Posted by: canezilla | August 31, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Somebody needs a wipe up and a name change and a new IP to go grind their ax against others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP8sofAN4xc
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 12:43 PM
MAYBE IT WAS GOOSE BUT IT SEEMED DUKE LOST A STEP WITH THE ADDED MUSCLE??
Posted by: canezilla | August 31, 2013 at 12:41 PM
I did not perceive any less speed from Duke. He's never been a true burner, although he does have good speed. But his balance, change-of-direction and vision all combine to produce very fast on-field speed.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 12:44 PM
PLEASE, wait till the gaytors game is ova before y'all start fearing em!!!!!
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Who said anything bout fearing the turds WWIN?
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Florida's offense ain't $hit!
Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2013 at 12:57 PM
4-real, everybody keep saying how good we need to play to beat em and how we played last night won't beat em, and haven't even seen em play yet
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 12:59 PM
But his balance, change-of-direction and vision all combine to produce very fast on-field speed.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 12:44 PM
YUP!
Posted by: CaneRock | August 31, 2013 at 01:08 PM
MAYBE IT WAS GOOSE BUT IT SEEMED DUKE LOST A STEP WITH THE ADDED MUSCLE??
Posted by: canezilla | August 31, 2013 at 12:41 PM
They say the jet's lost a step or two...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1wkx8NnDfF8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1wkx8NnDfF8
Posted by: BEERicane | August 31, 2013 at 01:13 PM
Florida isn't looking any better right now.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 01:17 PM
U guys watching the FL game?
Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2013 at 01:19 PM
10-3 turds.
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 01:21 PM
Thanks SOUP, Terrance, Canezilla, old Skool, Ron, and native cane for a great experience...hope to do ur again with you guys next year, headed to Ft. Hood,Texas next week enjoy Florida, beat them Gators!!!!
Posted by: DeeCane | August 31, 2013 at 01:24 PM
And Kenny for the Sausage n dogs he made...
Posted by: DeeCane | August 31, 2013 at 01:25 PM
We gon have to play FLAWLESS to beat the gaytors next week
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 01:32 PM
Ft. Hood DeeCane? I was station there with 1st Cav! Loved going to Austin on the weekends. 6th Street in Austin is one of the best music scenes in America!! Have fun.
Go 'canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 01:34 PM
17-3 turds
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 01:35 PM
WWIN, will u PLEASE wait til the gaytor game is ova b4 YOU start fearing em ? Lol
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 01:39 PM
Had a great time at the game last night with SOUP, Kenny, Canezilla, Daniel, Old Skool, AntCane, and TSully, GOOD TIMES!!!
Remember next saturday:
Golden will be holden,
A football team thats clickin,
This September you'll remember,
Gator tastes like chicken!
DEM CANES!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | August 31, 2013 at 01:41 PM
Nigeian Cane,
no problem with comments, you made me look at myself and remember not to get too serious. I do know the game, but sometimes my love of it makes me forget that others have toes that do not need to be stepped on. Enjoy your day!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 01:44 PM
Was fau's ball spike on 4th down not the funniest sh*t you've seen in awhile?
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 01:46 PM
I wonder which conference refs will be calling the game on Saturday. If you remember, if two D1 conferences play each other, traditionally the visiting team's conference officials call the game. Unless you're the gators and playing Miami in the swamp. Ol' Jeremy Foley decided to break with the norm and pulled in SEC officials for our last game in G-ville. We all know how that turned out. We catch the ball on the sideline and after 20 minutes, miraculously, the catch is overturned and called out of bounds. There were several other close calls, all of which went against the Canes. I'm hoping our athletic department remembers and we get a lil home cookin' come Saturday noon. Also looking for a field goal with us up 20 with 45 seconds left. Or maybe our D lays down to let the gators score so Duke can break a record against them. Ah, revenge is sweet!
Posted by: Clwtrdan | August 31, 2013 at 01:51 PM
WWIN, u r obviously not watching the FL Game right now. We don't have to play flawless. FL doesn't have an offense. Plus, we have a QB which is all Toledo is missing right now to take the lead.
Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2013 at 01:52 PM
Nigeian Cane,
no problem with comments, you made me look at myself and remember not to get too serious. I do know the game, but sometimes my love of it makes me forget that others have toes that do not need to be stepped on. Enjoy your day!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 01:44 PM
That's one of the most accountable and considerate statements that I've ever read on this blog. I bet you're an awesome coach to your kid's on and off the field!
Go 'canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 01:53 PM
Rice up 14-7 on Texas A&M at start of second quarter. BC tied with Villanova midway through the 3rd. Hoodoggy!
Posted by: Clwtrdan | August 31, 2013 at 01:58 PM
Stop actin like a TINKY WINKY. Sarasota!!!
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 02:03 PM
My take with UM and UF is that they are both playing with a combination of 1st game jitters coupled with a vanilla playbook.
Mistakes of any variety will be glaring next Saturday. Fortunately for UM the squad that struggled last night has already proven that they can play at a higher level.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:05 PM
Stop actin like a TINKY WINKY. Sarasota!!!
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 02:03 PM
You got to give credit where due 4-real. This place can turn into froth of negative nonsense at the drop of a hat!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 01:46 PM
It was pretty much hilarious.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 02:10 PM