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?"
Well Driskel started off 7-7 and looked better throwing the ball against zone than he ever has and appears to be able to read the defense this year instead of immediately panicking when his first read isn't obviously open.
Of course, I'm waiting for the obvious, 'they're keeping it vanilla to not show their hand next week,' good for the goose statement. But, not seeing it yet . . .
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 02:12 PM
And then my personal #2 blogger makes that last sentence false while I type it up . . .
Your nephew better keep putting them through the uprights, even it they squeak through this week, going to need to scrounge every point.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 02:15 PM
Just having fun Sota
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 02:17 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
His reaction was classic! He pulled his headset off and said F it. That mistake likely came from the booth.
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:18 PM
Just having fun Sota
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 02:17 PM
I here ya!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:19 PM
hear
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:22 PM
Any guesses on the line next week?
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:29 PM
4-real and NC,
I'm on my sarcasm medication right now lol. Jus saying what everybody here has been saying since last night
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 02:31 PM
I'm going to guess the line will be UF -3 1/2, assuming nobody ends up hurt the rest of the half for Florida (and they hold on to win obviously).
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 02:33 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
Yes sir!! Ill be apart of 615th ASB aviation
Posted by: DeeCane | August 31, 2013 at 02:37 PM
He's comp % is high bcuz he's throwing little girly dump off passes, no long passes. I'm sure DP will house a couple of those next week while Figatron destroys anyone that catches the others.
Posted by: AfriCane | August 31, 2013 at 02:38 PM
Thanks Sarasota,
one of my kids who was 13 looked at me years ago when I asked him what he thought of life...he said "Life is a race but we all need to slow down and work on our form". I was amazed....and often think about that. Pretty good advice from a young kid...I try to remember it in life and football.
I get fired up about UM and sometimes forget my form; I am learning to appreciate the advice and not have to treat my fellows on here with indifference because we may not see 1 or 1000 things in the same light. Hey maybe I'm improving my fundamentals by practicing...just a thought...
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:42 PM
This game is eerily similar to UM's game last night.
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:49 PM
UF between -3.5 and -7 is what I was thinking. I am no more confident calling this game after watching the turds today then I was last week.
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Burton is gonna be a thorn for us next week!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:56 PM
1 half an hour and the cousin will be playing his first game against Virginia. Lets go Dallin! Knock some fool out!
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 02:56 PM
Lay off the sauce Va. Anyway, if Toledo had just a piece of a qb they would actually have a shot!
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 02:57 PM
Looks like somebody watched our game last night (cough gaytors cough)
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 02:58 PM
Florida makes a ton of mistakes and their D bails them out. They better not make mistakes against us because we will hurt them. We only need to improve 1 thing to beat the Gators. Catch the d@mn ball!
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 02:59 PM
Burton can kiss our A$$!!!!!!
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 03:00 PM
Ha ha ha ha, Gators suck.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 03:02 PM
WWIN, u r obviously not watching the FL Game right now. We don't have to play flawless. FL doesn't have an offense. Plus, we have a QB which is all Toledo is missing right now to take the lead.
Posted by: NigeianCane | August 31, 2013 at 01:52 PM
Yeah, it's not looking like UF will be UM's toughest game this year. Top 10, my a$$. Still, unlike FAU, they have four years' worth of recruiting classes on the field, and Miami will need to play its A game. The days when Miami had horsepower to spare against a real opponent are past.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 03:03 PM
Big plays by Covington and Hester ... for the Toledo D.
Posted by: VfB_Cane | August 31, 2013 at 03:05 PM
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 02:42 PM
Did he come up with that on his own or did you ever find out where he picked that up from? Either way for an 8th grader, that's pretty good.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 03:14 PM
Dallin in on Kick coverage!
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 03:34 PM
WWIN, u meant ' Lose Gaytors lose' didn't u?
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 03:37 PM
Toss up next week. UF was playing without their best CB, RB, and LB. UM is at home. The line should be even after what I just watched. Should be an awesome week of blogging!
"Let's be careful out there!" - Hill Street Blues
Go 'canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | August 31, 2013 at 03:38 PM
Gaytors defense is gonna carry their team this year. Having said that, they are good but by no means are they great, nor will they ever be under Muschump. The fact that Golden is chopping his own recruits is a clear indication that he is through with projects & $55 recruits.
Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2013 at 03:50 PM
Sooooo...Johnny WOMANziel and His teammates are rubbing their fingers like they're counting money...and that's OK.
But the kid from USC shaved His palms, and made reference to "breakin' bread" (OFF THE FIELD!), and that's NOT OK!...
PHUCK! THE NCAA!
Posted by: CaneRock | August 31, 2013 at 04:03 PM
FAU was a good tune up game for the U. I hope this game can become a good friendly series, if they can schedule it yearly; by far better than playing FIU. Btw, did anybody notice that both teams wore their dark home jersey? Keep up the good work Legion.
Posted by: Alex D | August 31, 2013 at 04:18 PM
4-real, I wanted the gaytors to win today so we can give em their first L next week
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 04:28 PM
Posted by: Alex D | August 31, 2013 at 04:18 PM
Wasn't FAU supposed to be charged a timeout then?
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 04:35 PM
Unless the U decided to declined the penalty? I'm not sure. USC and UCLA started doing the same thing when they play each other.
Posted by: Alex D | August 31, 2013 at 04:44 PM
Back on line after last nights game...my thoughts the day after...
it's game 1, things should improve, or it's not going to go well in week 2..
Duke is pure magic on the field, enjoy him while he's a Cane!
Morris was ok, seemed lost and out of sync at times. The int was on a bad read/broken route or something, but he had alot of bad throws along with some good ones
Dorsett never showed, Coley dropped what he could, and the TE's caught a ball or two. Waters and the others did well, we'll need it next week for sure
OL had no push on short yardage, and I didn't see many big holes open up. For a strong point of the team it sure didn't show.
DL seemed bigger and clogged up the middle much more than in the past. Clearly an improvment, but remember this is FAU not UF.
LB's did ok, Figs had some big hits, Perryman did ok, dropped an easy pick .
DB's - Some good hits, but giving ground at the snap just like last season. Beware, this may be an early sign of what we lived through last year..
Kicking game was solid, return team never showed,although the FAU punter was NFL caliber and probably was the reason why. An offsides penalty on a KO btw is just plain dumb..
Offensive scheme was hard to figure, bubble screens are back, not sure what the running plan is, and the downfield throws were rarely open or on the mark. Ho short yardage game at all. We'll see next week where this is going..
Defense look better, but remember this is FAU. If pass coverage scheme is the same as last year we'll be giving up lots of yards and points. Overall though the talent and size looked much better.
Coaching - other than too many first half penalties (another silly delay of game penalty to start our first possession of the game, really...) AG seemed to have them focused enough to win.
Biggest improvement in a team is between week 1 and 2, we'll see next week what we've really got.
Last, hope Scott is back soon, that was a great catch
My prediction remains the same for week two since the spring game..Gators, unless Duke can do it all we're just not ready....yet....
Posted by: Account Deleted | August 31, 2013 at 05:10 PM
BTW...5 sacks last night, only 13 for all of last season....gotta note that we improved, plus a few blitz packages that worked as well
Posted by: Account Deleted | August 31, 2013 at 05:16 PM
Bama looks ready for 2013.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 05:35 PM
Can somebody please explain our punt return formation we ran last night????????????????????????????
Posted by: WWIN | August 31, 2013 at 05:43 PM
Wow, that Johnny Manziel is all class.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 05:44 PM
Offense lookd a little sloppy. Morris was not nsync with the receivers all night. Personally I think they were running pretty vanilla offense. Just run, short passes, and run again, so mayb they're saving it for nxt week
Posted by: Jramos | August 31, 2013 at 06:03 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
I was thinking the same thing 'Sota.
Posted by: roachcane77 | August 31, 2013 at 06:07 PM
Yeah, we kept our O pretty vanilla, except for the reverse that almost cost us Duke. I was kind of surprised we ran that play before next week.
Posted by: roachcane77 | August 31, 2013 at 06:09 PM
VT always quits down two scores against a decent team, heck even against JMU they'll quit.
Their coach should write another book; "Still running on empty," can be the title. Or if he wants to go really meta, don't have a title at all and it has a picture of an empty trophy-case on the cover.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 06:13 PM
They didn't quit there OGV, nice run.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 06:15 PM
Herb Waters was impressive last night. He runs better routes than #4. Waters could be used for kick and punt returns but i doubt this will happen... in the short term because he didn't practice at it.
Rodgers seems to have improved a lot. Artie burns with his speed and instinct will be very good.
Our OL needs to be much more agressive just like Alabama...Short and goal or 3rd and short...Just run over the DL.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 31, 2013 at 06:16 PM
OGV I googled it and nothing came up regarding it as a quote; pretty smart young man played for me before my sophomore year in college...apparently he came up with it on his own...pretty smart young man.
OGV your buddy Coach Beamer looks like he needs to work on those special teams some more.....that punt return sure was bad....when he kicked it the ball was low line drive....I said look out....Ya Think?!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 31, 2013 at 06:18 PM
Wooh! Here comes Tech.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 06:18 PM
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 31, 2013 at 06:16 PM
We did just fine is pass protection I thought.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 06:21 PM
Wow, the guy who worked with Teblow and Thomas on their mechanics is having a rough day today, huh?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 06:25 PM
Their coach should write another book; "Still running on empty," can be the title. Or if he wants to go really meta, don't have a title at all and it has a picture of an empty trophy-case on the cover.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 06:13 PM
The funny thing about VT is that they really weren't, ever, a true powerhouse program.
For so very, very long, though, they kept being one of those cliche underdog teams -- you know, Blue Collar guys, who Do All the Little Things Right -- while being *almost* a really good team, that after a while all the sportscasters started to forget that excellence was always just out of VT's reach. The sportscasting world decided some time around the turn of the millennium to simply start acting as if VT was, in fact, a traditionally great football program.
But, in fact, they ain't.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 31, 2013 at 06:30 PM
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2013 at 06:25 PM
You're not kidding. He is wildly inaccurate.
Posted by: The Dude | August 31, 2013 at 06:32 PM