Head Coach Al
Golden press conference remarks before the FAU game:
Opening
remarks…“Welcome
back. I know we’re excited to get going again. We thank you for covering
University of Miami football. Friday night we get to open the season against
FAU. It’s a game that we thought would bring a lot of interest in South Florida,
and we feel like it will. Obviously so many of the kids know each other. It will
be real competitive, it should be spirited, it will be a great challenge for us.
Clearly with FAU going to Conference USA, and how they played in similar games a
year ago - 14-14 at Athens – I think they have our guys’ attention. Today was
our first practice and we did a good job. I’m excited with where we’re at. We
have a lot of work to do Friday, but we’re getting ready to kick it
off.”
On the
uncertainty regarding an NCAA investigation...“I hope we have a mature group, I
really do. I hope our guys are focused on just one thing - that’s Florida
Atlantic and getting better today. I feel like we came over here with a purpose.
Now, all the distractions that may come along with it being the first day of
school, hopefully our guys will treat them as blessings and not be stressed out
about it – if we have to change a class, or have to go get a book, and all those
little things. I hope our guys take care of it and treat them as blessings. I
believe our guys are focused 100-percent on Florida Atlantic and they have trust
and faith in President Shalala and our Athletics Director and legal counsel that
we’ve done everything we can do at this stage.”
On the
differences between this team and teams of the past two
seasons…“Clearly
we’re a more mature team. I have to be honest with you, it feels like “50 First
Dates” to me - the [NCAA investigation] question has been coming up for every
game since I’ve been here. From that standpoint, we’re looking forward to that
closure and moving forward. But clearly this is a more mature team than we’ve
had. It’s a deeper team. The team has embraced competition. I think they look at
Friday night as an opportunity to prove to themselves what they are developing
and what they want to become, in terms of their brand and what they want to be
on the spectrum of a Miami Hurricanes football team. There’s a lot of urgency
right now. There are only 14 of these games, and I think our guys are
approaching it in that manner - which is important.”
On his
concerns heading into the season…“I have a lot of concerns. As
experienced as we are on the offensive line, we have had some injuries so we’re
not as deep as we want to be. There are some other positions where guys need to
step up quickly, and others where we’re relying on guys that are mature but
haven’t been practicing with us a long time, and they need to step up quickly.
I don’t think there is any question there are concerns at a number of places.
That’s the head coach’s job to worry about that and make sure we’re practicing
right the combinations on offense, defense and special teams and looking to
leave no stone unturned. That’s my job. I also think it’s a team that is going
into the season with a lot of confidence, which comes from demonstrated
performance over a long period of time. There hasn’t been a lot of setbacks,
hasn’t been a lot of distractions. Everything we have asked them to do along the
way, they have achieved. They work all year for these 14 opportunities. Man,
what a great opportunity for us on Friday. I’m sure FAU feels the same
way.”
On starting
offensive line combination…“For me right now, we’re playing seven in
the game. If [Taylor] Gadbois can make progress this week, there will be eight
in the game. There are five that start, but they are all going to play a lot. If
it stays the way it is now, Seantrel [Henderson] will be the sixth man, [Jared]
Wheeler the seventh man and Gadbois the eighth man. But there’s a chance
[Malcolm] Bunche will be the sixth man, or whoever. They are all going to
compete, they are all going to play, but there are only five that start. That’s
the way it is today, but we’ll see how they practiced, and that’s where we’re
at.”
On
expectations changing heading into year three…“I think the expectations have never
changed. I don’t want expectations to change. As I said many times, even when we
were going through all the adversity when it was fresh, I think the expectations
are the reasons the kids choose Miami and certainly why I came to Miami. I want
to chase the bar. Leave the bar where it is. We want to chase it. We want to
chase the people we see on our fence, the greatest teams that have ever been
through here. At the same time, we’re just trying to build it one day, one piece
at a time. We’re excited about where we are, but we have a long way to go to be
that kind of program.”
On improvements from running back Duke Johnson…“He is in better condition. He’s stronger. He’s bigger. He’s playing with a more quiet mind. He has more experience. He should play better. He’ll do a number of things for us. He’ll play better because the wide receivers should be better, the offensive line should be more experienced, the tight ends are blocking better than they ever have. I think he would be the first to tell you he has a really good fullback in Mo Hagens, who doesn’t get enough credit.”
On
expected improvements in the pass rush…
I think [Al-Quadin] Muhammad
has helped us there. I think [David] Gilbert is going to help us there. Tyriq
McCord, who is starting for us in the nickel package at defensive end, is kind
of a hybrid for us who can play SAM or defensive end. He will do a nice job.
Shayon [Green] can do a nice job, [Anthony] Chick, [Justin] Renfrow, [Curtis]
Porter – all of those guys will be rotating through. When we do bring the
linebackers - [Tyrone Cornileus] and Denzel [Perryman] - they have to play at
that speed. When they do come, they have to get to the
quarterback.
On honoring Howard Schnellenberger and the 1983 National Championship team…“That was the genesis of the game that we would celebrate - what he has done for both programs and really starting both programs at the end of the day. He is a man who owes me nothing but treats me with great respect, imparts great wisdom every time I see him, really approachable. We’re blessed to have him in our family - I know FAU probably feels the same way. What a great moment for him on Friday, certainly as the guy who really got this kicked off here in South Florida.
1
Posted by: VA Cane | August 26, 2013 at 05:37 PM
Well Its been a long time for me.....Rohan Marley!!! Rusty Medearis!!! Ken Dorsey!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 26, 2013 at 05:38 PM
VA Cane...U are off the chain big dawg!
Posted by: SOUP | August 26, 2013 at 05:40 PM
Umike you got me psyched about rocking the camo shorts and camo hat. LETS GET IT CANES!!!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | August 26, 2013 at 05:46 PM
Elvis Peacock #4
Posted by: tjl3909 | August 26, 2013 at 05:47 PM
I am so fired up I don't know if I can wait til gameday!!!! I am looking forward to a very good year. We will be tough and give it 110% for sure under AG....
CR and Dude,I agree 100 percent. When I played sandlot in the 60s, HS and college in the 70s it was so different. Not saying right, just more of a toughness thing that kind of went unsaid. Kids are very different now; you have to be easy and gentle at times in this rough game!!! It is very different now; heck my son played for me and I never touched him. I believe this....1) you can teach and emphasize in a loud voice, but you never let it get to berating a kid. 2) you never touch them except to shake their hand or hug em 3) you don't ever curse at or around them. 4)when its really personal, like an attitude, school or family problem you discuss it in private. That has worked for me going on 35 years....its my rules for me, coaches, parents whomever....it cannot happen on my watch, team or field!!!!!
That guy was wrong; perhaps a stronger discipline is needed to make it clear.
Posted by: VA Cane | August 26, 2013 at 05:49 PM
Gus "The Bus" Edwards
F' the TURDS and $EC!
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: Keoki | August 26, 2013 at 05:53 PM
Elvis Peacock #4
Posted by: tjl3909 | August 26, 2013 at 05:47 PM
OH MY!
Posted by: SOUP | August 26, 2013 at 05:56 PM
Keoki...Have U started working on that "Mystery Punch" for the Gatah game? LOL
Posted by: SOUP | August 26, 2013 at 05:57 PM
Friday needs to get here already. Ready to hang with U peeps. Tailgate and root like hell for our Canes to get the victory. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 26, 2013 at 06:27 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0C0fldpmcs
Golden speaking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0C0fldpmcs
Around the 4:20 mark, Susan asks about her man... her voice quivering with passion.
#Sutrel
Posted by: LB | August 26, 2013 at 06:53 PM
We are heavily favored in the coastal..
http://espn.go.com/college-football/preview13/story/_/id/9585523/espn-experts-predict-2013-college-football-conferences-champion
Posted by: UMike | August 26, 2013 at 01:53 PM
We have not played a game yet, but it sure feels good to finally see high expectations for this program.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | August 26, 2013 at 06:58 PM
FAU first, folks.
Posted by: LB | August 26, 2013 at 06:59 PM
Terrance and DeeCane...Friday, 2 PM, Hampton Lobby, it ALL starts then!
Posted by: SOUP | August 26, 2013 at 07:05 PM
Yes Sir Soup.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 26, 2013 at 07:24 PM
From Greg Cote at the Herald today...
Nobody formerly connected to the renegade/jailed booster Shapiro remains with the team. Everybody is ready to move on. Self-imposed penalties including two years of postseason bans already have been served. But the foot-dragging NCAA won't let this end, and with every day of further delay you get the uneasy sense that Mark Emmert's (pictured) corrupted, dysfunctional organization will levy additional penalties if only to justify the time and expense of its ponderous probe.
Miami has paid its price and the paying continues. The shamed NCAA needs to wrap this case up with nothing beyond minor additional sanctions -- and wrap it up now.
http://blogs.herald.com/random_evidence/2013/08/dumb-dumber-dumbest-ncaas-um-torture-miley-at-vmas-zimmerman-at-rifle-factory-.html
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 26, 2013 at 07:47 PM
Glad to see.my kid's softball practice for Friday is cancelled! Finally a break in the schedule, and right on time.
Posted by: j.w. | August 26, 2013 at 09:05 PM
Coast-to-Coast, here is a list of UM Alumni football watch party locations: http://www6.miami.edu/alumni/events/gamewatches.htm …
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 26, 2013 at 10:17 PM
looks like i will be heading the hurricane grill in longwood
Posted by: raizecane | August 26, 2013 at 10:47 PM
Watching those interviews... We finally are making men again in this program.
Anybody not interested in seeing this Dline is a zombie.
Man the young DBs are going to be good and part of our season relies on their maturity. Howard, bush, Jenkins, Crawford we need them to be the future and the present.
This season is so important. Morris has to lead us to the ACC championship game and more. Or else we could be set back even farther.
Golden is the man! He would be successful at whatever he did. I'm glad he is the head of our program!
Posted by: SmatCane | August 26, 2013 at 10:59 PM
ANYBODY LIVING SOUTH OF TAMPA THE WATCH PARTY IS AT SUN LIFE STADIUM ..SHOW THE F UP
Posted by: canezilla | August 26, 2013 at 11:20 PM
It would be better for FAU if they just punted on first down and played defense with NFL Pro Bowl-like "intensity".
Posted by: TonyCane | August 26, 2013 at 11:22 PM
Exactly Zilla ^^^^^^^.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 26, 2013 at 11:22 PM
Omar Rolle
Posted by: hassan | August 26, 2013 at 11:41 PM
Heard on Hurricane Hotline on WQAM tonight that there will be fireworks after the game on Friday night. So its Tailgating, Seeing the legendary 1983 National Championship team, watching our Canes kick FAU azz, and fireworks after the game is 2 Sweet! Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 26, 2013 at 11:45 PM
There goes viagra and cialis man, about 10hrs late tho
Posted by: WWIN | August 26, 2013 at 11:53 PM
LOL Willie Will ^^^^^.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | August 26, 2013 at 11:58 PM
Photos of the top six Miami offensive linemen grace the cover of the season’s first game notes package, marked by this Twitter hashtag: #GREATWALLOFCORALGABLES.
But even before the FAU game notes were distributed, Hurricanes coach Al Golden had changed the depth chart for the offensive line — shifting previous first-team left guard Jonathan Feliciano to starting right tackle, and previous starting right tackle Seantrel Henderson, a senior, to Feliciano’s backup.
It appears that Malcolm Bunche will now be the starting left guard for the 8 p.m. opener Friday — unless, of course, Golden decides to change the lineup again, which he said could still happen.
Either way, Golden said, the seven offensive linemen who will see game action are 6-4, 296-pound center Shane McDermott, 6-6; 319-pound guard Brandon Linder; 6-5, 318-pound tackle/guard Feliciano; 6-6, 315-pound tackle Ereck Flowers; 6-7, 327-pound guard/tackle Bunche; 6-8, 332-pound Henderson; and 6-5, 319-pound backup center/guard Jared Wheeler.
“For me right now, we’re playing seven in the game,” Golden said Monday during his pregame news conference. “If [ Taylor] Gadbois can make progress this week, there will be eight in the game. There are five that start, but they are all going to play a lot.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/27/3587776/miami-hurricanes-erecting-great.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 06:21 AM
By Matt Porter
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
CORAL GABLES —
Al Golden has coached 24 games at the University of Miami, each one with the specter of NCAA sanctions looming over his program..
As UM prepares to begin its third season under Golden on Friday against Florida Atlantic, he admits he’s frustrated with the NCAA having yet to announce if the program will face further penalties stemming from the Nevin Shapiro case. Still, he wants his players to chase an ACC championship, not worry about chasing away noise from a scandal for which none of them are responsible.
“Man, I hope we have a mature group,” Golden said Monday. “I really do. I hope our guys are focused on one thing. That’s Florida Atlantic, and getting better every day. … We’ve done everything we can do at this stage.”
On Monday, players deflected the topic.
“I was waiting for one of y’all to break that question out,” senior quarterback Stephen Morris said to a group of reporters. “We’ve been going through it for a while. Our biggest thing is we’re always putting our trust in Coach Golden and President (Donna) Shalala and what they do. We’re not thinking about it. We’re not worrying about it. It is what it is right now.”
The NCAA began an investigation in 2011 into allegations that UM athletes received impermissible benefits from Shapiro and UM coaches from 2002-2010.
FAU’s receivers are what interests sophomore cornerback Tracy Howard, not any word from NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.
“I ain’t even worried about that,” Howard said. “You brought it up. I wasn’t even thinking about it. … We have a game to win. I’m focused on FAU. Nothing else.”
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/college-football/canes-say-fau-not-pending-ncaa-decision-is-their-f/nZc7B/
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 06:23 AM
WOW...REALLY???????
The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance against the New England Patriots on behalf of Aaron Hernandez, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The NFLPA is seeking to collect $82,000 in workout bonuses from Hernandez's contract, the source said. The tight end's deal was terminated by the team after he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
A team can recover bonus money and avoid a cap hit if a player violates one of the league's personal-conduct policies or defaults on contract language.
Hernandez signed a five-year extension in August 2012 that was to keep him with the Pats through 2018. The extension had a total maximum value of $40 million with a $12.5 million signing bonus.
When looking solely at the signing bonus and base salaries, Hernandez earned $9.79 million of the extension.
http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/9603006/nflpa-files-grievance-new-england-patriots-aaron-hernandez-workout-bonuses-source-says
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 06:30 AM
The talk of the opening weekend of high school football was unquestionably the dismantling of Norcross (Ga.) High by Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington.
Washington entered the game the slight favorite, ranked No. 4 in the preseason RivalsHigh100 to the No. 5 spot given to Norcross. The 55-0 final was certainly not an expected outcome.
It produced two elephants in the room for rankings discussion: With so few games played this week, how far up could Washington move? And with so much talent returning, how far down should Norcross drop? Should it remain ranked at all?
The first problem was easier to answer as Washington moved up to the No. 2 spot on the strength of that victory. The move potentially sets up the first-ever No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle in the seven-year history of the RivalsHigh100 as Washington and No. 1 Miami (Fla.) Central will play in two weeks.
http://highschool.rivals.com/viewrankhs.asp?ra_key=949
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 06:34 AM
"The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance against the New England Patriots on behalf of Aaron Hernandez, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter."
Even if it's legal and necessary, it still looks terrible. Perception is everything.
Posted by: LB | August 27, 2013 at 07:20 AM
So Manziel met with the NCAA on Sunday and A&M expects to hear by Wed if he can play or not. Allllllllrighty then!
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 08:01 AM
"So Manziel met with the NCAA on Sunday and A&M expects to hear by Wed if he can play or not. Allllllllrighty then!"
$EC. They help the NCAA make money and thus are at least somewhat protected. Yes, it's unfair. But it's a strong reality.
What the NCAA should be investigating is if the activities in the Sutrel bedroom are humanly possible.
#CaneRevolution
#Sutrel
Posted by: LB | August 27, 2013 at 08:12 AM
LOL! I pulled up the MH online and saw Bunche's face, and thought I swear if he got kicked off the team I'm-a pass out.
Posted by: trianglecane | August 27, 2013 at 08:59 AM
Manziel told the NCAA he didn't take any money..guess that means the NCAA will let him play. He will be cleared before the week is out..watch and see.
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 09:18 AM
AS LONG AS MANZIEL TELLS THE NCAA TWO TIMES THAT HE DID'NT TAKE MONEY HE SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO.NCAA TAKES THAT VERY SERIOUS MUST HEAR IT TWICE .LOL
Posted by: canezilla | August 27, 2013 at 09:29 AM
The title of Susan's article:
"Miami Hurricanes erecting ‘great wall’ of linemen"
I don't know where to start with that.
#Sutrel
Posted by: LB | August 27, 2013 at 09:34 AM
AS LONG AS MANZIEL TELLS THE NCAA TWO TIMES THAT HE DID'NT TAKE MONEY HE SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO.NCAA TAKES THAT VERY SERIOUS MUST HEAR IT TWICE .LOL
Posted by: canezilla | August 27, 2013 at 09:29 AM
Depends on what letter's on your helmet.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 27, 2013 at 09:34 AM
Manny Navarro @Manny_Navarro 2m
In the battle at strong side linebacker give the current edge to Thurston Armbrister over freshman Alex Figueroa
I consider this good news. 2 guys fighting their tails off for the start means we've got a fantastic backup
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 27, 2013 at 09:54 AM
So Papa Cane is now called @CanesNews? Guess he got some backlash about something?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 27, 2013 at 10:02 AM
I believe thurston will shock the world.
if he doesn't, he has a pretty good backup.
YEAH DEPTH!!!!!
Posted by: trianglecane | August 27, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Ohio..yea, I mentioned that yesterday lol..He got called out by quite a few people about posting information as if it were his, or as if he had inside information, when a lot of it was from other sources, mainly CanesInsight and UM. IDK what is or isn't true, but I have seen for myself him post a lot of info without giving credit to the source. That seems to have changed lol. Don't matter to me as long as people get information.
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM
I know Brian "The Beast" London really got on him the other day lol
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 10:13 AM
Manny Navarro @Manny_Navarro 2m
In the battle at strong side linebacker give the current edge to Thurston Armbrister over freshman Alex Figueroa
I consider this good news. 2 guys fighting their tails off for the start means we've got a fantastic backup
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 27, 2013 at 09:54 AM
I respectfully disagree with you the senior barely beat out a true freshman he's just starting because he has more experience
Posted by: Sinistercane | August 27, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Figatron will get just as much playing time imo no matter who starts
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 10:17 AM
"So Papa Cane is now called @CanesNews? Guess he got some backlash about something?"
He's been getting heat for not citing sources the past few years. Most deservedly so.
CaneSpace is the place. Seriously. UMike's canine-like sense will have the article up in seconds after it's posted.
Posted by: LB | August 27, 2013 at 10:29 AM
PapaCane or CanesNews is still a good place to get into and a good person to follow, he was just taking a lot of heat. I still am not sure if I believe he as any inside information, if he is/was fake or if he is a real insider who doesn't want no one to know who he is lol
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 10:39 AM
good place to get info***
Posted by: UMike | August 27, 2013 at 10:40 AM
I really don't like Johnny Football....rich kid who thinks he is entitled to do anything he wants. Had a great year nice player....personally think and hope Alabama puts some serious wood on his rich boy azz....nothing like seeing guys like him get crushed....or knocked out....I have some friends connected to the program...Bama got both barrels loaded for him for sure. Newton got away with it, so did this guy....always hope somewhere down the line they get paid back....big time
Posted by: VA Cane | August 27, 2013 at 10:50 AM