Canespace: August 2013

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UM vs FAU Game Notes

FINAL SCORE: MIAMI 34, FLORIDA ATLANTIC 6

SUN LIFE STADIUM • AUG. 30, 2013 • ATTENDANCE: 50,151

TEAM NOTES

• Miami has scored at least16 points in five straight first halves.

• Miami’s 303 rushing yards is the most for a UM team since Nov. 3, 2007 vs NC State, when they racked up 314 yards but lost 19-16 in OT. Last year’s team high was 248 rushing yards vs. Duke. The 303 yards are the most Miami has rushed for since moving to Sun Life Stadium.

• Miami has over 500 yards of offense in a season opener for the first time since 2002, when they racked up 517 in a 63-17 win over FAMU. This is the third-straight game Miami totals 500+ yards of offense.

• Defense held FAU to least amount of points(6) since 2011 vs. USF, when the Bulls only had a field goal(3).

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

• Duke Johnson notched his fifth career 100-yard game. This is also the fifth-straight game Duke Johnson has scored a TD and the fifth-straight game with 66+ rushing yards.

• Duke Johnson had seven plays of 35+yards in 2012 and had three in tonight’s season opener.

• Duke Johnson recorded career highs with 186 rushing yards and 19 carries, surpassing his previous highs of 176 yards vs. Duke and 16 carries vs. Duke and Virginia. Johnson was one yard shy of cracking Miami’s top 10 individual rushing performances list, as James Jackson and Willis McGahee share the No. 10 spot with 187 yards.

• Herb Waters scampered for 63 yards, his career best.

• Stephen Morris tallied 16 rush yards tonight, the most in his career against a non-conference opponent.

• Stacy Coley reeled in his first-career catch, a 7-yard reception. He ended the game with 19 yards from a pair of catches.

• Pat O’Donnell, Artie Burns, Stacy Coley, Jermaine Grace, David Gilbert, D’Mauri Jones, Corn Elder, Nate Dortch, Alex Figueroa, Justin Renfrow, Beau Sandland, Ufombu Kamalu, Al Quadin Muhammad, Jamal Carter, Malcolm Lewis and Standish Dobard all made debuts.

• Matt Goudis hits two FGs of 35-or-more yards in the first two attempts of career.

• Artie Burns and Corn Elder each recorded their first-career tackle.

• Dallas Crawford’s 4-yard touchdown run was his first-career TD.

UM STARTING PLAYERS:

• Offensive starters: WR Allen Hurns, LT Ereck Flowers, LG Malcolm Bunche, C Shane McDermott, RG Brnadon Linder, RT Jon Feliciano, TE Clive Walford, QB Stephen Morris, RB Duke Johnson, FB Maurice Hagens, WR Philip Dorsett.

• Defensive starters: DE Anthony Chickillo, DT Curtis Porter, DT Olsen Pierre, DE Shayon Green, OLB Thurston Armbrister, MLB Jimmy Gaines, OLB Denzel Perryman, CB Tracy Howard, S Kacy Rodgers II, S
Rayshawn Jenkins, CB Ladarius Gunter.

Posted at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (70)

Canes Beat Owls By Four Touchdowns

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?"

Posted at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (146)

Finally, Game Day Is Here

MIAMI HURRICANES (0-0) vs. FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS (0-0)

Fri., Aug. 30, 2013 • 8 p.m. • ESPNU • Miami Gardens, Fla. • Sun Life Stadium (74,916)

GAME INFORMATION

Series History: Friday is the first meeting between the schools

Record in Season Openers: 59-27-1 (.684)

Miami Record in Home Openers at SLS: 5-0

ESPNU • Tom Hart, Play-by-Play • John Congemi, Analyst • Brooke Weisbrod, Sideline Reporter

WQAM 560 AM • Joe Zagacki, PXP • Don Bailey Jr., Analyst • Josh Darrow, Sideline Reporter

#5THINGS

First football meeting between Miami and Florida Atlantic.
Miami is playing on Friday night for the 285th time in program history and has posted a 171-103-10 record in Friday contests.
More than 75 members of the 1983 National Championship team will be honored for the 30-year reunion (30-year reunion logo attached)
Duke Johnson last 4 games in 2012: 1,003 all-purpose yards, 7 TD
Stephen Morris last 4 games in 2012: 1,131 yards, 11 TD, 0 INT, 60% completion, 179.37
passing efficiency.

NFL BAG POLICY (VIEW GRAPHIC OF APPROVED BAGS)

The National Football League’s new bag policy will be in effect for all seven 2013 Miami Hurricanes home games at Sun Life Stadium. The new bag policy, which was established with fan safety and expedited entry in mind, places limits on the size and type of bags which may be brought into Sun Life Stadium. Fans may continue to carry pockets items such as keys, makeup, combs, phones, wallets and credit cards. As part of this initiative, each season-ticket account will receive one (1) approved bag which they may use at their convenience. Additional information will be forthcoming for pick-up of the bag for season-ticket holder accounts.

PARKING INFO FOR FAU GAME

Parking information for Miami’s Aug. 30 game vs. FAU:

RV lot will open at 2 p.m.
Green lot will open at 3 p.m.
Blue, Orange, Maroon and Purple lots will open at 4 p.m.
Stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m.

Posted at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (564)

Jimmy Johnson To Be Inducted Into The HOF

The Jimmy Johnson coaching era began in 1984 with the 10th ranked Miami Hurricanes 20-18 victory over the top ranked Auburn Tigers and eventual Heisman Trophy winning running back Bo Jackson in the 2nd Kickoff Classic held at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

The match up featured the defending National Champion Hurricanes and the Tigers who were passed up the previous season as champions when the 5th ranked Canes leapfrogged the 3rd ranked Tigers for the 1983 championship with their 31-30 victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

UM Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHoF) member and game MVP Bernie Kosar passed for 329 yards on 21 of 38 passing and two touchdowns. UMSHoF member Alonzo Highsmith had 140 yards on 21 carries and UMSHoF member Eddie Brown had 8 catches for 157 yards.

TE Willie Smith added 4 catches for 70 yards, Stanley Shakespeare caught Kosar's two touchdown passes and place kicker Greg Cox nailed two 4th quarter field goals for the margin of victory.

Coach Jimmy Johnson will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame tomorrow night, August 28, 2013 in a ceremony at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta.

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation whose sole purpose is to recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have excelled at their sports and brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments. All donations help showcase their achievements for UM fans to enjoy for generations to come.

UM Sports Hall of Fame,

5821 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33146

Posted at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (136)

Golden Gets His Game Face On

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.

Posted at 05:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (161)

FAU: Please Report For Your Beat Down

With only five days left until the start of the season, Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden unveiled the FAU game week depth chart Sunday night.

Since Miami's final #CanesCamp depth chart was released last week, a few new names have surfaced as the starters heading into game week. One of the biggest switches is along the offensive line as junior Jon Feliciano has emerged as the starting right tackle, ahead of senior Seantrel Henderson. Sophomore Ereck Flowers is listed as the No. 1 at left tackle, while the left guard spot is still between redshirt junior Malcolm Bunche and Feliciano.

Miami's starting receivers are senior Allen Hurns, sophomore Herb Waters and junior Phillip Dorsett. Freshman Walter Tucker, who started as a linebacker and is now a fullback, is listed as the backup to senior Maurice Hagens.

On defense, Miami's starting front four looks like this: junior Anthony Chickillo, senior Curtis Porter, junior Olsen Pierre and senior Shayon Green. Junior Ufomba Kamalu, senior Justin Renfrow and senior David Gilbert are listed at the No. 2 position along the defensive line.

Thurston Armbrister and Alex Figueroa are co-starters at one outside linebacker spot; junior Denzel Perryman is No. 1 at the other OLB position. Senior Jimmy Gaines is the starting middle linebacker.

Tracy Howard (CB), Kacy Rodgers II (S), Rayshawn Jenkins (S) and Ladarius Gunter (CB) currently hold the No. 1 positions in the Canes secondary.

The Hurricanes open the 2013 season Aug. 30 at home against FAU (8 p.m., ESPNU). Single-game and season tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now at www.CanesTix.com.

Posted at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (133)

Hurricane Hotline Is Just Heating Up

Sandbar Sports Grill (@SandbarGrove), located 3064 Grand Ave. in Coconut Grove, will be the new location for the Hurricane Hotline, which begins Monday, August 26.

Fans are encouraged to join third-year head coach Al Golden, various assistant coaches and players each week during the 2013 football season. The Hurricane Hotline, hosted by Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey Jr., will air from 7-9 p.m. on WQAM – players from 7-7:30 p.m., Coach Golden from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and an assistant coach from 8:30-9 p.m.

This year, most Hurricane Hotlines will occur on Monday nights, except for the weeks of Georgia Tech (Tue., Oct. 1) and Duke (Wed., Nov. 13).

2013 HURRICANE HOTLINE DATES (guests/dates subject to change)

Monday, August 26: Quarterbacks / Al Golden / James Coley

Monday, September 2: Defense / Al Golden / Mark D’Onofrio

Monday, September 9: Fall sports / Blake James / Brennan Carroll

Monday, September 16: Running Backs / Al Golden / Hurlie Brown

Monday, September 23: Offensive Line / Al Golden / Art Kehoe

Tuesday, October 1: Defensive Backs / Al Golden / Paul Williams

Monday, October 7: Basketball / Blake James / James Coley

Monday, October 14: Defensive Line / Al Golden / Jethro Franklin

Monday, October 21: Tight Ends / Al Golden / Larry Scott

Monday, October 28: Linebackers / Al Golden / Micheal Barrow

Monday, November 4: Wide Receivers / Al Golden / Brennan Carroll

Wednesday, November 13: Defensive Players / Al Golden / Mark D’Onofrio

Monday, November 18: Offensive Players / Al Golden / Hurlie Brown

Monday, November 25: TBA / Al Golden / Blake James

Single-game and season tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now at www.CanesTix.com.

Posted at 06:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (231)

ACC Champs Ready To Defend Title

The 2013 Atlantic Coast Conference Champion University of Miami will host nine ACC games this season, including nationally televised matchups against Duke on ESPN2 and Syracuse on CBS, the league announced Thursday.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the ACC will be the strongest league in the nation this season and our conference schedule will be the most challenging in our program’s history,” said Coach Jim Larrañaga. “With Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame joining the ACC, we have added quality and depth to an already great basketball conference.”

Miami will also face North Carolina on ESPN2, and both Virginia Tech and Florida State on ESPNU, along with seven Regional Sports Network (RSN) and six ACC Network broadcasts.

“We will be playing seven of our 18 conference games against six previous national champions,” added Larrañaga. “Winning the ACC regular season and tournament championship will be far tougher than ever before for all 15 teams. We are excited to get the season started.”

The Canes, who played in the 2013 NCAA Sweet 16, will face six teams (eight games) that played in the NCAA Championship a year ago, and three teams (four games) that made an NIT appearance.

After opening the ACC portion of the schedule Dec. 8 against Virginia Tech, Miami hits the road for matchups against ACC newcomer Syracuse (Jan. 4) and North Carolina (Jan. 8). Syracuse, who played in the 2013 Final Four, ended the 2012-13 campaign No. 3 in the country and North Carolina made an appearance in the NCAA’s Third Round after finishing third in the ACC a season ago.

Over a 10-day stretch, Miami will have home battles with Florida State (Jan. 15), Duke (Jan. 22) and Syracuse (Jan. 25), along with a Jan. 18 matchup at Georgia Tech. Duke made an Elite Eight appearance in 2013 before finishing No. 5 nationally while Florida State ended sixth in the league.

Posted at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (141)

1983: A Tradition Is Born

The University of Miami unveiled the official logo of the 1983 National Championship team’s 30-year reunion, to be held Aug. 30 during the football regular season opener against Florida Atlantic at Sun Life Stadium.

“1983 was the linchpin that put into place the wonderful talent that was assembled and would continue to create the greatest college football dynasty since World War II,” former Miami Hurricanes head coach Howard Schnellenberger said. “I was thrilled when I learned the University was going to move up the next scheduled reunion so that I and many others could participate and enjoy.”

The logo, a brainchild of Miami Hurricanes graphic designer Leo Ramos, includes both subtle and stout references to the historical significance of the team’s accomplishments.

“It was an honor to even be asked to design it,” Ramos said. “I put an immense amount of pressure on myself to make sure it was done right and highlight the team that basically started it all. I had to try and dim down my fanhood and really try to honor them as they deserved to be.”

Among the multiple historical references embedded in the logo: a bowl of oranges commemorating the 50th Orange Bowl Classic, the markings of a football on the bowl, a “1” to signify the program’s first national championship, as well as the tagline “The Dynasty Begins” located on the base of the logo.

“Whenever I’m designing, I always like to insert subliminal hints towards history,” Ramos said. “I want it to be significant. Looking great is almost an afterthought. I want to make sure it served a purpose. I want it to highlight the idea of foundation.”

Ramos put in plenty of personal research before he began designing. “I went as far as to re-watch a few of the team’s games from that season,” he said. “I wanted to really get the attitude of the team, capture all of the poetic romance, and try to visually describe all of it.”

More than 65 players and coaches from the 1983 team are planning to attend, with more names being added to the growing list daily.

“The University and athletic department are excited about the opportunity to bring back the 1983 National Champions,” said Director of Alumni Programs Rick Remmert. “They represent the best of who we are. You can’t win your second national championship until you’ve won your first. They did it with incredible style, fashion and performance, and they certainly are deserving and worthy of this recognition.”

To purchase tickets to the Aug. 30 season opener against FAU, which will include a halftime tribute to the 1983 National Championship team, visit www.CanesTix.com.

Posted at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (112)

#CanesCamp Moves On After CanesFest

After an impressive 4,400 fans showed up for CanesFest on Saturday at the BankUnited Center on campus in Coral Gables, the University of Miami football team went back to work on Sunday.

#CANESCAMP NOTES

12 days until Miami opens 2013 season Aug. 30 vs. FAU at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
Sunday was the Hurricanes’ fourth two-a-days session of #CanesCamp.
Both practices were held on the UM intramural fields, while the grounds crew worked on the
Greentree Practice Fields.
Players wore full pads for Sunday’s two-hour morning session and tops with shoulder pads
during the 90-minute afternoon practice.
Junior DL David Perry and freshman OL Alex Gall wore yellow (non-contact) jerseys for Sunday’s practices.
During the morning session, senior QB Stephen Morris threw three TD passes to freshman WR Stacy Coley. On the third TD, freshman LB Alex Figueroa tipped Morris’ pass, but Coley caught the deflection in stride for the score.
Morris also connected with junior WR Phillip Dorsett for a TD on a long play over the top.
Figueroa and senior DE David Gilbert both registered non-contact sacks.

QUOTABLES

Senior DE David Gilbert on coming home to South Florida…

“Coming back home, being around my family and having a support system, is priceless. It’s something I didn’t really get at Wisconsin and I wasn’t able to appreciate having my parents right there.”

Senior DT Justin Renfrow on how he ended up at UM…

“I graduated from UVA and needed a new situation and a new change. Coach Golden had recruited me along with Coach (D’Onofrio) out of high school because I’m originally from Philly. They recruited me to Temple and it just so happened they still needed D-Linemen here and I ended up coming here.
It’s been a great situation and a great opportunity.”

Mark D’Onofrio on offseason recruiting…

"We didn't stop from signing day until a week ago. We didn't stop continuing to try to upgrade our team if we could. And that's our job and (the players) understand that."

D’Onofrio on defensive competition…

"There are a ton of battles. There aren't many positions that are locked up. There are always going to battles. When you get in the position where guys think they have a spot, that's when you're not a very good team. When they get comfortable and say, 'OK, this is my spot,' then we've got problems. When you have competition every day and they have to fight for their position, you've got a chance to improve."