Better To Be Lucky Than Good

Fifth ranked Missouri was pretty good, but they lost to #21 South Carolina on an unlucky bounce off the crossbar in double overtime at home.

Tenth ranked Texas Tech was undefeated and looking pretty good going into their game against Oklahoma before they lost to Big Game Bob and his 15th ranked Sooners. So then another one had bitten the dust.

Virginia Tech was ranked 14th and playing at home in beautiful Blacksburg against the basketball school known as Duke and Beamer's boys lost by an unlucky 13 points. So VT is clearly not lucky or good.

Miami was playing at Sun Life Stadium on a picture perfect day when lowly Wake Forest showed up and tried to ruin it for the Hurricanes. Luckily for Miami they would get lucky even when they were not good.

Miami certainly did not play well but apparently it is better to be lucky than good and on this Saturday in October the luck was on Miami's side and the Hurricanes pulled off another last minute win to be Wake 24-21.

Now with a little more luck, the Hurricanes could move as high as #5 or #6 in the BCS standings come Sunday or Monday. Better to be lucky than good?

Unfortunately, Miami's luck may run out when they have to travel to Tallahassee to take on the really good and really lucky second ranked Florida State Seminoles next Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Until then we will ride this nice little wave of luck that has surged Miami by UNC last week on the road and Wake this week at home right into next week's game against the Hurricane's most intense ACC rival.

As you already know, in rivalry game anything can, and likely will, happen.

Comments

[SOUP]

Them some fine lookin' specimens, OH YES THEY ARE!

Posted by: CaneRock | October 27, 2013 at 03:32 PM

Hey, I can spot serious "talent" when I see it!

[SOUP]

Soup, I'm not doing any yard work this week, getting ready to have some weeds ready to pull all afternoon on saturday...

Posted by: longtimecanefan | October 27, 2013 at 03:51 PM

Smart man, U must have learned the 5 Ps somewhere:

Prior
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance

[SOUP]

Dolphins continue to tank, losing four in a row now, having lost again today to the Pats.

KC Chiefs are STILL undefeated at 8-0. I take back all of the bad things I said about Andy Reid as a coach.

[dj moonbat]

The thing that's so frustrating with Morris is that we have evidence from last year that he's CAPABLE of playing well. He's not stupid, or otherwise unable to QB effectively.

I think that we're missing Fisch's skills as a QB coach even more than the overall scheme and playcalling. Under Coley's tutelage, Morris is dumbening.

[VfB_Cane]

I think that we're missing Fisch's skills as a QB coach even more than the overall scheme and playcalling. Under Coley's tutelage, Morris is dumbening.

Posted by: dj moonbat | October 27, 2013 at 04:17 PM

That's hard to judge as long as we don't know if he's really 100% healthy. His mechanics sure seem to be off.

[WWIN]

1. Williams will be starting next year; his to lose.

2. I am not so sure how the other players would feel if Morris were replaced by Williams. I think morale would be low.

3. So overall, you stick with your senior QB. 

Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 27, 2013 at 01:22 AM

1. Roger that.

2. True.

3. Correct answer.R U Golden? LOL

Posted by: SOUP | October 27, 2013 at 09:59 AM

2. That's our MAIN problem. Did players come here to play for Golden or Morris? Here's the formula, Golden=Team or Morris=Team. Looks like Morris=Struggling so Team=Struggling. Players should stand behind Golden's DECISION no matter what and it doesn't sound like we are creating that environment right now.

[360Cane]

It's the ankle. Feet, driving the ball and especially head issues because of said ankle. Now, I've seen linemen carry their QB with a broken ankle over at Marshall? a few years ago so you can look at it as an excuse. Or you could just look at what goes on between one's ears. Some are head strong and nothing bothers them while others think about it a little too much.

[Terrance Sullivan]

LOL I dont remember peeps making all these excuses for J12 when he was hurt. Come on peeps with the lame excuses. Morris has always had accuracy issues and people wonder why he couldnt take the job from J12 in J12 last season. To put it in perspective Morris would have to throw 10 TD's to 1 INT in the last 5 games to eqaul J12 senior seaon stats of 20TD's to 9INT's. Morris has a much better team around him. but it is what it is. Go Canes! Beat the Noles!

[mountain cane]

I don't understand why some people think we should change QBs and play for next year.

It's hard to be 7-0 in any year. You never walk away from that.

Also, while Williams throws with a lot of touch, he's not very athletic and doesn't have a very strong arm. I know the insiders say he's lock for next year. I'd prefer to get more than 1 year out of my starter if it is close. If it isn't close, then Williams gets it.

I guess it is I'd go with a tie to the underclassman and many here would go with a seniority system. Too much change in that for me.

[SOUP]

Terrance...J12 could not even hold MoMo's jock strap as a QB. But what we are asking is Momo the guy to lead the team to a NC? Time will tell, but the evidence thus far says NO. They might win it after all but it will be beacuase the TEAM won it not MoMo.

Remember, coming into the season both M17 and D8 were POSSIBLE Heisman candidates. Not so much any more.

[SOUP]

Take the QB off of TAMU and U get nothing.

Take the QB off of Oregon and U get nothing.

Take the QB off of Ohio State and U get nothing.

Take the QB off of Baylor and U get nothing.

Take Morris off of Miami and U get? MAYBE.

[WWIN]

Mountain, what has SM17 athleticism gotten him, how many rushing yards in the last two years? The only athleticism he shows is roll outs which every qb does. Williams arm is stronger than it use to be, its called the off season.

You make the change bcuz the person at the qb spot put us in position to be 4-3 instead of 7-0 and we've been lucky to stay undefeated bcuz of him. Jus think if unc wouldn't have got that delay of game penalty???

But enuff about SM17, I've laid out all the facts today. I'm done!!!

[WWIN]

Posted by: SOUP | October 27, 2013 at 05:40 PM

There you go making too much sense Soup, except for maybe the ohio state analogy bcuz they have two good qb's but take away both of their qb's and they have NOTHING. LOL

I would also wonder what fsu would look like without Winston????

[canezilla]

NOON GAMES IN MIAMI SHOULD BE ILLEGAL !!!

[CaneRock]

Point blank, Morris's strength is the deep ball. But with the loss of Dorsett, He's forced to play the short and intermediate game, which is not His strength.

[mi@mic@ne]

First time I saw man to man ...our backs manning up on the line of scrimmage was the series they hit the pass and catch to the fullback. We had them third and long but they hit the post pattern. Since we dont play man to man as our bread and butter then there is gonna be some breakdowns. Our problem on d in the zone is that we do not bring enough pressure at the line of scrimmage from side line to side line.

[mi@mic@ne]

Morris hit some important passes in the crunch time in the last two games. Hes not comfortable unless the first receiver is open. We spread the ball around better last year..maybe a more imaginative passing game ...but our O was terrible against top ten teams.

[Canezitis]

Yeah, after they simplified things similar to the UNC game. A senior qb should not have to have the offense simplified for him. Ridiculous!

[SOUP]

He's (Morris) forced to play the short and intermediate game, which is not His strength.

Posted by: CaneRock | October 27, 2013 at 06:28 PM

So what U are REALLY saying is that Morris needs MORE strengths? OK, then we agree?

[herbieibis]

The announcers yesterday were saying Coley has dummied down the offense for Morris so he usually has only 2 options on passing plays, that he feels comfortable with. So much for reading defenses. Give the dam ball to Hagens on the goal line or third & one. The TE'S & RB's should be targeted at least 10 times a game. It kills me watching these other teams passing, they don't seem to have any problem getting receivers open but us it's like a science problem and we don't have a go to WR. Morris will not be 100%, regardless until bowl season. Those high ankle sprains take forever to heal and playing on it doesn't help the healing process and since we can't put these crummy teams away, we can't rest him.

[Ohio_Cane]

The announcers yesterday were saying Coley has dummied down the offense for Morris so he usually has only 2 options on passing plays, that he feels comfortable with. So much for reading defenses.

Posted by: herbieibis | October 27, 2013 at 07:08 PM
-------------------------------------

They were actually talking about Wake when they said that. Morris has 3 options, a check down, and the ability to change the plays and protection.

[dj moonbat]

It kills me watching these other teams passing, they don't seem to have any problem getting receivers open but us it's like a science problem and we don't have a go to WR.

Posted by: herbieibis | October 27, 2013 at 07:08 PM

Don't have a "go to" WR? That's crazy talk. If you mean we don't have ONE guy, with the other guy basically dead weight on the other side of the field, then okay. But Coley and Waters are good. Really good.

[mountain cane]

Willie, Morris on one good ankle moves much better than Williams. I don't think it is a huge deal if Williams can make the right reads--lots of QB greats can't/couldn't move hardly at all.

[CalgaryCane]

So your philosophy is to recruit qb's and tell em, I have two qb's ahead of you so you want get to play until your jr or sr year, no matter if you out work em or are better than them you will still need to wait on your time??? Who do you think would wanna play for you

If you read my earlier post...I said that if you don't make backup by time you are a Junior, then you're most likely not starting next year...so it's possible that a QB u recruited is so bad that he doesn't make backup by jr and doesn't get to start at all...a bit different than what u are implying I mean....Also, did't Kosar and Vinny wait their turns? We are talking college football, not hs football.

[WWIN]

Mountain, my point was... You are acting as if Morris is moving around in the pocket and avoiding sacks. Williams is more athletic than you are giving him credit for also.

[dj moonbat]

Mountain, my point was... You are acting as if Morris is moving around in the pocket and avoiding sacks.

Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 27, 2013 at 08:07 PM

UM's offense would be much, much more dangerous if Morris tucked the ball and ran upfield sometimes when his reads weren't open, a la Steve Young. I don't know whether Morris is coached to run out to the side, but that's what he does (sometimes when he doesn't even have to).

Morris is not at all slow, and if defenses had to worry that he'd tuck the ball and run, the opposing linebackers would have a much harder job to do. But he virtually never does.

[SOUP]

Morris has 3 options, a check down, and the ability to change the plays and protection.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 27, 2013 at 07:22 PM

Interview between Herbstreit and OhioCane:

Herbie: "Ohio, if you had to choose between Marino, Montana or Elway in their prime and Morris as the Canes QB this year, who would U choose?"

Ohio: "Well Herbie, I gotta go with Morris."

Herbie: "Well, OK then!"

Herbie: "Has any Miami Hurricane ever played poorly or had a bad game in your opinion?"

Ohio: "Not from what I have seen! Any more questions?"

Herbie: "Uh, no, I think we have covered it."

[LA3]

#17 is and will be out QB! Big Al is not going to switch. SO, they need to find something that works for him and game plan better. And #17 is going to have to grow a set....he has clear pocket and runs with little to no pressure. He is going to have to step up and take the hits to be FSU.
And YES, it would be nice if he ran the ball north and south some!

[CalgaryCane]

Posted by: dj moonbat | October 27, 2013 at 08:12 PM

Absolutely right...but Morris is doing what the coaches are asking him to do, so, it's difficult to say ditch Morris.

Seems to me like Morris is the best QB for the schemes that we have right now. If you switch to Williams, then you would need to add a couple of scheme changes to fit him in.

Scream all you want, Al seems comfortable where he is right now.

[LA3]

IT IS NOLES WEEK! We as fans of CANES need to focus on what may give us a chance to win and how to play to our strong points.
On OFF...I think we have TWO.

1. RUN the ball down their throats.... We are not going to be able to do that and FSU will load the box to stop the run. Have to stay with it and try but play calling is going to have to be better.....maybe pitch the ball or RB's screen to get to open space.

2. DEEP BALL. Noles will play man to man press coverage! OUR WR's are going to have to win battles. But, we need combination routes to get deep.....clear out underneath or over load one side. Give #17 more room to drop ball in.

[Da U N Houston]

We under utilize Herb (slot) and our TE. FSU will man up n play in your face coverage. They'll have 8 - 9 in the box and make SM beat them.

Keys to win on offense:
1. Get Duke established (catching as well, what happen to putting him in the slot)
2. Don't ALWAYS run on first Down!
3. Use the TE's (get Beau in the two TE sets)
4. Short yardage: Beau at FB, Hegans at RB (or some combination)
5. No, No turnovers!!!!! None!!!!

[CalgaryCane]

That's how JJ recruited them WWIN!!!!! That competition drove the great Canes teams....I believe in it to a fault...makes players and teams better.....

Posted by: VA Cane | October 27, 2013 at 04:01 PM

When JJ was recruiting, every kid in SoFl and his sister wanted to be playing for the U...he could say anything he wanted. I wouldn't be surprised if Al would be saying that 2 years from now!

[CalgaryCane]

Hard to say what is key for us to beat FSU, since there seems to be so many issues the last few games... But for me, I would focus on a few plays that will give Morris time to throw his deep ball. ...also if it is remotely possible, teach him to throw a screen pass when blitzed.

[SOUP]

When JJ was recruiting, every kid in SoFl and his sister wanted to be playing for the U...he could say anything he wanted. I wouldn't be surprised if Al would be saying that 2 years from now!

Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 27, 2013 at 08:31 PM

There IT is right there.

[SOUP]

if it is remotely possible, teach him to throw a screen pass when blitzed.

Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 27, 2013 at 08:38 PM

NO, NO, NO...that is when we insert CaneSawMassacre!

[WWIN]

Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 27, 2013 at 08:31 PM

What's his excuse for not playing the better qb now?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Call me crazy but I feel we beat FSU 38-34 like we did when J12 led our Canes to a victory over them in Tally in 2009. Go Canes! Beat FSU!

[WWIN]

Yeah, after they simplified things similar to the UNC game. A senior qb should not have to have the offense simplified for him. Ridiculous!

Posted by: Canezitis | October 27, 2013 at 06:48 PM

Thanks for saying this so that I don't have to!

[CalgaryCane]

Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 27, 2013 at 08:31 PM

What's his excuse for not playing the better qb now?

Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 27, 2013 at 09:03 PM

What's his excuse for changing his QB now? We 7-0 are we not?

[WWIN]

Posted by: SOUP | October 27, 2013 at 08:17 PM

That's too funny, Bigwindy could have done the same interview Lol. But leave my client alone

[CaneRock]

UM's offense would be much, much more dangerous if Morris tucked the ball and ran upfield sometimes when his reads weren't open, a la Steve Young. I don't know whether Morris is coached to run out to the side, but that's what he does (sometimes when he doesn't even have to).

Morris is not at all slow, and if defenses had to worry that he'd tuck the ball and run, the opposing linebackers would have a much harder job to do. But he virtually never does.

Posted by: dj moonbat | October 27, 2013 at 08:12 PM

DJMB, under Fish, Miami had a zone read package for Him. Matter of fact, Duke broke a long run against VT last year off of zone read. But IMO, Morris's ankle still isn't 100%, I don't even think it's 90%.

But going forward, I'm thinking Miami is gonna recruit more and more dual threat guys, to add that option element to our offense.

[Surfercane]

Canes baby!

Let's go Canes!

We Got Some Canes Over Here!

Beat FSwhoooooo

[WWIN]

What's his excuse for changing his QB now? We 7-0 are we not?

Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 27, 2013 at 09:06 PM

Bcuz we could EASILY be 4-3 with him. Also, if he isn't heeled up yet why are we jeopardizing his health? Are you satisfied with what he's doing now?

I'm still waiting on you to answer my last question?

[JCane]

Gonna repost, as I tend to post right before the new blog most of the time. However, I think we have some very bright football folk here who are on the ball...bigtime. Hopefully a fast start and a few TOs go our way next week, and we'll see...not excited like in past top 10 matchups from years ago about this week's game though.
_______________________________
True: The Canes D is still only mediocre, although way stronger, in better shape and with more depth than last year. The line moves like they're in slow motion, but they don't seem to get worn down as the game goes on like last year. Still, gotta get to the qb and not let every 3rd and long be an adventure for the d. The O clearly has trouble against good Ds (and even mediocre Ds). However, other teams have figured out the O's weaknesses, and Morris has regressed. Clearly our coaching staff doesn't trust Morris right now and is holding him back, with good reason.

I agree the next two years look bright, as we have Olsen with some experience in this timeframe, and Kaaya is coming. For those who think a first year qb (like Olsen would be next year as a redshirt) can't win, see Bernie Kosar 1983.

Many teams ranked in the top 25 have had their share of problems this season. Oregon State lost in their opener to an old div 1-AA school, for instance. The U didn't play well and pulled one out, which is more than VTech can say. LSU, another of the great (sarcasm) SEC schools clobbered Furman today, but when I checked in on the game at the half, it was 20-16, LSU, with Furman kicking 2 FGs to make it close in the last few min. of the first half. Clemson barely got by a bad Maryland team that had lost several of its starters to injuries. How about Mizzou blowing one (to a good team) at crunchtime...

The problem: The U is regressing at the wrong time and is looking way overrated (this year), and FSU is firing on all cylinders. Still, there's a reason why the game is played, and we'll only know for sure the outcome after. I'm concerned, but....

Keep rebuilding, bring in the right guys (the right levels of talent and who want to be here) even better with the NCAA issues behind us, and Let's Go Canes.

Posted by: JCane | October 26, 2013 at 11:51 PM

JCane

Truth is, for now there is a big dropoff after the top 3 or maybe 4 (not sure yet with Baylor). Everyone else finds way to lose every week.

Posted by: JCane | October 26, 2013 at 11:53 PM

[JCane]

Golden will likely change his tune going forward with the QB being part of the competition....he'd better. It's almost like his way of thanking the older guys (Morris obviously, Duke to some degree) for sticking things out while changing the mindset for the younger folks coming in. Hard to do both ways though. Williams clearly has a higher football IQ and is putting in more of the mental work.

[herbieibis]

TERRENCE, no offense dog but if we score 38 against FSU, we win the Nat'l ship. Now call me crazy for saying that.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Herb we still in the hunt.

[TJL]

and to add insult to injury:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20131027/mike-pouncey-subpoena-grand-jury-aaron-hernandez/

[Ohio_Cane]

SOUP, your Q&A infers that I'm a Morris homer? My only reason for posting what I did was to show that he does infact have reads and isn't just a bad QB, as some are implying.

Has he played great? No.

Is he bad? Not even close.

Oh, and I would've taken Elway.

[WWIN]

It's almost like his way of thanking the older guys (Morris obviously, Duke to some degree) for sticking things out while changing the mindset for the younger folks coming in. Hard to do both ways though. Williams clearly has a higher football IQ and is putting in more of the mental work.

Posted by: JCane | October 27, 2013 at 09:17 PM

He said it not me!

I like the part where you said, "Hard to do both ways though"! Yeah I know that's what she said but that's not what I'm talking about.