While your Miami Hurricanes were at home resting, healing and watching some high impact games on their high definition TVs on their week off from college football, things were just beginning to get interesting at the midway point of the 2013 season.
Seven ranked teams dropped big games and a shocking number of them (4) lost to un-ranked teams. As a result, Miami jumped three spots in the polls and move up into the top 10 for the first time since the 2009 season.
And all for doing absolutely nothing, well, maybe nothing except for planning and preparing for their next game on Thursday in Chapel Hill against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
1. The 5th Ranked Stanford Cardinal lost to Kyle Whittingham and the unranked Utah Utes 27-21.
2. The7th ranked Georgia Bulldogs got pummeled by the 25th ranked Missouri Tigers 41-26.
3. The 12th ranked Oklahoma Sooners lost to un-ranked Texas 36-20 saving Mack Brown's job.
4. The 16th ranked Washington Huskies were routed by the 2nd ranked Oregon Beavers 45-24.
5. The 17th ranked Florida Gators got hammered by Les Miles and #12 LSU by the score of 17-6.
6. The 18th ranked Michigan Wolverines lost in quadruple OT to un-ranked Penn State 43-40.
7. Lastly, 19th ranked Northwestern got smacked down badly by un-ranked Wisconsin 35-6.
As the games played out on Saturday and we all sat on our sofas to watch the upsets piling up, things really started falling into place for Miami and the ACC. After week 8 of the 2013 college football season the ACC is tied with the SEC at three teams apiece in the Top 10.
The ACC boast #3 Clemson, #5 FSU and #10 Miami in the top 10 while the SEC counters with #1 Alabama, #6 LSU and #7 Texas A&M. The Atlantic Coast Conference is finally getting some serious national respect that it greatly deserves and desperately needed.
While yesterday proved that no players or coaches on any team should ever get caught over-looking any opponent or looking ahead to a rivalry game, we as fans are afforded that luxury.
Assuming that Miami takes care of business on Thursday night in Chapel Hill against unranked UNC and then beats Wake Forest at home on October 26 the game on November 2nd against FSU in Tallahassee looms large on the horizon as a matchup of top 10 ranked teams.
A huge game late in the season between Miami and FSU with National Championship implications on the line once again? Why yes, it does appear that things are indeed falling right into place for the Miami Hurricanes during the 2013 college football season.
Click here for a link to the AP Top 25 Poll for week 8:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/1
1st!!!
Posted by: IraqiCane | October 13, 2013 at 01:37 PM
And the Canes are top ten!!!
Posted by: IraqiCane | October 13, 2013 at 01:38 PM
Great article Soup. The 2 game stretch of FSU in Tally on November 2nd and Virginia Tech at home on November 9th are huge. We cant overlook anyone but indeed Soup things are looking up. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 01:38 PM
top five
Posted by: pompano cane | October 13, 2013 at 01:40 PM
Pompano is in da house! Welcome to The Space. Post here, post often.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Iraqi...sneaks in with a FIRST! Nice.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Coaches Poll:
1. BAMA
2. Ducks
3. OSU
4. Clems
5. FSU
6. UofL
7. A&M
8. LSU
9. SCarolina
10. UCLA
11. MIAMI
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 02:15 PM
Coaches Poll full of ish. Oh well Let Go Canes! Beat UNC!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 02:29 PM
Top 10!
Posted by: VfB_Cane | October 13, 2013 at 02:39 PM
Sully, the Coaches never show us much love...they dnt care for us, now that we ballin...I think we blow out UNC, but Wake Forest will keep it close cause a part of me thinks these guys will be peeking towards FSU....hope I'm wrong, Go Canes
Posted by: DeeCane | October 13, 2013 at 02:39 PM
Yes Sir DeeCane.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 02:45 PM
Amazing how the polls work. ESPN has the heading for the article about the SEC slating record 8 teams in the AP top 25, and the coaches have four of them in the top 10 while the AP has 3 in the top 10. They regard the SEC so highly that they can keep losing and still be in the top 10 with lots of kudos. The only SEC team in the top team without a loss yet is Bama. LSU, Texas A&M, South Carolina....all have lost, yet all make the coaches 10 and two make the AP ten.
Now, exactly where is the article talking about 3 ACC teams being undefeated and in the top 10 (AP), which is quite impressive and would be a nice lead in an ESPN article to impress recruits and their families, if this were the direction they wanted to take. Marketing is a beautiful thing. I suppose next they'll start talking up SEC academics!?
Looking forward to Thursday night and then seeing how the FSU-Clemson game goes. Coin toss for me, as to who I'd like to see win. I know a few have commented on this already. On one hand, it'd be nice to have Clemson lose, the U beat FSU and then have the U be the highest rated ACC team going into the ACC championship (for those forgetting teams like VTech still need to be beaten). On the other hand, the U has always played better when feeling a lack of respect and not being ranked higher than their opponent. Also, the chance of leapfrogging up to a bigger championship game (assuming best case scenarios) would be better with a late season win vs. a very highly-ranked undefeated team in the conference championship (which could only happen vs. Clemson). Unfortunately our strength of schedule wasn't helped by FU or GT yesterday (especially with GT losing to BYU). Better for us to have UMich go down, as OSU has no strength of schedule with that loss.
None of the above really matters. The main thing is to see the U keep working out problems, avoiding injuries, cutting back turnovers and winning. If they do, there is nothing but pleasure left in this season.
BTW, nice p/u with Berrios. I'll be curious to see how the rest of the receiving corps pan out with the next recruiting class. I still expect to see Dixon there, but would love to see one more surprise.
Have a good Monday all.
Posted by: JCane | October 13, 2013 at 03:19 PM
Posted by: DeeCane | October 13, 2013 at 02:39 PM
Soup, give this guy the post about being optimistic!!!
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2013 at 03:22 PM
Now, exactly where is the article talking about 3 ACC teams being undefeated and in the top 10 (AP), which is quite impressive and would be a nice lead in an ESPN article to impress recruits and their families, if this were the direction they wanted to take. Marketing is a beautiful thing. I suppose next they'll start talking up SEC academics!?
PAGE 17, BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER? LOL
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 03:28 PM
I'll tell ya'll what, LSU has some WAR-DADDIES! at DT!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 04:05 PM
Soup, give this guy the post about being optimistic!!!
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 13, 2013 at 03:22 PM
Oh I'm optimistic, I'm also realistic...how many teams get caught peeking towards next game?? Clemson should have smoked BC but only won 24-14?? Cmon now, they were lookin towards Florida State...
Posted by: DeeCane | October 13, 2013 at 04:47 PM
Dee...I was impressed with BC yesterday. They appear to possibly be headed in the right direction as a coach/team?
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 04:58 PM
One of the coolest things I found early on is that studies conducted by positivity psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky point to things happy people do differently to increase their levels of happiness.
1. Express gratitude. -- When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. Kinda cool right? So basically, being grateful for the goodness that is already evident in your life will bring you a deeper sense of happiness. And that's without having to go out and buy anything. It makes sense. We're gonna have a hard time ever being happy if we aren't thankful for what we already have.
2.Cultivate optimism. -- Winners have the ability to manufacture their own optimism. No matter what the situation, the successful person is one who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it. They see failure only as an opportunity to grow and learn a new lesson from life. People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 05:09 PM
Dee, I don't believe in that lookin ahead crap. Once you start getting yo A$$ whooped in the first quarter you mean to tell me you still lookin ahead you have three quarters left to see the team in front of yo face and to fight back. Take Clemson for example, you telling me BC smacked em in da mouf in the first quarter and they was still lookin to fsu while getting smacked? After the first quarter fsu might not even matter no mo.
I do believe in having bad games and being overrated tho!
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2013 at 05:10 PM
^^^^^
Also its called making a PREDICTION not being realistic
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2013 at 05:11 PM
No matter what the situation, the successful person is one who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it.
^^^^^^^^
This needs to be posted everyday!!!
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2013 at 05:14 PM
Great stuff Soup.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 05:17 PM
Beat the Tar Heels.
Posted by: LB | October 13, 2013 at 05:49 PM
We will whip UNC by 24+
Posted by: BEERicane | October 13, 2013 at 05:55 PM
^ that is me being pessimistic
Posted by: BEERicane | October 13, 2013 at 05:56 PM
This needs to be posted everyday!!!
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 13, 2013 at 05:14 PM
OK, I can do that!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 13, 2013 at 06:19 PM
Thanks Soup!!
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2013 at 06:28 PM
Talk about lack of respect, the Canes open up their status as a top 10 team as only a 7.5 point favorite against one of the worst teams in the Coastal Division, UNC. I think the Canes should play with a chip on their shoulder because respect is most enjoyable when earned.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | October 13, 2013 at 06:29 PM
DeeCane, I don't think Clemson was lookin' ahead, that's just BC's M.O..
Were we lookin' ahead to KSU when we played BC last year?
Was FSU lookin' ahead to Maryland when they played BC this year?
Like I said, that's just BC's M.O....they give these faster teams a game for a quarter, and then the thoroughbreds run away in quarters 2 thru 4.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 06:30 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bB1bliVwQE
Posted by: KYcane | October 13, 2013 at 07:29 PM
BREAKING...THIS JUST IN:
Tom Brady is above average.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 07:52 PM
Soup Tom Terrific Is the best of this generation. I hate the Pats but I have to keep it real.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 08:11 PM
Peyton is the GOAT. And his brother owns Tom.
Posted by: BEERicane | October 13, 2013 at 08:13 PM
Plus I think people quickly forget just how great Kurt Warner was.
Posted by: BEERicane | October 13, 2013 at 08:14 PM
Being a Fins fan I hate Brady, the Pats and their coach more than anything. But good is good and Brady is WAY better than good.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 08:18 PM
LOL Beericane thats comical. Peyton Manning is not better than Brady that statement is pure comedy hahaha.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 08:38 PM
Clinton Portis talking to the team. Good stuff.
http://youtu.be/pz0zSOUYQkg
Posted by: CaneFan47 | October 13, 2013 at 08:45 PM
Your "what if" is right NOW.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 09:11 PM
I was kinda shocked to hear NE won, I stopped watching the game after Brady threw that last INT. WHAT HAPPENED?!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 09:29 PM
PLEASE! read this Ermon Lane and Dalvin Cook. This $hit ain't gettin' no better next year LMAO! Muschump got beat with HIS OWN BAT LMAO! PHUCK DA GATORS:
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Deep in the noisy bowels of Tiger Stadium, Gators linebacker Michael Taylor was in no mood to point fingers following No. 22 Florida’s 17-6 loss to No. 6 LSU.
“We didn’t hold them enough,” the junior said. “That’s the bottom line.”
Is it though?
Florida’s defense — ranked No. 2 nationally in total defense entering Saturday’s showdown — limited a potent Tigers offense to a season-low 327 yards and 17 points.
LSU’s gun-slinging quarterback Zach Mettenberger completed just nine passes for 152 yards with no touchdowns and one inexplicable fumble.
The Gators’ defensive line struggled to get off blocks and slow down LSU tailback Jeremy Hill (121 yards), but the unit surrendered just 17 points in a hostile environment.
It wasn’t enough, though. Again.
Despite holding a conference opponent under 20 points for the 13th consecutive game, Florida lost for the fourth time in the Will Muschamp era when its suffocating defense yielded 17 points or less.
In those four losses — including Saturday — the Gators have scored zero touchdowns and totaled just 33 points.
“We didn’t create enough explosives down the field, and a lot of that was we couldn’t get rid of the football,” Muschamp said. “We were under duress as far as pressure is concerned. There’s no question it’s a huge concern as we move forward.”
The Gators waltzed into Death Valley with their efficiently dull offense, but their methodical attack was no match against a young, fast and aggressive LSU defense.
Florida — especially its offensive line — wilted facing LSU’s relentless pressure, conceding four sacks, eight tackles for loss and six registered quarterback hurries.
Florida tallied its fewest yards (240) since the blowout victory over South Carolina (183) last season. The Gators didn’t score a touchdown for the first time since the loss to Georgia in 2012.
“It seems like we’ve messed up twice this year on the same stuff,” wideout Trey Burton said. “We just got to find a way to get better.”
Quarterback Tyler Murphy — unsurprisingly — crashed back down to earth, but the redshirt junior was running for his life for much of the afternoon.
Ultimately, Florida was thoroughly dominated by a team using its own blueprint.
Muschamp’s brand of football: toughness, physicality and execution has proved futile against recent quality opponents. The Gators are just 1-4 in their last five games against ranked foes.
The throwback ground-and-pound philosophy is nice against Kentucky and Arkansas, but an inability to complete the most traditional 15-yard passes forces the Gators to play with a margin of error to dangerously small proportions.
“They were kind of forcing us to go [short] because they were pressuring and then when they didn’t pressure, they tried to keep everything in front of them. We tried to nickel and dime them,” Murphy said. “We had a few plays where we could have broke, but we just didn’t execute.”
Florida wasn’t undone by turnovers (none) or offensive penalties (two), it simply couldn’t block and generate explosive plays.
In an era of offensive explosions, UF’s punchless, “nickel and dime” unit continues to come up short and let down a championship-caliber defense.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 09:38 PM
All you Brady haters can keep quiet. Tom Brady is the greatest of his generation. Hes a winner and a fighter, And Eli can thank Tyree and Manningham for his superbowl wins...look at what Brady is accomplishing with the recivers he has and look how ba te giants look and the good recievers Eli has....
TB12=Greatest QB ever and just behind KEN DORSEY loll GO CANES!!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | October 13, 2013 at 09:42 PM
Peyton Manning is not better than Brady that statement is pure comedy hahaha.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 08:38 PM
Terrance...that is off base buddy.
It is DEBATEABLE as to who is good, better or best between the two. The way Manning is playing with Denver this year is simply remarkable. And we are not talking teams. or systems here we are talking pure talent and they BOTH have about equal amounts IMHO.
Posted by: SOUP | October 13, 2013 at 09:43 PM
TS please come with data before dismissing as comical.
Stats clearly show Peyton is superior, and this year he is pulling even further away
More MVPs!! More Pro-bowls. More 1st team all pros. More yards, More TDs, more game winning drives, more 4th quarter comebacks.
Brady just has more SBs, but it's been awhile since he's seen the Lombardi.
Peyton is better. And if SBs are your measuring stick, Marino was pure garbage.
Posted by: BEERicane | October 13, 2013 at 09:44 PM
Soup Willie nice comments about being positive. Agreed, stay that way every day. Just back from trip to Delaware...rain rain rain...all weekend. We went with friends husband a DJ....had a good time overall. Very tired long drive.
Posted by: VA Cane | October 13, 2013 at 09:44 PM
BeeriCane what is Brady record against Manning in the playoffs I will wait. LOL cats falling all in love with regular season stats but Peyton I wiz on myself in the Playoffs Manning gets more love than for his falling short when it matters. Peyton Manning is A-Rod regular season phenomenon post season choke artist. BeeriCane U da one said that Eli owns Tom so Tom owns Peyton hahaha. U play to win rings if its all about just stats only and winning dont matter then why have Super Bowls, National Champions, and other championships that end the season. What are they out there for?
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 09:55 PM
UpNorthCane I aint even a Pats fan but I recognize greatness when I see it. Just Like I aint a Heat fan but I recognize Lebron and Wade's greatness.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 09:57 PM
Soup my friend I look at a player's whole career not just one season. Cause Tom Terrific was amazing in 2007 just like Peyton is this season but I look at the whole career, Stats, Who are your teammates, post season success, head to head post season success, rings, etc. So Its a multitude of factors in my decision lol. Go Canes. Beat the Heels! 38-21 M-I-A-M-I
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 10:04 PM
PHUCK! Brady, Marino's the GOAT!
NO! QB in recent history carried a QB more than Him.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 10:08 PM
LOL CaneRock I didnt know Marino plays in this generation hahaha.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 13, 2013 at 10:09 PM
NO! QB in recent history carried a QB more than Him.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Correction: Carried a franchise more than Him.
And what did Brady do when He was handed all those weapons...NADA!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 13, 2013 at 10:09 PM