It was not easy.
It was not always pretty.
It was at times even a little scary and nerve racking.
When it was over all that mattered was the scoreboard read: UM 45 - GT 30.
Your Miami Hurricanes managed to ground and pound the pesky Yellow jackets into submission and get out of Sun Life Stadium with a much needed conference win.
With the 15 point victory Miami moved to sparkling 5-0 record on the season and moved to 1-0 in the ACC as they move forward right into the heart of their 2013 conference schedule.
The Hurricanes struggled early against the Yellow Jackets tricky triple option offense as Tech head coach Paul Johnson, who had lost four in a row to UM, reached deep into his bag-o-tricks and tried to confuse the Mark D'Onofrio led Miami defense.
Canesport's Gary Ferman reported on the WQAM post-game show that Johnson switched up his play calling by either running away from or throwing out of an overloaded (to one side) offensive line formation. According to Ferman it was apparently something that UM defensive coaches had not previously seen on tape or prepared for prior to the game.
But coach D'Onofrio ripped up his game plan and replaced it with several line shifts and run blitz packages to slow down if not completely shut down the rarely seen but always difficult to defend option offense.
The Jackets drove down the field in convincing fashion while eating up about 6 minutes of game clock to score on their first possesion to take a 7-0 lead. It was the first time Miami had trailed all season.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the ball, the high-octane UM offense took all of two plays and exactly 43 seconds to get their first score of the day on a bomb from Stephen Morris to Phillip Dorsett and it was game on.
However, four UM turnovers kept GT in the game a lot longer than they should have been as RB Duke Johnson fumbled once (again), Morris threw two interceptions and PR Phllip Dorsett had a momentary lapse of reason and committed an unforced error on a muffed a punt that the Yellow Jackets recovered.
The first half would end in a 17-17 tie and with many of the hometown fans nervously squirming in their seats. It wasn't just the scorching South Florida sun that was making Hurricane fans sweat it was the fact that their hopes for a first ever ACC title could possibly slip away at home to a team that came in as a five point underdog.
But the second half was a different story and UM head coach Al Golden made sure that the defensive adjustments coach D'Onofrio and his staff were working on would take hold in the later stages of the game and propel Miami to a comfortable margin of victory over GT.
After the game as the Canespace tailgating crew returned to their cars in the E5 parking lot there were mixed reviews and more looks of relief than anything else as 'Canes fans were just glad the game was over and that the ACC title dreams remained intact for another week.
The general consesnus was: "Wrap it up, we'll take it!"
1st!
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:11 AM
Dear Miami Herald, I do NOT need a pop-up ad EVERY time I click a link...thank you.
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:24 AM
Also, from the last blog. I wouldn't say PD4 is our #4 WR, to be honest it is pretty hard to pick 1-4, they can all be a #1 WR any given game and we're lucky to have such a talented group. My ONLY issues with the PR. Maybe he lights it up in practice and Coley muffs, IDK, but what I do know is in the games where it matters Coley seems a better option at PR...jmo of course
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:26 AM
By Jason Lieser
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Everyone wants to see Alabama take on Oregon’s rapid-fire offense, but the team most deserving of the chance to end the Crimson Tide’s championship run is Ohio State.
The Buckeyes are 18-0 in two seasons under coach Urban Meyer and have back-to-back wins over ranked teams. The latest was a 10-point victory on the road against the solid Northwestern Wildcats. The problem for Ohio State is that it likely will not face another quality opponent until the regular-season finale at Michigan.
Louisville has a similar problem, though it will be lucky if even one of its opponents is ranked by the end of the year.
Florida State and Miami look scarier each week, building the tension for their Nov. 2 showdown in Tallahassee. But at least one of them will have to take down Clemson, whether it is FSU next week or the Hurricanes in the conference title game.
LSU jumped ahead of Georgia this week, even though it lost to the Bulldogs 44-41 in Georgia a week ago. Aside from that game, which was nearly even, the Tigers have been more impressive and appear to be more worthy of a shot at the national title.
Here is how The Palm Beach Post’s Jason Lieser ranks the top 25 after Week 6:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/college-football/post-top-25-ohio-state-makes-case-as-top-threat-to/nbHWC/
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:27 AM
'Canes could be close to flipping USC commit
by Peter Ariz
Michael Wyche is not your average recruit. Standing at 6-4, 340-pounds, the mammoth defensive tackle recruit originally from Chesapeake, Virginia is making a name for himself at East LA Community College. Wyche is currently a USC commitment, but just the fact that he is wanted by division-1 schools is a story in itself.
"I have a challenged background. I was a drug dealer and a mentor got a hold of me and turned my life around and I ended up going back to public school. I just took off and I went to junior college because I was just starting to do good. I've been out here for two years and I graduate for December. My parents aren't in my life anymore because my father is in prison and my mother just passed away in February," said Wyche.
Most prospects who take the Junior College route think of it as an annoyance towards their ultimate goals, but Wyche does not see it that way.
“I feel like Junior College players are very special because we go through a lot that people don't see and it's very, very scary. Sometimes you don't know what you're going to eat the next day or you're only eating one meal a day. You gotta pay for everything and you're not on scholarship."
Wyche’s troubled past fuels him to become better each and every day.
"I stay way more focused because my mentor showed me about being successful and I like going to school. It's better than selling drugs and using guns any day. It really turned my life around and it's more out there than Chesapeake, Virginia. I love going to school, making good grades, and playing football."
The JUCO prospect with three sacks this season described the status of his commitment to USC.
"I committed to USC on May 2nd, but I'm looking at other options I'll just say that."
USC’s roller coaster of a season, which includes the firing of Head Coach Lane Kiffin, has opened the door for other programs. Enter Miami, who was been on Wyche for about a month and a half.
"Oh man, it was a dream come true and I never thought I'd be in this situation. I'm just blessed to have the opportunity to meet somebody like Coach Golden and Coach Jethro Franklin. They're very good guys and players' coaches. After I seen them beat Florida, I saw Al Golden applauding the fans and getting there in the stands with them like he was a player, it really made me feel good that they have something going on over there that I would love to be apart of."
Is Miami Wyche’s current leader?
"If I wasn't to go to USC, Miami is the school I would really consider strongly."
Wyche speaks very highly of Al Golden and Jethro Franklin, who are the two main coaches recruiting him to Miami.
"They're real and they understand me. They're willing to listen to their players, not taking anything away from USC because they're a wonderful staff, but me and Coach Jethro Franklin have got something in common as far as he's been to Junior College and he knows the struggle going through the system."
http://www.canesinsight.com/content/2075-Canes-could-be-close-to-flipping-USC-commit?
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:29 AM
Miami squarely in the mix for Rudolph
by Peter Ariz
There have been countless rumors surrounding the recruitment of Cardinal Newman wide receiver Travis Rudolph. Some people will tell you that Florida has been the longstanding leader, while others say Florida State has made a push into his top spot, but Rudolph denies any of that talk.
“Really there is no school that’s leading. Schools in the mix are Florida State, Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, and a couple other schools that are just off the top of my head,” said Rudolph.
Rudolph has been using his official visits to check out some out of state choices.
“I just took officials to Tennessee and Ohio State because I had never been there and I’ll probably go see a couple more out of state schools too.”
The Florida Gators have had Rudolph’s attention for a while now as well.
“From day one when I first landed on campus, I just always had a good vibe with them.”
The playmaking receiver was committed to Miami at this time last year before some confusion with the coaching staff as to which position he would play at Miami. Rudolph prefers to play receiver and says those concerns have been cleared up.
“Everything has been addressed with me and the coaching staff and everything is good with them.”
Miami has made a move recently with the Palm Beach product.
“I’ve been getting a real good vibe from them. I’m hearing from all their coaches like every other day. I have bloodlines through Miami and that’s a big reason they’re up there for me. They’re building the program and are one heck of a team.”
One of the “bloodlines” for Rudolph and Miami is his father, who is a big ‘Canes fan.
“He loves the ‘Canes (laughs). I honestly feel like he would prefer for me to go there than any other college, but he does tell me that he’ll support me 100% wherever I decide.”
Rudolph isn’t surprised by Miami’s 5-0 start.
http://www.canesinsight.com/content/2074-Miami-squarely-in-the-mix-for-Rudolph
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:32 AM
According to Rivals Trayone Gray wants to play QB at UM...hmmmmmm
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:39 AM
IDK if it matters at all, but our of Berrios top 5 only Miami and TN have a bye week this week. I think it is strange to make your announcement on a Saturday in the middle of the season at noon lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:42 AM
According to 247 Barrow is the 11th best recruiter in the nation with Coley coming in at 13th.
http://247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/CompositeCoachRankings
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:45 AM
Saw trayon gray play and score two TDs. I really like him. The Canes really recruit well and they offer the best players and don't follow the star gazers. Gray can be very good at several positions but I don't see him as a QB. Same can be said for Treon Harris. Great athlete but will not start over Olsen or Kaaya. The coaches are very honest.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | October 08, 2013 at 07:29 AM
IDK if it matters at all, but our of Berrios top 5 only Miami and TN have a bye week this week. I think it is strange to make your announcement on a Saturday in the middle of the season at noon lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:42 AM
NOT a fan.
Posted by: SOUP | October 08, 2013 at 07:32 AM
Tampa
Posted by: SOUP | October 08, 2013 at 07:32 AM
SOUP..Not a Berrios fan or a fan of his timing? lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 07:46 AM
SMDH...Scout has Bethel listed as a "Soft Verbal" lol..some of these people have no clue lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 08:16 AM
The Dude, Golden would be perfect for Texas. However as of now he is not one of their preferred candidates. Saban is number one, with a lot of mention in Austin of Boise State's and Texas A&M's coaches. That said, Miami should give him a healthy raise before seasons end.
Posted by: TonyCane | October 08, 2013 at 08:27 AM
9:03 AM That's late. Apparently the Viagra guy had a hard time getting up this morning
Posted by: Old Skool | October 08, 2013 at 09:35 AM
http://dpdsdogs.com/ncaa/streaks.htm
Posted by: Hassan | October 08, 2013 at 09:39 AM
SOUP..Not a Berrios fan or a fan of his timing? lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 07:46 AM
-----------------------------------------
It better be the latter. Lol
Also, Berrios is announcing now because he graduates in December and will be an EE. He wanted to get it over ASAP after he took all his visits.
Honestly, I think he wanted the free trips to different places and wants to hurry and commit to Canes. JMO
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2013 at 09:42 AM
9:03 AM That's late. Apparently the Viagra guy had a hard time getting up this morning
Posted by: Old Skool | October 08, 2013 at 09:35 AM
--------------------------------------------
Hahhahahahahaah!! Well done, Old Skool. Well done.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2013 at 09:43 AM
I must of been slacking..there was over 1000 spam comments to delete lol..
Ohio, I do think he ends up a Cane, but I do think TN and Oregon are real threats. I don't remember the details, but I know Pete Ariz had an article and I guess Berrios whole family are Canes fans and he has family in Florida etc. I just HATE when kids talk about it as the dream school and then get an offer only to do nothing with it lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 09:48 AM
From Ariz..
2014 Leesville Road (NC) WR Braxton Berrios got a call yesterday that he had been waiting almost his entire life for, as his childhood favorite Miami offered him.
“I’m in Atlanta at the lake with a bunch of my family so I was actually on the lake at a friends’ place and I was talking to Coach Scott and Coach Carroll through Messenger and then I called Coach Scott and he told me to call Coach Carroll and he ended up offering me and it was a great feeling. I’ve had a great week with the opening, now I’m with family, and then I got that phone call so it’s amazing,” said Berrios.
After winning camp MVP for his position group back in June, Berrios did not receive the offer. Why did the staff wait until now to pull the trigger?
“I was going to ask, but I ended up not getting around to it. What he did say was that he kept reiterating to Coach Golden that he wanted me and that finally Coach Golden said go get him.”
Berrios still has family who live in the South Florida area and his father, Rafael, was born and grew up in Miami.
“My dad was standing right next to me and I told him that I was calling Coach Carroll and I thought they were about to offer me. He walked outside with me and he was excited to hear it because he knows what I know that I’ve loved the school throughout the process. He was ecstatic because it’s been his team since he was alive and the rest of my family freaked out when he told them. It’s amazing that it’s an option now and I can’t say that I haven’t been waiting for it because I’ve always had dreams about it. By no means is it a done deal, but everybody knows it’s a huge offer and that I love the ‘Canes.”
The shifty slot receiver had previously stated that Miami would be seriously considered if they offered, and he reiterated that.
“I have no numbers with any of my top schools, but they are in it. Obviously everybody knows that's my childhood team. They’re in the top schools for sure and they’ll be in it ‘til the end. I haven’t thought about committing anywhere yet so I don’t want to freak anybody out.”
Berrios has had a timetable for a commitment for a while, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t necessarily happen earlier.
“I’ve always said late-September, early-October. That’s really to give some room for some official visits and I’ll see how the rest of the summer plays out. If I don’t need that time then I’ll go ahead and commit, but I think I need the rest of the summer to figure some stuff out.”
Something else going in Miami’s favor with Berrios is the relationship that he has built with QB commit Brad Kaaya, who first reached out to Braxton about a month ago.
“It’s huge. We had a good weekend at The Opening and we were hanging out a lot just messing around and talking, not necessarily about Miami of football all the time, just as boys. I know they’ve taken a few quarterbacks, but regardless he’s a great one and I don’t see anyone beating him out in our class.”
After running a 3.81 20-yard shuttle time and posting one of the top SPARQ scores in the nation, Berrios has become a national name.
“That’s what I was going after when I came out to The Opening. I wasn’t going after Nike gear or a free trip to Oregon. I was going after respect and I’ve always really felt that I’ve never gotten it. I’ve always felt there was nobody that I’ve seen that is head above heels better than me and that there wasn’t a DB who could shut me down. I think I did get it and that was the perfect stage to get it. I don’t know what’s going to happen over the next month because of it, but regardless I got it.
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 09:52 AM
Of course that was back in July lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 09:53 AM
Michael Wyche is not your average recruit. Standing at 6-4, 340-pounds
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:29 AM
----------------------------------------
Somewhere, VA Cane is jumping up and down, screaming "PLEASE PICK THE U!!!"
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2013 at 10:37 AM
Berrios: Just released his Final 5: Kentucky, Miami, Oregon, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
UMike is correct, Oregon and TN are the only 2 threats.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Soup another 5 star article my man. Yes Dorsett, Duke, and Morris gonna have to clean up the turnovers not cool. Glad we were able to win and keep our ACC title dreams alive. Had a blast with my CaneSpace Fam and cant wait to do it again. Go Canes Beat UNC.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 08, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Is anyone going to the Duke game?
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 11:21 AM
We have seen the kid a little around here, heard he had some issues then heard he was a JUCO. Ohio, I am doing that right now PICK THE U!!!!!!! Sure hope we can get him; know a coach/mentor who played at my HS who coaches down there, he's like my big brother. He says the kids up side is limitless!!!!!
Berrios.....Oregon for sure is a threat....but again I have to ask...who the hell would want to go to UT? Saw a game there when they were good, when Tony Robinson QB'd them in 80s. They are terrible now, not much in last few years....but does that sound familiar?
Posted by: VA Cane | October 08, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Kaaya may be strong commit maybe not. I hope so, but I do not get too wrapped up in these things. I try to remember they are kids with dreams...nothing wrong with dreaming, and they can change. Seems like he and Berrios are great kids hope they come, but good luck to them regardless of where they go....only want to beat them if we play them....but I always want to beat everybody.
Dude I see you 110%. You have to line em up, knock em down one at a time in order. Each week is a different challenge of a different type, but each rock is a part of the mountain we must conquer. I agree on Morris, as well, he has to lead this team. I like him a lot, and want him and these kids to have a special season....so far so good.
I cannot express how proud I am of these kids, they really have turned the corner. They play so hard, never complain, never quit. It is such a contrast to Clappy and RS UM teams, I honestly despised individuals for their lack of effort, character, focus, intensity and heart. Those years were nightmares, yet seem so removed now. The best thing we ever did was get rid of Clappy and Onion, good people bad leaders of young men on the field. I think AG has made a difference; they play for him, and I think there is some fear of him....you know the old Machiavelli twist....is it better to be loved or feared....the answer of course is some of both!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | October 08, 2013 at 11:52 AM
VA..I think a recruit at a UT game with the atmosphere and SEC hype can be influenced lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 11:58 AM
perhaps a little SEC $$$$$$$$$ too huh UMike!!!!! LOL
Posted by: VA Cane | October 08, 2013 at 12:20 PM
VA..even if that isnt the case, a 17yo visiting a stadium with 100K people and in a city/state where college football is everything..it can impress a kid lol..but a little pocket change never hurt lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 12:25 PM
Matt Porter @mattyports 42s
Fun with numbers: 53 percent of Allen Hurns' 383 receiving yards have come after the catch. 10.2 YAC per reception. http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2013/10/08/report-card-grading-the-hurricanes-after-45-30-win-over-georgia-tech/ …
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2013 at 12:33 PM
"I have a challenged background. I was a drug dealer and a mentor got a hold of me and turned my life around and I ended up going back to public school. I just took off and I went to junior college because I was just starting to do good. I've been out here for two years and I graduate for December. My parents aren't in my life anymore because my father is in prison and my mother just passed away in February," said Wyche.
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 06:29 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^ UMike, WE BACK!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2013 at 12:33 PM
According to HurricaneSports.com there are only 8427 tickets remaining for the Wake Forest. I wont be able to make that game and will make sure that 4 Canes fans will be in my seats. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 08, 2013 at 12:41 PM
hahaha CR
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 12:47 PM
VA..I think a recruit at a UT game with the atmosphere and SEC hype can be influenced lol
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 11:58 AM
****************************************
Butch "Rocky Top" Jones is a good coach and won't be long before he beats the likes of Florida and Georgia....
Posted by: raizecane | October 08, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Matt Porter @mattyports 3m
More fun with numbers: 51 percent of Miami's receiving yards have come after the catch (701 of 1,374).
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2013 at 01:10 PM
Raize..I agree, he is already doing a great job in recruiting as well.
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2013 at 01:15 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^ UMike, WE BACK!
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2013 at 12:33 PM
I hope they know what they are doing!!! I cannot go through another Willie Williams saga!!
Go 'canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 08, 2013 at 01:22 PM
I hope they know what they are doing!!! I cannot go through another Willie Williams saga!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 08, 2013 at 01:22 PM
PLEASE!
Those great UM teams of the past weren't exactly filled with "choir boys"! EVERY! major CFB team in America takes on kids with backgrounds like Michael Wyche's.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2013 at 01:56 PM
I think we have seen Coach G knows what he is doing....And he also has not probelm letting a kid go.
I mean how many 6'4" and 340+ guys do we get a shot?
Posted by: LA3 | October 08, 2013 at 02:17 PM
SOUP I WILL BE AT THE WAKE FOREST GAME...JUST LETTING U KNOW,TRYING TO GET BACK INTO CANE NATION
Posted by: canezilla | October 08, 2013 at 02:22 PM
EVERY! major CFB team in America takes on kids with backgrounds like Michael Wyche's.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2013 at 01:56 PM
I agree, but most of those kids have not been convicted yet!!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 08, 2013 at 02:35 PM
I think we have seen Coach G knows what he is doing....
Posted by: LA3 | October 08, 2013 at 02:17 PM
Don't confuse "knowing what you're doing", with "knowing EVERYTHING that's going on". And I agree, AG doesn't have a problem letting kids go, but letting guys like Finnie and EJ44 go was a no-brainer. It is what it is.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2013 at 03:04 PM
http://m.cbssports.com/s/36901/51?leagueAbbr=NCAAF&arena=College%20Football&linkId=24051113&teamId=836&linkType=content&articleId=24051238&leagueId=56&platform=webApp
Hmm
Posted by: laquinton | October 08, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Posted by: laquinton | October 08, 2013 at 03:34 PM
"Who else would have lured Teddy Bridgewater from Miami to Louisville, Ky.?"
I hope that was a rhetorical question.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2013 at 04:06 PM
^^^ I too think that Golden is a smart guy...he'll smart enough to stick around and get us a NC... he knows it not a fluke where Miami is now and that the U's the place to gather a couple of NC's under his belt... then maybe, if he really needs the money, he'll leave for the NFL.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 08, 2013 at 04:08 PM
^^^JMO
Posted by: CalgaryCane | October 08, 2013 at 04:08 PM
I was never sold on Teddy B. Im taking Morris over all the QBS in 2013 . He has everything and doesnt make man mistakes or make one guy his go to guy. Texas aint coming for Golden at all.
Posted by: laquinton | October 08, 2013 at 06:57 PM
to summarize a CFL powerhouse that peaked won a title played for another and then the following:
coach relaxed, relied on the name verus working hard
recruits walked in 5 stars, thinking the uniform would equal wins
talent wasn't coached up. No development.
players went from 1st round locks to undrafted or late round picks.
in conference losses to teams they beat with their eyes closed.
embarrasing out of conferences losses.
restless fan base
HC fire assistant in response
fan base question strength and conditioning of team.
You're thinking The U the last 10 years right? No UT football.
I'm in Texas and their program's demise is amazingly similar to the U's. Mack Brown is is a desperate position. UT are massive and will get the money to turn this around in 2-3 years but they are The U a decade ago right now
N
Posted by: USAFCane | October 08, 2013 at 07:06 PM