Can 'Canes Beat Duke Without Duke?

There is no doubt that last year University of Miami running back Duke Johnson won at least three games for the Miami Hurricanes all by himself.

There were also probably at least one or two games last season that UM quarterback Stephen Morris won by himself by his incredible late game heroics.

Now that Duke Johnson is done for 2013 with the fractured ankle he suffered aginst VT the question that many Miami Hurricane fans are asking this week is:

Can Miami beat Duke without Duke?

It will take an incredible effort by Morris and the UM offense to win the game.

It will take a much improved and inspired effort on defense to get it done.

And I think that Miami can, and will, get it done.

Canespace Prediction: Miami 30 - Duke 27.

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No. 24 Miami Taking Upbeat Approach Into Duke Week

Comments

[TonyCane]

The Rock!

[Da U N Houston]

2? Dang

[Keoki]

Coley & TH3 get it done Saturday!
F'Duke!
GO CANES!!!

[The Dude]

I must be questionable?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Go Canes! Beat Duke!

[Meast]

http://t.co/w74ZqseuYy

Miami Herald link talking about the Hurricanes defense and former players with their opinions.

As some of you know, I'm on the "we don't have enough talent" side. Both sides do bring up great points

[IraqiCane]

6th.
GO CANES!!!

[Canesteeler]

Talent is lacking to go along with coaching.

[nemo2002]

Sure we can! Ain't no doubt about it!

[SOUP]

JUST WIN BABY!!!

[SOUP]

Oh and BTW...eat rocks.

Duke beat VT on the road.

We can't beat VT at home.

[jsy]

If this defense struggles against duke and makes Boone lookl like an all American, will ppl still cont to say its bc we lack talent? Bc seriously when all is said and done it's duke and there is no way anyone can say with a straight face that our talent is not superior. But Im afraid even if we struggle at duke fans will still say we lack talent

[WWIN]

Posted by: CaneRock | November 14, 2013 at 07:03 PM

Lol

[WWIN]

As some of you know, I'm on the "we don't have enough talent" side. Both sides do bring up great points

Posted by: Meast | November 14, 2013 at 10:24 PM

The best point is this, we don't have the talent we want but we have MORE TALENT than the teams we playing

[Terrance Sullivan]

Our Canes better win no excuses!

[TonyCane]

Absolutely. Regardless of Duke's record, on paper they have the weakest roster (by virtue of recruiting rankings) of any team left on Miami's schedule. Just one four star player.

[CGNC]

"“Coach can’t fix the bad tackling. I know we like to blame everything on coaches, but it boils down to the players. "

Well how about work, work and more work and if the player can't tackle better, next man up. If the next guy can't tackle, well there is a problem.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Well said CGNC!

[CGNC]

LOL Terrance. You know as well as I do that "bad tackling" would not fly with Saban at Bama. It would get fixed or else.

[TonyCane]

Where Miami fell behind.

Four Star Players Recruited:

2002: UM 15, FSU 14, UF 8
2003: UM 10, FSU 8, UF 9
2004: UM 10, FSU 16, UF 11
2005: UM 11, FSU 13, UF 8
2006: UM 11, FSU 18, UF 17
2007: UM 7, FSU 7, UF 16
2008: UM 15, FSU 13, UF 12
2009: UM 9, FSU 10, UF 9
2010: UM 6, FSU 8, UF 18
2011: UM 2, FSU 13, UF 11
2012: UM 8, FSU 10, UF 11
2013: UM 9, FSU 9, UF 14
2014: UM 12, FSU 10, UF 10

Five Star Players Recruited:
2002: UM 2, FSU 6, UF 1
2003: UM 3, FSU 1, UF 5
2004: UM 3, FSU 1, UF 1
2005: UM 2, FSU 3, UF 0
2006: UM 0, FSU 2, UF 4
2007: UM 1, FSU 0, UF 4
2008: UM 2, FSU 2, UF 4
2009: UM 1, FSU 2, UF 3
2010: UM 1, FSU 2, UF 4
2011: UM 0, FSU 2, UF 0
2012: UM 2, FSU 3, UF 3
2013: UM 0, FSU 2, UF 2
2014: UM 0, FSU 0, UF 0

Following the recruiting trends three things emerge:

1) The arrival of Urban Meyer coincided with a downturn in Miami's overall recruiting.

2) Florida is underperforming badly when you look at the numbers.

3) The overall numbers of four star players recruited by the Big 3 fell somewhat in recent years. And it was not just Miami. FSU's total number of four star players is down as well from several years ago. All three schools saw some drop off from the high period of the mid 2000s. Miami suffered the worst - the question is - who benefited?

Four Star Players Recruited (Miami, FSU, UF, USF, Alabama, and LSU):

2002: Big 3 37, USF 0, AL 4, LSU 10
2003: Big 3 27, USF 0, AL 4, LSU 17
2004: Big 3 37, USF 2, AL 4, LSU 12
2005: Big 3 32, USF 1, AL 6, LSU 7
2006: Big 3 46, USF 1, AL 10, LSU 12
2007: Big 3 30, USF 0, AL 10, LSU 19
2008: Big 3 40, USF 2, AL 19, LSU 11
2009: Big 3 28, USF 6, AL 14, LSU 11
2010: Big 3 32, USF 2, AL 15, LSU 15
2011: Big 3 26, USF 1, AL 14, LSU 9
2012: Big 3 29, USF 2, AL 14, LSU 9
2013: Big 3 32, USF 2, AL 13, LSU 15
2014: Big 3 32, USF 2, AL 15, LSU 9

[Terrance Sullivan]

CGNC yep it wouldn't fly with Saban, Meyer, Miles, Jimbo, Shaw, etc.

[TonyCane]

It doesn't take a genius to see this, but Alabama's rise is whittling down (slightly) the collective pool of 4 star athletes that Miami, FSU, and UF are recruiting from.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Our Miami Hurricanes have had 6 offensive coordinators since we joined the ACC in July 1, 2004. Dan Werner for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Rich Olsen for the 2006 season, Pat Nix for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Mark Whipple for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Jedd Fisch for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and now James Coley for the 2013 season. Lawd Have Mercy! What a dumpster fire we change out OC's like we change our Drawers.

[herbieibis]

It also doesn't take a genius to see why Bama, consistently has been playing for the ship. This is why stars do matter, especially if you bring in enough of them and the other teams aren't. Bottom line our problem is to many c type players = average play. Our former players are split, somewhat on Deno and his lame schemes but they all agree, we stink talent wise on the Dee-line & at LB and you compound that with poor tackling and we all have seen what the end result has been. We have 3 maybe 4 LB's coming and none are rated 4 stars. Yes a miracle can happen and maybe 1 of them will turn out to play like a 5 star but we haven't been that lucky in a long time.

[herbieibis]

Terrance and you can add that many D-Coordinators.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Herb yep we have had 5 DC's in that time with Shannon, Young, Walton, Lovett, D'No.

[TonyCane]

Stars matter. Here's a comparison between the defensive classes right after the 2001 championship and the last three years:

Defensive Back:
2002-04: 3 five-star, 6 four-star, 5 three-star
2011-13: 1 five-star, 3 four-star, 8 three-star

Linebacker:
2002-04: 1 five-star, 4 four-star, 4 three-star
2011-13: 0 five-star, 2 four-star, 8 three-star

Defensive End/Defensive Tackle
2002-04: 0 five-star, 8 four-star, 5 three-star
2011-13: 0 five-star, 5 four-star, 8 three-star

[TonyCane]

On the other hand, Golden is much closer Coker on offense in the same time period, and in some cases better.

Quarterback:
2002-04: 1 five-star, 1 four-star
2011-13: 0 five-star, 1 four-star, 3 three-star

Wide Receiver:
2002-04: 1 five-star, 2 four-star, 1 three-star
2011-13: 0 five-star, 3 four-star, 1 three-star

Running Back:
2002-04: 0 five-star, 3 four-star, 1 three-star
2011-13: 1 five-star, 1 four-star, 3 three-star

[Terrance Sullivan]

Good stuff TonyCane.

[nemo2002]

STARS MATTER

JC Shurburtt, the national recruiting director for 247Sports, said he understands why UM fans are upset about giving up 42 points to a Virginia Tech offense that isn’t very good statistically. But he doesn’t blame UM defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio’s scheme.

“If you want an example of a program that has recruited its way back to prominence it is Florida State,” Shurburtt said. “Miami can definitely do the same thing. Right now there’s just a talent deficiency and lack of depth on the overall roster. There’s no doubt Miami’s a much better football team. But FSU has been at this, they’ve gone through it over the last five years from being an ACC runner-up to ACC champion to national championship contender.

“You’ve got to stack great recruiting class upon great class upon great class to be back. That’s what Alabama and Florida State have done. Miami is really just getting started now.”

Read more here: Miami Hurricanes’ focus centered on foundation
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/15/3754272/miami-hurricanes-focus-centered.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

Mark D’Onofrio has become the most scrutinized figure in the UM football program, not unlike other past coordinators here whose units frustrated fans with inconsistent play: from Patrick Nix, to Mark Whipple to Tim Walton, who now runs the St. Louis Rams’ 17th-ranked defense.

So the criticism is predictable. What’s noteworthy is the divergent opinions of D’Onofrio’s work offered by people who have played the game.

Not surprisingly, several UM players have been effusive in their praise of D’Onofrio this week, after his Hurricanes defense was pulverized for 1066 yards the past two games. “He calls great games,” cornerback Tracy Howard said. “Outside people don’t know football.”

Even after leaving the program, former UM cornerback Brandon McGee, now with the Rams, has strongly defended D’Onofrio, saying his system was sound and blaming defensive shortcomings on the players.

Meanwhile, three prominent former Canes defensive players weighed in on D’Onofrio this week, with opinions varying.

Defensively, UM is being “outcoached every week,” former Canes and NFL cornerback Duane Starks ranted on WQAM’s postgame show. “Out-coached! Out-coached! They’re predictable. There’s no disguising…. It’s embarrassing! I would get rid of some people.”

Starks said Virginia Tech “knew we were blitzing the weak-side linebacker. That’s why you saw wide open receivers. FSU did the same thing, put a guy on the right side and dragged him across the field where the blitzing linebacker can’t pick him up. When you have a receiver or running back making the catch with no one around him, that’s when you know you are being outcoached.

“They ran the same predictable things. If I’m the head coach, I’m saying, ‘Let’s switch this up. Let’s surprise somebody. We’re not defending the screen.’ We see it. You see it. Do something about it! I’m pissed! We have the talent. If you can’t coach good talent, there’s a problem.”

But that last point is where others would disagree. One standout former UM defensive player said the talent is simply not good enough, especially at linebacker. Remember, five of UM’s front-seven starters were three or two-star recruits. Safety Deon Bush clearly is diminished after offseason groin surgery.

UM hasn’t had a defensive All-American since Brandon Meriweather and Kelly Jennings in 2005.

“I like his scheme, but he doesn’t have the personnel to run it as well as he would like,” said the former Canes standout defensive player who asked that his name not be used because he’s close to the program.

“Linebacker is the biggest problem. Aside from Denzel Perryman, these guys are not [major BCS program] level. The linebackers have to cover the backs, and the middle is always open. It’s poor coverage. The safeties can’t tackle and they’re out of position. They can’t get away with playing a three-man line against good teams because the line isn’t that good.”

The player said he believes D’Onofrio is generally a good coach but has a few quibbles. He said UM should play more bump-and-run coverage because “that’s the way to re-route the receivers.” He said the defensive line is stunting too much. That’s a maneuver designed to confuse offenses but leaves the defense vulnerable.

He questioned why the defensive ends often switch sides between plays. “Why aren't we set [often enough] before plays? Virginia Tech ran a play on us and we were barely out of the huddle. That's embarrassing.

"They should have put a spy on [Virginia Tech quarterback] Logan Thomas. And we don’t blitz enough. I don’t see delayed blitzes.”

He also said the defense “seems burned out and out of gas…. But you can’t blame the poor tackling on D’Onofrio or [Al] Golden.”

Meanwhile, former UM All-American safety Bennie Blades defended D’Onofrio and blames the players primarily.

“I think D’Onofrio does a decent job,” said Blades, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame who was previously defensively coordinator at Piper High in Broward. “Coach can’t fix the bad tackling. I know we like to blame everything on coaches, but it boils down to the players. What we’re missing is unblockable defensive linemen. We haven't had a Russell Maryland or Cortez Kennedy or Jerome Brown in a few years. I’m not overly impressed with the safety play.

“I want to see a lot more blitzing, but if you don’t have that corner who can play man to man on a consistent basis, you can’t do much blitzing. The players are not maximizing their ability, but you have to put that more on the players. The onus is on them.”

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/11/former-canes-players-assess-donofrio-incognito-reaches-out-to-fins-fins-heat.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

On a two-game losing skid and with a tough road test Saturday afternoon against much-improved Duke (7-2, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), things might not be going in the right direction for the slumping 23rd-ranked Hurricanes.

But off the field, coach Al Golden has continued building his best recruiting class to date. And analysts say Miami’s list of 28 pledges is loaded with enough talented linemen that fans won’t be complaining about the defense for much longer.

“Getting [Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle] Anthony Moten to commit [Wednesday night] was the cherry on top of a really impressive defensive line haul,” said Chris Nee, who covers Florida State and serves as the state of Florida’s recruiting analyst for 247Sports.com

“Although they improved on the defensive line this year with those transfers, the depth still isn’t there. I think that’s why when games wear on teams take advantage of them. It’s not about having 11 players, but really 22 or 32 they can rely upon every Saturday. That’s what they’ve done with this class. They’ve gotten guys that will help them next year and in three to four years, too.”

Charles Fishbein of EliteScoutingServices said Moten (the highest rated of UM’s five defensive tackle commitments according to Rivals) and Hialeah Champagnat’s Travonte Valentine (6-3, 286) are legit NFL prospects who will come in with enough size and polish to contribute right away. Nee believes Booker T. Washington defensive end Chad Thomas (6-5, 250) and junior college defensive tackle Michael Wyche (6-4, 330) are also key players among UM’s eight defensive lineman commitments who should also make an instant impact.

“Moten has played a lot since the ninth grade, can put pressure on the quarterback, play inside or out in the 3-4 [formation],” Fishbein said. “I think the last two years UM started doing a nice job improving its back four with Tracy [Howard], Deon Bush and Artie Burns. Now, it’s the front four they’re really addressing.”

Before UM climbed all the way up to seventh in the BCS rankings and began its free fall, Golden had been saying for weeks the program still lacked the depth it needed.

“Look if you’ve got to go get kids from other schools in May and June [defensive line transfers David Gilbert and Justin Renfrow] you’re not where you want to be,” he said Monday. “We’re still trying to develop depth. Nobody wanted to listen to me five, six, seven weeks ago. We’re not back. We’re building.

“We finally got the [NCAA] gloves off and we get to go fight a fair fight. We’re going to go fight a fair fight. In the interim, we’re going to keep developing these guys, keep moving the program forward.”

Nee said Golden did a good job in his first three recruiting classes landing talented blue-chip recruits like running back Duke Johnson and Howard. But negative recruiting from the NCAA investigation by other programs “definitely hurt them,” and at times forced Canes coaches to take early commitments from players who otherwise probably wouldn’t be at Miami.

“In the end, you have to get kids in there, take bodies to build depth,” Nee said. “This class is different. The top 10, 12, 15 of this next signing class -- especially the defensive guys and o-lineman they got and then Brad [Kaaya] at quarterback -- those are guys that are going to be major contributors and reasons why Miami will gradually move up.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/15/3754272/miami-hurricanes-focus-centered.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

When 2012 leading receiver Phillip Dorsett went down in a heap of pain on Oct. 17 at North Carolina, it looked ugly. A partially torn medial collateral ligament had him on crutches and was going to keep him out at least four to six weeks, UM coach Al Golden said at the time.

But Thursday there was a pleasant surprise in UM’s weekly injury report when Dorsett was upgraded from out to doubtful for Saturday’s game at Duke — a sign he could be ready to come back soon.

The Miami Herald learned last week that Dorsett had been catching passes at practice. Quarterback Stephen Morris said Tuesday that Dorsett was wearing a yellow noncontact jersey and pads in practice this week, but he also said Dorsett had “not been running or anything.”

“I hope he’s close. I really don’t know the extent of how close,” Morris said. “But I know whenever I’m in the treatment room he’s always in there with me.

“He’s doing a lot of good things. I know [trainer] Vinnie [Scavo] is really excited for him.”

It’s more likely Dorsett could be ready for the home finale against Virginia a week from Saturday.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/15/3753995/miami-hurricanes-phillip-dorsett.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

Good point/post from a CIS blogger...

Safety Recruiting
This class is loaded and there is no question about it. What Al has done with mediocre records and dark NCAA clouds above the program is mindblowing on the recruiting trail. The only concern left for this class is the safety position. We are losing Rodgers and Highsmith which is addition by subtraction if you ask me but we don't have much behind them numbers wise. We currently don't have any safeties committed and only have Carter, Jenkins and Bush on our 2 deep coming back. Who is realistic that we can pull for S as we haven't heard too many names thrown around for that position. Gunter has played some safety which helps but we need some more help back there depth wise.

That is a little worrisome lol..I do think Miami is very much in play for 4-Star S Hester and if Gray can someone stick in this class he can play Safety..but this guy makes a good point.

[UMike]

Miami has moved up to the 3rd ranked class in Rivals.

[SOUP]

What a dumpster fire we change out OC's like we change our Drawers.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | November 15, 2013 at 12:36 AM

I don't wear drawers, I wear knickers.

[SOUP]

Tony...GREAT STUFF! That should be a front page article. Excellent research.

[Terrance Sullivan]

LOL Soup!

[Sinistercane]

I truly believe that Al Golden is the right head coach for UM but I also believe he is being held back by his coaching staff if we cannot put a complete game plan against Duke, win or lose we don't deserve to be in the ACC championship

:( Duke 31 CANEZ 24 :(

[UMike]

Sinister, I agree 100% about Golden (not the score lol)

[SOUP]

Sinister...I told U NOT to root against your team. Canes 30 - Duke 27.

[SOUP]

"It’s more likely Dorsett could be ready for the home finale against Virginia a week from Saturday."

I would not play him vs UVA and risk reinjuring the knee. Rest him and let him play in the ACC title game IF we make it by luck or in the bowl game.

[UMike]

I got to admit, it is really sad when I'm rotting for Maryland..but keep thinking "We still got to beat Duke"...like its freaking questionable!!! lol

[UMike]

rooting**

[TonyCane]

Thanks SOUP.

Miami comes out angry...Miami 31, Duke 10!

[CGNC]

Good morning! Sinister, we are not losing to Duke.

@Terrance, we change our coordinators alot, this is true. The way to get around that is to hire higher quality staff and PAY THEM. Nix was not good, neither was Whipple. Starting with the head coach - he should know who to freaking hire. If the hire does not work out, then a change should be made. LOL I call it "climate change"

[SOUP]

Tony...Miami better come out angry and win because IF they lose (they will NOT) the anger all up in here will be beyond manageable. I mmay have to shut this thing down? LOL

[SOUP]

PATRICK NIX IS NOW COACHING HS FOOTBALL IN ';BAMA:

On January 2, 2013, Patrick Nix was hired as the 34th head football coach in the history of Scottsboro Wildcat football. Nix comes to Scottsboro after 17 successful seasons in college football.

Coach Nix began his football career as a stand-out at Etowah High School. Following high school, Nix played quarterback for the Auburn Tigers from 1992-95. During his time at Auburn, Nix helped lead the Tigers to a perfect 11-0 record during his sophomore season in 1993. Nix graduated in 1995 as the school’s career leader in passing efficiency. At Auburn, Nix played under head coach Terry Bowden, offensive coordinator Tommy Bowden, future head coach for Clemson; and quarterbacks coach Jimbo Fisher, current head coach at Florida State.

Nix began his coaching career with a three-year stint as an assistant at Jacksonville State University. From there, he received his first head coaching job at Division II Henderson State University. After two years, Nix left to become receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Samford University. In 2002, Nix joined the coaching staff at Georgia Tech. He served as Tech’s running backs coach and recruiting coordinator during his first year. In 2003, Nix served at quarterbacks coach and running game coordinator. In 2004, he was elevated to offensive coordinator while continuing on as quarterbacks coach. For 2005, Nix’s offense boated both the ACC’s leading rusher (Tashard Choice) and its leading receiver (Calvin Johnson). Prior to the 2006 season, Nix assumed full play-calling duties. Tech would go on to make appearances in the ACC Championship Game and the Gator Bowl.

In January 2007, Nix was hired by Miami to serve as offensive coordinator under coach Randy Shannon. After two seasons in Miami, Nix was hired as the WR coach for Charleston Southern and in 2011 was promoted to offensive coordinator.

Nix left the college game in order to have more time with family and the opportunity to coach his sons as his father did with he and his brother Rusty. Nix will be joined on staff by his father Conrad, the former head coach of Northside High School in Warner Robbins Georgia.

[SOUP]

MARK WHIPPLE IS NOW UNEMPLOYED:

On January 7, 2009, Whipple was named the University of Miami Hurricanes football team offensive coordinator.[3] Whipple was fired along with head coach Randy Shannon, following the end of the season loss to South Florida on November 27, 2010. Whipple signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns on January 30, 2011 to be their quarterback coach.

College head coaching job opportunities

After coach Tom O'Brien left Boston College to coach North Carolina State, it was reported that Mark Whipple was the leading candidate to replace him. That job eventually went to Jeff Jagodzinski.

He was reported to be the leading candidate for the Connecticut Huskies head football coach, an opening created when Randy Edsall left to replace Ralph Friedgen as the head coach at the University of Maryland following the 2010 season.[4] However, Connecticut hired Paul Pasqualoni on January 13, 2011.

Whipple was the QB coach for the Celeveland Browns from 2011-12.

[SOUP]

Dan Werner is doing well under Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss, his resume at Miami is VERY impressive:

http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/werner_dan00.html