The relatively well known saying that is the title of this blog has become fairly popular over the past few years. It came to mind as I was walking out of the Citrus Bowl the other night after the Miami Hurricanes were completely blown out of the Russell Athletic Bowl by the Louisville Cardinals 36-9.
So I thought I would put together a list of five simple wishes that many Hurricane fans probably had prior to the game, Miami's first bowl game in four years, that simply did not come true in Orlando .
Maybe in looking back, you might even say that these hopeful and optimistic prognostications were probably not very wise wishes to begin with?
Wish #1: We all wished that with the NCAA investigation finally over, and the supposed "cloud being lifted" off of the UM program, and with Miami being bowl eligible for the first time in many years, that Hurricane fans would have somewhere fun to go and something good to cheer about.
Result: The first part of this wish actually came true as several Canespacers attended the pep rally at Pointe Orlando on Friday and managed to spend some quality time walking around, eating and drinking in the popular I-Drive tourist area of Orlando. We met many UM fans for the first time and some that we have known for many, many years. The second part of the wish was a completely different story however as the Hurricanes laid a massive, steaming, stinking turd on the field at the old and soon to be renovated Citrus Bowl on Saturday night. There was little (sacking Bridgewater for a safety) if anything (0 points score by the offense until a late TD) to cheer for by those wearing orange and green in the stands. After four years of waiting for a bowl game the UM fans left the Citrus bowl either numb, or cursing or just shaking their heads while asking themselves: "What was that?" Be careful what U wish for.
Wish #2: As many here already know I wished all along that Miami would be selected to play in Orlando rather than Atlanta so I could attend the game since I, and many other Hurricane fans, live in Central Florida. I even bet my good friend and Canespace blogger Terrance a dinner over the bowl selection and won the bet.
Result: I regret making this wish. The game itself was absolutely miserable even though I was one of the few of the over 30 fans I met at the game who tried to remain positive even going into the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach. The parking was horrendous, the traffic around Orlando during Christmas week is no picnic and even though it was a "local game" for me I still spent more of my hard earned money on a pitiful entertainment performance by the Hurricanes than I would have liked. The bet with Terrance is now one in retrospect that I wish I would have lost. Don't you find it just a bit ironic that Terrance (in spite of his plan to attend) never made it to Orlando for the bowl game while I did but wished I didn't? Like I said, be careful what U wish for.
Wish #3: We all wished that with 15 extra practices for the bowl game and a month to prepare that at the very least these two things would happen: (1) The team individually and collectively would get better and execute at a very high level; and (2) That the UM coaching staff would have the team well prepared and demonstrate their coaching ability.
Result: This wish became just another of many wishes UM fans have had to throw into the dumpster during the 2013 college football season. The Hurricane fans' wish list (realistic or not) that was drawn up before this season is too long to get into right now but we will return to that another time. However, the preparation, execution and coaching from Miami was bordering on non-existent based on the performance on the field during the Russell Athletic Bowl. The UM offense looked completely unprepared for the Louisville defense master-minded by Cardinal head coach Charlie Strong. The UM defense, while playing relatively well for most of the first half eventually got tired (or overwhelmed by the UM offensive ineptitude) and surrendered over 500 yards for the sixth straight game. The only highlight was season MVP punter Pat O'Donnell who boomed several nice punts during the evening. When all you have to cheer is your punter playing well (think Matt Bosher), you wind up leaving the game early and angry like many UM fans did by the end of the third quarter. Even though we stayed, we don't blame them for leaving, they never wished for this.
Wish #4: I had wished that UM head coach Al Golden would use this bowl game as a tool that could once and for all silence even some of his most vocal and harshest critics and as a step forward in dominating the recruiting wars that are sure to follow as Louisville joins the ACC in 2014.
Result: Much to my chagrin, this wish most certainly did not come true and in fact may have made matters even worse. Golden and his coaching staff clearly opened themselves up to even more criticism than they had endured at previous times this season. Miami had several chances at winning their division of the ACC this year but dropped the ball both times versus Virginia Tech and Duke. Losing to a basketball school like Duke had stung the worst until the debacle in Orlando versus Louisville, a team that many Hurricane fans hate and one that is joining the ACC next year. If you thought that former UM DL coach Clint Hurtt was stealing talent from South Florida before the game then what do you think he will do after that thrashing about the head and neck the Miami Hurricanes took from the Louisville Cardinals the other night?
Wish #5: Miami fans wished for a bowl game win for the first time in many years, a solid 10 win season for the first time in what now seems like forever and some serious positive momentum going into the 2014 season and the high school recruiting and signing period.
Result: So how did that wish turn out? Not so good U say? If this wish were a dream it would be a nightmare, which is exactly what the Russell Athletic Bowl game was for Miami Hurricane fans, players and coaches. The team showed up in Orlando but did not show up to play at the Citrus Bowl. What makes it even more disturbing is that before the game I talked to one of the player's parent who said that Golden met with them in Orlando and told them that: "The team is ready, the guys are really motivated to play!" How can you be so out of touch with your team that you have no clue who is motivated or what "ready to play" is? With all due respect, all I can say that if that demonstration of lack of preparation and execution that we all saw on Saturday night is what Al Golden thinks is "ready to play", then I would hate to see the opposite of that.
At this point of the article I was just going to wish all of the great bloggers out there in Canespace a Happy New Year. But then again this wishing thing hasn't turned out so well for us this year now has it?
Yes indeed, I think we must all be very, very careful what we wish for.
And seriously, name one play that had ANYTHING! to do with *s!
Hell, there was one TD where the UL player ran through,over,by, and around guys that Golden RECRUITED!...guys that were 4*s or better!
What the hell do *s have to do with being where you're SUPPOSED to be, WHEN you're SUPPOSED to be there?!
What the hell do *s have to do with STAYING HOME! on bootlegs?!
What the hell do *s have to do with NEVER! running by an ELIGIBLE! receiver?!
You know, depending on the coach, the average defender has to go through about 14 progressions just to make ONE PLAY!, and guess what, talent is NOT! one of em'!
PHUCK! *s!
Posted by: CaneRock | December 30, 2013 at 02:48 PM
While everyone is firing this staff it sure seems like this excellent class is dying to play for them.
Posted by: Go Canes | December 30, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Yeah, the 2008 class was "dying to play for them"...WHAT HAPPENED?!
Posted by: CaneRock | December 30, 2013 at 02:53 PM
I wish Chud would come back home to the U and take over as head coach, hire Dorsey to be his OC, and hire a DC as well. Nothing against AG but have lost faith in the staff etc. Its wishful thinking on my part but wouldnt mind seeing it. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 30, 2013 at 11:24 AM
be careful what you ask for. chud may not have the skills for the college game ala bill walsh. Dorsey may be a good qb teacher but might be under developed @ calling his own game ala whipple.
Posted by: AfriCane | December 30, 2013 at 02:57 PM
Well. I wonder how Al Golden's staff evalutations are coming along?
Posted by: CGNC | December 30, 2013 at 02:58 PM
Talent matters. Stars, for the most part reflect talent. They aren't 100% accurate but give us a pretty good indication of talent. That being said, Miami does not lack talent. Go Canes is crazy if he thinks this years class is so much more talented than years past. That's the play the freshmen mentality. Who is coming in and starting right away from this class? Maybe a DT, which by the way is the second hardest transition in the sport from HS to Div 1 football. Everyone else will be mixed in with what we currently have. We lost so poorly, in so many games, because Al Golden is lost. Nevermind Louisville, that's a good football team with a good HC. VT is the one to look at. They ripped us like we were a HS team with Logan Thomas, who proceeded to look like the sh*t QB he is the next week. "Suddenly explosive VT offense." Yeah, because Al Golden is lost. His defense is without any question the worst in America. He doesn't have the goods. He won't bring in a good DC, he's sticking with failure. Next year is no different folks. We'll still have the worst D in America. Still lose to teams we shouldn't. Nothing changes until Golden either makes serious changes (which I don't think he will) or he's gone. That's really the only arguement left. Does he make changes or do we suck next year also and all the way to 2020.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 02:59 PM
Go Canes, Boise State under Chris Petersen would beat the Canes by 30 in any year with any one of his recruiting classes. Its embarassing how you are trying to make a sad arguement. Its troll worthy.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 03:04 PM
When can we leave Sun Life Stadium and where else could we go?
Are we having trouble developing talent?
What happened with Seantrel Henderson?
Posted by: The Good Old Days Are Gone | December 30, 2013 at 03:08 PM
NO MORE 3-4...AT ALL!!
RCCF12%
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:29 PM
I remember either Vilma or Beason throwing a fit in the NFL because he was asked to play in that stupid scheme....Tampa2 Lets Go!!
RCCF12%
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:30 PM
Vilma with the Jets I think
Posted by: TJL | December 30, 2013 at 03:31 PM
I just realized why I cant find humor in canes loss like u guys do; I take it hard, so hard that I cannot see any humor in it. and I know some of u use it as a coping mechanism, but the bitterness that comes upon me when we lose is that of the 'dark side.' I have a very strong coping mechanism developed over a few years, but it involves total avoidance and I've prepared my self not to expect anything from our team until something does happen, especially in a up & down season such as this. for me, when I witness others make a joke of the predicament, it only 'drives in the torture screw' harder.
Posted by: AfriCane | December 30, 2013 at 03:34 PM
We lost Teddy because beatniks said he was nothing more than a glorified Jacory Harris and we Fired Coach Shannon who when being fired seemed to be getting all these studs we are mad we missed on and Happy we fired Randy about BUT now those same studs give Miami fits but everyone blames Randy lol...
Seantrel plays OL even if he did great who would really know it?
Obviously we are having trouble developing talent or We are regressing the talent that we recieve..
Miami just got new facilities..and still makes the Most Pros so Facilities Smacilities..
Want a Stadium Holler at the Rock Jabroni!!
All Private Schools have small budgets State Schools Get the Big Bucks..oh and Alumni may not like what they see hence depreciating funds.. Boone Pickens does the world for a OkState team who wins NO trophies...Ijs
I digress this is just my humble opinion not fact I am not a beatnik or have no inside info but hey Glass Homes are Pretty Easy to see into..
RCCF12%....we will rise again.
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 01:42 PM
u do realize that its typical in college football to have coaches that did not play one position coaching another position. Al himself was a tight end. but he cut his teeth in coaching, coaching defense.
Posted by: AfriCane | December 30, 2013 at 03:39 PM
I've prepared my self not to expect anything from our team until something does happen, especially in a up & down season such as this. for me, when I witness others make a joke of the predicament, it only 'drives in the torture screw' harder.
Posted by: NigeianCane | December 30, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Self assessment and self awareness are two VERY powerful and positive tools for any personal growth. U seem to have both and that my friend is a GOOD thing.
Now UMike on the other hand...well U know that I have given up on him. LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2013 at 03:40 PM
RCCF12%....we will rise again.
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Appreciate U brutha!
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2013 at 03:41 PM
Watch out for trolls. They thrive on sensing weakness of any kind. If you see a strange name on the blog be careful if they seem to be trying to stir things up. IJS
Posted by: 86Cane | December 30, 2013 at 03:43 PM
We lost Teddy because beatniks said he was nothing more than a glorified Jacory Harris and we Fired Coach Shannon who when being fired seemed to be getting all these studs we are mad we missed on and Happy we fired Randy about BUT now those same studs give Miami fits but everyone blames Randy lol...
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:36 PM
u r singing my song RCCF. it seems we always bitch at something that gets fixed but we still have problems after the fact, or other schools are doing those things and having success at them. my favorite is the notion that we needed to be 320lbs @ D tackle to be effective. football, college & pro is littered with 299lbs tackles. the weight gain might have actually slowed us down.
Posted by: AfriCane | December 30, 2013 at 03:48 PM
u do realize that its typical in college football to have coaches that did not play one position coaching another position. Al himself was a tight end. but he cut his teeth in coaching, coaching defense.
U do realize our defense SUCKS being run by a tight end and LB who has 2yrs NFL and no accolades outside of that that state he is brilliant at what he does...The only promotion he has to his bio is by his bff.."Not a Good Look"..ijs Glass House Easy to See Into..
RCCF12%...appreciate U more Soup this Site is the BEST!!
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:49 PM
I haven't felt this hurt rooting for our Canes in a long time. And for fans like all of us here on the blog and many other individuals out there, it is not fair for us to be feeling disappointed and hurt when we pour our souls for this program..
Posted by: UpNorthCane | December 30, 2013 at 10:11 AM
Well said UpNorth - but I'm guessing its just one of those times when life is not fair and somehow we have to just catch our breath after a hard punch to the gut by the very thing we support.
Very good article Mr. Soup..a most reasonable wish list for the U, nothing outrageous for a team that is supposedly in "the process" and making its way back. By the way - I was all in like stink on sh*t for the pep rally and the game so any bad feelings begone.
In retrospect, the parking/tailgate seemed like a perfect metaphor for the whole damn program. Here we all are, Westsiders in one place, E5'ers in the other, canes fans circled all around the crumbling haunted remains of a once fine football institution.
Posted by: KYcane | December 30, 2013 at 03:51 PM
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 02:59 PM
-----------------------------------------------
You really don't think this years class is the best Golden has put together?
2014 - #5
2013 - #14
2012 - #10
**2011 - #33
Posted by: 30CINCO | December 30, 2013 at 03:52 PM
Mel Tucker = Mark D'Nofrio Horrible Defensive Coordinators wanna see how I know and this is double the feeling on me being a BEARS fan watching us get gashed so TRUST I know what a Good D should be..
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1904984-chicago-bears-need-to-fire-defensive-coodinator-mel-tucker
Few Highlights from the Article tell me if these errors sound familiar:
- The Bears season ended thanks to a blown coverage by a player who probably shouldn't have been on the field in the first place. It was just one more mistake by the worst defense in the history of the franchise. The guy in charge of that defense has no business being back next season.
- There's no good reason Shea McClellin should've been playing over David Bass. McClellin isn't capable of holding up against the run. It was proven week after week. Yet Tucker kept starting him, and the Bears kept getting gashed on the ground.
They had injuries, but this isn't the first time a Bears team has had injuries. They're also not the only NFL team to suffer injuries. Yet that is the excuse Tucker has been given.
Lovie Smith had years with injuries.
This was an eye opening read because again Im fans of both but watching two Dominate Defenses turn Panzy really HURTS!!
RCCF12%
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:59 PM
but guys, the defense was not the problem in that game it was the offense. if we had a productive offense, they score less because they are on the field less. as it were, our defense was constantly behind the '8-ball.' time of procession was ridiculous.
Posted by: AfriCane | December 30, 2013 at 04:05 PM
as much as we feel the D and No'D need to be improved let's not overlook the outstanding stat of the night on the O side of the ball.
Zero for 11 3rd down conversion tries in a bowl game after 15 extra practice sessions at the end of a season.
Now that deserves an award of some kind right??
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 30, 2013 at 04:06 PM
Had Our Defense Not SUCKED we wouldn't even be playing in the Russell Athletic Bowl AT ALL lol.. I mean if If were a 5th (Henn Preferrably) We'd All be Drunk...but D'No is our DCoordinator he and the TE who calls defensive plays love a 3-4 defense that leaves holes from the very hike of the play...Defense Sucks and in my best Nigel Bethel voice "I just wanna see more pressure, some man, and Wins"...But Im Solid to the U.
RCCF12%
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 04:09 PM
Why is it when I read that Golden is doing staff evaluations I'm reminded of OJ saying he's looking for his wife's killer?
Posted by: Old Skool | December 30, 2013 at 04:10 PM
time of procession was ridiculous.
Posted by: NigeianCane | December 30, 2013 at 04:05 PM
Yep....38 minutes UL....22 UM.....nothing new there.
Any long drives might have made a difference in this one.....
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 30, 2013 at 04:11 PM
sidebar- Stephen Morris is not that good of a QB...No News there guys, he proved that as much as the Defense proved they Suck...I think we all were blindsided by the glowing remarks from the Manning Prestige and just ran with it..The real QB's at that camp were loafing like the superstar Stud QB's they are. Stephen went in like the pupil he should've been and well they graded them accordingly..Our Bad for not seeing it for what it was.. Allen Iverson said "Practice" and we all scoffed but in reality the dude was leading the league in at least 3 statistical categories and no that attitude wasn't applaudable but was he wrong for scoffing at an event that was serving him no purpose at that time? I say that to say we were dooped by Stephen because his competition during the camp all basically dialed it down..
RCCF12%....bored@work so getting alot of BlogTime.
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 04:13 PM
but guys, the defense was not the problem in that game it was the offense. if we had a productive offense, they score less because they are on the field less. as it were, our defense was constantly behind the '8-ball.' time of procession was ridiculous.
Posted by: NigeianCane | December 30, 2013 at 04:05 PM
-----------------------------------------------
You don't understand. There are some that want the DC fired no matter what.
Posted by: 30CINCO | December 30, 2013 at 04:16 PM
SOON! as D'Onofrio opened His mouth that 1st year, and said He didn't have tape on UMD's OC...EVEN THOUGH!, that OC, was the OC at LSU when they won the NC under Saban!...EVEN THOUGH!, that OC had over 25 YEARS! experience!...DEEEEEEAD GIVEAWAY! DEAD GIVEAWAY!
Posted by: CaneRock | December 30, 2013 at 04:17 PM
need more?
UL had 7 possessions greater than 50 yds, and 5 of them were for more than 60 yds. Ball control.
UM had 1 possession for more than 50 yds, when the score was 36-2 and it was already well over.
UM had 6 possessions where we were held to less than 10 yds in total (we only had 11 possessions the entire game)....UL had only two, the initial safety and one 3 and out.....
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 30, 2013 at 04:17 PM
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Thank you.
What really hurts about the Louisville loss is the fact that we got beat by kids from our own backyard. But we can't dwell on it because most kids didn't come to Miami because of the pending NCAA investigation. Now that is over we really need to work on keeping the talent at home.
Hopefully this great recruiting class will pan out and Golden will not bolt to Penn State.
Posted by: The Good Old Days Are Gone | December 30, 2013 at 04:18 PM
UL had the ball 38 minutes? OK.
We're a "bend don't break" defense, so that $hit shouldn't matter...right?
Posted by: CaneRock | December 30, 2013 at 04:23 PM
I'm saying it won't matter if he brings in the top classes every year for the next 10 years. The guy is suspect in his philosophies.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 04:29 PM
LOL yea we know the defense is putrid the offense is just as putrid as well. JMO.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | December 30, 2013 at 04:29 PM
I'm saying it won't matter if he brings in the top classes every year for the next 10 years. The guy is suspect in his philosophies.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 04:29 PM
------------------------------------------------
I disagree. This same philosophy you are talking about was 18th in the country in Points Against Per Game in 2011.
Posted by: 30CINCO | December 30, 2013 at 04:38 PM
Why is it when I read that Golden is doing staff evaluations I'm reminded of OJ saying he's looking for his wife's killer?
Posted by: Old Skool | December 30, 2013 at 04:10 PM
ZING!!!!
Posted by: CGNC | December 30, 2013 at 04:41 PM
I'm saying it won't matter if he brings in the top classes every year for the next 10 years. The guy is suspect in his philosophies.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 04:29 PM
I think a lot could change with some talent out there but perhaps you are right. We play Pac 12 defense
Posted by: The Good Old Days Are Gone | December 30, 2013 at 04:46 PM
30CINCO,
We disagree then, that's fine. Would Boise State smash Miami? I say yes. I bet they've never had a class ranked higher than our lowest, ever.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 04:47 PM
30CINCO,
We disagree then, that's fine. Would Boise State smash Miami? I say yes. I bet they've never had a class ranked higher than our lowest, ever.
Posted by: The Dude | December 30, 2013 at 04:47 PM
-----------------------------------------------
I'm disagreeing because there is proof, its worked in the past. RE: Boise St, I stay away from that because I have no idea what would happen, no one does. FYI - they went 8-5 this season, I will take our season and future over theirs.
Posted by: 30CINCO | December 30, 2013 at 04:53 PM
Don't worry, of those guys leaving some we'll make good pros and that is what our only claim to fame is these days, we are an A-1 pro farm team factory.
Posted by: herbieibis | December 30, 2013 at 05:09 PM
Go Canes.. I've never said we have lots of talent, but I have said it 100 times we have enough talent to NOT give up career days to mediocre players and teams. Teams that struggle on offense some how score 40 on us, an it got worse as the year went on. And this is year 3 with many of the same players. Sure we could use more talent, but D'No has to go.
Posted by: UMike
Here's the thing...Miami's collection of 4-star talent has declined every year since 2009. Every year. After you take away the transfers and those who did not qualify, Miami had 38 players on the 2009 squad that finished 9-4. This year's squad had just 20.
Posted by: TonyCane | December 30, 2013 at 05:11 PM
Here's another way to compare it...after factoring out transfers and those who did not qualify here's how our Week 1 rosters looked:
MIAMI 2010 SEASON
5-Star: 4
4-Star: 36
3-Star: 35
2-Star: 10
MIAMI 2013 SEASON
5-Star: 3
4-Star: 20
3-Star: 41
2-Star: 6
Posted by: TonyCane | December 30, 2013 at 05:14 PM
FIRE NO'D
WARN COLEY that he's next!
Posted by: UpNorthCane | December 30, 2013 at 01:26 PM
+1
Posted by: Keoki | December 30, 2013 at 05:25 PM
CaneRock, 2 up top for you today homie!!! (translation 2 high-5's)
Posted by: WWIN | December 30, 2013 at 05:26 PM
Schiano is available
Posted by: The Good Old Days Are Gone | December 30, 2013 at 05:27 PM
Tony, ask yourself what happens these games if we swap coaches with the teams we played????
1. Va tech
2. Duke
3. ULil miami
Posted by: WWIN | December 30, 2013 at 05:30 PM
For the MILLIONTH time!
D'no = puppet
AG = puppet master
Please stop saying fire D'no, if you want him fired that means you want Golden fired. So please say fire Golden instead. Thanks
Posted by: WWIN | December 30, 2013 at 05:36 PM
Not Exactly Willie my friend...see the Puppet and Puppet Master is Correct..But even Gippeto wants a ring and if the Puppet is a dummy then guess what Gippeto can stay get rid of Pinocchio..Trust there are DCoordinators that Golden would love to have but probably fears won't accept not being HC..
RCCF12%
Posted by: RCCF | December 30, 2013 at 05:42 PM
No D needs to realize with the athletes he has he has to let them play. In south Florida we play aggressive, at all positions. There is no reason T3 is lining up 10 yrd off running a cover 3. This is the problem that Bethel and other recruits, and even the players are seeing. You don't have to play man, but datum let them bump in run while dropping to their zones!!!! Disguise the D!!! Run a twist or two!!!! Dayum!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Da U N Houston | December 30, 2013 at 05:47 PM
Amy Campbell @MsAmyCampbell 2m
@JamieNewberg & I talk performances of #Canes commits & targets at #UAAllAmerica practice here: http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1361402.html
Details
Amy Campbell @MsAmyCampbell 12m
Pretty impressive that #Canes have THREE OL commits in #UAAllAmerica Game. Nick Linder is enjoying it: http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1361399.html
Posted by: Go Canes | December 30, 2013 at 05:51 PM