Rules Are Made To Be Broken

When we all started the 2014 college football season I stated some very clear and concise rules as to how the University of Miami football team could improve their performance from last year and achieve better results this year.

These clear and simple rules were as follows:

Rule #1: Increase average points scored per game by 3 from 34 to 37.

Rule #2: Decrease average points allowed per game by 3 from 27 to 24.

Rule #3: Increase 3^rd down conversion rates on offense from 35% to 40%.

Rule #4: Decrease 3^rd down conversion rates on defense from 42% to 37%.

Rule #5: Limit turnovers to 20 on offense and get 30 takeaways on defense.

Rule #6: Limit penalties to 5/game and less than 500 penalty yards in 2014.

Now, I need you to tell me how and why the 'Canes have failed so far in 2014?

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Comments

[Terrance Sullivan]

So far we are failing at 1, 3,4,5 to my knowledge Soup.

[Terrance Sullivan]

And 6 also.

[Usagainsttheworld]

Thrill hill

[86Cane]

Hester

[CaneRock]

SOUP...have you looked into the PPP (Points Per Possession) metric. Against Duke, we scored 22 points, on 16 possessions, what's that give you...

[Terrance Sullivan]

Rock that ain't good I know that.

[86Cane]

SOUP...have you looked into the PPP (Points Per Possession) metric. Against Duke, we scored 22 points, on 16 possessions, what's that give you...

Posted by: CaneRock | October 02, 2014 at 10:19 PM

A: U are a Hater?

[86Cane]

Rock...please list for me the top five positive stats for the Canes this year? Don't come back until U do.

[Sarasota 'cane]

The problem is how low you've set the bar Soup.

Did UM beat unranked Louisville? No.
Did UM beat struggling Nebraska? No.
Can UM win the Coastal? Who gives a shyt! "Hoisting" the Coastal 'ship is like UF putting the Capital One Cup in their trophy case.

The only measure where I see improvement in is talent. Talent will beat FAMU, Arky, and Duke, but it won't beat behemoths like FSU, ND, OK, ORE, ALA, etc without decent coaching.

I don't have an issue with the fans celebrating meaningless wins against sub par opponents, but I do have an issue when same fans deny that there is a problem, or worse when they try to spin a win against Duke (not the Duke of last year, rather normal Duke) as if UM is finally headed in the right direction.

We've mashed two different debates into one argument.

1. Is UM better than last year? IMO, yes.

2. Will this staff compete for a NC in the next 5 years? 1-17 against ranked teams says no.

Do the orange seats lie on Saturday? UM's fickle fan base has always been the canary in the coal mine.

Now tomorrow I'm gonna meet with as many of you as I can at the pep rally and I promise my total devotion will be to have a great time. It's not a chore for me to cheer for UM at pep rally's and on game day. I'm simply finished co-signing mediocrity in the hopes that my positive vibes will somehow deliver us from this gridiron nightmare.

If nothing changes, then nothing changes!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Sota did U say Nebraska is struggling that is beyond laughable. Stop the madness.

[Sarasota 'cane]

The mighty Nebraska Cornhuskers will likely have a new head coach next year Terrance.

[Sarasota 'cane]

What time are you headed over to Dantana's Terrance?

[Terrance Sullivan]

Sota probably around 4-5pm for setup and the party. Looking forward to seeing U FAM.

[Lurker]

Has Miami ever won the Coastal? Just wondering.

Is Miami in a position NOW where they can directly get a top 4 ranking without at least winning the ACC first?

So if by some chance we win the Coastal this year, let's go ahead and take a big ole piss on it now, 5 games into the season. Got it.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Lurker you probably wanted to "hoist" it 2 years ago when UNC was DQ'd. That isn't Hurricane football.

1-17 against ranked teams is who we are. UM doesn't have to beat ONE ranked team to win the "mighty" Coastal!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Sota probably around 4-5pm for setup and the party. Looking forward to seeing U FAM.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 02, 2014 at 10:57 PM

That's early!! I'm thinking I'll be there around 5 myself.

[Lurker]

Ok, so we need to go directly to an NC game. How about let's win f***ing something before we start going NC or bust. That's the reality of this team right now. But by all means, feel free to piss all over a Coastal championship which we haven't even won yet.

I personally wouldn't be wearing a CC tshirt at the gym, nor would I be throwing a parade, but winning a Coastal is better than not winning one. Which I don't even know if this team will even be contending. Games have to be played.

[Cane Since 1982]

Sullivan,

What time you getting to the tailgate?

[Sarasota 'cane]

That's what you said Lurker. If I saw something that looked like UM was capable of beating one of the national contenders I'd be saying the same thing. It's just not there. Talent will only take us so far.

And don't act like I'm the only one who feels this way. Every week the B-Team analysts are scratching their heads with our game plan. Do you read Manny's in game Twitter feed? It's funny and sad.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and sympathy and have positive feelings toward their captors, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with them.

[Cane Since 1982]

Some people just need a boot to lick. Their is just so much hate in this world. I have two boots. Anyone can borrow one for a little. It will make you feel better inside.

[86Cane]

Sarasota = Randy Shannon?

[Lurker]

That's what I said?

I'm not following you on that one. Honestly don't understand.

As far as Manny's in game Twitter feed, I don't follow it, nor do I want to. I'm focused on the game. Also, I have very little regard for most sports media. The only purpose they serve for me is to actually report. Which I wish they did more off. Or ask harder questions. I'm rarely interested in their "analysis". There's a few guys I respect, just a few ex players with real insight. The rest, including most of the ones at ESPN, are asshats generating BS controversy to gin up ratings. They have meetings every morning where their producers tell them what the opinion and controversy is for the day. It's bad, self-righteous "entertainment". Manny's job is to generate clicks and eyeballs. If he's negative now, it's only because it's safe for him to do now. No guts.

[Lurker]

Comparing Stockholm syndrome to sports fanhood? That's a big swing and a miss. It's not even a serious remark

[Sarasota 'cane]

I'm not a hater for saying the things I say, and your not a boot licker for saying the things you say.

It's a cop out to say you're a better fan than me or you're happier than me based on our positions. IMO opinion UM will never get us where we want to go with this staff. Simple as that. I hope I'm wrong.

[Sarasota 'cane]

It's a sarcastic joke you *&^%$() &^*%$!!

[86Cane]

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and sympathy and have positive feelings toward their captors, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with them.

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 02, 2014 at 11:26 PM

Haters syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which people express no empathy and sympathy and even have negative feelings toward their favorite team. This happens sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with their arch rivals like the Gators or the Seminoles.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Sarasota = Randy Shannon?

Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2014 at 11:34 PM

Sarasota = Butch Davis!!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Guess I'm not a hater then!! Thanks for clearing that up!!

[TonyCane]

Sota did U say Nebraska is struggling that is beyond laughable. Stop the madness.

Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | October 02, 2014 at 10:36 PM

The results have been somewhat positive, but this is a crucial year for the Huskers. Some points:

1) Since 2010 the Cornhuskers have only lost 1 of their first five games.
2) This year marks the first time under Pelini's tenure that they have gone 5-0.
3) Nebraska's offense has been on the ascent over the last three years in the first five games:

2008: 167
2009: 184
2010: 173
2011: 188
2012: 224
2013: 212
2014: 227

4) Nebraska does not finish well. As stated, the last four season Nebraska started out 4-1 and went on to lose three more games in the season.

Year, First 5 Games, Overall Record
2008: 3-2 (9-4)
2009: 3-2 (8-5)
2010: 4-1 (10-4)
2011: 4-1 (9-4)
2012: 4-1 (9-4)
2013: 4-1 (9-4)
2014: 5-0

[86Cane]

Sota...sold my FIRST house! Should I retire? LOl

[Lurker]

The key word is hope, because it is what it is. I support the canes and hope thy do well and maintain a positive attitude. Because unless there's a catastrophe, at least Golden will be here this year and next.

As far as the Coastal, I would be very happy for the players, whom I support. Why denigrate it? That's taking a shot at them. It would be nice for Duke and others since he's not winning an NC. At least something positive to show for their time here and a step going in the right direction.

[TonyCane]

Rock...please list for me the top five positive stats for the Canes this year? Don't come back until U do.

Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2014 at 10:25 PM

1. Brad Kayaa leads true freshmen quarterbacks in the country

2. Duke Points Scored: 10 this year, 48 last year

3. 24 four/five star players on the roster this year, 23 last year

4. Zero injuries to Duke Johnson or Philip Dorsett

5. Only 1 four/five star player definitely leaving for the NFL next year.

[Lurker]

Congrats on busting that cherry, Soup. Hope it's easier from here on in.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Nebraska isn't Nebraska and UM isn't UM. Look at their schedule in their 1st 5 games. UM was their "signature" win thus far. We would be 4-1 if we played that same stretch of games.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Sota...sold my FIRST house! Should I retire? LOl

Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2014 at 11:49 PM

Depends on the house!! Congrat's!!

[RCCF]

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 02, 2014 at 10:34 PM

U are on Fire.....great blogging!!

Like really Soup you can't see we just aren't digging a 1-18 coaching record for our boys?

I personally don't wish to be other schools but if you wanna say me saying I admire how the the Michigan students took a stand well aht well... I do..

I Just Want Wins.....and want us All to remember Duke, FAMU, ArkSt, FIU, FAU, No One Like That is Supposed to be Considered a REAL Opponent to a Hurricane.. and U All Know That..

Blame the Ones Who Blame the Kids....

Its very simple students are only as good as the teacher..

Defend That...

[Sarasota 'cane]

This Oregon game is sucking me in!! This game would've been over by this time last year!!

There's a lot of parity at the top this season. I wouldn't be surprised if all 4 playoff teams had at least one loss at the end of the regular season.

[WWIN]

Imagine the trauma he experienced, the shock and horror he must have felt. A football player held against his will and forced to make love to two beautiful women.

Posted by: Old Skool | October 02, 2014 at 07:11 PM

I know, how will he ever live with his self! I'm sure glad nothing like that ever happened to me at school! (says, "Lucky Bastard" under his breath)

[WWIN]

WWIN...Yeah, but I am coming back atchU when we beat FSPoo!

Posted by: 86Cane | October 02, 2014 at 05:58 PM

I'll be ready, the moment won't be too big for me!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Posted by: RCCF | October 03, 2014 at 12:08 AM

I'm with you! There's nothing wrong with having high expectations, especially when UM has more talent than every team they have played except Neb.

Looking at our schedule UM has more talent top to bottom than every team they play with the exception of NEB and FSU.

I work with a guy from China who graduated from NEB and he is saying the same things about NEB that a lot of us are saying about UM. The difference is he is very soft spoken and his opinions sound like they are taken right out of "The Art of War"! He's not wrong for wanting a new coach IMO, and his team is 5-0!!

"Paper Tiger, Hidden Title"

[Terrance Sullivan]

Cane Fan Since 82 Probably gonna get to Tailgate at high noon.

[Sarasota 'cane]

#2 Oregon goes down in a stunner to unranked Arizona!

[UMike]

Congrats SOUP!

[UMike]

UM’s linebackers --– who face a huge test at Georgia Tech --- also have exceeded modest expectations, beyond top defender Denzel Perryman. Thurston Armbrister’s combined sacks (four) and forced fumbles (two) are fourth nationally; Raphael Kirby comes off the best game of his career, and coaches love the improvement of Jermaine Grace and long, physical freshman Darrion Owens.

### Enamored with his skills, UM wants to keep expanding Joe Yearby’s role in the offense, including more packages where he plays with Duke Johnson. UM coaches compare Yearby to Clinton Portis and Warrick Dunn. They’re also especially bullish on Canes running back commitments Jordan Scarlett (averaging 5.2 yards per carry for St. Thomas Aquinas) and Booker T. Washington’s Mark Walton (7.9).

### And another skilled quarterback is on the way to compete to back up Brad Kaaya: 2015 oral commitment Dwayne Lawson threw for 279 yards and ran for 119, with a role in four touchdowns, in Tampa Hillsborough’s most recent game.… Privately, UM coaches are very worried about the loss of right tackle Taylor Gadbois, who had started to play as well as anybody on the line, coupled with Kc McDermott’s injury, too. UM had finally found the right buttons to push with Gadbois when he went down last week.

### UM won't get Plantation American Heritage five-star cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, who's down to Georgia, FSU and LSU, according to colleage Safid Deen, who has more on a post on our high-school sports blog.

### We've heard positive feedback on how freshman defensive lineman Anthony Moten has come on the past two weeks; he played early fourth quarter snaps against Duke. But because of the challenges of defending Georgia Tech's triple option offense, the UM staff might be cautious in how much it uses some of the freshman backups.... Defensive end Chad Thomas' limited playing time last week was the result of him coming off back spasms, not disappointment in his play.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2014/10/scouts-van-gundy-evaluate-heat-newcomers-dolphins-canes-chatter-jose-fernandez-nbc-6-changes.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

Here's the injury report for Georgia Tech game:

Out For Game:

OT KC McDermott-Lower Extremity

OT Taylor Gadbois-Lower Extremity

K Matt Goudis –Lower Extremity

WR Rashawn Scott-Upper Extremity

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2014/10/miami-hurricanes-injury-report-for-georgia-tech.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

Junior Tyriq McCord, once only a third-down specialist last season, is evolving into a more complete player as a starting defensive end/rush linebacker for the Hurricanes.

“That was his best game I thought last week, a very mature game,” coach Al Golden said Tuesday of UM’s win against Duke. “It’s not easy to play defensive end against these [option] teams. Your whole life as a defensive end you run up the field as hard as you can. Now you play these read-option teams, you run upfield, the quarterback pulls it and he’s going for 20. So you really have to be disciplined, pin the hips, stay square, play the quarterback or the dive – whatever we ask them to play – and then get in the alley. Then there are certain downs where he has to go rush the quarterback.

“I thought it was his most disciplined game. I thought he prepared better last week than he ever has. I think his strength is up, his conditioning is probably the best it’s been in his career. Now, we need to go to Atlanta and do the same thing, except we’re adding the pitch to it. We all have to be locked in, we really do.”

▪ Senior Phillip Dorsett was held without a catch against Duke, but Golden is hoping he’ll bounce back against the Yellow Jackets. Dorsett has a history of scorching Georgia Tech. He had his best game last year (four catches, 66 yards, 1 TD) against them and caught nine passes for 184 yards and a TD against the Yellow Jackets the last time Miami was in Atlanta.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article2484357.html#storylink=cpy

[UMike]

For those traveling down today to ATL be safe and see yall tomorrow #demcanes

[Terrance Sullivan]

Yes Sir UMike

[86Cane]

Congrats on busting that cherry, Soup. Hope it's easier from here on in.

Posted by: Lurker | October 02, 2014 at 11:57 PM

Congrats SOUP!

Posted by: UMike | October 03, 2014 at 06:16 AM

Thanks! It took a Hurricane effort but I got it done.