Miami Stands Up To Big Ten Challenge

Freshman Deandre Burnett scored a season-high 19 points and No. 15 Miami won a matchup of unbeaten teams Tuesday night, beating Illinois 70-61 in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Burnett had played in only three games previously, but he became the fourth player to lead the young Hurricanes in scoring this season. The 6-foot-2 guard added eight rebounds in 24 minutes.

Miami, which has never previously been ranked so high so early in a season, improved to 8-0. The Illini fell to 6-1 with their earliest loss in the past four years.

Illinois came into the game averaging 90 points, but shot only 33 percent, including 7 for 30 from 3-point range. Rayvonte Rice led the Illini with 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Malcolm Hill added 13 points, but the rest of the team shot 23 percent.

Manu Lecomte had 15 points and Sheldon McClellan added 14 for Miami. Angel Rodriguez had nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Hurricanes won despite shooting only 38 percent, including 9 for 30 from 3-point range. But they went 17 for 21 at the free-throw line, while Illinois went 8 for 12.

Miami was up 37-24 at halftime for its largest lead, but Illinois scored the first 10 points of the second half. The Illini cut the deficit to 48-46 but could get no closer.

Three-pointers by Omar Sherman - his only basket - and Rodriguez helped the Hurricanes regain their cushion. They sealed the win by sinking five of six free throws in the final minutes, and in the closing seconds the crowd of 6,086 chanted, ''A-C-C! A-C-C!''

Game Notes:

* The Hurricanes held the Fighting Illini to a season-low 61 points. 

* Each team split 88 rebounds evenly, and totaled 44 rebounds. 

* Miami held Illinois to season-low 7-of-30 from beyond the arc (23.3 percentage). 

Team Notes:

* Miami is 4-0 when dishing out more than 15 assists. 

* The Canes are 8-0 when posting less than 15 turnovers. 

* Miami has shot at least 43.9 percent from the field in every game. 

* Other than the 27.3 percent at Charlotte and 39.1 percent against Howard and 30.0 against Illinois, the Canes have hit 43.8 percent or better from the 3-point line in every game. Miami’s best was 60.9

Related articles

Larranaga Leads Hurricanes Hoopsters To Victory

Ranked and Ready

Hurricanes Blow Away Gators

Recap: Illinois 62, Baylor 54

Comments

[thirstybuzzardcane]

First?

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Second?

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Wahooooo! Third?

[Ohio_Cane]

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 13h13 hours ago

1st ever grassroots football fundraiser for the univ Miami sports program by the athletes. I think we can raise 25 million :)

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 13h13 hours ago

Doesn't look like the school is going to do anything of significance for the sports program so we will do it ourselves !

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 13h13 hours ago

We built the school into a national brand and received basically nothing in return so we will build it ourselves !

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 12h12 hours ago

Just had a guy message me and willing to donate 5,000 bucks when we set up the Build the U private fund!

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 12h12 hours ago

Former Miami athletes will be on the board of directors and already several have volunteered :)

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 27m27 minutes ago

All you gotta do is use Baylor & TCU as models and both private schools I think.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 09:34 AM

[Ohio_Cane]

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 11h11 hours ago

Remember this grassroots effort isn't about coaches hiring or firing but only about giving our athletes the best!

Alonzo Highsmith ‏@alonzohighsmith 2h2 hours ago

Well Miami fans we have 15,000 dollars in potential donations when the trust fund is properly set up! "We will Build the U"

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 09:32 AM

[UMike]

Glad to see the bball team doing well.

[86Cane]

OK, it is now officially "Basketball Wednesday" here at Canespace. Let us celebrate and talk about the UM men's basketball team ALL day!

Or we can talk UM women's tennis if U prefer?

Cue TSully in 3, 2, 1...

[1mg of Epi]

The difference is when that happens my allegiance to my team does not fluctuate based on wins and losses, my frustration level does.

Posted by: Go Canes | December 03, 2014 at 09:54 AM

As Rome burns you fiddle.

[UMike]

Anyone know where I can buy a UM Volleyball? Im trying to convert my new gf's daughters!!!! And besides, it will help Miami win again...

[CaneRock]

What a phuckin' flip flopper. Not too long ago, the same person blaming the fans today, said that it didn't matter if we went to games or not...said that the TV money, & conference revenue sharing, would take care of lack of attendance.

But now since Captain .500 is doing Captain .500 things, it's the fans fault

LMAO!

Unbelievable.

[dj moonbat]

The difference is when that happens my allegiance to my team does not fluctuate based on wins and losses, my frustration level does.

Posted by: Go Canes | December 03, 2014 at 09:54 AM

I get it. My relationship with 'Canes football is a little different.

When I was a teenager, I loved 'Canes football and Van Halen. Van Halen stopped making good records, and I stopped listening. If they had made good records again, I would have bought them and gotten excited about doing so. But they didn't.

I believe the 'Canes are at a turning point. They've made some mistakes over the last decade, but I don't believe the administration has been deciding to suck ON PURPOSE. I think -- I fear -- that they are about to decide that keeping Al Golden, being mediocre, and cashing the ACC checks is the wave of the future. I can't bring myself to get excited about that future.

[Go Canes]

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | December 03, 2014 at 10:02 AM

My fiddling has nothing to do with the state of this program.

[1mg of Epi]

I dunno Go Canes.... Market forces will eventually determine what happens. If enough people like you keep buying tickets, why would they ever change? On the other hand if enough people like me stop buying tickets, maybe they will. Maybe.

They're making money now. If that stops maybe they'll take action.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Don't know if I'm a day late and a dollar short, but here you go.

Posted by: trianglecane | December 03, 2014 at 09:00 AM
-----------------------------------------

According to Go Canes, your a dollar short!!!

[CaneRock]

And somebody said that UM kept Captain .500 to keep us from the getting the DP...I disagree. PSU is the gold standard for why the NC-Double-A-Holes will never apply the DP again. Let's face it, we just have some DUM@$$! people up top.

[Go Canes]

Posted by: CaneRock | December 03, 2014 at 10:04 AM

If you'll notice I stated before the phenomenon of the recent TV deal. Ir did you miss that part?

Why do you think for the 25 years plus before it our facilities were dog crap while every other big time program was doing massive upgrades to their stadiums, building top of the line facilities and paying their coaches millions.

The problems this program has have been building for decades.

We are just now trying to catch up.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

This would be a huge get for Auburn! Hurry up Golden lets offer Muschamp......Pay him a mil a year!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/will-muschamp-reportedly-offered-auburn-defensive-coordinator-job-145738023.html

[1mg of Epi]

We are just now trying to catch up.
Posted by: Go Canes | December 03, 2014 at 10:20 AM

They are absolutely NOT trying to catch up.

[Ohio_Cane]

If Auburn gets Muschamp and T-Rob, watch out...

[UMike]

I dont give shyt about our facilities, stadium or lack of funds... truth is we are losing on the field to teams with less talent than us. That has ZERO to do with money or fan support.

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: UMike | December 03, 2014 at 10:46 AM

But if you listen to Flake James, the program is not a light switch that you can just turn on and we're rebuilding. I didn't know we needed to rebuild to beat UVA GT and Duke

[SinisterCane]

Who has the authority to fire Flake James?

[SinisterCane]

Golden's defensed ended the year the way it started by being gashed for over 200 yds. rushing to a 1 dimensional team

[UMike]

Golden's defensed ended the year the way it started by being gashed for over 200 yds. rushing to a 1 dimensional team

Posted by: SinisterCane | December 03, 2014 at 11:01 AM

Dam fans!!

[86Cane]

OK, people enough with the nonsense.

Talk about Hurricane sports.

Do not talk about or attack each other.

Thank U!

The Management

[UMike]

86 Im just talking about the fans!! lol

[AfriCane]

Tonye Jekiri, odogwu, ufumbo, the freshman wide receiver from NJ, the 5-star DE-ude wee trying to recruit.
What do they all have in common? They are all Nigerians.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I will be taking donations by using your credit informations to get CCs.
Not the state of Miami. It's the state of Nigeria Biichies!!!

[Ohio_Cane]

Please be Golden: http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Decision-made-33505320

[dj moonbat]

Please be Golden: http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Decision-made-33505320

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 11:23 AM

Not a chance in hell. 'Husker fans seem like real sweethearts compared to most, but Eichorst would be a dead man walking if he hired Golden.

[Terrance Sullivan]

So Proud of our Miami Hurricanes basketball team. They ballin baby! Soup hopefully the Lady Canes Tennis Team will be at home hosting a tennis team on the weekend of March 13-15 because that same weekend our Men's Baseball team will be hosting NC State that has a potential Canespace Four Flay written all over it. Go Canes!

[thirstybuzzardcane]

The future looks very bright for UM basketball! Could coach L be lured away from Miami? I sure hope not. He seems like a guy that will be in it for the long hull and I think he really likes it in outh Florida! We should be really, really good next year.....definitely a top 10 team, maybe even top 5.

[CaneRock]

Not the state of Miami. It's the state of Nigeria Biichies!!!

Posted by: NigerianCane | December 03, 2014 at 11:19 AM

LMAO!

#LEGGO?!...no, LAGOS!

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Anyone agree with me that Lecomte is better than Rodriguez? Lecomte has impressed me the most so far this season,he seems to be a lot quicker that Rodriguez. Rodriguez seemed a little slow last night.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

I know Jakiri doesn't want to get in foul trouble but he needs to be more aggressive around the rim, especially defensively! There are many times where he doesn't go for the block shot but should. Hopefully when Udeno comes back, he'll be more aggressive.

[CaneRock]

So UM not too long ago, just started using the internet to accept donations?

"To reduce friction and facilitate the giving process for donors, Miami Athletics moved away from using their current ticketing system to accept donations and worked with Pursuant Sports to develop a payment form integrated with the University’s Advancement Computer Systems."

http://www.pursuant.com/our-work/university-miami-athletics-acquires-250-new-donors/

[Ohio_Cane]

Here's something to give U guys some hope:

IF they were going to go after Cristobal as HC, they wouldn't announce it until after Bama's season is over, IMO. Therefore, Golden won't be fired until after Bama's season to keep recruiting momentum and no downtime in between firing and hiring.

[CaneRock]

Cristobal? Shiiiiiid...I'd rather keep Golden LMAO!

#BUTCHORBUST!

[Ohio_Cane]

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2014/12/mario_cristobal.php

[trianglecane]

IDK... Cristo made fiu goodish.

[The Dude]

We talking about fans? Not the game, not the game where we lose to inferior opponents, not the game. We talking about fans.

[j.w.]

The silly season is in full swing. The AD says the board didn't meet, but some say it did. The paper prints donors aren't happy but will defer to the administration, then again some say the board has the final word. Golden is here forever, but he could be gone by last night. The board continues to evaluate, but they aren't going to do anything. $5mill to buy out the staff, unless it's really $8mill or $10mill. At this point I don't know what to believe.

[Terrance Sullivan]

LMAO FIU was 2-10 in 2012 with Mario Cristobal as head coach his last year there. These Cristobal lovers are funny hahaha.

[CaneRock]

If/when we do get a new HC, I don't think He has to be a UM guy either. Larranaga is from The Bronx, did ya'll see His pre-game speech last night...He made me want to get out there, and cross WWIM @$$ UP! WWIM?

[UMike]

yea I dont understand the obsession with "Miami guys" as coach

[TheeMackJones]

When has Hurricane football had a " Miami guy " for head coach!

The absolutes are that he be a ' legitimate ' head coaching material. Which Carpetbagger NO. 1 isn't.

And that this ' outsider ' head coach DOESN'T mess up the style of South Florida prep ballers. SEE defensive style and philosophy, for instance.

[dj moonbat]

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2014/12/mario_cristobal.php

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 12:26 PM

It's a pretty cogent case. Cristobal wouldn't be my dream coach, but I can see how it could work. I think it's very unlikely he would finish year four with a record worse than 28-21, and he would probably run a real defense, so that's improvement right there.

[TheeMackJones]

Bottom line is this: It's now a FAIT ACCOMPLI that Thee CARPETBAGGERS will be hanging around Coral Gables another season.

In other words, that AD has given Miami, Florida Hurricane football the DEATH PENALTY with the uttering of a couple of sentences!

And seeing that there will be MAJOR losses on the defensive side of the LOS. In addition to losing the Major Troika on offense. Cane fandom are probably looking at a " 7-5 " season in '15.

Also, U can include the tangibles of 2015 opponents returning the MAJORITY of their starters and the VAST MAJORITY of head coaches next season CHECK MATING Thee Carpetbagger's.

[UMike]

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/video-uab-football-team-learns-program-shut/

Tough to watch

[TheeMackJones]

It's a pretty cogent case. Cristobal wouldn't be my dream coach, but I can see how it could work. I think it's very unlikely he would finish year four with a record worse than 28-21, and he would probably run a real defense, so that's improvement right there.

Posted by: dj moonbat | December 03, 2014 at 12:53 PM

And I vividly recall the MAJORITY of Hurricane football bloggers ( M-H, ioftheKane and Canespace, for example. ) opining that CARPETBAGGER No.1 would be a VAST improvement over that Onion Head. Still SMH.

Yet in year number four Miami finishes . 500 in a very, very WEAK Coastal division and Carpetbagger NO. 2s defensive unit has NINE starters whom are juniors or seniors. Go figure.

[dj moonbat]

And seeing that there will be MAJOR losses on the defensive side of the LOS. In addition to losing the Major Troika on offense. Cane fandom are probably looking at a " 7-5 " season in '15.

Posted by: TheeMackJones | December 03, 2014 at 12:53 PM

You're saying the record IMPROVES? I guess anything's possible.

[TheeMackJones]

By the way, what happened to Kamulu. Dude didn't get more than a handful of snaps against mighty Virginia and college football powerhouse Pittsburgh.

I wonder if he ended up in Thee Carpetbagger's dog house and what not.

FWIW... I SEE-r some transfers after the bowl game! So No.1 Carpetbagger will throw out the NO DEPTH excuse, again.

[CaneRock]

I can't blame Blake James...He didn't hire em', and He certainly didn't give em' that albatross of a contract extension.

[AfriCane]

WE ARE ALL UAB!

sad what happened to them. u should see the meeting between the team and the administration.

[1mg of Epi]

Mack jones... I would pay good money to hear your posts read aloud by James earl jones.

[Ohio_Cane]

Barton Simmons ‏@bartonsimmons 17s17 seconds ago

4-star JuCo CB Justin Martin has 3 visits set up and two more in the works. http://247sports.com/Bolt/Juco-4-star-Justin-Martin-has-visits-in-mind-33509229 … #Vols #LSU #UGA #Sooners #WDE #TheU

[Ohio_Cane]

Bruce Feldman ‏@BruceFeldmanCFB 6s7 seconds ago

#Pitt RB James Conner edged #FSU QB Jamies Winston 16 to 13 votes to win ACC Player of the Year honors.

[AfriCane]

there should be a new arrangement/contract that allows a program to outsource certain sports dept for a number of years. maybe nike can take it over, run it as a profit business, give the school a cut, and after say 10 years, once its healthy again, turn it back over to the school.

[TheeMackJones]

2015

TBA ( Usual I-AA opponent )

9/19 Nebraska

10/3 at Cincinnati

TBA at Florida Atlantic

TBA Clemson

TBA Georgia Tech

TBA Virginia

TBA Virginia Tech

TBA at Duke

TBA at Florida St

TBA at North Carolina

TBA at Pittsburgh
*******

I easily SEE-r 5 losses among those eleven opponents.

Again, it's looking a lot like 7-5 next season.

FWIW... subtract the FAMU win Miami is basically " 5-6 ). With a bowl game yet to play. And it's difficult predicting if the Canes will play to WIN or just go through the motions so they can finish out the season ( Sun bowl game anyone. ).

[TheeMackJones]

Those four INTs against hapless Florida probably cost Winston the award. LOL

[Ohio_Cane]

Subtract the FAMU win? LOL! Why?

Why not subtract the Savannah State win?

Flip that coin over and subtract the Nebraska, Louisville, and FSU losses while you're at it.

[Ohio_Cane]

Oh, and for anyone NOT boycotting the team next year, I'll be at the PITT game if U wanna meet up! Bring WARM clothes!

[SinisterCane]

From 9-3 to 6-6 and this mofo says we improved

[TheeMackJones]

All is not dire straits in Coral Gables. Simply because there's Coach Larranaga's b-ball team and Hurricane baseball come the Ides of February.

So two out of three ain't bad. LOL

[WWIN]

I'd gladly donate.

Posted by: Go Canes | December 03, 2014 at 09:29 AM

Why don't you gladly donate to Canespace since you always running yo mouth about how much support you show?

Support Canespace
NOT soft dudes!

[TheeMackJones]

Subtract the FAMU win? LOL! Why?

Why not subtract the Savannah State win?

Flip that coin over and subtract the Nebraska, Louisville, and FSU losses while you're at it.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 01:21 PM

The wacky macky point is your MAIN MAN can't get it done against FBS schools and those wins against the likes of FAMU or a Bethune Cookman absolutely DISTORT his record. That's all.

[TheeMackJones]

All I know is Carpetbagger No.1 and Carpetbagger No. 2 DON'T want to meet MIGHTY Florida in some OBSCURE fourth-tier bowl. Because with that Gator defense and Florida's offense facing Miami's defense. It could be the Canes second losing season since 2007.

[WWIN]

Can we pay Coach L a little extra and let him coach the football team too?

[UMike]

All I know is Carpetbagger No.1 and Carpetbagger No. 2 DON'T want to meet MIGHTY Florida in some OBSCURE fourth-tier bowl. Because with that Gator defense and Florida's offense facing Miami's defense. It could be the Canes second losing season since 2007.

Posted by: TheeMackJones | December 03, 2014 at 01:30 PM

Not to mention Miami would get burned by yet another Miami recruit it lost

[CaneRock]

there should be a new arrangement/contract that allows a program to outsource certain sports dept for a number of years. maybe nike can take it over, run it as a profit business, give the school a cut, and after say 10 years, once its healthy again, turn it back over to the school.

Posted by: NigerianCane | December 03, 2014 at 01:07 PM

They need to adjust Title XI, every school doesn't have a Tennessee or UConn WBB team.

[Terrance Sullivan]

BTW the FAU game in at FAU is on Saturday September 12th. Go Canes

[USAFCane]

Christobal wouldn't be my first choice but I believe he's the type we'll look at when the times comes.

[AeroCane]

Can we pay Coach L a little extra and let him coach the football team too?

Posted by: WWIM | December 03, 2014 at 01:33 PM

Yes! Lol

[Ohio_Cane]

To be honest, everyone's "first choice" as HC isn't going to be one we're getting, IMO.

I'm no expert on the $$ situation, but firing Golden is going to cost us a pretty penny, then add on top of that the new HC's salary? We're not getting a $3-6 mil coach.

[dj moonbat]

They need to adjust Title XI, every school doesn't have a Tennessee or UConn WBB team.

Posted by: CaneRock | December 03, 2014 at 01:47 PM

The whole point of Title IX is to make schools WANT to have good women's teams.

[Ohio_Cane]

Adelson says it's Miami.

Forget for a minute that Miami was the preseason choice to win the Coastal Division. Failing to make it to the ACC championship game (again) classifies as a disappointment nearly every year. But the reason Miami is the biggest disappointment this season has nothing to do with failing to meet those expectations.

They were too high from the start. The reason this team disappointed so much is how it played, especially to end the season.

Miami has no business being a 6-6 team. Not with a dominant running back in Duke Johnson. Not with a Butkus Award finalist in Denzel Perryman. Not with a Mackey Award finalist in Clive Walford. Not with a rising star in quarterback Brad Kaaya. Miami had seven players recognized on the All-ACC team as first- second- or third-team selections. North Carolina had three. Talk about underperforming.

Especially when we saw exactly what this team was capable against Florida State. Miami played with heart, it played with conviction. It played with passion, it played with a purpose. But those moments proved to be fleeting. Once the Canes lost such an emotionally draining game, they seemed to give up on the season.

They were lifeless against Virginia, and listless against Pittsburgh, two teams Miami should have beaten. But as has become a trademark now, the Canes cannot seem to get themselves motivated for teams that mean little to them.

Getting up for Florida State is no problem. But getting up for Virginia and Pitt? That was a problem. Getting up for Duke last year? That was a problem. Getting up for Louisville in the bowl game last year? That was a problem. These are continuing trends, not just exclusive to this season. North Carolina has been mediocre two years in a row. But what does it say that Miami won nine games a year ago, and just six games with arguably a better team -- and a healthy Johnson for all 12 games?

The only way that makes sense is if you take a closer look at the intangibles that separate good teams from great ones. While it is true Miami coach Al Golden has had to fight the NCAA and depth concerns from the moment he arrived, it also is true his teams often look unprepared to play. That falls on him, and it falls on his staff.

Both have taken heavy criticism for coaching decisions, schemes, alignments and non-adjustments during wins and losses. That obviously is a problem, too. But players need to take accountability as well. It has been 15 years since Miami could roll its helmets onto a field and win, even if it gave half its effort. The Canes are not that team anymore. They have to win the way just about everybody else does: with a fighting mentality, heart, determination, unbending work ethic and an unstoppable drive to win.

Those intangibles were not evident for large portions of the season. So it ended in disappointment, despite all the talent.

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/77974/biggest-disappointment-unc-or-miami

[j.w.]

Don't disagree with anything Adelson says. The sad thing is all those intangibles are what made the U great in the 80's, early 90's and early 00's.

[Go Canes]

To be honest, everyone's "first choice" as HC isn't going to be one we're getting, IMO.

I'm no expert on the $$ situation, but firing Golden is going to cost us a pretty penny, then add on top of that the new HC's salary? We're not getting a $3-6 mil coach.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 02:01 PM

Don't forget the money they're going to owe the assistants still having time remaining on their contracts.

[Go Canes]

Looks like UF found a coach:

@APMarkLong: Gators charter has filed a flight plan to return home, leaving at 4 p.m. Eastern and arriving at 7 p.m. Assume McElwain will be on it

[UMike]

Seems like a strange hire.. but IDK much about that McElwain guy

[Ohio_Cane]

Here's stuff on McElwain:

His first coaching job in Division I-A football was at University of Louisville where he was the receivers and special teams coach from 2000 to 2002. At Louisville he tutored All-Conference USA receivers Arnold Jackson, Deion Branch, Damien Dorsey and Zek Parker. Also his special teams set a school record of nine blocked kicks in 2000–2001 season. He was then offered the assistant head coaching position at Michigan State when he followed Louisville's head coach John L. Smith there.[3] With the Spartans his coaching of the receivers and special teams helped lead them to the Alamo Bowl in his first season.[2]
Oakland Raiders

Jim McElwain's National Football League coaching career was very brief. After his success at Michigan State he was offered a job to be the quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders. He was only with them for one year in which the Oakland Raiders ended the season 2–14.[3] McElwain was dismissed along with many of the other coaches on the team, including head coach Art Shell.[3]
Return to college football

In 2007, Jim McElwain was contacted by Fresno State, and he accepted a job to become their offensive coordinator.[3] While at Fresno State he built a powerhouse offense which ranked 38th in the country averaging 419.5 yards a game and 32nd in the nation in points per game with 32.9. He helped lead them to a 9–4 record on the year and beating Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl.[2]

On February 1, 2008, McElwain accepted an offer from Nick Saban to be the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama.[4] In his first season as the offensive coordinator, the Crimson Tide finished the regular season 12–0; then lost their last two games to the University of Florida in the 2008 SEC Championship Game and the University of Utah in the 2009 Sugar Bowl.[5]

In 2009, his offense led the Crimson Tide to a 12–0 regular season record. They then went on to defeat the number one team in the country, the Florida Gators, in the 2009 SEC Championship Game. There his offense dominated the Gators number one defense in the country and compiled 490 yards of offense, more than twice the yards the Gators defense had averaged giving up all year. McElwain's offense out rushed the Gators offense 251 yards to 88 yards, 63 of those yards coming from the 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow. His offense put up 32 points and held on to the ball for 39 minutes and 37 seconds, almost twice the Gators total of 20 minutes and 23 seconds.[6] Alabama went on to beat the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. In 2011, the Crimson Tide finished the season with a 12–1 record, and beat the LSU Tigers 21–0 in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.
Colorado State

On December 12, 2011, sources revealed that McElwain had accepted the head coaching position with Colorado State.[7][8][9] A press conference was held at the Colorado State University Rams indoor practice facility on December 13, 2011 to officially announce the hiring.[7][8][9]

McElwain's tenure, dubbed by the school's athletic department as "A Bold New Era", began on a high note. McElwain's Rams rallied from an 11-point deficit to defeat arch-rival Colorado 22-17 at Sports Authority Field in Denver on September 1. McElwain became the first CSU coach to win his debut since Jerry Wampfler in 1970 and the first to ever win his debut against CU. The momentum didn't last long, though, as CSU suffered a 22-9 setback in their home opener one week later to defending FCS National Champion North Dakota State, the start of a six game losing skid. The program showed improvement towards the end of the season, winning three of their final five games to finish 4-8 in McElwain's first season.

McElwain's second season with CSU was much more successful. CSU would begin the season losing their first two games, both of which they had led in the 4th quarter. However, CSU finished the season winning 8 of its next 12 games. McElwain finished his second season with a record of 8-6 after CSU's miraculous comeback win in the New Mexico Bowl.

His third season with CSU led to even greater accomplishments. After a Week 2 loss at Boise State, the Rams reeled off 9 straight wins, climbing as high as #21 in the national rankings, and being in the conversation for a possible New Year's Day bowl bid. Those hopes were dashed, however, in their final regular season game at Air Force, when the Falcons hit a game-winning field goal as time expired, finishing CSU's regular season at 10-2. Notwithstanding this loss, the Rams were noted for a powerful offense though out the year. Colorado State averages 498 yards per game (13th best in the nation), while boasting the nation's second most efficient quarterback in Garrett Grayson and the top receiver by yards per game (149.1) and touchdowns (17) in Rashard Higgins.[10] Under McElwain, the Rams were one of only two Group of 5 teams with victories in 2014 over two Power 5 conference teams, defeating both Colorado and Boston College.

As a result of the successful transformation of the program, McElwain was named the Mountain West Conference's coach of the year on December 2, 2014.[11]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_McElwain

[UMike]

Maybe he isnt such a bad hire

[Ohio_Cane]

Maybe he isnt such a bad hire

Posted by: UMike | December 03, 2014 at 02:41 PM
------------------------------------------

I'd take him at UM lol

[CaneRock]

I remember watching CSU last year, Joey Porter was one their ACs LMAO! BUT, they actually say Porter has a bright future as a HC down the line.

[360Cane]

It's not about defense anymore gents. Scoring points is the new. Gotta keep these players safe and all. ;-)

[SinisterCane]

NUKE THE ENTIRE EFFING STAFF

[360Cane]

Took some biggins to get in front of an entire football team and take their ball away. Feel for those guys at UAB.

[SinisterCane]

Golden supporters get those 2015 excuses ready!!! here goes the first!!!

1. Too many young guys playing at night

[Ohio_Cane]

Nebraska after Bielema

[SinisterCane]

^^^^^^
Forecasters predict no clouds for 7 days

[CaneRock]

Bielema seems like the right fit for NU.

Interesting, if that happens, I'm wondering if Arkansas goes after Malzahn...

[Go Canes]

Nebraska after Bielema

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | December 03, 2014 at 02:58 PM

He'd be a heck of a hire but he basically left Wisconsin, another version of the Huskers, to get to the ACC didn't he?

[Go Canes]

SEC. /\/\/\

[j.w.]

Doesn't hurt to ask for him, but for that reason Go I'd be shocked if he took the Nebraska job. They're realistically looking for a Sonny Dykes type of coach if they want someone from a Power 5 conference. Maybe Paul Johnson if he's sick of Ga. Tech (yes, I know he is talking about an extension with them). Or another infamous ACC coach.

[Go Canes]

@mattyports: Season's first NCAA RPI is out. Miami is No. 3. Saturday's opponent, Green Bay, is No. 1. UM also plays No. 29 Providence later this month.

[The Dude]

If Nebraska were to get shut out on the coaching search, then would they interview Al? Would Al take the job?

[Ohio_Cane]

1. If Nebraska were to get shut out on the coaching search, then would they interview Al?

2. Would Al take the job?

Posted by: The Dude | December 03, 2014 at 03:10 PM
-------------------------------------------

1. I hope so
2. I hope so

[Go Canes]

I doubt it and I doubt it.

[J'Ville Cane]

Posted by: The Dude | December 03, 2014 at 03:10 PM

1. If you ask Al's agent, he may tell you he already did. Listen out for news on the extension on the already unwarranted extension to 2019.

2. Of course he wouldn't, remember Miami is a destination job. LOL

[CaneRock]

Maybe Paul Johnson if he's sick of Ga. Tech (yes, I know he is talking about an extension with them).
Posted by: j.w. | December 03, 2014 at 03:08 PM

Yeah, you'd figure NU would wanna go back to their Option roots. Not saying you don't need talent to run it, but you need as much talent as a Bielema offense...it's not like franchish QBs & WRs grow on trees in that State.

[CaneRock]

but you need as much talent as a Bielema offense...it's not like franchish QBs & WRs grow on trees in that State.

Posted by: CaneRock | December 03, 2014 at 03:36 PM

but you *DON'T* need as much talent as a Bielema offense.

franchish =s franchise