If you ever saw the movie Karate Kid, then you probably will remember Mr. Miagi emphatically telling Daniel early on during his karate training that:
"U must have balance Danielson!"
People, and by "people" I mean Hurricane fans, wonder why the University of Miami football team has not won more games in the past few season under UM head coach Al Golden. Well, in this article blogger TonyCane does his best to explain at least one reason that Miami has yet to right its losing ways.
U see my orange and green friends, according to TonyCane, it is mainly about recruiting failures over many years that resulted in serious roster in-balance. The in-balance he sees he describes like this...
The numbers show a lot of the factors in the irrelevancy.
If you look at the overall classes, Coker recruited well and had a very talented team. But Coker failed to recruit wide receivers and quarterbacks, and after 2004 this failure caught up with him. It doesn't matter how good the rest of your team is - if you are running a pro-style offense and you have to convert a punter (Monroe) to just have bare numbers at wide receiver, your team is set up for disaster.
The numbers tell part of the story for Shannon as well. He had one good recruiting class (2008) that was ladden with a large number of 3 star players. He followed it up with a decent 2009 class and a mediocre 2010 class that was only ranked as high as it was due to the sheer volume of players taken.
Golden's tale is the easiest to tell with numbers. His initial roster was imbalanced due to the withered 2010 class (third gone within a year) and a depleted 2011 class.
His 2012 class, while strong, saw an inordinate amount of players transfer, fail to qualify, or get eliminated from the roster. This speaks to the NCAA mess, where Miami could not be choosy and had to take what they could get.
The large number of departures from the 2012 class, coupled with the 2010 and 2011 classes led to roster imbalances that persisted until last season. This year is the first in a decade where the team is actually balanced.
Bottom line, no coach could have brought Miami back to sustained, Canes-like prominence for the entire last decade. Presume that Butch Davis or Bob Stoops had been given the job in 2006. They still would have had to contend with the Nevin Shapiro disaster that was in the making.
The coach in 2011 would potentially have inherited a stronger team and been able to recruit a bit more on recent success (USC), but the 2.5 year investigation with the death penalty being freely bandied about would still have brought the program several steps back.
As a program, Miami is coming back. It's just taking a heck of a lot longer than I or anyone else here expected or wanted.
Posted by: The Dude | July 15, 2015 at 01:39 PM
Are U serious! Chit, the beloved Golden had FIVE previous seasons of being a head coach!!!! LMFAO And AFTER ten seasons of being a head coach. The Golden One is still LEARNING on the job. Of course, you could be playing the Orange nd' Green SARCASTIC card.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 01:45 PM
I'd be happier if I thought Golden learning on the job, no matter how small the improvement. I see zero evidence of it.
Posted by: Mountain Cane | July 15, 2015 at 01:49 PM
Chase Ford, Ray Ray
Posted by: Mountain Cane | July 15, 2015 at 12:19 PM
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Uhhh, wut?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 15, 2015 at 01:50 PM
Funny. But it seems the Mighty Trojans haven't had the major DIFFICULTY, which Miami has experienced the past four seasons. After all, USC had one lame season of " 7-6 " since Pete BOLTED for the NFL.
Heck, USC is even in national championship discussion this season. And happens to be a legitimate Top 6 team, in ALL the college football magazines.
By the way, the Men of Troy faced STIFFER scholarship losses than the Hurricanes. Go figure.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 01:50 PM
henderson, B Washington
Posted by: Mountain Cane | July 15, 2015 at 12:19 PM
---------------------------
Again... WUT?
None of those I highlighted have even come CLOSE to "blowing up in the pros".
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 15, 2015 at 01:51 PM
LOL@ NOFENSE scheming his defense to look like the Seattle Seahawks.
Posted by: SinisterCane | July 15, 2015 at 01:52 PM
That's any easy one Mack. No one.
Posted by: Mountain Cane | July 15, 2015 at 01:58 PM
FWIW... Phil Steele lists USC's win-loss record for the past ten seasons. That includes the bowl games. So if Cane fan EXCLUDES the tail end of Caroll's tenure. One could see the Trojans have had WINNING seasons and have WON bowl games. And that's with the ACHILLES HEEL of MAJOR scholarship losses!
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 01:59 PM
If there is a motivation problem, that is a golden problem. If there is an effort problem, that is a golden problem. If there is a staff problem, that is a golden problem. If he is so single track in his experience and knowledge that he cannot put the right system in place to fit his players, that is a golden problem. No matter how you try to read that interview, this is all a golden problem. Nothing more, nothing less. He is a failure as a motivator, a failure as a manager, a failure as a strategist. A failure as a head coach.
Posted by: SinisterCane | July 15, 2015 at 08:10 AM
Finally!!!! A VOICE of REASON in the muggy metropolis of South Florida. lol
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:04 PM
When a player doesn't understand the system, isn't quite sure what to do or what's expected of him.... He probably will look like he quit on the field.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | July 15, 2015 at 02:09 PM
Who do u figure the anonymous player was? DP?
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | July 15, 2015 at 02:11 PM
" Against Florida State, we were attacking and playing a lot of man coverage in the first half. Then we got conservative and Jameis Winston picked us apart. Players want to play more man.” "
LMFAO... Because ESPN'S/ABC'S Herbie had the absolute EXACT NOTION. And he was yapping about both the offense and defense!!!!
In other words, why did Miami let FSU off the mat and why didn't Miami go for the TKO punch. Herbie was insinuating that the Hurricanes had FSU on the ropes, but gave the Criminoles an escape route out of being in dire straits.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:16 PM
There you go. DEPTH creates competition more than anything else. We have that as much as we've had in years. We'll begin reaping the benefits of that this year.
Posted by: Go Canes | July 15, 2015 at 04:46 AM
Go tell that to Kehoe. The man has NO DEPTH on the O-line and Art is growing new GRAY hairs day after day. LMFAO
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:18 PM
In other words, why did Miami let FSU off the mat and why didn't Miami go for the TKO punch. Herbie was insinuating that the Hurricanes had FSU on the ropes, but gave the Criminoles an escape route out of being in dire straits.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:16 PM
I remember the defensive mavens here telling us there was no difference in D game planing game to game or half to half.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | July 15, 2015 at 02:18 PM
WQAM is talking about the article Barry Jackson wrote.....They are also blaming the coaches!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:23 PM
I think the anonymous player was Chick in that article!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:24 PM
I'm guessing that it was THE DUKE's mother.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:27 PM
Based on the stories, I think it has to be a defensive player.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | July 15, 2015 at 02:29 PM
With the OL we have this year, Kayaa will get hit hard and often! I'm going to feel bad for the kid!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:30 PM
On the road in Stinkin' Lincoln, Hinterlands and only down by one freakin' FG. And all Miami had to do was make some simple adjustments on defense. But no. Golden and D'Onofrio adjustments allow that Herbie Cornhusker team to go up and down the field in the crucial second-half. And all Nebraska did was RUN the ball. smh
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:31 PM
^^^^Kaaya
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:31 PM
Don't U just love it when there's CONTROVERSY in the Canespace. LMFAO
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 02:33 PM
On defense, we don't use the skills sets that our players have properly. We are not a slow team like the Penn States of the world. We have speed, more speed, and more speed to kill!!! We should be leading the nation in sacks!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:36 PM
Even Chick was bashing the coaching scheme after the Senior bowl on national TV!! I just don't get how people thought our defense was good last year.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:41 PM
Even Chick was bashing the coaching scheme after the Senior bowl on national TV!! I just don't get how people thought our defense was good last year.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 02:41 PM
How dare you talk about the Seahawks defense that way :( lol
Posted by: SinisterCane | July 15, 2015 at 02:45 PM
NOFENSE's Seattle scheme
TFL ranked 102nd
Sacks Ranked 73rd
Posted by: SinisterCane | July 15, 2015 at 03:03 PM
Chick NEVER bashed anyone or anything.
All he said was the scheme that he played in college was not as suited for him to get upfield and be disruptive as he might have been in a different scheme like he played in the post season games.
As a matter of fact, he worded his statement very carefully so as not to come across as bashing the coaches, and he made his comment in response to a specific question about his disruption in that specific game versus his college career, in which many times he had to play like a 2-gap hands-in-the-dirt tackle, and not a 1-gap rush end.
Pure comedy, the interpretations on here.
And also pure comedy when a respected player actually says the fault was 70% with the players, and that gets twisted to 90% coaches. Thinking it's all on the coaches is an ok opinion to have, but that's NOT what the anonymous player, who was actually there and played under these coaches said.
You can have any opinion you like of how responsible the coaches are, and in the end the buck stops with them, but the fact of what he said is not in dispute, he actually said it.
Posted by: Lur-ker | July 15, 2015 at 03:09 PM
All he said was the scheme that he played in college was not as suited for him to get upfield and be disruptive as he might have been in a different scheme like he played in the post season games.
Posted by: Lur-ker | July 15, 2015 at 03:09 PM
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Ok, so he bashed them in a polite way!! I guess we should start recruiting kids from the midwest so they can play in our system, because every South Florida kid is not suited for coach D'NoNuts scheme!!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | July 15, 2015 at 03:18 PM
Ray Ray is all Shannon, he never played for Golden.
Posted by: TonyCane | July 15, 2015 at 01:20 PM
Yes, He did.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 15, 2015 at 03:30 PM
Chase Ford & Brandon Washington also played for Shannon.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 15, 2015 at 03:35 PM
^^^^^^^^^ Correction, "also played for Golden."
Posted by: CaneRock | July 15, 2015 at 03:38 PM
And also pure comedy when a respected player actually says the fault was 70% with the players, and that gets twisted to 90% coaches. Thinking it's all on the coaches is an ok opinion to have, but that's NOT what the anonymous player, who was actually there and played under these coaches said.
Posted by: Lur-ker | July 15, 2015 at 03:09 PM
If you're referring to my post, I didn't twist His words, read it again.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 15, 2015 at 03:41 PM
Speaking of D'Onofrio and GOLDEN'S particular defense. The defensive unit will have to CARRY the offense for at least the initial opening FOUR games on the schedule. Seeing that the O-line will be a work in progress and the jury is still out on the running backs, TE and receivers and what not.
And believe it or not. Both Cincinnati and Nebraska will be TROUBLESOME games for Miami. Thankfully the Hurricanes have 2 guaranteed wins against Florida Atlantic and the in-state I-AA opponent.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 04:10 PM
Making stuff up as we go along.
The one, and only one year that Ray Ray played for golden, he was in the doghouse because of his suspected NCAA violations. Let's not be clowns and forget that we had to tread so so carefully during that time, and Ray Ray couldn't keep his mouth shut. So, under the threat of the death penalty, he had to sit out several games. for that and other reasons. Unbelievable how history is rewritten.
Posted by: Lur-ker | July 15, 2015 at 04:14 PM
FWIW... according to Phil Steele the Hurricanes have the NO. 3 most difficult schedule in all of major college football.
So it looks like Golden and D'Onofrio will have to FINALLY show their overall coaching ACUMEN and what not.
Posted by: TheeMackJones | July 15, 2015 at 04:14 PM
#Miserable
Posted by: SinisterCane | July 15, 2015 at 04:20 PM
Allcanes.com has 50% off all Nike gear through midnight tonight. Just a heads up
http://www.allcanes.com/shop-online/nike-miami-hurricanes-sale.html
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 15, 2015 at 04:29 PM
Trying to get rid of all the Duke #8 jerseys apparently.
Posted by: Mountain Cane | July 15, 2015 at 04:57 PM
Clearing out the Nike Gear for Adidas Gear.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | July 15, 2015 at 05:04 PM
Lol. To all of it.
And what not.
Posted by: Go Canes | July 15, 2015 at 07:03 PM
Til Kaaya and Coley are.
Or Walton and Grace.
On a side note, well done Canes:
@MiamiHerald: UM testing goggles that can detect concussions immediately http://t.co/WbYESUzR8K http://t.co/00MccCHiUT
Posted by: Go Canes | July 15, 2015 at 07:24 PM
Go, not sure how you conclude that Golden has done a great job at developing talent (or anything else for that matter) but mediocre to poor on game day.
Here's my translation. Results are all that matters and his results stink.
How many years do you give him if he continues to produce 6 or 7 wins per year (2 to 3 of which are gimmes)?
Golden's ACC regular season record over 4 years is 16-16. And it was 3-5 last year, so there's no story that it is getting better.
If you like mediocre, he's your guy.
Posted by: Mountain Cane | July 15, 2015 at 01:36 PM
I'll respond to Mountain first.
He gets one year to show improvement. Realistically it's probably two years given the contract.
Posted by: TonyCane | July 15, 2015 at 07:29 PM
It would have had the same effect if Butch Davis, Nick Saban, Lane Kiffin, or Mack Brown had been here.
Posted by: TonyCane | July 15, 2015 at 08:20 PM
Not Butch or Saban. Just because Al can't get it done, doesn't mean somebody better can't.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 15, 2015 at 08:36 PM
Tony Cane
Golden's flirtation with Ped U killed his 2013 class, not the NCAA
Posted by: SinisterCane | July 15, 2015 at 09:05 PM
BREAKING: per @NJCAA , Former @ArmyAllAmerican & #LSU BB DT Travonte Valentine is transferring to Arizona Western CC
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 15, 2015 at 10:13 AM
So sad, so very, very, SAD.
Posted by: 86Cane | July 15, 2015 at 09:06 PM
Especially 2 years with the gloves off. TonyCane, you soundin' crazy as hell right now, Davis & Saban would've had us knockin' on the door right now.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 15, 2015 at 08:44 PM
Gonna ban U in a second if U mess with TC again.
IN A SECOND!
Posted by: 86Cane | July 15, 2015 at 09:07 PM
Rock...U add HATE.
TonyCane adds QUALITY.
I much prefer QUALITY over HATE!
Posted by: 86Cane | July 15, 2015 at 09:08 PM
Excellent post TC. I agree with ALMOST all of it.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | July 15, 2015 at 09:25 PM
I honestly believe if Nick Saban told Alabama he needed someone to follow him around all day just to wipe his ass after every dump, because he needed more time to concentrate on football, they would do it.
The point is he has every possible thing he could ever need to succeed. The best players, unlimited resources, top facilities, all star coaching staff and a great coaching mind.
He has ONE undefeated season his entire career.
But he or Butxh would have incredible success with none of those resources here.
Lol.
Single mindedness makes me laugh.
Posted by: Go Canes | July 15, 2015 at 09:26 PM
Bottom line, we all want the Canes to be what they were, and what they should be. I just want them to win, just as much as all of you.
Let's hope Phil Steele is right about this season.
Posted by: TonyCane | July 15, 2015 at 09:32 PM