It Is Better To Be Lucky Than Good

Some people simply don't believe in luck.

Some people think that you make your own luck.

Some people think the harder you work the luckier you get.

No matter whether you believe if Lady Luck exists or not, if you attended or watched the University of Miami's game against Georgia Tech on a sloppy, rain soaked field at Hard Rock Stadium you may have to accept that the Hurricanes got more than a little bit lucky in beating the Yellow Jackets by one point.

Yes, somehow, someway, and maybe with some luck, UM squeaked out a 25-24 victory over GT and move their record to 5-0 on the season and remain in the hunt for their first ACC Championship.

Another slow start and lackluster first half performance by Miami that has characterized Mark Richt's tenure at UM and especially during the 2017 season left the heavily favored Hurricanes looking desperately for a little luck to swing in their direction late in the game.

So we now fast forward to late in the fourth quarter when your Miami Hurricanes were in as bad a position as they have been all season, a season already filled with some seriously lucky second half comebacks. UM got the ball at it's own 10 yard line with just 2:30 left on the clock and one last chance to, well for lack of a better phrase, get lucky.

UM QB Malik Rosier, who had been dodging the Tech defense and the sudden but intermittent rain showers all day long, had looked anything but impressive during the game in front of the hyped up and very loud home crowd.

Yet after a couple of safe, quick screen passes to WR Braxton Berrios and TE Christopher Herndon he led the Hurricanes to near midfield. Things were looking up and Lady Luck appeared to be smiling on the team from Miami.

Then, after a couple of incomplete passes and a really curious play call on third down and 11 (run draw play), the Canes were down to their last chance to really see if luck was on their side. And sure enough, on fourth down and 11 to go, Lady Luck showed up and blessed Miami with Darrell Langham. 

Yes, the same tall, fiesty wide receiver who just happened to catch the game-winning touchdown pass with just six seconds to go against FSU last week in Tallahassee. Maybe luck comes in pairs, who knows?

Rosier dropped back to pass on the sloppy, chewed up field and with good protection heaved a long pass down the right sideline in Langham's direction.

Two Tech defenders were all over the play in tight coverage and converged on the ball as it seemed to hang in the air for a very long time. It looked as though the ball may be intercepted or at least fall incomplete and that the Canes would finally be out of luck and any chance at an ACC title.

It was at that very moment that lovely Lady Luck removed her lace veil and kissed Langham squarely on the lips.

The ball first bounced off of Langham's hands, then off the helmet of one of the Yellow Jacket defenders and then up in the air just high enough so that he could manage to snatch it out of the jaws of defeat and into his waiting arms as he fell backwards onto the muddy turf.

Langham's remarkable, spectacular, no make that lucky, first down catch would propel the Hurricanes to a 24 yard, game winning field goal a few seconds later by Michael Badgley with only four seconds to play. 

When it was over, it was hard to tell if one team deserved victory more than the other. But it was pretty easy to see which one was luckier than the other.

Comments

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Posted by: RCCF | October 17, 2017 at 12:00 PM

This is actually a very good comparison.

[Sinistercane1]

Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 17, 2017 at 11:04 AM

Walton does too much dancing at the LOS where Homer hit the hole at full speed. Homer is a better fit for CMR’s offense where Walton might flourish in a power formation zone blocking scheme

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2017 at 12:05 PM

BCC sucks

[thirstybuzzardcane]

You should be.

The incessant whining and fear from the safe place finding guys on here would make the trip unbearable.

I ask again, what Top 25 team is consistently playing this offense you wish we were?

Posted by: Go Canes! | October 17, 2017 at 11:31 AM

Stop it for crying out loud! Your the king for loving mediocrity!

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Posted by: Go Canes! | October 17, 2017 at 12:04 PM

So I'm going to listen to a guy who proved by stats that our D was legit under Golden!!!

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 17, 2017 at 12:19 PM

Maybe.

But I never fail to embrace and love winning.

Half the guys here are rooting with a parachute on. Ready to jump as soon as we lose our first game.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Walton does too much dancing at the LOS where Homer hit the hole at full speed. Homer is a better fit for CMR’s offense where Walton might flourish in a power formation zone blocking scheme

Posted by: Sinistercane1 | October 17, 2017 at 12:16 PM

No doubt!! Homer is more patient in letting the play develop. I think he sees the field better.

[Ron Mayflower]

86Cane 12:05pm

Using transitive property, we lose to owls 16-0. In reality, IIRC, BCC did not get a full week of practice before playing the owls due to Irma. FAU stayed back in Madison after getting kicked in the rear.

I say we will kick the owls 65-7 if we really play each other.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Maybe.

But I never fail to embrace and love winning.

Half the guys here are rooting with a parachute on. Ready to jump as soon as we lose our first game.

Posted by: Go Canes! | October 17, 2017 at 12:25 PM

Yes indeed there are some of those on here....Lol!

[Ron Mayflower]

I agree with Hillview, Rosier is much more productive and a better game manager than Berlin. Berlin couldn't work under center.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Like I've been saying. My only pet peeve about the offense is not using the middle of the field more! We won't lose another game if they start using the middle on a consistent basis.

[HawaiiCane]

Your thoughts please?

Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2017 at 12:05 PM

Stupid and illogical debates or arguments!

[86Cane]

Go Canes...U so lazy!

[86Cane]

I say we will kick the owls 65-7 if we really play each other.

Posted by: Ron Mayflower | October 17, 2017 at 12:28 PM

Now THAT I would pay to see!

Can you arrange it please?

[86Cane]

But his Junior year he had 1 great half against Florida. To his credit his senior numbers were good and he never lost to FSU or UF. However Rosier is better

Posted by: HillViewCane | October 17, 2017 at 12:15 PM

And for that he will be fondly remembered.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Good News! Sounds like we are starting to get healthy.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article179254646.html

[raizecane]

The 2 weeks that we missed due to the hurricanes really impacted us as far as conditioning and timing goes. I believe we will be peaking at just the right time when we meet VT and ND.

[canezilla]

So FAU is 3-3 and FIU is 4-2 on the season.

UM beat BCC 41-13.

FAU beat BCC 45-0.

Your thoughts please?

Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2017 at 12:05 PM
Maybe Miami was trying not to open the play book up or try different schemes. While fau trying 100% to blow them out?

[Ron Mayflower]

Using transitive property, Clemson will also lose to the FAU owls. Syracuse lost to Middle Tennessee 30-27 who lost to FAU 38-20. Syracuse defeated Clemson. So, there you have it - Clemson losing to FAU too. LoL.

[Go Canes!]

Or BCC really sucks.

[30CINCO]

Using transitive property...were we national champs that year VTech beat Ohio State? That would be sweet!

[TruCane81]

Malik himself. He said it during a interview.

Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 17, 2017 at 12:12 PM

Thats a damn shame.

To think a staff could do that in this era is unbelievable. He has been a play away from having to be out starter for a while now.

[CGNC]

Posted by: WWIN | October 16, 2017 at 08:18 PM

LOL. I kind of don't remember BUT I think it was much later in the game and the score was tied. I don't remember it being right at the start of the 2nd half. Anyway, like I said, if it had worked, would have been nice but I still would have questioned "WHY?"

[CGNC]

The GT game was a big win for the team. Kids don't quit. And we didn't bring our "A" game either, especially first half.

Go Canes! #Beatcuse

[Go Canes!]

Miami freshman Lonnie Walker (meniscus) has been fully cleared, per Jim Larranaga.

[MLAlumni1970]

Remember all the Orange Ties, reflecting solidarity with Al Golden?
I wonder what happened to all of them. Perfect color, sophisticated, and truly a tie for the U.
But, alas, they would only remind us of a bad time gone by
I'm just rambling. Need a cup of coffee. Going to the grocery store. Been sick ever since I left Florida: bad cold, sore throat, spitting up yucky stuff, and stayed in bed since Sunday last. 8 days. Nothing seems to help, except a CANES Win.
IT'S GREAT TO BE A MIAMI HURRICANE!

[TruCane81]

Penn States qb has passing limitations.

Their oc does a good job using PASSES to Barkley to open up runs for Barkley.

He uses a mix of deep concepts with a checkdown and short outs and crosses to the backs, tes, and recievers.

Their plan is designed to get their qb going with easy throws, but he reads slow and takes too many sacks.

If we ran concepts like Penn State, Malik would kill it and get into a rhythm early.

Teams would cheat up and the deep stuff Richt likes will be more open and run with a team in rhythm with more confidence.

If any body wants more examples just ask.

[TonyCane]

Georgia TEch dining on ashes:

https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/2017/10/14/16477202/unexplainable-final-drive-leads-miami-to-25-24-win-over-georgia-tech

[CaneRock]

Homer should've gotten more than 4 carries in the RZ, Richt was getting too cute down there. Good thing Gauthier caught that tipped Rosier pass that could've been an INT, otherwise we would've needed a TD to win the game.

[AfriCane]

Key to the Game:
D needs to get off the field on 3rd down.
O needs to use slow l, methodical drives to keep their O on the bench and not let them get in rhythm.

[Go Canes!]

Posted by: CaneRock | October 17, 2017 at 02:44 PM

Agree. The kid has been money.

[TruCane81]

Homer should've gotten more than 4 carries in the RZ, Richt was getting too cute down there. Good thing Gauthier caught that tipped Rosier pass that could've been an INT, otherwise we would've needed a TD to win the game.

Posted by: CaneRock | October 17, 2017 at 02:44 PM

Walton is great back but Homers style I think gets more yards with pur oline not being dominant run blockers.

Homer has that Cook vision, but instead of the jump cut like Walton, he uses a very quick but strong "step" cut that makes defenders miss and gets him to the second level with a ton of momentum.

It would be a good idea to get him going early in the passing game too. When Penn State does this with Barkley, he rips off big runs the entire game.

With Homer's house speed, we will see long tds.

His vision and physical style make running him in the red zone more a great idea.

[SinisterCane]

Credit to Barry Jackson

A 12-pack of UM nuggets on a Tuesday:

• There’s one potential lineup change Saturday. Mark Richt said on WQAM’s Hurricane Hotline on Monday night that Hayden Mahoney graded out slightly better than Corey Gaynor at right guard against Georgia Tech, and Mahoney would be the starter Saturday against Syracuse if the decision had to be made now.

Gaynor started against Georgia Tech; Mahoney played later.

Both are filling in for Navaughn Donaldson, who is out indefinitely.

• I asked Richt that when he took the job, when did he think this could be a top 10 program and whether UM is ahead of schedule in his mind?

“You are not a top 10 program until the end of the year,” he said. “We were 10th [last year] and then lost four in a row. [At the end of the year,] we were top 20, a little bit relevant.”

But this, Richt said, is important to keep in mind:

“We’re not at the point where we can line up and impose our will on people,” he said. “Florida State was a battle royale to the tend. Georgia Tech was battle royale to the end. We are not lining up and whipping people. We have to battle people every week. We know it.

“We’re excited about winning and trying to establish that mindset. We’re not a dominant football team. We’re a very solid football team that is fighting like mad to win the close battles. That’s where we are right now

“I do think we’re moving in the right direction. We are getting where we need to get. But we need to recruit well. Without getting great players year in and year out, it’s going to be a battle. Last year, we had three close games and lost them all.”

• Several coaches, like Urban Meyer, have had great success their second seasons. Richt is experiencing that.

“Year one you establish your standards, you establish your way of doing things,” Richt said. “Even if you have seniors totally bought in, they still don’t know what you want yet. By year two, the next group of leaders knows the standard. The whole team knows it. It’s guys truly understanding what coach wants and not only doing it but getting players around them to do it.

“The good news is when they look around, they see guys doing it right. They say, do it like [Darrell] Langham, Shaq [Quarterman]... Travis Homer.”

• Richt, on how to get Malik Rosier to play better in games: “My goal is to create more adversity in practice. Practice more like a game. Give me tempo of a game. Don’t give me practice tempo. Give me game tempo. That’s what I need and that’s what I think will help.”

• Richt said some who didn’t play last Saturday likely would play this Saturday. The sense is that’s Ahmmon Richards and Sheldrick Redwine; both practiced Tuesday.

Dee Delaney and Donaldson did not practice.

• Syracuse’s 27-24 win over Clemson certainly caught UM’s attention. “What happened last Friday was pretty remarkable,” Richt said. “It was so impressive to have that kind of a turnaround in that short of a time” - from losing 54-0 to Clemson in 2016 and beating them last Friday.

Besides having two of the nation’s three leading receivers, “their defense has improved by 14 points per game, which is a monster change,” Richt said. “They’re super fast and physical and bring it to you. They don’t sit back. They pressure the quarterback.”

• UM - in the last couple of weeks - wanted to get freshman receiver Jeff Thomas more involved because of his speed and explosiveness, and quarterbacks coach Jon Richt reminded Mark Richt that the Hurricanes got just the defensive matchup they wanted before the play in which Thomas caught a 70-yard pass against Georgia Tech.

“That’s been the thought process since Day 1 - try to find ways, not just him, but anybody that can help us make plays and progress as an offense, we’re trying to find ways to involve them in the offense,” offensive coordinator Thomas Brown said. “We tried to get the ball in his hands with the reverse” earlier against Georgia Tech.

• As far as freshman receiver Mike Harley goes, “other than a couple of mishaps, he’s pretty consistent,” Brown said. “He’ll continue to get better.”

• Deejay Dallas, moved from wide receiver to running back at least for now, continues to compete with Crispian Atkins for the No. 3 running back job behind Travis Homer and Trayone Gray.

Is Dallas ready to get carries? Brown hedged.

“The biggest thing about tailback is playing on third down and pass protection on first and second down,” Brown said. “I get nervous about putting a guy in the game and not knowing how the call is going to go. I don’t want to put him in a bad spot or the offense in a bad spot before he knows exactly what to do. He’s making great progress.”

• It’s time for everyone to stop underestimating Trent Harris, who can be overlooked because he plays on a line with more heralded players/recruits, including Chad Thomas.

He has been very good, both against the run and as a pass-rusher (4.5 sacks). “There’s no doubt the competition has risen since I’ve been here,” he said. “We push each other so everyone has gotten better.”

Coach Craig Kuligowski has helped Harris with “the way he teaches us to attack and get upfield,”Harris said. “If you attack and get upfield, the majority of the time you’re going to make a play and not be wrong.”

• Pat Bethel has added 35 pounds in 20 months, since enrolling, and is thriving at defensive tackle. The decision to move him from defensive end is another example of how this staff uses its personnel intelligently.

• ESPN assigned New York Jets radio announcer Bob Wischusen and former Washington and ex-NFL quarterback Brock Huard to Saturday’s UM-Syracuse game.

[86Cane]

This Mayflower character must be Go Canes cousin?

[SinisterCane]

This Mayflower character must be Go Canes cousin?

Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2017 at 04:04 PM

Maybe it's Lurker? They had a good run defending Golden lol

[Go Canes!]

Defending is always better than hating.

Jmo...

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: Go Canes! | October 17, 2017 at 04:37 PM
Nobody hatin' 1st half performance this season suck A$$ just tellin' the truth

[1mg of Epi]

You’re is the lazy way actually.

Posted by: Go Canes! | October 17, 2017 at 12:04 PM

Yours*

[1mg of Epi]

So FAU is 3-3 and FIU is 4-2 on the season.

UM beat BCC 41-13.

FAU beat BCC 45-0.

Your thoughts please?

Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2017 at 12:05 PM

Transitive property doesn't work in CFB.

[Herbieibis]

Let's just all say we win ugly and that's probably going to be how it is this year. We have enough talent to play with anyone but there are a few teams we would have to play a perfect game and them less than perfect for us to beat them. Any team that has a green horn qb is ripe for the pickings.
For richt, he plays to cautious in the first half for the Herbs liking. It's almost like he's purposely keeping it close, so he doesn't show his hand to soon. We have the speed and height at WR, TE, and Rb to score at will against most teams. Some of his play calling is head scratching. Let the dogs loose. Aside from Clemson and FSU, nobody in this conference is close to us in talent and more is on the way.
By the way Rosier ain't better than Berlin. Berlin was a pure shot-gun qb who Coker wanted to be a pro-style, which he wasn't. Rosier had modest passing yards in high school and was probably more of a runner. He will get better but won't be great and we don't need him to be, just manage the game.
Cager is playing scared. He's worried about his knee to much and that brace is to big of a reminder. He has to get over it.
Diaz I like but he takes unnecessary chances sometimes and tries to be to cute. He's a ball for nerve. His adjustments have been great in the second half but to me it shouldn't take that long. Our secondary is mediocre at best and Knowles should be a last resort to be played. Linebackers have to play better and be more consistent. DT'S are our saviors. Thomas is still not the difference maker he should. The dude should be an absolute beast.
Dugins had to get WR'S running better routes, which will lead to more separation.
Said on the blog during the game, Homer is and will be better than Walton. Hits the hole hard and has that burst Walton does' haves.
Feagles has to be better. Although just a freshman, he really doesn't attack the ball. Looks like he's trying to pooch kick it every time.

[Ron Mayflower]

This Mayflower character must be Go Canes cousin?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2017 at 04:04 PM

Maybe it's Lurker? They had a good run defending Golden lol

Posted by: SinisterCane | October 17, 2017 at 04:16 PM

LoL. Sorry to burst your bubbles, but I am not related to Go Canes and I am not a reincarnation of Lurker. I am one of the original fans from Omar's SS blog days.

In any case, folks criticizing play calling have to come up with specific examples (e.g. D'No lining up the secondary in Washington DC on 3rd and 2 vs GT).

Folks complain about fades to small receivers in the end zone. CMR says it was a bad throw. So, who do you believe? The receivers still had the chance to catch the ball, but couldn't hold on. May be he will use big receivers in the future?

One can propose that we needed to run Homer in the RZ. May be so, Are we going to run in to an 8-man front? We have had issues with RZ offense in all our games so far including Toledo, Duke etc (couldn't convert multiple times from the 1). Clearly we need to do better.

And, truecane1, Penn state has higher per game points for, but, that's because they scored about 100 points when they played two cup cakes. Duke scored more on Northwestern than either PSU or Wisconsin.

[AfriCane]

Herb! My god! according to u, we r god awful and should stop recruiting, fold the program, stop building facilities, fire the coaches, have all the athletes transfer and we should all kill ourselves. That is by far the most negative review of an unbeaten team so far. Good god, man!!!!!

[Mark from Atlanta]

Canespace brothers good afternoon!
Cokshanolden....strange syndrome associated with fans of one of the greatest football institutions that has ever put the pads on...

That's what I got diagnosed with anyways. ...
But, there's a cure. ...Richtification has proven to be a new drug with promising results.

Cokshanolden is a lingering condition and takes time to overcome completely from it's grip.

Just Win baby , just win!
God bless you and Go Canes! ! !
Gimme 60 minutes against the Cuse!!

[86Cane]

Transitive property doesn't work in CFB.

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | October 17, 2017 at 05:04 PM

It works at the tailgate.

IJS

[BigWindyCane1]

Raize, I agree that the Canes haven't hit their stride yet. Hurricane Irma disrupted the beginning of the season, and the Canes haven't really developed the chemistry they had at the end of last season. Other teams are still two games ahead of them. Once the Canes catch up to their opponents in game reps, and hopefully, develop more in-game chemistry, the Canes can really be a very good football team. This could be a special year.

By the way, the Canes are now a -16 point favorite over the Orange, and even -16.5 point favorite at one site

[BigWindyCane1]

Gauthier has been the Canes best and most consistent OL this year. He has anchored a group that has been much better at run blocking than last season, and they deserve some credit for the success this year

[TruCane81]

Posted by: Ron Mayflower | October 17, 2017 at 05:46 PM

My example was more about scheme and strategy than production.

Psu qb leaves alot to be desired but they scheme up ways to move the ball with their best player who EVERYONE KNOWS will get the ball.

There are similarities there to Malik and our running backs. Thats why I picked them. They do have their struggles.

I dont expect us to look like 2013 fsu every week.

I just want to see the success that playing even closer to our actual strengths will provide.

I understand your thought process but you did just use the transitive property in your argument that you just pointed out anpther poster used.

[TruCane81]

Posted by: Herbieibis | October 17, 2017 at 05:13 PM

Great post, Herb.

[BigWindyCane1]

I see more Canes players are getting and staying healthy. Nothing cures midseason injuries and ailments more than stiff competition among position groups.

Canes need to stay healthy in order to make a run to the ACC championship game and beyond.

[TruCane81]

Strong second half performances....

Fewer injuries across the board.....

The stregth coach seems to be earning his check.