Answer The Question (Part III)

In this three part series we have been focusing on what Miami needs to do to beat Clemson, win the ACC and compete for a National Championship Title.

Others have tried to copy this great idea (I know you are reading this and you know who you are) with a slight twist because it was, in fact, such a great idea.

In Part I of the series we answered the obvious question: How does Miami stack up talent wise versus teams like Clemson and the other playoff teams like Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma. Most knowledgeable college football fans already knew the obvious when we told you that Miami trails these teams in recruiting over the last 3-5 years by a significant margin.

Head coach Mark Richt recruited very well last year, is killing it this year with his #Storm18 class and still has a long way to go to make up the talent gap that has been created over the past five years. We wish him luck and success.

The top four teams average 10 five star and 44 four star players per team.

Miami has just 2 five stars and 24 four star players on their current roster. 

In Part II of the series we looked at the most glaring and obvious issues on the current team: Offensive woes that resulted from poor execution, poor QB play, poor play calling and game planning and key injuries that impacted the team during the season. At times it looked like a complete cluster *&%$.

All of these factors created the perfect storm (pun intended) for the 2017 UM offense that at times looked unstoppable (Notre Dame)and at other times could not get out of their own way (Pitt, Clemson, Wisconsin and others).

To be clear Miami trailed Clemson in every offensive category that counts: Scoring  (Clemson #21, Miami #57, Total Offense (#31, #58), Rushing Offense (#33, #73) and Passing Offense (#50, #52).

In Part III of the series we are going to look at a few more statistical categories where the Hurricanes must improve if they are going to win something more than the weak Coastal Division of the ACC and compete with the Big Boys.

These categories are:

Third Down Conversions - Offense: Clemson #10, Miami #123

First Downs - Gained: Clemson #12, Miami #89

First Downs - Allowed: Clemson #11, Miami #68

Time of Possession: Clemson #44, Miami #119

It doesn't take a rocket scientist, an MIT grad, the GEICO Gecko or our own prominent resident statistician TonyCane to do the math and figure out what went wrong with the Miami Hurricanes in 2017.

On offense the Hurricanes could not get a first down to save their lives and had way too many three-and-outs. This usually resulted in poor field position, too many punts (with a poor punter to boot, pun intended) and often times put too much pressure put on the young, aggressive and at times worn out defense.

On defense the Hurricanes could not get off the field on third down, gave up way too many first downs overall and too many conversions on third down even when the defense had other teams in third and long. In fact there were times during the season when fans would use this statement as a punchline: "The other team has us just where they want us, in third and long!"

Solution: Next year the Hurricanes must convert 45% or more on third downs on offense. They also must get off the field on defense on third and 7 yards or more. Or 11 yards or more. Or 17 yards or more. Or, well, you get my drift.

Comments

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 07, 2018 at 10:31 PM

That would be sweet.

[RCCF]

CANES OVA HERE!!

[1mg of Epi]

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 07, 2018 at 10:31 PM

That would be sweet.

Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 07, 2018 at 10:33 PM

Color me skeptical.

[86Cane]

Canes beat FSU in BB?

I LIKE IT!

[86Cane]

Color me skeptical.

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 07, 2018 at 10:59 PM

That's a funny color?

U ever get discriminated against?

[86Cane]

After a 33-day break away from the Watsco Center, the No. 15-ranked University of Miami men's basketball team returned home and defeated No. 24 Florida State 80-74 in front of a capacity crowd on Sunday.

With the win over Florida State, the Hurricanes moved to a perfect 6-0 at home and have now won 33 of their last 35 games inside the Watsco Center.

The Hurricanes used a balanced offense attack that saw three Hurricanes finish in double figures.

Sophomore Bruce Brown Jr. led the Hurricanes attack with a season-high 23 points, connecting on 5-of-8 shooting from the field. Fellow sophomore Dewan Huell also chipped in with 20 points, which marked the third time this season he has scored 20-or-more points.

Freshman Chris Lykes rounded out the Hurricane scoring leaders, as he poured in a career-high 18 points.

Junior Anthony Lawrence II continued his strong work on the boards as he tied a career-high with 12 rebounds, marking the fourth time this season he has tallied 10-or-more rebounds.

Miami's defense also shined as it held the Seminoles to 11 points under their season scoring average and limited FSU to just 36.2 percent shooting (25-of-69) shooting. Florida State entered the game averaging 85.4 points per game.

Both teams traded baskets in the early going, as no team led by more than four points in the opening 10 minutes. Midway through the first half, Miami went on a 9-0 run to take a 29-20 lead with 8:52 until the break.

Florida State responded with a 9-4 push to trim the Hurricanes' lead to four (33-29) with 4:07 to go in the half. Miami once again had an answer for the Seminoles as they closed the half on a 12-3 run to take a 45-32 lead into the locker room.

Miami shot 65.4 percent from the field in the first half.

The Hurricanes continued their hot shooting in the second half and opened up a 16-point lead at the 16:01 mark. Miami continued to hold a double-digit advantage for the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Florida State would not go away, as it trimmed Miami's lead to eight with 5:08 to go and would later climb to within four with 25 seconds, but that was as close as the Seminoles would get.

Miami secured the win with some strong free throw shooting, going 7-of-9 from the charity stripe in the final minute.

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: 1mg of Epi | January 07, 2018 at 10:59 PM

Think we’ll know this morning.

[Go Canes!!]

All class:

CMR: Good luck to the Dawgs tonight! I’m happy for the players, coaches, and the Georgia people! U Family!

[Go Canes!!]

More CMR:

Mark Richt said Malik Rosier "is our starter right now, there's no doubt about that," but adds there will be a competition "at every position." Nothing new there.

Mark Richt on RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton's pending decision regarding NFL Draft or returning to UM: "I think they're trying to figure out what's best.''

On WQAM just now, Mark Richt said he met with DTs Kendrick Norton and RJ McIntosh about the NFL Draft.

And?

No final decision yet.

"I think they definitely have some things to think about, pray about."

[CaneRock]

Great article SOUP.

To add to what you said, we were ranked 106th in KOR Defense, and tied for 58th in KOR Offense, horrible numbers for a Miami team...I'm lookin' at you Hartley!

[CaneRock]

And to be fair, Feagles was kickin' it real good in the bowl game.

[Go Canes!!]

😕

[86Cane]

ROCK...We all agree that the special teams were anything BUY special in 2017. Most people do not pay attention to ST but smart fans know that ST are 1/3 of the game and determine field position more than anything else. Shorten the field, flip the field and score more points. It is really that simple.

[30CINCO]

Peter Ariz @PeterAriz
BREAKING: Miami junior DTs R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton have decided to enter the NFL draft, sources tell @CanesInSight. Announcement soon

[Old Skool]

Ariz says Mcintosh and Norton are headed to NFL

[86Cane]

I think when you analyze the BIG picture it boils down to these priorities (in this order):

1. Better QB play
2. Better OL play.
3. Better game planning/play calling.
4. More 3rd down conversions on offense.
5. More third down stops on defense.
6. Better special teams play.
7. More talent on the field.

What do you think?

What order would you put these factors in?

[Old Skool]

Gotta wonder, if they were that worried about double teams if one played next year, they must not have a high opinion of Willis' abilities.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Mac & Norton coming back would be a huge sign that Richt is changing the culture at Miami.

[His Royal Dudeness]

^^^ Ignore my post... bleh...

[1mg of Epi]

Old.... i don’t think they’ve given any thought to an incoming frosh’s impact on their game.

[Old Skool]

Nesta if he signs will be the incoming freshman. Willis is a UF transfer. I believe he will be a junior or senior

[Old Skool]

1. Better QB play
2. Better OL play.
3. More third down stops on defense.
3. Better game planning/play calling.
4. More 3rd down conversions on offense.
6. Better special teams play.
7. More talent on the field.

I'd give greater weight to defensive stops, although it could be argued that 3 and outs contribute mightily to lack of third down stops as the D gets tired

[1mg of Epi]

Oh snap!!!

Your right I was just reading about Nesta an got cofussed

[BigWindyCane1]

Gotta wonder, if they were that worried about double teams if one played next year, they must not have a high opinion of Willis' abilities.

Posted by: Old Skool | January 08, 2018 at 12:15 PM

IMO, the anticipated double-teams is one issue, but I think it is more than that. I think that they are roommates and good friends, and that they want to make the same decision and not leave the other behind. The college experience (even for student athletes) is not the same without your good friends. Moreover, if they are like most athletes I know, they are probably competitive with their friends, and would not feel great about living in a college dorm, eating on a college meal plan and riding their bicycle around campus while watching his (now highly compensated) former roommate play in the NFL.

Willis may prove not to be as good as Norton or McIntosh, but we will see. I thought he was pretty good in a limited role 2016. Ford was just a freshman last year, but he showed some flashes and has a motor at 6'5"+ and 300+ lbs. Ford has a chance to be as good as any of them.

I think McIntosh and Norton would benefit by staying another year, and obviously, so would the Canes. However, if they are leaving, then I wish them great success in the NFL because under the right system, they can be very successful.

[Go Canes!!]

Think Ford will be a dominant player during his time here. Bethel looks to be solid, so we’ll see.

Based on his track record, can’t get excited about Willis.

Nesta looks like the real deal and that Briggs kid has to be looking at us as the perfect opportunity. But it’s hard to count on a true freshman at that position.

[Go Canes!!]

Being a DT at any level has to be the crappiest job in football.

If anyone deserves to be paid as quickly as possible, it’s any dude playing that position.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Norton officially tweeted it.

[His Royal Dudeness]

We need a DT with some meat on his bones now. Honestly curious, do we have a single DT over 310 now? We NEED Nesta Silvera & 2 more. Briggs is eventually going to be a 310 DT, but it wont be next year. We need a strong DT in the 310 range for next year stat!

[HillViewCane]

Posted by: 86Cane | January 08, 2018 at 12:14 PM

3
4
1
2,5,6
7

[His Royal Dudeness]

1. **** DT *Sr #91 G. Willis 6'4 285
2. *** DT Jr #93 P. Bethel 6'3" 272
3. *** DT So #96 J. Ford 6'5" 275
4. *** DT *So #90 T. Martin 6'3" 280

According to Miami's official roster we have no 290 pound DTs. Miami needs to close with at least 2 playable DTs and one to grow down the line. Nesta can certainly play, but we need a Wilfork type impact freshman to emerge if we want to play in the ACC CG game again, and we can forget about winning it for sure.

1. **** DT Fr #99 N. Silvera 6'2" 300

[Herbieibis]

If the news is true, this will set us back, one because of depth issues and to this date, we still don’t have anyone in this incoming class inked. Even if Silvera does sign we need more than just him. Briggs won’t be ready for next year and that’s if we can sign him. If Silvera does sign we still only have 5 DT’S with very little experince. That would mean 2 of our 5 didn’t play last year (Willis and Silvera) Martin who rarely played, Ford who played some and Bethel. Could be a long year against the run. We should never be in this position but this has been ongoing for years at this position. It’s like it’s no big deal. We should be bringing in 2 a year but it seems like every year we are waiting till signing day to even know if we get one.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Posted by: Herbieibis | January 08, 2018 at 01:35 PM

You are absolutely right. To utilize Miami's number 1 advatage (Speed), plays have got to be forced out to the DEs and OLBs, and trash has to stay off the playmaking MLB. We need 2 playable DTs to come in THIS cycle or we simply wont be good enough.

[CaneRock]

Nesta's gonna sign, He didn't sign early because He wanted to accompany His teammates on their visits. If He signed early, He wouldn't have been allowed to do it.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Posted by: CaneRock | January 08, 2018 at 01:44 PM

I think you are right but boy we better have any shananigans. That said CR, we NEED another, we can be caught out.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Herb, you are not alone in the wilderness brother. Keep preaching about DTs.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 08, 2018 at 12:42 PM

We need Jon Ford to get as close to 315 as possible and to play like a big man. And then we need 1 more just like him so Willis & Nesta & Bethel can do their thing getting after the QB.

[Herbieibis]

Depth of talent, at this position is critical to our sustained success. The one reason we have started to climb back up the ladder is because of the DT play.

[His Royal Dudeness]

The whole double team thing... I could see that being a reason for Mac who isnt an NFL NT or DT, but Norton should want the double team. If he is consistantly beating the double team, he's a 1st round pick.

[Go Canes!!]

These two guys leaving early perfectly illustrates the difference between us and the big boys.

They’re the equivalent of Walton, Richards and Herndon getting hurt.

With very few exceptions we don’t have the depth to replace what we lose early or unexpectedly.

Lots of work to do.

[His Royal Dudeness]

One thing I was wondering and maybe someone can tell me, but of the 4 DTs we have on the current roster, were any of them HS interior linemen or were all of them DEs?

If Jon Campbell can get to 310 and play strong, and we can find one more kid that is 6'3" 310 and can play like a man in September, we will be altight at NT. I figure to be set at interior line, you need 2 effective NTs, and 2 effective DTs with 1 player in the wings at DT and NT that you can go to in emergency situations. An elite school, picking the cream of the crop would have 6-7 interior linemen on scholarship.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 08, 2018 at 02:27 PM

Very well said. We needed them back in a big way.

[SinisterCane]

All class:

CMR: Good luck to the Dawgs tonight! I’m happy for the players, coaches, and the Georgia people! U Family!

Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 08, 2018 at 08:26 AM

Nothing against you Go but this is some straight Beta male sh!t on CMR part.

Why tha Fuq is CMR still hangin on UGA's nutz when they fired him? Not once during our season did Kirby Smart congratulate the CANEZ on beating FSU, ND and VaTech or making it to the Orange Bowl.

I can see now Congrats to Tyson Campbell for choosing UGA after their hard fought championship

[SinisterCane]

Did CMR every give any shotouts to his alma mater while at UGA?

[86Cane]

Sinister...why U so angry all the time?

Richt recruited those kids at UGA that are playing for the title. He still has love for them and them for him. He is not being disloyal to The U. It's all good man, relax.

[Old Skool]

I'm surprised no one's talking about Chris Lykes' performance last night. The kid was amazing. Fearless and lightning quick. He left a lot of Noles defending air after he went by.

[CoCane]

Not sure if those weights for the DT are accurate.

Ford is way bigger then 275. He's bigger then McIntosh and McIntosh is 295.

I also remember Bethel being moved inside because he blew up to 270 his frosh year. He only put on 2 lbs since then?

They will all get bigger for next year regardless.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Posted by: CoCane | January 08, 2018 at 04:37 PM

It would be helpful I think, if the NCAA/NFL made schools report actual heights and weights, but yeah, you are probably right that the weights are off. Still, their actual weights still might not be enough, especially since Ford is really the only one with enough mass to plug the run.

[Go Canes!!]

Posted by: CoCane | January 08, 2018 at 04:37 PM

Read somewhere both those guys had gotten to that 300 range. Same with DJ before he left.

[His Royal Dudeness]

Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 08, 2018 at 05:18 PM

I cant even think about DJ playing DT at 300 pounds running that stunt. Just gonna piss me off.

[Go Canes!!]

Saw he signed with Oregon. Big loss for us.