Sure, we can all agree that the University of Miami's defense has been off the charts this season. They lead the NCAA in many defensive categories and literally won the last game against FSU via the turnover chain.
Defense hasn't been this much fun since, well, since maybe 2001-2004?
But when it comes to the offensive side of the ball there remains a lot of work to do and a lot to be desired. We decided to do some comparisons of where UM stands in the NCAA rankings in general and as compared to other teams in Florida. Here is what we found.
Total Offense: UCF leads the State in Total Offense coming in at #3 and 574 yards/game. USF and FAU come in at #20 and #24 averaging 487 and 481 yards/game respectively. FIU comes in at #50 at 430 yards per game followed by UM at #69 who has scored 30 TDs and is averaging 409 yards per game.
Just be glad we are not FSU who ranks #112 has only scored 15 TDs and averages a measly 344 yards/game.
Rushing Offense: UCF also leads the State in rushing yards per game at 6.10 yards per carry and 269 yards per game. FAU is ranked #20 at 236 yards/game, USF is at #32 with 213 Yards/game and UM comes in at #48 with 194 yards/game.
Passing Offense: UCF again leads at #18 with 305 yards/game while USF is second at #30 with 274 Yards/game. FAU is #61 with 245 yards/game while UM comes in at #86 with 245 yards/game.
Scoring Offense: UCF leads this category also with 48.6 points/game while UM is #20 with 41.5 points/game. USF is next at #32 with 37.2 points/game and FAU is #41 with 34.7 points per game.
Just be glad that we are not FSU who averages an embarrassing 23.0 points/game.
5 dead in VA 4 in western part of state (think VT area) where I am from, one here above Richmond a fireman. We had lots of rain high water, I had power out for about 3 hours, 400,000 people still out.
Nothing like FL though hope all are ok.
I am going to game after my morning game.
I am like Solar we are good...just good. Our D is formidable, but at times the back 4 are out of place.
The STs are bad...punt FG coverage.....horrible absolutely awful!
The OL is pretty bad too.....QB is new and learning...but misses open people a lot...like him better overall than MR as a player.Backs are not bad.
I feel we are just not big and stout like the top teams...our guys eat good now....but we seem not as physical or imposing or aggressive as the big boys....a little behind.
Still against an ez schedule we are 5-1 not bad at all. Manny has got them playing pretty good, Rumph got to step up.
The entire O and ST staff has not been very good; good enough to beat weaker teams. I do not think LSU is that good, but they intimidated us. Happy to win the games, but i want much more. Like Solar this may be our future just having a good team that is in top 20 but not in that elite top 4. I will hope for more, enjoy winning and want to get much better...there is plenty of room for that! Hope you all are well, prayers to Canes and people in FL hit hard.
Posted by: VA Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:08 PM
Maybe he goes for it so much on 4th down because he has total confidence in his defense.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 12, 2018 at 10:15 AM
Maybe he goes for it on 4th down so much because his play calling is so horrendous that we can't get first downs on the first three plays of the drive like most other teams do?
#WhatAConcept
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:37 AM
Or maybe he goes for it on 4th down because our kicker is the worst in the country.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:26 PM
I think our best freshman receiver right now is Wiggins. He was definitely our best receiver against FSU.
I think a couple of our WR will transfer in the next couple years. I don't think Ezzard his happy here. Wish these kids would just be patient?
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:29 PM
USF comes back down 2 scores with 3 seconds on the clock to go 6-0
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:30 PM
By the way, we NEVER use the middle of the field. Highlights against Savannah State doesn't count!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:32 PM
USF comes back
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:30 PM
And when you and I watched them play we both thought the played like dog shyte. But a win is a win I guess according to the "fans" around here?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:32 PM
Yea Soup, I was pulling for Tulsa all the way.They looked like they were on a mission and USF looked like they just wanted to go home.
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:37 PM
What a rainbow by Utah it looked like one of Ginos moon shots
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:39 PM
Maybe he goes for it so much on 4th down because he has total confidence in his defense.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 12, 2018 at 10:15 AM
Maybe he goes for it on 4th down so much because his play calling is so horrendous that we can't get first downs on the first three plays of the drive like most other teams do?
#WhatAConcept
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:37 AM
Or maybe he goes for it on 4th down because our kicker is the worst in the country.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:26 PM
Or maybe just doesnt know what the hell down it is
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:41 PM
They did play badly....kind of like us!
I like our wins.....but I am certainly not happy with the way things go on the field for us....lots of ares to get better....I want to be in that Top 4 every year...at one time we would have been. I am of the opinion that CMR is a fine man, a Cane....but not a dynamic coach, stuck in that GA Dog formula he used for a long time not modern at all to me!
He has made us better....but I do not see Top 4 playoff team...last year this year....no team since the Robbery in the Desert has been that good.
Thats where we got to get to be my idea of good...will we get there...think he will improve us a lot...but it is going to take a dynamic coach to get us there.
I am 60 and my offense is wide open, dynamic....through 4 games we are hitting 35 a game...and unscored upon.
My college team started out with 1 bad loos and a heartbreaker....but since then 3 in a row over 30 a game....
We can be better guys but it takes a certain approach....modern and wide open...gambling and going all out to win...not just playing trying to avoid a loss...JMO
Posted by: VA Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:44 PM
VA
I agree with you everything you said
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:48 PM
Posted by: raizecane | October 12, 2018 at 06:53 PM
Can I put money on my boy Sinister? My guy comes pre-snapped, Richt better not blink wrong. 😂
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 12, 2018 at 10:49 PM
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:32 PM
A win is never just a win in CF, this isnt the NFL. That said, a win over FSU, FU, Notre Dame or OSU is a win. 😁
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 12, 2018 at 10:51 PM
Heres my opinion of tomorrow's game: For all the flak CMR catches, Bronco Mendenhall is CMR-lite, and his team is UVA, Id be shocked if they pull out a W. They need a massive Miami implosion.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 12, 2018 at 10:55 PM
By the way, we NEVER use the middle of the field. Highlights against Savannah State doesn't count!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:32 PM
SHHhhhhh...don't tell Go Canes this, he thinks we dominate it. Hate to burst his bubble, he is such a swell guy.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:06 PM
For all the flak CMR catches, Bronco Mendenhall is CMR-lite.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 12, 2018 at 10:55 PM
There is a STRONG vote of confidence!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:07 PM
Historic stages of Canes football
Light comedy
Reluctant optimism
Unexpected success
Terrorizing swagger
Ignoring details
Obnoxious hubris
Suffocating denial
Light comedy
Reluctant optimism
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 11:07 PM
Their coach is more conservative (read: sucks worse) than our does so we should be good, right?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:08 PM
I prefer the term "Obnoxious Hubris" but I feel like I am stuck at Suffocating Denial?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:09 PM
Proly right soup, but I think they have 2 running plays
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 11:16 PM
dam dem utes kicking azz
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 11:23 PM
Wait, wait, wait...2 running plays? Who has heard of anything like that? Is that new?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:24 PM
Who is the coach at Arizona? How long has he been there?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:25 PM
Soup its all the craze, sometime they pull them out right after a pass down the middle
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 11:26 PM
Zona deserved that
Posted by: solarcane | October 12, 2018 at 11:31 PM
I agree VA.
I believe everything, we need to play better offense is already in the playbook, even though there are simple concepts we are not using that would really fit our personnel
Richt’s playcalling is as erratic as the oline’s play to play performance. He pulls so much excellent stuff out of his bag then abandons it.
It’s weird.
His tendencies are so apparent that he is getting baited into early down runs that APPEAR to be there presnap. When the ball is hiked, the defense crashes the tendency because they know what’s coming.
FSU was trying to bait us into the bubble and Richt was loathe to use it. They could do that because 95% of the short passing game is the bubble. It was really there sometime, but between N’Kosi’s nerves and adrenaline, I can see why it was avoided somewhat.
Still, even with Nkosi’s inexperience, the short middle does not have to be a minefield. Our short passing game puts ZERO pressure on man defense or a lurking robber when teams man up in cover one.
The fact fsu played so much cover 2 man is COMPLETE DISRESPECT for what he is doing offensively.. cover 2 man is my favorite pass defense, but is easy easy to shred with horizontal routes and an athletic qb like N’Kosi.It should be alternated with Tampa 2, cover 3 or cover one middle zone / robber.
There are tons of easy concepts to get the ball to the short middle in a safer way. Multiple routes through the middle is a good start. The first receiver draws the linebacker or safety’s attention, leaving the second receiver coming behind him one on one. Mixed with our current philosophy, this has potential to really get the offense on track. Make the first receiver off limits and the qb reads the second guys coming across his vision. It ain’t there, throwbackside deep, check to a back, or tuck and run.
We need some talent upgrade on the o line..
N’Kosi needs more experience.
These things are indisputable.
But there is MUCH that can be done to help the online and qb get consistent and confident.
I have read that CMR states privately that the offensive line will take off when the freshmen are ready.
I understand the sentiment and excitement, but this mentality disturbs me if true.It is the mentality of if I had more, I would do better which is often true, but often not true as well.
The way I am looking at it may not be fair, but the way he calls games makes me think there is something to it. It is kind of conceding defeat. You have to be careful about your beliefs as a leader.
It is very easy to become a self fulfilling prophecy.
I am a little worried about this game after the emotional expenditure last week.
That may be a good thing. When I thought we would roll, we struggled. I thought unc would be a shoot out. NOT.
When Diaz blitzes responsibly, THE PILLAGE IS TOUGH.
Hopefully my discomfort translates to a 30 point win.
Posted by: TruCane81 | October 12, 2018 at 11:44 PM
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 12, 2018 at 03:27 PM
And this post is 100% accurate! Lol
Great post
Posted by: WWIN | October 12, 2018 at 11:46 PM
Can I put money on my boy Sinister? My guy comes pre-snapped, Richt better not blink wrong. 😂
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 12, 2018 at 10:49 PM
Now you know Sin ain’t with the bullshyt, lol.
Posted by: TruCane81 | October 12, 2018 at 11:49 PM
I think a couple of our WR will transfer in the next couple years. I don't think Ezzard his happy here. Wish these kids would just be patient?
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:29 PM
THIS!
Wish CMR would pass more... TOO MANY WR'S TO BE RUNNING THE CLOCK OUT IN BLOWOUT GAMES!
Posted by: WWIN | October 12, 2018 at 11:52 PM
Can I put money on my boy Sinister? My guy comes pre-snapped, Richt better not blink wrong. 😂
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 12, 2018 at 10:49 PM
Now you know Sin ain’t with the bullshyt, lol.
Posted by: TruCane81 | October 12, 2018 at 11:49 PM
THIS and THIS!!
My dawg be on Corchinator's ass!!!
#HorsemenLife
Posted by: WWIN | October 12, 2018 at 11:57 PM
Now you know Sin ain’t with the bullshyt, lol.
Posted by: TruCane81 | October 12, 2018 at 11:49 PM
There IT is once again.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 13, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Well put Tru....Manny has it down if he does the right thing blitzing...i love blitz...but I want great pressure from my front 4 first. Then i get them off guard...send backers safties even corners mix it up but not overdone.
Perry is ok...his % of completions has to get better he must hit open burners...but he did good with the 4 TDs.
Homer DJ and even Choc are good Lingard can be great.....the big deal is the OL. They must be on the same page...think of a Glove thumb and 4.....it does take time and we are rough right now.
Returners Thomas and DJ...good!!! DJ made a nice return!
But the coverage, punting, FGs are just awful. Solar put the % efficiency up...our O and ST are not good.
we must improve by working hard focus commitment...both players and coaches.
But lets focus on UVA today...1 at a time and keep working!
Posted by: VA Cane | October 13, 2018 at 12:34 AM
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:25 PM
I only know Arizona State, and he plays to win the game.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 13, 2018 at 02:00 AM
There is a STRONG vote of confidence!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:07 PM
Bronco is cut from the same cloth. Imagine if Richt's career started at BYU & Mendenhall's started at UGA. Theyd have near the same records, both are solid leaders, great men, and well above average head football coaches. The same things make them tick. I could say almost the same about Chris Petersen but Petersen is an elite head coach, still cut from same cloth.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 13, 2018 at 02:04 AM
If we had hired 2 guys, I feel like we could have been sooooo much better. 1) Mark Helfrich as OC and QBs coach and 2) Shane Beamer as LB & ST.
Posted by: His Majesty The Dude on High | October 13, 2018 at 02:07 AM
Or maybe he goes for it on 4th down because our kicker is the worst in the country.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 12, 2018 at 10:26 PM
Against FSU he went for it on 4th and 2 near midfield and once within their 5 yard line with about a minute and a half left to ensure they couldn’t get the ball back.
Both decisions were made out of aggression and had nothing to do with our kicker.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 05:44 AM
Posted by: 86Cane | October 12, 2018 at 11:06 PM
Keep changing your story and moving the goal posts!
From WWFD to TEs don’t catch it down the middle to the team doesn’t to saying I said we dominate the middle.
Whatever suits your narrative Is fine.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 06:19 AM
Everyone can judge for themselves if we NEVER use the middle of the field. Every Perry throw vs UNC:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J3CzjZStTZU&feature=youtu.be
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 06:54 AM
Here’s all his FIU throws. Think the never throw to the middle people missed on or two....or 12...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aiL_ClaRrbo
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 07:09 AM
Go, it kind of proves the point.
When we work the middle it works.
Need to see more of that stuff on first down and short routes as the first or second read. Ther are crosses and routes for the back but they are check downs.
Squirrelly quarterbacks have a hard time getting that deep into the progression.
We used a trips 11 personnel I want to see more of but St Louis whiffed and N’Kosi got strip sacked with Homer wide open. 5 receiver routes are unwise with our line play.
Some one step throws would be nice to.
But nice video. Like I said, most of the solutions are already in the playbook, everyone starting with the oc just has to tighten up.
Posted by: TruCane81 | October 13, 2018 at 07:31 AM
Best defenses in Yards per play allowed
1. Michigan 3.69
2. Miami Florida 3.81
3. Clemson 3.97
4. App St 4.03
5. Temple 4.19
6. Cincinnati 4.22
7. Iowa 4.39
8. Northern Illinois 4.44
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 07:35 AM
Richt’s approach kind of baffles me.
Start slow, pray THE PILLAGE keeps you in it and win late.
If I had THE PILLAGE, I would come out doing whatever it takes to get up two scores early, especially against the scrubs.
I know he is trying to play the long game, but combined with inept special teams, he puts way to much pressure on THE PILLAGE..
If we got two score leads and let THE PILLAGE eat, we would send everyone but the most elite teams into straight panic mode.
We might be able to make them panic too.
But we would have to keep the pressure on. Can’t do the golden, up two scores on a more talented rival and trying to go cruise control too early.
Posted by: TruCane81 | October 13, 2018 at 07:48 AM
Everyone can judge for themselves if we NEVER use the middle of the field. Every Perry throw vs UNC:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J3CzjZStTZU&feature=youtu.be
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 06:54 AM
SMH.....Are you serious about these comments? So your defending how much we use the middle of the field? Seriously, what's wrong with you?
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 13, 2018 at 08:00 AM
Go, thanks for proving our point though!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | October 13, 2018 at 08:05 AM
I’m not defending anything. I’m point Ming out the statements that we never use the middle of the field are patently false.
If you can’t see that 30-40% of Perry’s downfield throws, excluding screens are to the middle, that’s your prerogative. I’d also say the same percentage of his TD throws are too.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 08:14 AM
I am actually more worried before this game than I was before the FSU game.
Posted by: HillviewCane | October 13, 2018 at 08:56 AM
Posted by: HillviewCane | October 13, 2018 at 08:56 AM
This one definitely has all the textbook factors for an upset.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | October 13, 2018 at 09:19 AM
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | October 12, 2018 at 10:06 PM
Unlike the scan-and-skip dipshit sid-tard tier posters on here I don't shit up the blob with useless posts that go on and on trying to work an angle from a talking point sheet, so yes, I think UM is about six points better on the road unless one team plays way up or way down tonight, which I don't really see.
UVA has an extra week to prepare for a night game on their homecoming weekend. They don't have a QB that will just sit there and let the pocket collapse on him without trying to buy some time or yardage back with his feet anymore like last year. The Miami special teams will cost them at least three points left on the field at this juncture I'm figuring. Luckily for Miami, Bronco Mendnhall stupidly honored all of Mike London's shitty recruiting commitments so he's a year behind on rebuilding from nothing of football playing value on the roster or else it would be even more of nail biter. Mack, Thornhill, and Reed for UVA are all good players so a first time road starter at QB will have some things to worry about thanks to the formers in that list. The wideout Zaccheaus you mentioned is ok, their center is above average so they might be able to diagnose when Diaz is sending the house to provide a chance at picking it up. UVA had a decent first half and then faded down the back half of the season due to lack of depth and everybody getting their tendencies charted to play call against, that probably won't happen again to them to the same extent this season so they should be able to hang around just within striking distance until it's time to grind out the last drive to ice the clock.
Defense travels and I could be wrong, but UVA is the more dangerous ACC team this year than the one UM beat last week at home by a single point though . . .
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | October 13, 2018 at 11:09 AM
Only thing I hate about the Rosier situation...
CMR should have went with Perry before the opener so Rosier could have had the option to transfer
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2018 at 11:16 AM
Posted by: WWIN | October 13, 2018 at 11:16 AM
This
Posted by: solarcane | October 13, 2018 at 11:37 AM