Let The Games Begin!

And so it begins. 

The 2023 college football season has unceremoniously and very slowly crawled out of the gate with a few lackluster games thus far.

Last Saturday, #6 ranked USC beat San Jose State 56-28 and #13 Notre Dame beat Navy 42-3. Maybe most importantly, the Florida Gators looked pathetic in losing to Utah 24-11 on Thursday night.

Tonight your Miami Hurricanes take on the other Miami (OH) team at Hard Rock Stadium at 7 PM. We have been told by the "experts" that Miami is a heavy favorite, we just don't know which one.

CANESPACE PREDICTION: We don't make predictions anymore because trying to predict the score of UM game over the last several years has proven to be like throwing darts while blindfolded in a dark room while drunk and standing on one leg. Don't ask me how I know this, I just do.

Comments

[86Cane]

1. Can we run block
2. Can we tackle
3. Can we stop the run
4. Can we stop stupid penalties
5. Can the Wr's get separation.

Posted by: Herbieibis | September 01, 2023 at 11:04 AM

6. Can we score more points than the other Miami.

Posted by: W | September 01, 2023 at 11:17 AM

1. Maybe
2. Only sometimes.
3. Mostly yes.
4. Absolutely not.
5. Yes

6. YES!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Young has that height and frame to be one of the great WR.

Go ‘canes!

[Native]

Crush em Miami.....
Canes that is.....

[Herbieibis]

Well I see we are lighting the scoreboard up in the first half, NOT!

[YooperCane]

Being up by two touchdowns is not what I was expecting at this point of the game. I thought we would be crushing it by now. Maybe I have too much unrealistic expectations of where we should be based on the offseason we had. Hmmm, maybe it just me. Hopefully the 2nd half will be more exciting than the first. Go Canes!

[YooperCane]

I guess I wanted to see the pedal to metal, stomp their asses to the ground football and although it looked like it in the beginning, they have just fell flat. 🤷‍♂️

[86Cane]

Canes up 24-3.

Looking better, not great, but better.

[YooperCane]

For sure 86, looks better but not great. Looking like a vanilla game scheme and keeping the real shit for A&M. 🙏

[orange 'n green in the vein]

This was a successful opener overall, pull the starters and improve the most as a team as you will all year between week 1 and 2 because they'll need to play a lot better next week to win.

[HillViewCane]

Miami of OH had a good D last year and pretty much returned everyone. We are better than last year. Happy to see Emory Williams in as the 2nd QB

[YooperCane]

I’m pumped to see what the Canes bring next week! I hope we crush them! Go Canes!

[YooperCane]

Emory looked very poised, like him as a back up 🙌

[TonyCane]

Great win. Grinding. Methodical. Conservative. Many secrets left in the bag for next week.

[TonyCane]

KNOW YOUR ENEMY - MIAMI VS A&M (ROSTER BREAKOUT & COMPARISON - OFFENSE)
247 recruiting rankings, years experience

WIDE RECEIVER (MIAMI)
Nathaniel Joseph 0.9432 (1)
Michael Redding 0.9270 (3)
Robby Washington 0.9264 (2)
Jacolby George 0.9257 (2)
Brashard Smith 0.9157 (2)
Isaiah Horton 0.8948 (1)
Tyler Harrell 0.9100 (5)
Shemar Kirk 0.8700 (2)
Frank Ladson 0.8700 (4)
Xavier Restrepo 0.8699 (3)
Colbie Young 0.8417 (2)

WIDE RECEIVER (A&M)
Evan Stewart 0.9900 (1)
Jalen Preston 0.9557 (5)
Micah Tease 0.9400 (0)
Moose Muhammad III 0.9300 (3)
Raymond Cottrell 0.9100 (0)
Noah Thomas 0.9100 (1)
Jordan Anthony 0.8967 (1)
Tyrin Smith 0.8900 (2)
Ainias Smith 0.8647 (4)

TIGHT ENDS (MIAMI)
Jaleel Skinner 0.9562 (1)
Riley Williams 0.9508 (0)
Elijah Arroyo 0.9170 (2)
Cameron McCormick 0.8900 (7)
Dominic Mammarelli 0.8858 (3)
Jackson Carver 0.8769 (0)

TIGHT ENDS (A&M)
Jake Johnson 0.9587 (1)
Jaden Platt 0.9500 (0)
Donovan Green 0.9554 (1)
Max Wright 0.9245 (5)
Theo Ohrstrom 0.9000 (1)
Fernando Garza 0.8600 (2)

RUNNING BACKS (MIAMI)
TreVonte' Citizen 0.9550 (1)
Don Chaney 0.9497 (3)
Mark Fletcher 0.9132 (0)
Christopher Johnson 0.9056 (0)
Henry Parish 0.8900 (3)
Ajay Allen 0.8900 (1)

RUNNING BACKS (A&M)
Rueben Owens 0.9800 (0)
Le'Veon Moss 0.9652 (1)
Amari Daniels 0.9000 (2)
David Bailey 0.8800 (5)
Jerry Johnson III 0.8600 (4)
Earnest Crownover 0.8600 (3)
Deondre Jackson 0.8600 (3)
Charles Shelling 0.6999 (2)
Preston Landis 0.6999 (2)

OFFENSIVE LINE (MIAMI)
Francis Mauigoa 0.9962 (0)
Samson Okunlola 0.9898 (0)
Jalen Rivers 0.9425 (3)
Javion Cohen 0.9300 (3)
Matt Lee 0.9100 (4)
Michael McLaughlin 0.8938 (2)
Ryan Rodriguez 0.8851 (2)
Tommy Kinsler 0.8825 (0)
Antonio Tripp 0.8758 (0)
Matthew McCoy 0.8719 (2)
Frankie Tinilau 0.8608 (0)
Jonathan Denis 0.8600 (4)
Chris Washington 0.8552 (3)
Anez Cooper 0.8542 (3)
Logan Sagapolu 0.8500 (3)
Zion Nelson 0.8395 (4)
Luis Cristobal 0.8337 (4)

OFFENSIVE LINE (A&M)
Chase Bisontis 0.9600 (0)
Bryce Foster 0.9500 (2)
Kam Dewberry 0.9400 (1)
Hunter Erb 0.9400 (1)
Rueben Fatheree 0.9400 (2)
Trey Zuhn 0.9100 (2)
Aki Ogunbiyi 0.9000 (3)
TJ Shanahan 0.9000 (0)
Colton Thomasson 0.9000 (0)
Layden Robinson 0.8850 (4)
Remington Strickland 0.8800 (2)
Mark Nabou 0.8800 (1)
Dametrious Crownover 0.8800 (2)
Naquil Betrand 0.8800 (0)
Josh Bankhead 0.8709 (3)
Finn Dirstine 0.8700 (5)
Jordan Spasojevic-Moko 0.8700 (2)
Derek Ferraro 0.8300 (5)

QUARTERBACKS (MIAMI)
Tyler Van Dyke 0.9173 (3)
Jacurri Brown 0.9080 (1)
Emory Williams 0.8789 (0)

QUARTERBACKS (A&M)
Conner Weigman 0.9800 (1)
Max Johnson 0.9200 (3)
Marcel Reed 0.9000 (0)
Jaylen Henderson 0.8700 (2)

[TonyCane]

KNOW YOUR ENEMY - MIAMI VS A&M (ROSTER BREAKOUT & COMPARISON - DEFENSE)
247 recruiting rankings, years experience

DEFENSIVE TACKLES (MIAMI)
Leonard Taylor 0.9938 (2)
Branson Deen 0.9100 (5)
Thomas Gore 0.8900 (4)
Joshua Horton 0.8867 (0)
Ahmad Moten 0.8811 (1)
Anthony Campbell 0.8800 (2)
Jared Harrison-Hunte 0.8797 (4)
Jacob Lichtenstein 0.8700 (6)

DEFENSIVE TACKLES (A&M)
Walter Nolen 1.0000 (1)
Shemar Stewart 0.9900 (1)
DJ Hicks 0.9900 (0)
Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy 0.9800 (1)
Shemar Turner 0.9700 (2)
Malick Sylla 0.9600 (1)
McKinnley Jackson 0.9500 (3)
Albert Regis 0.9100 (2)
Isaiah Raikes 0.8700 (3)
Jadon Scarlett 0.8700 (1)
Samu Taumanupepe 0.8600 (0)
Micaiah Overton 0.8000 (4)

DEFENSIVE END (MIAMI)
Cyrus Moss 0.9710 (1)
Reuben Bain 0.9677 (0)
Jayden Wayne 0.9654 (0)
Chantz Williams 0.9634 (3)
Nyjalik Kelly 0.9609 (1)
Collins Acheampong 0.9355 (0)
Akheem Mesidor 0.9200 (3)
Jahfari Harvey 0.9165 (4)

DEFENSIVE END (A&M)
LT Overton 0.9800 (1)
Enai White 0.9700 (1)
Fadil Diggs 0.9300 (3)
Elijah Jeudy 0.9100 (2)
Rylan Kennedy 0.8700 (0)

LINEBACKER (MIAMI)
Malik Bryant 0.9511 (0)
Raul Aguirre 0.9278 (0)
Wesley Bissainthe 0.9274 (1)
Francisco Mauigoa 0.9200 (2)
Keontra Smith 0.9227 (4)
Chase Smith 0.9017 (2)
Bobby Washington 0.8836 (0)
Marcellius Pulliam 0.8736 (0)
Corey Flagg Jr 0.8608 (3)
Rocky Shelton 0.8675 (5)
K.J. Cloyd 0.8417 (2)
Ryan Ragone 0.6999 (3)

LINEBACKER (A&M)
Edgerrin Cooper 0.9500 (3)
Matrell Harris 0.8900 (1)
Daymion Sanford 0.8800 (0)
Jurriente Davis 0.8700 (2)
Chris Russell 0.8600 (4)
Chantz Johnson 0.8600 (0)
Taurean York 0.8600 (0)
Danny Lockhart 0.7998 (3)

SAFETY (MIAMI)
James Williams 0.9921 (2)
Markeith Williams 0.8998 (1)
Kamren Kinchens 0.8954 (2)
Kaleb Spencer 0.8731 (0)
Brian Balom 0.8639 (3)

SAFETY (A&M)
Demani Richardson 0.9600 (5)
Bryce Anderson 0.9600 (1)
Jacoby Mathews 0.9600 (1)
Dalton Brooks 0.9400 (0)
Jardin Gilbert 0.9300 (2)
Deuce Harmon 0.9200 (2)
Jarred Kerr 0.8900 (1)

CORNERBACKS (MIAMI)
Robert Stafford 0.9456 (0)
Damari Brown 0.9268 (0)
Davonte Brown 0.9100 (3)
Jaden Davis 0.9100 (4)
Te'Cory Couch 0.8954 (4)
Daryl Porter Jr. 0.8900 (3)
Jadem Harris 0.8819 (1)
Ja'Dais Richard 0.8800 (1)
Demetrius Freeney 0.8700 (1)

CORNERBACK (A&M)
Bravion Rogers 0.9400 (0)
Jayvon Thomas 0.9400 (0)
Bobby Taylor 0.9300 (1)
Sam McCall 0.9200 (1)
Josh DeBerry 0.9100 (4)
Tony Grimes 0.9000 (3)
Tyreek Chappell 0.8800 (2)

SPECIAL TEAMS (MIAMI)
Andres Borregales (K) 0.8297 (2)
Dylan Joyce (P) 0.6999 (0)

SPECIAL TEAMS (A&M)
Ethan Moczulski (K) 0.8000 (1)
Randy Bond (K) 0.6999 (2)
Nik Constantinou (P) 0.6999 (4)

[Herbieibis]

Got a pretty big edge talent wise at DT, as far as stars go, safety too.
We got this next week. Should of beat them last year.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Good Opening Win. 11 more Regular Season Games including all 8 Conference Games especially against Clemson, Florida State, NC State, NC, and Louisville. And Nonconference against Texas A&M so half of our schedule is definitely challenging and GT looks improved. So still things to work on but I like what I saw tonight Go Canes!

[Sarasota 'cane]

RIP Jimmy Buffett. No doubt he’s on his way to a Labor Day weekend show!

[roachcane77]

I've been holding off commenting, and quietly "watching" this 2023 iteration of our Canes. The proof was in the pudding last night. We're much improved... especially our LINE play! (FINALLY!)
I'm also liking the 4 headed running-back monster we got going right now! (Just hoping they all get "fed" enough to NOT jump into the T Portal.)
Next week is HUGE for us! We've GOT to have a GREAT SEASON THIS YEAR, (to get OUT of the ACC 2nd tier conference.) Lose again to TX A&M, and we're stuck in the minor leagues for the foreseeable future...
Room to improve... but a GREAT START for our Canes!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[TonyCane]

Got a pretty big edge talent wise at DT, as far as stars go, safety too.
We got this next week. Should of beat them last year.

Posted by: Herbieibis | September 01, 2023 at 11:08 PM

Their defensive line is stacked to a level that probably surpasses Alabama. It's amazing - and perplexing - that they can still recruit at a high level for this position given the over-rostering of it, the amount of 5 stars and high 4 stars, and the remaining eligibility of the existing players. They just signed another 5 star DL this week for their 2024 class.

The closest analogy is USC in the 2000s. It was 2007 or 2008, but one of those years they had TEN running backs on their roster. All four and five star players. All of them had likely been persuaded that they could be the next Reggie Bush.

[CGNC]

This was a successful opener overall, pull the starters and improve the most as a team as you will all year between week 1 and 2 because they'll need to play a lot better next week to win.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 01, 2023 at 09:47 PM

Agreed! I like the transfer center from UCF what an upgrade and our RT Mauigoa is an actual freshman. Need to get all the false starts on offense out of the way though.

Also like that Radakovich was on and he put to rest any "on campus" stadium talk.

[CGNC]

RIP Jimmy Buffett. No doubt he’s on his way to a Labor Day weekend show!

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 02, 2023 at 05:30 AM

I saw him twice in the late 80's with the Coral Reefers at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. Great show both times. RIP Mayor of Margaritaville

With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of my running and all of my cunning
If I couldn't laugh I just would go insane
If we couldn't laugh we just would go insane
If we weren't all crazy we would go insane

[MLALUMNI 1970]

Hi everyone, Great game yesterday, but not a good team. Should be able to improve greatly. Next week will be tough, but we should get a payback against TMU. I don’t remember the score last year but all the players should be on fire for revenge.
Hi CGNC how are you doing these days?? Tough for me to get around now, so I must watch the Canes on TV. GO CANES!🧡💚

[jvcanes]

hey mlalumni 1970...are you the guy who drives drives the fork pickup truck....

[DallasTX Cane]

Posted by: CGNC | September 02, 2023 at 09:51 AM

Sad day. Been playing his albums since I heard this morning. Saw him live many times from the 80’s - 2010’s. But I grew tired of all the late-comers hype, best shows I recall were small amphitheaters back when most people (non Floridians anyway) didn’t know his name. 76 is too young to leave. The world is definitely a little less fun without JB in it.
RIP

… give me oysters & beer for dinner every day of the year and I’ll feel fine…

[DallasTX Cane]

Oh yeah, and nice opener for the CANES. Nice to take care of business as expected! Next week outta be fun.

[Herbieibis]

Well, UNC may be a problem. Sacked Rattler 9 times but I'll have to say his OH line looked like ours did last year.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Posted by: CGNC | September 02, 2023 at 09:43 AM"

He reminds me of an evolutionary Sherko Haji-Rasouli but in superior shape, Sherko never had defined arms like that even as a senior.

Dirty little secret in Florida is that for the last recruiting cycle at least UCF has been the best football program overall top to bottom within FBS, so taking top of the depth chart players off there is not necessarily a step back. Don't expect UM to struggle to get three feet running the ball between the tackles for key first downs and in goal line this season. Like roach said, the point of attack is so much better this year from a talent perspective, especially on the offensive line, and they're playing an athletic guard at left tackle which is never ideal but if it works, might as well road grade on that side while you're at it. Giant test of how gelled they're going to be this year Saturday though, can't sink instead of at least tread water when they're dropped in the deep end with an extra day of rest and prep.

UNC has pieces to be a tough game, their defense is a bit suspect so if they don't iron that out by the time they're next on the schedule it could be a first to 40 game. Temple will be a team they can blow out on the road if the defense travels. Louisville wants to draw UM into a shootout, Miami doesn't want to try and win that game against them. GT is improved and will fight to the end but UM should be able to outlast them with superior talent separating them in the 2nd half. UVA is a mess still, take nothing for granted against them and just handle business. BC is physical on offense but on defense can be ripped apart so the Hurricanes will have a chance to pull away from them too if they play well.

We'll see what the two supposedly toughest opponents this year have in store for their openers tonight and Monday, but UM should be able to have a chance to win everything else, don't want to settle for field goals next week though, that has to be cleaned up primarily first and foremost in six days.

[MLALUMNI 1970]

Hi everyone, Somehow I got a summer cold. PISS! Feel miserable, but looking forward to next week. Happy that we are still home at Hard Rock. Sad that it is so far away. Orange Bowl was far enough away from school. Took the school bus every time, but what an incredible experience for me. These cozy stadiums are really nice, but not for the rough and ready Canes.
The last time and only time I was at Hard Rock was when Tom (86) picked me up from the airport and drove me to my hotel. Then to the game. I need Tom to refresh my memory as to when it was and who we played!
My greatest game was at the BIG HOUSE ago Michigan, and we came from way behind in the 4th quarter and took the lead and won!
I despise Michigan, even though I live in the state. Like Michigan State, but Michigan fans are obnoxious. GO CANES!!🟧🟩

[58 Straight]

For sure 86, looks better but not great. Looking like a vanilla game scheme and keeping the real shit for A&M. 🙏

Posted by: YooperCane | September 01, 2023 at 09:46 PM

Great win. Grinding. Methodical. Conservative. Many secrets left in the bag for next week.

Posted by: TonyCane | September 01, 2023 at 10:31 PM

YES and YES.

[58 Straight]

RIP Jimmy Buffett. No doubt he’s on his way to a Labor Day weekend show!

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 02, 2023 at 05:30 AM

Well played Sir!

Sail on Sailor, RIP Jimmy Buffett...

[58 Straight]

The last time and only time I was at Hard Rock was when Tom (86) picked me up from the airport and drove me to my hotel. Then to the game. I need Tom to refresh my memory as to when it was and who we played!

GO CANES!!🟧🟩

Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | September 03, 2023 at 12:29 PM

Hard Rock Stadium has change a LOT since we were there together back in 2008 when UM played VT.

Here is the link:

https://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2008/11/its-great-to-be-a-miami-hurricane.html

[Terrance Sullivan]

Hard Rock or The Rock what we affectionately call it has changed a lot for the better its a great game environment has steadily gotten better over the last 8 Years!

[MLALUMNI 1970]

I can’t believe Tom, that it was 2008, when I flew down to FL for that game. I was just a young 60 year old!! I still liked the old rickety Orange Bowl the best, when you had to have character just to survive the overflowing toilets!!
Watching LSU vs FSU. Really tough teams. Don’t know if we can beat FSU. Tied at 7 to 7. What are your thoughts about next weeks game? I always learn from all of you.
To JVCanes, no I don’t drive a pick up truck and I am a girl!!
Go Canes.🟩🟧🟢🟠

[Sarasota 'cane]

Welp that was interesting. FSU has a complete team. Coleman is a beast!

[RCCF]

1-0 .... Closer to Undefeated!!

RCCF12%

[Herbieibis]

Well FSU has learned how to win some big games, maybe, finally this Saturday we will too!

[jvcanes]

anybody going to the game,,

[MLALUMNI 1970]

Have you checked the weight of the Aggies?? 320 to 335. Uninmagionable. Pack the stadium, please. Always notorious for not going to games, even when I was there, 1966 - 1970. On national television, so gets your butts to the game.🟩🟧

[TJL]

The enemy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XSNv3v0izE

[MLALUMNI 1970]

TonyCane——-how do you assemble all the stats every week? Such a great job that you do for all of us.
What’s your take on Texas A&M? Wouldn’t it be spectacular if we could win?? Please pack the place, like the old days at the grand old lady!!
GO CANES!🟩🟧

[TonyCane]

TonyCane——-how do you assemble all the stats every week? Such a great job that you do for all of us.
What’s your take on Texas A&M? Wouldn’t it be spectacular if we could win?? Please pack the place, like the old days at the grand old lady!!
GO CANES!🟩🟧

Posted by: MLALUMNI 1970 | September 04, 2023 at 08:17 PM

I did so earlier this summer on some odd nights where I had some free time. I really got interested in the roster construction Mario did in the last year and built out some comparisons, and then in the last month did some side by sides against Florida, Clemson, Florida State, and Miami of Ohio. I also did one for Colorado, just out of curiosity.

On PAPER, Texas A&M will be the most talented team that we face this season. But it is loaded with talented first and second year players. They're also in the same situation as us, initiating an entirely new offense. I'd slightly favor A&M in this game, but it's entirely possible that Miami surprises. Due to injuries and mismatching scheme we played FAR below our talent level in 2022. In the last month I have gone from thinking that the Canes would have an 8-4 season to thinking that 10-2 is achievable.

What Mario did in terms of rebuilding the roster is absolutely amazing. Offensive line, linebacker, corner, running back, and wide receiver were all weaknesses - all were attacked aggressively and fortified with transfer portal players and incoming recruits. We brought in 41 new players in the offseason. Miami now has more transfer portal players than Florida State.

[TonyCane]

So on paper, I'd rate A&M, then Clemson, then Florida State as our toughest opponents when looking at each side by side against Miami's personnel.

In reality, it appears that it will be Florida State, then A&M, and then Clemson in terms of degrees of difficulty.

[TonyCane]

Two observations after this weekend:

1) I really, really do not like the new clock rules in CFB. The games are going to become too short; epic comebacks will be a thing of the past

2) Clemson is really, really bad right now.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Clemson literally stumbled and fumbled their way out of The College Football Playoff Discussion before Labor Day ended. Buckle Up folks I think this season will be unpredictable!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

If you read the post game quotes, I'm almost certain Clemson's now 0-2 in college as a starting QB and his teammates threw that game.

You don't dominate the trenches with balance on offense and only put up a touchdown between blocked kicks and fumbles three feet from paydirt like that and then just "oh well, we're still a good team" post game comment like that in total denial without getting some extra on top of the NIL payments.

[RCCF]

WoW Clemson WoW...

I Truly Believe we are watching a changing of the guard and it's our time to shine!! GO CANES

RCCF12%

[Herbieibis]

Clemson finally looked like the rest of the ACC for once, mediocre.

[MLALUMNI 1970]

Cannot wait for Saturday, boys and girls.🧡💚 I think Texas is favored. We must send in the old greats and show them what it means to be a Miami Hurricane 🧡💚

[58 Straight]

1-0 .... Closer to Undefeated!!

RCCF12%

Posted by: RCCF | September 04, 2023 at 12:26 AM

According to RaizeCane we are already there!