The preseason rags have been out for a month or so, but it’s summertime and there’s little to talk about… so let’s break down The Sporting News’ take on the 2009 Canes.
TSN didn’t show Miami much love, which is fine. After a 19-19 run the past three seasons, it’s tough to play the “disrespect” card. Truth be told, UM hasn’t really done a lick since joining the ACC in 2004 – which is more an of indictment on the state of the program than it is a feather in the conference’s cap. The ACC has been there for the taking any of the past five years and the Canes simply haven’t had the personnel – players and coaches – to compete.
TSN sees Miami finishing the season fourth in the Coastal Division. Regarding player accolades, Ray Ray Armstrong earned the ACC’s “Top Impact Freshman” award – partly due to physical skills, as well as the lack of depth Miami sports in the secondary. After Armstrong, the rest of the Canes top five newbies are Lamar Miller, Brandon McGee, Brandon Washington and Dyron Dye. “The Next Big Thing” award went to running back Mike James, applauded for his ability to ‘befuddle the defense’ during spring ball and a solid understanding of the offense.
The Canes also earned the “Best Stadium” award – proof that the move from the Orange Bowl to the newly dubbed LandShark Stadium was a necessary one. The OB’s mystique is missed, but you can’t argue with the upgrade to an NFL-ready stadium that’s hosted its share of Super Bowls.
Recruiting-wise, TSN ranks the Canes third in conference, behind Florida State and North Carolina. They’re also quick to mention that Miami didn’t need a big class and that only 19 prospects were reeled in last February.
The “Game To Watch” is Georgia Tech – a program that’s inexplicably had the Canes’ number four straight seasons. The bowl projection has Miami going to a “Lower Tier Bowl” and landing in the Humanitarian.
Regarding the commentary, much of the focus was obviously on Mark Whipple and what the new offensive coordinator can bring to the table. With Miami’s offense looking lifeless since the 2002 season, it’s no mystery that Whipple’s O is the linchpin this season, making or breaking the Canes.
The piece ended with another quote from the Mr. Soundbite, offensive lineman Jason Fox.
“We’re Miami,” Fox said. “We have a lost of talent at this school. We’re always going to have talent. If we put it together the right way and things come together at the right moment, there are a lot of things that come in and factor to make a good team great.”
“Every year I’ve bee here we’ve gotten closer to accomplishing that goal. And hopefully this is our year.”
Big talk, big expectations and big potential. It’s been the story the past few seasons. Time will tell if thing play out as Fox predicts come fall.