Author: C. Bello

It had all the makings of something special. The hard-rocking stadium. The throwback uniforms. The pre-game skirmish. An undefeated start to the season and a rival having already absorbed a few losses.

The Miami Hurricanes jumped out to another home lead against Florida State, but it was the Seminoles who again closed strong, much like they have the last two times these foes got after it, prevailing, 20-19—the foot of a kicker again defining another big moment in this rivalry.

In the end, a seventh-straight loss and the harsh reality that despite the gap closing between the Canes and Noles, the boys from up north are still a few paces ahead of the five time national championship Miami program. Doesn’t matter how or why—FSU’s “rebuild” starting back in 2010, while UM’s just got underway last December; the result continues to be the same.

The Canes are on the right track, but lack the depth, across-the-board talent and big-win experience that championship teams possess.

There are no moral victories and silver linings the morning after are impossible to appreciate. Saturday’s heartbreaker will be forever remembered by a muffed snap and batted-down extra point; The Block at The Rock. Convenient for narrative-sake in a rivalry that has been defined by missed kicks by the guys in garnet and gold—but Miami lost the game well before DeMarcus Walker swatted down a Michael Badgley point-after attempt; the junior kicker automatic in his career up to that moment.

No, this one was surrendered from the get-go when Miami’s supposedly-high octane offense sputtered and punted its first two drives, while settling for a field goal on its third—wasting some big time defensive stops; including a fourth-down stuff of the Noles that kept early points off the board.

A DOZEN OTHER “LOST GAME” MOMENTS TRUMP MISSED POINT-AFTER

Miami’s swarming defense sent quarterback Deondre Francois to the sideline after a vicious takedown by Kendrick Norton. Jaquan Johnson made the Noles pay, intercepting back-up Sean Maguire on a tipped pass and the Canes turned it into seven by way of a highlight-reel touchdown grab by Stacy Coley on 3rd-and-19—giving Miami the 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Still, the where-it-was-lost moments were all over the place; again settling for three when another offensive possession stalled out.

Francois back under center, the Canes’ defense held the Noles to 18 yards on six plays, forcing a punt. Brad Kaaya immediately went to freshman Ahmmon Richards for a 38-yard pick-up. A sure-fire pass interference call on Florida State looked to be drive-defining, but was negated when the intended receiver Braxton Berrios was hit with a facemask call—boneheaded-as-hell and taking the steam out of the Canes.

Incomplete pass to Coley. Four-yard pick-up by tight end David Njoku. Four-yard run by Mark Walton. 51-yard field goal by Badgley and valuable points again left on the field against a squad known for second-half comebacks.

The Noles responded with nine-play, 62-yard drive—including a 3rd-and-12 conversion, though eventually settling for three and cutting the deficit to 10 points at halftime, with Florida State getting the ball to start the second half.

Miami’s defense forced the three-and-out and was primed again to take control, face planted and had yet another where-it-was-lost moment, unable to close on a would-be, game-defining drive.

Kaaya-to-Richards for 12 yards on 2nd-and-7 had Miami midfield and 15 more yards were picked up when Matthew Thomas was ejected for targeting. 1st-and-10 from the FSU 34, Walton picked up three before Kaaya found Coley for 18. Another first down; the Canes in business at the 13-yard line.

False start, Coley. Momentum killer. Incomplete pass to Richards on 1st-and-15, another setback. Then the dagger—a forced pass on 2nd-and-15 with Kaaya went to Richards again; Tarvarus McFadden stepping in front for the end zone interception.

Six plays later, a defense breakdown and Dalvin Cook—the most-dangerous guy on the field, inexplicably wide open— hauling in a 59-yard touchdown reception. What could’ve been 20-3, or at worst 16-3, was now 13-10 in just over three minutes—the energy in the stadium shifting as momentum was slipping away.

KAAYA COMES UP SHORT IN ANOTHER RAISED-STAKES SITUATION

Incompletion, three-yard run, incompletion, punt. The type of unraveling that defined the past half decade of Miami football was rearing its ugly head again—and no one on either side of the ball could stop the bleeding.

A comeback was underway and everyone in the building felt it. The Canes weren’t done, but the lead was set to evaporate and Miami was on its heels. Seven plays and 60 yards later, Francois found Kermit Whitfield for a 20-yard touchdown on 1st-and-10—a brilliant read on a would-be run play, changed when Johnson blitzed for the Canes with three Florida State receivers lined up trips to the left.

17-13, Noles late third quarter—Miami trailing for the first time all season. Here we go again.

Walton, nine-yard run and six more the following play. Tack on a 15-yard personal foul and the Canes were already at the FSU 45 in just under a minute. 1st-and-10, Walton takes it 45 yards to the house. To be filed under, you-can’t-make-this-shit-up; holding on Tyree St. Louis—his “mistake” doing zero to spring Walton loose. (Translation; horse-shit call by the zebras.)

Drive destroyed, next-level dagger and a snatching-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory type moment that Miami simply can’t purge itself of. From taking back the lead to 1st-and-20 and deflated—just like that.

Two runs by Joseph Yearby went nowhere before Kaaya’s attempt on 3rd-and-15 was incomplete.

Miami’s defense held Florida State to a field goal after stopping Cook cold on 3rd-and-2—leaving the Canes yet another final drive-type chance like the past two years, down seven with nine minutes remaining.

Coley for 17 yards on 3rd-and-8. Another pass interference fortunate break, putting the Canes across midfield. First down run with Walton loses one, Kaaya sack loses six and another takedown on 3rd-and-17—Miami’s offense unable to do anything.

The Canes’ defense rises up, sacking Francois on third-and-long—putting the ball back in Miami’s hands for one final go-around with 3:02 remaining after a brilliant 43-yard return from Berrios.

Walton runs back-to-back, netting seven yards, but gets stuffed on 3rd-and-3. 4th-and-5 from the FSU 11, Kaaya hits Coley on a rope for the score—followed by the unthinkable. Muffed hold, blocked kick, ball game.

Even with the extra point, does Miami’s defense stop Florida State’s offense with 1:38 remaining in a 20-20 ball game? Doesn’t matter. The Canes had already been gutted and exposed—a not-yet good enough squad able to seize big moments and close.

YEAR IS ONLY A FAILURE IF MIAMI ALLOWS FLORIDA STATE LOSS TO BREAK THEM (AGAIN)

Bad as Florida State looked at Louisville, or somewhat exposed in a home loss to North Carolina—when the money was on the table and the Canes were across the field, the Noles were able to rely on muscle memory, earning the type of comeback win that can jumpstart a season.

While Miami toiled in misery these past six seasons—firing Randy Shannon, hiring Al Golden, dealing with ponzi-schemer Nevin Shapiro and fighting with the NCAA—Jimbo Fisher was building his powerhouse; taking over a program in much better shape than the Canes, in the process.

Over that span, four Atlantic Division titles, three ACC crowns and one national championship—while Miami stumbled to 43-33, fought off a two-year investigation, absorbed three years probation and saw three different head coaches at the helm. None of that even addressed the negative recruiting that sent quality local kids packing or forced “The U” to miss out on some key players.

Cook and Whitfield killed Miami last night; two kids who at one point looked to be future Canes. Same for the ejected Thomas and suspiciously-quiet Travis Rudolph last night. Losing out on players of that nature each of the past several years—it shouldn’t necessarily define moments like these, but it can’t be ignored. Keep the best talent home, recruit strong and develop good players into great ones. It’s a tried and true formula, but simply hasn’t happened in Coral Gables for well over a decade now.

Under all those circumstances, the fact the Canes have actually hung with the Noles the past three years is a mini-miracle unto itself—though it’s no solace when surrendering late leads and losing 10 of the past 12 to an arch-rival.

However this edition’s script was written, it’s over. Another loss in the books and another learning experience to be taken. Some other morning-after thoughts about these Canes as seven games remain. In no particular order:

— Defensive breakdowns at Georgia Tech last week were brushed off by way of a few exciting sack, strip, scoop and score moments which were the difference in a 14-point victory. Exciting plays, but flukes that arguably aren’t going to occur on a weekly basis or against top-flight talent. Miami had a few blown plays defensively that were indicative of the past half decade of UM football and served as a reminder that the talent and personnel simply isn’t where it needs to be on that side of the ball.

A lot of tipped passes and balls-out play from guys like Corn Elder, Kendrick Norton and Chad Thomas—as well as the trio of freshmen linebackers—but not enough depth or difference-makers over there, yet.

— Exciting as Walton and Yearby have been over their careers, the Canes’ ground attack is suffering from not having a bigger-bodied, Cook-type back who can run hard, get the tough yards and carry a struggling offense on their backs. Gus Edwards hasn’t panned out and Mike James was truly the last slightly bigger, hard-hitting running back the Canes have boasted.

Two guys who are “lighting” aren’t the answer. The rushing attack needs some “thunder”, as well. The Canes lost out on Cook a few years back, but need to ensure that they find a back like him on the recruiting trail each of the next few years.

— For every spectacular grab a receiver has, seems there are a few drops, miscues or setbacks to go along with the good. Painful as the ground game has been, the inconsistencies in the passing game are added pressure for an offense seeking and identity.

— Lastly, with almost two and a half seasons under his belt as a starter, it’s time to assess who No. 15 is and who he isn’t. Kaaya was thrown into the fire as a freshman, has learned on the job and has put up some rather impressive numbers as Miami’s starting quarterback. He’s pegged to be a Top 10 pick in next spring’s NFL Draft, as the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder with the solid head and strong arm checks off most boxes that assure success at the next level.

What Kaaya hasn’t shown yet; the “it” factor and overall leadership great collegiate quarterbacks on championship-caliber teams possess.

Come-up-short moments against a Nebraska, Georgia Tech or Florida State as a freshman are forgivable—but that expected step forward wasn’t taken as a sophomore. Cincinnati and Florida State were would-be, hero-type moments where Kaaya could’ve put the Canes on his back and made a difference.

Even the bowl game against Washington State; an interception on a potential game-winning drive.

This recent showdown with the Seminoles was a growing-up opportunity. Kaaya took a beating behind a suspect offensive line, got his ass kicked and still threw two NFL-worthy touchdown passes to Coley. That said, the second down interception in the end zone was brutal and truly unforgivable based on the moment, the opponent and overall state of the program.

Florida State is suiting up a freshman in Francois, who opened his career with a comeback victory against Ole Miss, had a solid outing in the loss to North Carolina and took everything Miami’s defense threw at him, yet kept making plays and getting the job done.

Time is running out on the Kaaya era. Will this fan base ever see that next-level, clutch-type performance he’s capable of? Tar Heels, Hokies, Fighting Irish and Panthers on deck.

IT’S NOT HOW YOU START; IT’S HOW YOU FINISH—CLOSE STRONG

Two years ago, a blown 23-7 lead against Florida State broke Miami’s spirit and the Canes lost their final three games. A year ago, a loss in Tallahassee was followed by a a home win over Virginia Tech before Clemson came south and delivered the type of ass-kicking that gets a fifth-year head coach fired before he sits down with a coffee and his Sunday paper.

What is this year’s narrative—Miami now 4-1 with first-year head coach Mark Richt; an even-keel guy celebrated for not getting to high after a win or too low after a loss? Golden—always the disheveled, excuse-making post-game mess—proved unable to get his Canes to respond. Can Richt erase five year’s of Golden’s hold on this program five games into his tenure? He better and the hits are coming hard and fast.

North Carolina heads south next weekend—the same squad who took down Florida State in Tallahassee weeks back on a game-winning 54-yard field goal that ended a 22-home game win-streak.

Good news; the Tar Heels were demoralized after falling to Virginia Tech at home, 34-3 yesterday. Bad news; the Hokies are up next for the Canes, traveling to Blacksburg for a Thursday night showdown against the new Coastal Division favorites.

Negotiate that rugged terrain and a road trip to Notre Dame follows; the Irish unraveling, though South Bend ready to come alive when boys from Miami show up.

Losses to Florida State have defined Miami’s season the past few years and if there’s any takeaway from this year’s setback—let it be just that; forget about the Noles until next time around, learn from the mistakes and focus on the remaining seven games.

This was never a championship season for the Canes. At absolute best, a Coastal Division title was in the cards—Miami the preseason number two behind North Carolina. Another loss to Florida State hurts; but it’s only as detrimental as the Canes allow it to be.

Let the next few weeks define this season—not a few setbacks in a would-be step-foward moment in primetime this past weekend.

Miami and Florida State, set to throw down yet again. Primetime, as usual, with the nation paying attention. The two have often met as top five programs gunning for national titles, but truth be told, even lesser stakes have been know to result in an Instant Classic.

At the turn of the century, the Canes took the power back—beating the Noles six-straight on the heels of an unthinkable five game losing streak, made possible by sanctions and probation in the mid-to-late nineties.

From there, the unthinkable happened—Miami and Florida State simultaneous backslid and became average. A couple of basic-bitches limping their way to 7-6 seasons; Bobby Bowden in the twilight of a lengthy career, while the Canes had a revolving door of not-up-for-the task head coaches in Larry Coker, Randy Shannon and Al Golden.

Jimbo Fisher took the reigns in Tallahassee in 2010—getting a jumpstart on the Noles’ makeover, quickly whipping the one-time power back into shape. The past six seasons; four Atlantic Division titles, three ACC crowns and a national championship, while Miami limp-dicked it with Golden before pulling the plug halfway through last season.

Out of nowhere for the Canes; a perfect storm—Golden’s epic face-plant against Clemson leading to a swift dismissal, coupled with a fat apparel check from adidas and Georgia dumping long-time head coach Mark Richt after a 9-3 regular season. Without any of the three, 2016 isn’t a proper rebuilding year for Miami and the surrounding optimism isn’t at this level.

The result; a 4-0 start—against a few patsies and two good-not-great teams—setting up another annual are-the-Canes-back moment and season-defining showdown. An added bonus; the $400M renovation to the newly-dubbed Hard Rock Stadium, which should look spectacular on ABC under those primetime lights.

THE FIRST STEP BACK TO PROMINENCE; WIN RIVALRY GAMES

Beat Florida State for the first time since 2009 and a ripple effect will be felt throughout college football. The type of moment where today’s recruits and tomorrow’s superstars will remember precisely how it happened and the emotions felt.

Lost in the shuffle of Miami’s comeback narrative; the fact that a solid, talent-heavy and experienced Seminoles squad has been reduced to “spoiler” and underdog, after being the second-ranked team in the nation weeks back.

A monster second-half comeback was needed against Ole Miss in the opener before smacking around Charleston Southern at home.

A week later, Louisville dismantled Florida State. A victory over South Florida ensued, though the Seminoles were definitely lacking an “it” factor. Last weekend, a 54-yard game-winning field goal off the foot of a spirited North Carolina kicker sent the boys from Tallahassee to 3-2 on the year and winless in conference play.

The setback almost dropped Florida State out of the Top 25, while Miami rose to No. 10 and is now a slight favorite entering Saturday’s showdown. All that said, it should also be noted that the Canes have played the 112th toughest schedule-to-date this season, while the Noles have played the third. Would “The U” be undefeated had it taken on Ole Miss and Louisville in September? Hell no.

Still, a much different scenario than anyone pictured a month ago and definitely uncharted territory for the Hurricanes—who have been a perennial underdog in this rivalry for longer than anyone in the orange and green cares to remember.

Lesser Miami teams have managed to do more; the Canes jumping all over the defending national champions in 2014, leading 23-7 late in the first half before falling, 30-26 and dropping three more to close the season, never emotionally bouncing back from the collapse.

BOYS FROM TALLAHASSEE MUCH BETTER THAN THEIR RECORD

Last year, a series of miscues on the Seminoles’ part kept the Canes in the game late—Miami even taking a one-point lead, but unable to stop Dalvin Cook down the stretch. The local product rattled off back-to-back 23-yard runs; the latter proving to be the game-winning score.

Cook smoked Miami for 222 yards and two scores last season. The year prior, only 92 yards on seven carries—41 coming on the Noles’ game-winning drive, Cook punching it in from 26 yards out for Florida State’s first lead of the night.

Cook started his junior season slow, but has picked up steam since—going for 267 yards and two touchdowns against the Bulls and 140 yards with three scores in the loss to the Tar Heels. Back home for his final crack at the Canes just up the way from Miami Central High School; Cook will again come to play.

Difference this time around—a 4-3 defense and more aggressive scheme from first-year coordinator Manny Diaz, opposed to the passive 3-4 approach favor by the former staff. Will that be enough? In short, no.

The key for Miami as Florida State enters this weekend; to prove it’s grown up as a program and it’s ready for the main stage. Even with a win, the Canes aren’t “back”—as that won’t be the case until Coastal Division titles are won, Miami reels in a few more quality classes and actually starts a season in the hunt.

THESE CANES NEED TO ADD A CHAPTER IN THEIR LEGACIES

Undefeated is sure better than two losses by early October, but lest not forget Miami rose to No. 7 three years back—a Top 10 team by default, beating on nobodies—before getting dismantled by top-ranked Florida State, 41-14, en route to the Noles’ winning the national title.

The Canes need to take the next logical step forward; playing to their potential, rising up and overachieving in the moment—opposed to wilting, unraveling and letting in-game setbacks kill their belief in self.

Miami is good enough to take out Florida State this weekend; the Noles a talented, albeit dysfunctional bunch right now seeming to lack leadership and focus. The Canes don’t have to be “better”—they simply need to be better prepared on Saturday night and close.

Year three underway, it’s time for Brad Kaaya to get his signature game. The stats have been there and the junior quarterback has the size, arm strength, character and potential NFL teams will be all over next spring, or the following year—but the California native hasn’t won a big one or led a career-defining comeback-type drive for the highlight reel. It’s time.

On the ground, the Canes lack the bigger-bodied, Cook-type back—but have two hard runners in Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby who have to get those tough yards, move the chains and break off the type of runs that made No. 4 on the other side a legend in this series.

Defensively, more of what Miami has shown the past few weeks—playing above their talent level and finding a way to overcome a depleted secondary, youth at linebacker and a defensive line in need of more playmakers in line with the greats who have suited up for the Canes when the program was a force.

Every journey begins with that first step. The Canes can take a world-class leap on Saturday night by finally getting this Seminoles’ monkey off their back. It’s all there for the taking. It’s simply a matter of Miami finally being ready to take it.

They say big time players step up in big games. Who’s ready to be big time this Saturday night?

The Miami Hurricanes weren’t given much credit for recent, expected throttlings of Florida A&M and Florida Atlantic in recent weeks. Completely understandable as smacking around patsies early September is hardly noteworthy.

The critics pointed to Appalachian State and a road trip to Boone as a mini-measuring stick for “The U”—also understandable as the Mountaineers are a quality lower-tier program. Not to mention, the Canes an unfathomable 5-12 on the road the past seventeen attempts, so this one had “trap game” written all over it.

Had this match-up taken place at any point over the past five seasons; spoiler alert—Miami would’ve shit the bed in Shakespearean tragedy-type fashion.

Instead the Canes played a dream scenario-type game, jumping on the Mountaineers early, silencing the amped-up crowd, weathering an early third quarter storm and closing strong in a 45-10 rout.

The result, a 3-0 start and ten-spot jump in the AP poll to No.15 before an off week, followed by a road trip to Georgia Tech to kickoff ACC play.

The alternate would’ve been a straight-up disaster—as proven a year ago when Miami stumbled into Cincinnati for a Thursday night showdown and got worked by a Bearcats team who finished 7-6 with losses to Temple, South Florida and San Diego State.

Unranked, 2-1 going into an off-week, local sports talk radio blowing up—and an epic fail regarding the new adidas rollout of their “Legends of The U” throwback jerseys, had things gone south at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

The only thing missing would’ve been a disheveled, hot mess of a coach, loosening his tie and rambling about getting beat in all three phases of the game and how it was all on him to get that right before shuffling off dejected yet again.

It’s cathartic to relive the Al Golden experience—forcing oneself to imagine what could’ve been this year if change hadn’t been made last fall. (Miami faithful should put Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney on this year’s holiday card list as that 58-0 pasting proved to the be the final straw.)

Instead, a still depth-starved Canes squad is playing above its overall talent level—new head coach Mark Richt injecting life into his players, staff and the Miami fan base. It’s finally safe to drop the “cautiously” and simply be optimistic about the future at “The U”.

Cynics—or those simply too damaged by the Canes’ recent Decade of Disaster—will write off the rout at Appalachian State, looking at name only and not taking into consideration the program’s body of work.

11-2 last season in their move to D-I football, the Mountaineers won three consecutive national championships less than a decade ago. Three weeks back, ASU rolled into Knoxville and had ninth-ranked Tennessee on the ropes.

A missed extra point came back to haunt the road underdogs, with the Volunteers rallying in overtime, but that hardly diminished the feat. Appalachian State proved they’re a player and Miami going to their house for the biggest home game in program history wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

RICHT GAMEPLAN & CANES EXECUTION UNITED IN FIRST ROAD WIN

For any Canes enthusiast asked to rattle off three keys to the game, nothing would’ve been bigger than the need for a quick start. Silence the crowd, take control of the game and force a solid running team to play catch-up by throwing the football.

Miami did just that, holding the home team to 18 yards on six plays before forcing a punt and then scoring on the first play from scrimmage—Mark Walton bursting up the middle for an 80-yard touchdown.

Another quick defensive stop put the Canes’ offense back on the field and Brad Kaaya immediately got busy. Dayall Harris hauled in three grabs for 26 yards, Ahmmon Richards caught two for 24 and David Njoku reeled in a score on 3rd-and-5, extending Miami’s lead to 14.

The next go-around featured a 55-yard hook up between Kaaya and Stacy Coley on 3rd-and-9 for a 21-0 score late in the first and an eventual 24-3 halftime lead.

Miami looked primed to pour it on first drive of the third quarter, going 71 yards in just over three minutes before Kaaya threw a goal line pick on fourth down from the one-yard line. Njoku ran down John Law after the 60-yard return, but six plays and a few busted coverage moments later, all the Canes’ early dominance was reduced to a 14-point lead and the home crowd was feeling it.

It’s precisely in this moment that the last incarnation of the Miami Hurricanes would’ve begun to unravel. A few conservative runs would’ve set up a third-and-long, an incomplete pass and a punt—giving the opponent field position, momentum and purpose.

Instead, Miami came out firing—Richt knowing that Kaaya wanted to make up for his blunder. The Canes still faced that third-and-long, but threw incomplete on first down before Joe Yearby was stuffed on second.

Come third, time to let shit rip—Kaaya going deep, hitting Richards for a 54-yard completion and visibly animated as the quarterback ran downfield to finish the drive. A delay of game could’ve been a minor setback, but even that didn’t matter as Yearby rolled 12 yards for the score, putting the Canes back up by 21.

From there it was merely piling-on as the defense continued to clamp down and the offense chipped away. Kaaya went back to Richards on the ensuing drive for a 62-yard gain and found Coley on 3rd-and-Goal for the eight-yard score—with Walton adding one more for good measure early in the fourth, extending the lead to 35 and quieting the “upset special” crowd.

MIAMI’S DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT MEASURABLE BEYOND STATS

While it’s tough to get jacked up on overall stats when the two previous opponents with the Rattlers and Owls, the Canes held the Mountaineers to just 2.6 yards-per-carry and 2-of-13 on third down.

For those keeping score, Appalachian State rolled for 184 yards on the ground at Tennessee and looked much more dominant—a credit to a once-maligned Miami defense.

Regarding the Canes sitting at No. 3 in the nation with fewest yards-per-carry at 1.57 after three games—it’s where they were last season that make the improvement so impressive; jumping up 112 spots from No. 115 at 5.26 yards-per-carry.

Furthermore, the Canes’ defense is doing it with three true freshmen linebackers—Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud—and defensive end Chad Thomas, whose job got harder when Al-Quadin Muhammad was dismissed days before the season opener.

Credit to first-year defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski, who is getting all that and more out of the 5-star end who didn’t live up to the freshman hype.

Miami takes its 3-0 record and No. 15 rank into a late-September off-week—solid timing as it gives Kaaya extra time to rest a swollen knee that got dinged when he turned into a defender on the third quarter interception return.

The down time also provides the Canes a necessary early-season reset and opportunity to soak up all that’s taken place these past three weeks— a solid start, exceeded expectations, unexpected praise and the necessary humility needed before diving into conference play.

Georgia Tech and their quirky offense is never to be taken for granted—though a safe bet Miami’s current staff won’t lose the time of possession battle by double as it did in its last road game against the Yellow Jackets.

Take care of business next weekend and the Canes are the undefeated, higher-ranked team when the Seminoles roll into Hard Rock Stadium for a heavyweight bout on October 8th.

Miami has dropped six in a row to rival Florida State—but based on how things have played out these past few weeks, it’s not crazy for Canes Nation to start dreaming and believing in big time football again.

Last September the Miami Hurricanes pulled away from Florida Atlantic late; scoring 24 unanswered points, breaking a late third quarter tie in an eventual 44-20 rolling of the Owls. A year later, a completely different output and result for the Canes, who clamped down defensive, while relying on the running game in a lopsided, 38-10 win against their crosstown rivals.

Mark Walton posted a career-high 155 yards on 17 carries and found the end zone four times, while Joe Yearby added 121 yards on 20 rushing attempts—the duo picking up where the left off in last week’s blowout win over Florida A&M.

Defensively the Canes smothered the Owls, holding them to 47 yards on the ground and 167 yards passing. Miami also rose to the occasion on third down, keeping Florida Atlantic to 4-of-20 on the afternoon.

Greg Howell tore off a 38-yard score with 3:50 remaining in the third quarter, helping the Owls pull to within 14, but Walton padded the Canes’ lead with 11:44 remaining by way of a 30-yard touchdown run.

NEED MORE OUT OF NO. 15 AS COMPETITION-LEVEL RISES

While the end result moved Miami to 2-o on the season, a sub-par outing from Brad Kaaya has resulted in a split fan base. While some are hitting the panic button and citing a lack of clutch play in big moments to knock the junior quarterback’s overall body of work, others are chalking it up to a rare rough outing where the Canes’ most valuable offensive player simply didn’t have “it”.

Kaaya opened the season with an effective 12-of-18, 135-yard, four touchdown performance against FAMU in less than three quarters of play. A week later, 17-of-31 for 191 yards with two interceptions and no scores.

Kaaya seemed out of sync and sorts all day, forcing the Canes’ offense to rely on a pair of experienced backs to control the clock, move the chains and to ultimately put the game out of reach.

A 46-yard hook-up with tight end David Njoku gave the impression Miami’s aerial attack would be on-point; the Canes facing a 2nd-and-26 on the opening drive after a personal foul.

Back-to-back short runs with Yearby set up a 3rd-and-Goal from the six-yard line, but Kaaya was unable to convert, leaving Miami to settle for three. After the Canes’ defense forced a three-and-out, Kaaya was intercepted on first down of the next possession; starting down receiver Stacy Coley, which Owls’ linebacker Nate Ozdemir read immediately.

Facing a 3rd-and-11 on the ensuing drive, Kaaya again failed to connect with Njoku, setting up a punt. Moments later, a 3rd-and-5 pass to Yearby came up a yard short, forcing the ball to change hands again.

Kaaya-to-Walton came up incomplete on the next possession and the Canes didn’t convert their first third down until a pass to Ahmmon Richards went for 13 yards with 9:09 left in the first half. Walton punched it in from seven yards out a play later, giving Miami the, 7-0 lead.

Another solid defensive stand was wasted as Kaaya coughed up his second pick—pressured and attempting to launch it deep, but coming up a mile short. The turnover led to an Owls’ field goal and while FAU never threatened despite the passing game setbacks, the upgrade in competition the next few weeks will hopefully serve as motivation to Kaaya that he needs to settle in.

PRESEASON IS OVER; REAL CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON

Kidd Brewer Stadium may only hold 21,650 bodies—but the game is a sellout and ESPN is already on board for the 12:oo p.m. ET kickoff that is far and away the biggest home game in Appalachian State history.

The Mountaineers took ninth-ranked Tennessee to the wire and fell in overtime weeks back—a would-be upset thwarted by a missed extra point in the second quarter, leading to a 13-3 advantage that was overcome in regulation before the Volunteers survived, 20-13.

ASU regrouped with a dominant 31-7 home win over Old Dominion this weekend and motivation certainly won’t be an issue when UM rolls to town next Saturday.

Passing game question marks aside, Miami certainly deserves credit for its improved defense two games into a new season. Florida A&M and Florida Atlantic certainly aren’t offensive juggernauts, but when comparing the Canes’ and Owls’ last two meetings—the defensive improvement for the home team deserves praise.

Miami surrendered 389 yards in Boca Raton last September—most embarrassing, the 223 yards given up on the ground and almost seven-yards-per-carry average. Cutting that to 47 yards with depth issues, freshmen linebackers and two games into a revamping of the defensive scheme (by way of a brand new coaching staff)—it deserves a tip of the cap and some optimism moving forward.

What it doesn’t deserve; any reading into Sunday’s headline in the Palm Beach Post alluding to signs of a “spectacular” defense this season.

DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT IMMEASURABLE UNTIL ACC PLAY UNDERWAY

The stats geeks will jump all over the fact that the Canes lead the nation in tackles for loss (28) and is tied with Pittsburgh in sacks (10), which is also tops—while tied second nationally in yards-per-play allowed (2.94), 16th in interceptions (3) and 17th in opponent third-down success (8-for-26) and 22.2-percent.

Others will quickly point out that eight quarters against the Rattlers and Owls led to such puffed up numbers, so pump the brakes and let the next few weeks play out—@Georgia Tech, Florida State, North Carolina, @Virginia Tech and @Notre Dame the next five foes after next weekend’s trek to the Tar Heel state.

To Miami’s credit, the defensive improvement has come in the wake of injuries, suspensions and dismissals that were serious setbacks on paper, depth-wise. Overcoming that and and playing sound, fundamental football two games into the Mark Richt era; beyond welcomed after the five-year defensive shit-show under The Wrong Brothers, Al Golden and Mark D’Onofrio.

First year coordinator Manny Diaz quipped to the Post a no-excuses mantra and rhetoric about a raised standard and little chatter about said opponents—though that should understandably change when more potent offenses are being prepped for weekly.

Equally as exciting for the Canes right now; a next-man-in approach yielding positive results. The dismissal of Al-Quadin Muhammad was painful for a defensive line that needed his talent and experience, but Demetrius Jackson has jumped in tallied four sacks in two starts.

Injuries sidelined defensive lineman Courtel Jenkins and Anthony Moten, as well as cornerback Adrian Colbert. No problem as RJ McIntosh has been disrupting inside, with Sheldrick Redwine making some noise in the secondary.

The dismissal of Jermaine Grace was painful, but a trio of freshman linebackers continue playing well beyond their years—Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud proving that age ain’t nothing but a number.

“It’s not easy, but we prepare,” Pinckney told the Post. “If you know what you’re doing out there, it’s not too complicated.”

Soundbites and player-speak don’t usually mean all that much, but it’s hard to imagine many Canes’ freshman the past few years talking the talk and walking the walk like this first-year linebacker. Miami’s head coach agrees.

“You could talk about those linebackers all day,” said Richt. “How often do you have three true freshmen just show up and start playing good ball for you like that?”

The answer; not all that often—but in this case, it seems best to let the season play out and to judge the trio after some tougher competition comes their way. Still, two games in and with things trending upwards, everyone deserves some credit.

One quirky road showdown before ACC season gets underway against the Yellow Jackets late September. Survive Boone and Atlanta and Miami will be sitting pretty at 4-0 with Florida State coming to town

Everything to date has been solid and the next two weeks manageable before the ultimate measuring stick and perennial game of the year against the Seminoles. Let’s talk defensive stats after that one.

Until then, enjoy the ride and the emotions that come with a maligned program taking the necessary steps to get back on track.

The Miami Hurricanes and Florida A&M Rattlers seem to cross paths every few seasons with a similar narrative and storyline. The five-time national champion powerhouse is in need of a proper warm-up screaming early in the season, while the underdog from the panhandle emulates itself after big brother, hoping someday to make it competitive.

Two years back, Miami prevailed, 41-7. In 2010, a 45-0 lopsided affair. This time around, a 70-3 drubbing fueled by three running backs with 100-plus yards on the day—the first time that feat has been accomplished at UM since 1987 and only the third 70-plus point game in half a century.

Based on some slow starts for the Canes over the year, an impressive-enough on-paper victory for the home team—complete with a first-class experience at the freshly-renovated and newly-dubbed Hard Rock Stadium. All that coupled with a mostly injury-free four quarters made for a solid opening weekend and start of the Mark Richt era.

Canes Coming In Hot For Home Opener

To Miami’s credit, it pounced early—Corn Elder picking off Kenneth Coleman on 3rd-and-11 of the opening drive—which the Canes converted to a touchdown three plays later. Brad Kaaya found Marquez Williams for the four-yard score, though running back Mark Walton did the heavy living with a 25-yard run.

Walton–with Joseph Yearby and Gus Edwards—combined for 327 yards and four scores on 29 carries, while Kaaya was a respectable 12-0f-18 for 135 yards and four touchdowns, before yielding to Malik Rosier, who game-managed the final quarter and a half.

While under center, Kaaya spread the ball around to nine different options—no receiver hauling in more than two grabs, with Chris Herndon topping the bunch with 42 yards receiving.

Up 28-0 at the half, Miami posted seven touchdowns in the third quarter before cruising to victory with a quiet fourth. Walton tore off a 37-yard run, followed by a two-play scoring drive; Yearby going for 21 yards, setting up a 15-yard strike from Kaaya to freshman Ahmmon Richards.

Kaaya tracked down Stacy Coley for the four-yard score minutes later and after a three-and-out, Braxton Berrios returned a punt 41-yard for a quick six.

An interception by Adrian Colbert put Miami in FAMU territory, where Rosier hit Standish Dobard for a 15-yard pick-up, before scampering 19 yards to the end zone a play later. Edwards tore off a 74-yard touchdown the ensuing drive, closing out the third quarter.

The Canes should’ve tacked on another in the fourth, but fourth string running back Travis Homer fumbled in the end zone, the ball recovered by the Rattlers for a touchback.

For those rolling out of Hard Rock, or others seeing that 70-3 final score cruise by on the ESPN ticker, the reaction should’ve been the same.

Good. Nothing more and nothing less.

Everything To Be Taken In Stride

Routing Florida A&M certainly doesn’t warrant over-praise—anymore than “only scoring 41 last time around should bring criticism. Collect the “W”, file it under “win” and immediately move on to Florida Atlantic. Wash, rinse, repeat and avoid a trap game at Appalachian State before diving into the meat of the ACC schedule.

Furthermore, simply appreciate teeing off on a patsy as Week One of the college football season was less-than-kind to many who faced stiffer competition.

No. 3 Oklahoma getting upset by No. 15 Houston. No. 9 Tennessee needing a missed extra point and overtime to survive Miami’s week-three foe, the Mountaineers.

No. 5 LSU stifled by Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Mississippi State missing a game-winning field goal against South Alabama … and that was just three days into five straight days of college ball.

Sunday delivered an Instant Classic when Texas held on in double overtime to topple tenth-ranked Notre Dame in Austin, while Monday night answered with No. 11 Ole Miss blowing a 28-6 lead to fourth-ranked Florida State; outscored 39- 6 down the stretch.

Sitting back after that whirlwind, the only stat that matters in the aftermath—1-o versus 0-1. Not that Miami even had a mathematical chance to lose to Florida A&M, but with a 12-game season and needing to get warmed up for conference play, it’s a nice little confidence-builder and notch on the belt.

The Tired Ol’ One-Game-At-A-Time Adage Applies

Looking at the remaining schedule, Miami will lose—one game, two, three or more, time will tell—but it will happen. The Richt Effect will pay dividends in the long run—and even in the short—but the Canes need more overall depth, talent, experience and a revamping of the ol’ core values and attitude before becoming a true contender again.

Alabama pantsed Southern Cal, setting the Trojans a few years back psychologically with that ass-kicking. Clemson survived a quality SEC foe in Auburn, while Florida State flexed its muscle with an epic comeback against a quality foe.

Ohio State, Michigan, Stanford, Michigan State, TCU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Oregon—business as usual for good teams that have been making some noise the past several years.

Miami eked its way into the Top 25 this week—due more to those who lost, than the pasting the Canes slapped on the Rattlers. It marks the first time “The U” has been ranked since late in the 2013 season, so it should be appreciated. That said, the view from the bottom should be somewhat daunting and humbling as there’s a lot of real estate to cover if the Canes want to climb two dozen rungs higher.

Booting two defenders pre-season, losing linebacking depth after a season-ending injury to a back up (get well soon, Jamie Gordinier) and recently learning that two more defenders are sidelined due to injury for the showdown with the Owls (defensive back Adrian Colbert and defensive end Courtel Jenkins)—yet another reminder that it’ll be hard-fought season and road back.

Richt’s impact will get this thing back on track—but it’s going to take some breaks from the football gods, a healthy squad and those next-men-in overachieving for year one to be the solid leap forward a hungry fan base is clamoring for.

Next Up: Florida Atlantic (1-0) at No. 25 Miami (1-0)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
When: Saturday September 10th — 6:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN3
Radio: ESPN West Palm 106.3 FM