Even with a win against Virginia Tech, odds of the Miami Hurricanes sniffing the ACC title game as representatives of the Coastal Division were beyond slim.
The Hokies came into Sun Life Stadium undefeated in conference play and 8-2 after starting the season losing two straight while the Canes already had a pair of ACC losses in the books.
On deck after Miami, a home matchup against rival Virginia, who Tech’s owned since 2003; the final Big East year before making the jump to the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Miami entered Saturday’s showdown 7-3, playing to keep a conference title alive, but even more importantly to beat a rival that’s cleaned their clock ten of the past fifteen meetings. The Canes and Hokies both joined the ACC in 2004, with Miami title-less in conference play while their northern rival has won three and is looking for a fourth in December.
As seen on a few occasions this year, Miami came out swinging and with purpose. An eight-play, 60-yard opening drive took just over three minutes and the Canes were quickly up 7-0 after Stephen Morris found Leonard Hankerson on a 9-yard strike.
Graig Cooper got some early carries, but after netting four yards on three plays, Damien Berry was called on and picked up 27 on three attempts. Hankerson also had some early action with a 20-yard grab on 3rd and 11.
As also seen many times before, when given a chance to shine or do those game-changing things elite squads do, the Canes choked away some golden opportunities.
Miami and Virginia Tech entered the half tied 10-10, though the Canes had clearly outplayed the Hokies. When second half adjustments were made, UM bent and finally broke in the game’s final quarter, while VT employed disciplined football, played to their strengths and pulled away late.
The first two quarters proved to be a microcosm of modern day UM. Some good, some bad and some ugly, all of which led to decent half instead of a great one. The lack of discipline resulted in opportunities missed, momentum not seized and kept the Hokies in a game that conceivably could’ve been a blowout:
>>> Up 7-0 early in the first, Miami failed to convert a 3rd and 9. What originally looked to be a first down, courtesy of Morris to Hankerson, was eventually overruled when the Canes had to burn a timeout as the current personnel wasn’t ready to run another play. The booth reviewed the spot and the first down turned into a 4th and 1 from the VT 12.
Berry lined up in an obvious run formation, bounced left, didn’t follow the block of fullback Pat Hill and was swallowed up behind the line. Instead of possibly going up 14-0 or at worst, 10-0, the Hokies stuffed the Canes and gained some momentum.
From there, Virginia Tech drove 88 yards on 12 plays and tied the game, 7-7.
>>> An unclutch, key moment on the Hokies’ drive – a conversion on 3rd and 16 with a back up quarterback. The Canes knocked Tyrod Taylor out of the game and back up Logan Thomas entered.
After putting some heat on Taylor the majority of the drive, Thomas remained in the pocket untouched and unrushed, completing a 24-yard pass. Drive alive and four plays later Ryan Williams scampered for a 14-yard score.
>>> Halfway through the second quarter, game still tied 10-10, Miami faced a 3rd and 1 from the VT 35 when Tyler Horn rushed the snap, Morris fumbled and the Hokies took over. More points left on the field and another crucial turnover for a team that fails to capitalize on opportunities, constantly shooting itself in the foot.
>>> Even after a slew of mishaps, Miami still rallies late in the first half, clamping down on Virginia Tech and getting the ball back on the UM 20 with 3:43 remaining. Morris found tight end Asante Cleveland on back-to-back plays, picking up 32 yards. After a sack on 2nd and 10, Morris hit Hankerson for fifteen on 3rd and 19. The Canes picked up the gutsy 4th and 4 when Morris found Aldarius Johnson for five.
The drive stalled and with a 4th and 3 from the VT 30, the inexplicably erratic Matt Bosher pushed a 47-yard field goal attempt, leaving the game tied 10-10.
Add it all up and Miami could’ve easily been ahead anywhere from 13-3 to 24-7. Instead, a tied ball game and headed into the locker room without momentum or an daunting lead.
Miami traded blows in the third quarter, quickly scoring behind the wheels of Miller, answering a 43-yard Taylor to Danny Coale touchdowns strike (courtesy of blown coverage). After a 34-yard kick off return courtesy of Cooper, Miller ran four straight times for 47, 9, 2 and 4 yards, the final resulting in a game-tying score.
But it was as close as the Canes would get.
The fourth quarter, nothing but daggers – the first, an 84-yard run by Williams after safety Vaughn Telemaque attempted to attacked the running back behind the line of scrimmage and blew past.
This was on the heels of a three-and-out by the Canes, set up by yet another false start courtesy of Orlando Franklin, giving Miami a 2nd and 17 deep in their own territory. The Williams run came after a 59-yard Bosher punt seemed to negate the field position battle.
Playing the rest of the game from behind, Morris finally unraveled and played like a true freshman. His first pick, the most crucial as it occurred midfield, down seven with just under ten to play and gave the Hokies the ball at the UM 25. Five plays later Taylor ran it in and up 31-17, the Canes and Morris were in desperation mode, forcing two more picks. Miami turned it over six times on the day and Virginia Tech scored 14 points off Hurricane turnovers – the difference in the game.
An aggravating week where Miami won just about everywhere but the scoreboard. The Canes had more first downs (23 to 19), more total yards (464 to 369), more passing yards (202 to 118), more rushing yards (262 to 251) and only one more penalty than the Hokies (5-55 vs. 4-50). Where Miami failed most, the 6-to-1 turnover differential and time of possession (26:29 to 33:31).
The morning after, another presser where Shannon was able to point out all that went wrong. This twenty-first career loss was pinned on “turnovers and big plays”. Opportunities to score were missed. There were key drops.
It was stated that Morris had a good first half, while the Hokies were given credit for “the perfect call” on the game’s first interception. In the future, mistakes like this could be thwarted by guys having to “step up and make plays”.
Their players made some of those plays, ours did not,” said Shannon. “That was the difference in the game.”
Unfortunately, anyone who watched the game could’ve given a similar summary. What wasn’t addressed was “why”?
Why is Miami still a turnover machine at this point of the season? Why are receivers still dropping balls?
Why are offensive linemen still jumping off sides? Why are defenders still overpursuing plays or taking bad angles?
Why has the run defense flat out disappeared at times this year? Why are teams pasting the Canes for 84-yard touchdowns on what seems like a weekly basis?
Where is the consistency? How is this team ‘all world’ one week and ‘deer in the headlights’ the next?
A second straight year where we’ve heard about Miami’s talent and “running the table” after an early loss, only to lose three more (with two to play this year!) When does this program stop losing annually to “inferior” opponents and when do players start progressing instead of regressing?
Bosher, a Lou Groza Award candidate, has gone from one of the nation’s best, to shanking routine extra points. Unfathomable.
For the second time in a few years this team chose “no excuses” as its mantra, yet every Monday morning when listening to Shannon on WQAM, there’s an explanation for what didn’t work. The media gets the same canned answers from a small handful of players Saturdays after the game or Tuesdays, when they sheepishly face the music.
“We got to man up. We got to show up for big games. At the end of the day, we just got to show up,” said center Horn. “It’s heartbreaking. It stinks. I’m angry about it. I hate it.”
Not as much as some lifelong fans, No. 60.
The bar set for this program is in many ways unattainable, but this year was supposed to at least show tremendous growth. No one ever counted on this type of regression year four.
Shannon contests that this year’s Canes are further along than last year’s, despite not beating one top 25 opponent.
The 2009 squad had three wins over ranked teams.
After falling to the Hokies, not only have Shannon’s Canes tallied 21 losses in 49 total games, Miami is now 4-9 against top 25 foes and none of the nine defeats were necessarily close. Take away last year’s six-point bowl loss to Wisconsin and the Canes have lost the remaining eight by big time double digits.
Four years in, that shouldn’t be the case and this administration knows it’s at a serious crossroad entering 2011.
Do you continue backing your horse, knowing it could impact both the long and short term on the recruiting front? What about the program as a whole? Can UM afford another season of treading water or slipping further?
On paper, this is a talented squad entering next season. How long will that be the case?
The 2007-2008 run was forgivable, based on the lack of talent and state of the program. Shannon needed his players and his coaches before the clock had any business ticking. It’s been ‘game on’ since 2009 and after this recent loss, that means 16-8 since last year’s season opener at Florida State.
Fifteen months ago there was hope. Mark Whipple and Jacory Harris started hot and a 3-1 start (when some predicted 0-4) was enough to convince many that Miami was “back”.
The Canes closed out the year 6-3, but the early bright spots gave reason to believe. Whipple would be better year two. Harris would cut down on the turnovers, his late season skid being attributed to hand injury instead of poor decision making.
Miami was to come out stronger, faster and better this year, with the heralded class of ’08 making their presence felt as juniors. Many were betting the over regarding last year’s 9-4 run. Ohio State early and a shot at a breakthrough game. Florida State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina at home. “ACC or Bust” became the fans’ rally cry.
Winning a national title wasn’t the benchmark and conference champs wasn’t aiming too high. Instead, another year of the the same ol’, same ol’.
High expectations, mediocre excution, lame explanations and a program still on the outside looking in.
Not the way Randy drew it up and not the way this fan base did either. With 9-4 the new best case and 7-6 the worst, something has to give.
Four years in, Shannon’s Canes aren’t where they should be and based on this year’s backslide, there’s little reason to expect anything different should there be a year five.
Eight quarters of football remain and the script is yet to be written.
Buckle in and watch it all unfold as there will be fireworks one way or another.
you loose your starting QB and loose two games you should have won…..and you want to fire Shannon?
JoePa would have never survived if he began his carrer at the U….. College Football has changed. Teams that used to be at the top take years to get back if ever. Teams that are now at the top will struggle in the years to come….Have faith in Shannon and his ability to bring the talent back to the U. Pull the plug now and we will head south in a hurry.
I challenge even the most avid Shannon supporter to make a case for why this guy should keep his job…there is just no way to defend him at this point…the numbers don't lie…as a season ticket holder for the last 20 years and someone who has gone to Canes games since the 70's and has bought merchandise,made donations etc…I have had enough…is he the only one to blame??Of course not,but he is clearly in over his head…time for a change…point blank…
This program is on the brink of complete irrelevancy and that is something I and many ohters just can't bear to witness anymore…
It's totally amazing how much momentum has an affect on college football. One or two plays certainly can influence any outcome on any given day. I hate VT with a passion, but I respect them because they always play the Canes ridiculously tough, but the Hokies made plays when it counted, Miami didn't. I was waiting to see how this team was going to respond after the drive that seemingly cost Miami a TD, but instead only could put 3 on the board. I was hoping that after the past couple of games the Canes would come out and finish after such a dominating start, but if you keep letting a team like VT hang around and hang around, you're bound to fall. Give them credit, it seems like they've been masters over the years of having Miami's number and capitalizing on such inopportune mistakes.
There's a number of things that cost Miami the game, but I gotta say, after Franklin's holding penalties and Benjamin dropping two very catchable balls, it went downhill. It's maddening that you can see this team's talent in spurts, but for whatever reason it's hard to keep them out of the tank whenever something goes bad.
Say what you will, but even though it's Senior Day, McCarthy and Franklin probably need to take a seat. Move Henderson to LT and let J. Johnson get the snaps at RT, since they're going to be around next season. Bosher? C'mon man, the misses have been killing Miami for the majority of the season. He makes that kick, it's a completely different ballgame coming out of the tunnel. I don't care if Jacory is healthy, I would still start Morris. Yes, he had 3 turnovers, but the last two, the Canes were running out of time and he was trying to make plays after getting crucial drops from his targets the entire 2nd half. If guys don't make plays, you have to sit 'em, you can't keep putting them in there and they keep f-ing up, it doesn't make sense when it's been happening the entire year from your 'dependable' upperclassmen.
Am I jumping the gun here or have this year's (true/redshirt) freshmen been playing better than the Seniors? I think so. If you take a look at the entire season and who's made more plays/impact: Henderson (Fr.) > Franklin (Sr.), Miller (r-Fr.) > Berry (Sr.), Cain (Fr.) = McCarthy (Sr.) [one game], Morris (Fr.) > Harris (Jr.). I'm not saying that they are necessarily more talented, but they've done better as a whole than the guys ahead of them. Let's just hope Miami can win the next 2.
WTF why recap???
I guess I am just one more unhappy fanatic of UM's football program under the leadership of Randy Shannon. The whole nation watches as the program crumbles under the leadership of Shannon. The QB situation with Jacory Harris is, to say the least, disgraceful to say the least. Let this Shannon go on and the program will never recover. So…hopefully, President Shalala will have the wisdom to change this man. We have had it. I am an alumnae.
This fan base doesnt deserve a winning team. Period. The attendance was again embarrassing. ONLY the hurricanes can be playing a ranked, hated rival and not sell out the stadium. The only game that was sold out was FSU and the majority of the ppl were FSU fans. This fan base, as a whole, is too stupid, too fickle and too immature to handle a winning program. Those still calling for Randy to be fired are prime examples of the morons that infest this fan base. Go back and watch film and tell me how many dropped passed Randy had, how many missed tackles, how many int's did he throw, how many penalties did he have? Due to the low IQ of some of you, ill go ahead and give you the answer, its ZERO. ALL of these losses are on the players. ALL of them. They just aren't putting in the work and that is showing.
For those that keep whining, you really need to shut the hell up. You dont go to the games, all you do is bitch. Piss off.
Are turnovers, penalties and lack of execution on the coach? Yes. Sh t rolls down hill but accountability starts at the head. What team can beat V-tech with 6 turnovers? Same old sh t. You know that the canes beat USF and to make a case for progress they win a bowl game. You know what that means for Cane nation is another painful season next year. No matter what we say or do Randy stays.
Definitely can't agree with getting rid of Shannon. It will just be a temporary fix. The problem is with these players. One week they show up on fire, the next, they look like it is their first day during the spring. How can you not get up and be ready to play when you put the "U" on you head? With all of these older players who come down to watch/give pep talks seemingly every week. There is just no drive to play for these guys for some reason.
To HearAcane, losing Jacory might have been the best thing for this club. Not saying I hope the kid is hurt that bad or anything, but Stephen Morris is the real deal. This kid actually throws the ball with authority. It's guaranteed that Jacory under throws Hank for the go ahead TD vs. Maryland. I understand that Morris has thrown his fair share of pics, but as a true freshman and pressing vs. a talented Va Tech team, it is to be expected. As for Jacory, throwing as many pics as he does this far into his career in unacceptable. I say you start the season over with Morris under center and you have a different season. This kid is legit. Forget Jacory and his so called swagger, the kid mopes on the bench no matter if he throws a td or a pic.
Overall, it sucks getting duped into believing there is always something special going to happen at the U only to fail in disappointment. But I know come next September, I'll be ready to have more national title hopes and acc hopes til they prove us all wrong.
By the way, anybody else think that if Miller is one of the best looking backs we've seen since McGahee?
you lose your starting QB and lose two games you should have won…..and you want to fire Shannon?
Not what anyone is saying.
First off, Morris has outplayed Harris the past few weeks so might things have gone after that Virginia loss had Harris remained healthy? Does Miami beat Maryland or Georgia Tech?
Morris was an absolutely asset the past 11 of 12 quarters of football, with the Canes putting up 500+ yards on offense back-to-back wins – yet you're using the Harris injury as an excuse as to what's wrong. If anything, the injury helped this team step up.
These players are making the same mental and physical mistakes year four that they were making as freshmen and sophomores and that's on the coaches.
Where is the growth and furthermore, where is the consistency? If Travis Benjamin is dropping sure touchdowns, why isn't he on the bench and forced to win his job back? Where is that motivating factor which will break kids of bad habits?
Put Davon Johnson or Kendal Thompkins in Benjamin's place and see how hard No. 3 works to get his job back or ups his game.
Again, I've backed Randy for years – but after a disastrous year four, where is the growth (which was the biggest thing the pro-Shannon folk could use to defend his cause?)
For a team that preaches 'no excuses', why are we subject to nothing but excuses every Sunday and Tuesday when he's behind the podium explaining another loss?
When do those same old mistakes stop happening? This team was supposed to make a run an instead it's still nothing but dropped balls, missed tackles and turnover-marred affairs. Beyond unacceptable at this point of the season.
Acc or bust. I think we know what we got gents.
We all saw the game Saturday, as yet another coulda, woulda, shoulda. It's very disheartening. In today's college football, it's not about being the dynasty, those days are long gone for any program, but it's about being a player. Right now we can even stay in the Top 25. That's the frustrating part for me. We were out of the conversation BEFORE November began.
If players keep making the same mistakes, then sit them. If we're losing these games anyway, you might as well play someone else. If Franklin is going to make three holding plays, if Benjamin is going to fumble a punt and drop a sure TD pass, then their asses need to sit. Miami has to have other guys who can play mistake-free football somewhere on the sidelines. I don't know the answer, but if a guy sits then I bet he plays with more focus the next time out there.
The on-field performance and atmosphere swirling around the program definately seem to be affecting recruiting right now. While opponents are wrapping up this year's class already, we are struggling to fill our class of 15 or so. The verbals we already have are looking elsewhere to jump ship with the uncertainty. What are we doing that other schools aren't doing? As I have said before, there is no Miami buzz on the recruiting front. In today's world, you can't wait until the season is almost over to start trying to secure guys for the next year. Just like the play on the field, there is no consistency in this area. Teams have 20 or 22 players on board already and we have a shaky 7. Just like a gameplan on the field, we need a better one in recruiting because someone is not getting the job done.
-Columbus Cane
Mike, spot on, dude.
All of the Randy apologists sound just like Randy: they are just making excuses. Up until the Florida State game, I was basically on board with him. The UVA game completely pushed me over the edge. Like ML says, at the end of the day, it's the coach who should be held accountable if his players are moping around, committing boneheaded penalties, and failing to complete the simplest of plays at the most crucial moments. Like you guys have said, he controls who sits and who plays. It's clear beyond any reasonable doubt that Randy is in over his head at this point.
I also used to get sick of hearing the media complain about his dealings with them, but at this point, I can't help but agree. All Randy does is avoid questions and repeat the same rhetoric (and excuses). I realize it's his program as the head coach, but the fans deserve more.
I'll concede that what he has done with graduation rates and off-the-field banter is nothing short of phenomenal. But dammit this is football. The school will flourish academically whether or not the football team has a 25% graduation rate or a 100% graduation rate. I would take 50 arrests a year if it meant we were competing for a national championship. Anyone who has any delusions that these accolades really matter in college football is delusional (/Lou Holtz).
Also why can't our secondary tackle? Though they are decent at covering the pass, they are woefully inadequate at making tackles in the open field. Watch any film on any running play, and you will see some ridiculous angles taken by Ray Ray. VT is the same way. I could go on and on with my frustrations regarding the technical aspects of the game, but it has been said a million times before.
If we don't win out, Randy should definitely go. If we do win out, his departure should, at the very least, be very seriously considered.
That being said, I'm a Cane for life, and I agree 100% that the fickle Miami fans don't really deserve a good team.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/11/shields-becoming-success-for-packers-from-scratch.html
Read this article, and understand the myriad ways that Miami's coaching staff has failed under Shannon.
Cane305, I usually agree with everything that you say. Not this time.
You have always said that this is a 4-5 year rebuild. This is year 4 and obviously not exactly the type of season that we were hoping for. However, this fan base has “high expectations” (your words) and but I would actually say unrealistic expectations. Where was this program headed with Coker at the helm? Straight into the crapper, that’s where.
I don’t mean to drag politics into this but a good analogy is the economy. Where would the economy be if Bush/Obama hadn’t provided that stimulus in late 2008? Would we all be standing in lines at soup kitchens? Nobody will ever know, but thank goodness for that. It’s the same thing with the Canes and Coker. Had Randy not taken over, god only knows what the state of the program would be like but I guarantee you it would be ugly, very ugly.
The fact remains that all of us, Randy included, did not realize how sorry and weak the program had become under Coker, and how much effort and energy it would take to right the ship. Randy himself said that he thought he could win 8 games his first year, yet we all know he won 5.
I am sure there are plenty of irrational, hyper-ventilating Canes fans reading this post right now yelling that surely I can’t still be blaming Coker for this. Well, I am. Facts are facts. Randy keeps saying to his players, “Step up, I need you guys to step up and become leaders, make the plays, execute”.
The reality is that the upperclassmen are naturally the ones that the team looks to for leadership and there are no leaders on this group. Period. Furthermore, the upperclassmen are a disappointing class, and quite frankly, a bunch of chokers.
Let’s see who makes up this illustrious group:
– Colin McCarthy: I cannot wait for Colin to move on. This season I focused on that guy’s play and I can’t tell you how many times he over-pursued, took a bad angle and was out of position entirely to make the tackle. It happened time and again and he never seemed to learn from his mistakes. Ever. He is a freaking dim-wit.
– Orlando Franklin: Another genius. How many times did he absolutely destroy the offenses’ and the overall team’s momentum with drive-killing penalties. He said it himself after the game against GT – that he was proud of himself for not having any offside calls but then goes on to have several brutal ones against VT. Sheesh.
– Matt Bosher: Hard to explain this one. He was amazing, he isn’t anymore.
– Richard Gordon: Not too much needs to be said about this.
– Demarcus Van Dyke: This guy reminds me of Lance Leggett. A lot of talent but overall a disappointment. Looking forward to having him move on too.
– Damien Berry: I love this guy, I really do. He is tough, passionate and hard-working. However, he is not a leader. He is not someone that inspires others to be better.
What does this group have in common? They are at worst a Coker recruited group and, at best, a recruiting class that Randy “saved” after Coker was fired. These are not Randy’s guys. Bottom line: until all remnants of Coker’s ineptitude are erased from this program, the team will continue to struggle in ways that are clearly evident (lack of depth, talent) and ways that are not so clear but just as important (lack of leadership).
Next year it will be Randy’s team completely. I believe the Canes take a giant leap forward then. I still trust in Randy. I think you should too.
Right on allcanes. I am a Randy supporter but it is getting more difficult to defend him. I dont know about you guys but I could sense momentum slipping before the half. All good teams make mistakes during the game. At some point a team has to stand up and just keep working to win.
Here's what I saw. I saw a team that made mistakes because they were tired and quit. Our guys had intensity in the first half but couldnt sustain it. Defense was on the field for a long time. When you play a physical team like Va tech it will take it's toll. Mistakes will be made. We had 1 quick strike touch down in the second half but overall our offense couldnt stay on the field long enough to give them a break.
We have all these 4 star and 5 star guys. Boise St is winning games with 1 and 2 star recruits. TCU is never at the top when recruiting classes are mentioned but they have been a top 25 program for the past couple of years! What is our problem? We got guys that take plays off and because they were highly touted they arent held accountable. Penalties and missed tackles are caused because of lack of concentration. This stuff probably happens in practice too. If youre not held accountable in practice what makes you think that game time is going to be different?
This team is deeper in talent than Shannon would lead us to believe. QB is proof of that. Guys will show up and make plays when others cant. I'm not in a position to change the head coach but whomever is the head coach needs to change this accountability issue this team has lacked for years.
I hate drawing parallels but maybe this will be like the 99 season which was the building blocks for the next 4 years. Or maybe I just need to put my crack pipe down. This is depressing!
There is a lot of praise for Va Tech in the article and in these comments. With 3 league titles and playing for a 4th since joining the ACC maybe a little perspective about how they got there is in order for the fire-Randy crowd .
Looking at the won-loss records below, if this fan base was at Va Tech in the first few years after Frank Beamer became head coach none of those titles would have happened –
Beamer at VaTech
1987 2-9
1988 3-8
1989 6-4-1
1990 6-5
1991 5-6
1992 2-8-1
1993 9-3
1994 8-4
1995 10-2
1996 10-2
and to those fans who would say Beamer started out with nothing – that this is “The U” – what about Coker having left the cupboard bare? You can’t have it both ways.
Perhaps one difference is the longevity [stability] of the coaching staff – Beamer since ’87 and Foster since ’92.
No one can dispute that Randy is bringing in players that are more talented and the playmaking is better on both sides of the ball. (Who did Morris not get excited?)
Yes none of us are happy with the end result – yet.
This O-line has been coming together as the season has advanced and next year will be dominating defenses.
A little patience will be well rewarded.
No offense, but that Beamer analogy is awful for so many reasons.
Beamer took over a nothing program with zero tradition and built it from the ground up.
Shannon took over a proud, accomplished, legendary program – albeit one in the middle of a down cycle.
The expectations are not only different, but Beamer has proven his mettle by building a disciplined program, fundamentally strong and consistent.
If Shannon was building a machine that didn't make excuses, didn't make mistakes and was fundamentally sound, while getting the most out of its players – different story.
Instead, the story at Miami seems to be excuses, inconsistency and underachieving — while recruiting the biggest hot bed of talent in the country right in its own back yard.
No comparison.
Looks like |||47||| has never played football before…
Who do you think gets the players ready to play every week? Do they do it by themselves? They're out their to execute and have to share part of the blame, but the man who ultimately holds responsibility is the head coach. Every coach knows this, and every coach who's been fired follows this – Tom Coughlin, Jon Gruden, Brad Childress, you name 'em.
If the players can't get it done, part of the blame has to fall on Randy as head coach. It's his team, it's his responsibility – and ultimately, it's his job to win games. When the team doesn't win, the coach has failed that week.
I won't stoop to your level, but yes, I've been to all the games since 2007, and went up to OSU this year for that one. As this team has stagnated this year, you can't pin that all on the players – why? Because there's supposed to be a foundation in place developing them. That's the coaches.
Ultimately, Randy is the biggest coach of them all down here – and unless he miraculously turns it around in year 5, there's no reason why he should stay past next year. His initial class will graduate after last year, and if he can't get it done with his players, than that's indicative of future performance. The time he's been given to turn the program around is a lot more than an NFL owner or an SEC fanbase would give.
Cane305,
I'm disappointed. I think you are off the mark and letting your emotions get the better of you.
That post about Beamer's record at VA Tech is interesting and enlightening. Shannon's record is way better than Beamer's was in his first four seasons (28 wins vs. 17 wins), so his record backs up exactly what you said about Shannon taking over an accomplished program located in a hot-bed of recruiting talent. It is reflected in the results!
You said, "Beamer has proven his mettle by building a disciplined program, fundamentally strong and consistent"…It took him 7 years to do that. I mean the dude had 2 wins in his sixth year – 2!
It seems to me that you are buying into the hysteria. The fact is that this team has gone from putrid to decent/good under Shannon. It will take some time to get from good to great. Be patient and have some perspective.
Its a tough week for me when Miami loses. But the blame goes on everyone. Not Randy..not the players..not Kirby and not Donna.
Randy wasnt the first choice in the job. With no head coaching exp..he was doomed. This is Miami,Fl! Come on. I mean had we hired somebody else and not kept Randy it could either be better or worse. But i was expecting 10-2 with losses to Ohio State..(mainly T.Pryor) and Florida State..Virgina. We dont live in a world filled with ifs and butts but Morris starts when Jacory goes out we win. But he didnt. V-Tech. We had up but came flat in the second half and turnovers just start coming. Its hard. You wanna see Miami win. You wanna see Randy Shannon win. But things have to change. Special teams, Tackling, Dropped passes and executing and overall preparation. I believe Randy is the man. Next year though..
AllCanes, 99% of the time, I think you're spot on. You made a point earlier, however, which I feel is debatable.
>>"These players are making the same mental and physical mistakes year four that they were making as freshmen and sophomores and that's on the coaches."<<
Is it entirely? I am also finding it harder to defend Shannon & Whipple these days, and obviously as HC he is ultimately responsible for the product on the field. He recruits he coaches, he decides who plays. I think the coaching staff has much room for improvement. I routinely swear at them over the TV for some of the decisions and calls they make.
However, at some point, the players on the field have to execute. As Shannon pointed out, he can coach and put his players in position to make good plays, but it's up to them to execute. Benjamin's drops and Franklin's penalties and McCarthy's bad angles and Bosher's shanks and J12s INTs are all inexusable at this point, agreed. But I would put more blame on the players for those things. At some point, they need to step up, focus, study film, practice more, rinse and repeat. That's on them.
Look at Hankerson…plagued w drops early in his career, but he took the initiative and practiced hard w Duper. Result? He's our go-to WR, breaking records and heading to the NFL. Does anyone give Shannon or Aubrey Hill get credit for his improvement? How about B. Harris? Seantrel and Lamar Miller are excelling as freshman…that's a sign of talent AND decent coaching.
I'm sure Franklin isn't coached to hold or jump off-sides. Shannon didn't snap the ball prematurely to Morris, and I'm sure Horn admits his error there. That's personal focus (or lack thereof) on the task before you.
I agree guilty players should sit and earn their jobs, but when they're out there, THEY need to step up and just execute.
Anyway, great job with the blog. Love the work.
Good Post! Thank You for being objective. And yes, you have backed Randy Shannon for 4 years. IE "In Rand We Trust" Damn, I wish things were better at the U. Randy will get his 5th year, and we will probably be going through this same chit next season!!!!!
I am as anxious to see the Canes win as anybody BUT give Shannon a break. The reality is The U had 5 championships in under twenty years. That's a stat that nobody else even comes close to. As a Canes fan I am very proud of that. But too many Canes fans are holding that as an expectation. Reality check: it will not happen. In today's world recruiting is too spread out and there is too much talent every where to see anything like that again. Florida winning two titles in 3 years is as close as you will see to what we did, but look at UF now…they are rebuilding too. Enjoy the accomplishments but do not leave it as a bench mark. Randy didn't inherit the team after those great runs. He inherited a team with a bunch of 2nd tier players and a lot of uncertainty. It will only get worse if you tell him "bye" now. Now 3 years or so down the road, if things aren't much improved and we havn't made a run….fire him then, but to demand so now is truly ignorant.
I'm disappointed. I think you are off the mark and letting your emotions get the better of you.
That post about Beamer's record at VA Tech is interesting and enlightening. Shannon's record is way better than Beamer's was in his first four seasons (28 wins vs. 17 wins), so his record backs up exactly what you said about Shannon taking over an accomplished program located in a hot-bed of recruiting talent. It is reflected in the results!
You said, "Beamer has proven his mettle by building a disciplined program, fundamentally strong and consistent"…It took him 7 years to do that. I mean the dude had 2 wins in his sixth year – 2!
It seems to me that you are buying into the hysteria. The fact is that this team has gone from putrid to decent/good under Shannon. It will take some time to get from good to great. Be patient and have some perspective.
Neal, I respect your stance but disagree.
I've been as patient with Randy Shannon as anyone on the planet.
The Beamer analogy is awful. You're talking about a coach that took over a nothing program in 1987 — a program that had been to six bowls in their history — and he grew that into an eventual powerhouse.
When Frank took over it was a podunk program with no money, no history and wasn't reeling in top talent.
Shannon took over a UM program that was in a BIG TIME lurch, but it was a proven program with a rich recent history and it's at a school that has more high school talent in a hundred yard radius than any other school in the nation.
My explanation for backing Shannon the past four years:
– Took a job no one wanted and inherited a dog of a team.
– Former Cane and local product who knew the culture and blueprint for rebuilding. Also had strong local ties with high school coaches.
– Win/Loss record was improving annually, as was recruiting.
I didn't put high expectations on the 2007 and 2008 teams and was pleasantly surprised with the 2009 opening run.
This was supposed to be the year the program took a giant leap forward. Competing for an ACC title. The offense clicking under Whipple in year two. Harris improving. The defense jelling. Miami was supposed to become a national threat this year, albeit not necessarily in the title hunt.
Instead it's 7-4, unranked, headed to another lower tier bowl and not only have some players not developed, but there's been flat out regression.
A shot to make a statement at Ohio State, but four turnovers did the Canes in.
A 28-point loss to what looks like a good, not great Florida State team.
An inexplicable loss to Virginia, where the team came out flat. (Harris going down didn't have anything to do with the porous rushing defense.)
A six-turnover affair against Virginia Tech late in the season, where dropped balls, dumb penalties and players out of position still proved to be an issue.
This team simply isn't growing or getting better under Shannon and as much as I believe a lot of blame goes on players not making plays, it's on the head coach to figure out a way to get them to do so. That's what he's paid to do.
Nobody wanted Randy to win more than I did and it pains me to have to say the things I'm saying, but this program is bigger than one man. I gave Coach a very fair shake but four years in, this program still isn't where it needs to be and that is 1000% on him.
I am as anxious to see the Canes win as anybody BUT give Shannon a break. The reality is The U had 5 championships in under twenty years. That's a stat that nobody else even comes close to. As a Canes fan I am very proud of that. But too many Canes fans are holding that as an expectation. Reality check: it will not happen. In today's world recruiting is too spread out and there is too much talent every where to see anything like that again. Florida winning two titles in 3 years is as close as you will see to what we did, but look at UF now…they are rebuilding too. Enjoy the accomplishments but do not leave it as a bench mark. Randy didn't inherit the team after those great runs. He inherited a team with a bunch of 2nd tier players and a lot of uncertainty. It will only get worse if you tell him "bye" now. Now 3 years or so down the road, if things aren't much improved and we havn't made a run….fire him then, but to demand so now is truly ignorant.
Not using that as the benchmark. Brought that up to illustrate that the Beamer analogy was horrible.
I've made it very clear here that the 80s and 90s run – and even was we saw early 00s – will never happen again in the college game. Too much money. Too much parity. Hell, even in Florida now, too many other big state schools now competing for the same talent.
Randy inherited a dog of a team … but that was four years ago. His first half class are seniors this year and his first full class are juniors.
This Shannon-coached team is making the same mistakes today that it made a year ago. Two years ago. Turnovers. Boneheaded plays. Dropped balls. False starts.
Where is the improvement? The accountability? The discipline?
How can this team shoot itself in the foot so many times early against Virginia Tech, winding up in a fourth quarter dogfight instead of sitting on a nice lead?
Simply put, when do Randy's Canes start being the aggressor instead of reactive or pushed around by the other guy?
This team regressed this year and that's unacceptable for year four.
Also, everyone compares Shannon to prior Miami coaches. So let's take a look:
Butch Davis did not win a title until his 6th season and every other season had at least 3 losses. In fact, the year before they were a 4 loss team.
Jimmy Johnson won a title in 4 years but brought with him 5 years of prior head coaching experience.
Also both of them inherited the program within 2 seasons of being a national champion.
Shannon had no head coaching experience and got the program what 7 seasons after being a champion?
Programs take time to build. Good coaching takes experience. Let's call it how it is, Randy didn't have that. But people are asking him to be fired at the same time or even earlier than they did these "great" coaches from the past. He has learned on the job right in front of us and all the media. Let him better himself as a coach and better our players and if the program isn't better in another 2-3 seasons you will have your argument. But mostly the only coaches that win immediately inherit a great program and/or have a good history in head coaching.
It seems to me if you want to bark about the coaching then bark about the decision to hire him in the first place. (and I know some people did). But what is the solution now? Kick him out and start over again? If the school could have got an Urban Meyer or big name then they would have. They went with Shannon but the expectations are unrealistic, yes and that is based on the history of the U.
… Butch never won a title. Deserved a shot at one in 2000 (11-1, Sugar Bowl win over UF) and left in 2001.
… Butch's 1999 Canes upset the Buckeyes in the opener, lost to No. 2 Penn State, East Carolina, No. 1 Florida State and No. 2 Virginia Tech.
… Butch's teams also improved big time post-probation. 6 losses in '97, 3 losses in '98 (with signature win over UCLA), 4 losses in '99 (albeit a brutal schedule with three top-two teams) and 1 loss in '00 and a BCS game.
… Butch took over four years after Miami's '91 title, in '95.
… Butch had no head coaching experience before taking the Miami gig, either.
… Programs DO take time to build, but again, all your assumptions here are that Randy has this program on the right track and that it will eventually get there under him.
Based on what, though? This was a measuring stick year and the Canes greatly underachieved.
… Also, look at the guys Butch was recruiting on a "manning up" standpoint. I don't agree with everything Dan Morgan has said on air, but when you hear him speak … when Clinton Portis was on allCanes Radio weeks back … Brett Romberg on our show or WQAM this week. Those guys rolled up their sleeves and got shit done.
Listen to the quotes coming from this current bunch of Canes. Damien Berry saying the team didn't underachieve. Tyler Horn's recent post-game quotes – like many other Canes – about what this team NEED to do and how they HAVE to man up … yet aren't.
Even Shannon and his "no excuses" mantra is now taking to the airwaves and citing being the lone ACC team that HAS to play both Florida State and Virginia Tech annually … as well as the hard OOC schedule.
Again, I backed Randy from day one but after 7-4 in year four, with a VERY FAVORABLE home schedule … I've lost faith.
As for the 'solution', if a guy isn't getting it done, yes, you let him go and start over. Just like dumping a bad stock – you get out while you still can and don't wait until the thing is worthless.
Okay. Sorry for my wrong facts btw. I guess some of my sites were wrong. Anyways, I agree with everything you said except the time frame. I was as disappointed as anyone, this team has shown me glimpses enough to get my hopes up. I think you are right about the players mentality. Portis and Morgan had a go to work and take care of business attitude which I see from not many players now. I just know that deep down the losses to OSU, FSU, and VT did not surprise me. They hurt, but didn't surprise. I know they should, this is the U. We just disagree on how to get them to where they don't happen or to where if they do, then they do shock me. I know as a Canes fan i want us to expect to and go on the field and crush them. What I am saying is that I am banking on our hopes and expectations being a little too high, too soon as fans. I thought from the year Jacory and those guys were freshman that it would be NEXT year that we make a run towards the top. Either way I think we are at a crucial point, I hope that I am right and Shannon just needs another year or two. And if not, then we will probably be on here talking even more and more and i will eat my words….. and all my Jacory jerseys.
BPuckett87 – It's not about being right or wrong.
We're all fans and want what's best for this program.
I truly feel like I can't win, having caught a ton of shit for defending Randy the past four years — and now getting it from the other side as I'm starting to be critical of him.
I've truly given the fourth-year head coach the benefit of the doubt, but as I said from year one — four to five years to rebuild and there had to be constant improvement.
2007 and 2008 were a wash and 2009 showed promise. 2010 was supposed to be the year UM took a big step forward and not only is it more of the same, but there's been some regression as last year's squad beat some ranked teams and this year's bunch is 0-3 against top 25 squads.
Not only that, but Miami got to four losses this year by late November and last year it didn't get there until bowl season.
It's a slippery slope talking about giving Shannon another year or two. If the talent doesn't continue coming in and the program backslides further, makes it harder to attract a solid head coach … not to mention UM's overall brand taking a hit.
The class of 2008 talked about watching that 2000-2003 era Canes dominating wheres the next group of freshmen were in second grade when Miami won its last title.
In a 'what have you done for me lately' world, Miami's had a good six-year run of being insignificant. The probation era was only about four years of being down and this is the longest the Canes have been in the toilet since before that first title.
Something's gotta give, brother.
i'm sorry.
you CAN NOT say that Morris is a better overall QB than Jacory by ANY stretch of the imagination. Jacory has beat FSU, Oklahoma, Gtech by HIMSELF pretty much with a sketchy gameplan. Morris seemed to have better ball managing skills until he coughed it up in the 4th. Then he did it again. Then he did it again.
I have to stick to Jacory. Let HIM run the heavy Run offense and let us see what he comes up with. I doubt Jacory will do worse.
The fault of this game can lie on Benjamin and McCarthy's shoulders in my opinion
YoungCane, I'll give you that Jacory had a hell of an outing against Florida State in 2009, but you're off on Georgia Tech and Oklahoma.
Miami's defense was the difference against GT. Shutting down the triple option and holding the Yellow Jackets to 95 rushing yards is what allowed the Canes' offense to open up.
As for Oklahoma, it was Jacory's two picks that had Miami in a lurch. Special teams and defense got the Canes the ball back early third quarter – in the red zone.
Harris had a great pass to Benjamin for a score and was clutch, but it was hardly a flawless performance and again, Miami's defense got it done the second half.
As for Morris coughing it up thrice with under nine minutes to play … while playing from behind and being forced to throw when down 7 and then 14 … that obviously had a lot to do with what happened.
Morris made some bad reads late, but again, Miami never should've entered the locker room 10-10 at the half. That should've been a double digit lead and would've completely changed that second half game plan.
Back to Harris, you're leaving out something key — the regression since that stellar three of four game stretch last year. Three picks in an OT loss to Clemson and four at North Carolina.
Four picks at Ohio State. Two at Pitt. Two at Clemson. Floating a ton of balls. Forcing the deep pass when it's not there.
Gameplan aside, Harris seems to lack that air of confidence he had last season, where Morris – even with three picks last week – seems to be more poised.
With one game to play, you give Morris the chance to bounce back from last week's fourth quarter.
When game-planning for the bowl, give both quarterbacks their share of reps to close the season and to set the stage for a battle in spring.
Harris proved in the past he could get it done and Morris has shown some good things these past few games.
Unfortunately the quarterback position is only one of many problems with Miami right now.
haha. I got ya man. I didn't mean it as right or wrong. I meant it as what you said….I just want to see the program get better, as we all do! Eh, it always is a no win for a sports writer or blogger. I think you do a hell of a job on here. Hope the Canes get it together soon no matter who is playing or who is coaching. GO CANES!
All these comments can be summarized in the same 2 words every single year. Inconsistency and Regression! Randy will be back next year and we will be talking about the same regressions. Everyones expectations and predications must come WAY DOWN. Multply loss seasons are going to happen every year.
I blame the loss on those Ugly ass FAMU looking uniforms.
Allcanes here is where you're wrong. Yes jacory was forcing the ball down field but on his own? I think not. He was being coached and told to do so you could tell that just by looking at his body language after doing it. Watch the tape on the game and you will see I'm right.
Put j12 in this run heavy offense and u have the j12 of the fsu 09 season. Look we all know his numbers aren't great this year but look at the two different offenses being run. One pass heavy one run heavy. Jacory is our guy and should be our guy and I won't waiver on that at all.
CANES MUST beat usf!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The simple and hard truth is that when Shannon was hired is was a crap-shoot that he'd make a good head coach. Now we know, that is in not. Great recruiter, great D-fense coach, but not so hot Head Coach. Not winning lower tier bowls, not getting close to the ACC Chamionship, losing to the weakest teams in the ACC, this is a coaching problem. Nothing more. Too bad that Adim, and Hocutt can't see it.
Daniel, I disagree.
Go back and watch the tape on some of those deep balls. On many occasions there was a receiver underneath, many times just past the first down marker.
Yes, there were occasions where Whipple called a deep ball and there was no one underneath, but several times Jacory went deep he was going for the home run when he had other options that he either didn't want or didn't see.
Harris' "body language" after a turnover is absolutely open to interpretation. It's your opinion that he was being to throw downfield but didn't want to.
You can choose to back whoever you want, but answer this for me:
– Who has the stronger arm?
– Who has better wheels?
– Who comes off more composed?
– Who sees the field better?
– Who has more long-term upside, the true freshman or the junior?
Allcanes,
Usually i agree with you i think that is a given, but i seriousl don't think you are thinking clearly. I have gone back and watched the tapes. Last years deep balls in tough situations were thrown to Hank, Johnson and byrd. Not Travis Benjamin.
i get where coach whipple is coming from try to get the ball down field to your speedster but you can't tell your qb to force it to a 5'8" 5'9" guy. I was a qb in high school and i know all to well about being told to force the ball downfield.
The tb3 experiment on the outside needs to end now. he needs to be put in the slot where he can run across the field running away from defenders not strait line routes.
here is the answer to your questions
Who has the stronger arm- k i will give it to you morris does. He has a good strong arm but he stares down receivers.which i will get to in a second
Who has the better wheels- to me thats a toss up have we ever seen j12 run on designed qb runs other than when he was a freshman? i think not.
Who is more composed? I think its j12. has he said a word about being labled the problem nope. He swolled his pride and helped make morris better this year. I will bet no other qb in the nation would do what he has for morris.
Who sees the field better- Harris. Harris knows the whole play not just a few routes of the play. Morris will learn these things but he doesn't know them now. He stares down Hank and TB every play. Hence the reason Aldarius Johnson runs wide open most every play and never gets the ball.
Who has more long term upside? Harris has the better upside for us the rest of this year and next. Morris will give us two solid years of being our qb. Thats a given. But harris was brought in the be "THE GUY" we need to give him his full amount of years to do so. You failed at giving Kyle Wright that chance don't make the same mistake twice.
Here are my questions for you
Is Randy really the guy to lead our hole team or do you think he is better suited to be our DC?
Should randy fire the dc now and take over that duty while being head coach?
Are you really going to give shannon his "4-5 year rebuilding" your words or are you just going to call for his head at the end of the season?
Daniel, you're off, brother. I am more than 'thinking clearly' and I've championed Randy's cause harder than anyone else out there for YEARS.
Benjamin caught deep balls against Florida State, Oklahoma and Duke, a few of which were touchdowns.
Harris also went deep to TB3 against Oklahoma and was picked off.
You're obviously pro-Harris, which is fine … but it kills your argument. No way Harris has better wheels or composure and as for seeing the whole field, please, Harris looks down receivers as poorly as Kyle Wright did.
As for your questions:
– I think Shannon has proven over four years that he's not head coaching material and is better suited as a number two guy.
He is stubborn, unwilling to change and doesn't want to "play the game" that goes with being the face of a program. He wants to recruit, watch film and break down Xs and Os, without dealing with the media or doing the glad handing that head coaches have to do.
The team was supposed to go 'next level' this year, based on the talent, depth and experience and has instead taken a step back.
– As a defensive coordinator, Shannon's cover-two worked when he had the personnel (i.e. – some of the best talent ever assembled), but again, he never proved to be much of a schemer or the type of guy to design different defensive looks based on the opponent.
Without the personnel, his defenses weren't all that. Look at the 2004 season where Miami gave up 100 points back-to-back-to-back (38 to Louisville, 31 to NC State and 31 to North Carolina) and some tremendous yards. The Canes had to win shootouts and the offense bailed the defense out against Louisville (41 points), NC State (45 points) but couldn't get it done against North Carolina (28 points) even though it scored late and Shannon's D allowed the Heels to march the field in the final moments with a third-string running back.
– As for me not giving Randy the 4-5 years, what do you think I've done? This is the end of year four and I personally feel I've seen enough.
I don't say fire him for the sake of firing him, but IF there is someone else out there that wants the job and they are more than capable, you make the change.
You don't can Randy this weekend with no game plan, starting a search in December and going into the final month of recruiting with no one in place. That's idiotic.
If there is someone ready to take over, make the move.
If not, you give Shannon one more year – with tremendous heat- and start conducting a search during the season if he falters.
Canes305, you owe nobody an apology.
There isn't one fan or writer who has defended or built a case for Randy as you have.
You have more than earned the right to change your stance as he's been given four years and hasn't gotten this program back to where it should.
I was skeptical of Randy early on, started to believe a little bit last year, but he completely lost me the latter half of 2010.
His dealings with the media, his attitude and his excuses have proven that he is not head coaching material and as you stated, is better suited to being an assistant where he doesn't have to stand up and face the music weekly.
Daniel, you're barking up the wrong tree here and I'm guessing you're a younger fan. One who doesn't understand the history of this program, nor the business world and what it takes to spot a winner and success versus a loser or someone who can't lead.
There were many questions regarding Randy and he didn't pass the test this year, meaning it's time for change or another year of more of the same.
Just my two cents.
Allcanes,
See we do agree on a couple things.
1. being that randy is better suited as a defensive guy instead of the head guy. Not calling for his head here but saying he should be in charge of the defense and let whipple be in charge of the offense. To me randy looks bored on the sideline because he has nothing to do.
2. is your hate of kyle wright which i have never clearly understood. Three years as a starter three different ocs that was the doom of kyle wright not his ability.
As for the dude calling me a younger fan im 24 with two kids harly young if you ask me. I am just passionate about miami. I believe in in j12 probably more than anyone outside of his family because i see the greatness whipples play calling is allowing to come out. maybe a stretch on the outside the family part actually probably a huge stretch but i think you see where i am coming from.
I say give randy his full five years. if they tank next year then yes find a new coach hopefully a young one and start over.
The thing i am most disappointed in is the fans this year. you live in the miami area yet you don't go? i would kill to be able to go i live in idaho i have seen one live miami game and i froze my ass off doing it but laughed at how the boys could barely move on the sideline. Get your asses to the games and quit bitching.
both QB's are very very talented. My brother and I are both die hard Canes and talk about this QB situation a lot. I think neither one is great, but both have the potential to be. Our receivers have not played consistent which helps neither one. The offense has been different, I'll give Daniel that, however I know I don't feel as nervous with Morris in there which is funny since he is a freshman. I think his flaws are in his inexperience. I love J12 and Morris, but I am just tired or seeing Jacory float his throws and do his half-side arm flick of the wrist slant throws. In terms of picks, they are both throwing to the other team, but at least Morris' throws have some zip to them. Also, the only time Morris looked real bad was at the end when everyone knew he had to throw and VT was sitting back, still horrible throws, but a little more excusable in my mind. I am still a fan of both, I think Morris has a slight edge in ability, but if Jacory could get a little more accurate he has some great games and stats to go along with his bad ones and could make things interesting. I am anxious to see who starts next year and if Miller can get running behind an even more improved O-line next season, hopefully.
allcanes one more thing answer me this,
should the tb3 experiment of him being on the outside instead of the slot stop? don't you agree he is to small to out battle dbs?
Daniel, I am assuming you aren't a long-time reader of this blog because you've accused me of being two things that couldn't be further from the truth — being anti-Randy and anti-Wright.
I recommend you go back and dig through this blog and see how I got both their backs, almost to a fault. If anything, most folk think I was too easy on both.
Here's a piece from late 2007 where I absolutely stated that a revolving door of offensive coordinators did Kyle in AND went as far as to talk about the 'what if?' factor had he gone to USC (behind Leinart) or Texas (behind V. Young).
https://itsauthing.com/2007/11/my-goodness-thats-lot-of-touchdowns.html
You're obviously welcome to your opinions, but you need to do some homework before you hurl out accusations like my "hate" of Kyle Wright. C'mon now. That's a bullshit accusation.
As for another fan suggesting you're young, it's merely to point out that your realm might be a little off regarding the glory years and the vantage point of others.
I'm 36 and was ten years old for Miami's first title and 27 for the last. That puts you at about 15 for that 2001 title and you were born right about the time Vinny was throwing that fifth pick in the Fiesta Bowl against Penn State.
The age thing has nothing to do with life experience as much as it's all our different perspectives on the program and what we've all lived through as fans.
To your point about giving Randy five years, would you feel that way IF Gruden was available now and wanted in — knowing full well he could be gone next year and not available to take over?
It's not about giving Randy five year just because or firing him for the sake of doing so. It's about timing and with Shannon having not proven himself and IF a Gruden wants in, you absolutely 'trade up' when you have a chance today that you might not have tomorrow.
Lastly, as for TB3 … yes I'd like to see him in the slot more, but I'm not opposed to him on the deep ball. Roscoe, Santana and Sinorice all went deep – again, which leads to the issue with Harris, who struggles with the deep ball and puts Benjamin in jump ball situations.
When Harris has hit Benjamin in stride – and when Travis has a few steps on the DB – it's a great play. The issue isn't Benjamin as much as Harris' inability to get the ball to him deep.