So much to digest right now regarding the State of Miami. Too much, actually. Like most of you, I’m still processing as I never saw this one coming. Losses happen but nothing at this capacity was expected or prepared for.
It’s been a few days since the Seminoles laid a colossal 45-17 beating on the Hurricanes and sitting unranked at 3-2, there are more questions than answers. Not the way anybody drew up their 2010 season, but this is where it’s at, so let’s start dealing and moving forward.
I’ve sat down a few times since the loss to address things, scrapping every draft until this one. I’ve read the Herald articles. I’ve rewatched the game film. I’ve perused the message boards and even went as far as listening to both the Joe Rose and Michael Irvin shows, despite my disdain for sports talk radio. I made an exception in this case, wanting to hear how Randy Shannon responded to the much deserved criticism.
The fourth-year head coach ‘owned’ the loss in the post-game presser – as he absolutely should’ve – but what does that even mean? (Like when a quarterback overthrows a pass or a wideout drops one, tapping their chest saying “that’s on me”. Of course it’s on you. Who else would it be on?)
Where is this program mid-October after a four-touchdown loss (to a team that’s supposed its mirror image) and where are things headed? Furthermore, what is the blueprint for turning things around? Whatever Shannon and staff envisioned, this thing isn’t exacting going according to plan.
The ‘Inbox’ has been flooded the past few days. Miami fans with questions. Florida State fans talking smack. Others simply curious where I stand on ‘The Shannon Experiment’. Since you asked, I’ll divulge:
>>> No, I don’t agree with firing Shannon after this loss, but do agree that the heat has been turned up from ‘medium’ to ‘high’. You don’t scrap things five games into season four. Not at 3-2 with seven good-not-great foes on deck. This is as favorable an ACC schedule as Shannon is going to see and each game is a ‘must win’ from here on out.
Is this an embarrassing loss? Absolutely. Shannon and staff definitely deserve to feel the wrath for this prime time faceplant. Has my confidence in Randy’s leadership been shaken? Again, absolutely. I understand that things snowball when not going your way, but this is inexcusable.
Still, I believe you judge the entire body of work at season’s end, not halfway through. A loss would’ve been tolerable had Miami played with passion, simply edged out by a few points – but 45-17 and getting away from fundamentals and assignment football? Unforgivable.
Just over half the season remains and how this team responds to adversity will seal Shannon’s fate. Every remaining game is winnable if this staff can get this team’s collective head on straight. Of course that ‘if’ is the million dollar question today and the fact that this fan base’s confidence is shaken is absolutely acceptable year four into this rebuild.
>>> Frustrating as this loss is, some fans really need an ounce of perspective. A month ago the same Jimbo Fisher some of you are praising today was on the losing end of a 47-17 ass kicking, courtesy of Oklahoma. A few weeks later, his team rebounded and appears back on the right track.(As good as FSU looked against UM, again let’s see how the rest of the year plays out. Who’s to say the Noles don’t trip up again?)
Miami gave up a disgusting amount of ground real estate this past weekend (298 yards) while Florida State was torched through the air in Norman (380 yards). Maddening as it is, it happens.
Ugly as the score was, Miami had 424 total yards to Florida State’s 471. Piss-poor as his play was, Harris threw for 225 yards and wasn’t intercepted until late in the game when just trying to make something happen. The Canes also ran for just shy of 200 yards.
The issue Saturday was again getting whipped in the trenches and an overall lack of toughness and passion – both of which need to be fixed in both the short and long term.
FSU fans were all over Fisher a month ago yet now thinks the man walks on water. Welcome to the week in, week out nature of the college game and overzealous fans.
Shannon has seven more games to prove himself and if he can’t, then the administration and Board of Trustees have a lot to discuss this off-season. That said, you don’t fire a guy five games into a new season unless he’s 0-5. Not with two losses.
>>> Realize that love or hate Shannon, he’s not going anywhere this year, so quit regurgitating the same old rant. No way the top brass will react in the same knee-jerk manner armchair quarterbacks do. If they did, half the coaches in the game would be jobless every Monday morning. Change isn’t an option AT BEST until the season is over, so take a deep breath and attempt to support this team for seven more games.
Come December if this team isn’t where you feel it should be, THEN write letters, take up donations, start petitions, fail to renew season tickets, put ‘For Sale’ signs in Randy’s yard – whatever you deem fit – but don’t waste your time or energy mid-season. Instead support the kids out there doing it on a daily basis.
Treat it like you would the war. You don’t have to be in favor of it, but you need to support the troops out there on the front line. Save the critiquing and grandstanding for when the dust settles.
>>> Losses need to be dealt with logically, not emotionally. Maddening as this past weekend was, it’s hardly the first time the Canes have crapped the bed on the main stage.
In 1998, with a Big East title on the line, the then-hated / currently-revered Butch Davis coached his squad to a 66-13 thrashing at Syracuse. It marked UM’s worst loss since 1944 and proved to be the Orangemen’s largest win over a Big East rival; worse than anything they’ve ever done to a lowly rival like Temple.
The following week Miami rebounded and upset No. 2 UCLA in the Orange Bowl and ended the season with a convincing bowl win over N.C. State.
A season later Miami opened with an upset of Ohio State in the Kickoff Classic, followed by a heartbreaker to No. 2 Penn State. From there, an inexplicable upset at the hands of East Carolina and a hard-fought loss to No. 1 Florida State.
Weeks later the Canes were 5-3 and seeking redemption at No. 2 Virginia Tech, but were sent packing on the wrong end of a 43-10 ass kicking. Miami wound up winning the Gator Bowl over Georgia Tech, setting the stage for a solid run in 2000 and beyond.
The point? There are many highs and lows during a season. Check out the college football landscape the past few weeks. Miami hasn’t been the only team on the wrong end of a beating. That doesn’t excuse this loss in the least, but things need to be dealt with accordingly and logically.
Should Miami win out, beating Florida State in an ACC title game rematch (currently a reach based on where this team’s psyche appears), it takes the focus off a disappointing October loss. Of course should the stumbling continue, proving this loss was a trend and not a fluke, again that is when you address Shannon’s future. Judge the complete body of work at year’s end – not on a game-by-game or quarter-by-quarter basis.
>>> Those of you working tirelessly on your next coach ‘wish list’, remember a few things during the process – namely, the fact that the University of Miami head coaching gig isn’t the premier job it was decades ago.
What used to be a stepping stone to greener pastures hasn’t been that since Dennis Erickson left for Seattle. Nobody was diving at the opportunity back in late 2006 when Larry Coker was fired.
Greg Schiano turned down $2M and chose to stay in Rutgers, as opposed to rebuilding UM. Having spent some time down south in the late 90s, he wanted no part of taking on the challenge Randy dove at. Same to be said for Davis, who accepted the North Carolina job weeks before the UM job reopened (even when the writing of Coker’s impending firing was on the wall).
Even Davis, who had proven success in Coral Gables, chose to start fresh at a basketball school instead of rebuilding where he had past success, at a program firmly planted in the most fertile recruiting soil this nation has to offer.
Big schools in big time college towns with stronger fan support, better facilities, on campus stadiums, huge student / alumni bases and state-funded athletic budgets — all of that outweighs, five titles and some dominance over the last few decades. The landscape has changed and there are only a small percentage of guys out there who are going to sign up to take on the challenge that is ‘The U’.
Who really wants to compete with the Dolphins and the HEAT, while playing games at an off-campus stadium, dealing with a fickle fan base and a large media market that brings heavy scrutiny when you lose and little praise when you win? Miami is a special place that requires a special coach. Few guys out there fit the bill in this day and age.
There’s a reason nobody schools like Boise State and Texas Christian have done what they’ve done as big fish in little ponds. Fly under the radar in a lesser conference. Set up schedules that work in your favor. Only get up for a few games per year, cruising while other big conference schools beat each other up and weed each other out.
Those clamoring for Kirby Hocutt to open the checkbook for a Chris Petersen (or some other flavor of the year guy), what makes you think he’d ever leave what he’s built in Boise to head to Coral Gables? Even if he did, what makes you so sure he’d succeed outside his own private Idaho and in this one-of-a-kind region? Look back at some past Boise State gurus and where they ended up after leaving for supposed greener pastures:
– Dirk Koetter put BSU on the map in the late 90s, going 10-3 and 10-2 back-to-back, winning the conference as well as two bowl games. From there, the golden opportunity to replace Bruce Snyder at Arizona State, where Koetter failed miserably, going 40-34 over six seasons and never finishing any better than third in the Pac-10.
– Dan Hawkins replaced Koetter and went 53-11 over five seasons in Boise, winning the conference four years in a row. Like Koetter, he too was handed a big time shot and looks to in over his head in Boulder. Hawkins went 2-10 year one and 3-9 year four, with two seven-loss seasons sandwiched between. To date, Hawkins is 19-35 at CU in just over four years on the job.
Petersen might or might not ever leave Boise, but regardless, based on past BSU head coaches’ track records, he’s still unproven in a big conference and hasn’t shown he can get his team up (against good competition) on a weekly basis. (Nor has he proven that he can recruit nationwide, not just in his own backyard.)
Petersen knows he has a good thing going and has already turned down offers to coach elsewhere. If and when the day comes to move on, expect him at a major powerhouse (with big money – an Oregon, Arizona State, Colorado, Southern Cal should Lane Kiffin fail, Oklahoma should Bob Stoops leave, etc.) or somewhere else out west, where he already has strong recruiting ties.
Like it or not, Randy is Miami’s guy for the time being. As for what the next seven games hold, I have no idea what to expect and readily admit that. Some have an opinion, but nobody knows.
There is a tremendous problem with this team’s attitude, chemistry and it’s lacking toughness and thankfully I’m not paid seven figures a year to figure out how to fix that, because the next step is a career-defining one for Shannon and every member of his staff.
Quarterback Jacory Harris doesn’t just look like an injured player; he’s coming across like a broken man. Seeing No. 12 point to the heavens, delivering the sign of the cross pregame – it wasn’t the gesture of a confident quarterback looking for a little help from the man above. It played out like sheer desperation. Every time the cameras cut to Harris, head slung low and kneeling away from his huddled teammates, it was beyond disheartening.
A kid that exuded such confidence at times last year looks completely shell-shocked as a junior.
There’s talk that Shannon and Whipple aren’t on the same page regarding Harris. If that’s the case, both need unite and figure things out immediately because he’s the key to Miami bouncing back.
Find a happy medium regarding the offensive vision. Rebuild Harris from the ground up. Rely more on the run instead of hurling it all over the field 47 times a game – especially if Harris remains banged up.
To Whipple’s credit, he’s run more lately but it still seems forced and at times, predictable. Case in point, forcing two 3rd and long draws against Florida State. Just because Lamar Miller had success at Clemson doesn’t make it a go-to third down call.
Coaches must work with Harris, getting him back to a point where he worries less about his Heisman outfit, his ‘brand’ and carrying a program (and an entire city) on his shoulders. Right now the fans would simply settle for less turnovers, more confidence, a better thrown ball and some leadership, which comes back to Randy. Baby steps for Jacory. Break bad habits and instill some positive new ones.
Shannon has done things his way from day one, working his stoic approach for just over three years and at 3-2, on the heels of a huge loss, a true leader regroups and goes back to the drawing board.
I respect the coach’s stance that these kids are playing assignment football and that guys have to stay within those assignments, making plays. If guys aren’t taking care of business, you either change the plays or the personnel. That much is understood and it’s a fine philosophy.
What Shannon hasn’t done is prove this methodology works nor has he addressed how to rally his troops and motivate in times of trouble. He may have taken a page out of Jimmy Johnson’s handbook regarding UM’s blueprint for success on the recruiting and competition front, but Shannon isn’t the master psychologist JJ was and lacks ability to excite and move players the way his mentor could.
Shannon took to the airwaves Monday morning talking about guys needing to step up and lead. He mentions a handful of potential leaders being on the cusp, but again if they’re not there yet, Shannon must figure out how get them there – quickly. It’s “go” time in Coral Gables and it’s nearing disaster mode as far as this season is concerned. The time is now and if guys aren’t hearing Randy’s words, they need to see some action from their leader.
Drop the guard a little bit. Loosen up even more. Employ some new motivational tactics. Open up.
As Shannon attempts to grow as a head coach, it’s time he steps even further out of his comfort zone and his personal way of doing and dealing.
You can get away with an indifferent attitude regarding the media or remain stoic with players if you’re winning (see Bill Belichick), but act that way when you’re losing and you lose credibility and become an instant target for criticism.
Randy doesn’t have to turn into the ultimate rah-rah guy overnight, but don’t be afraid show these kids how badly you want to win. Let them know how much you love what you do, that this is your dream job and that nothing would make you happier than succeeding at your alma mater and coaching there forever.
Young men instinctively want to impress and make a father figure-type proud. Especially in our late teens and early twenties. A ‘job well done’ or pat on the back goes a long way. The more Randy shows these kids, the more they’ll show him and the harder they’ll work for him. But somebody has to flinch first and the onus is on the highly-paid, forty-something leader – the teacher is held to a higher standard than the pupil.
Miami played soft and was manhandled by Florida State. Did Miami come out flat or did a lack of success drive after down suck the life out? No one knows, but neither is acceptable in a rivalry game against your biggest rival. Shannon could’ve coached from the parking lot and these kids should’ve been juiced and good to go.
Deep down, I don’t believe these kids are as soft as they played. This is a talented team with its share of tough local kids, yet somehow it’s developed a fragile psyche. Again, Shannon must channel his “inner Jimmy” and figure out what makes his kids tick. That in itself is as important to the coaching profession as Xs and Os and recruiting. Get the most out of your kids. Find a way to make them respond as they should.
Every Herald article has quotes from players, talking about their anger, frustration and embarrassment regarding the loss – so make Duke pay. Exact some revenge on North Carolina for three straight losses. Take advantage of lesser competition with Virginia and Maryland on deck – instead of playing down to the level of competition. Remember what Virginia Tech did to you up in Blacksburg last September and rise to the challenge when the Coastal berth is on the line late November.
At 4-1 there would’ve been some breathing room. At 3-2 – and more importantly, how that second loss was attained – Shannon took a mighty step back in a year of growth. It shouldn’t cost him his job, but the ante has bee upped. Change needs to occur and based on the remaining schedule, “ACC title game or bust” has become the new reality.
Duke without Thad Lewis, a depleted North Carolina squad, a Virginia program in rebuild mode, a bad Maryland team, a Georgia Tech bunch that looks a lesser version of last year’s conference champs and some filthy Hokies who crapped the bed against James Madison. Miami’s toughest games are at home and the meat of the schedule is in the rearview. All that preseason “no excuses” banter? Time to live up to it, Canes.
Winning the ACC should never be ‘expected’ but year four and based on Miami’s level of talent combined, the home schedule and the lack of national power conference-wise, Shannon will never have an easier road than he does this year.
From day one I called this a four- to five-year rebuild and my belief in Randy came from his success as a man, a player, as an assistant, as a local product and what I saw as annual constant improvement since taking over. The win total got better each year he was here, as did the level of talent. I made it clear that as long as Shannon and his Canes were getting better, I was on board – but should things start backsliding, I would gladly reevaluate. 45-17 was most definitely a step in the wrong direction, hence the questioning and bold stance.
Last Saturday was only one game, but it was a giant blow to the rebuilding project.
Randy and staff my full support these next seven games but if the Canes aren’t on the right track by year’s end, I’ll be right there with many others voicing my displeasure and calling for change. We still won’t know the right direction even if the administration chooses to cut bait, but at least the bleeding will stop if this year winds up a colossal failure.
Make these next seven count, Coach. Your dream job hangs in the balance and opportunities like this don’t come along everyday.
I'm pretty sure I'm not bringing anything new to the table that hasn't been said already, but just trying to give an honest opinion of what I see…
Where to begin? This is probably the first time in this regime where I really have to call coaching into question. I mean pick whichever area to discuss, it seems like it was a regression. Missed tackles. Penalties. Drops (by Hankerson most noticeably). And what on Earth happened with our Special Teams? Coach Pannunzio has been failing on both units he's coaching. No production either from the TE or Kickoff Coverage team. Man, was the psyche of the team THAT damaged after Bosher missed the FG on the first drive? If so, this team has absolutely NO leadership among its players. I think Herbie said it best during the telecast, he pretty much articulated it probably how each and every one of us felt. One could argue that this loss was perhaps even worse than the game in '97 or the OB finale. I say that only because this team is supposed to have way more "talent" than those squads, which may be accurate, but they definitely don't have the mindset or the heart that they need. I don't know what it is, but I think we probably all should agree not to talk about how "talented" this team is or will be until closer to the end of the season. Guys like Futch need to shut up, to put it bluntly. These guys get caught up in the hype too much and don't focus. The whole reason I'm questioning coaching in the first place is because all offseason long we heard about how "mature" this team is coming into the season. Well, they might be physically mature, but their mental game is lacking. I tell you, I'd much rather have a more fundamental team, than I would uber-talented that doesn't focus. Listen people, Randy Shannon is not going anywhere, he's not getting fired, so just stop it. The guy just got an extension… Besides who are you going to replace him with? A guy like Mike Leach? Please.
Say what you want about J. Harris, but the guy doesn't seem to be all there right now. It's evident he's ailing physically and mentally right now. Let's be real, he gives the team the best chance to win, but it would probably be in the team's best interest to rest him at Duke so he doesn't get hurt worse. Folks, it could be a hell of a lot worse at the QB position: Look at what happened to Marve, two torn ACLs. Remember the Kirby Freeman experiment a few years back? Kyle Wright? Who's to say he would've done any better if Whipple was his coordinator back then. Believe me, I hate mediocrity and losing (or beatdown in this case) to your rival as well, but simply put this team just isn't ready for the big stage quite yet. I think you just have to wonder, when is this team finally going to put it all together…
Mike, I couldnt agree with you more. Good to see another level headed CANES fan. I cant help but to notice that there arent many "givens" with this team, what I mean is nothing is ever certain,nothing can be taken for granted, you just dont know what youre going to get from week to week. Its been this way for a while, and there is always excuses and I understand youth and depth has played a large role the last couple of years, but one cant help to be disappointed with the lack of prodution of both the players and coaches.Im not going to sit here and blame Randy, or Whip, or even Jacory. I think as a total package there is much at this very point to be disappointed about. I believe this can be turned around the season is young and there is alot of football to still be played, but its important that these players start to progress and play up to their potential or the potential we the fans think they have. One more point and I know it has to do with personalities and not everyone is the same, but Nick Saban after the SC loss this weekend really showed the kind of emotion that I'd love to see from Randy. As stupid as this sounds I'd feel alot better about the direction of this team if I"d see Randy get upset and show that he is as disappointed and angry as we the fans are, like I said its stupid but that how I feel.
I BLEED ORANGE AND GREEN..!!!
GO CANES…!!!
A wise choice, 305. I have a few years on you being a Cane. I've seen this happen before at this program and others. I think Saturday was a disgusting display of ineptitude but the season is not lost, Shannon does not need to be fired and Harris is not a bad QB. Sometimes, luck and circumstances are against a football team. It is how they bounce back which will tell us what we need to know.
Chard
The thing that concerns me about this loss to FSU goes much more beyond the score. Sure they came out flat and showed no effort, emotion, and lack of basic fundamentals but there is a deeper issue at hand here(at least from my perspective). Going back to 2002 the Miami vs FSU game has been decided by 8 points or less(FSU under Bowden and Miami under Coker/Shannon respectively). Year One under Jimbo Fisher as HC and we suffer a 45-17 beatdown. Randy and Co are in their second year together, they are supposed to have a decided edge against a first time HC and new staff. Sad to say this may be the beginning of longtime ownage by FSU if Randy remains at the helm. I hope to God I am wrong, but it is just a feeling that I have.
in JJ's 2nd 0r 3rd year we led Maryland 35-0 at the half and lost.
Sugar bowl in Testeverde's 1st bowl he threw 5 pics and we lost.
Fiesta bowl– Testeverde's 2nd bowl
another 5 pics and lost National championship to Penn State.
Following his Heisman award Torretta threw several pics and we lost to Alabama
I don't recall the hatered poured down on Jacory & Randy being displayed in those bad losses.
This loss really sucks. I traveled to Miami from Texas for this debacle, and eating cold crow served by all those war chanters really was hard. I think the key here is that all is not lost and that we have to evaluate this team based on entire season rather than one of the worst games in recent memory. This team was not ready to play. Although a good line, I have a hard time believing that FSU is that much better in the trenches than OSU.
I really hope that this game was an unexplainable anomaly. Time will tell us if it is. It's obvious that there are many more questions about Shannon now, but let's wait and entertain those those after the season. Shannon of all people knows that he has to win and win now. There is a lot of talent on this team. Hopefully, Shannon and his staff can rebuild confidence and coach these guys up.
Chris, great write up. I totally agree with you.
I'd still like someone to answer this question:
Where is/who is our team leader?
Where's the Bennie Blades? Ed Reed? Ray Lewis? This team lacks leadership, and such a lack of leadership stems from the head coach down. Why would any kid down 21-0 want to get excited about playing in a football game while their head coach is standing on the sidelines stone-faced, arms crossed like a corpse?
Let Shannon finish out this season, maybe get a win in a mediocre bowl game a la Larry Coker, then send him packing, there's no excuse for what happened Saturday night – and for the love of God, please bring in someone who realizes that a pro-style offense no longer works in college football.
To me the most logical starting point is to run the ball, short passinbg game which will protect Harris and keep a fragile defense off the field, i would even look at a little option and pitch game to build toughness and some confidence with this ol. The good news is even as bad as things suck after getting smashed by the semi-holes the acc is still a decent posibilty and as upset as the fan base is right now we need to rally around these guys and maybe things can turn around.
The one thing that I will say about the uproar in the fanbase this week is that I'm glad people are pissed off because it actually shows we do care and want this team to play/coach to their abilities. Far too often it seems like the majority of the U fans are not engaged in the team.
As I said to Chris in the past, college football is based on emotion. Did you see us in the first half? No emotion, no nothing. I couldn't tell if they were playing an arch rival or waking up from a nap and getting water. I don't care how cool and calm players are said to be…be engaged into the game, with your teammates and with your coaches. Act like you want to be there. Get on the sidelines with teammates/coaches and go over what the fck is going wrong and fix it. We need some vocal leaders who lead through words and play. I don't care what you have to say to the media during the week, do it during the game.
I think it is premature to want Shannon fired. I agree with the saying to the players and coaches: adversity doesn't build character but reveals it. Can Shannon succeed? Yes. Have we done as well as we should have done so far? No. I think he's done well in his first ever coaching stint here. It could be the case that he's the right guy to build a great foundation and someone else may have to take it to the next level. We will see.
To those who say he should have never had his contract extended, that just makes no sense. Recruiting is the lifeblood in college football and you can not let any coach go into his last season on a contract and expect to be able to compete in living rooms. Kids want to know who will be the leader. At the same time, we all know these contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on. Coaches get fired at any time and coaches leave at any time. He deserved to be extended when you considered what he inherited and what he had to build. We HAVE to get another QB in this class, someone with true QB size. Everyone has to have competition to bring out the best per position. Time to pick up the recruiting heat right now. We are behind UF and FSU right now in recruiting in player interest and we have to right that ship.
Time to focus on Duke and Duke only.
HOWEVER, every player should have that FSU score up their locker as a goal to get some payback. Let's get some fire and play with some pride. Play Cane ball and enjoy kicking ass again.
-Columbus Cane
No desire on Kickoff coverage to make a big stop.
No desire or will from the receivers to really go after the ball and actually catch it each time you have that opportunity.
No desire or determination to make an aggressive tackle
No absolute toughness or just being flat out mean on o line or d line.
That is what I see right now from this group of canes. These kids may have the talent but I just don't see them getting mean and taking control of game and really wanting to win. This has been said a million times, the best Talent doesn't always win, these players need to find a way to really WANT to win and to figure out how to take control of the opponents they go against. They are just playing way too soft. Can that be changed? It is hard to say if this group of players really has the heart and toughness to become an elite team. I truely hope so. Go Canes
Shocked, saddened, disappointed…definitely did not see this coming. However, despite getting blown out by our biggest rival (at home no less), I am not going to push any panic button or scream to have the head coach fired. I really believe that Randy is the right guy. Instead of looking back, let's evaluate and move forward. I know that we are currently sitting at 3-2, unranked with questions galore surrounding the program, but, sometimes you must learn how to deal with disappointment before you can accomplish greatness. Call me crazy, but, this just may be the wake up call that this team and program needs. Let's get back to basics. Let's see how the team responds. Last year, the team got off to a good start but faded as the season moved along as both the players and coaches stumbled to the finish line. If this team has grown and matured, we should not see the fallout that took place last year occur again this year.
I am choosing to stay positive and I can only hope that this team does the same. Let's get started this week with Duke and go from there, run the table and let the chips fall where they may…
Ultimately this comes down to a coaching issue. Emotion from Randy lacking. Special teams play bad all year (Bosher involved in way too many tackles) Offensive play calling like a "riverboat gambler" too many long balls leading to 3 and out. I believe in Randy and still think we can win ACC. I feel bad for Jacory, seem like he as been injured most of his career at the U. Last year thumb this year groin. I think coach Whipple has got to focus way more on short passing game. The only time you know how good you are is when you play good to great teams and reality is we are 1 win 2 losses by that standard. Duke wont tell us anything about ourselves. The good news is we will have time to regroup.
Best. Article. Ever.
As for the Jacory and Randy hate, im disappointed to say it, but i think its racism. Plain and simple. You had racists comments towards Jacory after the OSU game and i believe thats happening again with Randy. From day one you had individuals ready to toss Randy to the curb. Racism. Like richard previously posted, you didnt have this kind of hate tossed towards Jimmy or Vinny or any other player who was of caucasian decent.
Like you said, reevaluate things at seasons end if need be, but the anti Jacory/Shannon talk right now, is nothing more than the media/fans hating a black man in charge. Period.
What do I hope will happen?
I hope the Canes win every game from here on out, play the Noles in the ACC championship, beat the Noles in the ACC championship, go to a BCS bowl, and win a BCS bowl.
However, I have seen nothing that convinces me that this will happen. This team has proven to be wildly inconsistent the last couple of years and the second you think that they are ready to turn the corner, they disappoint. I wouldn't be surprised if we run off 3 or 4 dominating wins, get everyone talking about what good ball we are playing, and then lose to a mediocre team on the road.
It is maddening.
I am 100% against making a coaching change mid-season. But if this ship doesn't get turned around immediately, it will be time to start holding the captain accountable for its direction.
However, I have seen nothing that convinces me that this will happen. This team has proven to be wildly inconsistent the last couple of years and the second you think that they are ready to turn the corner, they disappoint. I wouldn't be surprised if we run off 3 or 4 dominating wins, get everyone talking about what good ball we are playing, and then lose to a mediocre team on the road. It is maddening.
Beyond maddening and absolutely agree that until this team proves it and walks the walk, there's no reason to believe that winning the next seven straight will happen.
This is the best set up for it to happen — hardest games home, weak conference this year, etc. — but even with that, based on past failures, the 'believe it when I see it' mindset is 1000% on.
I am 100% against making a coaching change mid-season. But if this ship doesn't get turned around immediately, it will be time to start holding the captain accountable for its direction.
Fully agree. Save the mid-season firings for delusional idiots like Al Davis.
"take a deep breath and attempt to support this team for seven more games"
I agree but I am more than a little mad that our area is so weak. No local broadcast for UM vs Duke. That is complete bullshit. This team gets good ratings on TV and for all the local stations to not show the game is crap. Ratings equal revenue.
It's hard to be a Canes fan. Like you I will reserve judgment for 7 more weeks.
Where are the leaders on the FIELD??????????????? WTF
where to begin where to begin. Beast i have a question for you. Do you really think that harris is the guy? i mean believe me i drank the cool aide when the U got back to back mr. floridas on their roster. i was excited to see that. I thought marve would be the guy for three years and then harris after redshirting would get two. I thought we were in great hands.
I love miami i am a hurricane. i am one the seriously like three in the state of idaho. Did i go to the U no but i have been a fan since i was a little boy and i bleed orange and green. In idaho all you hear about is grand old bsu. i seriously hate bsu fans. go to one game and you will understand why. I don't want coach pete in miami teaching guys its ok to play dirty. Need facts on that watch the oregon state game and the oregon game.
i think randy is the right guy i just think he needs to show more passion on the sideline. this blank face no matter what is not what i read about when he was named the guy in miami. now do we need him to be the playmaker michael irvin no but he needs to show us passion fire. the things that made those 80s and 90s teams great. Maybe adding the playmaker to the coaching staff is not a bad idea. Coach shannon needs to be more rah rah. I hated Pete Carrol but i loved his passion we need that kind of guy.
Gary Patterson COME ON DOWN.. tired of our defense being garbage when we have a supposed "defensive guru" (who's been here for an eternity, btw) let shannon finish out the season .. we'll suck up a few more L's and then we can hire a real coach.
Chris, no doubt I have not read a better, more accurate article in some time. The word of the article "attitude". Wow, if that doesn't change then it's over! Randy will be done if the players attitudes don't get better. He needs to light that fire in them and win games. Thanks for the insight Chris.
I would disagree to a certain extent about FSU fans getting all over Jimbo after the OU loss. Maybe some Bowden Loyalist and fair-weathered fans. Yes. A lot of fans support Jimbo, and know exactly what was wrong with FSU's football program.
Gary Patterson COME ON DOWN.. tired of our defense being garbage when we have a supposed "defensive guru" (who's been here for an eternity, btw) let shannon finish out the season .. we'll suck up a few more L's and then we can hire a real coach.
Patterson is in the same boat as Petersen. Why would he leave what he has at TCU for UM? He's a hero there, they have a clear annual shot at a BCS at-large and the pressure there isn't 10% of what it is in Coral Gables.
Dude has a kush gig and is projected at No. 3 in the first BCS poll. He's signed at TCU through 2016, makes $2.5M a year and turned down $2M a year to go to Minnesota.
Plus, IF a guy like ever DOES show up in Coral Gables, he's not sticking around a full decade like he has at TCU (13 years if you factor in 3 years as DC).
The UM gig will be a stepping stone to the NFL (if successful) as you get out when the getting is good, realizing no one has any patience for 'down years'.
Author, (The Beast? use your name) I have to tell you. I read opinions about a lot of college football teams. Every team has their share of unrealistic Kool-Aid drinkers. But in light of the product that is put on the field, I have to say that the UM fan base takes the cake in the unrealistic expectation department. That said, you're content on this blog is the most honest and refreshing look at UM that I have ever seen. For that I commend you and I continue to read your blog.
I have to strongly disagree with you though when you state that every remaining game is winnable. Granted you prefaced it with a big "if." Still, there are too many glaring holes on this team for that to become a reality. Would anybody consider vaulting my comments for a "told ya so" moment later? Highly unlikely.
The two most important areas of this team are flawed. Head coach and quarterback. I see parallels between these two and the real estate crash. Both were artificially inflated. Both continued to rise even though many unbiased people said "WHOA!" And like the real estate market did a few years ago, both of these guys are tumbling back to earth as everyone realizes that they were a lot hype and lack some crucial qualitites. We could spend all day discussing the positives of Shannon and Harris of which there are many. But in terms of LEADING at the top of D-1 football there is a massive void between these guys and that level of success.
I said years ago that Shannon lacks leadership and I have been largely reviled for it. But there are brush fires smoldering all across this football program and Shannon has never put them out. And looking at his record there is nothing suggesting that he ever will. Fans like to give their coach the benefit of the doubt and believe that they will address problems on the field. That simply has never happened under Shannon. I could produce a very long list of stats and areas that support my opinion but honestly, that ship has sailed and there is no sense in arguing the record.
Many fans are saying that this team has regressed. I disagree. This team has some outstanding athletes but across the board is just above mediocre. Those that think the team has regressed believe that because they artificially hyped the team in the first place.
Here's an observation that if you dismiss you have your head in the sand-
Miami football has some stud athletes on its team. The problem is that everyone else has outstanding athletes too now. Combine this with the lack of leadership and you get 24-19. (spare me the Coker and "culture" argument) When UM fans bemoan losing to a less talented team it is myopic. It's the typical response from those who mistakenly assume that past achievements equal future success. They conveniently ignore that the college football landscape has drastically changed since the glory days and that teams that they used to own might actually be more talented than them.
Anyway, the editorial content posted by this author is excellent. Keep up the good work.
-Kehoe
Author, (The Beast? use your name) I have to tell you. I read opinions about a lot of college football teams. Every team has their share of unrealistic Kool-Aid drinkers. But in light of the product that is put on the field, I have to say that the UM fan base takes the cake in the unrealistic expectation department. That said, you're content on this blog is the most honest and refreshing look at UM that I have ever seen. For that I commend you and I continue to read your blog.
Beast is a guest writer on this blog. I wrote this piece (Canes305) and have covered UM football since the mid-90s (back then on Grassy.com and launching this blog five years back.)
Thank you for the commentary and again, hard to disagree that expectations regarding this program have been over the top for years now.
Mix Miami sports fans with four titles over a nine-year span and a bar was set unrealistically high.
I have to strongly disagree with you though when you state that every remaining game is winnable. Granted you prefaced it with a big "if." Still, there are too many glaring holes on this team for that to become a reality. Would anybody consider vaulting my comments for a "told ya so" moment later? Highly unlikely.
As I stated, based on schedule / opponents, every game is winnable. Based on the fragile psyche of thist team, a loss at Duke wouldn't surprise me either.
I made it pretty clear that the cynicism and skepticism surrounding a 7-0 finish is understandable.
The two most important areas of this team are flawed. Head coach and quarterback. I see parallels between these two and the real estate crash. Both were artificially inflated. Both continued to rise even though many unbiased people said "WHOA!" And like the real estate market did a few years ago, both of these guys are tumbling back to earth as everyone realizes that they were a lot hype and lack some crucial qualitites. We could spend all day discussing the positives of Shannon and Harris of which there are many. But in terms of LEADING at the top of D-1 football there is a massive void between these guys and that level of success.
Issues with both, albeit different.
Harris is a kid that was overhyped and now appears to have coasted through his high school career because of surrounding talent. He needs to get his mojo back and that's on three people, (1) Randy Shannon, (2) Mark Whipple and (3) Harris himself.
Regarding Shannon, he is still learning on the job so there will be highs and lows. Last week was a HUGE low. That said, he has seven games to turn it around.
IF he can win out and somehow upset FSU in the ACC title game, then it somewhat "erases" this recent loss.
IF he stumbles down the stretch against lesser foes, then he is who many of you thought he was and it will be time to go another direction. (I don't mean a FG loss to Virginia Tech … but say a loss to a Maryland or some other weaker opponent.)
I think the issue right now is the TYPE of leader Shannon is. You have 'rah-rah' guys and you have the silent type who tries to lead. Either way, whatever Randy is doing ISN'T working, which is why I wrote about him needing to shake things up. This is year four and his dream job is hanging in the balance. Step outside the comfort zone and find a way to connect with your players. Find a way to MOVE them.
To the it's "racism crowd"…. was all the hate towards kyle wright and coker also racism? I find it funny that the same things that were said about kyle and coker are now RACIST because it's shannon and harris.. get a life.. the results are underwhelming at best.
The human brain has a mechanism built in it called selective memory. We all seem to be employing it now in overdrive. ie…The VT loss in 09 was just as devestating and very similiar negativity was being spewed about the 'quit' on display. Somehow after the Wisconsin beatdown and prior to Ohio State we ( we as in the collective everyfrickinbody ) selectivly forgot those memories and began to dream that things would be different this year. I understand that, and it is called hope. But just as the country song says: "Tequilla makes my wifes clothes fall off" we have all been participants in "Hope makes me forget everyfrickinthing". The difference between our hope and the actual reality (LARGE DROP) is exactly what we are blaming our team for, perceptions in OUR mind. How could we forget so soon John Clay running down our throat??? Wasnt that the same team 9 short months ago? We have proof….we choose not to accept it. Instead of asking the team " Why didnt you win " we should be first asking oursleves " Why cant I remember how badly you played before I got my hopes up?
"As I stated, based on schedule / opponents, every game is winnable. Based on the fragile psyche of this team, a loss at Duke wouldn't surprise me either."
I was thinking the same thing.
Can we say that "adversity builds character"
if so
Then there has been alot of building around here
For these kids pride and self esteem I hope they show up Saturday at Duke.
No matter what we bitch about, this is our team for this season. Ride out the storm
Shannon works for dirt cheap money compared to nick saban jim tressel or urban meyer miami had their chance to get a coach and no one wanted to work for pennies simple as that so were stuck with him now…Colin McCarthy is the problem on defense or at least the #1 problem, hes always in the wrong spots he never has his shoulders square with the line shuffling his feet to find the right hole and fill and to be honest hes to white and slow to play mlb at this level, he belongs in the ivy league with other white people! The second problem is where this moron has ray ray and vaughn playing if you watch there both almost always less than 7-8 yards off the line and vaughn is rarely setup more than 6 yds off the line when the ball is snapped, so in turn there always back pedaling immediately and normally take horrible angles for run support due to starting to close to the l.o.s…lastly on defense is tackling obviously you need to do some live tackling during the week because they forgot how to tackle…My problems with jacory ZZZEEERRRROOOO pre-snap reads fsu did a shit job of disguising there blitz packages but who cares jacorys to much of a jack a$$ to see it and make a pre snap adjustment, second "weight room bitch" because everyone here wants to see you not go down on first contact, third stop floating the ball or trying to make the throws look pretty just snap the ball in there like a man, and finally when hankerson and berry or anyone for that matter drop balls say somthing to them because whipples to scared too obviously…question for everyone to ponder- How does fsu kicker put seven in a row into the endzone and bosher put none? What i see on gamedays is a bunch of kids playing like there scared to mess up scared to be themselves on the field and really worrying about what randy shannon is gonna say to them when they mess up, there playing like they got a stick up there asses and you can blame shannon for that literally there playing to not get personal fouls??? And leadership and attitude like everyone said already and adjustments during the game and at halftime because the same shit kept happening, i honestly believe that if you replace McCarthy you'd start to see a difference and it doesn't matter with who half the freaking team played mlb in h.s so pick an athlete and see what he can do its time to see some changes because i hate losing
"It is one of the great national pastimes to slam the Canes…win…lose…or draw!
Do yourself a favor and stop reading and listening to the media trying to create an audience by using the Canes as their punching bag…this has been going on for 30 years and they know the rest of the country loves to hate the
Scott Van Pelt killed UM on ESPN Radio based on that alumni article.
Said the past of this program has nothing to do with the present.
26 loses in 5 years…on Shannon to get it fixed. I'm not counting on it.Posted by: Canesjunkie
_____________________________
Canes…real red meat stuff!
Like it or not…Miami WILL play in the ACC Championship game and WILL beat the Seminoles in the rematch."
Posted by: CANES FAN | October 14, 2010 at 04:56 PM
Saying that the national media hates UM is a joke. The 'canes were highly criticized, and deservedly so.For a very long time they were the most arrogant program in college football. They set the bar for being disrespectful. Would anyone argue that? The backlash was a result of, fatigues, six shooters, bounties, Seventh Floor Crew, Luther, and most recently, Lamar Thomas' on air gaffe. The commenter above seems to think that it's just a default repsonse to hate on the canes. It's not. Van Pelt wasn't hating anyway, he was simply telling it like it is. Big difference.
Mostly I see national medial painting an upbeat picture of the 'canes today. Sure they throw a lot if "ifs" in the conversation but spare me this endless complainiing about all the hate for UM. It's nonsense.
-Kehoe
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/13/1872483/program-in-a-state-of-emergency.html
In case anyone missed it, read the Herald story on the state of the program, as told from Canes greats.
Must-read.
I am commenting on the comments. To the it's "racism crowd, really??? I mean come on we are Miami. People cant come up with nothing better then to pull the race card.. Also there was a comment on its hard to be a Canes fan. If its hard to be a fan then dont. You either are or your not. I am and no matter if we win all our games or lose all our games it will never be "hard" to be a Cane. So ML either you are or your not.. We have problems that need to be dealt with. Do we get rid of the coach in Mid season?? No.. Lets take what we learned from the loss against FSU change it and move foward..
I AM A CANE AND WILL ALWAYS BE A CANE….