That’s what the critics will say Friday morning after the Miami Hurricanes made an opening game statement at their new home, Dolphin Stadium.
But for a program coming off of 5-7, winless since last October and curious to see how their youth movement would respond, courtesy of a top-ranked recruiting class hauled in last February – fans of The U can breathe a little bit easier this morning. The resurgence is officially on.
The Canes have their work cut out for them, but the foundation has been laid. Playmakers are returning – and will continue to do so, with another top class expected in 2009. Randy Shannon is bringing in his kids, his coaches and has a game plan regarding getting The U back on the map.
Not too much to break down regarding Xs and Os, so let’s keep this one to some random thoughts about opening weekend, the move to a new home and the influx of first-year talent:
It might not seem like all that much right now, but come 2010 when this year’s freshman class are juniors, the Canes will be as talent-heavy then as they were the earlier part of this decade. Depth is being built and when these kids have some experience under their belts, look out.
Harris’ decision-making is oh-so-refreshing. Knowing when to run versus throw. Spreading the ball around (11 different receivers got touches). Getting rid of the ball when the pressure is on. Poise. Composure. Great touch. Harris is the real deal and over time, will develop into something special…
Here’s hoping the critics don’t create an unnecessary quarterback controversy after next weekend. Harris looked pretty darn good picking apart lowly Charleston Southern, whereas Marve is being baptized by fire in The Swamp.
Harris shouldn’t be judged for pounding a nobody the same way Marve shouldn’t if a somebody pounds him. He was named starter for a reason and deserves a handful of games to prove his mettle.
Miami’s ground attack will take a huge load off both quarterbacks, if they – and their offensive line – can remain healthy.
Reggie Youngblood was out for last night’s contest and back up Chris Rutledge left with an undisclosed injury. The Canes o-line looks competent regarding the first string, but depth is an issue and season-ending injuries will definitely take their toll. The line needs to jell and grow this year and can’t afford any steps back.
Benjamin and Collier are going to have an immediate impact on the offense, as well as special teams. Between the newbies and Cooper’s skills as a punt returner (the 66-yard return for a score was a sight for sore eyes), the Canes are going to start winning the field position battles they’ve been losing the past few years.
Amazing how much is pure instinct and talent, versus what is taught. Without naming names, safe to say some upperclassmen are going to have to step up their game or risk losing out to the youth movement. Will competition bring out the beast in some older Canes, or will talented underclassmen continue to play above their age and experience level? An interesting scenario to keep an eye on this season.
Adkins is part of a few special defensive packages and it seems new defensive coordinator Bill Young is going to find a way to make some ‘tweeners’ and non-factors into role players for special situations. No mystery why Young was able to find success at Kansas, with lesser athletes.
I am ever-so-curious to see what Young has up his sleeve for Florida. You have to think last night’s game plan was ridiculously watered down, knowing who the foe was and who’s on deck.
Of course the real test will be seeing how Miami reacts in crunch time or after a loss. Easy to have that ‘feel good’ mentality when you’re rolling en route to 52-7. What happens if the wheels come off a bit next week a la Oklahoma 2007? Does this team have the grit to keep fighting? Can they rebound at Texas A&M after a bye week?
Whatever high these Canes are on, it needs to continue win or lose this season. Their collective attitude and demeanor were solid last night. Keep it up.
There will be some rough patches this year, but as far as opening games go – there were many more positives to be taken in 2008’s opener than 2007.
The move to a new venue cannot and should no be judged after one game. Especially a Thursday night contest against a lowly opponent. Next time the Canes take the field, they’ll have three games under their belt, the U will be midfield and striping will be in the endzones. With the Marlins’ season most likely over, the infield should be covered up and the overall aura will be better.
Not to mention the next two home games are North Carolina and Florida State, back-to-back.
Dolphin Stadium will NEVER replace the Orange Bowl. That’s like asking your stepdad to replace your real dad. Impossible. But that doesn’t mean ol’ “uncle dad” can’t bring something to the table as well, making for a positive life experience.
The Canes need to build a new tradition – and that takes more than a game. Hell, it could take at least half a decade before it even starts to feel like home. Miami needs to win some big games there. A few thrilling comebacks. Some big plays taking place in certain parts of the field, making them indelible in your memory.
You could look around the OB any given Saturday and remember a litany of big time plays that went down here, there and everywhere.
Give it time to come together… and in the meantime, appreciate the new aesthetics and the feel of a first-class venue. Also, remember how much the players love it – as many were raving about the Jumbotron and locker rooms after the game.
As fans, we may miss the tradition – but you have to remember most of these current Canes were zygotes when Miami was a force in the late 80s/early 90s. Facilities and an NFL stadium matter to future recruits and if a move to Dolphin Stadium is something the kids love, then us crotchety old fans need to get on board with the youth movement.
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All Canes,
Awesome performance from what I've dubbed 'Freshmen U' tonight. I think the 'Canes looked like more of team tonight then they have in the past two years and my excitement for this season is at an all-time high. I was wondering though, I remember reading a post a few weeks back about the new AD saying that the split U would be in the middle of the 50 yard line in Dolphin Stadium. While I think they did an awesome job with the Ring of Honor and whatnot around the stadium, I noticed the U wasn't present, nor any end zone logos or ACC logos. Are they coming after the baseball diamond is dug up? Or has Dolphin Stadium decided against changing the field for the Canes?
What I saw of the game I was impressed. it was a refreshing change to see a QB that could move and still throw the ball well and to have receivers wanting to catch the ball.
GLAD is CANES season again...
I had issues all night with ESPN360 being very choppy.
I know...It was Charleston Southern, but still...52 points...
We haven't scored that many points since the Duke game in '05. (Same score too 52-7) We didn't even score in the 40's last year...
It was exciting to hear (no TV) them learn to walk and talk like new babies last night with what..24 freshmen getting playing time (that'll further recruiting too)...and stepping into one of our Hostile homes away from home next week will teach them more, but...a win is a win and the experience helps...
Of course I did not see the game- only a few highlights on ESPN. I am still elated to put 52 points on the board. I don't care who it is against. I honestly don't think we would have scored that many points last year even against this same team. Kudos to the team for taking care of business, and handling a team you are supposed to handle. This is a new year and anything can happen for this team. Keep it rollin'.
-Columbus cane
In spite of the competition, last years team would have had three interceptions in the first quarter, then Nix would not have put the ball in the air again. GS would have gone to a nine man front & our line & running backs would have gotten all nicked up for the remainder of the season!!!
There was poise at QB positoin. When there was no play, he threw it away or ran. A couple of times when he started running, he kept looking for someone to throw to. He never gave up on routes even when they took a while to develop!!! His name is "ICE"!!!
The defense gave me some scares, but I realize they went total vanilla, not showing alot of blitz packages, and wqe rotated alooooooot of players in & out of the game.
I feel like we can get 7 wins out of this team, secure a mid level bowl game, & get the #1 recruiting class again.
HUGE WIN with style points. Will give us confidence we desperately need.
The "U" on the 50 will go down at the close of Marlin season. it is being specially grown at a farm as we "type".
Canephin is dead on. The U will be there once the Marlins season is over, courtesy of a transplantable section of turf that will be brought in and out for the Canes games. Last I heard the end zones will be old school diagonal stripes and the ACC logos were there but they are actually not allowing them on the field so they are on the sidelines. So much for them doing "everything possible to make this the Canes home".
I was there for the game and overall they looked pretty solid. The general feeling among my friends was that the O-line is a little questionable though. Passable against Charleston Southern but they could have trouble opening holes for the backs against better teams. I was surprised to see them put Cannon in, I guess they aren't planning on red-shirting any of the QB's? I was also happy to see the D getting their hands on the ball several times in the game. Hopefully heading back to the days where we could count on some big forced turnovers.
Next week we'll get a better idea of where the team is at.
Wait a minute, if harris has all the tools to lead this team why not let start? just cuz he is a true freshman dosn't mean he cant play right now...saying that and shannon belief that the best man wins in practice then let the competetion began; we need to win by no means.
Cane305 you do a great job! Keep up the excellent work. Your analysis of the program and the pulse of the team are always right on!