Miami gears up for Central Florida

I have to admit, I still don’t get why Miami is scheduling the likes of Central Florida or even South Florida. These are the type of games where the big dog has everything to lose and the underdog is going to treat it like a national championship or BCS game.

Thirty years ago Miami was a nobody and it made its name taking on all comers. The Canes would travel the country taking on powerhouses, looking for the upset and a chance at some national recognition. The U cut its teeth three decades ago and eventually became their own powerhouse, winning five national championships between 1983 and 2001, while leaving several more on the field.

Both Central Florida and South Florida remain relative nobodies. That doesn’t mean they don’t have a big game in them or haven’t put together an impressive season here or there. It simply means they’re not part of the ‘big three’ in the Sunshine State. Neither program is a perennial favorite in their respective conference, let alone even coming close to sniffing a national championship.

Any Knight or Bull that wants to challenge that statement, check out the hardware – Miami, five rings. Florida, three rings. Florida State, two rings.

The lack of titles doesn’t seem to faze folks in Tampa or Orlando, both of which feel their programs are on the cusp, if not already there. Especially while Miami backslid during the tail end of Larry Coker’s run as well as the first few years of the Randy Shannon era.

UCF and USF faithful flooded message boards and shouted from the rooftops, attempting to kick UM while it was done; ignorant to the fact Miami endured probation a decade ago, rebuilt and was stronger than ever. Anyone who didn’t think the Canes would rebound from Coker, they were simply in denial.

Miami recently signed home/away series with both Central Florida and South Florida. Inexplicable for a program with Miami’s pedigree. Understandable as a private school with no state funding. Florida can – and will – pay Central Florida to trek to Gainesville.

The Gators will never step foot in Orlando, able to buy their way out of home/away situations such as these. The Canes are headed north this weekend; by bus, no less. Anything to save a buck.

News out of Coral Gables today that Eric Moncur and Randy Phillips will miss Saturday’s contest. Add those two veterans to the growing list of injured Canes. Earlier this week Miami lost Jordan Futch and Ryan Hill for the year, while Marcus Forston, Josh Holmes, Graig Cooper, JoJo Nicolas and Aldarius Johnson are sidelined as well.

As fate would have it, Central Florida is getting healthy at the right time. Linebacker Jordan Richards returns after a few weeks off since suffering a concussion late September. Wide outs Karim Aiken, Rocky Ross and Brian Walters all return after missing last week’s match up against Memphis. All will bolster the passing attack of Wake Forest quarterback transfer Brett Hodges.

This has all the makings of a pitfall game – and a few years back, you’d have expected Miami to fold. Sitting at 4-1 with some impressive wins – combined with Central Florida’s lackluster play and 3-2 record against suspect competition – you have to like the Canes chances, even with the lack of depth. Inexperienced youngsters again have to step up. Even with injured starters, Miami has the horses to beat Central Florida, if they remain focused.

Win or lose, it’s not hard to get jacked up to Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech or Oklahoma. FAMU proved to be a scrimmage and now Miami is headed away from the confines of home, playing a lower-tier, in-state program with a chip on their shoulder.

Central Florida struggled against Samford, needing a late fourth quarter score to eke out a 28-24 win. A week later, a 26-19 loss at Southern Miss before a second half rally was needed week three to upend Buffalo in Orlando.

These past two weeks, a 19-14 loss at East Carolina and a 32-14 win over Memphis. Sitting at 3-2, it’s fact that Central Florida hasn’t seen anyone close to Miami caliber this season; starters or back ups. Still, the stadium will be packed and the Knights will be ready.

Miami has the talent and speed to upend Central Florida; but what about those x-factors? Home game in a hostile environment. Up and coming state rival in need of a big time win. (The Knights are 0-20 against AP Top 25 opponents and 0-7 against the Top 25 during George O’Leary’s tenure.) They’ve been smacked up by both Florida and South Florida, while coming close to pulling an upset against Miami in last year’s 20-14 loss.

Central Florida has a purpose, but do they have a team? All the rah-rah nonsense in the world doesn’t mean a thing once the ball is teed up Saturday night. Once both teams settle into their game play, it should be a bit of Jacory Harris and a solid running game that set the tone for Miami. Defensively there are injuries and holes, but the Canes should have more than enough to tangle with the Knights.

It comes down to fundamentals and focus. Which Miami team shows up Saturday night? Tune in and find out.

The Call: Miami 34, Central Florida 20

Comments

comments