Golden’s “Process” On Display In December

The Miami Hurricanes are headed to the Russell Athletic Bowl to take on the Louisville Cardinals.

While that might not have the same ring as a New Year’s Eve bowl against a quality SEC opponent, there are many pluses to “The U” taking on a solid foe in the middle of the Sunshine State.

The day before the Hurricanes’ postseason opponent was revealed, Miami participated in the first of five bowl practices open to the public. Come Friday, an impromptu late-year “CanesFest” at Cobb Stadium, in order to drum up fan support for the third open-to-the-public event.

Miami hasn’t participated in the postseason since 2009 or won a bowl game since three years prior, but it’s obvious the Hurricanes are taking a different approach in the Al Golden era. Besides the fan support efforts, the third-year head coach has also sent a message to his current squad—all positions are wide open.

“Guys have ‘spots’ on mediocre teams,” Golden told the Palm Beach Post. “ ‘That’s my spot. Hey, this is my position.’ It’s really not your position. The position is the University of Miami’s position.”

While the sentiment might get lost on those busy shredding coaching decisions on message boards, fact remains Golden is playing his first postseason to perfection early on.

In the midst of a 12-game regular season, wiping the depth chart clean is a continuity killer. With one contest remaining, almost three weeks to prepare—it sets a much-needed tone. Competition has always been king at “The U” and in order to kill complacency, the ante was just upped regarding postseason playing time.

Buckle in, gents. The next few practices won’t be for the weak.

While fans debate talent versus coaching or the benefits of a 4-3 defense over the 3-4, staff is dealing with what is, not what could or should be.

Losses to Virginia Tech and Duke were gut-wrenching. Florida State had every right to pick apart Miami in a 41-14 beat-down, but the Hokies and Blue Devils should’ve been speed bumps en route to Charlotte and a rematch against the Noles. In theory, at least.

Eight quarters, 50 points, 1,092 yards and back-to-back losses knocked the Hurricanes down a few rungs in a very winnable Coastal Division.

For the fans, the sky was no longer falling—it fell. For coaches, rally-the-troops time as two regular season games remained. Miami went on to knock off Virginia and Pittsburgh back-to-back, resulting in a 9-3 finale—the program’s best since 2009.

On paper, not much difference between nine and ten wins, but perception is reality and a three-game win streak, coupled with Miami’s first double-digit win season since 2003 and first bowl win in seven years, is the type of thing that makes recruits take notice.

The Hurricanes already boast 28 verbal commitment and what ESPN lists as the third-ranked recruiting class in the nation—which is why Miami coaches are sending a calculated message by throwing out the depth chart.

Going into 2014, it’s a wide-open race at “The U”. Want on board? If so, there’s room for anyone who wants to outwork the guy next to him.

The step forward wasn’t as optimum as some hoped after last year’s 7-5 finish—including the 116th-ranked defense (out of 120 Division-I programs). Miami opened strong with an upset of No. 12 Florida, fueled by six turnovers, though yards were still surrendered.

A few comeback victories followed—and winning cures all, so a No. 7 ranking and undefeated record brought some false hope to Tallahassee. From there, Virginia Tech knocked Miami back to reality and Duke provided the exclamation point.

Still, in the murkiness of three-straight losses, there was still overall progress for this program.

In a matter of months, Miami shook off the stranglehold of the NCAA, topped the hated Gators, showed grit in some conference wins, finished strong, reached a bowl game and remains dominant on the recruiting front.

Golden showed up in Coral Gables with a 300-page fix-it doc and somewhere in there was a chapter regarding the postseason that he’s been sitting on for three years.

These are unchartered waters for Golden’s Canes, so give Miami the benefit of the doubt as the next three weeks play out. Support the program. Go to the open practices. Get excited for some postseason Hurricanes football as that hasn’t been the case since 2009.

Should Miami get blown out by Louisville or now come to play in the big game, everyone can get back to crafting their Mark D’Onofrio voodoo dolls. Until then, choose to believe and trust “the process”.

Don’t let a recent culture of mediocrity rob you from the joy of 9-3, a step forward and a solid bowl game against a top-flight opponent.

Comments

comments