Miami and Clemson have only met up twice as ACC rivals and both contests went to the wire. In 2004, the Canes blew a 17-3 halftime lead and lost 24-17 in overtime.
A year later in Death Valley, a defensive turnover in the third overtime sealed the 36-30 win, bringing UM to 1-1 against a new conference rival.
In the four years since the last showdown, a tale of two different programs. Miami rose to No. 3 in the nation over the next seven games, but stumbled down the stretch and was smoked by LSU in the Peach Bowl. Assistant coaches were sent packing and another underachieving year later, Larry Coker was asked to pack his bags.
Randy Shannon took over and is now in year three of his rebuilding project, while at Clemson it’s Dabo Sweeney who’s since taken over for Tommy Bowden – the long-time coach who seemed to always hover around those four or five-loss seasons, inexplicably losing games when the Tigers were hyped and expected to do more.
Underachieving seems to be the case at Clemson. It got Bowden fired midway through last season and Swinney needs a big win to shake up that 3-3 opening as a first-year head coach. The Tigers always seem to have the talent, but rarely live up to expectations… which makes this a scary game for Miami.
And so begins another weekend as a Canes fan.
Another opponent out to prove a point and turn around a season. A talented squad who hasn’t lived up to the hype, but could finally step up any given week. A defense that has been taking notes on Miami’s offense. (Look no further than Central Florida sacking Jacory Harris six times last weekend.)
It’s not a “pitfall” game like FAMU or UCF. Clemson can play. They simply haven’t a few times this season.
Focus. It’s a word that resonates as the Canes have lost it several times the past few seasons. When you go 19-19 over three years, you literally spent half those games watching Miami lose; many times again lesser competition. A lack of focus, execution and play calling to blame.
This year’s Canes are proving they can maintain focus. A late comeback at Florida State. Pouncing on and never letting up on Georgia Tech (until Randy called the dogs off). Responding against Oklahoma after getting drilled a week earlier at Virginia Tech. Two straight wins over lesser state rivals out to prove a point.
Safe to say these aren’t last year’s Canes.
Clemson is a different kind of monster, though. A defensive front four that will pressure Harris. A bruising ground game and special teams thanks to C.J. Spiller. The biggest liability freshman quarterback Kyle Parker, with six touchdowns and five interceptions on the year.
Rumors swirled about a Swinney meltdown on offensive coordinator Billy Napier early October, prompting a players only meeting. Days later, the 38-3 rout of Wake Forest.
Have the Tigers turned the corner? Or was then win over the Deacons a one-time spirited effort, prompting a return to normalcy this weekend at Land Shark?
Clemson will dictate their fate, but again the larger question surrounds Miami; which Canes team shows up this weekend?
Miami has to treat Clemson with the same mindset they brought against Oklahoma. This will be another fast, hard-swinging defense that will pressure Harris and will look to shut down the run. Da’Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp will pressure Harris while Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor are two good cover men.
Of course the Canes D should do the same to Parker as Miami returns several defensive starters on the line and in the secondary.
In the end, who flinches? Can Harris take advantage of man coverage, buying enough time behind his line to make plays? How will Miami run the ball with Graig Cooper, Javarris James and Mike James all banged up and returning from injury? Can fourth-stringer Damien Berry step up if need be? Running on Clemson isn’t the same as running on FAMU or UCF. The Canes must establish the run with one of these guys.
Which Spiller shows up? The one stifled at Georgia Tech, Boston College and Maryland or the back who shone against TCU and Wake? Now is not the week Miami needs to let a big time back put himself back on the map.
Defense, special teams and the ground game will determine this one. Both quarterbacks will feel the heat. Which line steps up, that dictates your outcome. On paper, Harris is your gamer and at 5-1, you don’t want to bet against J-12. That said, this is another physical defense. Mark Whipple better be on his game and Jeff Stoutland needs a better effort from his offensive line, that last week’s sack-frenzy.
Miami is still the team to beat, but Clemson is better than their 3-3 record. Shannon, Whipple and John Lovett know that and in the end, Harris should be the difference-maker.
The Call: Miami 24, Clemson 16
The Canes must establish the run with one of these guys.
I agree with you 100% on this one allcanes. We have a talented backfield, therefore it is imperative that we establish the run early to neutralize the Clemson pass rush and make them play more honest. I think D coordinators are starting to realize our strong tendency to pass on 1st down and are planning on how to counteract that(see UCF game), how many of those J12 sacks came on 1st down throwing plays? I am not sure that is why im asking. Somebody tell Whipple we dont always have to pass on 1st down, its a nice change of pace but let's not get too one dimensional and predictable. I just hope our O-line can hold up against their pass rush and that J. Harris doesn't hold the ball for too long(a main reason for the 6 sacks in my opinion). This game may come down to whoever wins the special teams battle. If we can contain/shut down Spiller and do not allow big plays on ST, i think our boys will be fine. I know they have Jacoby Ford as their main WR threat but my faith in our secondary increases by the game. I am sure B. Harris will do a good job of covering Ford. Also, RP,AJ,EM, and JoJo coming back into the lineup is going to be huge. I think Clemson's D, while talented will be overmatched by the sheer number of playmakers we have on the offensive side of the ball. Also, look for our run D to be better with Phillips and Moncur back in the mix.
My prediction: UM 38, Clemson 20
Nice write up, Canes. Like you, I agree that this one can't be taken lightly. Clemson has the horses and they'll come to play.
Miami is halfway through this season and like ATL mentioned, Whipple needs to realize that he's not a new commodity anymore. Throwing on 1st down works when no one expects it. When it becomes your staple and go to, teams will plan for that.
Football is all about the element of surprise and staying one step ahead of opposing coaches. Whipple did that early on, but he needs to shake things up a bit.
As you mentioned, CU's bookends are going to be in Jacory's face all day long. Counter that with some draws. Make Clemson respect the run.
Should be a good game and I definitely believe in the Canes – especially at home – but everyone better be ready and focused. This is no cakewalk.
GO CANES
Ricky O.
South Miami, FL
Coach sure understood that we don't have to pass on 1st down. If there is a sack, I'm more comfortable that it is on 1st down, rather than 2nd or third.
We still need to FOCUS to make sure the O-line, J12, and receivers are on the same pace, and defense executes every play. But we should be able to win comfortably …
This team – this offense – does NOT need to establish the run first. We throw to set up the run, not vice versa. And I don't see any reason to change that.
This team – this offense – does NOT need to establish the run first. We throw to set up the run, not vice versa. And I don't see any reason to change that.
I don't think anyone disagrees that the passing attack is the bread and butter. The knock is the predictability of passing on first down. UCF sniffed that out and many of J-12's sacks came on first down, when they knew Miami was passing.
It's all about the element of surprise. Whipple had DCs confused early on because they didn't know what to expect. Now six games in, other coaches get his tendencies.
This is Miami's first "big" game since Oklahoma. Whipple simply needs to be ready for a very solid ACC defense. That's all.
Well said, AllCanes.
Clemson is the real deal, even though they've underachieved.
Miami's early success came from Whipple being an unknown. Defensive Coordinators now know he's the most dangerous OC in the ACC, so they're planning accordingly.
The Tigers can save their season with a win on Saturday. The Canes need to realize this is going to be the case with a lot of teams this year. The bullseye is back on their chest. Embrace the moment.
I would love to see Miami use the screen pass more to beat an aggressive pass rush also let the playmakers handle the ball more create mismatches and burn their man coverage. Also I think the weather will have a factor late in the game. This game is in the middle of the day and Clemson will tire towards the end of the game. Go Canes win this one close.
Canes 27 Clemson 24.
UM 35
Clemson 21
Or a real nail biter!!!!!!
Hey allcanes,
First i would just like to say thanks, i am stuck in Texas and don't get a lot of UM coverage. Your blog is outstanding and keeps me in the loop. I also have been a fan of Whipple for a long time and am pretty sure that he's got a wrinkle up his sleeve just when everyone thinks they have his "tendencies" figured out. I know Clemson is better than their record, but I really think we are ready to explode into the 2nd half of the season.
UM 38
CU 24
neverlost – Thanks for the comments.
I believe Whipple has a wrinkle and knows what he's doing… and I also believe that if Miami can stay healthy, sky is the limit this season. Glad to see a lot of injured guys are back this week – especially on defense.
I'm not sure if the Canes 'explode' down the stretch… but I hope you're right. Three road games as the weather turns colder (Wake, UNC, USF) and three home games (Clemson, UVA, Duke).
There's no team on the schedule Miami can't beat if it brings its "A" game. That said, the ounce of skeptic in me worries about a let down somewhere along the way.
19-19 the past three seasons and a few slips ups have me worried. I'll always give this team the benefit of the doubt…. but I wouldn't bet the farm on a one-loss season just yet.
One at a time. Beat Clemson. Get to 6-1.
Oh i hear ya. I was expecting a 9-3 season this year and still would not be disappointed if that happened. However, all this early season success has me stoked and of course being a canes fan since the early 80's, it's so easy to get excited when they play well. Once again thanks for the great blog.
I would love to see some more crossing routes with Graham on the receiving end. I don't think that kid is going to drop another ball as long as he lives. Go Canes!!!
Good photo you had on the ACC network channel this afternoon Chris. I liked "Doc's" answer as well !!!
Let's Go 'Canes
Hated by many, loved by few, WE are the U
Ronald – Please post a link, brother. Was this on TV? Online? No one even told me!!!
Go Canes!!!!!!
Damn that was sux. I couldnt watch the game becasue I'm out of the country however I was watchin the ESPN gamecast. I hope J12 gets the INT under control. It's hard to win a game win you have more turnovers than the other team. I'll wait for 305's run down and gather my thoughts. I'm still proud to be a cane but damn now we lost our edge in the ACC.
Clayton
Cane in the desert…
always a great one.
Here's to the Canes winning out.
I made the 10 and a half hour trek from my home state of SC in hopes of watching my Canes take down one of my most hated teams, alas it was not to be. Clemson simply wanted it more. We had multiple chances to end this game but simply couldn't muster enough to do so, really dissapointing. The Randy Phillips int in the endzone should have been it, but our O simply decided to sputter on their next possesion. This is easily one of the most dissapointing games iv seen in quite some time. Closing games out has been and appears to still be a major concern. That needs to be fixed. ASAP. I also thought the fan turnout was pretty damn crappy as well, but to the fans that did show up, I got nothing but love for all of U, u were loud the whole game. I really enjoyed my trip to Miami.
It was before the game started. The commentary guys were talking and then they went to ACC questions. Yours was something like, "What do the 'Canes have to do to win this game." Something along those lines anyway. It had "Chris Bello from the AllCanes blog !" You had a black split U hat on. I sure wish Randy hadn't kicked that ball deep before halftime. The Byrd INT. at our 20 didn't help either. We just love to do the O.T. dance with the Tigers I guess…..sure hope we pull it together and have a complete game when I trek to NC in a few weeks. Take care Chris, and keep up the good work on telling folks how it is !!!
Hated by many, loved by few, WE are the U
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE! I was at game not a good turn out! We got it rockin in the 2nd half! Could of won, should of won, blah blah…..Win out and go to a good bowl. And it will be a success….10-2 baby, I believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our Coaches suck ass!
Here's to ANOTHER watered down bowl game….
The offensive coach forgot the passing game in the first quarter.
The defensive coach still was playing Georgia Tech's running game instead of blitzing Clemson's QB. The only times Clemson threw the ball away was when he had a Cane defensive back in his face.
How in the world can you give a good passing QB all day to throw on the last play of the game???
You just can not fix stupid.
From Cane, '77
Emerald Bowl, here we come!