“Everybody’s got a game plan…. ’til they get hit.” – Mike Tyson
Miami and Florida. The oldest Sunshine State rivalry, though the teams haven’t met consistently since the late 1980s.
With all the time apart, absence hardly made the heart grow fonder. If anything, the bitterness between the two programs is as strong as ever, making Saturday’s contest in The Swamp as potent a match up as you’re going to find this season.
The Gators are fifth-ranked in the land, two years removed from a national championship, sport a Heisman-winning quarterback behind center and have taken over as big dog in state.
The Canes? A powerhouse the earlier part of this decade, crippled by a lame-duck head coach incapable of maintaining the expected level of dominance and now turning its eyes towards a first-time head coach who is as Miami as they come – born and raised, earned his “U” as a player and later as a top-notch defensive coordinator.
There’s also the three national championship rings, all from Miami. One more than Florida’s program has in over a hundred years of football.
The series stands at 28-25 in the Canes’ favor, but it isn’t as close as the all-time record might indicate. Florida spent the first two thirds of the rivalry beating up on a lesser Miami program. The big-time state power with the big-time booster money and state funding loved pounding on little brother over the years.
From 1938 to 1977, Florida owned the rivalry with a 22-17 advantage – having won seven straight between ’71 and ’77. Later in the decade, little brother learned how to fight back and turned the tables to the point where big brother cried ‘uncle’ in 1987, wanting out of the rivalry.
Over the past three decades, it’s been virtually all Canes, with an 11-3 advantage for Miami – including six straight since 1985. Florida has had their chances, but either took a beating or found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. The Canes have proven to be the Gators’ kryptonite over the years, giving Miami fans a reason to at least believe this weekend, despite Vegas calling for a three-touchdown blowout.
Florida players have chosen to ignore history this week, looking no further than Miami’s 5-7 skid in 2007. Though the Gator stumbled four times last year, their players and fan base feel invincible and unbeatable with an ‘in repair’ bunch of Canes headed north this weekend.
Winning isn’t enough for Florida. This one has officially gotten personal. Certain nameless Gators are talking about a beatdown of epic proportions and running up the score, as well as feeling UF is “The U” instead of their brethren down south, who sports a richer football history, three more rings and a 23-year win streak.
Unfortunately, this off-season and every day leading up to the season opener has been nothing more than trash-talk from fans on both sides and players at the big state power. The drivel has even found it’s way into the ‘Comments’ section of this blog, growing more tired and cliche everytime one poster tries to one-up the next. I too am guilty of getting caught up in this web of nonsense, but that stops today.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. Enough of the pointless smack. Save the name-calling for the playground. Quit playing the ‘attendance’ card, regarding a fanatical fan base in a college town versus a sometimes bandwagon bunch in the big city. This is about Miami vs. Florida and what will take place on the field Saturday night.
Anyone in Gainesville who thinks Miami isn’t coming to play is sorely mistaken and anyone who feels 5-7 isn’t reversible hasn’t been paying attention.
The Canes bottomed out last year. That is fact. Randy Shannon had a big time mess to clean up and things needed to regress before progress was made. A few poor coaching hires, rookie mistakes and player personnel lacking some heart and talent caused Miami to fall apart. Six straight losses down the stretch and too many players hanging their heads in shame, past that point of no return.
Anyone who watched Miami last year knows the Canes weren’t as bad as their paltry record. Between a horrid showing at quarterback and a poorly run defense, courtesy of a since-fired coordinator, UM gave away some winnable games that should’ve been the difference between 5-7 and 8-4.
It wasn’t, Miami tanked and history was made, in the form of the Canes worst record since 1977.
Since then, a lot has changed. Bill Young was brought in to revamp a defense in need of a serious overhaul. Young brought decades of experience to Coral Gables and has been game-planning for this tussle with Florida since setting foot on campus.
Player personnel has also changed, for the better. While Miami may be inexperienced at quarterback, the sky’s the limit. Florida may have a Heisman-winner and Mr. Florida Football 2006 on their roster, but Miami has Mr. Florida Football 2007 starting this Saturday and Mr. 2008 waiting in the wings as a second-stringer. It’s addition by subtraction, trading two inexperienced freshman for two beaten down and incapable seniors.
Miami’s freshman class may be green, but this top-flight bunch can flat out play and might possess just enough inexperience to not realize they’re supposed to lose.
This isn’t Miami and Oklahoma in week two of last season. This is Miami at Florida. There’s much more familiarity involved. These are kids playing for state pride and grew up going toe-to-toe with the guys on the other side of the ball. Gainesville isn’t some great unknown. For many Canes, it’s the other place they almost signed with back in February, as both programs chase the same coveted recruits.
It may be No. 5 against some unranked foe to the rest of the sports world, but not to Miami – a program who knows how badly they need this win to make a dent on the national radar for the first time since 2006. An overconfident Florida better realize that their opponent is headed north with optimism and an agenda.
Should Florida win? Absolutely. Should they roll? Based on their ranking, maybe. No. 5 in the land against an unranked. A Heisman-winner at quarterback, while Miami’s guy has never taken a snap. The last six times the Canes and Gators went toe-to-toe, The U was the higher ranked team. The last time both teams weren’t ranked; 1985 – when then No. 5 Florida beat unranked Miami, 35-23 in the Orange Bowl.
State pride alone won’t win this football game. Miami must play a near-perfect game to have a shot against mighty Florida. They need to take a page from Auburn’s playbook last year, holding the Gators to just over 300 yards and 17 points, while holding the time of possession advantage.
Robert Marve doesn’t have to play with a Heisman trophy in his back pocket, but he can’t play like a true freshman either. Miami’s running back tandem of Javarris James and Graig Cooper need to help with ball control and force Florida to respect the run. Of course that’s only possible if the Canes’ offensive line steps up to the challenge, opening holes against the Gators’ defensive line.
Defensively, what does Young have up his sleeve? Can the gritty 62-year old veteran outsmart Dan Mullen, like few others have? Or do the Gators roll like the well-oiled offensive machine they’ve proved the can be on numerous occasions in the Tim Tebow era?
I don’t know… and neither do any other Gators, Canes or so-called experts.
How many know-it-alls had Clemson rolling Alabama last week, behind the nation’s best duo of running backs? Who had Fresno State waltzing into New Jersey and beating down a good Rutgers team? Utah in the Big House, embarrassing Michigan in another season opener? East Carolina taking a page out of Virginia Tech’s book, beating Beamer Ball at their own game?
There’s a reason these kids line up to play the game, instead of letting fans predict outcomes. All this talk of blowouts, beatdowns, lessons in humility – it’s premature and immature.
Florida deserves their ranking and to be favored, but that’s about it. After six straight wins and a history of winning big football games, Miami at least deserves an ounce of respect going into Saturday, yet UF refuses to give it and continues disrespecting The U.
This ain’t the Canes first rodeo. Big games get the juices flowing and this isn’t last year’s 5-7 bunch.
The logical pick here is Florida. I know that and if I were a member of the mainstream media, I’d see something along the lines of a big time Gators’ victory. Miami would play their asses off, but simply not have enough in the tank to compete with a deeper and more experienced Florida squad.
But I’m not mainstream. I’m a supporter of all things The U and I’ve seen this rivalry played out many times in my 34 years on this planet. I’ve learned that you should expect the unexpected. When you think a game is a ‘gimmie’, that’s rarely the case. When you certain it’s in the bag, something happens and things change on a dime.
I’m not bold enough to call for the Miami upset… but I also refuse to gift wrap this one with an orange and blue ribbon, just giving it to Florida.
I hesitate to call this one, as the head tells me one thing and the heart says another. My logical, side says 31-17, Gators. But as a lifelong Cane who feels this team is on the verge, an epic battle and 27-24 Miami win wouldn’t shock me either.
Here’s to an epic battle Saturday eve.
(Note: Regarding your comments below, keep them to football, the rivalry and don’t act like a bunch of idiots — Canes and Gators alike. Run your mouth like a moron and your posts will be deleted. It’s usually an open forum here, but I don’t want stupid commentary taking away from this article or tomorrow’s game. 70 years of football history here, people. Respect it.)
Great article as always. I’m a huge cane fan, and I too respect the rivalry between UiF and The U. It’s history, and we have to remember where we came from and who we beat. We as canes (fans, players and alumnis alike) never get respect..this is the time to get that respect and get Miami back on the map.
Keep the Seminole War Canoe in Coral Gables for another 22 years!
Frank
fnovoa@juno.com
“It’s not the guy running his mouth you should worry about in a fight. It’s the one not saying a word.”
I have been waiting for this game since they last played in the Peach bowl half a decade ago. I have often been the bleeding heart calling for Miami to rise to the occasion agaisnt tougher opponents such as OU and BC from last years 07 season. But this time, I really wouldn’t be surprised to see the Hurricanes pull it off.
Before you tar and feather me, take a second to hear my points on why the ‘Canes might be able to pull it off.
1) I feel Miami has the talent at running back to successfully move the ball against a suspect UF defense. I feel like last week, Hawaii showed in the first quarter what kind of offensive scheme is needed to play with UF. Short passes, and running between the tackles gave UF’s defense some trouble in the opening quarter of their season opener. And anyone who is a college football fan knows that Hawaii has NEVER been known for their running back in recent years. Thus making me a believer in Miaim’s running game in this saturday’s contest. The short game opened up a perfect opportunity for Hawaii to take a shot down field. If the ball was placed on the money, Hawaii would have taken a late first quarter 7-0 lead on UF and might have given them to confidence to make it more of a game.
2) Miami’s all around speed. In a contest of speed vs. speed, anything can happen. I would look for Miami to score one, maybe 2 non-offensive touchdowns. They have alot more speed at the specialty positions this year than prior years and wouldn’t count out anything happen on that aspect of the game. My old high school coach used to refer to special teams as “winning edge.” Many a times it’s the gamebreaking aspect.
3) Miami is playing for more than just a W in the win column. As a fan, I would see a victory of this UF squad as something so much more than an upset. I would see it as a ressurrection, as a voiding performance. It would erase the woes of the past two seasons at Miami and would put the ‘Canes on the fast track back to the top. A win would most likely bounce Miami back into the Top 25 and would give such a young, talented team a huge confidence both in more ways than one.
So that’s my take, I know it’s not much but I will be glued to my TV this Saturday night, supporting my Hurricanes regarless of the outcome…
Go Canes
Josh
Tampa, FL
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO C A N E S!!!
Josh,
I’m over in Largo, FL. A group of my buddies were thinking about heading over to Gators in Treasure Island to watch the game. Hit me up since you’re in Tampa.
Frank
fnovoa@juno.com
Great piece. The collage on top is going to look great on the front of tshirt. Go Canes!!!!!
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have an All-Time record of 545–302–19 (.644)
The University Of Miami Hurricanes are the winningest program of the last quarter century
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have played in 31 bowl games, and have a record of 18-13
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have had 72 All-Americans
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have won 5 national championships (1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2001)
The University Of Miami Hurricanes hold the record for the longest home winning streak in NCAA history with 58 straight victories
The University Of Miami Hurricanes had their first college All-American in 1950 (Al Carapella)
The University Of Miami’s first and only 3 time All-American was Defensive end, Ted Hendricks
Ted Hendrick’s 327 career tackles is the most ever by a UM Lineman
The University Of Miami Hurricanes became the first major college in the Deep South with an African-American football player on scholarship with the addition of Wide Reciever Ray Bellamy
The University Of Miami Hurricanes own the record for the longest home winning streak in NCAA history, winning 58 straight games at the Orange Bowl.
The University of Miami Hurricanes are one of two universities to snap four opponents’ win streaks of 20 games or more in its history. The other is Princeton
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have had 39 consecutive regular season wins (2000-2003)
The University Of Miami Hurricanes went 188 Consecutive Games without being shut out: (1979-94)
The University Of Miami Hurricanes set an NFL Draft Record for the most players drafted in the first round in a single year with 6 in 2004
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have the record for the most first-round draft picks in a two-year period with 11 from 2003-2004
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have the record for the most first-round draft picks in a three-year period with 15 from 2002-2004
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have the record for the most first-round picks in a four-year period with 19 from 2001-2004
During the the past 14 years, the University of Miami Hurricanes have had at least one player selected in the first round of the NFL draft. This is the longest record in NFL draft history
The University Of Miami Hurricanes hold the edge with their Rival, University Of Florida Gators, 28-25
The University Of Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Universities 1988game starred an unbelievable 57 future NFL pros on the combined rosters.
The University Of Miami Hurricane and Florida State Universities rivalry is a television ratings bonanza, having accounted for the two highest rated college football, regular season or bowl game telecasts in ESPN history
The University Of Miami Hurricanes have two Heisman Trophy winners, quarterback Vinny Testaverde (1986) and quarterback Gino Torretta
Gino Torreta holds the University Of Miami Hurricanes record for passing yards in a single game with 486 against San Jose State
The University Of Miami Hurricanes smoke screen entrance was originally developed in 1950 by school transportation director Bob Nalette. It has since been copied by many NFL and college teams
Since 1985, the The Miami Hurricanes have gone 196-6 (97%) in regular-season games in which they held a lead entering the fourth quarter
The University Of Miami has earned the designation of ‘Quarterback U’ as a result of the football program turning out a number of high-profile quarterback prospects in succession, including Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Steve Walsh, Craig Erickson, Gino Torretta, and Ken Dorsey.
As of the 2006 season, the University of Miami has more of its alumni on active NFL rosters than any other college or university in the nation.
The University Of Miami Hurricanes currently have 54 players in the NFL
Just some awesome information about the U. I believe this info needs to be spread around so the nation can recognize what the U has accomplished over the years. I am not sure what is going to happen on Saturday night but the gators and the rest of the nation better learn to at least have some respect! GO CANES!
Have a final score prediction? You can’t say “I told you so” unless it is on record…
I respect your opinion and outlook at the game but I rest assure as a fan to the game I truely believe that the young hurricanes WILL pull off the upset; something in me tells me that the canes will win, how? dont know but a way to win. respect the history, honor the game. these kids r playing a kids game giving us a perception of excaped reality and hope the solders come home safetly. Go CANES, GO USA
i have a gut feeling. i dont know exactly what it is, but it goes something like this: the u shocks the world and beats uf in the swamp. like i said, its just a gut feeling.
Go Canes I’ll be glued to the TV tomorrow night. If I didnt have 1 month old twin boys I would have made the trip up for the game…
GO CANES and Respect th U!!!
Clayton (Land O Lakes FL)
Have a final score prediction? You can’t say “I told you so” unless it is on record…
I’m not really concerned with the “told you so” aspect of things here. If Miami got the win, I’d gladly admit that I had a feeling it was possible… but that I didn’t have the stones to call it outright.
(I’d gladly take Miami +21.5, though, if I were still a betting man.)
I think a lot of us Canes feel Miami has a shot as Florida seems to be underestimating them.
My logical pick: Florida 31, Miami 17
My homer pick: Miami 27, Florida 24
Great Blog I agree with everthing that was said. I have been a die hard CANE fan as long as I can remember. Hell I bleed orange and green. I love your blog I check it almost everyday to see if anything new has been posted. Keep up the good work. GO CANES!!!!
“Everybody’s got a game plan…. ’til they get hit.” – Mike Tyson
Now that was classic.
Hope, Faith, Drive and Determination
561CANES !!
GO CANES !!
31-17 either way
go Canes!
31-17 sounds about right to me. If I were putting money down I’d take the ‘Canes to cover. 23 points is a big spread for two very talented teams.
Of course, I’ll probably end up putting my foot in my mouth, waking up tomorrow morning to a 63-3 final…
🙂
Just kidding. Good luck today, at least in the injuries dept. On the field I can only wish for fumbles, picks, and blocked punts for your team. Safe travels.
Classy post, gatorpilot.
Bello
Your Hurricane football discourse is a surprisingly rational analysis, considering our only discussions of UM football occurred in the early-to-mid 90's, (and your views on the topic to which I had become accustomed were about as reasonable as socialism,) as I certainly was not expecting a fair & balanced approach.
One sentence from your post that stood out from the rest, you would, "gladly take Miami +21.5, though, if [you] were still a betting man."
Well, if you care to come out of retirement for a night, I would be honored to give you Miami, and I'll round the point spread up to (plus) 22. I'll put the title on the line in addition to a Blue October shirt signed by the entire band. (Probably a little light for your taste, but Mick won't return my calls.)
There's only one answer I want to hear.
The Man formerly known as FM
taking too long – Email me at chris@allCanes.com. I’ll gladly lay $20 on Miami +21.5.
Let me know what’s been shakin. – C
first time commenter here… but LONG TIME ‘Canes fan out of Southern California (screw USC!)… i just wanted to show my support for Miami for today’s game. Go U!
Hey gatorpilot: classy comment- there needs to be more rival fans like you.
My thoughts on the game:
Logically, the program is at least a year away from BCS impact- that doesn’t mean that they don’t have the talent, or will, to win today. I’m not going to count them out of today but I won’t feel down if we don’t win. I just want us to compete- and I’m sure we will…
My hope, that we win! 😉
Man! Nervewracking 3 quarters of footall. Miami’s defense is legit. Marve will figure it out sooner than later.
This may not be Miami’s year, but they’re not far off. This team has made strides under Shannon. Marve will turn out to be a pretty good QB.
I am happy the “streak” is finally over.
By the way Marve seems like a pretty classy kid — humble and respectful.
See you next time.
Very classy post gatorpilot. There really needs to be more rival fans like you.