Random notes entering GT weekend…

>>> Jon Beason is headed to Atlanta and I think that’s more important than Ryan Moore not making the journey. Some of Beason’s ACC media day quotes made their way into an AJC article on Wednesday and #2 can’t say what he said and then not play, even if the comments were made in July and not October.

Regarding the 14-10 loss to Georgia Tech in 2005, The Beast said the following:

“If those guys came over here right now, I probably could get both teams to admit that we were better than them, or we outplayed them, statistically. But they wanted it. They wanted it, they made it happen 60 minutes long, and when it was over, they were on top, and we can’t do anything about that.

You go back and watch the tape from a defensive standpoint. The drive they scored. Interception. They called pass interference. It should have been an interception. That drive’s taken; that’s seven points taken away. Then, the other series that they scored on, we had an excessive-celebration penalty; once again, something that we can control. It wasn’t anything that Georgia Tech did to us.”

As a Miami fan, it’s easy to get Beason’s point. Of course Georgia Tech responded with “scoreboard” and they have that right. Still, it #2 feels the Canes gave one away in 2005 then he has to be one the leaders regarding taking it back this Saturday. Beason is one of few team leaders here today. If anyone is going to help keep these Canes focused, it’s #2.

>>> The Canes were 1-of-14 on third down conversions last year against Georgia Tech. This is the stat of the game. Forget the 30 rushing yards for 30 yards, the bogus P.I. calls and the late interception by Kyle Wright. You aren’t winning ball games where you only pick up one third down conversion. Miami needs to string together longer drives to gain confidence and momentum on offense. Move the chains.

>>> Speaking of Wright, it’s time for that ‘signature’ game already. Steve Walsh and others have called for it and I’m doing the same. I think Wright is Miami’s best QB and believe he’s taken a lot of unnecessary heat this year. The Canes’ offensive woes don’t just fall on #3’s shoulders. That said, Wright has been vocal this season. He’s spoken out before and after big games. He’s oft gone down the path of it being ‘gut check time’ for Miami. GT has rattled him these past two seasons and ruined 2005 for UM.

Know when to throw. Know when to tuck and run. Fumbles and interceptions aren’t an option. Wright needs to lead. No more of this ‘deer in headlights’ crap when the blitz is on. Yes, his line and running backs will have to do their job picking up that blitz – but Wright needs to see the play before it happens. Check off at the line. Make the adjustments. Tech found great success in the blitz last year (sacking Wright seven times) so you know what’s coming this Saturday.

>>> James Bryant needs to be a difference maker. As exciting as it’s been to see him catch touchdown passes, I’m equally excited about Bryant’s blocking. He needs to be in the backfield the majority of the day, giving Wright that extra second or blowing up a defender for Javarris James to run past.

>>> Bryant is an “X” factor… as is James, Sam Shields, Rashaun Jones, Calais Campbell, etc. Kids that weren’t necessarily difference makers early in the season, nor were they a part of the game plan in 2005. Miami needs these “X” factor players to step up. Jones on special teams, Campbell on the defensive line and James/Shields on offense. All have shone brightly at times. This weekend they all need to make plays and give the Canes that shot in the arm, confidence boost.

>>> Colin McCarthy is gonzo with a hamstring injury. How much will he be missed on special teams. He’s already blocked a punt and has been the most energetic S.O.B. we’ve seen on kickoff coverage since Kellen Winslow II in 2001. Can someone fill in and have a McCarthy-like impact on Georgia Tech’s special teams? If there’s any week Miami needs a break with a fumbled punt or big hit on a returner, it’s now.

>>> For the third time this season, college football waits with baited breath for The Biggest Game in the Larry Coker Era. Coker failed his first two challenged in 2006, losing to Florida State and Louisville. The four-game win streak was back page news with the brawl, Moore suspension and due to the fact Miami played four straight nobodies.

>>> A loss at GT and Coker’s run is unofficially officially over. A 5-3 record with wins over the likes of FAMU, Houston, North Carolina, FIU and Duke won’t cut it. Miami has to beat their first ‘good’ opponent of the season. If that doesn’t happen tomorrow, the wheels will officially fall off for these Canes. Playing with a fragile psyche, Miami needs to savor a good win if they’re going to make a run down the stretch. Each successful journey begins with that first team. Miami’s journey begins with a roadblock at Georgia Tech and losing isn’t an option.

>>> IF Miami pulls the upset, they’ll have effectively run the ball and Wright will have a solid, difference-making outing. Should the Canes lose, it’ll be due to penalties and undisciplined football. I don’t know what Coker did this week to fix the litany of on the field mistakes against Duke, but he better have been all over this issue. Miami was flagged 14 times for 125 yards last week in the 20-15 nailbiter against the worst team in the ACC. It goes without saying that boneheaded mistakes will absolutely ruin any chance of a Hurricane upset. Clean up the mental mistakes or pay a HUGE price tomorrow.

>>> Final prediction? I’m all over the map. If Miami comes to play it’s a 24-16 win. If the Canes play like the wounded bunch many feel they are, I’ll predict they’re on the wrong end of a 27-7 beatdown.

Wishy-washy? I know. I truly have no feeling as this team hasn’t been tested in six weeks. I’ll remain optimistic, but I truly have zero clue what to expect on Saturday. Who shows up… for Miami AND Georgia Tech?

.:Canes305:.

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