The Beast : Leadership Will Make A Difference

Forget about the talent that was missing when Miami faced Maryland last Monday night; especially on defense. Head coach Al Golden said it at least a dozen times since that game, the Canes had enough talent on the field to win the game. What they didn’t have was leadership.

This past week and a half since the rainy loss, it’s really sunk in regarding the lack of leadership game one.

Back-up quarterback Stephen Morris has the respect of his teammates, but make no mistake – Jacory Harris is this team’s leader on offense and on defense, Sean Spence are Marcus Forston are the guys others look to as clear cut leaders – and all those guys were in Coral Gables, not suited up in College Park.

We’ve seen really great teams here at ‘The U’ and while they’ve all been extremely talented, they’ve also all had clear-cut leaders. Think back to a road game in Tallahassee back in 2001 and a certain halftime speech that got the team refocused. The coaches can only do so much and without leadership on the field, talent always lacks direction.

I found it a bit surprising that Coach Golden chose to name names a few days back when taking about the lack of leadership. He mentioned that JoJo Nicolas has stepped up in that area, but vocalized that he’d like to see more from Tyler Horn, Harland Gunn and LaRon Byrd. Coach drew a line in the dirt and you hope guys got the point as the Canes have no chance against the Buckeyes if the leadership isn’t on display this Saturday night.

Much more to discuss regarding this weekend’s match up and I’ll do that on Friday. First and foremost, I’m anxious to see how Ohio State handles their two quarterbacks in the game. Their offense changes based on which guy is under center.

When senior Joe Bauserman is in the game, the offense is more conservative. There will be be plenty of play-action fakes and use of a short and intermediate passing game. When it’s freshman Braxton Miller, the Buckeyes will rely on his athleticism and the vertical passion game.

Either way, Miami’s defensive line will have to get pressure to be able to handle Ohio State’s physical offensive front.

Regarding the Canes, I’m curious to see how first-year offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch uses Travis Benjamin. I have a feeling we’ll see all of the senior’s talents being used. I’m also looking forward to seeing a new a shiny Jacory. Coach Golden has been talking up his senior quarterback for weeks and it’s finally showtime.

IN OTHER NEWS : Join us this Thursday night (tonight!) for another edition of allCanes Radio, broadcast live from Titanic Restaurant & Brewery, right next door to allCanes. The show starts at 7pm ET and the first twenty listeners to grab a seat will get a free draft beer (must be 21!).

Former Hurricanes defensive lineman Kareem Brown will be on hand with our friend Platon of ProCanes.com. We’ll also have senior associate athletic director Blake James on hand to discuss the pregame tailgating situation for Saturday’s showdown.

Lastly, those in attendance tonight will save 20% on all merchandise next door at allCanes from 7-8pm ET. Gear up for Saturday and we’ll see you tonight for the big show!

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