The Beast : The Trek to Traz

Things are really picking up for the Canes as they head into the final days of spring practice and this weekend we get another change to see this team up close and personal.

Last week’s crowd at Spanish River truly helped give this fan base some much-needed credibility. Miami fans get a bad rap. Sometimes it’s deserved, but but last weekend Hurricane faithful showed that it was all in regarding getting a first-look at the Golden Canes. It was standing room only at Spanish River and here’s hoping for another stellar turnout this Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium.

Regarding what to look for when Miami takes the practice field this weekend, I’d like to see the following:

– A better job stopping the run. Depth up front is an issue for this defense. I asked Al Golden about this on Tuesday and his answer is available on this week’s edition of allCanes Radio. (If you missed it, check the archives.) Yes, some things can be done scheme-wise to make up for that lack of depth, but the bottom line is that guys have to go above and beyond to make plays.

I’m also glad to finally see a guy like Jordan Futch getting time in the middle as he’s one of few guys that actually fits the prototypical linebacker body type.

It’s tough to watch a scrimmage and the natural tendency is to root for the offense, but if the running backs are blowing through holes wider than the Grand Canyon, you have problems. I don’t want to dwell on the negative but if UM’s offense can exploit this weakness on defense, so can this year’s opponents.

– I know there are some receivers hurt, but I’d really like to see more from the passing game – including more from the tight ends and more down the field passes. Travis Benjamin might be primed for a great season, but I want to see what some of the big-bodied guys can do. Tommy Streeter has to redeem himself after last weekend as there were simply too many drops on well-thrown balls.

– I don’t recall the offense scoring on a long play last week, but regardless, I’d like to see a score from more than twenty yards out. I don’t mind run-first offense, but I miss that old Miami philosophy that if the Canes were on your side of the field, your end zone was in danger. Plus, with a questionable kicking game this fall, you don’t want to be too reliant on field goal.

– It’s hard to pick up everything going on with the offense line, which is why I’ve always admired guys like my good friend Don Bailey Jr. as he seems to spot every block made by an offensive lineman. It’s hard for me to not focus on the ball, but that said, I really want to see Malcolm Bunche and Seantrel Henderson in a heated battle for that left tackle spot. Heavy competition in spring has been a missing element in Miami’s brand of football the past few seasons.

– Coach Golden pointed out that this week that these Canes still aren’t conditioned properly and I’m interested to see how guys respond to that comment. It’s been made quite clear that conditioning is as a much a factor in deciding the weekly depth chart as is play on the field. No one is going to have a job handed to them and this is something guys need to pick up on, ensuring that come fall, conditioning will not be an issue.

There was plenty of football on this week’s edition of allCanes Radio – including one of the brightest spot in the past nine months of doing this show; a one-on-one with new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. Coach Fisch is a true student of the game and is mature beyond his years. Check out the interview and tell me you’re not excited to see what he comes out with Labor Day night at Maryland.

On the basketball front … the search for a new coach truly lacks the sizzle we saw on the football front days after Randy Shannon was fired last November. For starters, there aren’t as many ‘insiders’ who feel the know the direction the search is going and in the world of college basketball, the vast number of possible candidates is huge.

I heard this week that Mike Jarvis really wants the job, while some big wigs mentioned Larry Brown. There are other reports that Frank Martin might be interested in leaving Manhattan for his hometown program, but is that legit or simply a ploy for another raise? Who knows. Anthony Grant has most likely been talked to and while he’d be a great choice, will he really leave $1.8M a year on the table to come to Coral Gables?

Should anything break, follow our Twitter feed for the latest.

Lastly, some thoughts regarding Coach Martin from Garry Parrish at CBS Sports. Parrish believes that Martin will leave Kansas State for Miami if ‘The U’ ups the ante in regards to support for basketball and I agree 100%.

It doesn’t make any sense to spend more for a big time coach if you’re not going to do the other things necessary to win. Those of you who are parents will understand this analogy.

You put a ton of effort into getting that nursery ready before your baby is born. You paint the room, assemble a crib and buy a rocking chair. You decorate the room, stock it with stuffed animals and get the diaper bin and clothes hamper placed accordingly. An arsenal of Desitin, Aquaphor and wipes are within arm’s reach from the changing table and you’ve done everything possible to get that nursery game-ready for when that baby comes home.

UM needs to make sure it has its ‘basketball house’ in order before a new coach is hired. There must be a game plan and it has to encompass everything you need to have a successful program. Promotions, marketing plans, ticketing, community outreach and for the love of all things holy, PLEASE get a charter.

In the world of college basketball, a charter plane separates the men from the boys and travel ease can make the difference between 10-6 or 6-10 in the ACC. There are so many basketball travel horror stories that I can’t even fit them in this piece.

Bottom line, if that’s what it takes to win, figure out a way to make that happen. A charter plane isn’t the only answer, but it’s a solid example of one thing that can make a huge difference.

UM is overdue regarding some big time college hoops on this campus, but the university has to dedicate itself to that ideal an make it happen – beyond just hiring the next coach – and I will say this; I am confident that acting athletic director Tony Hernandez gets it and will do his best to make sure this thing is headed in the right direction.

Here’s hoping we’re jamming to this come next March.

One last note, after the scrimmage at Traz, keep the Canes-themed day going and head down to A-Rod Park as Miami will honor the 2001 National Championship baseball team. I had the privilege of being on the field at Rosenblatt when those guys schooled Stanford, 12-1 in the title game and I look forward to the trip down memory lane with Javy, KB, Chewy, Love and the rest of the guys. Hope you’ll be out there, as well.

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