They’re calling it a ‘state of emergency’

I’m writing this piece knowing that Randy Shannon will never read it.

Blogs aren’t his thing. Nor is any form of media coverage, for that matter. Shannon marches to his own beat, does things his way and deals accordingly with the consequences – which can be be both a blessing and curse.

Regardless if the fourth-year coach hears me or not, I stand by what I say and I’m hardly the only one with an opinion after last weekend’s 45-17 beating, courtesy of arch-rival Florida State.

It’s not just the over-the-top message board yahoos, either. In the eyes former UM football alum, enough is enough and many are speaking out.

Melvin Bratton was in the stands for the recent ass kicking – proclaiming to anyone in earshot that it wasn’t over for the Canes, though down 24-7 at the half. A day later Bratton stated that the Miami program was officially in a ‘state of emergency’. Coaches. Players. Both are to blame and the legendary UM running back simply wants to see a ‘sense of urgency’ as the Canes work to fix this thing as seven games remain.

Michael Irvin. Dan Morgan. Leon Searcy. Gino Torretta. Each have had their say. The consensus; this brand of Hurricanes football simply isn’t acceptable for those who helped put ‘The U’ on the map.

As has been the case for half a decade now, the Canes lack big time leaders. Where is the next Ed Reed? Ken Dorsey? Joaquin Gonzalez? For now even forget a ‘vocal leader’, where are the ‘lead by example’ guys? When will somebody eventually go ‘next level’ and take control?

Shannon acknowledges that this team needs more leaders, but when asked if he and the coaching staff were ‘urging’ guys to step up in practice, he put the onus back on the players instead of the staff (“No. [The players] have to do it on their own.”)

Wrong answer, Coach.

I’ve supported Shannon from day one and while a four-touchdown beat down rattled my confidence, some of these post-game comments shake my faith even more. We’re hearing some telltale signs that the lack of leadership starts with this program’s CEO.

I can handle a stoic sideline demeanor and don’t believe a head coach needs to be as animated as a cartoon character to get results. That said, whatever approach Shannon has taken regarding building players up, creating an in-game sense of urgency and helping leaders emerge on the practice field – it simply isn’t working and will require an about face if this military-like disciplinarian is going to get the most out of his kids.

“Management: 101” isn’t rocket science and any leader worth their weight knows that you can’t treat all ’employees’ the same. You need to tailor your approach to the individual as your end result is to maximize potential, inspire and to succeed as a collective unit. Team building drills. Things to bring everyone together. As hokey as it seems in the corporate world, there’s something to be said for trusting, knowing and learning to work with the individual next to you.

How does Miami get back that ‘all for one, one for all’ team mindset from just a decade ago? An era where guys like Gonzalez, Brett Romberg and other offensive linemen were pushing pick up trucks in the off-season. A time where guys were grinding it out in the sandpits near Greentree in the sweltering summer heat, competing, pushing each other and holding their teammates accountable.

Hard to tell if this current crop of Canes are soft, indifferent or simply aren’t getting what they need from this coaching staff, but the product on the field is a far cry from what we saw ten years back, talent aside.

Even with an ‘all business’ approach during Miami’s last four-year run, these were still some ballers come game time, always ready to play and rising to the occasion.

WHO’S READY TO RISE UP?

Shannon seems to be sticking the approach of that hard-ass, father figure-type. He sees things as black or white, with no gray area. A “my way or the highway” approach that can work if you’re winning, but draws criticism when four years in, kids still aren’t getting “it” or responding.

If there are potential leaders on this team, why is Shannon waiting on them to step up instead of finding a way to motivate and inspire, getting them to rise to the challenge immediately? With a new foe on deck every Saturday, there is no breathing room and he can’t simply sit back, waiting on guys to arrive.

The motto again this year; “no excuses”. The talk of three straight road games weighing on Canes? An excuse. Same with any talk about getting back on the road, away from the media scrutiny and local distractions. Miami is 3-2, seven games remain and based on this most recent loss, the ante has been upped regarding how the rest of the year needs to play out. Those are facts and everything else is pure fabrication that coaches need to move these players past.

There will always be distractions, whether you’re unranked or No. 1. It’s how you handle it – the praise, the criticism, the success and the setbacks – which shows your true character.

All of this should be common knowledge, yet seems to be getting lost in translation for players and coaches alike.

FLAT OR RATTLED?

The fact that Miami came out “flat” against Florida State; too much is being made of that phrase. Out the gate the Canes got the ball on the 35-yard line and moved 51 yards in 4:26 over nine plays. Harris threw for 20 yards and ran for 29. The ground game wasn’t immediately there with Damien Berry (netting one yard on four carries), but UM had an opportunity at a 32-yard field goal which the reliable Matt Bosher sent wide – the first of many blows for Miami.

After trading three-and-outs, UM’s defense broke and FSU amassed 65 yards in under three minutes, with Jermaine Thomas scampering in from 17 yards out. The Canes had some momentum the next drive with Harris finding Leonard Hankerson for back-to-back receptions (15 and 10 yards), but a sack on 2nd and 10 gave Miami a 3rd and 21, killing momentum and forcing a punt.

Down 7-0 early in the second quarter, the reliable Berry fumbled on the Miami 37 and Florida State’s Nick Moody returned it to the 1-yard line. 14-0 and the Canes were shell-shocked. Another three-and-out was followed but another run-heavy drive for the Noles and it was 21-0 by the ten minute mark in the second quarter.

Miami was shell-shocked, as many good teams would’ve been. Great teams find a way to rebound in the second half. Five games in, the Canes aren’t a great team.

Miami was rowdy when gathering after warming up and ran out of the tunnel just like they do every home game. Had Miami won, they’d have supposedly taken the field “focused” or “in the zone”. Lose and the entrance was “lifeless” and “uninspired”. Perception becomes reality.

The jog through the smoke is nothing but fluff. Back in the day it intimidated foes and got the crowd going, but once that ball is kicked off, it’s all about execution and knowing your assignments. That’s when you really see how a team responds – as well as how they react to adversity when things aren’t going their way.

It’s not that Miami was “flat”; it simply didn’t have an answer for what Florida State was bringing and that wears you down. The going got tough, UM couldn’t buy any momentum and that lack of gusto or inability to find a way – that’s what has fans pissed off this week.

OLD SCHOOL RIDING NEW SCHOOL

To Bratton’s point, “old school” Miami was never out of it because SOMEBODY always used to step up. A forced turnover. A huge run. A fingertip grab. A bone-jarring hit. Like Springsteen sang, “you can’t start a fire without a spark”. Where was that moment when magic was supposed to happen? Who is that guy to make a play which turns the tide? Why couldn’t anyone create momentum for others to feed off of? It starts with one and last Saturday there was no one.

I won’t quite call it a ‘state of emergency’ in Coral Gables. Not over one game and not with the seven remaining foes.

A focused, dialed in Miami team could easily wrap up this regular season 10-2. Every remaining game is winnable if the Canes come to play … but based on last weekend, why should anyone expect UM to bring its “A” game week in and week out? Based on what? Miami hasn’t won a do-or-die, season-defining or saving game since 2002. (Falling to Tennessee in ’03, to Virginia Tech in ’04, Georgia Tech in ’05 … the list goes on.)

I stated it days back, but once more for the record; Coach Shannon, your dream job hangs in the balance. You waited forever for this opportunity and now with it in the palm of your hands, it seems pride and stubbornness might do you in. Let your guard down. Embrace what you’ve worked your entire career to attain. Make Miami “Miami” again.

You know the blueprint and need to pull the best from your mentors – Jimmy Johnson, Butch Davis, Pete Carroll, Bill Parcells. Reverse engineer the process. Why were those guys successful? How did they motivate and get the best out of their players and staff?

As important as it is to graduate kids, mold young men and to be a father figure to those players from the same rough background you grew up with – winning football games and doing it with that Hurricanes flair is equally as important.

For four hours every Saturday, good grades, degrees earned, a lack of arrests and leadership in the community – all of that is on the back burner. Exuding passion, making plays, winning games and being a leader on the field – that’s why these kids are part of ‘The U’.

If you want to preach accountability off the field, remind your guys that they have to hold up their end of their bargain on the field, as well, EARNING their scholarships by going balls out on a weekly basis.

CALLING OLD CANES

True leaders get it done and find a way. If something works, make sure it keeps working. If something doesn’t, then die trying to fix it. I understand there’s a “process”, but sometimes the process needs to be tweaked if it’s not producing the desired results. You don’t blindly stick by something because it’s “your” way. You do what needs to be done to ensure success.

Some former players may be a bit emotional and over the top right now, upset that their alma mater fell to such a hated rival – but as the cornerstones of this program, Shannon should take some of their venting to heart. They too know the recipe and maybe Shannon is too knee-deep to see the forest for the trees. Just like any corporation has an ‘advisory board’, Shannon needs to rely on his former teammates as they definitely have some wisdom to share.

Leon Searcy stated that there’s a huge disconnect between former alumni and current players. Something that started on Butch Davis’ watch, which was easier to understand and accept as Miami was on probation and looking to clean up its image. In 2010, that image is more than squeaky clean and Shannon should assume the ‘it takes a village’ mentality regarding passing down winning ways and the traditions of Hurricanes folklore.

Welcome former players back into the fold and give these kids more mentors who also grew up on the same Miami streets and have been where these kids are at.

If Dan Morgan has issue with what he sees on defense, get him on campus and let him pass some wisdom down to the current No. 44, who is oft struggling. A much more productive solution for all parties, as opposed to Morgan blogging, broadcasting and airing his frustrations on the radio.

Instead of a somber Michael Irvin interviewing Shannon about the drops, have him out there working with wideouts and passing down knowledge. Same to be said for Randal Hill, calling for Shannon’s head instead of helping fix the problem. (Honestly, why is former Dolphin and Northwestern State grad Mark Duper spending more time with UM receivers than former Miami greats?)

Ken Dorsey mentioned that he and Harris haven’t caught up, most notably because text messaging rates are too high (as he’s playing in Canada) and that was their preferred method of communication. Five games in that’s inexcusable. Especially with Harris looking like he’s one hit away from the infirmary or a shrink’s couch. Someone needs to get these two talking.

Same for an old timer like Ray Bellamy, the first black football player in University of Miami history. If Harris is still rattled from the criticism and racist rants Tweeted by a few idiots, let Bellamy give him some true perspective and guidance.

No one needs another talking head piling on – even if some of these guys are former Canes. Be part of the solution, not the problem. While many might be rightfully knocking Shannon this week, it’s much easier to criticize from behind a microphone than it is to roll up one’s sleeves to get dirty. Whether you support him or not, Randy is knee-deep in the muck, working to right the ship.

If former players see issues, don’t just bitch about it. Do something.

Same to be said for this current crop of Canes. You have tremendous resources regarding this program’s football alumni. A Wikipedia of anything and everything you want to know about winning at this level, the college game, how to operate as a cohesive unit and how to succeed as your specific position.

It’s not time for Miami players or coaches to panic, but it’s absolutely time to rise up to the challenge at hand. There’s enough talent on board to win the ACC, there’s enough coaching know-how on the sidelines and there’s enough UM football alum that can stop talking and can start doing. Rally together and fix the problem.

That said, the buck stops with you, Coach Shannon. You’re the CEO and the onus is on you to get the most out of everybody and to produce an acceptable result. Seven games remain and if the Canes aren’t representing the Coastal Division in Charlotte on December 4th, it’ll be hard for anyone – even a Shannon supporter like me – to not question the leadership and direction this program is headed.

Beat Duke. Get to 4-2. Repeat the process again next week.

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