Not really sure how best to begin this other than with the obvious:
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday night was epic. No two ways about it. It was a huge win over a program that, while clearly not at full strength, is the type of program you make statements against. Beating Ohio State means something, probably more for the ‘Canes than for any program outside the Big 10.
The ‘Canes indeed made a statement. They made it starting with Denzel Perryman’s opening hit on kick coverage and ending with a 9 minute, back breaking drive to end the game, punctuated by the ultimate F-You touchdown that every true ‘Canes fan has been longing for for almost a decade.
The victory was so complete that Ohio State coach Luke Fickell refused to call his last two timeouts at the end of the game, choosing instead to end the pain and cut short his stay at Sun Life Stadium. He waived the white flag, something an opponent has not done against Miami for years. This would be impressive against anyone, much less against a proud, Top 25 team coached by a former player.
While the victory was complete, it was not without error.
Jacory started out hot, which was great to see. He threw two dumb interceptions which you cannot excuse…they were simply dumb throws. It is clear to everyone that the kid does not like to give up on a play, but it is that same persistence which leads to late throws, which lead to turnovers (he doesn’t have the type of arm you need to make the throws he is trying to do).
There were dumb penalties (illegal formations) for the second straight game, and the middle of the Buckeyes defense was able to stand up to the Miami offensive line.
That being said, this was a positive game (message boards aside).
Lamar Miller is a legitimate Heisman candidate, although it wouldn’t hurt to see him punch one
or two in to the end zone (and that is picking nits). His opening run was a bolt of lightning that set a tone for the game.Allen Hurns is a beast. Sean Spence is a difference-maker and clearly the team leader.
(There are certain guys that, no matter their size or speed, are always the best PLAYER on the field. Ed Reed is one. Anquan Boldin used to be. They are just football players. Spence has a lot of that to him.)
The defense bowed up every time it needed to and provided two BIG takeaways.
The special teams...well, all I can say is wow. Kick coverage has not been this good in at least 5 years. Wieclaw and Botts looks like a solid combination to replace All- Timer Matt Bosher. Travis Benjamin is still Travis Benjamin, a bone fide threat to score every time he touches the ball.
The team looks ready to fight for every inch.
The lasting image of the game for me, setting aside Lamar’s dominance and Fickell’s surrender, was one that was cut quickly away from by the cameras.
Early in the 1st quarter, Spence ranged to the sideline to tackle an Ohio State runner short of a first down. He popped up on the Ohio State sideline and got in the face of the first guy he saw. One man stared down an entire bench.
Spence was making an announcement: “This is my house and I don’t give a f*ck who you are. Welcome to Dade, bitch.”
It was a display of fire that this team has been lacking. It did not ring hollow; it was not the false bravado we have seen from this team repeatedly as of late. In that moment there was no doubt that Miami had come to play. There would be no wilting on this night.
The game was never TRULY in doubt. There were nervous-making moments, but even those were quickly counter-balanced.
It was fun to watch a ‘Canes team play like this.
That should be the takeway from this game. And if it is a harbinger of things to come, this is going to be one hell of a season, win, lose or draw.
The special teams...well, all I can say is wow. Kick coverage has not been this good in at least 5 years. Wieclaw and Botts looks like a solid combination to replace All- Timer Matt Bosher. Travis Benjamin is still Travis Benjamin, a bone fide threat to score every time he touches the ball.
The team looks ready to fight for every inch.
The lasting image of the game for me, setting aside Lamar’s dominance and Fickell’s surrender, was one that was cut quickly away from by the cameras.
Early in the 1st quarter, Spence ranged to the sideline to tackle an Ohio State runner short of a first down. He popped up on the Ohio State sideline and got in the face of the first guy he saw. One man stared down an entire bench.
Spence was making an announcement: “This is my house and I don’t give a f*ck who you are. Welcome to Dade, bitch.”
It was a display of fire that this team has been lacking. It did not ring hollow; it was not the false bravado we have seen from this team repeatedly as of late. In that moment there was no doubt that Miami had come to play. There would be no wilting on this night.
The game was never TRULY in doubt. There were nervous-making moments, but even those were quickly counter-balanced.
It was fun to watch a ‘Canes team play like this.
That should be the takeway from this game. And if it is a harbinger of things to come, this is going to be one hell of a season, win, lose or draw.
Keep guarding the inbound passer.
PS- Big 10 still SUCKS!
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