Sports Illustrated Sleeps With the Fishes

Hello All,

I intended this morning to write an introduction to this blog that was a loose connection between the billboards that are starting to come out in full force for the new television series scheduled for this fall on the networks.

Then I caught wind of the upcoming tear down of the ‘Canes by Sports Illustrated. Call it “Why Miami Should Drop Football, V2.0”. Well, as a subscriber to Sports Illustrated, I decided it was time to end that financial relationship and do a little venting.

You will recall last summer I wrote a post about the evils of this magazine. At that time I said I would send my post in e-mail form to Sports Ill once a week until they printed a retraction or an apology.

Times have changed and certainly so have circumstances. So today I decided to cancel my subscription. But not before I fired off this letter to their editors:

“Your personification of the University of Miami is shameful. For years I
have subscribed to your magazine despite your checkered history with my alma
mater, but after your most recent smear job, I will never read your magazine
again. Congratulations, you lost a 5 year subscriber who, at the age of 24, had
roughly 50 years left as a consumer of your publication. It would be one thing
if you condemned Miami after FACTUAL EVIDENCE was discovered in wake of the ALLEGATIONS made by a scorned ex-booster guilty of $930 million in fraud (I
would define fraud for you but you clearly know what it means, as you base your
journalistic standards upon it). It would be one thing if you covered them in
the same light as you covered every other program that gets hit by scandal. But
you haven't. Where are the articles saying why North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn
State, Florida State, Florida, Oregon, Georgia Tech, LSU or Oklahoma should drop
football? Where are the highlights of Miami having a Top 10 APR performance
among all FBS football programs? Those are rhetorical, which I know is a fancy
word for someone like Alexander Wolff to understand, but what it means is you
don't actually have to answer. Not that you would anyway. You clearly have an
axe to grind and those questions can only be answered by an organization not
totally immersed in self-fellating. I am not surprised at your complete and
total sham of a story. What I am surprised by is that I ever expected any better
of you.”

Damn, now I feel better. And no, I am not sure if “fellating” is a word. But I think I got my point across. Hey Sports Ill, you’re f*ckin’ out, as Kenny Powers would say.


I kind of wish I could have a Michael Corleone moment with Wolff, sitting in my swivel chair in dimly lit Casa de Bro.







SCENE:







My muscle (my roommate Graham) walks him in as I sip from my glass of Scotch and blot my face with a cool towel.







Stein on the Sidelines, not turning around: Sit down Alex. *Takes puff of cigar* You have to answer for Miami, Wolff.

Wolff: Stein on the Sidelines, you got it all wrong.

SOS: Ah, that little farce you played with The Buckeyes. You think that would fool a 'Cane?

Wolff: I'm innocent, I swear on my kids. *stands up and tries to approach the chair*

SOS: *swiveling around* Sit down, Wolff.

Wolff: Don't do this to me...

SOS: Shapiro is dead. Wetzel, Robinson, May, Holtz. Today I settled all family business, so don't tell me that you're innocent. Admit what you did.

Wolff: *accepts airplane ticket from consiglieri (Billy Stein)*

SOS: Get him a drink. Don't be afraid Wolff. You think I'd make Sports Illustrated a widow? I am a five year subscriber.

SOS: Go ahead. Drink. Drink. No, you're out of the family business, that's your punishment. You're finished. I'm putting you on a plane to Vegas. Billy?

*Billy hands Wolff a ticket*

SOS: I want you to stay there, alright? Only don't tell me your innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry. Now, who approached who? You or the magazine?

Wolff: It was me.

SOS: Good. There's a car outside that will take you to the airport. I'll call your wife and tell her what flight you're on.

Wolff: Listen, Stein on the Sidelines...

SOS: Go. Get out of my sight.

*Wolff never makes it out of the driveway*

END SCENE

Now who wants to retract that article?

Every time I have to write something about this scandal (and by “have to” I mean I get so angry and distracted at work that no amount of Words With Friends or Angry Birds can help me) it makes me yearn for the days when I could just write about our very unproven football team.

Because we are running out of time to break down these players, this is going to a breakdown of the entire front 7 on defense and therefore maybe a little briefer than usual. I know this upsets the 23 of you who actually read this blog. To you I say…meh, I guess I have no excuse. This is just a long post. Deal with it.

On the defensive line, the ‘Canes return essentially everyone. Allen Bailey was a stud, but he always seemed to be achieving about 75% of what he was capable of. Bailey never could settle in as he shuffled between end and tackle, cutting into his production at both. He is gone to the NFL, but the d-line has more than enough bodies to throw into the mix. The question is, will they get enough disruption?

I am a huge proponent of a good defense starting with the defensive tackles, or as I like to call it, the Trickle Down Effect for football. If the tackles tie up the 3 interior linemen, then the defensive ends see single blockers on the outside, battles which they can win.

This frees up the linebackers from dealing with bigger linemen, and either has them going up against weaker running backs and tight ends or leaves them free to roam sideline to sideline and attack the ball.

The increased pressure on the quarterback means you can leave your corners in isolation more often, as they won’t have to go as long covering a receiver; they also benefit from rushed throws from quarterbacks, leading to more turnovers. Safeties become weapons instead of just over the top protectors.

In other words…it all starts down low (a fact I believe the Ying Yang Twins once waxed poetic on). While most of us watch the ball on every snap, try to take some time out of the next game you are at to watch the battle at the line of scrimmage. It will open your eyes to just how important these big men are to a football team; the team that moves the line of scrimmage in their favor wins the game.

DT

Micanor Regis, Sr.

Regis has been one of the few guys in the last few years who has gotten markedly better every year. He is one of the leaders of the team and showed up this season lighter and stronger (‘leaner’, I think they call it). People peg him as the run stuffer that we play next to Marcus Forston, but in reality he has a lot of playmaking ability of his own; this is illustrated by his three career picks, which is a bigger number than all of our cornerbacks…combined.

Ceiling: All ACC performer and outshines Forston as a more versatile player who can also flex out to end in a 3-4 situational alignment
Floor: Solid run stuffer

Marcus Forston, Jr.

Forston has been dogged by injuries throughout his career but has shown flashes of the promise the had folks comparing him to Warren Sapp and Jerome Brown when he came out of high school. He was one of the few that showed a consistent motor throughout the bowl game and has emerged as a leader this offseason. Has gotten rave reviews from the staff, and seemingly the only thing that could keep him from having a monster season in an injury or the NCAA Investigators dragging their feet.

Ceiling: First Team All American
Floor: Injured/Suspended

Darius Smith, Jr.

Smith arrived from Junior College this summer and has mad quite an impression, muscling his way to the 4th defensive tackle spot. He is nicknamed “plug”, so you know what kind of game to expect from him.

Ceiling: Terrance Cody
Floor: Out of shape and falls out of the rotation

Curtis Porter, So. (I hope)

Porter is probably the most underrated player on the team when he is healthy. He just clogs everything up in the middle and is a very formidable third tackle that is essentially a co-starter and takes pressure off of the Regis-Forston tandem.

Ceiling: Stays healthy and has the breakout season that earns him the recognition he deserves
Floor: Hurt


Luther Robinson, So.

Robinson has a lot of talent and started to see playing time last season, but still has a way to go to become a consistent contributor. In a dogfight for one of the fringe spots on the traveling roster.

Ceiling: Forces his way into playing time as a penetrating situational tackle as the season goes on
Floor: Out of the playing rotation

Jalen Grimble, Fr.

Grimble will be used as both a tackle and an end. He is very talented, as he was a 5 star recruit. However, he most likely redshirts this season.

Ceiling: Instant impact freshman
Floor: Forced into playing time by injury or suspension before he is ready.

Olsen Pierre, Fr.

Another big freshman, Pierre enrolled early and actually has a more realistic shot of playing time than the higher rated Grimble as a freshman. Another guy that will see snaps at both tackle and end in practice to boost the depth at both.

Ceiling: See “Grimble, Jalen”
Floor: See “Grimble, Jalen”

Corey King, Fr.

King was a late addition to the class and will most likely be headed to prep school, as he has run into NCAA Clearinghouse issues.

Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Prep School

DE

Adewale Ojomo, Sr.

Ojomo is one of the team’s most fiery players and also one of its best when he is in shape and on the field. He is a leader of the defense and looks poised to make some big noise before he graduates (I should write for Athlon or an equally cheesy publication). Linked to NCAA Investigation.

Ceiling: 10 sack season, All Conference
Floor: Suspended

Marcus Robinson, Sr.

Robinson is a pure speed rusher who wears down when played too much but can be devastating attacking from the edge. They have been using him as a flex end/linebacker in fall camp and that is probably where he should be. Linked to NCAA Investigation.

Ceiling: Spencer Adkins if they had ever figured out how to use him; Javon Nanton type of season
Floor: Suspended

Andrew Smith, Sr.

Smith is the guy who doesn’t look that great in the uniform and doesn’t jump off the screen at you but always seems to be around the ball making plays. Will continue to be a mainstay of the defensive end rotation this season.

Ceiling: 5+ sacks in a supporting role
Floor: Passed by more skilled players on the depth chart

Olivier Vernon, Jr.

An absolute monster physique and the physical tools to be an All American. Plays the game hard and with a chip on his shoulder. Will be a beast if he maxes out this season. Linked to NCAA Investigation.

Ceiling: All American
Floor: Suspended

Shayon Green, Fr.

One of the team’s hardest workers but also one of the most injury prone. Was tried as a middle linebacker last season before being moved back to end. Isn’t the biggest but plays his ass off.

Ceiling: Forces playing time through effort and motor and finds a role
Floor: Special teams demon

Dyron Dye, So. (MOVED TO TIGHT END)

Including him here because he moved from defensive end to tight end since I posted my breakdown of the receivers group. Dye is linked to the NCAA Investigation.

Ceiling: Special teams demon
Floor: Suspened

David Perry, RS-Fr.

Tall guy with a lot of speed and talent but has a lot of development left, even after last season’s redshirt.

Ceiling: Kick blocker extraordinaire
Floor: Forced into duty too early by suspension

Anthony Chickillo, Fr.

“3G” will play from day one, whether by suspension or not. He is a supremely talented kid who plays with the heart and tenacity of someone trying to get by on guts and guts alone. The future leader of the program and a contender for a starting job from day one.

Ceiling: Starter and Freshman All American
Floor: Fourth end in the rotation and special teams demon

Ricardo Williams, Fr.

Tall and skinny with a big motor. Needs to put on weight but has the potential to become a dynamic pass rusher, rather with his hand down or as a stand up edge guy.

Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Redshirt

At linebacker, the ‘Canes lose Colin McCarthy, another guy with a very productive career at Miami but deemed a failure by many who expected him to be Dan Morgan because he was white and wore the same jersey number. He will be tough to replace, but there is no shortage of talent in this group and definitely no shortage of competition.

LB

Sean Spence, Sr.

Spence is a super stud. He was the ACC Freshman of the Year, then went through a tough sophomore season filled with injuries before beating out again last season. He is a downhill linebacker and gets to the ball in a hurry. Once he is there, he is possibly the hardest hitter in the conference. He will always be on the small side but has bulked up to more than 220 lbs for the first time in his career. Along with Forston, Spence is the co-leader of this defense and probably the team as a whole. Linked to NCAA Investigation.

Ceiling: Butkus Award Winner
Floor: Suspended

Ramon Buchannan, Sr.

Buchannan is probably the top athlete on the defense. He is big and fast and agile enough to have been a safety at one point in his career. Has seemingly locked down a starting spot on the strong side, and could be devastating on the blitz.

Ceiling: All ACC
Floor: Rotation guy at linebacker

Jordan Futch, Sr.

This is it for Futch, who has always been one of my favorites but has never found a groove. Whether it is injury or the doghouse or inconsistency, he has been unable to find the field consistently. The current coaching staff has taken several subtle shots art Futch for his effort from play to play, and right now he looks like a backup.

Ceiling: Starting middle linebacker
Floor: 5th linebacker

C.J. Holton, Jr. (MOVED TO FB)

Holton has been moved over to fullback, a move many think is a way to force him out the door. I tend to see the glass half full and think it is more of a move to find a role for a good athlete who is buried on the depth chart. Think Tervarris Johnson.

Ceiling: Tervarris Johnson
Floor: Special teamer

Jimmy Gaines, So.

Gaines has all but locked down the starting middle linebacker job by pairing a breakout spring with a solid fall camp and seems to be one of the leaders of this corps. Great athlete and the type of kid you want to be the face of the program.

Ceiling: Breakout star of the defense
Floor: 4th linebacker

Kelvin Cain, So.

Along with Gaines, went lightly recruited out of high school but has since forced his way into early playing time, including a start last season against Duke in which he recorded a sack, a fumble recovery and 9 tackles. He needs to gain weight but looks like he will be in the mix again and a solid contributor that seemingly came from nowhere.

Ceiling: Beats Buchannan out for the strongside job
Floor: Special teams demon

Gionni Paul, Fr.

Paul has been the best of Miami’s freshman linebackers and has a ready made college body. Is Gaines’ main competition at middle linebacker at this time, or so it seems.

Ceiling: ACC All- Freshman team
Floor: Backup middle linebacker

Denzel Perryman, Fr.

Perryman is also in the mix at outside linebacker. He is on the small side like Spence, but more thickly built.

Ceiling: Freshman starter
Floor: Special teams demon

Eddie Johnson, Fr.

The least highly regarded of the ‘Canes freshman linebackers, he has inserted himself into the mix at middle linebacker and could be used as a blitzer as well. Is big of body and could be this season’s surprise.

Ceiling: Freshman starter
Floor: Redshirt

Antonio Kinard, Fr.

Has been flagged by the NCAA Clearinghouse and most likely is headed to prep school.

Ceiling: Redshirt
Floor: Prep School

Always guard the inbound passer.

And by the way, Maryland? There’s a freakin’ storm coming that would make Irene crap her pants, suspensions or not. That’s going to be an angry group of boys you’re dealin’ with. If I didn’t hate your fans so much I would almost feel bad for them. 11 days baby. We’re comin’.

I Want Blood

Hello All,

I hate Virginia. Why, you might ask? For a few of the following reasons:

1.) The Orange Bowl. Enough said.

2.)They beat Hopkins in lacrosse sometimes.

3.) Their uniforms could be so much cooler than they actually are.

4.) Their "Cavalier" mascot is the worst and I spend half of every game I see him at dreaming up ways in which he might get knocked off hsi horse.

5.) They suck at football and basketball but win titles in non-revenue generating sports and then talk about how awesome their athletics program is.

6.) I really hate their mascot.

7.) Everyone that goes there is a douche.

8.) Those people think they attend an Ivy league school. This is kind of like UNC or UCLA or Madison or any other snobby, huge state school. If you're from the state, you really don't have to be all that great to get in. Not a dummy, but probably not winning awards as a student either. I know people that went to Madison (I went to high school in Wisconsin) that were very smart and could have gotten in a lot of other places (that's for you Doug). I know a lot of dumbasses that went there that wouldn't have gotten in to any good schools out of state but got in to Madison because they had decent numbers and were residents (Doug, I think we both know who I am talking about). And since 90% of these state schools are comprised of in-staters...you can put two and two together. Listen, they're good schools. I went to Miami. Another good school, but not elite. I would never compare Miami to Stanford or Harvard. I am very content that my education was great without that comparison. Why can't these people just be the same way?

9.) Navy and orange reminds me of Gators colors.

10.) The Orange Bowl. Guess it wasn't enough before.

Anyway, nothing made me happier than the 'Canes running it up on the Wahoos (a stupid nickname) last season. Here's to hoping they do it again. And here's to a blazing fast breakdown:

QB

Well, let's see. Would you rather have Jacory or...wait....looking it up...really?!...I thought they benched this guy two years ago...Marc Verica, PhD? I thought so. EDGE: Miami

RB

Damien Berry looks to extend his streak of 100 yard days to 5. Virginia is averageing about 5 ypc, but this ain't Eastern Michigan or William & Mary. Oh, and here's a fun fact: Virginia's run defense is 79th in the nation.EDGE: Miami

Receivers

Hankerson, Byrd and Benjamin all bounced back with touchdown catches last week for the first time in 2.5 seasons of playing together. Virginia's Kevin Burd is one to watch, as he has made some plays for the 'Hoos. The emergence of Asante Cleveland as a pass catching tight end for the 'Canes can not be discounted. EDGE: Miami

Offensive Line

Have you seen Allen Bailey lately? EDGE: Miami

Defensive Line

Seriously, have you? EDGE: Miami

Linebackers

UVa is giving up a ton of yards as it struggles to go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme. EDGE: Miami

Secondary

Miami's guys, particularly Telemaque, are ballhawking and are 2nd in the nation in interceptions with 14. EDGE: Miami

Special Teams

Miami housed one against UVa last year. Hear that, TB3? Coverage still has to improve, although it was much better last week. EDGE: Miami

Miami should win this one by three scores minimum.

OTHER PICKS

Last Week: 3-3

Season: 34-21 (2-5 in upset specials...2 in a row!)

Clemson over BC

South Carolina (the REAL SC) over Tennessee

Tulsa over Notre Dame

Iowa over Michigan State

Mizzou over Nebraska

UiF over UGA (Cocktail Party!)

Texas over Baylor

Utah over Air Force

USC over Oregon (Upset, but not my upset special)

UPSET SPECIAL

Ole Miss over Auburn

Never underestimate Nutt. Divisional game, at home, an offense quitely averaging 30 points and a the feisty Landshark defense....

Always guard the inbound passer.

Bringin' the Noise

Hello All,

Well, let's not say The U is back.

Let's not book a trip to the ACC Title Game just yet.

Let's not look ahead to the two Techs.

We have been down that road too many times.

Instead, let's just talk about the ASS WHUPPING that Miami put on North Carolina the other night.

I know, 'Canes fans, UNC was playing without some studs. Blah blah blah. Before this game, everyone and their mother said that if Miami lost than Randy Shannon should be gone. So what happens? Miami puts an old school beat down on a team that has had their number for years, and they do it with style.

And in typical 'Canes fan fashion, North Carolina goes from an opponent to be feared to an overrated tomato can.

I don't buy it at all.

UNC was a scrappy team that won 4 games in a row, and was a few plays from being undefeated, for a reason. They came out and hit Miami in the mouth early, which prompted everyone in the stadium to pucker their butt cheeks and get ready for the inevitable 17-3 halftime deficit followed by a long-shot comeback attempt in the 4th quarter.

Instead, Miami stepped up and made a huge play to keep themselves out of the pothole. They played three quarters of highlight reel football and turned in a complete, even performance.

Playmakers stepped up and made plays.

More importantly, leadership emerged.

I texted my friend Francis on Monday and said: "How great would it be to read a report that Damien Berry called a players only meeting?"

Turns out, it happened. The players got together and decided they were done with the lacksadaisical play. They decided they were no longer going to walk on eggshells.

There were several moments that stood out to me from the game. Spence and Vaughn Telemaque combining on the big turnover in the 1st quarter. Spence and Brandon Harris dancing their way off the field after Harris' pick. Jacory running down the field to celebrate another touchdown throw. Allen Bailey standing over a limp T.J. Yates. Travis Benjamin's highlight reel catch. Tyrone Cornelius going Robert Bailey on the UNC kick returner. Asante Cleveland's huge catch on 4th and short.

None is more important than Vaughn Telemaque and his offensive teammates scuffling on the sideline, however.

It showed accountability throughout the roster. It showed fight. It showed maturity. It showed a willingness to do whatever it takes to win.

Some guys are stoic leaders. Randy Shannon and Jacory would rather lead by example than by words. That's fine. You do need some people that are willing to ruffle someone's feathers, however.

From the time of the sideline incident on, Miami loosened up and began to play like sharks that smelled blood in the water.

Randy Shannon realized his team was finally taking charge of itself and let his guard down a little.

This is what happens for good teams. It looks like the light might have come on for this group of young men on the field on Saturday night. They finally took the game by the balls and bent it to their will.

While all this was going on in Miami, my roommate Graham and I were freaking out in Los Angeles. The noise was not limited to the 'Canes woofing on the field; after the game, Graham and I found out that our property manager had gotten three calls complainging about our noise level during the game. On a Saturday night. Before the sun even set.

Even the fans had swag on Saturday night. It was a sight for sore eyes.

Always guard the inbound passer.

Pursuit of Happiness

Hello All,

Alright, I admit, I usually think it is cheesy when people try and write about sports mirroring real life. It is usually trite and cliche. So consider this a waiver. I am trying to do something with this post that I have never really done before and it might suck. But it is my blog and I guess that means I can do whatever the hell I want.


For the last couple of weeks I, like most 'Canes fans, have been unhappy with the way the team has played. That is an understatement. I have been thoroughly disappointed. We got our asses handed to us by FSU and then played with our food against Duke. It has not been pretty, to say the least.


Over the last two weeks, I have also been dealing with things outside of football for the first time in a while. Last football season, I was living at home and working a stable, 9-5 job. I had no real social life to consider, so I was able to devote all of my energies to watching college football and drinking beer with my Dad. I enjoyed the hell out of it, even though some might call it "arrested development".


This year, things are different. I work three jobs, one of which requires me to wake up at 3:30 every morning. I am starting over in a new city and doing just enough to keep my head above water.


I burn both ends of the candle and spend beer money that I don't really have. It's all good and normal and healthy. Hell, I am having a fantastic time. However, it sometimes leaves me feeling like I am not putting things in their proper perspectives. Every now and then I need to take a step back and refocus.

A few weeks ago I met a girl who I actually like (notice the tense). We hit it off. As the night progressed, it came to light that the girl has a boyfriend (of course she does, Dan).

I made a decision a couple of years ago after a 2 year saga with a girl took up too much of my life and time to ever get back.

After debriefing that situation I figured out that it went bad because I dilly-dallied. I am a firm believer that people know things instinctually and quickly;essentially what Malcolm Gladwell wrote about in "Blink". In other words, I messed up and paid for it because I went against my gut. As my father once told me: "Keep It Simple Stupid".

I decided that in the future I was going to find out what I really wanted and go after it one hundred percent. I decided that I would never be able to say that I had not given it my all. I will follow my instinct and ride out the storm, because at least at the end of the day I did what I believe. It lead to me moving to Los Angeles, amongst other things.

The reason I tell you all this is because as sad as it may sound, all of the above has enetered into my thought process lately as I think about this week's game against UNC. I have drawn some paralells.


I decided long ago that the Miami Hurricanes are something I will give one hundred percent to. When they lose, it is easy to see the impact it has on me. If you need proof, look at my last three blog posts. Not my strongest work. I spent a good part of this week thinking about the 'Canes and how I felt about various subjects.

That is when I realized that none of the micro-subjects matter. All that matters is the macro. Maybe this is where I differ from most of the Miami fanbase, which I am completely turned against at this point.

In the short term, bad things happen. It is part of football.

Just like with this new girl.

One of my favorite rappers is Kid Cudi. This is one of my favorite lyrics:




I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,

Everything that shine ain't always
gonna be gold.

I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be good.

It tells the tale perfectly of staying enthusiastic and passionate about things even when they seem crappy. The pursuit of happiness is long, and that is why it is called a pursuit.


Sometimes the team you think is poised for a title run loses.

Sometimes the girl you hit it off with has a boyfriend.


In either case, you have to keep pushing through and let things play out. The pursuit of either is long and difficult. It is full of speed bumps. Both are going to leave you feeling miserable some days. You will wake up one day and things will be great. The next, you might wake up and feel angry at the world. The next, you might feel helpless. Passion is a great thing but can be a double edges sword. And I wouldn't trade my passionate style of living for anything.

However, no matter how hard the traverse, there is always beauty to be found. Sometimes it isn't the destination, but the journey (again, thanks Dad).

It is fun to watch a young team learn how to win through difficult times. It is fun to develop a friendship with a new person, even if ultimately your goal is bigger.

The important thing to remember is that passion is what gets you through rough times in ANYTHING, whether it is work, relationships, sports, etc. If you find yourself in a daze, you have to ask yourself if the juice is worth the squeeze. If it is not, then walk away, because there is no use in half assing something. It just leaves you unfulfilled.


After a pensive week which resulted in this blog, I am a rededicated 'Canes fan. I think Randy Shannon is the right man for this job. Even if I didn't, I would support the hell out of him until a decision was made to go in a different direction. At which point I would support the hell out of the next guy in line.

That's called being a fan. And as such, with a new lease on fanhood (sparked by, of all things, a girl), I give you my UNC preview.


QB





TJ Yates is playing very well right now. Better than Jacory. I think Jacory is going to have a great game, but there is no denying the last few weeks, in which Yates has been lights out. EDGE: UNC





RB





Damien Berry and Mike James are running like men possessed. And now the 'Canes are going to get sparks from Coop and Lamar Miller. EDGE: Miami





WR

Hankerson continues to ball out for the 'Canes, although he is dropping some easy ones. Meanwhile, LaRon Byrd is quietly emerging as the No. 2 guy. UNC is badly hurt by the loss of tight end Zach Pianalto. EDGE: Miami



OL

UNC will play with discipline as usual. Miami will not, as usual. EDGE: UNC

DL

Miami's guys are playing with fire again, while UNC's two best are done for the season. EDGE: Even

LB

UNC has Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant, two potential all americans. Miami has Sean Spence and a few guys whose jusgement is still waiting, including Ramon Buchannon, Colin McCarthy and the new guy in the mix, Kelvin Cain. EDGE: UNC

Secondary

Miami's guys have been ballhawking, especially Vaughn Telemaque. Brandon Harris has locked his man down as well for the 'Canes, while UNC is without its two starting corners. EDGE: Miami

Special Teams

UNC plays with more discipline here. EDGE: UNC

While Miami would seem like the favorite, Sean Spence said it best when he told reporters that UNC owns the 'Canes until Miami finally beats them. Miami is certainly capable, but they have to come out and play great football for four quarters. We will see.

Other picks:

Oregon over UCLA


LSU over Auburn


Oklahoma over Mizzou


Iowa over Wisconsin


Nebraska over Oklahoma State


Baylor over Kansas State (Upset Special)





Always guard the inbound passer.

Duke Preview

Hello All,

This has been a ridiculously long week for every 'Canes fan and now it is time to move on from the debacle.

The 'Canes look to get back on track this weekend against a Duke team that will put up more of a fight at home then you probably think. As Don Bailey Jr. said yesterday on Sid Rosenberg's (The Carpetbagger as I like to call him) radio show, Duke is licking its chops. They have nothing to lose and see a Miami team coming off a major beatdown that might have its head elsewhere.

There is your cheesy intro and here is the breakdown:

QB

Call me crazy, but I thought Jacory was a bright spot last week. Improved decision making, pulled it down and ran a few times, managed the game well and did it while hurt. The problem is his receivers let him down again, dropping balls that hit them in the hands. Duke will start promising Sena Renfree, who is probably still a year or two away from being a major threat but can definitely sling it. EDGE: Miami

RB

Damien Berry quietly ran for 101 yards against FSU and ran hard all game. Miami compiled 185 total yards on the ground and seems to have made it more a priority of late to establish the run game, which will help Jacory out immensely. Duke's leading rusher is Desmond Scott. They don't run it much but he is a big play threat, bringing in an average of 5.7 ypc and a long run of 63 yards on the season. If Miami gets Lamar Miller back for this game it will be hard to decide who gets the secondary carries between Miller, Graig Cooper and Mike James, as each has had their moments. EDGE: Miami

WR

Leonard Hankerson is clearly Miami's go to guy, and the rest of the receivers have battled major inconsistency. I personally think it is LaRon Byrd's time to shine. I also think if I were Shannon I would send out freshman Allen Hurns and sophomore Kendall Thompkins for the first two series just to send a message. Miami is hurt by the lack of a viable threat at tight end. Meanwhile, Donavan Varner and Conner Vernon have been great in Duke's pass happy attack. Never thought I would type this...EDGE: Duke

OL

Miami on both talent and caliber of opponent this Saturday. EDGE: Miami

DL

Miami is more talented and if they play the way I think they will then they should have at least 5 sacks. Allen Bailey must make more of an impact. Duke brings back senior defensive ends that will put pressure on Jacory if allowed. EDGE: Miami

LB

Sean Spence is Miami's best player, but it is time for someone to step up and make plays aside from him. Colin McCarthy looks a step slow and out of position at middle linebacker, and Ramon Buchannan seems to take two steps forward and one step back. Shannon said he will work Kelvin Cain more into the mix, and if healthy, hopefully we will see more Jordan Futch as well too. Duke runs a 3-4, which means they will be attacking Jacory with blitzes all day in hopes of forcing a mistake downfield. EDGE: Miami

Secondary

Miami is more talented and is beginning to get a knack for turnovers. If they ever get a game where all four guys play well together then they will be a force. EDGE: Miami

Special Teams

Who knows at this point. Miami is too inconsistent in all phases, and yes, that includes you now Mr. Bosher (my man crush). EDGE: Even

OTHER PICKS

Last Week: 3-6

Season: 24-18

Upset Specials: 0-5

Texas over Nebraska (Upset SPECIAL!)

Cincy over Louisville

Auburn over Arkansas

Iowa over Michigan

Texas Tech over Okie State

Wisconsin over Ohio State (Hopefully the meteor though)

'Bama over Ole Miss Blackbears

And yes, don't worry, at some point soon I will definitely do something about the state of the program and the FSU loss. Still too soon. Just know that I am in the type of mood that I hope every team loses every week just so all fan bases are as pissed as me.

Also, turns out I have the ability to see what my readership is. All jokes aside, I am getting like 3000 reads per month, which is awesome and a little humbling. I also have readers in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia as well as North America. Shout out to you all, but most specifically those in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have a hard time believing any native Afghanis or Iraqis are reading this, which means that those readers are serving this beautiful country of ours and protecting the freedom of chuckleheads like me. Provides a lot of perspective when contemplating a win or loss. Thank you all very much and get home safe.

I love the 'Canes, but the only thing I love more is America.

FSU Week

Hello All,

This is my favorite and least favorite week of the year.

Positives:

-I have an excuse to watch my favorite 'Canes video every day instead of only on gameday
-My brother and I exchange several-times-daily texts counting down the hours until the beatdown
-I get to hear stories all week about FSU players disrespecting The U only to have it rubbed in their face during the game
-I get to hear UM fans bitch about how terrible we are and how amazing FSU is....oh, wait, that is not a positive...
-It all ends in my favorite game of the year

Negatives:

-Lack of sleep
-Lots of nervous energy
-Living on the West Coast, I have to worry about where I will watch this game online (i.e. if a bar will have it or if I will be stuck watching one of the top ten rivalry games in college football on my laptop screen because ABC/ESPN/The Universe are in a constant battle to see who can buttf*ck me the hardest) because for some reason this is the one week of the entire effing year that ESPN and ABC are not doing a reverse mirror of their coverage

Obviously, the positives outweigh the negative.

People don't understand this rivalry and its meaning to 'Cane Nation (yep, went with the cheesy "______ Nation" reference). I have been asked this week why it is so much bigger than Miami and UiF.

My explanation, which is sometimes understood and sometimes not by outsiders, is that Miami and FSU are like estranged brothers. We recruit many of the same kids, rose to success at roughly the same time, play every year (even when we weren't required to) and play with similar chips on our shoulders. At the end of the day, Miami fans don't like FSU for one week out of the year, sometimes two. Other than that, we respect the program.

It is undeniable that they are talented and our rivalry was born organically, through a series of great games. It was not manufactured like rivalries with teams like Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Georgia Tech or Syracua were or have been.

What separates the 'Noles from the Gators and Notre Dame is that while we have history of great games with all three, the 'Noles never took us off their schedule. All three fanbases talk a lot of smack when it comes to the 'Canes; the 'Noles are the only ones who try and back it up every year.

It makes me glad to see their program rising back up at the same time as we do. College football is at its best when these two programs are at their best.

This is not supposed to be a lovefest for the 'Noles; as I said, I respect them, but I do not like them.

It is meant more to be an explanation of why this week is so special. People are concerned that the 'Canes will let up this week after their tough stretch. I say not a chance. This game is the reason kids go to these two schools, like the Iron Bowl at Auburn and Alabama or the Michigan-Ohio State game or the Wisconsin vs. Austin Peay game (wait, that's not a rivalry?).

This game will bring out the best in both sides. And with that, here's your breakdown:

QB

Christian Ponder is probably the better quarterback and takes better care of the ball, but I think Jacory is the better winner. Either way, this matchup will be talked about ad nauseum during the game and I do not need to add to that. EDGE: Even

RB

Both teams have deep stables of talented backs. FSU features Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones, while Miami will be lead by Damien Berry and Mike James taking snaps for the injured Lamar Miller. Look out for Storm Johnson or Graig Cooper as the X Factor. EDGE: Even

WR

Leonard Hankerson is a matchup nightmare. FSU's number one guy is Bert Reed; the 'Noles will always be talented in this group but the production has not yet been there this season. Given the double team Hankerson will likely draw and his career history, I would figure Travis Benjamin for a big game with at least one score and a few big plays. EDGE: Miami

OL

FSU comes in banged up here. Even if their starting left tackle, Andrew Datko, plays, he will be rusty and going up against one of the nation's top defensive lines. If he doesn't, then that means a redshirt freshman will be getting heavy snaps at one of the two tackle spots, either starting at left tackle or sliding to right tackle and pushing Zebrie Sanders out of position to left tackle from right tackle. Miami seems to be getting better week to week and will have its hands full to keep Jacory upright against a team that leads the nation in sacks. I have officially concluded that Joel Figueroa has earned a spot on the bench. If he is in, he will be the weak link. Neither side looks like it will be able to do much against the opposing d-line. Miami's Sentrel Henderson is getting better week to week and could be responsible for a huge role in this one. EDGE: Even

DL

Miami leads the nation in TFL and is getting great push from its front four. Allen Bailey and Olivier Vernon lead the way at end, but look out for Marcus Robinson and Andrew Smith, who have both played well. At tackle, Marcus Forston is playing great football and must continue to disrupt the other team's interior line. He has helped Sean Spence re-emerge as an elite player. FSU is lead by Demonte McCallister and Markus White on the d-line, but their competition to this point has been questioned. Miami gets the slight nod. EDGE: Miami

LB

Both squads have a lot of speed here. Spence will be the best player on the field. FSU's talented crew is lead by Nigel Bradham, who finally appears to be playing to his potential. They will be without multiple offender Nigel Carr, who set a Fullmer Cup record for most felonies in one arrest earlier this season. For Miami, Colin McCarthy is solid and Ramon Buchannan and Jordan Futch both played well last week. EDGE: Even

Secondary

Brandon Harris and Ryan Hill are playing very well at corner, while Ray Ray Armstrong and DVD are becoming opportunistic ball hawks. FSU is lead by Greg Reid, who has talked a lot of smack going into the matchup. The interesting part is that FSU plays a lot of zone coverage, meaning Reid won't even be responsible directly for a man for the most part, making his boasts a little more hollow. And let's be real, what are the odds that the 5'9" Reid doesn't get posterized by the 6'3" Hankerson, 6'4" LaRon Byrd or 6'2" Aldarious Johnson at some point? EDGE: Miami

Special Teams

Reid is, like Travis Benjamin, an electric return man. Miami would be smart to kick away from him, given their coverage units. In the kicking game, Miami has Matt Bosher and FSU has long memories of pushing field goals wide right and wide left. EDGE: Even

I see this one being close, as usual, and decided late. It is honestly a coin flip and I would not bet either way. I just can't wait for it to get here.

PICKS:

Last Week- 6-3
Season- 21-12 (0-4 in Upset Specials)

Nebraksa over K State
UCONN over Rutgers
BC over NC State
Penn State over Illinois
Tennessee over UGa
'Bama over South Cackalacky
Michigan State over Michigan
UiF over LSU

UPSET SPECIAL: Baylor over Texas Tech

Always guard the inbound passer.

Inches

Hello All,

In "Any Given Sunday", Al Pacino's character famously opines:

We’re in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me. And, we can stay here -- get the
sh*t kicked out of us -- or we can fight our way back into the light. We can
climb outta hell one inch at a time...You know, when you get old in life things
get taken from you. I mean that's...part of life. But, you only learn that when
you start losing stuff. You find out life’s this game of inches. So is football.
Because in either game, life or football, the margin for error is so small -- I
mean one-half a step too late, or too early, and you don’t quite make it.
One-half second too slow, too fast, you don’t quite catch it.The inches we need
are everywhere around us.They’re in every break of the game, every minute, every
second. On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear
ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our
fingernails for that inch, because we know when we add up all those inches
that’s gonna make the f*ckin' difference between winning and losing!
Between livin' and dyin'!I’ll tell you this: In any fight, it’s the guy who’s
willing to die who’s gonna win that inch. And I know if I’m gonna have any life
anymore, it’s because I’m still willin' to fight and die for that inch. Because
that’s what livin' is! The six inches in front of your face!

I bring this up for a few reasons. First of all, this is my favorite football movie and this is my favorite scene in the movie. I think it is completely underrated and I have wanted to include this in a blog of mine pretty much since I started writing one. Second of all, the italicized section is particularly poignant when digesting Miami's win over Clemson.

As fans, sometimes we get to live in our own world. We have the luxury of being able to sit down and watch a game as an observer and say things like "Jacory should have thrown that ball to the guy's back shoulder" and tally up errors and dissect and dissect and dissect as the game goes along.

We do not, however, have access to the player's point of view. We are not on the field when the proverbial bullets start flying.

We live in a world of theory. The players live in a world of actuality.

Football is an imperfect sport. After every game, even the best teams come away with a laundry list of things to work on. That's just football. The true test of your grit is if you can adjust when the game starts going in the other direction. When the inches become harder to win or, worse, you start losing them. When you are punched in the mouth a couple of times and have to respond.

Let's not lose sight of what Miami did in this game.

Jacory once again made some bad throws. They sucked. Period. He could have very easily checked out. But he didn't. He kept attacking. He showed a Favre-like resolve in rallying and rallying his team. He threw four touchdowns against a good defense. He scrambled out of a sack on 1st and 20 and turned it in to a 17 yard gain. He checked down to Leonard Hankerson for a key 3rd and 5 conversion late in the 4th quarter that kept the clinching drive going.

He played like a winner. It wasn't pretty. He had to scrap for it. He had to kick and fight and spit and claw his way out of some bad situations, created both by himeself and his offensive line and a good Clemson front four. But he got it done.

Miami also had to overcome a talented team playing in it's own stadium on Homecoming in front of a LOUD crowd. It had to overcome it's third straight road game. Most importantly, it had to overcome the refs. The refs were terrible. Period. I am a lifelong Miami Hurricanes fan. I have seen some TERRIBLE officiating go against us. This might have been the worst, highlighted by the following, which as far as I know is a first in the history of football:

Tommy Streeter is essentially handed the ball by the Clemson return man ona muffed fair catch. Miami has the ball inside Clemson's 30. The refs challenge the play. The call is overturned, citing a rule that states if a fair catch is called and the returner loses possession but the ball does not touch the ground then the returner must be allowed space to recover the ball. Fine. that's a stupid rule, but the rule nonetheless. Here's what got me. The golden rule with challenges is that you cannot use them to assess a penalty or take one away. Not allowed. It was a huge sticking point during the replay debate. The refs called no penalty on the play in question. And yet, somehow, Miami came out of the challenge without the ball AND WITH A 15 YARD PENALTY. On a play that I personally watched Clemson replicate 3 times during the course of the game without being whistled. Annnnd scene.

There were 5 instances wherein Miami got called for a bad penalty/screwed on a replay in this game. 5. It was such a comedy of errors that my buddy Francis texted me "if these good ol' boys are going to be so blatant they might as well just call the penalty on N-word #86". I hate going racial, but I almost have to agree.

And yet, despite that, Miami pressed on. The entire second half was one big momentum shift toward Clemson. And yet, Miami came up with 6 turnovers, none bigger than the forced fumble/fumble recovery by the benched Demarcus Van Dyke. They held strong on a BIG 4th&1 late in the game that should have been a gimme for Clemson. They held strong even though a true freshman right tackle was going against Clemson's Freakshow DeQuan Bowers in his first career start.

They held on, won the inches and won the game. Isn't that really what matters?

It has been said too many times too count about this team that they are too soft mentally and physically. That they are talented but can't go on the road and win a big game. That they are talented but they can't win if they are not one hundred percent on their game. That they shrink from big spots and big moments.

This was a game where Miami played to maybe 80% of their potential. It was on the road. It was against a good team. It was filled with pressure points, those moments when you see how big an inch really is. And Miami knocked it out of the park.

Sure it was ugly. Sure it was at times frustrating. Sure I had to call my dad and make sure his ticker was tickin' the way it should.

But good teams go on the road and win the tough ones. They win ugly. They see the games that everyone deems a "yardstick" game and they win them. Bottom line is that they find a way to get the job done.

Already, Miami fans are saying Clemson was overrated (even though they all predicted Clemson to win the game) and are saying FSU is the real test. It will be the same thing if we beat FSU. Fans have the luxury of sitting on their high horse. They dwell on the negative and don't talk about Sean Spence emerging past DeAndre McDaniel as the top defender in the ACC. Or the d-line continuing to get pressure. Or the run game churning out yards. Or the 6 turnovers.

They also often forget the most important thing: The W.

Miami got The W and Clemson didn't. They got it because they won the inches.

I'll take 10 more just like it.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Hello All,

So, can we just pretend that Ohio State game didn’t happen?

That’s what I have been trying to do this week. Well, the last two days anyway. Sunday and Monday were marked by my perpetual scowl that prompted several “you sure you’re doing ok?” comments Monday morning at work. It also inspired this exchange:

Random lady (presumably my superior) walks in to the office of the guy across from me (a fellow football fan): “Hey, how was your weekend?!”

Guy across from me: “Good, the Seahawks won.”

Random lady: “Yeah, my team won too!”

Guy across from me: Cuts her off by pointing at me

Random lady: Looks at me and says “You’re a Miami guy?”

Stein on the Sidelines:

Random lady: “Well that’s too bad.”

Stein on the Sidelines:

Annnnnnd scene. This will not be in the next, updated edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People. It will also, most likely, not do wonders for my schemes to get hired on full time at this office.

But, now that the initial malaise has worn off, some thoughts from the game:

- Jacory is taking a ton of heat for this one. People are saying he has not progressed and is not the guy to take us to the promised land. I say that of the four picks, two (possibly three) were on the receivers. Additionally, the best throw he made all game was a DART to Aladrious Johnson in the end zone that the usually clutch and sure handed Johnson dropped. In total, there were 9 drops (according to Randy Shannon). That means that nine times Jacory hit a receiver in the hands and didn’t get a completion.

- Lamar Miller is the most explosive player Miami has had since Devin Hester. Oh, by the way, I called his kick return touchdown. Before the game started. Excuse me while I pat myself on the back.

- Annndddd…yep, pretty sure Harlan Gunn just jumped offside again. Alright, this is one thing that infuriated me almost above all others. I get it when Jermaine Johnson commits a bad penalty. This was his first playing time as a Miami Hurricane. That happens. However, Gunn and Joel Figueroa are in their fourth and fifth years, respectively, in the program. Gunn jumped the gun at least twice, possibly three, and Figs got called for a bad penalty too.

- The defense acquitted itself very well given that the Buckeyes’ average starting position had to have been near midfield (I have not seen the stats yet because they will only make me angry). However, take out the 3407653458734265 missed tackles and three dropped interceptions and this is a Miami route.

- Best players for the game: Jacory Harris (kidding), Miller, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston, Allen Bailey, Colin McCarthy, Brandon Harris, Brandon McGee, Damien Berry (2nd Half), Olivier Vernon’s Mohawk

- Special teams is a mixed bag. The return game is explosive and will be great to watch all year. There will be punts blocked this year. However, we have got to stop taking momentum and then giving up a big return.

- Bottom line is that this team is clearly the most talented we have had in a while but got punched in the face on the road and couldn’t strike back well enough to win. They fought all game but in the end beat themselves with penalties and poor execution. Against Duke, maybe you get away with this. Against Ohio State you lose. If the team takes this loss seriously and puts the pedal to the metal, they will be serious threats to win out, crack the top five and be in the title discussion if a few teams lose. If this loss fails to register and the team doesn’t take it to heart, then we will probably end up at 9-3 and in the Capital One Bowl as the most talented 3 loss team I have ever seen.

Quick Picks for the Week, after my dismal showing last weekend:

Gainesville Police Department over Florida
Cincy over NC State (Thanks for playing this week’s game of “Embarrassing OOC Losses”)
UGA over Arkansas
FSU over BYU
Texas over Texas Tech (Will be closer than you think)
Stanford over Wake Forest (I now appreciate the time difference excuse)
Wisconsin over (INSERT CUPCAKE HERE _____________)
Auburn over Clemson (Wraps up another strong week for the ACC)

UPSET SPECIAL

Duke over Alabama

PSYCH!

Let’s go with Washington over Nebraska. Why the hell not?

Always guard the inbound passer.

Get Well Soon Frankie

Hello All,

Going with the no-frills approach here. My buddy Frank, or Fran as his friends call him, is recovering from having part of his intestinal tract and appendix out. And a catheterization (word?). Ouch.

Anyway, here's something to keep you occupied and on the mend buddy. Also, if it makes you feel any better, my buddy and I got stopped in the middle of hitting on a pair of chicks the other night and got asked if we were gay...in all seriousness. Dan Stein, ladies and gentlemen.

LINEBACKERS PREVIEW

The Season That Was: Colin McCarthy and Daryl Sharpton had good seasons. However, the ‘Canes found themselves thin at the position when Sean Spence, already struggling in a new role, went down for three games in the middle of the season. Jordan Futch, promising early in the season, also found himself out for the season after the first few games, and Ramon Buchannan only rounded in to form at the end of the season. At one point, Miami found itself using Randy Phillips as a nickel linebacker. Depth is of the utmost importance at this position. That, and the ability to cover a tight end, which has been missing from the linebacking corps for years. A better push from the interior linemen will make life A LOT easier for the linebackers, most of all Sean Spence.

What Was Lost: Sharpton was a fourth round pick by the Titans, and his play late in the season makes his loss even greater. Arthur Brown transferred after being mostly a non-impact guy in his two years. And folks, again, Romeo Davis is no longer here, which merits repeating every

year.

Roll Call

Colin McCarthy (Sr.) – The captain of the defense is being looked upon for lots of production in addition to leadership. He is big enough to play middle, but the coaches like him better at weakside. He is not great in space but is a wrecking ball against the run and more athletic than he gets credit for. Probably serves the team best at middle linebacker, but his roll depends on who does what in spring behind around him.

Kylan Robinson (Sr.) – Little used fifth year senior that is being given the first crack at the middle linebacker job. He is a converted running back, which implies a certain amount of athleticism, and his experience in the program would imply leadership. However, no one has any idea what he actually is, no matter what they say. He could end up being this year’s Tervarris Johnson/Marcus Maxey that comes out of nowhere to become a contributor as an upperclassman after being written off. Or he could end up on special teams, as per usual. Fall practice will tell. On the bright side, he is always good to throw the last, meaningless block on a punt return touchdown, a skill that not enough people recognize.

Sean Spence (Jr.) – Hard to believe he is already a junior. My personal favorite defensive player

on the team struggled a bit last year with a switch to the strong side. He is ideally used as a guy that is free to roam and blitz without having to cover tight ends that he routinely gives up 30-50 lbs to. He is also the team’s most versatile linebacker; will play weakside if McCarthy is in the middle of strongside if McCarthy is in the weakside. Will definitely play in nickel situations and hopefully will blitz more.

Jordan Futch (Jr.) – Futch was a special teams monster that was beginning to impact the defense last season when he went down with an injury. He is being counted on to win the third linebacker spot and ensure Miami gets their three most talented linebackers on the field. Futch is probably the best blend of size and speed at this position group and is a star if he can stay on the field, in my estimate.

Ramon Buchannan (Jr.) – Very athletic kid (high school long jumper) that was originally a safety and is competing with Futch to keep Robinson on the bench. Would be the ideal

strong side linebacker as a big kid that should be able to cover tight ends, given his background. I thought he looked better at the end of last season than the beginning (always a good thing), and hopefully he can carry it in to fall practice. Also is in all likelihood the least talkative player on the team, which gives me even more reason to root for him. Imagine Susan Miller Degman trying to pry information out of him so she can write her next hacky, cheesy, washed up, canned story for the Miami Herald. He would give her the look that Carlos Avion gave Turtle when Turtle said he wanted to bang his God-daughter.

C.J. Holton (So.) – Another converted safety who is trying to flatten the learning curve and insert himself in to the rotation. Like Buchannan, should be a good candidate physically for the strong side. Will be a special teams contributor regardless , but if he gets the mental part down he could be special. Holton, Futch and Buchannan are the guys that will determine whether this linebacking corps is special or mediocre.

Shayon Green (R-Fr.) – Missed the season last year with a knee injury and proved in spring to not be ready for the starting middle linebacker role. Has great size and straight line speed to go with his motor. Will need to prove he can play in space and learn the playbook if he wants to win the competition in the fall. I think he is a special teamer this season that will challenge for the starting role in 2011.

Tyrone Cornelius (Fr.) – Early enrollee who is very fast and athletic but also very small. Like Spence, could be a great blitzer and hitter if he is allowed to roam but will not, at his size, be effective covering a tight end. Hopefully a redshirt guy, but could play a lot on special teams depending on numbers.

Kevin Nelson (Fr.) – The Wildcard. Has talked a lot of smack to this point, and he has not yet taken part in an official team practice. No one is doubting his desire, but now it is time to see if he has what it takes to grab the middle linebacker job as a freshman or if he needs more time. I think he would be best off in an understudy role this season, seeing some game time as the games go on, unless he is clearly the number one middle linebacker in the fall. That being said, if it is a tie between Nelson and Robinson I think you play the freshman over the senior. Also worth noting that he called the Gators coaching staff grimy and essentially compared Urban Meyer to Fredo, which will score him points with Stein on the Sidelines (and hopefully all 8 readers).

Travis Williams (Fr.) – VERY talented, tall and lean. Hard hitter that can get after the passer. Great candidate for either outside linebacker spot, and has said that he likes covering tight ends (music!). Would be a missile on special teams but also could redshirt to gain weight (if he makes it in to school, that is).

Jimmy Gaines (Fr.) – Big kid who has room to put on weight and is young for his grade. Relative unknown in high school but could be groomed with Nelson as the middle linebackers of the future. Almost a definite redshirt.

Kelvin Cain (Fr.) – If he is on the roster (grades) will almost assuredly redshirt. Has the size to grow in to any of the three linebacker positions or defensive end. Long term development project, but could end up as a very good role player, which the team still needs a lot of.

Always guard the inbound passer.

Fight Night

Hello All,

Yesterday was the first time that my brother, father and I attended a Miami Hurricanes game together.

This is actually a much bigger deal than you would think, seeing as we were raised from a very young age to be ‘Canes fans by our parents and my brother is almost 21 years old now.

However, we always had problems making it to games while living in places like Wisconsin and Texas until my brother graduated from high school. My brother and I were always on fall sports teams, so traveling down to Miami wasn’t much of an option. We would have loved to go and watch the ‘Canes play if they were in the area, but surprisingly, the ‘Canes don’t make many trips to Wisconsin (although the baseball team did come to Minneapolis for a tournament once; maybe the greatest weekend ever, as my brother and I got to batboy for the team that a couple months later won the College World Series).

My dad and I were finally able to attend a game together when I was a junior, but again, my brother attending Ole Miss presented a problem to him being able to join us.

Anyway, we were finally able to get to a game together in Tampa on Saturday. Let’s just say it was definitely worth it.

PRE-GAME

- We get in the car at 8:45 AM (yes, 7 hours before kickoff) and don’t stop until we get to Steak ‘N’ Shake. At 10:30 AM. When we step in, the host asks us if we’d like breakfast menus. Billy Stein, after looking confused for a minute, as if he didn’t understand the question: “No… we want a meal.”

- We get a nice view of Tampa from I-275. Billy Stein: “Gainesville, you’re f%&*#’ out. Tampa, you’re f$*#&#’ in. SUPERSTAR.” (I begin to realize my brother has become a combination of Kenny Powers and Stiffler…)

- We park and pull out the football…because that’s what you do at a football tailgate. Except, apparently, in Tampa, where footballs are not allowed. At a FOOTBALL tailgate. In a grass lot. Excuse me? The girl working the lot told us this was because of liability concerns. I would like to meet the doucher that sues a stadium when their car gets bumped by a football at a tailgate. Occupational hazard? I think so! Anyway, we put the football away.

- …That is, we put it away until the fun police walked away, at which point every single group in our row took their footballs out and started throwing them around. It was like when the teacher leaves her 3rd Grade classroom during a test. The second that door closes, all hell breaks loose.

- Some dude working for the stadium (with one of the worst ear piercings I have ever seen) comes over and says if we don’t stop throwing the ball he will take it away. Since we weren’t standing near our car (meaning he had no idea which one we were in), and because this guy was so annoying, my brother and I completely ignore him and keep throwing. When he stepped toward my brother to try and get the ball, Billy threw it to me. When he came toward me and tried to take the ball, I threw it to Billy. And so began the best game of monkey in the middle we have ever played.

- Sidenote: He never got the football.

- The tailgate lot was actually a lot of fun. We met up with friends and were surprised by how many ‘Canes fans there were. Dad: “It seems like there are more UM fans here than at a home game.” Sad, but possibly true. Also, props to Chris, Trent, Steve and Russo for making a tailgate that literally consisted of sitting around and drinking beer in to a kickass time.

- Another downside to the tailgate: big time lack of port-o-johns. This resulted in 20 minute lines to use the bathroom. Luckily, we were near some woods. I simply stepped behind the trailer located next to the woods and…well, you know the rest. Maybe the funniest scene of the day was ten random dudes (USF fans, Miami fans, we were all friends here) lined up on a fence giving each other “bones” before/after taking a pee and constantly checking over our shoulders for cops. Would the cops have really done anything? I don’t think so. But then again, they tried to confiscate our football.

- During warm-ups for the game, my brother and I managed to make either immediate friends or enemies of everyone in our section, depending upon what colors they were wearing. Maybe it was when the Bulls were singing their alma mater and we started a “ ‘Canes over here” chant. Maybe it was the sheer volume. But no matter what you want to call it, it was certainly fun.

- Official verdict on the new uniforms: I like them. I don’t love them, and I wish we would go back to the old school uni’s from the late 90’s. However, aside from the dumb threading on the shoulders and the dual-colored pant stripes, these looked great. The white shoes were a great touch. Also, they made the team look bigger and faster. Which is always a good thing.

- Also of note during warm-ups: Chris Hayes was in uniform for the game, which was awesome to see. And I must say I was impressed that the coaches, anticipating pooch kicks, had Daryl Sharpton, Jimmy Graham and John Calhoun in the kickoff returners-line.

1st HALF
- Miami starts with two big first downs to Hank and LaRon Byrd. The long first drive ends with a touchdown to Hank. (7-0 UM)
- Billy Stein, pissed off after an Ole Miss loss in the Egg Bowl and excited about the touchdown: “Big 4 my brown hairy ass!” to the lady in front of us booing. She deserved it.
- Miami forces a 3&Out
- Miami then stalls a productive drive and is forced to punt
- Sharpton, all of a sudden playing like a man possessed, forces a fumble on B.J. Daniels. Or as the Stein boys took to calling him, Willie Beamen.
- Baby J is running hard, and picks up a first down and then the touchdown. (14-0)
- Billy Stein decides that his new favorite thing is throwing the upside down horns to any USF fans in our vicinity. The best part is that they have NO comeback. Surprisingly gratifying.
- USF kicks a field goal (14-3)
- Miami brings in the sledgehammer, Damien Berry. So far, they have followed the game plan. Pound away and set up playaction. USF’s pass rush is great, but the middle of their D is soft. This is exemplified as Berry picks up 17 big yards. Two first downs later (big plays to Mike James and Aldarious Johnson), Berry rips off a 16 yarder to set up a Baby J touchdown. (21-3)
- Billy Stein just glares at the USF fans down if front of us. Honestly, it was little scary…I had never seen that look in someone’s eyes before.
- Brandon Harris gets a pick, but the offense can’t capitalize and goes 3&out. On the next USF possession, Miami gets big plays by Andrew Smith and Sean Spence (back from injury) to kill a drive.

HALFTIME
- Miami is executing their game plan flawlessly. They are establishing the run and then using it to set up the pass. They have completely stopped the Bulls running back, and most of USF’s yards have come on broken plays in which Willie Beamen just runs around until something happens. Let’s just say I am feelin’ prettaaaaayyyyyyy good.
- Also, a sign that you are an irrelevant football program: during every possible break in the game you are running promotions. Free movie tickets. Free appetizers. Free EVERYTHING. At one point they offered free tickets to the game we were ALREADY AT. It was like a minor league baseball game. Simply ridiculous.

2nd HALF
- USF comes out with a big drive, as expected, to drive down inside the five. Brandon Harris almost had a pick six on the first pass of the half after he jumped an out route, but he let the ball glance off his fingertips. As if poetically, Daniels then leads his team down the field.
- Miami’s D toughens up and stops USF cold on the first 2 plays from the two yard line for no gain. However, on third down, Daniels scrambles for approximately 10 seconds, avoiding multiple tackles and then delivering a strike in to the back of the end zone. (21-10)
- …we have to get a score here…
- Miami goes 3&out. Uh-oh…
- And right about this time, a common theme for the half begins. I turn around when I hear a scuffle going on a few rows back. A female USF fan is yelling something at a male UM fan. He is telling her to leave him alone. Her male friend (also a UM fan…yep, there was a fight between UM fans at an away game) comes down to make things worse. The second guy has his hat knocked off, which leads to the logical response of throwing a haymaker. So now we have a fistfight between two UM fans in the section. Fighter #1 shakes off Fighter #2, only to start being kicked in the back by the female fan that started this mess (she has lost her balance and fallen in to the row behind him). Of course, she is a woman so she is not supposed to be hit. Surprisingly, Fighter #1 shows amazing restraint and does not hit her. And this is why families like the one to my left, who had brought their four little girls to the game (they were buddies with me and Bill by the end thanks to their UM facepaint), avoid football games.
- Billy Stein during the melee: “HIT HER IN THE FACE!!!!!!!”
- Miami and USF exchange three straight 3&out until Miami gets the ball and Berry rips off a big run. Which leads to a 34 yard touchdown pass from Jacory to Dedrick Epps. It looked to me like he was actually aiming for Benjamin, in which case the pass was five yards underthrown. And there were three USF players and two Miami players in the area. But the pass dropped right in to Epps’s chest, and you really can’t complain about touchdowns. (28-10 UM)
- Colin McCarthy kills the next USF drive with a 13 yard sack on Beamen…
- DING DING DING…fight number two. This time, a real mountain of a man in a blue shirt got pushed by some other guy. Well, big man put an end to that pretty quickly, burying about 10 right crosses in to the other guy’s face. And here’s the best part: security let him stay after questioning (I suppose it was self-defense, but REALLY?!?!?)…and kicked out the guy who was busted open! Talk about getting the shaft.
- Coop rips off a big run…
- FIGHT #3! This actually just turns in to a shoving match which spills down the aisle, but the security guards (who are now an occupying force in our section) throw everyone involved out on their ass. And who said the cheap seats weren’t any good? I got three undercards to go with the main attraction!
- Anyway, not much else happened. Lee Chambers and Berry ran well, Bosher added a field goal (31-10) and the defense held strong. ‘Canes win! ‘Canes win!

POST GAME
- I will have more in-depth analysis of the team in the coming weeks leading up to the bowl. However, over cigars after the game, the three of us talked about how we thought that 9-3 was the ceiling for this team before the season. And that ain’t bad.

OTHER GAMES I WATCHED

- Texas vs. Texas A&M: This was one hell of a game and one hell of a performance from Colt McCoy. However, I do not know if it was any better than C.J. Spiller against Miami or Toby Gerhart against Notre Dame. They don’t give me a Heisman vote, but still, my current Heisman ballot:
o 1. Spiller
o 2. Mccoy
o 3. Gerhart
o 4. Tebow
o 5. Clausen
- Rutgers vs. Louisville: Really Louisville? Really? It is so embarrassing to think that we lost to this team in the last five years…
- Cincinnati vs. Illinois: The only noteworthy nugget for this one? ‘Cincinnati’ is really hard to spell. And here’s somethin’ else: I think that both TCU and Cincy (and maybe Boise) could beat UF. Or’Bama. Or Texas. They both play some hard nosed defense and explosive offense. Just puttin’ that out there.
- Ohio vs. Temple: Temple is 9-3?!?!?!?!?!!??!!?!?!?!? When did this happen?
- Auburn vs. Alabama: I swear to God, it is impossible for a team I like to run an effective two minute offense.The ‘Canes? Nope. The ‘Phins? Nope. Anyone playing Florida and Alabama? Nope.
- West Virginia vs. Pitt: Annnnnnd the ‘Neers singlehandedly save my picks for the week. And maybe their coach’s job.

Best Game: Stanford vs. Notre Dame

Best Uniform: The ‘Canes. I like the white shoes…

Game Ball Goes To: Gerhart and McCoy. Duh. NOT Mark Ingram.

Worst Uniform: LSU, for messing up a great helmet. Breathe easy, Mizzou.

Trojan Enz © Boner of the Week Award: Stanford, for almost letting Golden Tate (the same guy that had destroyed them ALL GAME) beat them by playing soft coverage on the final drive of the game. Luckily, they managed to hang on. But still. Big time mess up.

Non-BCS Name You Should Know: Al Golden, Temple coach. They’re 9-3?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Always guard the inbound passer.

Play Highsmith!...And Other Assorted Non-Sense

Hello All,

Well, I don’t know about you, but I am psyched for the roughly 323 “trick or treat” references the are sure to come during a game matching teams whose primary colors are orange and black AND after anything close to a trick play.

Speaking of excited, let’s take it down a notch on the message boards 'Cane fans. After the loss to Clemson, I learned that Randy Shannon will never be anything more than an 8 win coach, Sean Spence is too small and too slow to play linebacker, every assistant coach needs to be fired, Shannon is really just using the ‘Canes as part of his plan to become a highly paid defensive coordinator at a big-money school, Jacory Harris is the 5th best quarterback in the ACC and the ‘Canes are going to lose out. All of these taken directly from fan message boards…and these are the better boards that I read.

I think everyone is losing sight of the fact that Miami, while it did make a lot of mistakes, was beaten by three in overtime by a talented team, despite committing 4 turnovers and being without several key players. It was a bad loss, but it was not as terrible as it felt. It was the type of game that had the ‘Canes won those same message boarders would be writing about the virtues of Jacory’s calm under pressure and the development of Shannon as a head coach. Those three points, in the eyes of many fans, now serve as the difference between a young, promising program going nowhere but up and a program stuck in the mud.

The reality is that Miami has to put that gut punch loss behind it. The energy around the program turned sour very quickly thanks to the loss, and that is yet another problem to overcome. It is, after all, hard to win when even your biggest fans are telling you how much you suck.

Wake Forest is a tough, well coached team. This will not be a walkover for the ‘Canes, especially when you couple the discipline of the Deacons with their anger coming off two consecutive losses.

So here is the breakdown of what will be a tougher game then most people like to see, message board style.

Quarterback: A message boarder would say that Jacory is an overrated beneficiary of the U on his helmet and that Riley Skinner is by far a better decision maker and therefore quarterback. The reality is that Jacory has been outstanding. He has some turnover issues, but these are created by hanging on to the ball too long while he tries to get the ball downfield. It is a problem, but it is a better problem to have than, say, a quarterback with happy feet. Skinner is definitely solid, boasting a 16-9 touchdown to interception ratio and a ranking inside the Top 20 in national passer rating. EDGE: Miami

Running Back: A message boarder would say that Damien Berry is good and the rest of the backs suck. Bring on Lamar Miller! The reality is that Berry has been the homerun hitter, but both Coop and Baby J have been solid every down workhorses who have the ability to break off a long run. Coop will be the workhorse, as Baby J is out this week, but all three have played well and deserve the carries they will get. Berry , Mike James and Lee Chamber swill have to step up to fill the void. Wake Forest has a steady run game lead by Josh Adams and Kevin Pendergrass; Pendergrass can go the distance. EDGE: Miami

Receivers: A message boarder would say that the crew is underperforming. Why can’t LaRon Byrd who up every game? Why is Aldarious so fragile? Why is Hankerson so slow? Benjamin runs awful routes? This is called “not seeing the forest for the trees”. At least one receiver has been a stud in each game, and the fact that one has not been the clear cut go to guy is more a product of injuries and matchups than anything else. Strength in numbers is the takeaway lesson here. Wake’s Marshall Williams is their biggest homerun threat, and he will make some big plays. EDGE: Miami

Offensive Line: Message boarders would say that the whole group is terrible. In reality, there aren’t any individual studs, but the unit has played very well against teams like Oklahoma and Clemson, so it isn’t all bad even though it isn’t pretty. The problem is that they played down to the level of UCF. I have no idea what they will do this week, but I do know that Wake’s o-line is giving up 2.5 sacks per game and and their scoring offense ranks 83rd in the nation. EDGE: Even

Defensive Line: Message boarders would say that they are all too weak, get no push and should be replaced by true freshmen next year (great logic, right?). Reality is that while Bailey and Marcus Robinson have played well consistently, the line is not at a point yet where it can generate pass rush on its own on every play. It just isn’t. Wake, on the other hand, features John Russell on their line and that’s about it. EDGE: Even

Linebackers: Message boarders would say that Arthur Brown is a bust already (after just over 1.5 seasons) and the already overrated linebackers are screwed without Spence, who is the most overrated. Reality is that the ‘Canes are definitely hurt without Spence (a missile) and Jordan Futch (a crazy person) but will be alright if Ramon Buchanan and Brown can combine to be nothing more than effective taking Spence’s snaps. Wake is lead by Dominique Midgett, but Miami still has McCarthy and Sharpton to bang in the run game. EDGE: Miami

Secondary: Message boarders would say that this is the worst secondary in Miami history and that none of these guys have any business starting because they are not Ed Reed. Well, it is true they are not Ed Reed. It is ridiculous to expect that. Lost in the confusion last week is that the secondary played pretty well, and that it was the linebackers that got shredded in pass coverage. Brandon Harris is a stud, but the safeties have yet to be tested much in coverage (meaning we know NOTHING about their skills). Wake is lead by Kenny Okoro at corner and Cyhl Quarles back deep. They will, as always, be well coached and disciplined in their schemes. EDGE: Even

Special Teams: Message boarders would say we have no kicker and no coverage. True, the coverage sucks. But the kicker thing is ridiculous. Bosher is the best in the coneference if not the country when it comes to field goals, and he has been great punting as well. Not his fault he’s the best cover guy. BIG EDGE: Miami

Coaching: Grobe is a better gameday coach than Shannon at this point. EDGE: Wake

GUEST PICKER: Last week, Trent nailed it to give the guest two in a row. One more, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.

This week, I’m stayin’ in the family and giving my little brother Billy (who is in a frat) another shot at picking the game. Take it away Billy!

"We, the readership, have eagerly waited; actually that may just have been me, but finally Stein on the Sidelines comes back to it roots. Its very simple big brother, when I put a prediction in the universe, it comes into fruition (like when he picked Ole Miss to steam roll South Carolina).

Auburn, Alabama: A border town of nice boutiques, Atlanta’s finest co-eds who are incapable of garnering acceptance into UGA (naturally creating a jealous hatred of the black and red), and a football program that ranks second in Alabama in everything.

Auburn is steeped in culture nonetheless. They are so close to Ole Miss in off field tradition, in fact, they even stole a back stabbing, c#$% sucking coach from us . They do it right there, from the barbecue to frocketed t-shirts.

Now let’s get down to the facts. The two are coming into this game on opposite ends of the “We need to win this game to prove something” spectrum. Auburn is riding a three game losing streak after starting out 5-0. Ole Miss, on the other hand, has won their last two .

A month ago I would have realistically given Gene Chizik’s squad the upper hand over the Rebs. However, these are both completely different teams from a month ago.

Last weekend The Tigers were incapable of running the football against the Tigers. Chris Todd was intercepted twice, and the Tiger defense was incapable of stopping Jarrett Lee from taking their last drive to the house.

Bayou Cajuns pucker your butt hole: I’m sorry, but Jarrett Lee? I thought he was run out of Red Stick permanently after the "Magnolia Bowl Blunder" last season (I am not even sure what he means by that, but whatever blows his little skirt up).

The Rebels are back on the road for the first time since the Vanderbilt game. I’m sorry to say I can’t recap that one; I hid the TV clicker so no one could interrupt me watching Miami beat Oklahoma (BOOM). But the Rebels have looked sharp the last two games after suffering an embarrassing loss to Alabama at home.

I anticipated an offensive outpouring against Alabama-Birmingham, which is exactly what I got. Note to Heisman voters: UAB’s quarterback has mine, that guy is impossible to take down.

Everybody finished chuckling? I figured that would be nicer to them than saying the token UAB fans in Oxford were very possibly ugliest couple I have ever seen.

In real games, the Ole Miss offensive line finally gave Snead time to throw the ball, and when he has time, he can make things happen. Coach Nutt finally used Dexter McCluster in his proper all-purpose role, gaining about half of our 550 offensive yards himself.

The Hungry Landshark D is the X-factor for the Rebels. They’re too fast and too stout for The Auburn offense. In order for Auburn to win the War Eagle better clip Greg Hardy during its flight; he’ll most assuredly hurt something enough not to play. Since I don’t reckon that’ll happen, the boys from Dixie are coming into town and there is blood in the water.

Ole Miss 27- Auburn 20

Side note: There was never a need to rename the rivalry game between Ole Miss and LSU the “Magnolia Bowl.” The most important game of our season now makes us sound like a floral company. I know the guy who headed the committee to change it; I can only guess by now he’s been killed in action by his own troops (well constructed reference, Billy, well constructed). Hotty Toddy."

MY PICKS: Last week I went 6-5 to up the record to 23-28. I also missed my sixth straight upset special. I think we showed signs of progress. We just have to keep practicing hard and build from week to week.

Virginia Tech over UNC: Well, the Heels couldn’t hold a three score lead at home vs. Florida State in primetime. Do I think they will beat the Hokies on the road in primetime? No.

West Virginia over USF: Screw your USF. Two weeks in a row. Screw you.

Georgia Tech over Vanderbilt: Do I think that they are the best team in the ACC? No. Am I pumped to watch them destroy and SEC team? Hell yes.

Tennessee over South Carolina: Tennessee by a field goal. Also, I am smirking to myself as I write this.

Duke over UVA: Don’t laugh, Duke is playing good football and Virginia is beat up after that game against Tech.

USC over Oregon: Too much hype around the Ducks. Let's not forget what happened to the Ducks when they played a fast, talented, physical Boise State team. If I were the Trojans, I'd stay away from the postgame handshake. Sorry Tim.

Oklahoma State over Texas: Upset special number one; call it Upset Special Lite. Oklahoma State will do just enough to knock off a Texas team that is begging for it on the road at night.

And here it is…the UPSET SPECIAL: Georgia over Florida

Wishful thinking? Definitely. Unlikely? Well, it wouldn’t be the upset special if it weren’t. But Florida is not playing well on offense, and Georgia ain’t Arkansas or Mississippi State. If Georgia can score a few touchdowns, watch out. Sports Illustrated cover: TRICKED!


Guard the inbound passer.