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| Duke Johnson (Photo Credit: Getty Images) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Disappointing(adj)--failing to fulfill someone's hopes or expectations.
It's the one word that sums up the 2014 season, and it's a word that shouldn't ever be associated with Hurricane football. Miami isn't a 6-7 football team talent wise, there's no way around it. South Carolina isn't a defensive juggernaut, they are the worst defensive team Miami has faced all season. Offensive Coordinator James Coley should be ashamed of his gameplan, for it wasn't a plan for success, only certain failure.
The Good
Duke Johnson--It's been a pleasure watching DJ run for the 'Canes, and once again he delivered an entertaining performance. Duke was heavily featured, and despite running into 8-9 man fronts, he was effective. Johnson averaged over five yards per carry, finishing the day with 132 yards. He was responsible for a couple of turnovers, but that can be partially attributed to a gameplan that put him into some awful situations. Whether fans want to admit it or not, Duke has been an outstanding player, and he's going to be a major contributor at the next level.
Player Effort--Following disappointing losses, it was noted that the 'Canes were flat, and disinterested. That wasn't the case Saturday, as the 'Canes stuck with it even with the game turning in the second quarter. That said, these players can't overcome a staff that doesn't believe in them, or give them a chance to win. Fans saw the underclassmen take control of the team which led to a change in how the team behaved when faced with adversity. They didn't quit, and that bodes well for the future.
The Bad
Tracy Howard--Once upon a time, Tracy was looked upon as a potential star. He's now a player who is stealing a scholarship, and shouldn't be allowed on the field. There's a reason why Corn Elder and Artie Burns have passed Howard on the depth chart, and that reason is effort. Elder and Burns are fighters, and while that may lead to some bad plays and penalties on occasion, it's obvious to anyone watching that those two players want to play, they believe in the system. Tracy thinks he knows better than secondary coach Paul Williams, and he doesn't.
Mark D'Onofrio--While this game didn't turn due to the defense, D'Onofrio deserves some criticism. Miami has two potential stars in the secondary but still continues to play a passive zone. South Carolina exploited that with Pharoh Cooper having 170 yards in receptions.The sky is the limit for this unit, if D'Onofrio caters to their strengths. Playing a passive zone, against a player like Pharoh Cooper isn't playing to those strengths.
The Brutal
James Coley--James is the highest paid assistant in program history. He should be writing a refund check after his awful performance against South Carolina. The Gamecocks dared Miami to pass and Coley chose to run a variety of low percentage plays instead. Brad Kaaya is a talented young quarterback who has shown the ability to make good decisions, there's no excuse why he should be coddled at this point. Consistently running Duke Johnson into the teeth of an overloaded defense is not only pointless, it's dangerous. It's obvious that Coley isn't a viable playcaller and Al Golden has to demote Coley before Brad Kaaya's development is stunted further.
Al Golden--It's time to admit the obvious: this team underachieved. This Miami team is significantly better than the 2013 version, and that team won 9 games. Miami should have matched if not exceeded that total. Golden has to realize that this staff isn't good enough, and that changes must be made. If he's unwilling to make those changes, then it is time to dismiss the head man. Al has done a lot for the University, his foresight and fundraising acumen are well documented, but the on field product is disappointing to say the least. This team should be better than 6-7, and if Golden wants to regain the trust of the fanbase, he has to be willing to make significant changes.
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