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| Al Golden(Photo Credit: Zimbio) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
We've come to a crossroads for Al Golden, and the Miami football program. Saturday's loss was more than a mere loss. It was a scathing indictment of a program that has underachieved this season, and is in crisis. Whether Al Golden deserves to return in 2015 is a discussion for another day, but Golden should be on the hot seat after this performance. Miami may not have the depth of talent needed to consistently beat teams like FSU and Nebraska, but they do have enough talent to beat teams like Pittsburgh and Virginia.
The Good
Duke Johnson/Clive Walford--Duke and Clive set records on Saturday, and it was a fitting end for both of their careers. Clive has gained more yards from the tight end position than any other 'Cane, and Duke Johnson is the all-time leading rusher. Walford has done everything asked of him, and developed into a likely NFL draft pick. Duke Johnson hasn't made it official, but it's safe to say that he's going to declare for the NFL draft. Congrats to both young men, and best of luck at the next level!
Denzel Perryman--It's been a great career for Denzel, who was once again a lone bright spot. Denzel didn't deserve to go out a loser on Senior Day, but it wasn't his fault. This young man has given maximum effort for 4 years, and spurned the NFL after his junior season for one more round at The U. He leaves as one of the best linebackers in school history. Perryman will be missed next season, especially his tackling ability, and his disdain for losing. He is a 'Cane that would have been at home on one of Miami's legendary teams.
Jon Feliciano--There were few positives from Saturday night, but Feliciano was one of them. He was one of the few players who looked like they wanted to be at Sunlife, he came ready for battle. The 'Canes will miss his toughness and his physicality. Feliciano has been the epitome of a team player, playing multiple positions during his Miami career and finding a way to succeed, despite not having overwhelming physical talent.
The Bad
Special Teams--The 'Canes would have been better off kicking the ball out of bounds, because kickoff coverage was abysmal. Lane discipline was non existent, tackling was horrible, and effort was a rumor. Al Golden oversees the special teams units and it's obvious that another voice is needed. It's likely that Golden survives this season, but he needs to delegate this task to an assistant. Miami has far too much talent to be this bad on kickoff coverage.
Players' Effort--The effort shown on Saturday was appalling. There is no excuse for what fans were forced to witness, and regardless of how the season played out, these players had a responsibility to themselves,and the program to see it through. These players have checked out on the season, and they don't deserve to play in a bowl game.
The Unacceptable
Infighting--Allegedly, there were fist fights in the Miami locker room following the game. It goes without saying that this is unacceptable. The players couldn't be bothered to put up a fight on the field, but could throw hands in the locker room. This is another example of a team divided, and a team that is lacking leadership. It may be time to look in the mirror, and make some hard decisions, because few successful teams are this dysfunctional.
Defensive Gameplan--Anyone who has seen Pitt knew that they were a two man offense. Apparently, Mark D'Onofrio hadn't seen one minute of Panther football, because the 'Canes looked clueless when it came to Tyler Boyd and James Conner. Boyd should have been double covered on most big plays and it never happened. In fact, Miami found a way to lose Boyd on multiple occasions, which is horrifying. While Pitt deserves credit for moving Boyd around and dictating matchups , Miami did a horrible job of identifying where Boyd was. James Conner could barely walk, much less run and Miami still couldn't stop him. Mark D'Onofrio didn't do anything to force Conner's hand, choosing to be overly conservative and not call run blitzes or line games. It's obvious that a total overhaul of the defensive staff is needed, with Hurlie Brown and Paul Williams being the only two coaches allowed to remain.
Al Golden--When Al Golden was hired, he looked to be a great fit for the 'Canes. Golden has overseen new facilities being built, he's been responsible for a new attitude in the football offices, but it isn't working out on the field. Al has to recognize that this staff is killing him, and they are killing the program. Players don't respect these coaches, they don't believe that these coaches are competent. Unfortunately, the players are right in this case because some of these coaches are utterly clueless. This team is better than .500, and Golden is the man who has to take responsibility for it. If he isn't willing to take responsibility and make major changes, then it is time to pull the plug on the Golden era.
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