Canes Rising

Big News on the Football Front

2010-01-29T02:25:00.012-05:00

By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Staff

Rick Petri, a former Miami assistant during the Dennis Erickson era, has been hired by Randy Shannon as the new defensive line coach. Petri, who helped develop Hurricane greats Warren Sapp, Kevin Patrick, and Kenard Lang now will have the task of improving a unit that has lacked production in recent years. Petri comes over from the University of Kentucky, a competitive program in the historically tough SEC. Petri, who while at Kentucky, coached All-SEC honorees Myron Pryor and Jeremy Jarmon, will now get a chance to coach former prep stars Adewale Ojomo and Marcus Forston . According to reports, Petri is a well respected teacher, even though his dedication to recruiting is questionable. Petri, who may have been relieved of his duties at Kentucky due to his lack of recruiting prowess, was praised by Randy Shannon as bringing "A wealth of experience and has been very successful in developing some of the top defensive line talent in the country for years."

Why is this a good hire for Miami?
This is a good fit for the program due to the fact that talent is no longer an issue at Miami, especially on the defensive line. When Larry Coker was dismissed following the 2006 season, it was a well known fact that the 'Canes were lacking in elite talent, especially on the defensive line. That is no longer the case, due to the excellent recruiting done by former assistant Clint Hurtt. With that talent now in place, it is extremely important to have a coach that can develop these talented charges. Petri, with his experience developing talent, and his proven results at Miami, Kentucky, and Ole Miss will be able to do that. This move also allows young, unproven assistants Mike Barrow and Wesley McGriff to learn from a master of the craft. As noted earlier, Petri is not known as an energetic recruiter, but with the young guns on this staff, he doesn't have to be. This move, which adds an experienced, proven coach to the staff can be seen as more proof that Coach Shannon is now building a complete staff, instead of a team of recruiters with little actual teaching experience.

Look for this hire to be covered more in depth in our upcoming CanesRising National Signing Day podcast.

* Biographical information provided by UMiami Sports Information Office
** Photo provided by Kentucky Wildcats SIO (www.ukathletics.com)

Do The 2009 Canes Have "It"?

2010-01-20T01:08:00.008-05:00

By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Staff

The Miami Hurricanes, a team that last week was ranked among the nation's best, is now a team that is 1-4 in ACC play. In the last 3 games, the 'Canes have been blown out by Virginia Tech, Virginia, and blew a 15 point second half lead against Boston College, a team that hasn't done much of anything all year. Right now, most Hurricane fans are looking at the season as a lost cause due to the fact that the NCAA tournament may be a pipe dream, but to those who came in with eyes wide open, this team is what it is. There's a reason most major publications saw the 2009 'Canes as a team that was most likely NIT bound. This team has the talent needed to make the NCAA tournament. It's obvious that Reggie Johnson, Malcolm Grant, and Durand Scott are three players Frank Haith can build around. Durand Scott is arguably one of the best freshmen players in the ACC, and Grant has shown the ability that made him such a valued addition to the Miami program. Reggie played a monster game Tuesday, and if he only had the stamina to finish the game, the Canes might have been able to trade baskets with BC, instead of allowing BC to chip away at the lead, and ultimately take it late.

This team may have talent, but it's the inconsistency, and lack of leadership from the senior class that dooms this team. Do you think that if John Salmons, or Jack McClinton was on this team, this team would have blown such a commanding lead? No, because of the fact that those players would have made sure that their teammates continued to compete and they also had that killer instinct. Watching this game from my seat in the BankUnited Center, I didn't see any kind of emotion out of Dwayne Collins or James Dews. When you have such a young team, the upperclassmen must be able to lead by example, and that is not happening. Nevertheless, this team is looking like a team that is the exemplar of a NIT team. A team with talent, that is most likely a year away, but is missing some major component that prevents them from being a legit NCAA tourney team.

The 'Canes will travel to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins on Tuesday..If the faint NCAA tournament hopes of this program are to survive, the seniors will have to step up and take charge of this talented, yet rudderless team.

"Must" Win????

2010-01-16T00:52:00.010-05:00

We aren't 20 games into the 2009-2010 season, and already we are talking about "must" win games. For the Miami Hurricanes, tonight's game against the Virginia Cavaliers might merit such a description. The 'Canes, coming off of a pathetic showing against the Virginia Tech Hokies are still searching for a resume win that will stand up in March. Even though a 15-2 record is nothing to be ashamed of, it comes as no shock that the record was due mostly to a soft non-conference schedule. With opponents such as Bethune-Cookman, Stetson, and Nova Southeastern on the OOC slate, it is imperative that the 'Canes do well in ACC play. Following an emotional win over Wake Forest, it could have been assumed that the team may have turned the corner, and were well on their way to getting the 9-10 wins needed to assure a trip to the Big Dance. However, that was all shattered when the Canes lost by 15 to a Virginia Tech team that has had a schedule that is softer than Charmin. Now, with a loss to UVa, the Canes would be 1-3 entering a home date with the historically tough Boston College Eagles, and a trip to College Park, Maryland looming.

So, obviously, this is as close to a "must" win situation one can get, unless one thinks this team would be capable of stealing a game against Duke or North Carolina.

Miami Vs. Virginia

Time: 8:00 PM
Place: John Paul Jones Arena
TV/Radio: ESPNU/WQAM 560

About UVa*: UVa is coming off of a upset win over #20 Georgia Tech, 82-75, and is the only team in the ACC to be undefeated in league play, with a 2-0 mark. Virginia, by virtue of a 6 game winning streak is on their longest winning streak since 2006. Sylven Landesberg, a sophomore from Flushing, New York is the Hoos leading scorer, averaging over 17 a game. The Cavs are also taking care of the basketball, only averaging 10 turnovers a game.

About Miami*: The Canes are coming off of a 15 point loss to Virginia Tech. Currently the Canes are 1-2 in conference play, with a home win over Wake Forest, and road losses to Virginia Tech, and Boston College. Dwayne Collins, who had only 9 points in the loss to the Hokies, scored over 20 in the win against Wake Forest. Frosh sensation Durand Scott is averaging over 4 assists a game, which leads all ACC freshmen in that category. Miami is 6-3 all time against Virginia, and is 3-2 in Charlottesville.

* Statistics and notes are courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Conference(TheACC.com)

Champs Sports Bowl

2009-12-28T16:29:00.003-05:00

By Jorge Bannister
Canes Rising Staff

The Miami Hurricanes have the opportunity to close out this decade 7-2 in bowl games.

Read that sentence again.

In what has been a tumultuous decade, at least the middle-to-late portion of it, the very end of this decade could turn it all around and make it one that any Hurricanes’ fan should be proud of.

Sure, Miami and its fans had to sit and scratch their heads as Larry Coker destroyed the program from within while simultaneously giving every other school in the nation cart blanche when it came to South Florida talent. (Let’s get one thing straight; when the Hurricanes talk about South Florida talent, they don’t simply mean Dade and Broward counties. Nope. South Florida covers from Tampa south to the Keys.) But the emergence of Randy Shannon as a true general getting soldiers from South Florida to once again go to battle for The U has brought success — and pride — back into the program

Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, though. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris — who is listed as questionable on the official injury report because of his right thumb — and the Hurricanes offensive line struggled against highly ranked defenses (Virginia Tech, Clemson and North Carolina). They did, however, hold their own against Florida State, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma — all games earlier in the season.

One final tidbit
In this decade, the Hurricanes are 6-2 in bowl games, including a 40-3 debacle against LSU in the 2005 Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl and last year’s 24-17 lost to Cal in the Emerald Bowl.

Conversely, the Badgers are 4-4, winning by a combined 21 points, while losing by a combined 50 points, including last year’s 42-13 drubbing at the hands of Florida State in last year’s Champs Sports Bowl.

Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando) At-A-Glance

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Dec. 29

TV: ESPN

Miami Hurricanes (9-3, 5-3 ACC)

Last game: Defeated South Florida, 31-10

Last year’s bowl: Lost to Cal in the Emerald Bowl (San Fransico), 24-17

Offensive leaders

Soph. QB Jacory Harris, 226 of 337, 3,164 yards, 23 TDs, 17 INTs

Jun. RB Graig Cooper, 129 rushes, 666 yards, 3 TDs

Jun. RB Damien Berry, 89 rushes, 587 yards, 8 TDs

Sr. RB Javarris James, 99 rushes, 491 yards, 6 TDs

Jr. WR Leonard Hankerson, 44 receptions, 773 yards, 6 TDs

Soph. WR LaRon Byrd, 30 receptions, 431 yards, 1 TD

Soph. WR Travis Benjamin, 28 receptions, 490 yards, 4 TDs

Defensive leaders

Sr. LB Darryl Sharpton, 91 tackles (7 for loss), 1 INT

Jr. LB Colin McCarthy, 88 tackles (9.5 for loss), 1 sack

Soph. CB Brandon Harris, 52 tackles, 2 INTs

Jr. DL Allen Bailey, 32 tackles (11 for loss), 7 sacks

Wisconsin Badgers (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten)

Last game: Defeated Hawaii, 51-10

Last year’s bowl: Lost to Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando), 42-13

Offensive leaders

Jr. QB Scott Tolzien, 192 of 302, 2,445 yards, 16 TDs, 10 INTs

Soph. RB John Clay, 265 rushes, 1,396 yards, 16 TDs

Soph. WR Nick Toon, 52 receptions, 779 yards, 4 TDs

Sr. TE Garrett Graham, 45 receptions, 547 yards, 7 TDs

Defensive leaders

Sr. O’Brien Schofield, 59 tackles (22.5 for loss), 10 sacks

Sr. Jaevery McFadden, 69 tackles (8.5 for loss), 1 sack

Jr. Culmer St. Jean, 60 tackles (3.5 for loss), 1 sack, 1 INT

Sr. Chris Maragos, 44 tackles (3 for loss), 4 INTs

Who has the advantage?

When the Hurricanes throw the ball:

When the Hurricanes run the ball:

When the Badgers throw the ball:

When the Badgers run the ball:

Special Teams:

Coming tomorrow....

2009-09-07T17:13:00.001-04:00

By Jorge Bannister
Canes Rising Staff

Full recap of UM-FSU.

And I do mean FULL recap.

Keep your eyes peeled.

Dwayne Collins Declares for the NBA Draft

2009-04-09T14:59:00.002-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The good news is that the Hurricanes took two of three from arch rival Florida State at the Light this past weekend. But now the Hurricanes face a daunting road the rest of the way in the ACC. But we'll save Baseball for tomorrow, and focus on some potentially bad news from Basketball today.

Dwayne Collins, Miami's Center has declared for the NBA Draft but will not hire and agent. Collins averaged 10.6 PPG and 7.3 RPG this past season but probably most significantly for Miami averaged the least number of blocks per game for any Miami starting Center in recent memory. Simply put, he is not NBA ready.

Hopefully he'll be told by the pro scouts that he needs another year of College Basketball.

Spring Game Thoughts Part One

2009-03-31T09:26:00.003-04:00

Rich Halten the editor of Chant Rant has been throwing questions our way this week to get a feel for UM's Spring Practice. Here is the first question of the bunch.

What did you see in the Canes offense that makes your new O.C. an upgrade over the last one?

More of a power running game. Damien Berry and Mike James both had a good spring game, after a few really good weeks of practice. I think Nix had the offense on the right track and a lot of Miami fans either don't recall how Miami won a few of their titles (with passable offenses coupled with great defenses and kick/punt returners who were game changers) and how Nix had his unit closer to being a typical Miami unit than did the defensive and special teams coaches. The ultimate problem with Nix was that his offenses lacked an identity. From game to game the Canes would change their gameplan, offensive look, starting WRs, and often the featured RB. The lack of consistency not just in production but in looks killed Nix. Whipple on the other hand is used to the grind of the NFL and evidently believes that consistency in looks and play calling is a must. As a result Miami may actually become more predictable. Nix was anything but predictable, which hastened his downfall.

Canes Spring Game Video

2009-03-28T12:32:00.001-04:00

Watch live video from Canes Spring Game on Justin.tv

My piece on Tony Douglas

2009-03-27T09:42:00.002-04:00

Kartik Krshnaiyer/Canes Rising Staff

Check out my farewell piece to a worth cane adversary, Tony Douglas over on Chant Rant.

Is Dwayne Collins NBA Ready?

2009-03-26T13:53:00.002-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

It may seem like an absurd question, but apparently DC is testing the draft waters. What is he thinking and why would he believe he is draft ready?

For every spectacular game in ACC play Collins has had like his 26 point outburst last season versus Duke, or his back to back big games this year versus Virginia Tech and NC State, he has had even more head-scratchers. For a guy who should play big every game out, Collins often time is soft and gets easily dominated by smaller, but more tenacious post players.

Perhaps Collins is encouraged by the ease at which he posted up and scored against Florida in the NIT. First off all it was the NIT which is in affect a glorified exhibition, and secondly Florida's inside game resembles that of a soft High School Team. Much like his big performances against Duke and Boston College the last few years, Collins takes advantage of scoring against perimeter oriented team while being a detriment for the Canes against the likes of Florida State, Georgia Tech and Clemson, teams who have had skilled big men the past three seasons.

What is apparent is that Collins wants to test the draft waters. Another ACC junior, Maryland's Grevius Vasquez is thinking about doing the same. The difference is Vasquez has actually been an influential and pivotal player for his team almost single handily willing the Terps to this year's NCAA Tournament, while Collins two NCAA appearances last year was notable for how little he played and how many minutes Anthony King, Ray Hicks and Jimmy Graham had to log because of Collins ineffectiveness.

Dwayne Collins is not NBA ready period. Perhaps he doesn't enjoy going to school or is unhappy with having to work so hard in practice. I really don't know, but he's certainly not a finished article.

Jack McClinton's Legacy

2009-03-21T12:45:00.006-04:00

Miami has had better players than Jack McClinton. The Hurricanes have had better teams than those of the last few seasons as well. But seldom has Miami Basketball ever had a player who meant as much to the program as Jack McClinton, a transfer from Siena who changed the culture of Miami Basketball.

In the late 1990s, Miami Basketball mattered. Leonard Hamilton established the program in the upper echelon of Big East. In a five year period, Miami won the Big East, made the Sweet 16 of the NCAAs, was a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, finished a season in the top 10 of the RPI and AP rankings, made four NCAAs, and produced far more quality players than the program had ever had in one era.

But Miami slipped back into Basketball oblivion after the graduations of John Salmons, Elton Tyler and James Jones. Sure, Darius Rice and Guillermo Diaz made the occasional Sportscenter highlight reel and an occasional quality player like Rob Hite came through the program.

But Miami really didn't matter. Even with the occasional upset, nobody had to pay attention to the Canes.

That all changed with Jack McClinton's transfer to Miami. Jack wasn't just a long range bomber in the style of so many ACC off guards. He was the embodiment of a student athlete. The only player the last two seasons to make the All ACC Academic and All ACC First Team, McClinton is a workaholic.

Hitting the gym in his spare time, excelling in the classroom, and leading by example, Jack McClinton changed a culture of losing at Miami and turned the Hurricanes into a team that matters in today's ACC. Jack leaves the program as the conference's all time three point percentage leader, and the second best free throw shooter by percentage in the league's history.

McClinton's impact was felt troughout the conference. Miami entered the ACC as a bit of a laughing stock. Who on Tobacco Road or in the Mid Atlantic would want to see Miami play? But once McClinton arrived on the scene, crowds around the league flocked to see Miami so they could watch the greatest three point shooter in ACC history.

McClinton's 38 point outburst in last years NCAA Tournament against St Mary's broke Johnny Hemsley's "unbreakable" school record for most points in an NCAA Tourney game. Sadly for Jack he didn't have the supporting cast Hemsley did and never got the chance to hit as many big game winning shots as #31 did, because of circumstances but he'll probably be remembered more fondly by Miami fans. (Besides he didn't get suspendedseveral times like Hemsley also.)

Jack made Miami matter again in Basketball. Whether the program can sustain that is to be determined. But McClinton's impact has been clear: he leaves the program as a Hurricane legend.

Complete Effort Paces Canes Win

2009-03-18T21:38:00.003-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

A complete effort for the Hurricanes paced by Jack McClinton's 25, sees Miami through to the second round of the NIT. The Canes dominated inside with Dwayne Collins and Jimmy Graham controlling the paint. The Canes out rebounded the Friars, 43-32 and won the game 78-66.

The team showed an intensity and passion for the game they quite frankly lacked late in the regular season. Crashing the boards and moving well of the ball, the Canes perhaps will leave 2008-09 with some pleasant memories after all.

Miami will now face Florida in Gainesville, likely on Friday with no TV. Such is life in the NIT, quick turnaround road trips and often no television. Florida crushed Jacksonville tonight but last won two straight games a month and a half ago. But the Gators have only lost five times at home in the last four seasons.

However, Miami did beat Florida in Gainesville the last time the Canes traveled to the O Dome in December 2004, by a 72-65 score. Anthony Harris led the Canes that night with 23 points, and it was Frank Haith's first road win as Miami's coach.

What Went Wrong: How Miami Ended Up in the NIT

2009-03-16T08:51:00.002-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Pre-season expectations were out of control this fall as Miami was ranked 16th in the coaches poll and 17th in the AP Poll to start the season. Other pre-season publications actually had the Canes ranked even higher. So as Miami mercifully ends its season on the road in the NIT (thanks to the Latin Grammy Awards) let's look back at how Miami got here.

- The Slap

No avoiding that fact that Miami's season took a psychological hit at this point. Jack McClinton had already scored 12 points to open up a 12 point Canes lead in front of a packed Bank United Center crowd. But the Canes collapsed after McClinton's ejection and lost a critical non league game.

- The Suspension

Eddie Rios wasn't a power conference caliber point guard. He belonged at FIU or FAU quite frankly. But after his suspension and subsequent dismissal from the team, Miami was out of pure point guards. Last season Lance Hurdle's poor ball handling didn't catch up with the Canes until the NCAA Tournament, but this year Hurdle struggled due to playing more minutes and by the end of the year was completely gassed.

- The Graduations

Anthony King and Ray Hicks were solid contributors last year to Miami's success. Without them The Canes lost a shot blocker, a rebounding machine and a scrappy hustle player in the post. All three of those things were not replaced this season.

- The Close Loses

Basketball is a funny game. Anything can happen in the first 37 minutes of a game. For the Hurricanes, they generally dug themselves an early hole only to then go on a big late first half or early second half run. But Miami was almost always terrible in the last three minutes of games. The lone exception, a win at Virginia should not matter because it was against Virginia.

For example against NC State in Raleigh, Miami turned an early second half deficit of 19 into a lead of 3 in the last minute before going to overtime and losing. Against Duke and Virginia Tech, Miami also lost in OT, and against North Carolina, Ohio State, and Maryland the Hurricanes also made numerous mistakes in winnable games in the last three minutes.

Had Miami beaten EITHER Duke or UNC chances are they would have been dancing, with an 8-8 ACC record and a win over a top two NCAA seed. Miami had Duke beat on the road and let the game slip away and had North Carolina reeling only to let Ty Lawson get off a circus shot with :11 seconds left to sink the Canes.

Late game execution is largely about psychology. Miami, a year a fter a good season and an NCAA run had a losing mentality.

- Over Reliance on Jack McClinton

Miami didn't seem to ever settle into a comfort zone with another scorer all season. If a game was on the line and Miami was desperate, the ball inevitably would go to McClinton. Brian Asbury's shot that sent the game against VT to overtime not withstanding, other Hurricane players didn't want to take the big shots or bear the responsibility of carrying the Canes back in big ACC games. To a certain extent Florida State has the same problem with Tony Douglas, but FSU's overall supporting cast is better than Miami's.

- The Zone Defense

The easiest explanation for Miami's numerous and close loses is that the 2-3 zone employed through much of the season by Coach Frank Haith was a first 37 minute tactic, but not appropriate for late game situations. The Canes often lost track of key opposition players like AD Vassalo, Gerald Henderson and Ty Lawson late in close games thanks largely to this defense and laziness the Canes played it with late.

Is Jack McClinton Really Among Miami's Best Ever?

2009-03-13T14:59:00.005-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

I've read all the accolades and have to admit, I too love Jack McClinton. But as someone who has watched UM Basketball closely since the program was resurrected in the mid 1980s, I find it somewhat hard to believe that Jack is considered by some the best player the Canes have had since Rick Barry.

No doubt, McClinton is good. He's helped save a program that quite frankly was beginning to wither on the vine a bit when he transferred in from Siena. But to call him our second best ever player is to disrespect the history of the program.

Here is my list of the top ten Hurricane Basketball players since 1985.

1- John Salmons

Salmons versatility and defensive abilities are legendary. A great ball handler and passer, Salmons also was a gifted slasher and did well on the boards also. He could knock down the three pointer and was a fiery leader and competitor. Playing on three NCAA tournament teams and being a top defensive stopper led Salmons to being a first round NBA pick in 2002.

The absolute hands down most complete player I have seen at Miami.

2- Tim James

The only Hurricane besides Rick Barry to currently have his jersey retired, James was an awesome athlete. A great rebounder despite being only 6'7'', he could make mid range jumpers and blocked many shots in key games for the Canes. Was Big East co-player of the year in 1999 with Richard Hamilton and led the Canes to an undefeated February as a Senior which included wins at UConn, St John's and Syracuse. Miami remains the only team ever to have beaten those three basketball powerhouses on the road in the same month.

3- Joe Wylie

An often forgotten about player who played during a forgettable era of UM Basketball. Wylie was a casualty of Prop 48 and played only three years as a collegian but was outstanding. Wylie had a strong mid range and post game and was drafted into the NBA.

4- Johnny Hemsley

If you wanted game winning shots, this was your man. Hemsley's statistics were deceiving. He often took ugly shots and seemed ineffective early in games or in blow outs. But if a key game was on the line, particularly on the road, he came up big, time and time again. Hemsely was all first team Big East in 1999 and 2000 and helped lead the Canes to the Big East Regular Season title in 2000.

5- Mario Bland

The heart and soul of Miami's outstanding teams of the late 90s, Bland was an undersized Center whose defensive work and rebounding prowess were remarkable. Miami made the NCAAs in all three of Bland's years as a starter.

6- Eric Brown

A classic slasher, Brown along with Dennis Burns were the Canes standout players when the program was resurrected. Brown improved dramatically as a senior leading the Canes to an upset of defending national champion Kansas on national TV.

7- Jack McClinton

Jack is better scorer than the guys ahead of him on this list but was limited defensively and proved time and time again to be a poor ball handler. ButMcClinton is the best three point shooter and free throw shooter in the school's history.

8- Rob Hite

Hite was an under rated rebounder and defender. Part of the reason the Canes did not get run off the court in the team's first two ACC seasons besides having a huge talent deficit with the rest of the league was Hite's scrappiness. How many other 6'2'' guards averaged almost six rebounds game in ACC play? He is knocked down this list lower than many would think because Hite had a propensity to disappear offensively in key games and key times. But one reason he doesn't fall of this list completely is because he never let offensive ruts affect his defnesive intensity unlike some other players who are not on this list despite being considered. (Constantin Popa, Steven Edwards and Elton Tyler)

9- James Jones

A consistent matchup problem for defenders, Jones could slash to the basket and also knock down the three point shot consistently. Jones was a bit of a tweener and sometimes didn't work as hard defensively as his team mates, but was a gifted shot blocker thanks to his athleticism. Has had a surprisingly long NBA career.

10- Guillermo Diaz

A raw undisciplined player who yet had such great athleticism he made a huge impact in ACC play. He gets knocked down this list for leaving early, despite not being an NBA First Round pick. Diaz also benefited greatly from Anthony Harris' willingness to handle the point guard duties as well as Rob Hite's defensive work. His atheleticism would have been wasted if not for the sacrifices of his back court mates.

Also considered: Dennis Burns, Jerome Scott, Constantin Popa, Steven Edwards, Kevin Norris, Vernon Jennings, Elton Tyler, Anthony King

Bubble Bursts

2009-03-12T13:40:00.004-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami put a fitting capstone on a disappointing season with what was easily the worst postseason performance by the school since joining the ACC. The Canes, who have generally played well in the ACC Tournament were completely dominated in the paint today against Virginia Tech which runs its record to 7-2 against UM since both schools joined the ACC in 2005. (Miami only lost once to the Hokies while both schools were in the Big East from 2000 to 2004)

Miami needed perhaps only one win to make the NCAA Tournament but the Canes turned in their worst performance of the last two seasons.

Miami's reliance on the three point shot and the unwillingness of Dwayne Collins to assert himself inside forced the Canes to pop shots from outside. Adrian Thomas got hot towards the end of the first half to cut the VT lead at halftime to four, which was midleading considering the Hokies dominance.

But in the second half, VT left little doubt as to their quality. At the same time Miami stumbled offensively, missed free throws and showed little sense of urgency. Frank Haith has seldom appeared so disgusted and yet helpless in his five years as Miami's Head Coach.

Miami now apparently heads for the NIT, and a potential high seed in that tournament. Given Miami's lack of Basketball pedigree, and poor performances in key situations this season, getting to the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden should be the minimum requirement for this team.

Will One Win Do It?

2009-03-10T11:05:00.002-04:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Conventional wisdom claims the Canes must win twice in the ACC Tournament to make the NCAAs. But with few if any upsets in mid major conference tournaments and Miami's solid RPI and SOS, the Canes may simply need a single win over Va Tech and a loss by Maryland in one of the first two ACC Tourney games to back into the tournament.

Most Bracket projections have Miami either in the field of 65 or in the last few teams out as it stands now. A victory over VT on a neutral floor coupled with the inveitable defeat of other fence sitters probably gets the Canes in the dance.

Of course two wins, considering the second one would be over Carolina would clinch a birth. Miami has won its first ACC Tournament game three consecutive years but has never won the second game, losing heartbreakers to Duke in 2006 and in OT to Boston College in 2007.

Keeping Hope Alive: Miami's Seniors Come Through in the Clutch

2009-03-07T16:20:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami's season hung in the balance. Down nine at halftime to an NC State team without Courtney Fells, the Canes needed a spark.

Miami got the spark from the four seniors on the team. Big man Jimmy Graham came up huge with athletic open court steals and incredible intensity on defense. Point guard Lance Hurdle picked up his defense, Brian Asbury crashed the boards and Jack McClinton was well, Jack.

The best senior class Miami has had since John Salmons, and Elton Tyler said goodbye with an NCAA bid in 2002, wants another taste of the NCAA tournament. But the underclassmen played with indifference for much of the game, and will need to step up in Atlanta this week if Miami is to make it's second straight NCAA appearance.

Dwayne Collins sleepwalked through much of the game showing up late, while Adrian Thomas, the Broward County kid has clearly hit a wall in his development. Five star recruit DeQuan Jones again showed little for all his athleticism and talent. James Dews who has played well of late struggled having his worst game in over a month.

But today was about Miami's seniors. A seventeen point second half turnaround fueled by four seniors who don't want to end their careers in the NIT.

This represents a solid win. NC State, so horrible when Miami lost an overtime game in Raleigh almost two months ago, has recently been playing the top teams in the league tough. Given the Canes horrific midweek performance against bottom feeder Georgia Tech, and the pathetic first half today, Miami's second half could be the stuff of legends, if the Canes can keep it going.

Next up is the ACC Tournament, and either Virginia Tech or Maryland. Thursday's first game will feature a desperate Miami team against an equally desperate VT or Terps squad. A win means a good shot at the dance, especially for the Canes whose RPI is higher than VT or MD. A loss, and the NIT awaits.

The stakes never get higher than this. Will Miami's seniors be able to carry the team again or will the underclassman step up? Thursday afternoon we'll get out answer.

Disaster In Atlanta: Canes Bubble Bursts

2009-03-04T21:28:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

For the third time in five years Miami has blown a chance down the stretch to get into the NCAA Tournament and will be headed to the NIT.

Miami lacked intensity from the beginning tonight against a woeful Georgia Tech team and Lewis Clinch scored 30 points before being injured. Miami's season is now effectively over unless the team can win the ACC Tournament which is terribly unlikely.

With bubble teams losing all over the country we are reminded why they were on the bubble to begin with. Miami, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, etc have all proven that sometime teams with high expectations that underachieve don't deserve to be in the tournament discussion.

Daily RPI Update

2009-03-04T08:42:00.002-05:00

Miami

RPI 44
SOS 10

Note: The strength of schedule will take a major drop after tonight as Georgia Tech is ranked 186th in the RPI and 234th in SOS Impact.

Miami now has a clean shot at the tournament. Every mock bracket I have seen this week has the Canes back in the field and with Maryland losing at home to Wake last night, the Terps now cannot win nine ACC games, a major fear of many Canes fans.

Virginia Tech faces UNC tonight and FSU this weekend. At 7-7, the Hokies it must be assumed will lose one of those two games.

Daily RPI Update

2009-03-03T08:13:00.002-05:00

No change from yesterday. Miami's RPI remains #44 and SOS #10, although Notre Dame's home loss to Villanova probably ends the Irish's shot at an at-large bid.

The big night is Wednesday not only because of the Canes game in Atlanta, but also because of a number of other games. We'll preview those games tomorrow morning.

Daily RPI Update

2009-03-02T08:13:00.003-05:00

Miami

RPI 44
SOS 10
Vs RPI Top 50 4-6

Perhaps this is completely undeserved but the likely hood that two wins this week puts Miami in the NCAA field even with a first round ACC Tourney loss (if the Canes face NC State not VT or Maryland) has increased.

Florida's already weak resume took a hit with a home loss to Tennessee. The Gators despite an impressive looking record have a horrible strength of schedule and both their road wins were against sub 1oo RPI teams, so they are in big trouble.

Michigan lost to Wisconsin and now has a daunting trip to the Barn to face Minnesota left.

Arizona's bubble seems to have burst also. With Georgetown coming on late, with a similar profile to Miami: tough non league schedule, difficulties in conference but a solid RPI, it is entirely possible this selection committee may have to bite the bullet and let a record number of teams from both the ACC and Big East to the dance this year.

Daily RPI Update

2009-03-01T08:43:00.003-05:00

Miami

RPI: 45
SOS: 10

Saturday Miami got good news within the ACC but nothing but bad news outside the league. Florida State beat Clemson giving a team Miami played twice and beat once a win over a team Miami lost to at home. Duke also beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg due to what can only be described as a succession of bad calls that all went against the Hokies late. But as I said when Miami lost to UNC thanks to some interesting officiaiting late, ACC teams must know by now what situations not to place themselves in against Duke and Carolina. While it may not be fair, it all evens out for the league's other 10 teams because they all get the same raw deal.

Outside the ACC the day was disasterous for Miami and by extension for Maryland and VT. Oklahoma State beat Texas, a team that has no business being ranked and quite frankly is in everyone's NCAA bracket based on reputation and the lucky break of Blake Griffin's injury last week in Austin. Georgetown continued its late surge with a win over Villanova and Kentucky lost to LSU.

Today it is important for Miami to hope whomever losses the Florida-Tennessee game loses out and that Maryland loses to NC State.

As the week progresses we'll discuss why Miami fans should be rooting for FSU and BC to finish the season strong winning the rest of their games. The simple cheat sheet for ACC games is as follows:

Root for:

FSU
BC
Wake

Root against:

Maryland
VT
Clemson

Miami beat Florida in baseball 2-1 yesterday in Gainesville. The Canes go for the sweep today at 1pm ET on SUN Sports.

Gators Feel the Pain: Weislow Powers Canes to Road Win

2009-02-28T14:03:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

In our preseason Baseball show last month Canes Rising contributor and copy editor Jorge Bannister wondered if Jonathan Wieslow would be the able to settle in at Center Field and contribute right away.

The Hurricane Nation got its answer on Friday night as the Senior belted the first two home runs of his career to pace an 8-5 Miami win in Gainesville. The Canes beat Patrick Keating who should be one of the SEC's top starters this year, dropping the Gator ace to 1-1 on the young season.

Chris Hernandez got the win for the Hurricanes. Game two of the series is today a 2pm ET.

Daily RPI Update: Bracket Projections

2009-02-28T10:16:00.004-05:00

With no meaningful games yesterday, Miami's profile and that of it's most viable opposition remains the same.

Some bracket projections have the Canes squarely on the bubble. Rivals.com has Miami in the field as an 11 seed, but having rarely covered anything well other than recruiting I'd consider that projection unworthy of discussion.

RPI expert Jerry Palm has Miami as his second team out of the field while Virginia Tech is the last team in the field. Wisconsin and Penn State also are in his last four teams in, meaning we will start to track the Badgers as well, a team who last missed the NCAAs in 1997 but whom I had written off this season. He has Maryland as a #10 seed.

This projection looks solid other than the Maryland pick. The Terps last season beat North Carolina on the road and finished 8-8 in the ACC but didn't warrant much bubble consideration. This year the Terps still have a lack of road wins, and while they have a shot make an impression if they beat Wake at home, the lack of any sort of quality road performances has to be factored against the Terps. I believe Miami and Virginia Tech both have stronger resumes than Maryland at this point.

I have no quarrel with VT being in the field. If the Hokies win in Tallahassee next week they should lock down a bid.

Joe Lunardi has Miami completely off his board after keeping Miami in his field following five losses in six games earlier in the month. He also has Florida and Michigan as his last teams in the field. The Gators fate is in their own hands: if they win two of their last three games they should get in, although Florida like Maryland has an issue of a lack of road wins.

According to Bracket Matrix which compiles the 50 or so web "bracketologists" Miami is the last team in the NCAA field in the cumulative ranking. The first team out based on this ranking, is surprise, Virginia Tech.

We knew Miami's overtime loss to the Hokies was costly at the time. It became more costly as it snowballed into a week of lackluster play and indifference for the Canes who then lost in OT two days later in Raleigh and then didn't show up in College Park against Maryland. (Yet the Canes still almost won that game which speaks loudly as to how poor a team the Terps really are much of the time).

One caveat. In the past the selection committee has made provisions for teams without star players for a game or two. In 1998, Miami's profile didn't warrant an at-large bid, but with Johnny Hemsley suspended for a four game stretch when the Canes went 1-3, the committee appeared to qualify those losses and let UM into the dance as a #11 seed.

Let me be frank: I believe Virginia Tech is getting in the tournament, so Miami needs Maryland to start losing, and needs to keep winning. A late slide from Penn State, South Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota or Wisconsin would help also.

Miami also has the noise advantage. It seems until the Canes lose next Andy Katz, Jay Bilas and the rest of ESPN's ACC centric commentators are going to keep talking up the Canes as some sort of potential #12 seed that could make the Sweet 16. All the talk from ESPN about Villanova seemed to work last year as the Wildcats perhaps undeservedly got the last at-large bid and then won two NCAA games. It appears Miami is being cast in the same mold this season, and has a similar profile of close shave losses against top teams.

But as I have said before I don't believe playing teams close should be a resume builder to get into the tournament. But every selection committee is different and perhaps this one believes it is.

CORRECTION: I misread Bracketology by Joe Lunardi. He has Miami in the field as a #12 seed.

Daily RPI Update

2009-02-27T10:46:00.003-05:00

With Miami back on the bubble thanks to winning twice in the last week, beginning today until Miami loses again we'll be looking at the RPI each morning to determine where Miami sits.

Miami 2/27

RPI 44
SOS 9
Best wins: #19 FSU, #17 Wake
Worst Losses: @ # 86 NC State, @ #57 Maryland

Teams Miami is competing with for a bid:

Michigan RPI # 46 SOS 11
Florida RPI #42 SOS 94
Ohio State RPI #40 SOS 23 Ohio State beat Miami
Arizona RPI #49 SOS 39
Va Tech RPI #55 SOS 38 VT beat Miami
Maryland RPI #57 SOS 21 Miami and Maryland split two head to head games
South Carolina RPI #39 SOS 90
Kentucky RPI # 62 SOS 71 Miami beat Kentucky
Notre Dame RPI #71 SOS 47

A Road Win:Canes Beat UVA

2009-02-26T22:39:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Virginia's record and RPI number entering tonight's game at John Paul Jones Arena indicated that the Cavs were among the weakest teams in the ACC. But try telling Virginia Tech and Clemson that, both upset victims at JPJA in the past ten days.

Miami played poorly for much of the game: turnovers, and a completely out of sorts Dwayne Collins kept the Cavs in the game. But late in the game Jimmy Graham, Miami's most dynamic post defender made a number of strong defensive plays as well as set two critical screens to free up jump shooters.

The Canes survived 62-55 and keep realistic hopes of an NCAA bid alive.

Thoughts:

Jack McClinton's ball handling continues to be a sore spot and his tendency to force shots when things aren't falling can be a problem. But if he is able to get a clean look off a screen, he generally hits the shot.
Brian Asbury's intensity has really picked up as the season has worn on. Asbury had solid games in the close losses to Duke and North Carolina. He also has picked up his defense, as the matchup zone allows him to play a critical role.
Lance Hurdle is getting back to the level he demonstrated last season. While his free throw shooting isn't all the way back, his defense has improved and his decision making, so suspect for much of the year seems to have recovered.
Dwayne Collins and Coach Haith need to have a very frank talk about the big man's lack of hustle and initiative the last several games. Collins last gave a meaningful contribution against NC State almost a month ago.
Virginia Tech's win over Clemson yesterday hurt Miami, but the most critical game for the Canes will come this Sunday when NC State hosts Maryland. A Wolfpack win will make it very tough for Maryland to steal Miami's bid if the Canes win out.
Miami has two games remaining: at Georgia Tech which should be a victory, but still is an ACC road game and a tough home finale against an NC State team that like Miami has lost a lot of close games all season, and beat Miami in OT last month.

Spring Practice Updates

2009-02-25T16:08:00.002-05:00

For the latest updates from Hurricanes Spring Practice please sign up for our Twitter feed at twitter.com/canesrising

Picking Sides in ACC Games

2009-02-22T16:03:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami has a complicated next few weeks. Obviously the Canes must win all three remaining games to secure an at large NCAA bid without a deep ACC Tournament run. But the Canes also need help: serious help.

Here is who Canes fans should and shouldn't be rooting for going forward.

ROOT FOR:

Florida State

Right now FSU is the best team in the ACC. Miami has beaten the Noles once and played them twice. The best bet for the Canes is for FSU to win out, giving Virginia Tech and Boston College another loss, as well as hurting Clemson's overall case should the Tigers continue to struggle. If I were a betting man, I'd pick FSU to go 3-1 at minimum down the stretch. This FSU team reminds me of Leonard Hamilton's breakthrough teams at Miami. Once Hamilton's Canes got over the hump they never looked back for three seasons.

Boston College

With two wins over the Eagles, BC needs to keep winning for the Canes overall power rating. But BC needs to lose to FSU this week at home however for RPI purposes.

Wake Forest

This is obvious. Miami blew a chance to defeat Duke in OT at Cameron, and UNC late in the game at home. The North Carolina loss in particular is tough to take but with a healthy Dwayne Collins the Canes win that game going away. The hope is that Wake, who was bombed in their one meeting with Miami this season gets hot and run the table making the Canes win appear more impressive.

ROOT AGAINST

Maryland

The Terps have half the talent of the Canes but a better league record. That speaks highly of Gary Williams who despite an unappreciative fan base seems to be doing his best coaching job in recent years. The Terps got the home court win over Carolina that Miami did not. The Terps RPI is higher now, but the RPI does not measure margin of victory. For example, Miami took Duke to OT in Durham, while Maryland lost by 41 points in Durham, but the loss counts the same in the RPI.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies are collapsing despite having a team that I picked to finish second in the league in the pre-season. The Canes OT loss to VT hurts but could make little difference in the head to head category if the Hokies continue to stumble.

NC State

Sidney Lowe's team has been pretty good since the Canes lost to the Wolfpack in OT. By opening the door for a talented NC State team, the Canes not only shot themselves in the foot but they gave life to an ACC rival. that overtime loss remains the biggest blight on Miami's season and will be the reason the Canes miss the NCAAs if the current projections hold true. I don't think NC State is going to continue to roll, but they could sneak into the tournament at Miami's expense if they continue to play well.

Bottom Line:

Right now Miami is the second worst team in the ACC. With the experience the Canes had they needed to jump on young teams early in the season but let Maryland and NC State steal games keeping those teams that are young and peaking later in season alive while hurting the Canes own chances.

The Canes have been talked up by ESPN, but barring a sweep of these last three games which would include beating Virginia and NC State two teams that are playing good basketball with young teams lately, Miami is heading to the NIT or CBI.

Staying Alive

2009-02-21T13:43:00.006-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami had to beat Boston College today to keep any realistic hope of an NCAA bid alive. Despite the noise about the Canes being made by ESPN's biased, pro-ACC commentators, teams that lose regularly at home in league play should not be considered for the NCAA Tournament. Miami has already lost four home games this season, albeit three of them in very close games.

James Dews has turned his season around with some good shooting and has become a good ball handler as well. Jack McClinton continues to shine even when his team mates are struggling.

Miami was hitting its shots early in this game but despite the win, many of the same problems that the Canes have demonstrated lately were apparent today. Poor free throw shooting, sloppy turnovers and allowing second chance points have killed Miami lately.

The one really encouraging thing about this game: Miami shut down Tyrese Rice for the second time this year, and swept Boston College. BC is one of only two teams in the nation that have beaten both North Carolina and Duke this season. The Canes won by 11 and stay alive in the race for an NCAA bid.

The Canes now play at red hot Virginia on Thursday. Should the Canes win that game we can begin talking NCAA Tournament again. UVA has a young team that has lost a lot of game this season but is coming of age late in the year. I don't expect a Miami win in Charlottesville, but if the Canes do win that game, finishing 8-8 in the ACC is likely. That would be good enough in all likelyhood to make the big dance for the second straight year.

CBI Bound?

2009-02-20T09:33:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

It's simply assumed by most Miami fans that not making the NCAA Tournament means the Canes will get an NIT invite. Despite the active lobbying from ESPN's commentators who have a vested interest in getting as many ACC teams as possible into the Big Dance, Miami's NCAA hopes are almost 100% dead.

The Canes would have to win out and then win their first ACC Tournament game to lock down an NCAA bid. For a team that finds interesting and creative ways to lose games in the last minutes and overtime, winning five games in a row, three of which will be away from home is impossible.

The NIT too may be a stretch. With the new NCAA selection rules, the NIT must take regular season conference winners that did not win their league tournaments. A year ago Wake Forest won seven ACC games and beat Duke but was denied an NIT bid. This year Miami is sitting on four league wins with four games remaining. The Canes are likely to lose at Virginia, thus making it almost imperative Miami wins the other three games to make the NIT. That would leave Miami forced to decide whether to accept an invite to the third tier College Basketball Invitational. Last year, snubbed by the NIT Wake Forest declined a CBI invite.

Boston College a team that has won three more league games than Miami comes to Coral Gables tomorrow. That is followed up by a trip Charlottesville to face a red hot UVA team that beat Clemson last week, and Va Tech the other night. Miami faces a bad Ga Tech team in Atlanta before coming home to face an NC State team that right now is playing much better basketball than the Canes.

Andy Katz, Joe Lunardi and Dick Vitale seem to think Miami deserves NCAA consideration for losing a number of close games to allegedly good ACC teams. But the fact that Miami couldn't even pull out one of these games against better opposition tells me the Canes are not NCAA worthy even if the team wins its last four games of the regular season, which I believe is HIGHLY unlikely.

For the Canes to make the NCAAs in my book, they need to win at least three of these final for regular season games and then win at least two games in the ACC Tournament. Winning two games based on Miami's current league position with require the Hurricanes to beat either North Carolina, Duke or Wake Forest in the second round of the tournament. A win over one of those teams on a neutral site would make UM NCAA worthy. Anything less will not.

The Hurricanes have a losing mentality right now evidenced by a terrible second half performance against a young but well coached FSU team this other night. I believe Frank Haith will need to make some changes in the offseason to make this program successful again in the ACC: playing top teams close simply isn't good enough to get the program to its potential level. But we'll discuss the neccesary changes at the end of the season.

Out of Chances?

2009-02-15T21:31:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Playing without second leading scorer Dwayne Collins the Canes fought to the last whistle. But as has been the case so many times this season, the team fell just short. Without Collins, play in the post was a concern forcing Frank Haith to go to exclusively to a zone which did contain Tyler Hansbrough inside and led to five key blocks for Jimmy Graham.

Jack McClinton was on fire offensively leading the Canes back from a 14 point deficit midway through the second half but they were simply not good enough missing two critical chances to take the lead inside two minutes to go. Once again, Miami's late game execution was poor and while the team fought valiantly, a team that blows so many opportunities to win signature games in the last few minutes or overtime does not deserve to be dancing come March.

Miami's NCAA hopes are effectively dead unless the Canes run the table. With teams such as Florida State, Boston College and Virginia Tech ahead of the Canes in the ACC standings, and three of the final final five games on the road (where Miami has lost four straight including twice in OT) and potentially without Collins for the most important of these in Tallahassee, it's difficult to find a way back for the Canes now. Two wins this week (against FSU and BC) would put the Canes back in the field of 65, but can one really expect that at this point?

As crazy as this sounds, an NIT birth is not yet assured either. Per an NCAA rule change two years ago, conference champions who do not win their league tournament or receive an at-large NCAA bid now automatically qualify for the NIT. A team with just four wins and likely six or seven wins in the ACC at season's end is not assured an NIT birth under this new system. A year ago Wake Forest at 7-9 in the ACC was not invited to the NIT and turned down an invitation to the third tier CBI.

So that is where Miami stands. Over half of the Canes points tonight came from Jack McClinton whose heart and desire he wears on a sleeve. But even a player of his caliber: all ACC, maybe even all American, cannot carry a team whose mental weakness late in games is striking and whose psychology is that of a losing side.

Frank Haith has done a good job with this team: he's held a team together that has faced adversity all season and could have quit. But sadly the emotion and good coaching cannot carry a team with its back against the wall in the final possession of every game.

North Carolina Preview

2009-02-15T04:22:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami enters a nationally televised clash (let me call it an internationally televised clash. I've split time between India and England over the last few weeks and have discovered that ACC Sunday Night Hoops is carried in India a day or two later, on Rupert Murdoch owned Star Sports) against North Carolina in serious bubble trouble.

The Tar Heels are rolling and the loses to Boston College and Wake Forest are distant memories. Other than a close shave win against Florida State, UNC hasn't been really tested in close to a month. Against this backdrop Miami faces what amounts to a must win. A Hurricane loss, which is likely will mean that UM will have to likely win four of its final five regular season games to make the NCAA Tournament without a deep ACC Tourney run. (including a game at Florida State who is 5-2 versus Miami the last four seasons, and also cracked the Top 25 for the first time in a dozen years this week)

The overtime loss to Duke could have been avoided with some smarter play down the stretch: something Frank Haith was sure to stress this week in practice. That loss is the difference between being safely in the NCAA and being on the wrong side of the bubble for the Canes.

Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson have found their shooting form lately and Tyler Hansbrough continues to clean up and benefit from positive officiating inside. Miami simply does not have the athletes to match up with Carolina.

It's hard to believe Miami is in this situation but blowing late leads against Duke and NC State, and ultimately losing both games in overtime as well as a overtime loss at home to Virginia Tech have placed the Canes back against the wall. Miami's performances on the road in the league have left little to be desired: blown leads and critical breakdowns defensively at the most important times.

Many a Hurricane fan believed this could have been one of the best teams in the programs history. But when you consider Miami went 15-2 on the road in the Big East in a two year period which saw the Canes finish in the top two in the league both years, this particular team is nowhere near the established high standards of Leonard Hamilton's Canes teams.

If you want a good comparison with Miami of the late 1990s, it's Florida State coached by Hamilton whom Miami must defeat in Tallahassee on Wednesday to have any realisitic shot of gaining an at-large NCAA bid. You simply cannot lose every road game in conference and expect to make the tournament, and hopefully Miami realizes the only way to correct that situation is to either steal a massive game at home or start winning on the road.

Heartbreaker: Canes lose in OT at Cameron

2009-02-07T15:31:00.012-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer/Canes Rising Staff

For the first half Miami looked oh so good. But then Duke stormed back as they always do at home. The Canes however weathered the storm and had a two point lead with just over a minute to go. But Greg Paulus hit a three and then Adrian Thomas missed an open look from two. An amazing three by Jack McClinton following Jon Scheyer's two free throws sent the game to OT. But as has been typical the Canes lost again in OT, making nine straight times the Canes have lost when a game went to OT.

Miami's inability to rebound the basketball was what fueled Duke's comeback, and then once in OT the Canes couldn't buy a basket. Miami has six possessions without a basket to begin OT. Duke was cold too initially in OT but once Gerald Henderson got going it was over.

Jack McClinton has his second consecutive thirty point game for the Canes, but it was not enough. Miami deserves credit for erasing a late six point deficit despite giving up a 16 point lead to send the game to overtime. James Dews played his best game in a long time, but Dwayne Collins was never able to get on track, and missed a shot in OT when he did get inside position on David McClure.

Much more analysis later.

Duke Preview

2009-02-06T06:28:00.002-05:00

Duke comes into Saturday’s meeting with the Hurricanes having lost just twice in ACC play. However, the 27 point thrashing the Devils suffered at Littlejohn Coliseum the other night will probably force the Canes to play almost flawless basketball to win. But Duke is not as talented nor as athletic as North Carolina, and they can be beat, even at Cameron.

Last year at the Bank United Center, Brian Asbury was able to create several open shots off of the mismatch with the smaller Gerald Henderson, and Dwayne Collins had a huge day inside. The departed Anthony King had several key defensive plays inside, and Miami in general dominated in the post. Duke got hot late in the game, largely due to the now departed Taylor King (King has transferred to Villanova) to make it a game, but the Canes won, giving Coach Haith his biggest win to date.

This year Duke has two outstanding offensive players: Gerald Henderson and Jon Scheyer. The rest of the team is hit or miss and quite honestly over rated and relies too heavily on outside shooting. The Devils are very poor inside: Tyler Hansbrough’s obliteration of Duke’s post players in the last five minutes of last March’s game despite being triple teamed spoke loudly across the nation. In the next two weeks, Clemson, Belmont and West Virginia would all have their way with the Blue Devils in the paint and once again Coach K’s bunch failed to meet the lofty, inflated expectations the media had developed for them.

Greg Paulus one of the most hated players in America has faded as a force in this his senior season replaced in large part by Nolan Smith at point guard. Kyle Singler can shoot from outside but will not post anybody up. Singler like Jon Scheyer is also suspect defensively. Duke can defend in transition but if the Canes can slow the game down to a half court trickle, the Devils cannot man up for thirty five seconds.

The officials will also play a role: Duke, as has become customary has once again been the beneficiary of favorable refereeing this season. For example in a game last month against a much taller and more physical Florida State team, Duke shot TWENTY SEVEN more free throws. Duke also got a number of favorable calls late against Wake Forest keeping them in a game that they eventually lost.

The Canes have a chance Saturday. But they must play smart and limit the turnovers in the transition which Lance Hurdle has become known for. Jack McClinton also has to recognize that he does not have to carry the Hurricanes alone. Dwayne Collins must get on track early and not fall into foul trouble. With all of that, Miami must still get lucky, like a cold shooting night from Duke. It’s possible, and a win would be a huge boost to the Canes NCAA hopes.

The Canes on the Bubble: a Look Ahead

2009-02-05T20:12:00.001-05:00

Kartik Krishnaiyer/Canes Rising Staff

Now that it’s February and Miami has a marquee conference win we need look at the conference and begin to think about the NCAA bubble. I’ve heard Wake referred to as a non-marquee win since the Canes 27 point victory, but let me dispel that with one fact: Wake Forest has beaten the top four teams in the current ACC standings already.

Miami has seven conference games remaining. Recall, last season Miami went 8-8 in the ACC and yet did not even have to sweat out Selection Sunday. The previous season both Duke and Georgia Tech went 8-8 and easily made the field. However, we all recall Florida State finishing 9-7 in the ACC in 2005 and missing the field and many may forget Virginia’s 8-8 ACC campaign in 2000 which included a sweep of North Carolina but ended up with an NIT bid.

Somehow, Miami must get to 9-7 to ensure an NCAA bid. That is unlikely, so 8-8 and two ACC Tournament wins will have to do. Miami must win two of the next four all against good opponents, and then sweep the final three against weaker opponents to ensure not having to rely on a deep ACC Tournament run to make the NCAAs.

@ Duke POSSIBLE WIN

Miami has a better chance in this game than many may think but with Duke coming off a crushing loss to Clemson, perhaps this is the wrong time to catch the Devils. The Canes can go inside on Greg Zoubek and David McClure and if the defensive intensity Miami showed against Wake particularly on the perimeter, the Canes can win in Cameron.

North Carolina VERY LITTLE CHANCE OF A WIN

The Tar Heels have finally learned to play without Marcus Ginyard and are simply too athletic, and too deep for the Canes.

@ Florida State POSSIBLE WIN

Miami has already defeated the Noles once this season, but FSU quite frankly has a better team. Chris Singleton is a beast and Tony Douglas is once again shooting well and setting up easy transition baskets for FSU with his defense. But FSU relies heavily on Freshman and like Wake Forest they may hit a wall late in the season.

Boston College POSSIBLE WIN

Al Skinner is one of America’s best coaches. The Eagles have once again defied the odds and developed a squad that is in the ACC’s upper division despite having very few blue chip recruits. The Canes beat the Eagles in Chestnut Hill but had to play their best game of the year prior to Wednesday to do so. This will be a tough one, even at home.

@ Virginia MUST WIN

Virginia has lost six straight ACC games and has looked poor every time I’ve watched them. Florida State, Virginia Tech and Boston College the schools Miami is competing with for an NCAA bid have already won at John Paul Jones Arena this season: Miami cannot drop this game.

@ Georgia Tech MUST WIN

The Canes have won their last two trips to Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Ivan Shumpert has begun to play well for the Jackets, but Tech is reeling from injuries and may be checked out on the season by the time this game roles around.

NC State MUST WIN

Miami’s overtime loss to NC State last week will remain a blight on the Canes NCAA Resume for the remainder of the season. While the horrible loss cannot be erased, another loss to NC State would probably send the Canes to the NIT if Miami is anywhere near the bubble come Selection Sunday.

Statement Made: Team Effort

2009-02-04T21:27:00.000-05:00

Kartik Krishnaiyer/Canes Rising Staff

The Hurricanes entered a must win game at the Bank United Center in woeful shape. Three straight close losses two of them in overtime had the team reeling. Additionally, losing to inferior teams like NC State and Maryland are potential killers come tournament selection time. The reality of dropping games to both of those teams is that Miami needed to win at least one of the three game set coming up against Top 10 teams nationally, and may need to win two of them.

That left little margin for error entering tonight’s contest. Well the Canes responded with their best effort of the season and quite possibly their best effort in several years. It was a team effort which propelled the Canes back into the NCAA discussion after a resounding 79-52 win.

Adrian Thomas was huge. Not just shooting but also in moving off the ball and making some great defensive stops. This point cannot be overstated: Thomas has kept Miami’s season alive with his amazing play coming back from two horrible injuries which had kept him out of action for all but three games in 06-07 and 07-08. I was quoted several months ago when Kenny Boynton signed with Florida as saying Broward County does not produce good Basketball players anymore, but AT is proving me wrong.
Cyrus McGowan and Jimmy Graham provided amazing energy in the paint keeping plays alive and playing good defense. McGowan provided a spark for the first time in a while.
Jack McClinton may be a wonderful shooter but he needs to settle down. At issue with me is the three he popped after a steal on an inbounds pass. Leading by double digits you NEVER do that.
I liked DeQuan Jones handling the ball in transition. He still looks a little shaky passing the ball, but has the athleticism that the Canes on the whole lack. He’s a potential game changer against better teams like Wake and UNC.
Despite not scoring a whole lot inside early, Dwayne Collins was effective setting up the outside game by holding down the paint in the second half. Foul trouble plagued DC for the first time in a while tonight.
Obviously Frank Haith had a conversation with Lance Hurdle about playing too fast and out of control. A few times tonight he made mistakes in transition but also several times wisely held up or passed the ball to keep a possession alive.

Were Anthony King and Ray Hicks, Difference Makers?

2009-02-03T08:02:00.001-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer

Canes Rising Staff

Anthony King and Ray Hicks were the only two Miami players who garnered significant minutes on last year’s successful NCAA Tournament squad who did not return this season. Initially many fans, myself included did not think either would be a particularly big loss. King for his part seemingly regressed from an intimidating post player to a timid jump shooter in his final UM season. Hicks was undersized and lacking in big time College Basketball talent many believed.

But as Miami’s season unravels we have been forced to reflect on the impact of both players. Ironically enough King was the last Perry Clark recruit in the Miami program and Hicks was the first player recruited by

ANTHONY KING

Anthony King is considered one of Miami’s top players of the Frank Haith era, and after being granted a fifth season of eligibility he started strong in 2007-08. But after a freak injury against Penn, King was timid and seemingly ineffective during the ACC campaign. He rebounded to post two strong efforts in the NCAA Tournament. Despite this, it seemed like King’s loss would not be serious for the team entering the 2008-09 season.

King was a superb player for Miami prior to the 2007-08 season. Completely disregarded in his freshman year by Perry Clark, King was buried behind Rodrigue Djahue and Leonard Harden on the depth chart. But when Frank Haith took over, King moved into the starting lineup and posted some dominant performances. He set the school record for blocked shots in a single game against FAU, and also completely dominated some top post players including Sheldon Williams, David Lee and Alexander Johnson inside.

King’s Junior year he was solid as well. Among the league leaders in blocked shots once again, he averaged double figures in scoring and had an outstanding game against Duke in the ACC Tournament. Miami won two games in the NIT after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament and big things were expected from King the next season.

But King got hurt early in the season and Miami’s year unraveled. Following King’s injury, Jimmy Graham and Fabio Nass were also lost for long periods of time with bad injuries. Nass had assumed many of King’s minutes and once he went down, Miami was forced to play small and finished in last place in the ACC. Nass was a player whose final season at Miami was a waste after showing some promise before his injury in wins over Georgia Tech and UMass.

Granted a medical redshirt King returned for a fifth year last season. While his rebounding and scoring numbers declined in 2007-08, his shot blocking remained a key factor.

King undoubtedly played softer as a fifth year senior than he had in the previous three seasons under Coach Haith. But having developed a reputation as a shot blocker and a good rebounder, ACC coaches and players were conscious of his abilities and often times tried to avoid going strong at him.

RAY HICKS

Hicks was the first player recruited by Frank Haith to Miami. A role player for four seasons who was almost thrown off the team as a Junior, Hicks was more valuable than statistics would indicate.

Hicks was perhaps the strongest player on the Canes during his entire career. He played bigger than his size and was capable of taking the ball strongly to the basket or hitting a mid range jumper.

A player which very few big schools wanted out of High School, Hicks proved to be a valuable ACC caliber player as a senior giving valuable minutes and playing very good defense. He could also knock down the occasional jump shot, and ended his Miami career with a bang almost single handily bringing the Canes to the Sweet 16 in the final minute of the NCAA Second Round game against Texas.

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The bottom line is this. For all of Coach Haith’s bashers within the Miami fan base, a dose of reality needs to be showered. Miami lost two significant contributors from last season. While Adrian Thomas, whose injury a year ago necessitated the increase in minutes for Hicks has done well the last several games, King’s replacement Cyrus McGowan is making some of us long for Dwayne Wimbley.

Additionally, lingering injuries to Jimmy Graham and Lance Hurdle must be factored in when considering their limitations this season. When you consider an unmistakable regression in James Dews play and a suddenly cold Jack McClinton, it’s tough to argue the Hurricanes are underachieving.

In fact, Miami has played two really solid games all season: at Boston College and versus San Diego in the Paradise Jam. Every other game, win or loss has been a struggle. That points to larger issues than simply saying the coaching is not up to snuff. It points to a shortfall in talent and a lack of quality depth and consistency. Coach Haith has addressed these issues with the incoming recruiting class, which will probably be ranked among the best in Miami’s history.

Dire Situation

2009-01-31T22:02:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

A season of promise seems to have gone down the drain in one short week. First it was a blown late second half lead and overtime loss to Virginia Tech. While that one hurt, losing to the Hokies is acceptable, and the loss did not hurt Miami's NCAA chances.

But then the bottom fell out. Consecutive losses to NC State (in OT) and today to Maryland, a team Miami has owned since joining the ACC are unacceptable. Not a single player on the Terps roster had ever tasted victory over Miami until tonight, and it came at a time when the Maryland program is in turmoil.

The Terps have not only been bad this season in ACC play, but legendary coach Gary Williams is fighting with the Athletic Department about why certain players (including South Florida's Gus Gilchrist who is having a nice year for the Bulls) had their scholarship offers rescinded by the University.

Maryland's will to play Basketball appeared to be shattered and yet the Canes managed to lose to them. Miami's lack of discipline from it's two senior guards is striking.

Lance Hurdle and Jack McClinton both play an undisciplined brand of Basketball. A year ago both were on fire as the Canes easily qualified for the NCAA Tournament and won a game in the big dance. This year their propensity to shoot quickly is sending Miami towards an NIT birth, at best. It's possible with all of the automatic bids now awarded to the NIT for regular conference champions that the Canes could miss the NIT unless they rack up a few more wins. Seriously, that's how bad things have gotten in the past seven days.

Dwayne Collins has dominated the post in ACC play. But today the Canes got Collins, who was double and triple teamed in Maryland's zone the ball very rarely. The Canes big man, who is shooting 63% on the season and who has handled the opposition inside took five shots all night! Yes, five shots, and he made just two.

Miami has wasted good performances from Brian Asbury, Adrian Thomas and now James Dews in a one week period. The Canes role players have stepped up, but its stars, the two best players a year ago are sinking without a trace.

Things are bad. No other way to describe it. Miami needs to stop the bleeding and with three top 5 teams on the schedule in the next two weeks, chances aren't very good that this funk will be snapped.

Maryland Preview

2009-01-31T03:45:00.000-05:00

The Hurricanes face what looms as almost a must win game tonight in College Park against Maryland. The Terps similarly must win this game to keep realistic chances of an NCAA bid alive. Both teams will be desperate, but only one team will emerge with a victory.

For Miami, another loss would probably force the Canes to win two of three upcoming games against the ACC’s top three teams: Wake Forest, Duke and North Carolina to make the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season.

We’ve discussed Miami’s problems closing out games plenty over the past week and no need exists to rehash this. The Hurricanes are making enough shots, scoring enough points and getting positive contributions on offense from enough players to win.

It’s Miami’s defense, particularly on the perimeter that must improve dramatically. Adrian Thomas revitalization the past few weeks has given Miami one consistent perimeter defender in the lineup. However, Miami’s guards seem to have lost their enthusiasm for playing defense, and the Canes o pposition have had far too many open looks at critical junctures in recent games.

Miami beat Maryland in an epic comeback two and a half weeks ago and currently sport a five game win streak over the Terps. Landon Milbourne and Adrian Bowie both played well for Maryland at the Bank United Center: Milbourne causes a mismatch either on Brian Asbury or James Dews. Bowie appears to be too quick for either Jack McClinton or Lance Hurdle to guard effectively.

But mismatches are aplenty the other way as well. The Terps have nobody that can guard Dwayne Collins and must rely on denying the entry pass to the Miami big man to slow him down. Collins has done his part in Miami’s two overtime losses the past week, dominating inside while his team mates made critical mistakes late to lose games.

Maryland will bring full court pressure to try and create turnovers against Miami’s sloppy ball handlers. This philosophy worked for the Terps in Coral Gables in the last game and probably will work again. This means when Miami does break the press they must look inside to Collins early and often. Otherwise, Miami’s season could continue slipping away.

Canes Rising Radio #29: Baseball Preview

2009-01-28T22:18:00.003-05:00

Canes Rising Copy Editor and Baseball Correspondent Jorge Bannister joins Kartik Krishnaiyer to preview the 2009 Canes and the ACC. Next week, Nate Skinner will return to discuss Miami's recent late game failures in Basketball.

Direct Download

Devastating

2009-01-28T06:59:00.006-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Sometimes in life sports can get the best of us. I'll admit I'm writing this on almost zero sleep and that I hope the team itself does not lay awake the way I did last night pondering future games and how we could waste two scintillating performances from Dwayne Collins in a three days period.

The fact is I am now in my mid thirties, have a wife and a career and travel often. When I was a kid I used to be overly emotional about sporting events. When I was in college at the University of Florida, I began to be able to keep these emotions in check. I am actually traveling abroad in the next few days partly to see family, partly for work related items. These days besides my political/issue consulting which I have worked in for years, I cover soccer professionally as a pseudo journalist/blogger/radio host. In covering that sport I'm very objective and very rarely get myself wrapped up in emotions. (While abroad I will be able to continue to see every UM Basketball game. I may be delinquent on football news as I will be relying on the Internet to find it, but Basketball coverage will remain consistent.)

But the bottom line is this: my emotion last night and this morning is because I have been around long enough to know that last night's OT loss to a vastly inferior NC State team is the kind of thing that send an otherwise deserving tournament team to the NIT. Coming from 19 down and then having the game within our grasp if we could only make a defensive stop made matters worse. Thinking about how we let a similar game get away in Raleigh last year against a similarly outclassed Wolfpack team made matters worse. And finally, the fact that a loss is a given if UM's games go to overtime. Why is that? Why does a team that looks so well coached for much of the game always go to pieces on final possessions or in overtime.

Eight straight overtime losses is not acceptable. Even the whipping bags nationally usually don't perform that badly in close games time after time. Maybe I'm being simplistic but both against Virginia Tech which I witnessed in person and last night which I watched on TV I really believe a big does of Dwayne Collins in overtime would have won BOTH games for the Canes.

Instead Miami tried to set screens to let Jack McClinton shoot or force Jack to handle the ball. I'm not downplaying how much this team has depended on Jack the past few years, but the fact is the last two games the Canes have have wasted career best performances from Brian Asbury and Adrian Thomas. The Hurricanes have wasted Dwayne Collins inside dominance and have completely gone to pieces when the game was on the line.

Over reliance on Jack McClinton is killing this team late. Other players are capable of stepping up as Asbury and Thomas have shown the last two games. Dwayne Collins is now Miami's most complete player. A month ago we wondered if DC would be able to take this team to the next level. The answer is, he's taken his game to the next level but the team is slipping rapidly.

Lance Hurdle strives for consistency but seems to be operating a million miles per hour and thus is mistake prone. James Dews right now is in a slump of epic proportions. Cyrus McGowan after a promising start seems to be doing more harm than good when he's in the game. Julian Gamble isn't getting the minutes to take the burden off Jimmy Graham whose intensity is beginning to wane because he's having to play too much. More important than anything is that Coach Frank Haith is so frustrated with the lack of defensive intensity he keeps shifting defensive sets in game to figure out what will work.

Problems that were buried a week ago after a win over a solid Florida State team are now out in the open. Miami, a very good defensive team last season is now a bad one. The Canes were second in FT % in the ACC last year but are tenth this season. Jack McClinton's points and assists are up but so are his turnovers. James Dews who averaged double digits last year is averaging under 5 ppg in ACC play. Lance Hurdle's FT% has dropped by over 20 percentage points.

All of a sudden the Canes do not look like the team that won an NCAA game a year ago and won several big games earlier this season. Instead Miami looks like a team that is more talented than its opponents but makes critical mistakes at critical times to lose games. That's how teams end up in the NIT.

Let's all hope that is not Miami's fate.

Another OT Loss

2009-01-27T21:14:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The Cardiac Canes fought back from a 19 point second half deficit but couldn't close the game out with a two point lead late, and allowed NC State to steal a win in overtime, 84-81. More on this game later.

Miami Football Still Matters

2009-01-27T11:32:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Last week, I spoke with a friend in Texas, a UF classmate of mine who used to follow Miami Football closely. He asked me if Miami Football still mattered nationally because the program has gone from a big player in Texas to invisible in the six years he's lived out there. I told him honestly, I didn't have an answer: I know FSU doesn't really matter anymore nationally (eight years straight outside the Top 10 will do that), but wasn't sure about Miami. I told him basically, "we'll see if any big name coach wants to join Shannon's staff." I also said maybe Miami didn't matter because let's face it: more college sports fans across America know Jack McClinton's name and maybe even Dwayne Collins name more than any current Miami Football player. (In the interest of fill disclosure I personally want FSU to matter again. I have the utmost respect for their program)

A few days later we have our answer. Miami still does matter. The temptation to drop Miami to the also ran ranks of Ole Miss, NC State and Kansas has been thwarted. Could any of the aforementioned programs reach into the NFL, and lure away a highly thought of, Super Bowl winning Assistant Coach? Almost certainly, no.

But Miami has done just that with the hiring of Mark Whipple. The attraction of Miami hasn't faded yet: how many programs can realistically jump into the NFL and grab a Super Bowl winning Assistant Coach to ? USC, of course. Notre Dame, probably. Florida, maybe. Texas, probably not. Clemson, no way.

So Miami still does matter. But the Whipple hiring could be make or break. The Hurricanes are in all honesty behind where FSU is in two ways: Not only are the Canes a few years behind FSU in talent level but they are also about three or four fewer years into this long term dip. A whole generation of young kids in the state know nothing of the Seminole tradition or of the remarkable unbreakable record of 14 straight ten win seasons FSU compiled in the 80s and 90s.

UM is honestly getting close to that point also. The current High School studs recall Miami as a powerhouse when they were in junior high. The last great Miami victory, in 2005 at Virginia Tech is now a fading memory for young kids. Mark Whipple can help right the ship for now.

Miami still matters, and hopefully the Whipple hiring helps ensure that it always will.

NC State Preview

2009-01-27T09:57:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Coming off an overtime loss two nights ago at home it's very tough to recover quickly enough to play a road game in the ACC. But the Canes must do that tonight in Raleigh against NC State.

The Wolfpack have shown flashes this year of becoming the team they were under Herb Sendek. Close losses to Davidson and then a last second loss at Florida had the Pack faithful thinking they could compete in the ACC.

But the Wolfpack were blown out at home by Florida State, on the road by Boston College and let a second half lead turn into a 20 point loss against Duke. This team which looked better without one and done ball hog JJ Hickson, now looks like they needed Hickson's scoring all along. Brandon Costner is a solid post player but as a bit of a tweener he plays outside as much as he does inside. But unlike Virginia Tech's Jeff Allen who hurt Miami on Sunday, Costner doesn't have particularly strong post moves.

A year ago Miami gave away a game in Raleigh in the last seconds of overtime. Anthony King, a fifth year senior made a fatal mistake and quite frankly his career never recovered. The Canes went into a three week tailspin that could have cost the team an NCAA birth without some of the big late season wins Miami eventually recovered to get.

NC State is the worst ACC team Miami has faced thus far. But the timing of the game plus the psychology of the Canes coming off a heartbreaking loss at home make this a challenge. Win this game and Miami probably has the RPI resume to withstand the five game gauntlet that starts on Saturday in Maryland. Lose tonight, and Miami then probably will need to steal a game against the likes of North Carolina, Duke or a second win against FSU to breathe easy.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Game in and game out you must come to play in the ACC, and we'll get a sense of the Canes character tonight.

Check our Twitter feed on the right side of this website or at Twitter.com/CanesRising for live in-game updates of tonight's game which is on ESPNU.

Canes Closing in on "Big Fish" Coordinator Hire

2009-01-26T14:37:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

All indications are that Mark Whipple whose NFL success on Bill Cowher and Andy Reid's staffs speaks for itself will be the next Miami Offensive Coordinator. With Miami Football seemingly at a low ebb following the Robert Marve debacle, the firing of Pat Nix and the surprise departure of Bill Young, this is exactly the kind of move Miami must make.

Whipple was considered a top NFL QB coach and won the Division IAA National Championship as a Head Coach at UMass before joining Cowher's Steelers staff. Whipple is credited by many with developing Ben Roethlisberger into a Pro Bowl caliber and Super Bowl winning QB.

For those skeptics who believed no coach worth their salt would want to work with Randy Shannon, this potential hire must come as a shock. Perhaps Miami fans will learn to be more patient in the near future.

Another Overtime Loss

2009-01-25T21:09:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

One of these days the Canes will win another overtime game in ACC play. But tonight, Miami blew a four point lead in OT to Virginia Tech to lose the school's seventh consecutive OT game. Miami's last OT win was in January 2006 at Florida State.

Two story lines from this game. Miami's inability to stop Ad Vasallo inside or outside and Virginia Tech's inability to stop Dwayne Collins in the paint. Strangely Miami didn't go inside to Collins late in OT while VT kept running its offense through Vasallo and Malcolm Delaney.

Seth Greenberg knows the Miami program as well as any opposing coach. It's no coincidence Frank Haith's otherwise good coaching seems to break down against the two ACC coaches with Miami links. The Canes are now 6-11 vs Leonard Hamilton (FSU) and Seth Greenberg (VT) since joining the ACC.

Jack McClinton was off his game tonight but continued to force shots in the second half and deep into overtime. With Brian Asbury playing the best game of his four year Miami career and Collins dominating inside as he often does against smallish ACC opponents, the continued reliance on McClinton has to stop. But that is as much the fault of the rest of the team as it is on Jack.

Miami now travels to Raleigh to face NC State. A quick turnaround with the game on Tuesday Night. The Canes need a bounce back game in the biggest way. It's not just about wins and losses but also about the RPI when you are chasing an NCAA bid. Miami's RPI can afford a loss to #39 VT even at home but cannot afford a loss to #123 NC State, even on the road.

Winning Tuesday Night is imperative. Last year Miami beat the better ACC teams and lost to the bottom feeders including the memorable OT loss at NC State a year ago. That was enough to get Miami safely into the NCAA field with a #7 seed.

This season Miami has yet to steal a game from one of the top ACC teams, so giving away games to teams near the bottom of the league cannot happen again.

Q&A with Niemo of Tech Hoops. com

2009-01-23T18:55:00.003-05:00

About Niemo:

Niemo is the Senior Writer for TechHoops.com, a site focused solely on Virginia Tech basketball. When he is writing articles about the team, he is well known for arm curling Hokie players at every opportunity. Niemo is also an avid football fan of the three-time ACC Champion Hokies. He has attended 97 straight VT home games dating back to 1994. Maybe the miami game will be #100 next season! Niemo has made 10 trips to the Miami area over the years to see the Hokies take on the rival canes, or see an Orange Bowl, and can always be found at Wet Willies when in town.

Miami-VT is on Sunday

The game is on FSN's Sunday Night Hoops package. That however IS NOT an excuse to not turn up Sunday. The attendance has been better for Maryland and FSU. This is the sort of game where the Canes need a home court crowd advantage to have a reasonable chance of winning.

Q&A:

Q. The Hokies ended up in the NIT last season after finishing 9-7 in the ACC and taking Carolina to the brink in the ACC Tournament. How has the NCAA snub affected the psyche of this team?

A: The players claimed they were very focused at the start of the season on reaching the Big Dance, but lost some questionable games early on. And losing to xavier on a half-court shot at the buzzer didn't help any. Chemistry seemed to be a bit off early in the year, but now everything is clicking. Tech has won 8 of 9, losing only in a blow out at duke.

Q. Do some Hokie fans feel Jeff Allen takes days off or has not reached his vast potential yet?

A: Yes and no. Like most big men, I think you have to get him involved in the offense early on. Sometimes he seems to be neglected and not fed the rock. In those games, yes, at times he seems uninvolved.

In the bc game a week ago, he touched the ball on almost every possession in the first 4 minutes and he ended up with a career high 30 points. But, he also is maybe 6'6" at best, so he is a bit undersized for a low post player. And having lost 30 pounds in the offseason, he can't out-"muscle" opposing guys. I think he's still adjusting to his new frame, and personally, think he needs to add some of that weight back on.

Q. Beating Wake was massive for the Hokies program and your RPI. Do you feel with a win over an upper division team this season, Nine ACC wins will be enough this year to get in?

A: I've said all along VT has to get to 20 wins after what happened last year. That means 10 wins between the ACC regular season and tournament. So, 3 down, 7 to go. The wake win was nice, but also a must. The Hokies learned last year that a lack of marquee wins kills your chances, and until that game, they didn't have any. Tech can get there, but it won't be easy. If VT only gets 9, I'll be very nervous on selection day.

Q. What are your thoughts on Miami thus far this season? Have you caught any Miami games?

A: I watched some of the maryland game and Virgin Island Tournament. From what I've seen, it seems like the canes play best when they are up against the wall. In both the maryland and fsu games they were well behind early, but battled back and fed off the crowd (what there was of one). Virginia Tech also does well in that situation (the behind thing). So it will be interesting to see on Sunday... whomever falls behind early might have the other team right where they want them!

Q. Do you see any surprise teams in the ACC emerging or can we pretty much assume six of the eight leading teams (UNC, Wake, Duke, Clemson, Miami, Va Tech, FSU, Maryland) will be dancing come March? Convince our readers why we should pay attention to Virginia?

A: I will never sell anyone on anything uva! As for the elite teams in the ACC, I think unc and duke are head and shoulders ahead of everyone else. wake just caught unc at the right time, and I think they are the solid third best team, but I think duke will beat them next week. I think clemson, miami and VT are in that next group. maryland doesn't have a ton of talent or chemistry in my opinion. And fsu has been a surprise to me, but I'm still not sold on them. They are athletic and tall, but still young and inexperienced outside of Douglas and Echefu. But stick a fork in georgia tech, uva, bc, and nc state, they are done!

Q. Seth Greenberg is one heck of a coach. He worked for another former Hokie Coach Bill Foster here at Miami. Do Greenberg and Foster stay in touch and do you think Greenberg's coaching style reflects his work with Foster?

A: Greenberg does seem to be a disciple of Foster. Foster always stressed the half court offense and defense, and therefore his teams were always competitive. That is that hallmark of Seth's teams, too. Rarely very exciting, but you can't argue with the results either get in the win column. Seth just broke the 100 win mark at VT, which is quite a feat in terms of where our basketball program was six years ago. But from what I understand, Foster has drifted into retirement so I doubt they talk much.

Kartik's Note: Seth Greenberg is credited with recruiting Tito Horford to Miami. Horford didn't turn out to the be the player he was supposed to, but the signing of Horford put UM on the national basketball map, and opened the door for other top players such as Joe Wylie, Constantine Popa, Steve Frazier and Stevie Edwards to respectively choose Miami in the late 80s and early 90s.

Fun Questions

Q. Ricky Stokes versus Perry Clark: Who do you pick?

A: I will never pick ricky stokes for anything. But this is a lose-lose. stokes was the worst in-game coach I've ever seen. His huddles usually involved him standing around, not saying anything, looking clueless. Virginia Tech has been playing in Cassell Coliseum for 45 years and under stokes we had our ONLY losing season at home ever. That says something. Then, his old uva coach hired him at ecu and he did even worse and "stepped down" after just two years! Ugh... I have to stop now before I get more worked up.

Q. I used to think Frank Beamer was one of the best coaches in the country but then he started Sean Glennon ahead of Tyrod Taylor and East Carolina beat the Hokies. Was it just a brain cramp by Coach Beamer or a sign that the game is passing him by?

A: Frank is still very good in some areas and weak in others. Always has been, always will be. I think the areas he is weak in are recruiting big time talent (sealing the deal) and on offense. Our offenses have always stunk. And they likely always will. Vick was too good though to have a crappy offense. Only an extraordinaire QB can overcome his "ball control" philosophy. We also have an OC that had no business getting the job and has done nothing to prove he should keep it in his SEVEN years.

Q. Do you guys seriously view Virginia as a rival in Football. It seems both George Welsh and Al Groh do less with more talent than any coaches in America. Has Virginia ever beaten you when the game really matters?

A: Hmm. uva doesn't win anything that matters, so I doubt it. Let's put it like this: since being a (sort of) founding member of the ACC over 50 years ago, they have just one ACC basketball tournament title and have NEVER won the football title outright (they tied for two). So VT in just five years in the league has as many titles between those two sports as uva even if you count their shared titles (3 outright football titles).

But, to answer your question, YES, they are, and always will be our #1 rival because we hate their elitist student body/alums with such passion. It is a true rivalry in that sense.

Kartik's Note: UVA was so pathetic in football that they lost their first 27 meetings with Clemson as a member of the ACC. UVA was however the first ACC team to beat FSU once they joined the league.

Q. How does it feel to be the final team to lose to Robert Marve

A: Oh, yeah, that was a tough one... [cough] ACC repeat champs and Orange Bowl champs [cough]... Excuse, must have something in my throat... like another ACC trophy! And let's not forget our basketball team has earned byes through the first round of the ACC tournament in 3 of our 4 years!

Miami-Oklahoma moved to October

2009-01-23T11:22:00.003-05:00

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The Oklahoma Sooners, losers of the BCS title game at Dolphin Stadium will return to Miami Gardens on October 3rd for a primetime ABC game. The Miami-OU game originally scheduled for September has been moved due to the Marlins Baseball schedule, yet another reason Miami's move out of the Orange Bowl is making the program lose some of its luster.

The move of the Oklahoma game means that a distinct possibility exists that the Miami-Florida State game will be moved to Labor Day again. Money speaks louder than logic these days thanks to ESPN. Both Miami and Florida State fans seem universally against the idea of a traditional October rivalry game being played at the beginning of the year. But ESPN does not care and these days they make the rules.

Canes Rising Radio # 28

2009-01-23T10:38:00.002-05:00

Miami enters the weekend 3-2 in the ACC with a big national TV matchup with Virginia Tech around the corner. Nate Skinner joins us to disect the last four ACC games, three of them wins for the Canes. We also discuss the offseason changes to Randy Shannon's Football staff.

Direct download

Seth Davis of SI and CBS Sports Likes the Canes

2009-01-22T11:45:00.001-05:00

From SI.com:

" I'm a little surprised that Miami is not ranked. The Hurricanes have four losses this season, but all of them are of high quality: to Connecticut on a neutral court, at home to Ohio State when Jack McClinton got tossed, at home to Clemson and then on Saturday night at North Carolina. Meanwhile, their win over Kentucky looks pretty good these days, and even that road win at St. John's was no gimme. (Ask Notre Dame.) I'm not in high dudgeon or anything, but it will be interesting to see over the next few weeks whether my faith in this team is validated. I ranked Miami #18 on my AP Ballot this week"

Curse Lifted: Why ACC Basketball is King

2009-01-21T23:32:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

ACC Basketball is a one of a kind experience. What other league can produce two upsets in 17 days involving number one teams losing to bottom half conference teams in their own building?

For all of those people who believe the Big East is the best conference in Basketball, I have news for you: The ACC has no "easy outs" like South Florida, Rutgers or DePaul. Tonight, two teams from the state of Florida played a great game which once again showed the quality of ACC Basketball. The two time national champion Gators may have the titles, but they nor their fans will never experience the gauntlet that is ACC Basketball. As much as Florida has accomplished they can never experience the passion the way FSU and Miami do. The SEC even when talented just doesn't have the basketball culture the ACC does. (the opposite is true in football where the SEC even in down years represents a gauntlet full of crazed fans and football culture, while the ACC while sometimes as talented as the SEC just doesn't have the passion or culture for the game.)

Miami had lost 5 straight matchups to Florida State and in fact the Noles had won 16 straight against schools from the state of Florida entering tonight's contest. Tonight UM erased an early 12 point deficit to win. But really both teams could have this game. Tony Douglas was spectacular as always for the Noles. Jordan DeMercy defense was also outstanding.

Jack McClinton and Lance Hurdle had great scoring games for the Canes while Dwayne Collins held his own against the big and athletic FSU post players. Adrian Thomas contributed mightily off the bench.

Florida is a football state. We all know that and some of our posters on this site feel so insecure that they must remind us of this each and every day. But tonight's game was a celebration of basketball in Florida: ACC Basketball which is the best brand of basketball around.

Florida State Preview

2009-01-21T09:09:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The Canes face perhaps their biggest game of the season tonight at the Bank United Center versus Florida State. This game essentially is a two-fer meaning the teams in tight competition in the ACC and for NCAA Tournament competition can separate themselves tonight.

Miami is trying to avoid a mark of futility tonight: since FSU joined the ACC, only one team Georgia Tech from 1992 to 1994 has lost six straight meetings with the Seminoles and no team has ever lost at home four straight seasons to Florida State. A Miami loss tonight will place the Canes in the ACC record book with those dubious distinctions.

The Hurricanes lost twice to an inferior Seminoles team last season. This year, FSU probably has a better team top to bottom than Miami, but lacks experience. The Noles are the tallest team in the ACC starting 7'1'' Solomon Alabi, 6'10'' Uche Echefu and 6'9'' Chris Singleton. Guard Jordan DeMercy who plays starters minutes despite being a sixth man comes in at 6'7''. Point Guard Derwin Kitchen the much traveled fourth year sophomore is 6'4''. Tony Douglas, the Noles superstar is the only small player at 6'2''.

The point is FSU has size and Miami must much match up with this size. Additionally, Florida State is athletic and deep. Luke Loukus and Ryan Reid provide quality off the bench. The Noles play incredible defense having held Duke to 19 first half points and Pitt to 56 points overall. Douglas creates turnovers and Singleton is a dynamo in the paint defensively.

All this points to a likely FSU win unless Miami plays a smart disciplined and patient game. Lance Hurdle needs to settle down in transition and the Canes must take good shots inside. James Dews must show up on both ends of the floor for a change and the Canes will probably need the intangibles that Adrian Thomas and Dequan Jones bring. Otherwise, another FSU victory and trip to the ACC record book for futility is likely for the Canes.

BREAKING NEWS: Bill Young Leaves Miami

2009-01-20T16:03:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

T. Boone Pickens and OK State got their man. While this is a major blow to the Miami program one must feel some degree of karma as Miami had previously hired its best all time Basketball Coach (Leonard Hamilton) and its most influential football coach (Jimmy Johnson) away from Ok State.

Young hired at OSU

Randy Shannon must now hire both a new offensive and defensive coordinator. More as this story develops.

Miami Fan Base Has Immature Elements

2009-01-20T09:32:00.005-05:00

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The mere fact that Bill Young is having trouble deciding whether to take a $700,000 a year T. Boone Pickens financed offer to become the defensive coordinator at his alma mater Oklahoma State (Young makes substantially less at Miami) should be a sign that Randy Shannon has engendered some loyalty even by a coach who has only been working with him for a short time.

However if you read the message boards and other Miami Hurricane websites the sky is falling, and this indicates Randy Shannon should be out of a job. Over the past few weeks the delusional and immature behavior of Miami's Football fans has been striking. Whether it is accusing the coaching staff of being poor, complaining about the amount of Basketball coverage on this website and in major local newspapers, propping up the success of Canes in the NFL as some indication that Miami is still the best program in the country, or simply obsessing over losing certain recruits (ie Bryce Brown), the Hurricanes fan base is driving sane supporters of the program nuts these past few weeks.

I'll repeat for the 1,000,000th time. I believe Randy Shannon is doing about as good a job as possible given the circumstances. Is he a perfect game day coach? No. Is he a great motivator? No. Is he a good public relations man? Obviously, not judging by the Robert Marve debacle.

But the bottom line is this: Miami could have very easily faded into the sort of oblivion other once proud programs did with the wrong coaching hire: Nebraska under Bill Callahan, Oklahoma under John Blake, Washington under Keith Gilbertson and Syracuse under Greg Robinson. Miami in 2006 was at a serious crossroads: stop the bleeding and stabilize the program accepting mediocrity for the next 3-4 years and then trying to ascend again, or allowing the program to fall to the depths of Duke, Washington State or Vanderbilt.

The choice was made for the former and Randy Shannon deserves time and the benefit of the doubt going forward. But Miami's fans, many who have no grounding in college football history or reality don't see it this way. For them it has to happen now or it will never happen. For them, every recruit is vital and every statement made by a 18 year old kid becomes a life or death matter.

But do these fans who populate the message boards really know Miami's legacy and tradition? Do these fans understand how Miami became Miami? Do these fans understand that Randy Shannon has a better chance given the disadvantages the school has budget wise to succeed here given his background than any other coach? Do they not remember that Randy Shannon is Miami, and that he can sell Miami better than some transplant?

These fans do a disservice to the program they claim to love with such immature banter and such flawed logic. Do us all a favor: take a deep breathe and think about what you post on message boards and in the comments sections of credible blogs before doing so.

Video: DeQuan Jones - Reverse Dunks On Danny Green!!!! Best Dunk Of 2009?

2009-01-18T23:20:00.001-05:00

The Canes may have lost last night but his dunk has been the highlight of the year not only for the Canes but maybe nationally this College Basketball season.

Video: DeQuan Jones vs UNC - Most Emphatic Block Ever??

2009-01-18T23:19:00.001-05:00

Amazing block by Freshman Dequan Jones in his first ACC start as a Cane.

Miami-North Carolina Live Commentary

2009-01-17T20:24:00.036-05:00

8:25pm ET: ESPN College Gameday has come on the air with a one minute clip glorifying Tyler Hansbrough. That a teaser for the Hansbrough love fest which will ensue during the telecast tonight.

8:35pm ET: I have opted to watch the Mississippi State-Vandy game rather than to be exposed to more ESPN propaganda. I will return to ESPN at tip off.

8:40 pm ET: Is it any coincidence that ESPN has a former Duke player and a former UNC player on this show with a former Notre Dame coach?

8:45 pm ET: ESPN is probably thrilled Pitt lost today. They've had a very awkward time describing Pitt as the number one team in the country the last few weeks. It is almost a given that they will lobby to drop Pitt behind two loss UNC, should the Canes lose tonight to the Tar Heels.

8:50 pm ET: Jay Bilas "Jack McClinton has not shot the ball well in the last three games." Again an emphasis on meaningless stats by ESPN. Jack's shooting percentage is generally poor in the first half of games. No mention of a game winning shot against Maryland the other day.

Speaking of Maryland, I bet ESPN is thrilled that the Terps program is falling off the national map. I always got the impression that the network was annoyed that Gary Williams bunch frequently broke up the Carolina/Duke party that is the ACC on ESPN in late 1990s and early part of this decade. Now that Maryland is struggling they can be safely ignored in the ESPN universe.

9:00 PM ET: Jay Bilas says Carolina is the best team in the country. Didn't Wake Forest just beat UNC?

9:05 PM ET: DeQuan Jones gets the start for the Canes!

9:10 PM ET: Dickie V going on about Durand Scott. Nice to hear! Hope he's as good as Vitale claims he'll be.

9:15 PM ET: The fouls are beginning to pile up for the Canes. What else did we expect against Carolina and Hansbrough? Why does Dews take that crazy shot?

9:20 PM ET: Great block by DeQuan Jones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Under 12 timeout first half, bad turnover by Hurdle, but the Canes lead by three, 13-10.

DEQUAN JONES MAKING A STATEMENT!

Hansbrough has already shot 9 free throws in less than 12 minutes.

Canes lead 32-29 at the under 4 timeout.

Canes lead by nine at the under eight timeout, 32-23.

James Dews is killing the Canes with dumb shots

Coach Haith tells Erin Andrews the truth: " We can't get any calls."

SECOND HALF

No call on Hansbrough for shoving DC. Should we be surprised?

Finally! A foul on Hansbrough.

The Canes have lost their mark on Ellington. That's Jack's man. He's lost him several straight times down the court.

Under 16 timeout, Wayne Ellington is hot and Carolina is now up 7.

Canes collapsing down 14 at the under 12 timeout. Jack needs to get hot or this one is over.

Ellington another three. Goodness.

Wayne Ellington has seven threes.

Is Jack hurt? ESPN won't tell us.

Jack is back in the game. Dickie V seems to like DeQuan Jones, but I prefer Mike Gmiski who actually knows something about the Canes team BEFORE HE CALLS THE GAME.

82-65 final. With Florida State sitting at 2-1 in the league, Wednesday's game is as close to a must win game as you get this early in ACC play, because it's a two-fer so to speak.

North Carolina Preview

2009-01-17T10:39:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The Hurricanes will face it second ESPN spotlight game of the season in Chapel Hill tonight against North Carolina. Miami did well in its first hyped national game against Kentucky at Rupp Arena, but that was a young gelling UK squad while this is a hungry underachieving UNC squad who is currently near the bottom of ACC standings badly in need of a win.

North Carolina was hyped as a team that could become college basketball's first unbeaten national champions since 1976, when Indiana achieved the feat. However the Tar Heels have been inconsistent struggling with the likes Penn and Santa Clara outside the league and then dropping an inexplicable game at home to Boston College and then a close loss at Wake Forest in the ACC.

For all the ESPN driven hype North Carolina is not the best team in the country nor the best team in the ACC. Miami was projected among the best in ACC in preseason and after a rocky December, the Canes seem to be solidifying as a team in January. Last week's win at Boston College got a huge monkey off of the team's back and a fifth straight win against Maryland in the state of Florida Wednesday night continued Miami's march towards a second consecutive NCAA bid.

The presure is squarely on Carolina tonight. The Tar Heels play Miami and Clemson at home in the next week. Clemson is undefeated but the Tigers sport a 56 game losing streak in Chapel Hill. The Canes for their part have had more success in the Dean Dome having won at North Carolina in 2006. Any more slipups for Carolina at home and the problems could snowball for Roy Williams team.

The ESPN noise machine has proclaimed Tyler Hansbrough as the greatest college basketball player of a generation. But the truth is he may not even be the best big man in the ACC. When playing Carolina the opposition must expect Hansbrough to be protected by the officials and to get his points whether from the line or the field.

But defensively Hansbrough is suspect and his backcourt mates are down right poor on defense. Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson are both supremely talented but also play an undisciplined brand of basketball and often lose their mark defensively. Roy Williams does not like playing a zone so quick guards can expose Carolina. Danny Green is athletic and streaky but does pose a formidable threat.

Miami does not need to win this game tonight. North Carolina does need to win. But the Canes have played with a chip on their shoulder since falling out of the AP Top 25 almost a month ago. Nonetheless the Tar Heels probably have too much athleticism for the Hurricanes and Carolina being desperate doesn't help the Canes cause.

Cardiac Canes

2009-01-15T00:21:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

For thirty three minutes not much good had come from the Canes performance. The effort while at times solid was lacking at critical moments: missed layups, missed open shots, open court turnovers and ill timed fouls. The Hurricanes were struggling to stay afloat and fell down by 17 points at 45-28.

Then Miami made a couple of key stops, hit a few three pointers and when the lead was cut to 11 and 45-34 after James Dews hit his first three pointer in what seems like an eternity, the building exploded and never quieted down. The atmosphere at the Bank United Center was as good as it has ever been for those last seven minutes. Miami chipped away at the lead until Lance Hurdle picked Adrian Bowie's pocket and drove in for a layup to give the Canes their first lead of the game at 59-58.

After a questionable foul call gave Hayes two free throws to give Maryland the lead, Jack McClinton hit a crazy three pointer and then when Grevius Vasquez missed a three at the buzzer the place erupted. Lance Hurdle jumped into the student section and the large portions of the arena began chanting Jack McClinton. The 62-60 final score tells a large part of the story but not all of it.

Miami has now won five straight against Maryland. The Terps whose fans always travel well as usual brought a huge contingent to south Florida for this game. Gary Williams young team showed grit and determination for much of the game. Adrian Bowie scored a career high 23 points but committed several critical turnovers late for Terps. Maryland is a young team struggling to find its way in the rugged ACC. Not long ago the program was among the few brand names nationally. But now a perennial NIT team, the Terps really needed to win a game like this on the road to jump start the ACC campaign.

For the Hurricanes their is plenty to be concerned about. Much like the December loss to Clemson, Miami showed an inability to hand full court pressure. The Hurricanes also became over reliant on the three point shot in this game much like the early season win against Kentucky and the embarrassing loss to Clemson. Maryland's superior speed on the perimeter also caused the Canes trouble. Maryland despite being small was able to pressure UM's guards and deny entry passes to Dwayne Collins. DC took only six shot attempts. Expect this strategy to continue to be employed by athletic undersized ACC teams of which their are plenty, to deny Miami's greatest strength compared to the rest of the conference: post play.

But the defensive intensity Miami brought especially in the paint has been refreshing to see now for several games running. If Miami can continue to play that type of defense, the Canes can continue to make lots of noise in the ACC.

Maryland Preview/Raycom Changes

2009-01-14T10:08:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

9pm Wednesday
Raycom (WBFS/CH 33 in South Florida)
Steve Martin & Mike Gminski call the action

Miami's 77-71 victory over Boston College in Chestnut Hill was a breakthrough for the Canes against a team that has dominated Miami for the past decade. Now Miami must reverse course and play the single school they have dominated the most since joining the ACC.

Maryland's program has hit the skids since winning the National Championship in 2002. The Terps were never able to get the blue chip talent that North Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest get in the ACC, but instead relied on getting one or two top talents and mixing them with solid role players. Gary Williams is one of the best head coaches of this generation, but recently this formula has stopped working for the Terps.

Maryland has missed the NCAAs three of the past four seasons. During the same period the Terps have been dominated by the Canes. This season the Terps appeared to be on the way back with wins over Michigan State and Michigan early in the season. But a blowout loss to a mediocre Gonzaga team and a home court loss to Todd Bozeman's Morgan State club have the Maryland faithful openly talking about Williams retirement.

The Terps did win their ACC opener against lowly Georgia Tech, but the teams lacks a inside power game having failed to replace James Gist. Grevis Vasquez is the Terps leading scorer and has been one of the best shooters in the ACC the last few seasons. Eric Hayes had a big game against Miami last year and Landon Milbourne who plays the small forward position is also formidable. Adrian Bowie also provides a scoring punch. This will be the Terps first true road game of the season, but Maryland has already played three games in the state of Florida at Disney in November.

The suspension of Eddie Rios could have its affect tonight. Maryland will press and since Miami is lacking in ball handlers it will be imperative for James Dews and Brian Asbury in particular not to hesitate when in the open court. Last season Miami handled Maryland's press well, but this season the Canes looked completely lost against Clemson's press. The Tigers have better athletes than the Terps, and let's hope that is the reason why Miami executed so poorly that night.

On another note this will be the first Wednesday night Raycom game without Billy Packer in my memory. He is replaced by Mike Gminski for this season on the telecasts. Packer was often controversial but he knew the ACC like the back of his hand. For years I believed he was much better on the Raycom telecasts than on CBS. Gminski has big shoes to fill but is sure to do well.

Point Guard Wasteland

2009-01-13T19:23:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Assuming today's comments by Frank Haith hold true, Eddie Rios career at Miami appears to be over. Should Rios depart he would be the fourth consecutive true point guard signed by UM out of High School to not finish with the program.

First their was Khalif Watson who transferred to FAU, then Armando Surratt who went to the University of San Fransisco. Dennis Clemente was kicked off the team two years ago despite averaging close to 10 ppg and ended up at Kansas State. Anthony Harris who started three years at point guard for the Canes was recruited as a shooting guard and played point guard due to the departures of Watson and Surratt as well as the almost constant suspensions to Clemente in the 2006-07 season. (When Haith had planned to move Harris back to his natural position.)

Now it is Rios who has had one issue after another since joining the program last season. The Sun Sentinel reports that Rios did not contact Coach Haith after the January 5th game against FAU, and then did not come to practice for two days. He then produced a doctors note the day before the team left for Boston to face B.C., but Haith did not like the lack of communication and elected not to take Rios on the trip.

Now Rios has been suspended, leaving Miami with no true point guards on the roster. Lance Hurdle who starts at point guard was recruited as a shooting guard and ranks last in assists among starting ACC point guards. DeQuan Jones will be called on to handle the ball more Coach Haith told the Sun Sentinel's Shandel Richardson, and Jack McClinton will be forced to spell Hurdle at point guard.

Malcolm Grant a highly touted transfer from Villanova who had a good freshman season for the Philadelphia school will likely start at point guard next season.

Touching all bases in the ACC

2009-01-13T09:52:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

ACC Hoops season. For some of us it is the highlight of the college sports calender. For others who patron this site its an unwelcome distraction in the midst of football recruiting. Whatever your tastes, here is our first power poll of the season.

1- Wake Forest

Our Nate Skinner called this one on the podcast a few weeks back. I was shocked to see Wake win at BYU and surprised to see them beat Carolina.

2- Clemson

Oliver Purnell has turned the Tigers into a consistent ACC force.

3- Duke

The Devils played a weaker non league schedule than other top teams so it's tough to judge them yet.

4- North Carolina

No Marcus Ginyard = Bad perimeter defense.

5- Miami

Dwayne Collins is finally beginning to assert himself inside

6- Florida State

Chris Singleton can be special, and Derwin Kitchen is giving the Noles a legit point guard who won't turn the ball over constantly like Tony Douglas.

7- Boston College

Tyrese Rice is great but the rest of this team is inconsistent.

8- Maryland

Never count out a Gary Williams coached team. The Terps beat Michigan and Michigan State but lost to Morgan State. Ouch.

9- Virginia Tech

I've been more dissapointed in this team than any other in the ACC. I really thought the Hokies would be a NCAA team this season.

10- NC State

The Wolfpack almost got a big win at Florida but as usual they lost a close game under Sidney Lowe.

11- Virginia

A young but talented team that will get better as the season wears on.

12- Georgia Tech

Paul Hewitt has run out of time. The Jackets have been hit by injuries but also have relied too much on one and done players since Stephan Marbury. This program has serious issues they need to solve if they want to consistently compete in the ACC.

Rios Suspended Again

2009-01-12T19:29:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Backup point guard Eddie Rios has been suspended for the second time this season by Coach Frank Haith. Rios did not make the trip to Chestnut Hill to face Boston College. Rios, a local fan favorite is a sophomore out of Chaminade Madonna H.S. in Hollywood. Before that Rios played at Miami High.

With Villanova transfer Malcolm Grant and top 30 national recruit Durand Scott ready to split the point guard duties next season, Rios may be looking to transfer. Dennis Clemente the former UM point guard who was basically asked to leave the program by Frank Haith has done well at Kansas State under former Miami High caoch Frank Martin. Perhaps that is a potential destination for Rios.

Canes Victory over BC a Great Sign

2009-01-11T10:43:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami had trouble with expectations this season. Preseason #17 in the AP Poll, the Canes lack the tradition to cope with these sorts of expectations nationally. With a fan base whose primary concern appears to be the 2020 football recruiting class and a local media who indulges these fans, a few early season Canes loses to quality opponents had people jumping off the bandwagon.

There is plenty of room for bandwagon hoppers to jump back on. Miami's performance last night in Chestnut Hill was the team's best of the season. Sure Miami recorded solid road wins at Kentucky and St John's earlier this season but those wins weren't as complete or impressive on the eye as this one. Miami is peaking at the right time as the ACC starts in earnest.

The Hurricanes have more trouble traditionally with Boston College than with any other opponent. The Hurricanes 9-21 record versus the Eagles since 1990 entering Saturday's night's game speaks volumes about the issues Miami has had in the series. The Hurricanes last win in the Conte Forum prior to last night was in 1999, and even that game which matched a Miami team that would secure a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a BC team that finished last in the Big East was a struggle.

Miami had beaten Florida in Gainesville, North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Kentucky in Lexington, Connecticut in Storrs (several times), Syracuse in Syracuse, Georgetown in Washington, among other road wins since Miami's last win at Boston College. Yet Miami had more opportunities since 1999 to beat the Eagles on the road then any of the team mentioned above. (For example Miami has played Florida once in Gainesville since 1999 and won that game.)

So in other words, Boston College has been the ultimate Miami pitfall. Complicating matters last night were injuries to Eddie Rios and Julian Gamble which made them unavailable and then the foul problems for Lance Hurdle and Jack McClinton, which left Miami without a ball handler for much of the last few minutes.

But several Canes who have been inconsistent had their best games of the year Saturday night. Dwayne Collins stat line may not have been the most impressive this season, but his play was. Collins controlled the paint as he has so rarely done this season using his body to get to the basket on offense and to box out on the defensive end allowing team mates to gather long rebounds. Collins also got to the line often and shot free throws at the sort of clip that you usually only see from guards.

Adrian Thomas, the often injured junior out of Pembroke Pines had perhaps his best game in his four year career (Thomas received a medical redshirt after playing a few games as a Sophomore.) Thomas has lost a lot of weight in rehab and cannot play as big as he previously did. But he's still athletic and a great perimeter defender. When he hits outside shots like he did last night he becomes an amazing difference maker.

Brian Asbury has been much maligned by the few Canes fans who really pay close attention to Basketball. But Asbury while never meeting the inflated expectations Scout.com and Rivals.com had for him has settled into a nice niche as a role player who can plug a hole at any position. Last night it was as a ball handler and to defend Tyrese Rice late. It was also to hit clutch shots and free throws with the game on the line.

Jack McClinton had one of his worst games since joining the program three years ago last night. A liability on defense and a poor handling characterized a rare bad performance from Jack. Perhaps all the national hype of his matchup with Tyrese Rice and the presence of Digger Phelps and Andy Katz two of the biggest national media figures who cover this sport spooked him. Rice for his part didn't have his best game either, leaving BC to depend on other players who the Canes were able to shut down.

Beating B.C., winning on the road and getting major contributions from other player besides Jack McClinton all point to a corner turned for the Canes. Obviously the ACC is battle night in and night out, but last night was a clear message sent to local fans and national media alike that Miami is still a factor in the league and one that should be dancing come March.

Cardiac Canes win @ #17 BC without McClinton Late

2009-01-10T21:15:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Suffering two critical injuries and having to finish the game without a ball handler Miami still fended off #17 Boston College for a 77-71 road win in Chestnut Hill. Dwayne Collins, Adrian Thomas and Brian Asbury, a Miami-Dade/Broward county trio were massive in the second half as Jack McClinton had his worst night of the year. McClinton and Lance Hurdle fouled out late complicating matters since Eddie Rios was unavailible tonight. Julian Gamble was also out injured.

The importance of this win cannot be understated. The Hurricanes struggled on the road in the ACC last year and had previously lost seven straight at B.C. The Eagles defeated then #1 North Carolina in Chapel Hill last week and Miami lost its ACC opener at Clemson. I remarked to my friend last night that even though you do not want over emphasize one game, I believed a Miami win against BC would tell us that the Canes were a tourney team, while a loss would likely indicate Miami was NIT material.

More impressive than anything was the ability of the Canes to cope late in the game without McClinton. Brian Asbury showed senior leadership in that last minute and defensively Dwayne Collins and Jimmy Graham were outstanding. Much more on this victory later.

"Florida is the most accomplished football program in the state"

2009-01-10T13:49:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Florida Gators everywhere are crowing these days. No question exists that they are entitled to do this as they have won their second BCS title in three years. But some of rhetoric is over the top and quite honestly insulting. Here are some gems from the Gator fan vault on other websites/message board over the last 48 hours.

"Florida now has more legitimate national titles than Miami and more overall national titles that FSU."

Football national titles are mythical. The only clean national titles are those won by teams that are undefeated in a season where no other school in a major conference is undefeated. Otherwise the process is subjective. By this definition, Miami has two clean titles, 1987 and 2001. Florida State has one, 1999. Florida has none.

"National Titles before the BCS were mythical. Now we have a virtual playoff so Florida really leads the state in titles having won the BCS twice."

Really?

"Florida has has more top teams over the years than Miami and Florida State."

This one is flat out laughable. Since national titles are mythical and polls are truly subjective I base the quality of a program based on top 10 finishes. While polls are subjective as noted above a top 10 finish represents a solid body of work for a season. Programs can truly be judged for their quality based on Top 10 finishes. No school in Florida is USC or Oklahoma when it comes to this, but some have fared better than others.

(Based on average poll position in final AP & Coaches Top 10 poll for each season beginning in 1951. For example Florida finished ranked #10 in the AP Poll in 2000, but #11 in the coaches polls and thus had a poll average of 10.5 and does not get credit for a top ten finish in this survey. )

Florida State (17)

1979, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Florida (14)

1983, 1984, 1985, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2008

Miami (18)

1954, 1956, 1966, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

So Florida still has to finish in the top ten four more seasons while Miami's swoon continues to catch the Canes. The Gators must finish in the top ten three more times to catch the Noles. As for Florida historically being the best football program in the state, the Gators were the last team of the "big three" to record a top ten finish.

Boston College Preview

2009-01-10T09:03:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

7pm ET/Conte Forum
ESPN U

Since the University of Miami resumed its basketball program in 1985, no school has beaten the Canes more frequently than Boston College. In fact, Miami enters tonight's game in Chestnut Hill sporting a seven game losing streak at the Conte Forum and having lost 12 of the last 13 overall to Boston College.

Boston College has had about the most confusing week for a major conference team in years. After dominating previously undefeated and #1 ranked North Carolina at the Dean Dome, the Eagles lost to Harvard at home midweek. Until we have further evidence the Harvard game must be considered a letdown. Last season, BC lost to Robert Morris one week and then crushed both Wake Forest and Miami the next. Since joining the ACC the Eagles have been a better in conference play than when facing mid majors. Robert Morris, Rhode Island Richmond and Harvard can all claim victories over an ACC team the last few seasons by beating B.C. Yet the Eagles have made the NCAAs in two of their first three ACC campaigns.

Tyrese Rice leads B.C. both as a scorer and a leader. The lone senior on Al Skinner's team, Rice will need to be contained tonight, something Miami has failed to do in the past. The transfer of big man Joe Trapani into the program has given the Eagles some strength up front. Trapani pairs with Josh Southern who is much improved from a shaky freshman year. Corey Raji has also improved dramatically from last season, using his athleticism to frequently keep alive offensive possessions after missed shots.

Rakim Sanders, Rice's backcourt mate is probably the most important player for Miami to stop. Sanders has the ability to drive to the basket and create scoring chances for himself and his team mates off the dribble. The assignment of guarding Sanders will fall to Brian Asbury and James Dews.

Miami's big men can help neutralize the size of Trapani and Southern inside. Jack McClinton can go mano e mano with Rice, and the Hurricanes big men can work to keep Raji off the glass. But the matchup of trying to stop Sanders, and the recent history of the Hurricanes against the BC makes me believe this will be a long night.

I hate to be pessimistic but every season this is the game which exposes the Hurricanes. Boston College under Al Skinner has done a better job of exposing Miami's weaknesses better than any other ACC team. That is unlikely to change tonight. Thankfully the Canes only play the Eagles once in Massachusetts a year.

PREDICTION: BOSTON COLLEGE 78 MIAMI 66.

Will Canes Fans Take Up Stoops Offer?

2009-01-08T11:26:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Gator fans have been anxious to claim the entire state of Florida as their domain. Gators throughout Florida have been quick to claim Miami and Florida State as irrelevant programs and have even implied that despite both programs sustained success for over two decades that they were both upstarts against the established power: Florida.

But Bob Stoops who coached at UF when I was a student there obviously doesn't see it that way. A few days ago Stoops called on Miami fans whom he implied are more numerous locally to buy up tickets for tonight's National Title game to cheer against the Gators. Stoops who plays the press about as well as anyone in the sport is starting a psychological game with the Gators trying to remind Florida's fans and players that they are enemy territory even if they claim south Florida as a home region.

I'm not sure Stoops call to Canes fans was genuine. I honestly think he's messing with the heads of the Gator players and fans who have a real psychological issue with Miami for whatever reason. (Maybe not beating a team for 22 years will do that to you.)

Florida's fans claim FSU and Miami were upstarts who never accomplished anything before the 1980s.

Evidence: A poster from Gator Bait whose username has been deleted to protect his identity.

"In the 1970s Florida was dominating the state while FSU and Miami didn't get going until the 1980s. The Gators have been consistently good since the 1950s. Miami and FSU were simply temporary powers"

He/she went on to say this

"Florida State was only really good when the Gators were on probation. After we came off probation the Noles simply won because of the weak ACC."

Oh really? Where do you people get this stuff from?

How about this piece of evidence. The claim is that Florida was dominanting in the 1970s while FSU and Miami didn't get going until the 1980s. How do you explain Steve Spurrier losing his last regular season game as QB in 1966 to Miami who also won a bowl game that year? Miami actually finished ranked in the Top 10 twice in the 1950s which was two more times than Florida.

Or how about 1979, which if my memory serves correctly was in the 1970s and before 1980. That year Florida was winless and FSU went unbeaten and played for a national title. That very same year Miami beat then undefeated Penn State on the road. Florida did not win an SEC title until 1991 the last school of the original 11 schools (including GA Tech which eventually moved to the ACC) that stayed in the league past 1945 to win a football title.

Florida was also the next to last school in the SEC to make its first NCAA Basketball Tournament appearence, 27 years after Miami's first NCAA bid and 15 years after FSU made the National Championship game against Bill Walton's UCLA team.

Gators fans rewrite history when it serves their purposes and ignore it when it does not.

Canes Face Tough Road in ACC

2009-01-06T09:49:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The real Basketball season for the Hurricanes begins Saturday night in Chestnut Hill against Boston College. The Eagles coming off a remarkable road win against then #1 North Carolina feature a great scorer in Tyrese Rice and a squad that has been improved dramatically from last season thanks to the wonders of Al Skinner's teaching. The remainder of Miami's schedule is against ACC teams.

The Canes who enter the game 11-3 have shown positive signs this season. Winning at Kentucky is never to be sneezed at, nor is the win at Madison Square Garden against an improved St John's team. Miami controlled the game with Ohio State until Jack McClinton was ejected and have posted solid wins over San Diego and Southern Miss, both post season participants from a year ago. But what's troubling about Miami is how the team has lacked focus against less touted low and mid major opposition.

Miami's performance against FAU last night was poor. The team's performance against North Carolina Central a few days earlier was even less to write home about. The Hurricanes have also struggled against Robert Morris, FIU, Stetson and Division II Florida Southern this season.

The problem with the Hurricanes right now is focus: plain and simple. All too often Miami players miss point blank layups and free throw attempts. The same guard combination of Lance Hurdle and James Dews that shot 88% from the line last season is shooting less than 70% this season. Dews and Hurdle also have problems finishing in transition and even when they get bailed out with a foul call they are no longer automatic from the line.

Miami's big men appear awkward and at times seem to be forcing shots. This is less of a concern than Hurdle and Dews, as the ACC has a real lack of quality big men. Dwayne Collins for all his problems early this season may have already faced the toughest matchups possible against quality big men from Connecticut, Ohio State and Clemson. Sure Collins will face Tyler Hansbrough twice in the upcoming weeks, but beyond North Carolina, most ACC teams lack size and quality post play. Collins will have some big nights in the ACC if the Miami guards stick to the game plan and feed him the ball in the paint.

The flip side of this coin is the athleticism and great guard play in the league. With Dews and Hurdle struggling defensively, and Jack McClinton being forced to carry the load again, look for Coach Haith to play Adrian Thomas and DeQuan Jones more than expected. Thomas in particular is an outstanding perimeter defender who won't give up easy shots on the defensive end of the floor. Jones for his part brings energy to the defensive side of the ball and is beginning to develop as a scorer.

Miami must become focused and raise the level of intensity to survive the ACC. Otherwise the Canes will be sweating out Selection Sunday this season, something that was not expected when the campaign began.

Shannon's Quality Recruiting Continues.......

2009-01-05T12:43:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The message boards have been full of gloom and doom the last several weeks. Portions of the Hurricane fan base has convinced itself that Randy Shannon is the wrong man for the job.

But this weekend amidst all the national bashing of Randy Shannon for his handling of the Robert Marve situation (with the ironic and notable exception of Lou Holtz, Miami hater and arch rival at Notre Dame who has defended Shannon's actions with regards to the matter on ESPN several times) Miami's recruiting class appears to be more diversified and potentially better than last year's highly touted class.

Miami ranked #1 according to ESPNU.com last season in Football recruiting. But last year's class was heavy on WRs and LBs an immediate need for Miami. This year's class is not only more diverse as far as positions, but has re-established Miami's ability to recruit successfully outside of South Florida.

Dyron Dye and Ray Ray Armstrong were huge gets for Miami over the weekend. Both can contribute quickly to the program but more importantly both hail from Sanford's Seminole H.S. which is right smack dab in the middle of Florida Gator country. Having spent a fair amount of time in Seminole County recently, it's remarkable Miami was able to secure a verbal commitment from these stars.

Bryce Brown the Miami commit RB, ranked #1 in the nation from Kansas was outstanding in San Antonio over the weekend at the Army All American game. Brown can contribute immediately: he could make a similar impact for Miami much like Percy Harvin did as a true freshman for Florida in 2006.

Aubrey Hill's Impact Felt on Miami Offense

2009-01-04T12:06:00.006-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Fifteen years ago, I shared a classroom with Aubrey Hill, then a WR for Florida while we were both students in Gainesville. This year the young Miami receiving corp learned in Aubrey Hill's classroom. The former Gator standout turned the young Canes receivers into complete players by year's end. Next season with Kendell Thompkins and Tommy Streeter also joining the group, Hill's impact could be astronomical. For the first time in years, Miami's receivers are doing the little things right when the ball isn't thrown their way. This group of receivers also showed a willingness to fight for balls and never to quit on routes. The last several seasons this was not the case with the Canes WRs.

As the season progressed you could see the young freshman receivers improve. Laron Byrd by season's end was a crisp route runner who blocked well down field. Thearon Collier became more of a threat on non screen pass plays and Travis Benjamin's route running resembled that of a veteran receiver. My one disappointment among the freshman WR's was Aladarius Johnson who entered the Miami program at a much higher level than his fellow first year receivers, but ended the year as a player who couldn't make big plays when needed.

Leonard Hankerson a non factor as a freshman and in the doghouse much of this season ended the year playing well. Sam Shields whose career peaked as a freshman with 37 catches only caught 11 balls this year but contributed elsewhere.

Hill made his impact felt on Miami's offense in his first year on the staff. For the first time since 2002, Miami enters a new season without significant question marks at the WR position. Now the Canes have to work on erasing the question marks that have popped up at almost every position on the defensive side of the ball.

Can DeQuan Jones be Miami's Difference Maker?

2009-01-03T15:34:00.018-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

DeQuan Jones was according to every major recruiting service the best High School Basketball player signed by Miami since Darius Rice in 2000. But the hype aside, Jones has not lived up to the lofty expectations thus far this season. While fellow Atlanta H.S. star Chris Singleton has blossomed into an impact player immediately for Leonard Hamilton's Florida State Seminoles, Jones has looked raw and completely outclassed early in his Miami career.

But last week at Madison Square Garden in front of a national TV audience, Jones had his first big impact on a game all year in a Miami victory over St John's. (St John's beat #10 Notre Dame today) Jones was 1-7 from the field but was a defensive stopper and was able to create chances for his team mates off the dribble that afternoon. This week, Jones scored eight and looked lively in a fifty plus point victory over North Florida and hit double figures for the first time in his Miami career in today's win over North Carolina Central.

Jones combines uncanny athleticism with lock down defense. The biggest issue with Jones thus far as a Hurricane has been his inability to finish chances close to the basket and his poor jump shooting. Today against N.C. Central, Jones hit three mid-range stand still shots as well as a dunk. In addition Jones appears to be more poised in transition than he was earlier in the season.

Problems with turnovers and decision making plagued Jones earlier this season, but now he has been able to be use his athleticism to slow the game down, and make an impact on the glass. Additionally the spurt of energy Jones is giving the Canes off the bench in the last three games has been important in settling down the team during rough stretches. Much like Jimmy Graham and Ray Hicks provided last season, this "energy play"will be a critical part of Miami's formula for ACC success this year.

Jones could be an important piece of the puzzle as Miami attempts to make the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. Successful freshman in Basketball either struggle early before improving the same season or make a big impact early but seldom do they show nothing all season as freshman and then suddenly make an impact as a Sophomore. In other words, Jones needed to show something this season, and he seems well on his way to doing so.

Canes Rising Radio #27: 1984 Orange Bowl Retrospective

2009-01-02T17:34:00.001-05:00

Evan Goldman joins host Kartik Krishnaiyer as we remember one of the greatest College Football games ever, the 1984 Orange Bowl. Miami won its first National Championship that night with a 31-30 victory over Nebraska.

Direct download

25 years later, College Football changed in one night

2009-01-01T21:01:00.007-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

On January 2nd 1984 the University of Miami won the first national championship in the schools history. It was the first title for a school from the state of Florida and also the first by a school running a pro style offense.

The game changed forever that day. When Florida State played Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl following both the 1979 and 1980 seasons the Seminoles had not been able to stop OU's option and Oklahoma did do enough (just enough in the second meeting) to slow down FSU's innovative offense to win. The Nebraska-Miami game following the 1983 season was seen in the same light. An upstart school from Florida that ran an unconventional offense against Big 8 option powerhouse. When Miami won the game, and a year later BYU went undefeated, schools throughout out the nation began to think about moving away from the option and towards a more passing oriented offense.

Back to the game itself: the Huskers of 1983 were one of the most intimidating teams in recent college football history. Led by QB Turner Gill, Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier, and all American Irving Fryar, the Nebraska offense was an unstoppable force.

Miami had overachieved in 1983 behind an awkward redshirt freshman QB Bernie Kosar. The Canes offense featured a freshman FB Alonzo Highsmith, and two great TEs in Willie Smith and Glen Dennison. But the player who made Miami on offense was WR Eddie Brown, who time after time made big plays with the game on the line.

The Canes entered the game as a 10 1/2 point underdog but raced out to a shocking 17-0 lead in the first quarter. Then the tables turned because of one unforgettable moment in the annals of College Football. Facing a 3rd and long down 17 in the second quarter Tom Osborne unveiled the Fumblerooski. Dean Steinkuhler took the play for a TD and brought Nebraska new life.

Leading 31-17 in the 4th quarter Miami's Jeff Davis missed a FG attempt that would have made it a three score game. Jeff Davis replaced an injured Rozier and led two Nebraska TD drives. With the score 31-30, Nebraska went for two and the win even though tie would have won the undefeated Huskers the title. But Kenny Calhoun knocked down Turner Gill's pass and the Canes had won the first national championship ever by a school from the state of Florida and by a pro style offense.

Florida State had their chances in the late 1970s and early 1980s to win a title before Miami did. But each time FSU played Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, ultimately the option beat the Noles, and FSU's passing game was thwarted. But in the 1984 Orange Bowl, Miami did just enough to slow down the Nebraska option, and unlike FSU was able to exploit the lack of speed the Big 8 champions had defensively to win.

Howard Schenellenberger had led Miami to a title in just five years on the job. In 1978, Schnenellenberger had inherited a team that lost its all everything RB Ottis Anderson and had finished 6-5 the previous year. Within two seasons, Miami won a bowl game and within five were national champions, thanks to an innovative pro style offense that perplexed defensive coordinators around the country.

BYU, who ran a pass happy offense won the 1984 National Title and between 1985 and 1992, Miami finished in the top 3 nationally every season running a pro style offense until 1988 and a one back spread from 1989 onwards. Florida State took their passing oriented offense and finished with 10 wins or more for an absolutely remarkable fourteen consecutive seasons beginning in 1987. By the time that streak ended the whole college football world was imitating Miami and FSU. The game twenty five years ago today is what made it possible

Canes Rising Radio # 26: Marve, Nix Gone

2008-12-31T10:41:00.001-05:00

A busy week for Hurricane athletics is summarized in this show. We discuss Pat Nix's firing as well as Robert Marve decision to transfer. Also we recap the Emerald Bowl and look at the ups and downs of UM Basketball. We will have a supplementary show released on Friday to commemorate the 1983 National Championship team.

Direct download

Happy Trails Robert Marve

2008-12-30T20:36:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

He was compared to Tim Tebow. In fact he had broken many of Tebow's state passing records and had won the Mr. Football award in the state of Florida. But Robert Marve's two years at Miami were ill fated. Starting with a car accident in August 2007 which forced him to redshirt for 2007, then showing the bird to FSU fans leaving Doak Campbell Stadium, an arrest (the only one for an active UM player under Randy Shannon) and then a suspension for missing class, Marve showed a lack of maturity or willingness to be held accountable.

Marve is a remarkable athlete who may have done well at Miami in another day or age. but today's Miami is a more disciplined outfit which takes the academic progress of football players very seriously. This is a very good thing for Miami as it eliminates a major distraction entering next season. Best of luck to him wherever he ends up.

Nix Fired: Impact Going Forward

2008-12-30T06:49:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Patrick Nix was dismissed as Miami's offensive coordinator on Monday. Nix's offenses while statistically weak at Miami had shown definitive signs of improvement. Moreover, in defense of Nix it can be strongly argued that the execution of the offense was poor by starting QB Robert Marve who seemed to have happy feet and an inability to find secondary receivers.

But Nix's great failure with Miami was his inability to create and maintain an offensive identity for the Canes. Miami has never been a pass happy team. The one season Miami could not run the ball in the 1980s, was also the season the Canes had its worst year of the decade (1984). Dennis Erickson's teams in 1992 and 1993 could not run the ball and thus fell flat on their faces in the bowl games following both seasons. When Butch Davis returned to Miami in 1995 he made implementing a power running game his number one on the field priority.

But under Nix, the running game stalled, often times being replaced by a pass happy spread offense to chase games. Other times Nix came throwing right out of the gate, and the Canes were placed in a deep early hole.

Often times Nix did make the right calls however: his play calling on the final drive a year ago in Tallahassee gave Miami a victory. This season Nix's game plan against Virginia Tech seemed to keep Bud Foster off guard much of the game, something which has not happened much in the recent history of the Miami-VT series.

The bottom line: With Robert Marve likely transferring and Miami probably reverting to a two back pro style offense which integrates the Fullback and Tight End, Nix is philosophically out of step with where Miami is heading.

Randy Shannon's likely first choice for the offensive coordinator spot is still employed in the NFL: Dirk Koetter the former Arizona State Head Coach. Miami likely does not have the money to lure Koetter away from the NFL. Former Coordinator Rob Chudzinski has been mentioned but from where I sit, that would be a poor hire. Keep an eye on Chuck Long late of Oklahoma and a Maxwell Award winning QB at Iowa in the 1980s. Long was fired as Head Coach by San Diego State last month. Todd Berry who called the plays for Miami in the school's last bowl win, in 2006 and is now at UNLV may be considered as well. Berry, however is a proponent of the spread offense and thus may not fit.

Canes RPI # 14, SOS #1

2008-12-29T12:29:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

College Basketball is more about who you play than what your record is. Want further proof? Miami is currently 8-3, and 0-1 in the ACC but is ranked #14 in the RPI and has the strongest schedule according to the RPI in the country. These numbers are sure to take a hit in the next week with games against North Florida, NC Central and FAU on deck but its instructive to understand why Miami scheduled the way it did in November and December.

I've seen a decent amount of criticism of the Canes crazy tough early season schedule. But with a team made up largely of underclassman coming off an NCAA Tournament bid and a first round victory, the school made a conscious decision to schedule as difficult a "preseason" as possible. This gives the Canes a greater margin for error come February and March. It's entirely possible 8-8 in the ACC will see the Canes into the NCAA Tournament with a decent seed. Also a factor could be what Doug Gottlieb mentioned on the Miami-St John's telecast the other day: that Miami deserves the benefit of the doubt with regards to the Ohio State game since the Canes held a big lead when superstar Jack McClinton was ejected.

Emerald Bowl Thoughts

2008-12-28T10:38:00.009-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The reaction from Canes fans to what in reality is a glorified made for TV exhibition game is striking. To make any negative judgments about a Miami team that was playing a far superior and more experienced opponent essentially on the road is plain silly. But many Miami fans are still unwilling accept the reality of College Football in 2008: that it is hyper competitive in a way the sport was not when Miami dominated in the mid-late 1980s and early 1990s and that playing a disproportionate amount of freshman is going to make life difficult at times.

These are the realities that many Canes fans seem to consistently forget when analyzing this team. I take far more positives than negatives out of the Emerald Bowl, but perhaps that is because my expectations have been made accordingly. Miami in my mind was probably one of the bottom two or three teams in the ACC entering the season. While the Canes did not move substantially up the conference ladder the gap between the Canes and the top of the league has been narrowed. This is evidenced by Miami's victory over Virginia Tech this season.

The game itself was a success for the Canes until the last 3:28. Falling behind early on the road with such a young team was a disaster, but Jacory Harris making his first start against a 1A team settled in after a rocky start and played well. Harris was playing hurt, and Pat Nix's play calling was hamstrung by this fact. With only one scholarship QB available for the game, and that being an injured one, the Canes performance is remarkable. Nate Longshore whose Cal career has been compared by one West Coast Miami fan I correspond with Kyle Wright's gave a terrible accounting of himself in his last game until the winning TD pass late.

Miami's rush defense was awful, but if you didn't know that already you weren't watching this team. Miami was the only team this season in a BCS conference that allowed two QBs to run for 100 yards against them in conference play (Christian Ponder and Josh Nesbitt), and the Canes secondary is smallish and not good tacklers. Anthony Reddick playing probably his last game for UM made some very solid tackles deep in the secondary on 20 plus yard runs.

Harris injury was partly the reason why Miami's gameplan was so conservative. You can beat up on Randy Shannon and Pat Nix all you want but this is a fact. Many Miami fans would have burned a redshirt year for Taylor Cook, the 6'7'' QB phenom from Houston for this game. I'm a supporter of Randy Shannon but had he made that mistake to try and win a glorified exhibition game, then questions of his competence as a head coach would need to be asked.

The last few minutes of the game showed why Harris needs more seasoning. In the situation where he was stripped in a tie game you just tuck the ball in and take the sack. Additionally after Cal turned that fumble into a TD, Harris showed a lack of understand of clock management and needed to get out of bounds on his QB scramble. This will come with time.

Harris also mis- managed the clock against Virginia if you recall, turning what should have been two opportunities to tie the game into one. That was forgotten as Miami scored the tying TD on Harris' one drive and then got the ball back with a chance to win because of a Virginia turnover.

What do we take from this game? Jacory Harris will be Miami's QB for the foreseeable future and that Miami's run defense needs some serious work. What do we take from a late game bowl loss? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

This game was a glorified exhibition game. That's all it is. It has no bearing on next season or quite frankly on this season. It was an opportunity for Miami's young players to see one of America's great cities. (San Fransisco along with Chicago and Washington are the only American cities in my travels I would rank highly with the European cities I've been to, by the way) It was an opportunity for Lee Chambers to play in more than garbage time or as a kick returner. It was an opportunity for Travis Benjamin to get some playing time coming off an injury.

When Miami lost to Tennessee big in Sugar Bowl it was supposed to devastate the Canes for the next season. But the Canes went 11-0 in the regular season in 1986. When Miami beat Virginia in the 1996 Car Quest bowl the local analysts said it would set up Miami for the next season. But Miami began 1-4 the next year en route to a 5-6 season. When Michigan beat Florida in the Citrus Bowl last season, the talk was about how poor Florida's defense was and how much talent Rich Rodriguez had inherited at Michigan. But the Gators are playing for the title a year later, and Michigan finished 3-9.

These games are for the most part completely meaningless feel good affairs and to try and attribute anything more than that to the Emerald Bowl would be folly. But I am not naive enough to believe Canes fans have any sense of reality about this game or anything else football related, so have at it.

Canes win big at Madison Square Garden

2008-12-27T16:31:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Today at Madison Square Garden in New York in front of a national TV audience, Miami showed some of the same signs of trouble on offense that they demonstrated last Sunday against Clemson. But today the Canes turned up the defensive pressure and beat St John's by double digits.

Frank Haith made a change in the starting lineup today replacing James Dews with Brian Asbury. The Canes appeared to once again lack focus in the first half but the inspired post play of Julian Gamble coming off the bench plus some cold St John's shooting allowed Miami to build a ten point halftime lead. Miami did not score on its first eight possessions of the second half and St John's chipped the lead down to four.

But then Miami settled down and pushed the lead to as high as twenty two behind Lance Hurdle's best game of the season and the Canes ended up winning 70-56.

Some quick thoughts:

DeQuan Jones has no shooting range but his athelticsm and lock down defense really helped the Canes today. For the first time this season, the national top 25 recruit made a difference.
Cyrus McGowan had a rough outing missing lots of point blank shots and put backs.
James Dews did some little things nicely today but still made too many mistakes to be trusted with starters minutes.
Jack McClinton had a great game but in front of a building full of NBA scouts tried to do too much. At least this time he kept his emotions in check.
Free throw shooting was better today but still not at the level it needs to be for the conference season.

All in all a positive win after an embarrasing loss last week, but this team must still improve substantially to finish in the upper half of the ACC. Winning on the road is never easy and Miami now has two true road wins against power conference teams, Kentucky and St John's. So that's no doubt a plus come selection sunday.

Miami-St John's updates on Twitter.

2008-12-27T12:01:00.002-05:00

We'll be using our twitter feed to update to give live commentary on today's Miami-St John's game from MSG. Check it out either on Twitter or on our live feed in the right hand margin of this site.

Hurricane Bowl History: The 2000s

2008-12-27T11:41:00.007-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff Writer

Miami returned to the national limelight in 2000. After an early season loss in Seattle to Washington, the Canes beat #1 FSU, #2 Virginia Tech and #7 Florida in the Sugar Bowl on the way to a 11-1 season which could have ended in a national title. We'll save the BCS controversy in 2000 for another post but the bottom line was this: Miami had overcome probation and increasing academic standards to rebuild a winner. Ken Dorsey had an outstanding season as a Sophomore, and James Jackson ran for a 1,000 yards in pacing a potent Canes rushing attack.

Miami entered 2001 as a co-favorite to win the national title with Florida. But they would do so without Butch Davis who bailed on the program late in the recruiting season to coach in the NFL. Larry Coker a lifetime assistant whose only head coaching experience was with a Indian tribal school team in the 1970s. But Coker kept Miami rolling in 2001 with a decisive wins at Florida State and against Washington, coupled with dramatic late game victories on the road against Boston College and Virginia Tech. The Canes then crushed Nebraska in the Rose Bowl to win the BCS title, the first for the school and its fifth AP national title.

The next season, Dorsey returned for his Senior year and Willis McGahee a sophomore running back from Miami broke all the single season school rushing records. The Canes crushed Florida in the Swamp and looked invincible yet again. Still Miami struggled in a midseason stretch of games needing a missed last second FG to beat a five loss Florida State team at home, giving up 300 yards rushing in a close win at West Virginia and a fourth quarter comeback to beat lowly Rutgers. It was becoming obvious in hindsight that Larry Coker could not motivate the Canes to play week in and week out. Blowouts of Tennessee in Knoxville, and Virginia Tech at home gave the impression that all was right in Miami when it was not.

Matched up with Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl for the national title, the Canes were overwhelming favorites. While Miami was robbed of the game late the bottom line is Ohio State had outplayed Miami in regulation. The Buckeyes had out schemed and out thought the Canes. A little freshman, Roscoe Parrish who was not recruited by Butch Davis and represented Larry Coker's first signing almost single handily kept Miami in the game. The Overtime loss always had an asterisk but with far superior talent, the fact the game went to overtime means Miami underperformed.

Coming off this rough defeat and losing several top player Miami entered 2003 with questions abound. Brock Berlin, a onetime High School All American who flopped at Florida replaced the graduated Dorsey. Playing rival Florida at home, the Canes fell behind 33-10 in the 3rd quarter but Berlin rallied the Canes to a 38-33 win. Berlin then led Miami to a 22-14 win in Tallahassee despite being a seven point underdog. But Berlin was mistake prone and back to back loses to Virginia Tech and Tennessee as well as lackluster performances against Syracuse and Rutgers put Berlin's miscues in the spotlight entering the Orange Bowl against FSU.

The Canes however behind Kellen Winslow and Jarrett Payton, both scions of NFL royalty, beat the Noles for the fifth straight time 16-14. Miami joined the ACC and began 2004 by beating FSU again, and Louisville in a great shootout. Brock Berlin was on a roll but the defense collapsed losing late season games to North Carolina, Clemson and Va Tech which sent Miami to its first non BCS bowl since 1999.

The opponent in the Peach Bowl was Florida and the stakes massive: a rivalry game when Larry Coker had more questions about his coaching ability being asked than ever before. The Canes responded with a resounding 27-10 win, paced by Roscoe Parrish and Devin Hester.

The next season Miami was solid in the regular season. The only loses were games to FSU and Georgia Tech where Miami had a chance for the winning score in the last minute of the game. A resounding win in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech and the second ranked defense in the country paced the Canes. Thus Miami entered the Peach Bowl against SEC West Champion LSU feeling pretty good about the program. Then everything changed: The Canes were embarrassed in the fashion which Miami used to humiliate other teams. 40-3 was the final and to this day Miami still hasn't fully recovered.

2006 and 2007 were poor seasons for Miami. A win in the MPC Computers Bowl in 2006 behind a big effort from QB Kirby Freeman. But these were bad years for Miami and hopefully tonight's Emerald Bowl against a top class opponent in Cal in a virtual road game can help the Canes return to form.

Gameday: Miami @ St John's

2008-12-27T10:06:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami makes its first return trip to Madison Square Garden since leaving the Big East today on national television (ESPN U). Miami is 9-13 all time at MSG against both St John's and in Big East tournament games.

Miami's poor free throw shooting and lack of defensive intensity were addressed this week in what have been reported to be intense practice sessions led by Head Coach Frank Haith. Coach Haith was so annoyed with Miami's lackluster performance against Clemson last Sunday night that he kept the team in the locker room for nearly a half hour before addressing the media.

For Miami to be successful James Dews and Dwayne Collins must both regain their form from last season. I'm sorry to say this, but with both players the issue seems to be lack of effort defensively and poor shot selection offensively. Last season Dews would also hit slumps shooting but would always seem to use his defense to pick up his overall game. This season when Dews goes into a slump he becomes a defensive liability.

Gametime is noon, and we'll have postgame thoughts here.

Hurricane Bowl History: The 1990s

2008-12-26T08:38:00.006-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami entered the 1990s with three national championships in hand to go along with seven new year's day bowl bids. But the Canes stumbled in the first regular season game of the new decade losing to BYU in Provo. The Canes ranked #1 in the country entering the game were shredded by Ty Detmer who eventually won the Heisman Trophy. Miami lost the final matchup with Notre Dame later that season and despite beating Florida State and sweeping future Big East rivals BC, Pitt and Syracuse, the Canes needed an impressive win out west against San Diego State to stay in the national title race. But the Canes stumbled winning 30-28 because the Aztecs missed three FGs, and Miami entered the bowl season with no chance to win the national title for the first time since 1984.

Miami was matched up with Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and Texas unlike Miami did have a very realistic shot to win the title. A Texas win coupled with a Colorado loss in the Orange Bowl would have likely given the Longhorns at worst a share of the national title. But the discussion didn't last long into New Year's Day as the Canes racked up 202 yards in penalties, many personal fouls, in crushing Texas 46-3.

The Cotton Bowl irrevocably turned the media, college football world and NCAA against Miami. While significant elements of the national media and college football establishment were always against Miami, some sports writers that didn't cover NCAA Football closely didn't start slamming UM until after this game. Additionally, the NCAA started sniffing around the Miami program after this game. Oklahoma, Miami's great rival of the 1980s had been put on probation the previous year as had been Florida. For the Gators it was the second time probation had hit in the past five years, and with so many Florida alumni in the local south Florida media, a concerted effort of gotcha journalism ensued, looking to trip up Miami.

Miami would the National Title in 1991, going unbeaten and beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. In 1992, the Canes under Denis Erickson went unbeaten in the regular season but lost to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. While the results still looked satisfactory, the Canes were headed down hill. Miami had beaten FSU both seasons but clearly no longer had the depth of talent the Noles did. Jimmy Johnson's recruits had now left the program and Erickson's recruiting was suspect at best given the natural advantages Miami had at the time.

The next two bowl seasons would be disastrous. Miami was poor in 1993. An early season win in Boulder against a good Colorado team postponed the inevitable for a while but the Canes were crushed in Tallahassee in October and a November loss to West Virginia meant the Canes did not even win the Big East. Then came the Fiesta Bowl debacle where the Canes were embarrassed 29-0 by Arizona.

The following season was more of the same at least early: a loss to Washington at home ended the Canes NCAA record 58 game winning streak at home. But somehow, Miami recovered and impressively was not tested the rest of the season until the bowl game. Miami beat Florida State by the largest margin since 1988, and crushed Syracuse and Virginia Tech as well.

Miami entered the Orange Bowl with a shot at the national title and led Nebraska 17-7 at the end of three quarters. Frank Costa the much maligned Miami QB was playing well and Miami's Defense was dominating the Huskers. Then the Canes collapsed losing 24-17, and ending the Erickson era. Less than two weeks later the Coach jumped to the NFL, and the Canes appeared to hire Jim Tressel from Youngstown State. But Tressel had second thoughts about the job because the NCAA was sniffing around and the day after accepting the job verbally he backed out. Miami was then stuck hiring Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Butch Davis, who had been on the Canes staff in the 1980s but had never been a head coach before. Miami literally was scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Davis started badly with Miami losing its first three games against IA opponents. Yet the Canes bounced back winning the team's last seven games and appeared headed for the Orange Bowl until the NCAA struck. A one year bowl ban and substantial scholarship restrictions were the punishment for the Erickson era violations.

The next season Miami struggled at times, losing famously to East Carolina at home. Miami did salvage some pride with a win in the Car Quest bowl over Virginia, a team that had beaten Big XII champion Texas earlier in the season. 1997 was Miami's first losing season since 1979 and the first time Miami had not beaten a ranked team since 1977.

Davis' Canes bounced back in 1998. An overtime loss to Virginia Tech could have broken the young team, but an exciting come from behind victory in Morgantown against West Virginia and a 49-45 win over BCS #2 UCLA put 8-3 Miami in the Micron PC Bowl against NC State, who had beaten Florida State earlier in the season.

The Canes won that game 46-23 setting up 1999. That season the Canes would receive the type of preseason hype the program had lacked since the mid 1990s. But the Canes weren't ready for it. After beating Ohio State in the kickoff classic, the Canes lost three straight to Penn State, East Carolina, and Florida State. All three games were close and Miami led all three games in the second half. But the young Canes could not close out any of them. The Canes at 2-3 faced Boston College on the road and fell behind 28-0 before rallying to a 31-28 win. From that point on with the exception of a crushing loss in Blacksburg versus Virginia Tech the Canes were strong.

Miami received its first New Year's Day bowl bid since after the 1994 season facing off with Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl. Ken Dorsey a freshman QB had an outstanding game splitting time with Kenny Kelly and the Canes entered the new decade winner, 28-13.

Hurricane Bowl History: The 1980s /Part III

2008-12-25T23:13:00.005-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Where we left off in the last post, Miami despite becoming a regular season juggernaut under Jimmy Johnson had become classic chokers in January bowl games. Johnson entered the 1987 season 0-3 in January bowl games at Miami, while the Canes entered the season on a 21 game regular season win streak. That streak would be extended to 32 games entering the Orange Bowl against a familiar foe, Oklahoma. Included in Miami's 11-0 regular season was a classic comeback win in Tallahassee against Florida State, 26-25, and a shutout of Notre Dame 24-0.

Steve Walsh may not have been the most talented QB to play at Miami, but he quite possibly was the best. He lead the Canes to the 1987 National title with a 20-14 Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma. Instrumental on offense also were Senior Melvin Bratton and Michael Irvin who led the Hurricanes in receiving for the third straight season.

Miami entered 1988 sporting a 32 game regular season winning streak and that streak would have survived the season if not for some bizarre calls in South Bend against Notre Dame in a game dubbed Catholics vs Convicts. Instead Miami, despite defeating six teams that either won their confernce or played in major bowl games was stuck at #2 in the nation after an easy Orange Bowl win over Nebraska.

Jimmy Johnson left for the Dallas Cowboys in February and Dennis Erickson a coaching nomad from the west coast was hired. Erickson turned Miami on its head installing a one back offense and running off Gary Stevens who had been insturmental in the development of Miami's pro style offense throughout the 1980s.

With Erickson and namesake Craig Erickson replacing Walsh who left early for the NFL, the Canes started the year 9-1, the only loss being to FSU with Erickson injured. But all year long, only one game and one night mattered. That would be the season ending game, Thanksgiving weekend, on national TV against Notre Dame. Dubbed "Fate Night," this game would not only give all Canes fans a taste of revenge on the Irish, but it would also contribute to Miami being placed on NCAA probation years later as rap star and Cane fan Luther Campbell was involed in giving "bonus money" to players who took our Tony Rice, Ricky Waters or Rocket Ismail the stars of NDs offense..

Following the 27-10 fate night win, the Canes faced 10-1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Craig Erickson and Wesley Carrol combined several times on key plays and the Canes ended the 1980s with yet another national title.

Canes Rising Twitter Feed Enhanced

2008-12-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

Our Twitter feed has been enhanced to include the latest news from Miami Hurricanes athletics. For example tonight, the breaking story that walk on Jake Byrne will serve as backup QB and starting long snapper for the Emerald Bowl is on our feed. Check it out at twitter.com/canesrising.

Hurricane Bowl History: The 1980s /Part II

2008-12-25T10:56:00.009-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Howard Schnellenberger left the University of Miami after a failed power play with the University's administration in the Spring of 1984. Jimmy Johnson a little known former Arkansas player was hired away from Oklahoma State. Following a legend is difficult, but it was particularly difficult for Johnson who was 0-10 lifetime versus Nebraska or Oklahoma as a Head Coach. But the hire would prove to be inspired: sure Johnson wasn't Schnellenberger, but who was? Has Schnellenberger stayed at UM chances are he'd be mentioned in the same breathe as Bear Bryant, his mentor. But it wasn't to be, and the Hurricanes had to make the best of the situation.

Jimmy Johnson was initially over his head coaching Miami. In 1984, the Canes played one of the most difficult schedules in NCAA history, carrying the added burden of being the defending national champions. Miami defeated Auburn, Florida and Notre Dame away from the Orange Bowl in 1984, but yet still lost in Ann Arbor to Michigan, and at home to Florida State, Maryland, and Boston College the later two games being classics to finish the regular season 8-4. Then the Canes lost another shootout in the Fiesta Bowl to UCLA to end the season on a three game losing streak even though the team had scored at least 37 points in every game during that streak.

Bernie Kosar left Miami for the NFL after his redshirt sophmore season: Kosar an exceptional student had already graduated from UM and thus was able to enter the supplemental draft. In addition, Johnson's interaction with the staff he inherited from Schnellenberger was disastrous. A staff purge ensued and Johnson was able to bring in his own assistants including future Dolphins Head Coach Dave Wannstedt, future Cowboys Head Coach Dave Campo and future UM Head Coach Butch Davis.

Entering 1985, the thinking was that Miami would be lucky to make a bowl game. Without Kosar and with many concerns on defense the Canes were unranked. After a season opening loss to Florida at home, Miami rattled off 10 straight wins including a shocking win at #2 Oklahoma and am absolute crushing of Notre Dame in the final regular season game. It was this game that made the hatred of Miami in the national media fashionable.

The Hurricanes represented the classic outsiders. Upstarts running an unconventional offense and openly expressing themselves on the field. Notre Dame were college football's elite, blue blood: the establishment. A 58-7 victory where Jimmy Johnson blatantly ran up the score on national television hardened the battle lines. It was Miami and to a lesser extent Florida State against the rest of College Football. It was that simple.

Miami lost to Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl and was denied a second national title. But a year later, Miami was back rolling through the opposition. Road wins at South Carolina, Florida, West Virginia and Pitt were accompanied by home wins against Oklahoma and Florida State. Miami QB Vinny Testerverde won the Heisman Trophy and WRs Michael Irvin, Brian Blades and Brett Perriman were nearly unstoppable.

But then much like Nebraska a few years earlier against the Canes, Miami ran into a shockingly game opponent in a Bowl game. The occasion was the Fiesta Bowl which matched up #1 Miami against #2 Penn State. Much like Nebraska three years earlier, the Canes were a heavy favorite in what appeared to be a coronation. But five Vinny Testeverde interceptions later, Miami's almost 3 to 1 advantage in total yards squandered, the Canes left Tempe defeated.

Jimmy Johnson couldn't win the big one at the end of the season. Johnson had dominated Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Florida State the previous two years but had blown opportunities to win the national title in January. Entering 1987 with most of Miami's impact players gone to the NFL, questions remained about coaching. That's where we will pick up in the next posting.

Miami ranked #1 and seemingly invincible played Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl

Hurricane Bowl History: The 1980s /Part I

2008-12-23T22:13:00.015-05:00

Publish Post

Bernie Kosar was the MVP of the 50th annual Orange Bowl, which Miami won to claim the school's first national title on January 2nd, 1984/Photo from Huskerpedia.com

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami's bowl history did not begin in 1980. It began in 1935, and included back to back bowl games against Clemson after 1950 and 1951 seasons which determined the top ranked southern team in the AP Poll both seasons. But for me, a fan who came of age in the early 1980s, we'll start our retrospectives with the first game I actually recall: the 1980 Peach Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.

Miami had a winning record every season in the 1980s, only missing a bowl game in 1981 and 1982 thanks to NCAA Probation.

During the decade, Miami beat the #1 team in the AP Poll, four times while never losing to a #1 ranked team. The wins were against #1 Penn State in 1981, versus Oklahoma in 1986 and 1987 and versus Notre Dame on an occasion dubbed "fate night" in 1989.

Miami's ascendancy began into the upper echelons of College Football began in 1980 when the Hurricanes upset #2 Florida State 10-9. Entering 1980, Florida State was a top five team while the Canes were coming off a 5-6 season, and Florida had finished 1979 without a single victory.

The Canes finished the regular season 8-3 and were invited to the Peach Bowl to face Virginia Tech in front of a nationally televised CBS audience. Miami and Virginia Tech both had not gone bowling since after the 1966 season when ironically they played one another, with Miami winning 14-7 in the Liberty Bowl.

A first quarter TD pass from Jim Kelly to Rocky Belk gave Miami a 7-0 lead and the Canes never looked back, winning 20-10. Smokey Roan led the Canes offense with close to a 100 yards rushing while Jim Burt led the defense and was named the most outstanding defensive player of the bowl game.

During the 1981 season Miami was cruising towards a bowl birth, perhaps even a major bowl birth when the NCAA struck. In November with just weeks left in the season, Miami was placed on two years probation including a bowl ban. With no bowl game to play for, the Hurricanes massacred Notre Dame in the season finale 37-15. It was only the Canes second win ever against the Irish but would set up what would become the premier rivalry of the 1980s in college football.

After a rocky 1982 which featured Miami playing four QBs after Jim Kelly was injured (including current Georgia coach Mark Richt and future Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testeverde) the Canes entered 1983 unranked in the preseason and seemingly in a rebuilding mode. Not only was Kelly gone, but so were Fred Marion, Ronnie Lippett, Speedy Neal and just about every other impact player the Canes had the previous few seasons.

After a crushing season opening loss to Florida in Gainesville, the Canes rattled off 10 straight win culminating in a November come from behind win against Florida State in Tallahassee. This put Miami in the Orange Bowl against Big 8 champion, and #1 Nebraska. The Huskers of 1983 were one of the most intimidating teams in recent college football history. Led by QB Turner Gill, Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier, and all American Irving Fryar, the Nebraska offense was an unstoppable force.

Miami had overachieved in 1983 behind an awkward redshirt freshman QB Bernie Kosar. The Canes offense featured a freshman FB Alonzo Highsmith, and two great TEs in Willie Smith and Glen Dennison. But the player who made Miami on offense was WR Eddie Brown, who time after time made big plays with the game on the line.

The Canes entered the game as a 10 1/2 point underdog but raced out to a shocking 17-0 lead in the first quarter. Then the tables turned because of one unforgettable moment in the annals of College Football. Facing a 3rd and long down 17 in the second quarter Tom Osborne unveiled the Fumblerooski. Dean Steinkuhler took the play to house for a TD and brought Nebraska new life.

Leading 31-17 in the 4th quarter Miami's Jeff Davis missed FG attempt. Jeff Davis replaced an injured Rozier and led two Nebraska TD drives. With the score 31-30, Nebraska went for two and the win even though tie would have won the undefeated Huskers the title. But Kenny Calhoun knocked down Turner Gill's pass and the Canes had won the first national championship ever by a school from the state of Florida and by a pro style offense.

Florida State had their chances in the late 1970s and early 1980s to win a title before Miami did. But each time FSU played Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, ultimately the option beat the Noles, and FSU's passing game was thwarted. But in the 1984 Orange Bowl, Miami did just enough to slow down the Nebraska option, and unlike FSU was able to exploit the lack of speed the Big 8 champions had defensively to win.

Howard Schenellenberger had led Miami to a title in just five years on the job. In 1978, Schnenellenberger had inherited a team that lost its all everything RB Ottis Anderson and had finished 6-5 the previous year. Within two seasons, Miami won a bowl game and within five were national champions, thanks to an innovative pro style offense that perplexed defensive coordinators.

TOMORROW: PART II 1980S/ MIAMI UNDER JIMMY JOHNSON

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'M IN ORLANDO COVERING A HOLIDAY YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT AMONG OTHER THINGS SO MY POSTS MAY NOT BE EXACTLY ON SCHEDULE BETWEEN NOW AND FRIDAY BUT WE WILL COVER ALL OF MIAMI'S BOWL GAMES SINCE 1980 BY THE TIME THE EMERALD BOWL KICKS OFF SATURDAY NIGHT.

Bowl Week on Canes Rising

2008-12-23T15:14:00.003-05:00

Thursday: A look back at Canes Bowls in the 1980s

Friday: A look back at Canes Bowls in the 1990s

Saturday: A look back at Canes Bowls in the 2000s, Emerald Bowl 2008 Preview

A Low Point

2008-12-22T08:44:00.006-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Seldom since Miami joined the ACC have the Canes looked overwhelmed by the occasion or just plain like they don't belong in the most prestigious and visible Basketball league in America: until last night. Beginning with Miami's first ACC game ever, a win over an eventual Sweet 16 team (NC State) in January 2005, even when over matched the Canes have given a full effort worthy of nation's best Basketball league.

This was Miami's first loss to Clemson at home since joining the league. The Hurricanes had in fact taken Clemson to overtime two seasons ago at Littlejohn Coliseum with only six scholarship players eligible. Last night, with 11 scholarship players, the Canes were blown out of their own building. The crowd in South Florida has become College Basketball savvy enough to know the difference between an ACC matchup and an early season non conference game in a made for TV event. The crowd was buzzing before this game in a way it was not before the Ohio State game two and a half weeks ago.

The crowd tried several times to give the Canes a lift but it never happened. Miami problems were so numerous they cannot be accurately described in this posting. Missed free throws are now an epidemic for a team that lead the ACC from the charity stripe a year ago. The Canes shot from the line the way Clemson typically has, 12-27 while James Dews and Lance Hurdle continued their regression from last season. Miami trailed with ten minutes left in the game by less than the Canes did last season versus this same Clemson team at home. Yet last season the Canes rallied to win as they so often did, and this year the final score was a nineteen point drubbing that rates in the "embarrassing" column. How can the same players who last season seemingly could dig as deep as they needed to dig to pull out games and come from behind at home or even in the NCAA Tournament look so out classed?

My feeling is that the Canes were not prepared for the early season grind. A loss to Connecticut which was closer than the score indicated was perfectly acceptable. So was the loss to Ohio State given Jack McClinton's ejection. The win against Kentucky was a big plus, but the problems that currently are biting the Canes began in that game in the second half as Miami was allowing the Wildcats to erase 24 point deficit thanks to horrible free throw shooting and bad decisions with the ball on offense. Kentucky didn't come all the way back but the seeds for Miami's December collapse were planted firmly that afternoon at Rupp Arena.

Eddie Rios gave the Canes a spark off the bench but he continues to resemble a reckless, street ball player more than a composed Division 1 point guard. Dwayne Collins was so weak inside on defense that Haith pulled him after the first dead ball early in the game in favor of Jimmy Graham and used him sparingly throughout the rest of the first half.

Cyrus McGowan played tough inside, but once Miami's helter skelter offensive play began midway through the first half, the big man got limited touches although his effort on the boards allowed Miami to attempt some second chance shots.

Jack McClinton is already showing signs of being worn down from having to carry this team in last year's NCAA Tournament and early this year as his form and concentration on free throws is suffering. I've also seen the incredibly well conditioned and hard working McClinton gasp for air more this season than he did all of last year. Much of this is due to the poor ball handling of Hurdle and the inability of James Dews to do almost anything of note on either end of the floor.

Lance Hurdle whose ball handling and decision making allowed Miami to make a wake of Virginia and Maryland's press a year ago was a disaster last night hesitating in the open court and throwing the ball into dangerous spots continuously. Perhaps Hurdle is still not recovered from an injury suffered early in fall practice. James Dews lack of concentration on both ends of the floor as noted above has put an even greater burden on Jack McClinton than he had last season. Dews who was the Canes other double figure scorer a year ago began his descent in the NCAA Tournament last year and has yet to recover. The same can be said for Dwayne Collins whose recent performances have been poor.

Brian Asbury gives a great effort but has clearly never developed into the player many of us thought he'd be when Miami won a recruiting battle with Florida for his services. Asbury however is not the problem with this team as some fans may claim. It's been easy to blame a guy whose scoring output has gradually decreased since his sophomore year, but he's a defensive stopper and very athletic and effective rebounder offensively. These are the type of intangibles Dews, Hurdle and Collins aren't bringing this season.

The Hurricanes have gone from being ranked in the Top 25 just over a week ago to being the first ACC team to record a loss in conference play this season. That loss being a double digit home loss to a team that had never beaten Miami in Coral Gables. This wasn't North Carolina, Duke or Louisville the other teams that have blown out Miami during the Frank Haith era: This was Clemson and for that, this game enters the Hall of Shame as the worst performance for the Canes in the five years under Coach Haith.

A trip to Madison Square Garden to face old Big East rival St Johns looms next Saturday. That is yet another nationally televised cable game, so Miami better find whatever it had in the first half at Rupp Arena against Kentucky and bring that type of performance Saturday, or we will be staring a loss to an old rival after a loss to a conference foe during the Holidays. Not exactly the feel good stuff you want for Christmas and New Year's.

ACC Basketball Preview: Clemson @ Miami

2008-12-19T21:02:00.006-05:00

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami has won six of the last eight meetings with Clemson (but previously was 0-5 against the Tigers all time) and will come into Sunday's nationally televised game needing to start the ACC campaign on the right note. Losing ACC games at home is a recipe for disaster if you want to make the NCAA Tournament and win a few games in the ACC Tournament. The league is deeper this season than last year: it is conceivable Florida State, Maryland, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest could all make the NCAAs this season after missing the dance a year ago. Additionally, North Carolina and Duke both appear more balanced and deeper (if that is possible in UNC's case) as last season.

Miami on the other hand despite being a trendy pre season pick to challenge UNC and Duke in the league has looked spotty at the best of times and downright lethargic at other points. Clemson on the other hand has been impressive shaking off the loss of James Mayes and Cliff Hammonds with increased contributions from the likes of Jerai Grant.

The Tigers free throw shooting, the teams Achilles heel a year ago has not substantially improved. But Miami, the best free throw shooting team in the ACC a year ago is among the worst this season with the very same perimeter players that were automatic a year ago (Lance Hurdle, James Dews and Brian Asbury) now frequently missing chances from the charity stripe especially late in games.

The weak play of Dwayne Collins which we discussed earlier in the week on this site feeds right into Clemson strength where Trevor Booker who dominated Anthony King a year ago inside should be able to dominate. Booker leads the ACC in blocks and is among the leaders in rebounding. Miami will need Jimmy Graham's energy to raise the intensity level inside given Collins seeming lack of interest in physical post play.

Without Cliff Hammonds however, Clemson is going to have a tough time guarding Jack McClinton. Hammonds the past two seasons was the most effective defender on McClinton in the entire ACC. Defensively, Clemson will likely employ a trap to expose Miami's increasingly careless ball handling and over reliance on McClinton to "bail out" the team in the second half.

Eddie Rios must give the Canes more than five minutes in this game spelling Lance Hurdle. Also Brian Asbury must be physical inside, and show a willingness to take the ball strong to the basket. If Asbury settles for too many perimeter jumpers, chances are Clemson will emerge victorious. Asbury also should be the defensive stopper assigned to Terrence Ogelsby the Tigers three point specialist. James Dews also must play a role defensively guarding the versatile and dangerous KC Rivers.

This is going to be an extremely tough game for the Canes. The UM students who seemingly are the only people who consistently show up to Basketball games are on winter break. This gives Clemson playing a "road" game in mid December, somewhat of a cushion. The Tigers fans don't travel as well for Basketball as other ACC schools, but the crowd should still be split fairly evenly, with a slight edge to UM. Clemson brought many fans to last years game at the Bank United Center but that matchup in late January was well attended by UM students whose energy helped spur a late comeback for the Canes.

Despite starting the season in the Top 20 and since falling out of the poll, Miami's losses have not been ugly by any means: U Conn and Ohio State are both highly rated, and Miami did beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena as well as defeating San Diego who eliminated UConn in last year's NCAAs by 35 points. However, it is Miami's play against lesser opposition including the likes of Southern Miss, Stetson, FIU and Robert Morris that should have Canes fans worried about this game.

Miami's players save Jack McClinton, Jimmy Graham and Lance Hurdle seem to have an attitude this season that they'll simply show up for big games and ignore the rest. That philosophy is a recipe for disaster in conference play. Clemson has become under Oliver Purnell almost unbeatable in December and I wouldn't expect that to change tomorrow night.

A Cane Life Without Marve

2008-12-19T19:50:00.003-05:00

By Todd Brown
Canes Rising Staff

He was Mr. Football in the state of Florida. He was the most hyped QB in the state not named Tebow in the last several years. He was to be our savior.

When Robert Marve was at Plant High School in Tampa he showed the same exceptional athleticism and arm strength that he's shown at the "U. " But at the very same time he showed the same sort of reckless play and poor decision making that has plagued his time at UM. I watched him at Plant and must say I was never as impressed with him as the recruiting experts were. To me he was a totally unfinished article, and given our recent history with QBs that had four or five stars assigned to them by the recruiting services, I was unimpressed.

Originally committed to Alabama, Marve changed his commitment to Miami following Mike Shula's firing. Now two years into Robert Marve's Miami tenure their is at least a very good chance he will not play again for the Canes.

My theory is that new Offensive Coordinator Pat Nix and Head Coach Randy Shannon panicked seeing only two scholarship QBs for 2007, the pathetic Kirby Freeman and the absolutely useless Kyle Wright. Freeman was coming off a good bowl game against Nevada but he could not be counted on to lead the Canes and Wright seemingly was going to fade into oblivion. My theory is that Marve was recruited without weighing his downside because of Miami's desperation.

But Robert Marve got into a car accident and never saw the field in 2007. His window of opportunity was gone. Once Jacory Harris saw the field this season, a year after leading his High School team to a #1 national ranking he was always going to be the man at the "U." Marve's window came and went. Complicating matters is Marve's lack of maturity which has led to him being the only Miami player in Shannon's tenure to be arrested and also the only one to be suspended from a bowl game for Academic issues.

This is now Jacory Harris' team. Robert Marve was never supposed to be the Canes QB long term. The second Harris resisted the opportunity to play in Mike Beloiti's offense at Oregon which would fit him like a glove, this was always going to be his job. Harris has the maturity Marve lacks, as well as the polish as a passer that Marve may never develop. Besides, he's alot smarter and playing QB for Miami requires brains more than athletic ability as history has taught us.

Robert Marve's time at the "U" is over. I wish the kid the best of luck and thank him for his effort these past two years but he just wasn't the right fit for this program. Even Shannon and Nix I am sure will admit that after he is gone.

Canes Rising Radio #25

2008-12-19T11:32:00.002-05:00

Host Kartik Krishnaiyer and Canes Rising contributor Nate Skinner review the 2008 Miami Football season including the late breaking news of starting QB Robert Marve's suspension. We discuss who excelled this season for the Canes and who disappointed.

We also take a look around College Football and discuss other ACC teams and their bowl games as well as Auburn's curious hiring of Gene Chizik. We also preview Miami's ACC opener in Basketball with Clemson and review an underwhelming week for Miami who followed up a historic win at Rupp Arena with two poor performances against low major teams at home.

Direct download

Marve Suspended for Bowl Game

2008-12-18T16:05:00.002-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Randy Shannon doesn't play favorites or play games when it comes to discipline. Starting QB Robert Marve has been suspended for the 2nd time this season and will not be with the team when it plays Cal in the Emerald Bowl, December 27th. The Miami Herald reports that Marve was 15 minutes late for the final day of his English class. By showing up late for class, Marve was marked as absent and has therefore been suspended under the University's attendance policy for athletes because he missed more than four classes in the fall semester.

Jacory Harris will start the bowl game. More on this developing story as it becomes available.

Midweek News and Notes

2008-12-18T10:16:00.003-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Matt Bosher was selected the team MVP on Sunday at the annual football banquet. For all the Randy Shannon and Pat Nix bashers out there can you finally admit that if your kicker is the team MVP for school that did qualify for a Bowl game and will end the year with a winning record, that the coaches are doing something right?
Bosher was the #1 ranked kicker in the country coming out of high school in the Jupiter area and was one of Randy Shannon's first recruits. His campus visit took place when Larry Coker was still coaching the team, but Shannon who has a philosophy about signing one kicker every recruiting class (hence the recruitment of Jake Wieclaw this past year) sealed the deal.
Steve Walsh the former great UM QB and current Sun Sports and ESPN 760 analyst for UM Football has been named the new Head Football Coach at Cardinal Newman HS in West Palm Beach. Last year Lamar Thomas became the WR coach at Boynton Beach HS. Both Walsh and Thomas could end up on the UM staff down the road.
The Hurricanes fell out of the Top 25 this week in Basketball despite a 2-0 week. Miami was ironically replaced in the polls by Clemson, the Canes next opponent. Polls are largely meaningless in College Basketball and for a UM team that has either looked spectacular or pedestrian this season with really no in between, not having a national ranking to defend for the first time all season may be what the doctor ordered. Besides thanks to some outstanding early scheduling Miami's RPI number continues to be high putting the Canes much like last year in a position where a .500 season in the ACC will probably secure an NCAA bid with a decent seed.

Canes struggle to defeat Robert Morris

2008-12-14T19:56:00.008-05:00

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

After racing out to a 14 point lead late in the first half, the Hurricanes struggled in the second half to defeat Robert Morris. The Colonials qualified for the NIT last season, and are the fourth post season participant from last year that the Canes have beaten early this season. Previously, Miami has defeated San Diego and Kentucky, NCAA participants last season away from home as well as Southern Miss an NIT team from last March.

Concerns are abound for the Canes, despite the pre-season expectations and national ranking. The team is still overly reliant on Jack McClinton to provide scoring down the stretch in games and on Jimmy Graham to provide energy and defensive pressure in the paint. This team proved that without Jack McClinton it can blow a double digit halftime lead at home in front of a pumped up crowd. What's even more troubling is that the Hurricanes free throw shooting, which was at close to 80% in ACC and post season play a year ago is now hovering around 65%.

Miami's offense has been static for the last two and a half games. After a spectacular first half at Rupp Arena against Kentucky, the Canes went into meltdown mode in the second twenty minutes, and now have played two consecutive uninspiring games at home on the offensive end of the floor.

The problems for Miami as I see them are outlined below.

Lack of intensity from Dwayne Collins.

Collins seems to have left his game in the Virgin Islands. After an outstanding weekend of basketball at the Paradise Jam Tournament, Collins has virtually disappeared offensively and become a liability defensively. Collins to frequently doesn't use his size to gain good position in the paint and also has mishandled countless passes from Miami's guards into him when he posts up.

Defensively Collins lacks the fighter instinct that Jimmy Graham and Julian Gamble posses. On several occasions in the second half against Kentucky and today against Robert Morris, Collins failed to box out and gave the opposition second chance point opportunities.

Poor movement on the perimeter

All too often, Miami's guards become stagnant in their off the ball movement on offense and wait for Jack McClinton to bail them out. About half the time, McClinton does bail them out. James Dews in particular gets lost on offense and does not fight through screens on defense. Brian Asbury is inconsistent while Lance Hurdle seems to try and do too much at times.

Over reliance on 3 point/outside shooting

Perhaps it is because of Collins' lack of willingness to fight for inside position, but the Hurricanes have been less willing to pound the ball inside and try and to try and draw fouls on the opposing post players than last season. Cyrus McGowan after a hot start also has cooled off and has been getting the majority of his point recently on put backs after missed outside shots.

Missed free throws

Self explanatory and unacceptable. The reality is Miami went from a bubble team to a seventh seed in last year's NCAA Tournament simply because of the ability of the Canes guards to make free throws late in games. This year Miami has been missing critical free throws late in games: Jack McClinton missed the front end of a one and one with the Canes down seven with 1:30 against UConn. James Dews went 0 for 4 in the last two minutes as Miami was trying to close out Kentucky and today both James Dews and Brian Asbury missed FTs in the last :30 seconds.

The Hurricanes are 7-2, and as of this writing ranked in the Top 20 in the RPI. However with the biggest game of the young season upcoming this Sunday against Clemson, Miami must significantly improve to win the ACC opener.

Miami-FIU: The Final Chapter is Friday Night.

2008-12-11T21:50:00.004-05:00

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami will play its final Men's Basketball game versus FIU for the foreseeable future tomorrow night. Miami will also not be playing FIU in football again and the Baseball series could be dead as well.

Miami played two games against FIU in football: replacement games for a series with Missouri which the Tigers backed out of about a year before the first game was scheduled to be played. But with Miami's decision to begin playing an annual Thanksgiving weekend game with South Florida and the continued scheduling of attractive home and home series with the likes of Ohio State and Nebraska, no room exists to schedule a Sun Belt team like FIU.

In Men's Basketball, the FIU administration has demanded that Miami begin playing a yearly home and home series with the Canes. Miami recently scheduled a series with FAU where the Canes give the Owls one return game for every two Miami home games. From what I can gather, Miami has refused to make the same offer to FIU.

Last year, Miami did play at FIU and I attended the game. Quite honestly after visiting the Pharmed Arena, I do not believe an ACC school should at any time play in such a poor facility. Pharmed was basically filled up by Miami fans and students that night, so the FIU "home" game that was scheduled turned out to be more of a Miami home game.

FIU's students and alumni want very badly to create a "rivalry" with Miami. The current president of Texas A&M, who is an FIU alum even told ABC's Jack Arute on the sidelines of the Miami-TAMU game this year in College Station that Miami was her alma mater's "rival school."

My view on the matter is the same as it was three years ago. Miami should not play FIU in any sport. The games simply become excuses for FIU's students and student athletes to misbehave. Miami's suffered enough embarrasment for a lifetime with the incidents in the football game a few years ago as well as the defection of Pete Garcia to FIU.

When FIU's administration post Modesto Madique learns its proper place in the local university pecking order, we can talk about playing again.

Marve Leaving?

2008-12-10T09:59:00.004-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer and Todd Brown
Canes Rising Staff

We don't normally like to comment on message board banter on this site, but our reporting yields that a decent chance exists that Robert Marve has played his last game for the Hurricanes. Academic issues have also been reported although the Orlando Sentinel reported this morning that no decision on Marve availability for the Emerald Bowl will be made until after finals conclude this week.

Jacory Harris was the hot hand towards the end of the season. Harris led impressive comebacks on the road at Duke and Virginia, in games where Marve's play had dug the Canes into a hole. Additionally, Marve did little to distinguish himself from Harris in losses to Georgia Tech and NC State to end the season.

After an impressive performance against Texas A&M and a solid performance against North Carolina, Marve collapsed. His performance against Florida State was poor, and despite leading wins over Wake Forest and Virginia Tech, both those performances were more related to Marve's feet than to his inaccurate arm. Marve threw only two TD passes in the 27 quarters of football this season: that is not going to cut it on any level.

Our gut feeling on these rumors are that Marve may be transferring but he will take some time to determine whether or not to make the move now. In all likely hood this will all be cleared up before spring practice, and we'll know if Jacory Harris has been able to jettison any serious competition for the job.

Canes Rising Morning Digest

2008-12-09T09:31:00.003-05:00

By Todd Brown
Canes Rising Staff

The new top 25 polls have been released in Basketball and Miami has fallen out of the AP Poll after a 1-1 week that featured a loss to Ohio State at home and a win at Kentucky. Miami remains ranked #25 in the USA Today/ESPN poll.

In the most important "poll" of all, the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), Miami is ranked #16. While it is too early to really focus on the RPI, Miami's difficult non-conference schedule early combined with ACC play probably means that the Hurricanes have a larger margin for error then most teams in the country.

Turning our attention to Football, the discussion about the Emerald Bowl has focused on Miami's porous run defense that will be forced to contain Javid Best. Miami's pass defense will be tested by Jeff Tedford's scheme. Nate Longshore is a top national QB.

The other news this morning is that it is being reported that Miami Offensive Coordinator Patrick Nix will be interviewed for the Head Coaching vacancy at Auburn. Nix, who has been under fire at Miami is probably being simply given the courtesy of an interview as a distinguished alumnus. Miami did the same in Basketball when Rick Barry was given an interview after Leonard Hamilton left for the NBA.

Where does Miami need to improve the most?

2008-12-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

While most of the anger this season by fans has been focused on Pat Nix's offense the real concerns for Miami are on the defensive side of the ball. Nix is the latest UM offensive coordinator to face the wrath of delusional fans. First it was Bob Bratkowski brought in by Dennis Erickson to run the one back offense. Then it was Larry Coker, Rob Chudzinski, Dan Werner and finally now Pat Nix. A pattern has developed on that front so let's focus on the defense which was shredded by the likes of Florida State, Duke and NC State this season. (Miami was just one of many teams to be clocked by Georgia Tech so I don't hold that game against the defense as much as others.)

1) Takeaways

The reason Miami was so great in the 1983 to 1994 period was not because of prolific offenses. In fact if you compare Miami's era of dominance to Florida State's run from 1987 to 2000 and Florida's 1991 to 1996 run you'll note Miami scored far fewer points on offense than those programs. But Miami also returned more interceptions and fumbles for scores during that period than any other team in the nation. The same was true between 1999 and 2004 when Miami scored almost one non offensive TD on average per game. Many of these were Santana Moss, Devin Hester or Roscoe Parrish Punt Returns, but still a majority were defensive TDs.

While statistically, Randy Shannon's defenses were ranked in the top 10 nationally in 2005 and 2006, the lack of big turnovers was apparent both seasons. The 2005 numbers were so poor compared to the previous six seasons under Greg Schiano and Randy Shannon that it provided one of the impetuses for me to pen my "falling U" piece before the bowls that season.

This season the Hurricanes ranked DEAD LAST nationally in interceptions. The Canes were also a 101st in turnover margin.

2) Red Zone Defense

The Canes ranked DEAD LAST in the nation in red zone defense. In 39 trips to the red zone Miami opponents scored 37 times and missed a FG, and ran the clock down (GT). Miami never once forced a turnover inside the 20 yard line on defense. Miami never once blocked a short FG this season.

For all the Nix bashing that goes on, some of it justified, Miami ranked 5th nationally in red zone offense. Miami turns the ball over often and has had other issues offensively, but thanks to some good red zone play calling and the reliability of Matt Bosher when not kicking off the baseball dirt, the Canes usually come away with points when deep in the opponents territory. This statistic is particularly impressive when you consider the turnover problems Miami's QBs had all year. Robert Marve and Jacory Harris combined to throw 19 interceptions and fumbled the ball 2 times. That's 21 turnovers from the QB position this season, yet very few of these mistakes were in the red zone which is partly due to the ultra conservative nature of many Pat Nix play calls. This can be criticized but when you have one of the best kickers in the nation and turnover prone freshman QBs can you really blame Nix?