The Good, The Bad, and The Brutal: Bowl Edition

Duke Johnson (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                  Canes Rising Contributor

Disappointing(adj)--failing to fulfill someone's hopes or expectations. 

It's the one word that sums up the 2014 season, and it's a word that shouldn't ever be associated with Hurricane football.  Miami isn't  a 6-7 football team talent wise, there's no way around it. South Carolina isn't a defensive juggernaut, they are the worst defensive team Miami has faced all season. Offensive Coordinator James Coley should be ashamed of his gameplan, for it wasn't a plan for success, only certain failure.  

The Good

 Duke Johnson--It's been a pleasure watching DJ run for the 'Canes, and once again he delivered an entertaining performance.  Duke was heavily featured, and despite running into 8-9 man fronts, he was effective.  Johnson averaged over five yards per carry, finishing the day with 132 yards. He was responsible for a couple of turnovers, but that can be partially attributed to a gameplan that put him into some awful situations.  Whether fans want to admit it or not, Duke has been an outstanding player, and he's going to be a major contributor at the next level. 

Player Effort--Following disappointing losses, it was noted that the 'Canes were flat, and disinterested.  That wasn't the case Saturday, as the 'Canes stuck with it even with the game turning in the second quarter.  That said, these players can't overcome a staff that doesn't believe in them, or give them a chance to win. Fans saw the underclassmen take control of the team which led to a change in how the team behaved when faced with adversity.  They didn't quit, and that bodes well for the future. 

The Bad

Tracy Howard--Once upon a time, Tracy was looked upon as a potential star.  He's now a player who is stealing a scholarship, and shouldn't be allowed on the field.  There's a reason why Corn Elder and Artie Burns have passed Howard on the depth chart, and that reason is effort.  Elder and Burns are fighters, and while that may lead to some bad plays and penalties on occasion, it's obvious to anyone watching that those two players want to play, they believe in the system. Tracy thinks he knows better than secondary coach Paul Williams, and he doesn't. 

Mark D'Onofrio--While this game didn't turn due to the defense, D'Onofrio deserves some criticism.  Miami has two potential stars in the secondary but still continues to play a passive zone.  South Carolina exploited that with Pharoh Cooper having 170 yards in receptions.The sky is the limit for this unit, if D'Onofrio caters to their strengths. Playing a passive zone, against a player like Pharoh Cooper isn't playing to those strengths.

The Brutal

James Coley--James is the highest paid assistant in program history.  He should be writing a refund check after his awful performance against South Carolina.  The Gamecocks dared Miami to pass and Coley chose to run a variety of low percentage plays instead.  Brad Kaaya is a talented young quarterback who has shown the ability to make good decisions, there's no excuse why he should be coddled at this point. Consistently running Duke Johnson into the teeth of an overloaded defense is not only pointless, it's dangerous.  It's obvious that Coley isn't a viable playcaller and Al Golden has to demote Coley before Brad Kaaya's development is stunted further. 

 Al Golden--It's time to admit the obvious: this team underachieved.  This Miami team is significantly better than the 2013 version, and that team won 9 games.  Miami should have matched if not exceeded that  total. Golden has to realize that this staff isn't good enough, and that changes must be made. If he's unwilling to make those changes, then it is time to dismiss the head man.  Al has done a lot for the University, his foresight and fundraising acumen are well documented, but the on field product is disappointing to say the least.  This team should be better than 6-7, and if Golden wants to regain the trust of the fanbase, he has to be willing to make significant changes.  

Final Grades: Miami Offense

ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year Brad Kaaya(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                  Canes Rising Contributor


The 2014 season may have been disappointing, but offensive coordinator James Coley oversaw an offense that was anything but disappointing.  Miami's offensive unit was exciting and relied on a multitude of playmakers to average thirty points per game in the regular season.

Final Grades

Quarterback--Brad Kaaya is the best Miami quarterback since Ken Dorsey and he has at least 2 more years of eligibility remaining.  Kaaya was outstanding at times this year, throwing for 2,962 yards and 24 touchdowns.  This young man was steady, mature, and emerged as a team leader.  While the end of the season was rocky for Kaaya, Miami fans can rest easy, knowing that the most important position on the team is in capable hands.  Grade: B+

Position Coaching--James Coley should get some credit for developing Kaaya, but some of Kaaya's issues late in the season can be attributed to Coley. The inability to correct Kaaya's mechanics when needed is a major point of contention.  Grade: C+

Running Backs--Duke Johnson has run for more yards than any other player in Miami history.  Johnson doesn't have the size of Ottis Anderson or the blazing speed of Clinton Portis, but he has been a consistent performer during his time in Coral Gables.  Duke had another outstanding season this year, rushing for over 1500 yards, and scoring ten touchdowns.  Johnson wasn't the only player to make an impact as Joe Yearby emerged as a future player.  Yearby averaged over 6 yards per carry this season, and should be the player to fill Johnson's shoes if Duke decides to leave Miami early.  Gus Edwards had a huge game against Virginia Tech, but wasn't a factor for most of the season. Grade: B+

Position Coaching--Ice Harris was forced into a tough position, due to the sudden resignation of Micheal Barrow.  Ice didn't recruit these players and he had never coached at the collegiate level, but he proved to be a solid coach.  Harris did a great job with the backs this season, and Yearby showed growth during the season.  Grade: B

Wide Receivers--This unit underachieved something awful this season.  Stacy Coley was invisible for most of the season, showing none of the talent that captivated Miami fans last season.  Braxton Berrios was a fixture early in the season but faded late. The major contributor was Phil Dorsett, who averaged 26.6 yards per catch. Malcolm Lewis finally looked healthy after suffering a horrific injury in 2012.  When one looks at this position group, it's hard to believe that this group could be so underwhelming.  Grade: C-

Position Coaching--Brennan Carroll isn't a viable coach.  Anyone who watched this receiver corps would come come to that conclusion within seconds.  Carroll's group can't block, run precise routes, or make timely catches.  This isn't because of a lack of talent, this is a classic case of players not being developed or coached.  Grade: F

Tight Ends--Clive Walford came to Miami as an athlete with only two years of football under his belt.  He leaves as one of the best receiving tight ends in Miami history.  Walford had an outstanding 2014 season making 44 receptions, and scoring seven touchdowns.  Clive also improved his blocking, and looked every bit the complete tight end.  Standish Dobard flashed his immense talent at times, making a couple of big catches.  The one game in which this unit failed was FSU, a game that saw both Walford and Dobard fumble after making important receptions.  Compared to the wide receivers, these young men overachieved compared to preseason projections. Grade: A-

Position Coaching--Larry Scott did an outstanding job with this unit.  Walford leaves as a likely NFL player thanks to Scott's coaching, and Dobard looks like a player with immense potential.  If you are an athletic tight end with NFL aspirations, Miami is the place for you.  Grade: B+

Offensive Line--This group did an outstanding job of protecting Brad Kaaya, and gave Duke Johnson wide holes to run through.  What's amazing about this group is that every week, it was a different player stepping up.  Miami rarely had the luxury of trotting out the same lineup, thanks to the injury bug.  Expected contributor K.C. McDermott was injured early in the season, and unable to participate.  Ereck Flowers suffered a knee injury that limited his effectiveness, and Jon Feliciano was dinged all year.  Despite the injuries, this unit performed admirably.  Grade: B

Position Coaching--Art Kehoe has spent most of the last decade characterized as an over the hill coach living off of past accomplishments.  This year, Kehoe proved his worth by keeping this unit together, and finding a way to protect Kaaya.  This unit had some rough patches, but didn't back down from the challenges posed to them. This unit reflected their leader, who is a tough, scrappy man who isn't afraid to fight.   The next challenge for Kehoe is rebuilding the line, for linchpin Jon Feliciano has exhausted his eligibility.  Grade: B+


Offensive Coordinator--James Coley calls the plays, and while he improved as the season progressed, his complete inability to grasp the obvious hurt the offense. Miami struggled to adjust on the fly, and Coley failed on multiple occasions to play to Miami's strengths.  However, Coley did call some outstanding games, and had a solid gameplan against FSU.  While Coley couldn't have forseen Duke Johnson's injury during that game, his unwillingness to take chances led to Miami's collapse. Miami had to keep Jameis Winston off the field, yet Coley chose to call screen passes on 3rd and long.  It's very likely that Coley will return in 2015, but Miami shouldn't be afraid to upgrade at this position.  Coley has potential as a playcaller, but Miami can't afford to wait for Coley to become consistent.  Grade: C+/B-

Keys To Victory: Pittsburgh

It's been a great career for Denzel Perryman(52)(Photo Credit: Miami Herald)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                  Canes Rising Contributor

What was once seen as a program turning the corner is now a program that is mired in doubt and uncertainty.  Al Golden has been given a vote of confidence by Blake James, but it's obvious that Golden and his staff may be on the hot seat entering 2015.  This team needs to finish this season strongly, and a win over Pitt would be a solid start to making the most of what has been a disappointing season. 

Keys to Victory

1. Find Something To Play For--It doesn't matter what the reason is, the 'Canes have to find motivation.  Last week, the 'Canes mailed it in, and it showed.  This season has been disappointing, one can say that the team has underachieved.  That said, this team can't afford to quit on the season, this team needs positive momentum.

2. Set The Tone Early--Last week, the 'Canes looked disinterested from the opening kickoff.  Miami needs to be all in from the first whistle.  That means making tackles, flying around, and creating havoc.  It will be on Mark D'Onofrio to take chances with his play selection, and set an aggressive tone.  James Coley will have to do the same, now's a good time to run some well timed gadget plays, while calling a game that centers around physical domination.  Get aggressive, show that Miami is a program that fights, that overcomes adversity. 

3. Duke Johnson--Duke should be showcased this week, and Miami should look to set the tone with the run.  It's been the same gameplan all season, but it has been effective all season.  James Coley has to find a way to get Duke involved in the passing game as well.  A player this talented shouldn't be shut down by his own offensive coordinator. Pitt doesn't have the defensive personnel or the scheme to stop Duke. 

4. Stop James Conner & Tyler Boyd--Pitt's passing game centers around Tyler Boyd, the other receivers are mediocre at best. Boyd shouldn't go anywhere without double coverage, Miami should see to it that Boyd isn't a factor.  James Conner is a very talented back, and he has to be neutralized as well.  Limit how often he is in space, and make sure tackles. Conner is a back that gets stronger as the game wears on, so it's on the Miami defensive staff to make sure that players are fresh. Some of the staff may be fighting for their jobs, it may behoove them to make a good final impression. 

5. Protect Brad Kaaya--Last week, the 'Canes couldn't protect the young quarterback.  This week, the 'Canes face a Pitt team that doesn't rush the passer well.  Kaaya should have a clean pocket all night, and he should be able to make throws without worrying about taking big hits.  If that can happen, Miami should be able to manufacture explosive plays, especially if Pitt has to sell out for the run. 

Mid-Season Report Card: Offense

Brad Kaaya(15)(Photo Credit: Miami Herald)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                 Canes Rising Contributor

We're at the halfway point of the 2014 season, and the 'Canes are struggling to stay in the ACC Coastal division race.  Coming into this season, there were some major questions, and some major concerns about the program, and about Al Golden's leadership. Some of those questions have been answered, and some of those answers aren't good.  However, there's been some bright spots for the 'Canes, including the unexpected emergence of quarterback Brad Kaaya.


Offense

Quarterback--When Brad Kaaya was named the starting quarterback, many fans had doubts that a true freshman could be successful.  Kaaya has proven those doubters wrong, having an outstanding first half.  Brad has gone from a player who looked over matched against Louisville to a player who shredded Nebraska in front of 87,000 rabid fans.  Kaaya leads all the ACC in passing yards, and touchdown passes.  While Kaaya continues to struggle with his decision making, he has shown more than enough to justify the staff's faith in him.  There isn't a throw he can't make, and he has taken command of the offense.  For the first time since Brock Berlin, the 'Canes have a difference maker at quarterback.  Grade: B+

Running Backs--Duke Johnson won't win the Heisman this year, but he's been outstanding so far this season.  Duke has run for 787 yards, averaging over 7 yards per carry with 6 touchdown jaunts.  Duke has found a way to stay productive, even with defenses making him their top priority.  He's improved in many areas, including pass protection. The one area that Duke continues to struggle is ball security, he had a crucial fumble during the Nebraska game, which was the turning point in that defeat. True freshman Joe Yearby has emerged as a nice complement to Duke, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.  Gus Edwards has struggled with consistency, leading to him being a bit player.  This unit not only contains Miami's best offensive player in Johnson, but an emerging star in Yearby.  Grade: B

Wide Receivers--This position was supposed to be the strongest offensive position group, and it hasn't disappointed, even though individual players haven't lived up to their potential.  Stacy Coley was expected to be a star, a potential All-American, that hasn't happened so far with him being a non-factor this year.  Despite the struggles of Coley, this unit has been very good.  Philip Dorsett has emerged as a big play threat, averaging over 34 yards per reception.  Braxton Berrios has been a consistent player, and a favored target on 3rd down.  Malcolm Lewis is fully healthy again, and he's been a consistent contributor.  The one player who has been a pleasant surprise is Herb Waters.  Grade: B

Tight Ends--For years, Miami ignored this position, but that's changed.  Clive Walford is the leading receiver on this team, and rightfully so.  Walford has come a long way from the error prone player he once was, and has become an outstanding outlet for Brad Kaaya.  Walford's size and speed creates issues for opposing coaches, and James Coley has found a way to get him involved.  With few opportunities to shine, Standish Dobard has been a solid blocker.    Grade: B+

Offensive Line--It's been a slow, steady progression for the O-Line.  Against Louisville, this unit looked lost, they looked like a unit that would be unable to do much of anything, but they have improved by leaps and bounds from that point.  Players that were once seen as liabilities have become contributors, and players who were expected to be standouts have lived up to the hype.  This unit has been ravaged by injuries, but Art Kehoe has found a way to keep this unit functional, and  performing at an acceptable level.  Depth will be a major issue in the 2nd half of the season, but fans should expect continued improvement.  Grade: B