Like predicated by CanesNews on Fedbruary the 7th, Teddy Bridgewater would Commit to the "U"
Northwestern's Teddy Bridgewater, Eli Rogers choose Miami Hurricanes
The University of Miami football team's 2011 recruiting class just got a bit sweeter Friday when it gained commitments from Miami Northwestern quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and receiver Eli Rogers.
``Right now, heading into the summer, I figured it was just a good time to do it,'' Bridgewater said. ``I just called [UM assistant] coach [Wesley] McGriff and [UM] coach [Randy] Shannon and told them about it. They were actually about to speak at a banquet in Chicago, so I didn't have a chance to talk to them.''
Bridgewater, considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com , completed 165 of 262 passes for 2,546 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a junior and ran for 379 yards and five touchdowns.
Bridgewater also set a Miami-Dade record with seven touchdown passes in a game in a 54-23 victory over Hialeah-Miami Lakes on Sept. 25.
Bridgewater said he thinks he'll be the only quarterback UM will take with their 2011 recruiting class.
``I don't know if it was a promise or not,'' Bridgewater said of his talks with UM. ``They just said I'd be the only QB they would take.''
It's somewhat important to Bridgewater to play right away.
``It's important to me, but it's not that important,'' he said. ``In college, the game is faster, you have to learn more plays. I know I want to learn the system. If I can play right away, I would. But I know it's going to take at least a little time. I just want to go in and compete, fight to get on the field.''
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/05/1664315/northwesterns-teddy-bridgewater.html#ixzz0q60uEokz
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Canes start strong but stumble at end
UM powered its way to a big early lead against Dartmouth with four home runs in the NCAA regional, but ineffective relief pitching made it interesting after a lightning delay - BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
At first, the Big Green seemed small Friday at Alex Rodriguez Park.
The green and orange? Super-sized enough to take an 11-0 lead after four innings -- before a late-inning University of Miami implosion brought Dartmouth six runs and the Hurricanes down in a hurry.
The Canes still belted a season-high-tying four home runs -- three of them in the first two innings -- to walk away relieved with a 12-8 victory against Dartmouth in their opening game of the Coral Gables Regional.
``Wow,'' said an incredulous UM coach Jim Morris of the sloppy play and shaky relief pitching that allowed six Dartmouth runs to score in the eighth and ninth innings. ``I'm not sure what to say. We played so well the first five or six innings.
``We came out after the lightning delay, and it was another team on the field. You've got to play nine innings.''
No. 1 seed Miami (41-17) will meet No. 2 Texas A&M (41-19-1) at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/05/1664602/canes-start-strong-but-stumble.html#ixzz0q5xe9zvO
At first, the Big Green seemed small Friday at Alex Rodriguez Park.
The green and orange? Super-sized enough to take an 11-0 lead after four innings -- before a late-inning University of Miami implosion brought Dartmouth six runs and the Hurricanes down in a hurry.
The Canes still belted a season-high-tying four home runs -- three of them in the first two innings -- to walk away relieved with a 12-8 victory against Dartmouth in their opening game of the Coral Gables Regional.
``Wow,'' said an incredulous UM coach Jim Morris of the sloppy play and shaky relief pitching that allowed six Dartmouth runs to score in the eighth and ninth innings. ``I'm not sure what to say. We played so well the first five or six innings.
``We came out after the lightning delay, and it was another team on the field. You've got to play nine innings.''
No. 1 seed Miami (41-17) will meet No. 2 Texas A&M (41-19-1) at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/05/1664602/canes-start-strong-but-stumble.html#ixzz0q5xe9zvO
Miami rocks Texas A&M 14-1 despite rain delay
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — A cluster of palm trees beyond the right-field fence of Alex Rodriguez Park took a beating Saturday evening.
Partly from rain and wind that swept through the area late in the Texas A&M-Miami game. But mostly from baseballs the Hurricanes hammered into that grove.
Top-seeded Miami pounded second-seeded A&M 14-1 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, leaving the Aggies in a must-win state of mind the rest of the regional.
“They don't stop coming at you,” A&M coach Rob Childress said of Miami's lineup.
As lightning and rain closed in on the stadium, the public address announcer implored fans to “please take cover.”
Lawson hits three homers
The Aggies had already spent much of the night ducking, after the Hurricanes crushed five home runs to right, including a trio by first baseman Scott Lawson of Grapevine to tie a school record.
“Lawson hit three home runs against his home boys from Texas,” Miami coach Jim Morris said, smiling.
The Hurricanes (42-17) snapped a seven-game winning streak by the Big 12 tournament champions. The Aggies (41-20-1) must now win three consecutive games to advance to a super regional for the first time in two years.
“We had a bad day,” Childress said. “We can't have another one.”
The Aggies will face fourth-seeded Dartmouth, 15-9 winners over Florida International earlier Saturday, at 11 a.m. today in an elimination game. Childress said he'll turn to Clayton Ehlert (4-6) against the Big Green. The winner will then face Miami at 3 p.m. The last two teams will play a final game Monday night, if necessary, in the double-elimination tourney.
“Hopefully we'll be here for 18 innings (today), and get to stay for another night,” said Brodie Greene, who collected half of A&M's hits with two.
Fans of the fastball
The Aggies scored their lone run following a 2½-hour weather delay that took place in the seventh inning, and were shut down by Miami ace Chris Hernandez (9-3), a lefthander who struck out seven over six innings.
“He was as good as we've seen all year,” Childress said.
Meanwhile, A&M starter Ross Stripling (6-4) struggled from the start, in allowing eight hits and six runs over three innings.
“It seemed like they were on every single pitch I threw,” Stripling said. “I don't know if I was tipping my pitches, and I was having trouble throwing my curveball for a strike. It seemed like every time I threw a fastball, they were sitting on it.”
The Aggies last won three in a row to close out a regional three years ago, when they defeated Ohio State and Louisiana-Lafayette twice before advancing to a super regional.
“We've been in this situation before,” said Greene, then a freshman
Partly from rain and wind that swept through the area late in the Texas A&M-Miami game. But mostly from baseballs the Hurricanes hammered into that grove.
Top-seeded Miami pounded second-seeded A&M 14-1 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, leaving the Aggies in a must-win state of mind the rest of the regional.
“They don't stop coming at you,” A&M coach Rob Childress said of Miami's lineup.
As lightning and rain closed in on the stadium, the public address announcer implored fans to “please take cover.”
Lawson hits three homers
The Aggies had already spent much of the night ducking, after the Hurricanes crushed five home runs to right, including a trio by first baseman Scott Lawson of Grapevine to tie a school record.
“Lawson hit three home runs against his home boys from Texas,” Miami coach Jim Morris said, smiling.
The Hurricanes (42-17) snapped a seven-game winning streak by the Big 12 tournament champions. The Aggies (41-20-1) must now win three consecutive games to advance to a super regional for the first time in two years.
“We had a bad day,” Childress said. “We can't have another one.”
The Aggies will face fourth-seeded Dartmouth, 15-9 winners over Florida International earlier Saturday, at 11 a.m. today in an elimination game. Childress said he'll turn to Clayton Ehlert (4-6) against the Big Green. The winner will then face Miami at 3 p.m. The last two teams will play a final game Monday night, if necessary, in the double-elimination tourney.
“Hopefully we'll be here for 18 innings (today), and get to stay for another night,” said Brodie Greene, who collected half of A&M's hits with two.
Fans of the fastball
The Aggies scored their lone run following a 2½-hour weather delay that took place in the seventh inning, and were shut down by Miami ace Chris Hernandez (9-3), a lefthander who struck out seven over six innings.
“He was as good as we've seen all year,” Childress said.
Meanwhile, A&M starter Ross Stripling (6-4) struggled from the start, in allowing eight hits and six runs over three innings.
“It seemed like they were on every single pitch I threw,” Stripling said. “I don't know if I was tipping my pitches, and I was having trouble throwing my curveball for a strike. It seemed like every time I threw a fastball, they were sitting on it.”
The Aggies last won three in a row to close out a regional three years ago, when they defeated Ohio State and Louisiana-Lafayette twice before advancing to a super regional.
“We've been in this situation before,” said Greene, then a freshman
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Albert Louis-Jean commits to Hurricanes
Albert Louis-Jean commits to Hurricanes
Cornerback Albert Louis-Jean (Brockton, Mass.) made his pledge to sign with Miami-FL public on Wednesday. He previously held a silent commitment.
The talent also had scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Penn State, UConn, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Maryland and Boston College.
"I always liked Miami and I knew that but I kind of wanted to look at a couple more places (before I could commit)," Louis-Jean said. "Recruiting was starting to pick up a little bit and I just wanted to get it over with right now."
Last fall, he caught 14 passes for 246 yards (17.6 average) and three touchdowns. Louis-Jean rushed for one score and returned one kick for a touchdown.
Cornerback Albert Louis-Jean (Brockton, Mass.) made his pledge to sign with Miami-FL public on Wednesday. He previously held a silent commitment.
The talent also had scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Penn State, UConn, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Maryland and Boston College.
"I always liked Miami and I knew that but I kind of wanted to look at a couple more places (before I could commit)," Louis-Jean said. "Recruiting was starting to pick up a little bit and I just wanted to get it over with right now."
Last fall, he caught 14 passes for 246 yards (17.6 average) and three touchdowns. Louis-Jean rushed for one score and returned one kick for a touchdown.
Week in Review
Backup QBs display promise in Miami Hurricanes spring game
On the first play of the University of Miami's spring game, defensive end Steven Wesley pummeled quarterback Spencer Whipple.
The Traz Powell Stadium crowd of 7,000 likely prepared itself Saturday for a sack party similar to the one in the Hurricanes' first open scrimmage a couple of weeks back. But this time the offensive line decided otherwise.
Miami's three quarterbacks, aided by much improved pass-blocking and some phenomenal catches, combined for 452 yards, six touchdowns -- and three interceptions -- to give hope to fans that these backups have plenty of promise.
With starting quarterback Jacory Harris watching from the sideline as he recuperates from thumb surgery on his throwing hand, newcomer Stephen Morris, who struggled two weeks ago, completed 12 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns -- one of them a 75-yarder to speedy Travis Benjamin. He threw one interception.
First-team quarterback A.J. Highsmith completed 11 of 20 for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Highsmith had perfect touch on many of his throws, including a graceful 39-yarder to Leonard Hankerson in stride for a touchdown. But he threw two interceptions, one of them right into the arms of linebacker Colin McCarthy.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/28/1551500/backup-qbs-display-promise.html#ixzz0jVfvRYFD
Miami Hurricanes' defensive ends off to a good start By BARRY JACKSON
Defensive end appears to be UM's strongest position on defense, with Allen Bailey leading a group that also includes Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, Steven Wesley, Andrew Smith, Olivier Vernon and Dyron Dye.
And the unit has received a boost this spring, with Ojomo's return from a broken jaw and Smith's improvement.
Ojomo, who redshirted in 2009 after being punched last August by former walk-on Tyrone Ballard, said his return has gone well and he feels no rustiness.
``His timing is off a little bit, but from where he was earlier to now, he's back to being physical, tough,'' coach Randy Shannon said Wednesday. ``Sometimes he shows some flashes. Sometimes, you'll be like, `You still have some work to do.' His progress has really been above what expectations are. But like anything, you want more out of him.''
News is mixed for Miami Hurricanes’ linebackers by Jorge Milian
There’s good news and bad news regarding UM’s linebackers.
First the good news: UM coach Randy Shannon said Tuesday that he’s excited about the play of middle linebacker Kylan Robinson, a senior who is getting his first crack at playing time in a Hurricanes’ uniform.
“If you say [who’s] the most improved guy at this point in time – and we still have some days left – I would say Kylan Robinson,” said Shannon, comparing Robinson’s development to that of former UM linebacker Tavares Gooden, now with the Baltimore Ravens.
Ray Ray Armstrong is battling Jamal Reid for starting safety job.
Asked where Robinson had improved most, Shannon said: “The overall game, the physical part of it, the mental aspect of it. He’s doing some great things for us at middle linebacker. He’s a totally different guy. You never know when the light is golng to come on and the light has come on for him.”
University of Miami's Jason Fox hurts hamstring during Pro Day
For Jason Fox, Friday's Pro Timing Day at the University of Miami had to be an exasperating disappointment.
Fox, a 2009 first-team All-ACC left tackle, had 47 career starts for the Hurricanes, third most ever by a UM player. But not only did an injured left knee and subsequent surgery prevent him from playing in what would have been the final two games of his college career, he sustained a hamstring injury Friday while running the 40-yard dash for NFL scouts and representatives at UM's combine.
His close friend and fellow senior lineman, center A.J. Trump, said it was disappointing, but Fox would ultimately prevail.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/26/1549981/ums-fox-hurts-hamstring-during.html#ixzz0jVdrueCu
Graham turns heads at Miami's Pro Day
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) - Jimmy Graham can thank former Miami Hurricane quarterback Bernie Kosar for his expected future in the NFL.
Kosar threw to Graham, a four-year letterman on the basketball team, last summer three days a week as Graham had aspirations to play football.
"He was the one, who kept pushing me and telling me, 'Jimmy, I think one day you can be a playmaker in the NFL'," Graham said.
He was initially surprised at the praise he received from the former Pro Bowler.
On the first play of the University of Miami's spring game, defensive end Steven Wesley pummeled quarterback Spencer Whipple.
The Traz Powell Stadium crowd of 7,000 likely prepared itself Saturday for a sack party similar to the one in the Hurricanes' first open scrimmage a couple of weeks back. But this time the offensive line decided otherwise.
Miami's three quarterbacks, aided by much improved pass-blocking and some phenomenal catches, combined for 452 yards, six touchdowns -- and three interceptions -- to give hope to fans that these backups have plenty of promise.
With starting quarterback Jacory Harris watching from the sideline as he recuperates from thumb surgery on his throwing hand, newcomer Stephen Morris, who struggled two weeks ago, completed 12 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns -- one of them a 75-yarder to speedy Travis Benjamin. He threw one interception.
First-team quarterback A.J. Highsmith completed 11 of 20 for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Highsmith had perfect touch on many of his throws, including a graceful 39-yarder to Leonard Hankerson in stride for a touchdown. But he threw two interceptions, one of them right into the arms of linebacker Colin McCarthy.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/28/1551500/backup-qbs-display-promise.html#ixzz0jVfvRYFD
Miami Hurricanes' defensive ends off to a good start By BARRY JACKSON
Defensive end appears to be UM's strongest position on defense, with Allen Bailey leading a group that also includes Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, Steven Wesley, Andrew Smith, Olivier Vernon and Dyron Dye.
And the unit has received a boost this spring, with Ojomo's return from a broken jaw and Smith's improvement.
Ojomo, who redshirted in 2009 after being punched last August by former walk-on Tyrone Ballard, said his return has gone well and he feels no rustiness.
``His timing is off a little bit, but from where he was earlier to now, he's back to being physical, tough,'' coach Randy Shannon said Wednesday. ``Sometimes he shows some flashes. Sometimes, you'll be like, `You still have some work to do.' His progress has really been above what expectations are. But like anything, you want more out of him.''
News is mixed for Miami Hurricanes’ linebackers by Jorge Milian
There’s good news and bad news regarding UM’s linebackers.
First the good news: UM coach Randy Shannon said Tuesday that he’s excited about the play of middle linebacker Kylan Robinson, a senior who is getting his first crack at playing time in a Hurricanes’ uniform.
“If you say [who’s] the most improved guy at this point in time – and we still have some days left – I would say Kylan Robinson,” said Shannon, comparing Robinson’s development to that of former UM linebacker Tavares Gooden, now with the Baltimore Ravens.
Ray Ray Armstrong is battling Jamal Reid for starting safety job.
Asked where Robinson had improved most, Shannon said: “The overall game, the physical part of it, the mental aspect of it. He’s doing some great things for us at middle linebacker. He’s a totally different guy. You never know when the light is golng to come on and the light has come on for him.”
University of Miami's Jason Fox hurts hamstring during Pro Day
For Jason Fox, Friday's Pro Timing Day at the University of Miami had to be an exasperating disappointment.
Fox, a 2009 first-team All-ACC left tackle, had 47 career starts for the Hurricanes, third most ever by a UM player. But not only did an injured left knee and subsequent surgery prevent him from playing in what would have been the final two games of his college career, he sustained a hamstring injury Friday while running the 40-yard dash for NFL scouts and representatives at UM's combine.
His close friend and fellow senior lineman, center A.J. Trump, said it was disappointing, but Fox would ultimately prevail.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/26/1549981/ums-fox-hurts-hamstring-during.html#ixzz0jVdrueCu
Graham turns heads at Miami's Pro Day
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) - Jimmy Graham can thank former Miami Hurricane quarterback Bernie Kosar for his expected future in the NFL.
Kosar threw to Graham, a four-year letterman on the basketball team, last summer three days a week as Graham had aspirations to play football.
"He was the one, who kept pushing me and telling me, 'Jimmy, I think one day you can be a playmaker in the NFL'," Graham said.
He was initially surprised at the praise he received from the former Pro Bowler.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Better Cane Safety - Sean Taylor or Ed Reed?
Who is the Better Cane Safety - Sean Taylor or Ed Reed?
Canes News of the Week - Complete Wrap Up
'The U' sequel on UM rebirth -By BARRY JACKSON
ESPN's documentary on the University of Miami football program was such a hit that the creators have begun working on a sequel.
Director Billy Corben said the new film, It's All About the U, will focus on Hurricanes football between 1992 and 2002. The first movie, called The U, primarily focused on the 1980s, through 1991.
Interviews with former Canes are being lined up for the first three weeks of April. ``Then we'll edit it the rest of the year'' while juggling nonsports projects, Corben said. He would love for the sequel to air on ESPN but hasn't discussed it with the network. Corben likely will have other options if ESPN passes.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/19/1537030/the-u-sequel-on-um-rebirth.html#ixzz0irSLf1Va
No. 11 Miami Sweeps Duke with a 7-6 Win Sunday
Yasmani Grandal drives in winning run in the ninth to give UM a come-from-behind win
With the score tied at six with two outs in the top of the ninth, Yasmani Grandal smacked a RBI double to right to give the 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team a 7-6 win Sunday and a series sweep over Duke at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Frankie Ratcliff started the rally in the ninth, singling up the middle to lead off the inning. Stephen Perez proceeded to move him to second on a sacrifice bunt and after a Scott Lawson strikeout, Grandal hit the double down the line in right to bring Ratcliff home
Read More: http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/032110aab.html
No. 11 Miami Visits Duke in First ACC Road Weekend
Hurricanes and Blue Devils will open the three-game series Friday night at 6 p.m.
The 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team will play its first road series of the 2010 season this weekend when the `Canes visit Duke for a three-game series at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park beginning Friday, March 19.
Read More: http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/031810aab.html
Martinez, Santana lead Miami Hurricanes to victory - Miami Herald Wire Services
The 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team clinched its second Atlantic Coast Conference series in a row Saturday with an 11-3 victory at Duke
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/21/1539578/martinez-santana-lead-miami-hurricanes.html#ixzz0irRUl9GL
Miami Hurricanes rally past Fordham in testy contest By SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
The Miami Hurricanes snapped out of their midweek malaise Wednesday night with a two-out winning run in the ninth and a bench-clearing finish that left one player ejected and the Hurricanes 9-8 winners against Fordham (4-11).
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/18/1534916/miami-hurricanes-rally-past-fordham.html#ixzz0irRIu6qI
Former University of Miami Hurricanes football player Shields arrested - BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
Former University of Miami cornerback Sam Shields, who is a senior and used up his last season of football eligibility in 2009, was arrested Thursday night on a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana, less than 20 grams.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/19/1538249/former-university-of-miami-hurricanes.html#ixzz0irTt2BxU
ESPN's documentary on the University of Miami football program was such a hit that the creators have begun working on a sequel.
Director Billy Corben said the new film, It's All About the U, will focus on Hurricanes football between 1992 and 2002. The first movie, called The U, primarily focused on the 1980s, through 1991.
Interviews with former Canes are being lined up for the first three weeks of April. ``Then we'll edit it the rest of the year'' while juggling nonsports projects, Corben said. He would love for the sequel to air on ESPN but hasn't discussed it with the network. Corben likely will have other options if ESPN passes.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/19/1537030/the-u-sequel-on-um-rebirth.html#ixzz0irSLf1Va
No. 11 Miami Sweeps Duke with a 7-6 Win Sunday
Yasmani Grandal drives in winning run in the ninth to give UM a come-from-behind win
With the score tied at six with two outs in the top of the ninth, Yasmani Grandal smacked a RBI double to right to give the 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team a 7-6 win Sunday and a series sweep over Duke at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Frankie Ratcliff started the rally in the ninth, singling up the middle to lead off the inning. Stephen Perez proceeded to move him to second on a sacrifice bunt and after a Scott Lawson strikeout, Grandal hit the double down the line in right to bring Ratcliff home
Read More: http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/032110aab.html
No. 11 Miami Visits Duke in First ACC Road Weekend
Hurricanes and Blue Devils will open the three-game series Friday night at 6 p.m.
The 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team will play its first road series of the 2010 season this weekend when the `Canes visit Duke for a three-game series at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park beginning Friday, March 19.
Read More: http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/031810aab.html
Martinez, Santana lead Miami Hurricanes to victory - Miami Herald Wire Services
The 11th-ranked University of Miami baseball team clinched its second Atlantic Coast Conference series in a row Saturday with an 11-3 victory at Duke
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/21/1539578/martinez-santana-lead-miami-hurricanes.html#ixzz0irRUl9GL
Miami Hurricanes rally past Fordham in testy contest By SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
The Miami Hurricanes snapped out of their midweek malaise Wednesday night with a two-out winning run in the ninth and a bench-clearing finish that left one player ejected and the Hurricanes 9-8 winners against Fordham (4-11).
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/18/1534916/miami-hurricanes-rally-past-fordham.html#ixzz0irRIu6qI
Former University of Miami Hurricanes football player Shields arrested - BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
Former University of Miami cornerback Sam Shields, who is a senior and used up his last season of football eligibility in 2009, was arrested Thursday night on a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana, less than 20 grams.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/19/1538249/former-university-of-miami-hurricanes.html#ixzz0irTt2BxU
Monday, March 15, 2010
Canes Get Dumped By Nit, Marve! and other Daily News
Flagrant foul committed against Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team
The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team rolled back into town Sunday feeling as good as it has all season following its very strong, encouraging performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Coach Frank Haith didn't bother with an end-of-the-year speech. No need.
``I was that sure it wasn't the end of the year for us,'' Haith said Monday. ``I just told our kids, `Hang by the phone. We'll call you later tonight.' ''
With news about UM's opener in the National Invitation Tournament, he meant.
``I thought we were in,'' he said. ``Didn't even think it was an issue.''
The NIT call never came, and so Haith's calls to his players relayed an unexpected slap in the face, not the anticipated clap on the back.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/15/1530968/flagrant-foul-committed-against.html#ixzz0iIUpJ8lh
Seantrel Henderson will sign with USC
JUPITER -- For those of you still holding out hope the Canes will sign Seantrel Henderson, you can now stop. Word from ESPN's JC Shurburtt is that the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle will sign with USC later this week.
Henderson, who picked the Trojans over UM and Ohio State among others, was waiting to get a clearer understanding of the possible sanctions USC could be facing from the nCAA. Apparently, whatever he heard convinced him to sign. Shurburtt also reported Henderson received his ACT scores and is now academically eligible.
> UM coach Randy Shannon said last week the Hurricanes were out of football scholarships anyway. Five-star defensive back Latwan Anderson signed a national letter of intent for a track scholarship last Friday. He will walk-on to the football team in the fall, but his scholarship won't transfer to football until he plays in a game.
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/03/seantrel-henderson-will-sign-with-usc.html#ixzz0iIXz9YgG
Miami Hurricanes beat Boston College Eagles, win series - BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
The Hurricanes, led by Yasmani Grandal's 4-for-4 day at the plate, took a 4-3 lead after one inning and went on to rout Boston College 11-4 and win their ACC series.
After a top half of the first inning that stretched interminably and had eight batters come to the plate to put Boston College up by three runs, the prospect of a positive outcome Sunday seemed bleak for starting pitcher Eric Erickson and the Miami Hurricanes.
But Erickson settled down, holding the Eagles to one hit over the next three innings. The Hurricanes, led by Yasmani Grandal's 4-for-4 day, broke out their aluminum bats for four first-inning runs and an eventual 11-4 victory at Mark Light Field.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/14/1529713/miami-hurricanes-beat-boston-college.html#ixzz0iIZEQo5e
Marve matures in time away from spotlight - By Adam Rittenberg, Espn
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Danny Hope has a philosophy on football players who transfer.
"A transfer is a lot like a divorcee," the Purdue head coach said. "It's not a defect of character. It just didn't work out, and it may not always be all their fault."
Quarterback Robert Marve's divorce from Miami was a messy one, particularly at the end.
Robert Marve started 11 games for Miami in 2008, passing for 1,293 yards.The former Florida Mr. Football winner twice was suspended from the team, endured academic struggles and was arrested for breaking a car mirror and then trying to elude police, though charges were later dropped. He sat out the 2007 season because of left hand injuries sustained in a car accident the summer before. Marve started 11 games for Miami in 2008, but he was suspended for the Emerald Bowl for missing a class. (Marve said he showed up late because he was talking with another professor.)
Read more: http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10830/marve-matures-in-time-away-from-spotlight
Bypassed by NCAA and NIT, UM looks ahead - By Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Freshmen Durand Scott, Reggie Johnson lead promising group of returning players for Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes found out Sunday that their last-place regular-season showing in the Atlantic Coast Conference outweighed their two resounding wins in the conference tournament when it came time for postseason bids to be handed out.
The Hurricanes, who needed to win the ACC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament's 65-team field, were bypassed for the NIT as well, ending the careers of seniors James Dews, Cyrus McGowan and the injured Dwayne Collins.
The good news for the Hurricanes is that emerging star guard Durand Scott, a freshman, is just beginning his career. He averaged 14.6 points in the league tourney, including 21 against Duke. Scott, who earned first-team All-Tournament honors, leads a strong returning nucleus that should cause excitement for next year's team. Also back are guard Malcolm Grant and forwards Reggie Johnson and DeQuan Jones, who all had an impact in UM's surprise run in Greensboro, N.C
Read more: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-03-14/sports/fl-um-tournament-fate-0315-20100314_1_frank-haith-dwayne-collins-virginia-tech
Tough year comes to an end for Hurricanes - by Jorge Milian
You’ve probably heard by now that UM was ignored by the N.I.T. selection committee, thus ending what has to be coach Frank Haith’s most disappointing season in his half-dozen years at the school.
More disappointing than the 12-20 debacle that was the 2006-07 season, you ask?
Dwayne Collins battled inconsistency once again.
No doubt. That team was beset by injuries and suspensions while this year’s crew had no significant injuries or off-the-court matters to slow it down.
Picked to finish 10th in the ACC, the Hurricanes got off to a 15-1 start and were ranked No. 23 by the Associate Press then went 3-11 the rest of the regular season. Even a surprising performance in the ACC Tournament – upsets of Wake Forest and Virginia Tech – couldn’t save Miami.
Where did it go wrong for UM? Here’s a few things to chew on:
Read more: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/03/14/tough-year-comes-to-an-end-for-hurricanes/
The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team rolled back into town Sunday feeling as good as it has all season following its very strong, encouraging performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Coach Frank Haith didn't bother with an end-of-the-year speech. No need.
``I was that sure it wasn't the end of the year for us,'' Haith said Monday. ``I just told our kids, `Hang by the phone. We'll call you later tonight.' ''
With news about UM's opener in the National Invitation Tournament, he meant.
``I thought we were in,'' he said. ``Didn't even think it was an issue.''
The NIT call never came, and so Haith's calls to his players relayed an unexpected slap in the face, not the anticipated clap on the back.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/15/1530968/flagrant-foul-committed-against.html#ixzz0iIUpJ8lh
Seantrel Henderson will sign with USC
JUPITER -- For those of you still holding out hope the Canes will sign Seantrel Henderson, you can now stop. Word from ESPN's JC Shurburtt is that the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle will sign with USC later this week.
Henderson, who picked the Trojans over UM and Ohio State among others, was waiting to get a clearer understanding of the possible sanctions USC could be facing from the nCAA. Apparently, whatever he heard convinced him to sign. Shurburtt also reported Henderson received his ACT scores and is now academically eligible.
> UM coach Randy Shannon said last week the Hurricanes were out of football scholarships anyway. Five-star defensive back Latwan Anderson signed a national letter of intent for a track scholarship last Friday. He will walk-on to the football team in the fall, but his scholarship won't transfer to football until he plays in a game.
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2010/03/seantrel-henderson-will-sign-with-usc.html#ixzz0iIXz9YgG
Miami Hurricanes beat Boston College Eagles, win series - BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
The Hurricanes, led by Yasmani Grandal's 4-for-4 day at the plate, took a 4-3 lead after one inning and went on to rout Boston College 11-4 and win their ACC series.
After a top half of the first inning that stretched interminably and had eight batters come to the plate to put Boston College up by three runs, the prospect of a positive outcome Sunday seemed bleak for starting pitcher Eric Erickson and the Miami Hurricanes.
But Erickson settled down, holding the Eagles to one hit over the next three innings. The Hurricanes, led by Yasmani Grandal's 4-for-4 day, broke out their aluminum bats for four first-inning runs and an eventual 11-4 victory at Mark Light Field.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/14/1529713/miami-hurricanes-beat-boston-college.html#ixzz0iIZEQo5e
Marve matures in time away from spotlight - By Adam Rittenberg, Espn
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Danny Hope has a philosophy on football players who transfer.
"A transfer is a lot like a divorcee," the Purdue head coach said. "It's not a defect of character. It just didn't work out, and it may not always be all their fault."
Quarterback Robert Marve's divorce from Miami was a messy one, particularly at the end.
Robert Marve started 11 games for Miami in 2008, passing for 1,293 yards.The former Florida Mr. Football winner twice was suspended from the team, endured academic struggles and was arrested for breaking a car mirror and then trying to elude police, though charges were later dropped. He sat out the 2007 season because of left hand injuries sustained in a car accident the summer before. Marve started 11 games for Miami in 2008, but he was suspended for the Emerald Bowl for missing a class. (Marve said he showed up late because he was talking with another professor.)
Read more: http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/10830/marve-matures-in-time-away-from-spotlight
Bypassed by NCAA and NIT, UM looks ahead - By Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
Freshmen Durand Scott, Reggie Johnson lead promising group of returning players for Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes found out Sunday that their last-place regular-season showing in the Atlantic Coast Conference outweighed their two resounding wins in the conference tournament when it came time for postseason bids to be handed out.
The Hurricanes, who needed to win the ACC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament's 65-team field, were bypassed for the NIT as well, ending the careers of seniors James Dews, Cyrus McGowan and the injured Dwayne Collins.
The good news for the Hurricanes is that emerging star guard Durand Scott, a freshman, is just beginning his career. He averaged 14.6 points in the league tourney, including 21 against Duke. Scott, who earned first-team All-Tournament honors, leads a strong returning nucleus that should cause excitement for next year's team. Also back are guard Malcolm Grant and forwards Reggie Johnson and DeQuan Jones, who all had an impact in UM's surprise run in Greensboro, N.C
Read more: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-03-14/sports/fl-um-tournament-fate-0315-20100314_1_frank-haith-dwayne-collins-virginia-tech
Tough year comes to an end for Hurricanes - by Jorge Milian
You’ve probably heard by now that UM was ignored by the N.I.T. selection committee, thus ending what has to be coach Frank Haith’s most disappointing season in his half-dozen years at the school.
More disappointing than the 12-20 debacle that was the 2006-07 season, you ask?
Dwayne Collins battled inconsistency once again.
No doubt. That team was beset by injuries and suspensions while this year’s crew had no significant injuries or off-the-court matters to slow it down.
Picked to finish 10th in the ACC, the Hurricanes got off to a 15-1 start and were ranked No. 23 by the Associate Press then went 3-11 the rest of the regular season. Even a surprising performance in the ACC Tournament – upsets of Wake Forest and Virginia Tech – couldn’t save Miami.
Where did it go wrong for UM? Here’s a few things to chew on:
Read more: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/03/14/tough-year-comes-to-an-end-for-hurricanes/
No reward for University of Miami's big finish
The Hurricanes' run to the ACC tournament semifinals did not impress the NIT selection committee enough to extend an invitation
The University of Miami saved its best for last. But there will be no reward for the Hurricanes.
After finishing last in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the regular season, UM (20-13) got two big wins in the ACC tournament during the past week. It just wasn't enough to earn one of the 32 spots in the National Invitational Tournament, something UM coach Frank Haith thought his team deserved after finishing with one more win than it did a year ago.
The snub means that for only the second time in six seasons under Haith, the Hurricanes won't be participating in a postseason tournament.
For now, the Hurricanes will have to settle for feeling good about what they accomplished in Greensboro, N.C.
With only three seniors set to depart and nine freshmen and sophomores returning, UM should have one of the most talented teams in the ACC next season.
Freshman point guard Durand Scott, who was named to the ACC all-tournament first team Sunday, will come back as the unquestioned leader -- especially after his strong finish to the season.
In UM's 70-65 win over Virginia Tech on Friday, the New York native scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in the final six minutes to push the Canes over the top. In Saturday's loss to Duke, Scott scored 21 points and was instrumental in rallying the team from double-digit deficits twice. Haith, who has been pushing Scott for months to take the reigns, said Saturday that the growth he has seen in the 6-3 freshman bodes well for the future.
``It's hard for a freshman to come in and take the reigns,'' Haith said. ``As the season progressed, you saw him become more aggressive and assertive. We needed that out of him.
``He has that ability, that quality to be the leader for this program for a long time.''
Scott wasn't the only young player to shine last week. Sophomore swingman DeQuan Jones, who played off the bench for most of the second half of the season, averaged 11.7 points over the three-game stretch at the ACC tournament and showed the athleticism that made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country just two years ago.
Redshirt freshman power forward Reggie Johnson, who earned all-tournament second-team honors, scored a career-high 22 points in Thursday's 21-point blowout of Wake Forest, then provided clutch free throw shooting, rebounding and defense throughout the remainder of the tournament.
``I thought we grew as a basketball team. I thought we got better,'' Haith said. ``Obviously, the future is bright. It's hard to look out there and look at our basketball team and not think they have a bright future.
``Identity -- that's what we wanted to create in this team. There's always going to be a lot of fight in this team. We just have to play with toughness and I think we tried to establish that.''
Nevertheless, the Hurricanes will have to be content with no postseason basketball in 2010, something Haith said he was hoping for after Saturday's 77-74 loss to Duke in the ACC tournament semifinals.
``I hope we're playing next week and continuing to play and grow as a basketball team,'' Haith said Saturday. ``I was part of a team that won an NIT championship at Wake Forest. There's no greater feeling than getting to New York.
``There are only two winners at the end of the year: the national championship winner and the NIT winner.''
The University of Miami saved its best for last. But there will be no reward for the Hurricanes.
After finishing last in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the regular season, UM (20-13) got two big wins in the ACC tournament during the past week. It just wasn't enough to earn one of the 32 spots in the National Invitational Tournament, something UM coach Frank Haith thought his team deserved after finishing with one more win than it did a year ago.
The snub means that for only the second time in six seasons under Haith, the Hurricanes won't be participating in a postseason tournament.
For now, the Hurricanes will have to settle for feeling good about what they accomplished in Greensboro, N.C.
With only three seniors set to depart and nine freshmen and sophomores returning, UM should have one of the most talented teams in the ACC next season.
Freshman point guard Durand Scott, who was named to the ACC all-tournament first team Sunday, will come back as the unquestioned leader -- especially after his strong finish to the season.
In UM's 70-65 win over Virginia Tech on Friday, the New York native scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in the final six minutes to push the Canes over the top. In Saturday's loss to Duke, Scott scored 21 points and was instrumental in rallying the team from double-digit deficits twice. Haith, who has been pushing Scott for months to take the reigns, said Saturday that the growth he has seen in the 6-3 freshman bodes well for the future.
``It's hard for a freshman to come in and take the reigns,'' Haith said. ``As the season progressed, you saw him become more aggressive and assertive. We needed that out of him.
``He has that ability, that quality to be the leader for this program for a long time.''
Scott wasn't the only young player to shine last week. Sophomore swingman DeQuan Jones, who played off the bench for most of the second half of the season, averaged 11.7 points over the three-game stretch at the ACC tournament and showed the athleticism that made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country just two years ago.
Redshirt freshman power forward Reggie Johnson, who earned all-tournament second-team honors, scored a career-high 22 points in Thursday's 21-point blowout of Wake Forest, then provided clutch free throw shooting, rebounding and defense throughout the remainder of the tournament.
``I thought we grew as a basketball team. I thought we got better,'' Haith said. ``Obviously, the future is bright. It's hard to look out there and look at our basketball team and not think they have a bright future.
``Identity -- that's what we wanted to create in this team. There's always going to be a lot of fight in this team. We just have to play with toughness and I think we tried to establish that.''
Nevertheless, the Hurricanes will have to be content with no postseason basketball in 2010, something Haith said he was hoping for after Saturday's 77-74 loss to Duke in the ACC tournament semifinals.
``I hope we're playing next week and continuing to play and grow as a basketball team,'' Haith said Saturday. ``I was part of a team that won an NIT championship at Wake Forest. There's no greater feeling than getting to New York.
``There are only two winners at the end of the year: the national championship winner and the NIT winner.''
Sunday, March 14, 2010
2009 Recap - 2010 Look Ahead (Video Highlights)
Miami Hurricanes
2009 Recap
Best returning offensive player: QB Jacory Harris, Jr.
Best returning defensive player: DT Allen Bailey, Sr.
Top Five Recruiting Prospects
For roughly 57 minutes, Wisconsin dominated Miami, but the first minute of the game and the final two minutes didn’t quite go the Badgers’ way. The Canes ran a trick play on the opening kickoff as Sam Shields took it into the end zone, but it wasn’t a touchdown thanks to a penalty. However, Graig Cooper needed just one play to take it 16 yards for a Miami score, but that was it for the Miami offense until late. In between, Wisconsin got two three-yard John Clay touchdown runs and Philip Welch field goals from 37 and 29 yards away, but the second field goal came with 4:01 to play when UW chose not to go for it on 4th-and-1 deep in Miami territory. That left the door open, and Jacory Harris kicked it in going 79 yards in ten plays with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Thearon Collier with 1:22 to play. Miami recovered the onside kick, but Wisconsin’s pass rush, which beat up Harris all game long and finished with five sacks, forced a stalled drive to seal the win. Miami gained just 170 yards until its last scoring drive. Hurricane LB Darryl Sharpton made 15 tackles.
Rushing: John Clay, 22-121, 2 TD, Receiving: Lance Kendricks, 7-128
Rushing: Moise Plancher, 15-78, Receiving: Carlton Mitchell, 1-21
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 11-21, 161 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Damien Berry, 12-114, Receiving: Dedrick Epps, 2-40, 1 TD
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 25-43, 348 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Damien Berry, 16-76, 1 TD, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 8-143, 1 TD
Nov. 14 - at North Carolina 33 … Miami 24
Kendric Burney intercepted three passes with his third leading to a wild and crazy score. After picking off his third, he tried to lateral it to Melvin Williams, but it was ruled a fumble going forward, and Williams weaved his way for a 44-yard touchdown and a 30-17 lead midway through the fourth. Miami QB Jacory Harris threw four interceptions on the day with Burney returning one 77 yards for a score, while the Tar Heels were helped by four Casey Barth field goals and a Greg Little 29-yard touchdown catch. Miami outgained the Tar Heels 435 yards to 329, and got short touchdown runs from Damien Berry and Graig Cooper, but the turnovers were too much to overcome.
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 15-63, 1 TD, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 7-92
North Carolina: Passing: T.J. Yates, 17-31, 213 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Ryan Houston, 24-76, Receiving: Zack Pianalto, 5-51
Miami got a career day from RB Graig Cooper, running for 152 yards with a three-yard score, Jacory Harris threw for two scores, and Thearon Collier took a punt 60 yards for a score, in one of the highlights of the ACC season, in the easy win. Virginia held a 10-3 lead in the first quarter helped by a 34-yard Rashawn Jackson run, but the offense wouldn’t get back on the board. A blocked punt for a score turned out to be the only Cav points the rest of the way, while the Canes scored 28 unanswered points in the second half helped by two short Damien Berry runs.
Rushing: Rashawn Jackson, 8-77, 1 TD, Receiving: Rashawn Jackson, 3-3
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 18-31, 232 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 18-152, 1 TD, Receiving: Dedrick Epps, 2-24
What It All Means: Miami might not be able to win the ACC title unless Georgia Tech stumbles, but it’s positioning itself in a position for a BCS spot by continuing to win and continuing to look impressive. The Canes showed off all their speed and all their talent in the blowout win, especially with the phenomenal punt return for a score from Thearon Collier, while the O line had one of its best game in weeks. Now the job is to keep the focus with a tough trip to North Carolina coming up next. That’s going to be more of a battle than it might appear.
Oct. 31 - Miami 28 … at Wake Forest 27
Miami was outplayed for most of the game, but it came through big in the fourth quarter as Jacory Harris took advantage of a special teams miscue to connect with Tervaris Johnson on a two-yard score early in the fourth and came up with the game-winner on a 13-yard Travis Benjamin catch with just over one minute to play. Wake Forest tried a 60-yard field goal as time ran out, but Jimmy Newman’s boot was well short. The Demon Deacons rolled up 555 yards of total offense and was up 17-0 early and got two touchdown passes and a scoring run from Riley Skinner.
Rushing: Josh Adams, 9-48, Receiving: Devon Brown, 12-101
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 22-43, 330 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 6-27, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 5-97
Miami got a 22-yard field goal in overtime, but Clemson answered with a perfect strike from Kyle Parker to Jacoby Ford from 26 yards out for the win. The Tigers were able to force overtime with a 30-yard Richard Jackson field goal with five seconds to play to cap off a wild first four quarters. Clemson got a 90-yard kickoff return for a score and a 56-yard touchdown catch from C.J. Spiller, while the defense got into the act with a 23-yard DeAndre McDaniel interception return for a score. Miami had some big plays of its own with two Jacory Harris touchdown passes including a 69-yarder to Travis Benjamin in the fourth quarter, and the Miami D came up with a score of its own with a 53-yard Marcus Robinson fumble return for a score. The two teams combined for seven turnovers, and Miami committed 11 penalties.
Player of the Game: Clemson RB C.J. Spiller ran 14 times for 81 yards, caught six passes for 104 yards and a score, and returned three kickoffs for 125 yards and a score.
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 17-27, 256 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 17-99, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 5-87, 1 TD
Clemson: Passing: Kyle Parker, 25-37, 326 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: C.J. Spiller, 14-81, Receiving: C.J. Spiller, 6-104, 1 TD
Jacory Harris was sacked six times, but he was nearly flawless when he got time to throw with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson on a 20-of-26 day. Javarris James ran for a five-yard score and Damien Berry scored from three yards out in the Hurricane breather, while the defense allowed just 229 yards and gave up an eight-yard Rocky Ross touchdown catch in the third. Miami held on to the ball for over 37 minutes.
Rushing: Brynn Harvey, 12-25, Receiving: Jamar Newsome, 3-56
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 20-26, 293 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Javarris James, 17-65, 1 TD, Receiving: LaRon Byrd, 5-85
Florida A&M scored first on a 32-yard field goal, and then it was all Miami as Jacory Harris threw two touchdown passes and fourth-string RB Damien Berry ran for 162 yards with a 35-yard touchdown. The special teams got in the act as Thearon Collier returned a punt 61 yards for a score. The only A&M touchdown came on a 26-yard Curtis Pulley touchdown dash late in the third.
Player of the Game: Miami RB Damien Berry ran 14 times for 162 yards and a score.
Florida A&M: Passing: Curtis Pulley, 10-25, 144 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Curtis Pulley, 17-81, 1 TD, Receiving: Kevin Elliott, 3-57
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 16-24, 217 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Damien Berry, 14-162, 1 TD, Receiving: Mike James, 3-26
Oct. 3 - at Miami 21 … Oklahoma 20
Miami overcame two early Jacory Harris interceptions and a 10-0 deficit with three Harris touchdown passes including an 18-yarder to Jimmy Graham and a 38-yarder to Travis Benjamin in a 21-point midgame run, but OU had its chances. The Sooners started out the scoring with a ten-yard Cameron Kenny catch early in the first, and they got a two-yard DeMarco Murray touchdown run late in the third and a 39-yard Jimmy Stevens field goal with 4:18 to pull within one. And then Miami used its power game with an eight-play, 54-yard drive to run out the clock. Miami outgained OU 342 yards to 341.
Rushing: DeMarco Murray, 23-80, 1 TD, Receiving: Cameron Kenney, 6-72, 1 TD
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 19-28, 202 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Javarris James, 15-150, Receiving: Aldarius Johnson, 4-45
Sept. 26 - at Virginia Tech 31 … Miami 7
In a driving rain, Virginia Tech’s defense was all over Jacory Harris and the Miami offense forcing two key turnovers and holding the Canes to just 209 yards of offense. The Tech running game rumbled for 272 yards with Ryan Williams accounting for 150 of them including scoring dashes from two yards and one yard away. Neither passing game clicked, but Tech’s Tyron Taylor found Jarrett Boykin for a 48-yard scoring pass in the first quarter. Miami’s lone score came from one-yard out from Javarris James.
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 11-55, Receiving: LaRon Byrd, 4-58
Virginia Tech: Passing: Tyrod Taylor, 4-9, 98 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Ryan Williams, 34-150, 2 TD, Receiving: Ryan Williams, 2-40
Sept. 17 - at Miami 33 ... Georgia Tech 17
Miami dominated on both sides of the ball holding Georgia Tech's high-powered rushing offense to 95 yards, while the Cane attack rolled for 454 yards helped by a near-perfect day from QB Jacory Harris. The Canes scored 24 straight points after giving up an early field goal. Harris threw three touchdown passes including a 14-yarder to Dedrick Epps and a 14-yard play to tight end Jimmy Graham to put the game away in the third quarter. Georgia Tech got a fourth quarter touchdown catch from Demaryius Thomas from 56 yards out, but couldn't come any closer thanks to the swarming Cane defense.
Player of the Game: Miami QB Jacory Harris completed 20-of-25 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 20-25, 270 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 17-93 Receiving: LaRon Byrd, 5-83, 1 TD
Georgia Tech: Passing: Josh Nesbitt, 6-15, 133 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Anthony Allen, 6-45, 1 TD, Receiving: Demaryius Thomas, 6-133, 1 TD
What It All Means: Miami was fully focused and extremely fired up to show that this is a new team and a new year after getting dominated by Georgia Tech last season, and just about everything worked. On the down side, PK Matt Bosher missed a few easy kicks and it was a sloppy effort late to close things out, but that's nitpicking. Jacory Harris got time and picked apart the Tech defense, while the Miami D got a total team effort with everyone filling their roles to near-perfection. After two emotional wins, now the team has to do the near-impossible and stay jacked up against a Virginia Tech team that will try to run the ball, but in a far different way than Georgia Tech did. If the Miami defensive front can generate the push it did against the Yellow Jackets, Miami will come up with another win and will get the college football world crazy for the Oklahoma showdown.
Sept. 7 - Miami 38 ... at Florida State 34
In a wild see-saw battle, Miami's Jacory Harris overcame a big hit that led to a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown by Markus White for a 31-24 FSU lead in the fourth quarter to lead the Canes to two more touchdowns connecting with Graig Cooper for a 24-yard score and driving late leading to a three-yard Cooper touchdown run. FSU came roaring back and got within range for a game-winning touchdown, but the Canes held on with a goal line stand, stopping the Noles four times from the two, with the game ending with Jarmon Forston dropping a low pass in the end zone. Neither team led by more than a touchdown with each one answering the other's big play. Christian Ponder threw for two touchdowns and a two point conversion for the Noles.
Player of the Game: Miami QB Jacory Harris completed 21-of-34 passes for 386 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. He also ran for a score.
Florida State: Passing: Christian Ponder, 34-41, 294 yds, 2 TD 1 INT
Rushing: Ty Jones, 14-59, Receiving: Richard Goodman, 5-82
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 21-34, 386 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Javarris James, 11-36, 1 TD Receiving: Travis Benjamin, 4-128, 1 TD
2009 Recap
There was a time toward the end of October that the Hurricanes had the look of an ACC champion, if not more. And why not? At 5-1, they’d already beaten Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Oklahoma, rising into the top 10. Although three more losses, including the Champs Sports Bowl to Wisconsin, modified the outlook, there was no denying that Randy Shannon finally had the program pointing in the right direction. Miami’s nine wins and No. 19 ranking, achieved with a slew of young players on both sides of the ball, was the school’s best finish in four years and a potential launching point for the future.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Jacory Harris
Defensive Player of the Year: DT Allen Bailey Biggest Surprise
The opening third of the season. There were whispers in the preseason that the ‘Canes might start the year 0-4. The schedule was that thorny. Instead, they won three of those games, including a nail-biter in Tallahassee and a blowout of eventual ACC champion Georgia Tech. Unranked and largely overlooked when the season started, Miami rose all the way up to No. 11 after nipping Oklahoma, 21-20, for a statement win.
Biggest Disappointment
Losing to Clemson, 40-37, in overtime on Oct. 24. In one of the wildest games of the entire season, the Hurricanes failed to hold serve at home, giving life to a Tiger team that entered the game just 3-3. Defense and special teams repeatedly let Miami down, yielding 326 yards passing to freshman Kyle Parker and a 90-yard kickoff return to C.J. Spiller. How strange was this loss? It was just the second time in the last 115 games that the ‘Canes lost when scoring at least 37 points.
Looking Ahead
After a few years of building and assembling deep recruiting classes, Shannon and Miami have been building to this point. There are plenty of returning starters on offense and defense, and depth doesn’t figure to be a concern. Following an up-and-down sophomore season, it’s time for Harris to really turn the corner and reduce the number of his mistakes. Graig Cooper’s serious knee injury and Javarris James’ graduation mean the ‘Canes need to develop a new feature back in the offseason.
Why to get excited
After playing the last two seasons with a ton of underclassmen, the Hurricanes go into 2010 loaded with veterans everywhere. Jacory Harris is back for his third season as the starter under center, and presumably ready to play with more consistency and fewer mistakes. When star DT Allen Bailey decided to pass on the NFL, it meant the defense would lose just a couple of players from last year’s two-deep, giving it a chance to be the best in the Randy Shannon era.
Why to be grouchy
The ‘Canes had problems running the ball consistently when Javarris James and Graig Cooper were available. Now what? James has exhausted his eligibility and Cooper suffered a knee injury that could shelve him for all of 2010. While Miami isn’t destitute, it’ll have to dig deep and rely more than ever on veteran Damien Berry and rookie Mike James.
The number one thing to work on is
The offensive line. A perennial problem at this campus, things won’t get any easier with the graduation of all-star LT Jason Fox. The Hurricanes desperately need to build around the three returning starters and improve on a year ago, when they were 100th nationally in pass protection and 70th at running the ball.
Biggest offensive loss: LT Jason Fox
Biggest defensive loss: LB Darryl SharptonBest returning offensive player: QB Jacory Harris, Jr.
Best returning defensive player: DT Allen Bailey, Sr.
Top Five Recruiting Prospects
- RB Storm Johnson 6-1 217 Loganville, GA
- OL Malcolm Bunche 6-6 325 New Berlin, NY
- RB Eduardo Clements 5-10 185 Miami, FL
- DT Tavadis Glenn 6-5 265 Jacksonville, FL
- OL Brandon Linder 6-6 290 Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Rest of the Class
- OL Jermaine Barton 6-6 270 Fort Lauderdale, FL
- DT Jeffery Brown 6-3 275 Evanston, IL
- LB Kelvin Cain 6-4 210 Clovis, CA
- TE Asante-Jabari Cleveland 6-5 230 Sacramento, CA
- LB Tyrone Cornelius 6-2 195 Stone Mountain, GA
- DB Devont'a Davis 6-2 180 Gainesville, FL
- WR Jeremy Davis 5-11 162 Fort Myers, FL
- OL Johnathan Feliciano 6-4 283 Davie, FL
- TE Chase Ford 6-6 245 Kilgore, TX
- LB James Gaines 6-3 205 Buffalo, NY
- RB Maurice Hagens 6-1 235 Tampa, FL
- RB Darion Hall 6-1 200 Naples, FL
- WR Allen Hurns 6-2 175 Miami, FL
- OL Shane McDermott 6-3 266 Wellington, FL
- QB Stephen Morris 6-2 186 Miami Shores, FL
- LB Kevin Nelson 6-1 220 Gainesville, FL
- DB Keion Payne 6-0 165 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- DE David Perry 6-6 230 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- DB Kacy Rodgers 6-2 185 Southlake, TX
- DE Andrew Tallman 6-5 237 Dorchester, MA
- DT Delmar Taylor 6-4 265 Miami Beach, FL
- TE Clive Walford 6-6 225 Belle Glade, FL
- LB Travis Williams 6-2 189 Norfolk, VA
Dec. 29 - CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL - Wisconsin 20 ... Miami 13
For roughly 57 minutes, Wisconsin dominated Miami, but the first minute of the game and the final two minutes didn’t quite go the Badgers’ way. The Canes ran a trick play on the opening kickoff as Sam Shields took it into the end zone, but it wasn’t a touchdown thanks to a penalty. However, Graig Cooper needed just one play to take it 16 yards for a Miami score, but that was it for the Miami offense until late. In between, Wisconsin got two three-yard John Clay touchdown runs and Philip Welch field goals from 37 and 29 yards away, but the second field goal came with 4:01 to play when UW chose not to go for it on 4th-and-1 deep in Miami territory. That left the door open, and Jacory Harris kicked it in going 79 yards in ten plays with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Thearon Collier with 1:22 to play. Miami recovered the onside kick, but Wisconsin’s pass rush, which beat up Harris all game long and finished with five sacks, forced a stalled drive to seal the win. Miami gained just 170 yards until its last scoring drive. Hurricane LB Darryl Sharpton made 15 tackles.
Player of the Game: Wisconsin DEs O’Brien Schofield and J.J. Watt combined to make six tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, two broken up passes, and one fumble recovery.
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 16-29, 188 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Damien Berry, 4-29, Receiving: Thearon Collier, 5-41, 1 TD
Wisconsin: Passing: Scott Tolzien, 19-26, 260 yds, 1 INT Rushing: Damien Berry, 4-29, Receiving: Thearon Collier, 5-41, 1 TD
Rushing: John Clay, 22-121, 2 TD, Receiving: Lance Kendricks, 7-128
What It All Means: Miami had better spend the next nine months figuring out how to protect Jacory Harris. The Cane defense got run over, it got outguessed by the Wisconsin passing game, and it struggled way too much to try to get any control over the game, but the problem was the Miami O line that almost got Harris killed. UW defensive ends J.J. Watt and O’Brien Schofield spent the entire game beating up, chasing down, and harassing No. 12, and in the one drive when they let up, the late scoring march in the final minutes, Harris showed just how good he can be. This is a fast, talented team, but it has to be far more physical.
What It All Means: Wisconsin should’ve won this game in a blowout with a dominant performance from the defense, a fantastic day from John Clay and the running game, and a sharp outing from QB Scott Tolzien. Instead, in what became an ugly trend throughout the regular season and was a problem against the Canes, the Badgers can’t drop the hammer. They were very, very fortunate that none of the victory were snatched away in the final moments after letting teams like Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan State back in games that should’ve been over early in the fourth. But maturity might take care of that, and now, after this game, Wisconsin might be a top 15, or even higher, team going into next year.
Nov. 28 - Miami 31 … at South Florida 10
Javarris James ran for two scores, Jacory Harris connected with Leonard Hankerson for an 11-yard score and found Dedrick Epps for a 33-yard touchdown in the third as Miami had no problems with the Bulls. USF QB B.J. Daniels completed just 6-of-16 passes for 77 yards, but he was able to connect with A.J. Love on a 12-yard touchdown pass in the third. But Miami was never threatened with the defense holding USF to 220 yards of total offense and forcing two turnovers. Player of the Game: Miami LB Darryl Sharpton made 12 tackles and forced a fumble
USF: Passing: B.J. Daniels, 6-16, 77 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Rushing: Moise Plancher, 15-78, Receiving: Carlton Mitchell, 1-21
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 11-21, 161 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Damien Berry, 12-114, Receiving: Dedrick Epps, 2-40, 1 TD
What It All Means: This was a potentially dangerous game that Miami was able to win without much of a problem. Even when the team was making mistakes things turned out fine, like on the 33-yard Dedrick Epps touchdown catch, while the defense came up with a swarming, dominant performance. Virginia Tech might end up with the No.3 ACC bowl slot, but Miami could certainly be fourth at this point. When the team plays up to its talent level, this might be the ACC’s best team. It’ll be interesting to see what the team can do with time to prepare for the bowl.
Nov. 21 - at Miami 34 … Duke 16
Miami overcame a rocky start and a 16-10 deficit by scoring 24 unanswered points highlighted by a 44-yard Leonard Hankerson touchdown catch and a 73-yard interception return for a score from Darryl Sharpton. Duke got the lead on three Will Snyderwine field goals and a 24-yard Donovan Warner touchdown catch, but Miami stepped up its intensity in the second half and the Blue Devil offense struggled. Miami outgained the Blue Devils 496 yards to 358. Player of the Game: Miami LB Darryl Sharpton made 12 tackles with a broken up passes, two tackles for loss, and an interception for a 73-yard score.
Duke: Passing: Thaddeus Lewis, 20-37, 303 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Jay Hollingsworth, 10-32, Receiving: Donovan Warner, 8-165, 1 TD Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 25-43, 348 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Damien Berry, 16-76, 1 TD, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 8-143, 1 TD
What It All Means: Miami needs to get its head screwed on straight for a full sixty minutes. It’s almost like the team needs something to provide a spark to play up to its talent level, and while that might not be a problem against someone like Duke, it cost the Canes against North Carolina. South Florida is going to be fired up from moment one next week, and a banged up Jacory Harris and the rest of the UM offense will have to be sharp from the start.
Nov. 14 - at North Carolina 33 … Miami 24
Kendric Burney intercepted three passes with his third leading to a wild and crazy score. After picking off his third, he tried to lateral it to Melvin Williams, but it was ruled a fumble going forward, and Williams weaved his way for a 44-yard touchdown and a 30-17 lead midway through the fourth. Miami QB Jacory Harris threw four interceptions on the day with Burney returning one 77 yards for a score, while the Tar Heels were helped by four Casey Barth field goals and a Greg Little 29-yard touchdown catch. Miami outgained the Tar Heels 435 yards to 329, and got short touchdown runs from Damien Berry and Graig Cooper, but the turnovers were too much to overcome.
Player of the Game: North Carolina CB Kendric Burney made two tackles, and three interceptions, taking one for a score
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 28-50, 319 yds, 1 TD, 4 INT Rushing: Graig Cooper, 15-63, 1 TD, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 7-92
North Carolina: Passing: T.J. Yates, 17-31, 213 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Ryan Houston, 24-76, Receiving: Zack Pianalto, 5-51
What It All Means: For all the good things Jacory Harris has done this year, the 16 interceptions have been a killer. Miami didn’t necessarily outplay UNC, but there were several chances to take control of the game and they all went kaput on picks. A few weeks ago, Miami was in the national title discussion, and then it was in the ACC title hunt and the mix for a BCS spot, and now the hope is to simply get a decent bowl bid after losing two of the last four games. Even with the loss, if the Canes beat Duke and South Florida, they have a shot at a strong ten-win season.
Nov. 7 - at Miami 52 … Virginia 17
Miami got a career day from RB Graig Cooper, running for 152 yards with a three-yard score, Jacory Harris threw for two scores, and Thearon Collier took a punt 60 yards for a score, in one of the highlights of the ACC season, in the easy win. Virginia held a 10-3 lead in the first quarter helped by a 34-yard Rashawn Jackson run, but the offense wouldn’t get back on the board. A blocked punt for a score turned out to be the only Cav points the rest of the way, while the Canes scored 28 unanswered points in the second half helped by two short Damien Berry runs.
Player of the Game: Miami RB Graig Cooper ran 18 times for 152 yards and a score.
Virginia: Passing: Marc Verica, 11-29, 75 yds, 1 INT Rushing: Rashawn Jackson, 8-77, 1 TD, Receiving: Rashawn Jackson, 3-3
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 18-31, 232 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 18-152, 1 TD, Receiving: Dedrick Epps, 2-24
What It All Means: Miami might not be able to win the ACC title unless Georgia Tech stumbles, but it’s positioning itself in a position for a BCS spot by continuing to win and continuing to look impressive. The Canes showed off all their speed and all their talent in the blowout win, especially with the phenomenal punt return for a score from Thearon Collier, while the O line had one of its best game in weeks. Now the job is to keep the focus with a tough trip to North Carolina coming up next. That’s going to be more of a battle than it might appear.
Oct. 31 - Miami 28 … at Wake Forest 27
Miami was outplayed for most of the game, but it came through big in the fourth quarter as Jacory Harris took advantage of a special teams miscue to connect with Tervaris Johnson on a two-yard score early in the fourth and came up with the game-winner on a 13-yard Travis Benjamin catch with just over one minute to play. Wake Forest tried a 60-yard field goal as time ran out, but Jimmy Newman’s boot was well short. The Demon Deacons rolled up 555 yards of total offense and was up 17-0 early and got two touchdown passes and a scoring run from Riley Skinner.
Player of the Game: Miami QB Jacory Harris completed 22-of-43 passes for 330 yards and three score and an interception.
Wake Forest: Passing: Riley Skinner 29-43, 349 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT Rushing: Josh Adams, 9-48, Receiving: Devon Brown, 12-101
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 22-43, 330 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 6-27, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 5-97
What It All Means: Miami overcame the crushing collapse against Clemson by applying some pain of its own. The defense was ripped to shreds by Riley Skinner and the Wake Forest offense, and the defense did a whole lot of nothing for most of the game, but the offense took advantage when it got the chance to make something happen, and going +3 in turnover margin made all the difference. The Canes still have a long way to go to be great, but at 6-2 with Virginia up next, the ACC title chase is still on.
Oct. 24 - Clemson 40 … at Miami 37 OT
Miami got a 22-yard field goal in overtime, but Clemson answered with a perfect strike from Kyle Parker to Jacoby Ford from 26 yards out for the win. The Tigers were able to force overtime with a 30-yard Richard Jackson field goal with five seconds to play to cap off a wild first four quarters. Clemson got a 90-yard kickoff return for a score and a 56-yard touchdown catch from C.J. Spiller, while the defense got into the act with a 23-yard DeAndre McDaniel interception return for a score. Miami had some big plays of its own with two Jacory Harris touchdown passes including a 69-yarder to Travis Benjamin in the fourth quarter, and the Miami D came up with a score of its own with a 53-yard Marcus Robinson fumble return for a score. The two teams combined for seven turnovers, and Miami committed 11 penalties.
Player of the Game: Clemson RB C.J. Spiller ran 14 times for 81 yards, caught six passes for 104 yards and a score, and returned three kickoffs for 125 yards and a score.
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 17-27, 256 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 17-99, Receiving: Leonard Hankerson, 5-87, 1 TD
Clemson: Passing: Kyle Parker, 25-37, 326 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: C.J. Spiller, 14-81, Receiving: C.J. Spiller, 6-104, 1 TD
What It All Means: Four turnovers, three interceptions from Jacory Harris, and 11 penalties … this was a sloppy Miami performance and it proved costly. There’s no denying the talent level and there’s no questioning the athleticism, but the Canes have to be more focused and more consistent on a weekly basis. There were too many big plays allowed, while the defense failed to close when it had the chance. If Miami is trying, and is focused, it’ll blow away Wake Forest and Virginia before going to North Carolina. The turnovers, though, have to stop.
Oct. 17 - Miami 27 … at UCF 7
Jacory Harris was sacked six times, but he was nearly flawless when he got time to throw with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson on a 20-of-26 day. Javarris James ran for a five-yard score and Damien Berry scored from three yards out in the Hurricane breather, while the defense allowed just 229 yards and gave up an eight-yard Rocky Ross touchdown catch in the third. Miami held on to the ball for over 37 minutes.
Player of the Game: Miami QB Jacory Harris completed 20-of-26 passes for 293 yards and a touchdown
UCF: Passing: Brett Hodges, 12-27, 163 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Rushing: Brynn Harvey, 12-25, Receiving: Jamar Newsome, 3-56
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 20-26, 293 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Javarris James, 17-65, 1 TD, Receiving: LaRon Byrd, 5-85
What It All Means: Miami gave up six sacks, but the offense still worked fine and the defense did its job against a mediocre UCF offense. Jacory Harris was strong under the pressure and was his efficient self, but this game needs to serve as a warning. As long as the offensive line continues to struggle, and with the running game not doing enough to balance out the attack, the Canes are vulnerable against any defense that gets hot at the right time. The rest of the schedule isn’t all that bad, but North Carolina, coming up in a month, has the make-up to screw up the season. This is Miami’s ACC to lose now, after Virginia Tech lost to Georgia Tech, but the team needs to be tighter and has to play focused every week. That’s been a problem so far.
Oct. 10 - at Miami 48 … Florida A&M 16
Florida A&M scored first on a 32-yard field goal, and then it was all Miami as Jacory Harris threw two touchdown passes and fourth-string RB Damien Berry ran for 162 yards with a 35-yard touchdown. The special teams got in the act as Thearon Collier returned a punt 61 yards for a score. The only A&M touchdown came on a 26-yard Curtis Pulley touchdown dash late in the third.
Player of the Game: Miami RB Damien Berry ran 14 times for 162 yards and a score.
Florida A&M: Passing: Curtis Pulley, 10-25, 144 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Curtis Pulley, 17-81, 1 TD, Receiving: Kevin Elliott, 3-57
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 16-24, 217 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Damien Berry, 14-162, 1 TD, Receiving: Mike James, 3-26
What It All Means: It might not have been the smoothest of performances, but Miami used this game like you’re supposed to use a game against Florida A&M and seemed to treat it like an advanced scrimmage. Jacory Harris threw two interceptions, but the bench emptied early and several young players got some good work in. The Canes can’t just show up and hope for the best against UCF, it’ll actually have to play a little bit, but if the focus is back, no one on the schedule should be able to come within two touchdowns of them. However, this is still a young team and it’s not going to have its total concentration week after week. The nice thing for a team this athletic and talented is that it might not matter.
Oct. 3 - at Miami 21 … Oklahoma 20
Miami overcame two early Jacory Harris interceptions and a 10-0 deficit with three Harris touchdown passes including an 18-yarder to Jimmy Graham and a 38-yarder to Travis Benjamin in a 21-point midgame run, but OU had its chances. The Sooners started out the scoring with a ten-yard Cameron Kenny catch early in the first, and they got a two-yard DeMarco Murray touchdown run late in the third and a 39-yard Jimmy Stevens field goal with 4:18 to pull within one. And then Miami used its power game with an eight-play, 54-yard drive to run out the clock. Miami outgained OU 342 yards to 341.
Player of the Game: Miami RB Javarris James ran 15 times for 150 yards
Oklahoma: Passing: Landry Jones, 18-30, 188 yds, 1 TD Rushing: DeMarco Murray, 23-80, 1 TD, Receiving: Cameron Kenney, 6-72, 1 TD
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 19-28, 202 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Javarris James, 15-150, Receiving: Aldarius Johnson, 4-45
What It All Means: There were 12 penalties, there were two poor throws and decisions from Jacory Harris early on, but for the most part, Miami played as strong a game as it could’ve wanted coming off the disaster against Virginia Tech. The defensive line held up against the Sooner ground game and Harris settled down and was terrific over the final 50 minutes, and now things get interesting. The Canes got through the storm of a brutal early schedule, and now there’s no one left on the schedule, with the possible exception of road games against North Carolina and South Florida, who can come close. Miami has it all there for the taking by winning out, and now it has to be consistent and has to stay focused.
Sept. 26 - at Virginia Tech 31 … Miami 7
In a driving rain, Virginia Tech’s defense was all over Jacory Harris and the Miami offense forcing two key turnovers and holding the Canes to just 209 yards of offense. The Tech running game rumbled for 272 yards with Ryan Williams accounting for 150 of them including scoring dashes from two yards and one yard away. Neither passing game clicked, but Tech’s Tyron Taylor found Jarrett Boykin for a 48-yard scoring pass in the first quarter. Miami’s lone score came from one-yard out from Javarris James.
Player of the Game: Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams ran 34 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns, and he caught two passes for 40 yards.
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 9-25, 150 yds, 1 INT Rushing: Graig Cooper, 11-55, Receiving: LaRon Byrd, 4-58
Virginia Tech: Passing: Tyrod Taylor, 4-9, 98 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Ryan Williams, 34-150, 2 TD, Receiving: Ryan Williams, 2-40
What It All Means: Miami finally had to see a pass rush, and it couldn’t handle it. The Virginia Tech defense was all over Jacory Harris, and there wasn’t much from the running game to help out cause. The Canes didn’t play well, converting just 1-of-11 on third downs with dropped passes, miscues on both sides of the ball, and little production against the run, outside of a monster game from LB Colin McCarthy, but they simply ran into a buzzsaw. Call it a learning experience, and don’t assume that Miami will play the same game twice with Oklahoma up next.
Sept. 17 - at Miami 33 ... Georgia Tech 17
Miami dominated on both sides of the ball holding Georgia Tech's high-powered rushing offense to 95 yards, while the Cane attack rolled for 454 yards helped by a near-perfect day from QB Jacory Harris. The Canes scored 24 straight points after giving up an early field goal. Harris threw three touchdown passes including a 14-yarder to Dedrick Epps and a 14-yard play to tight end Jimmy Graham to put the game away in the third quarter. Georgia Tech got a fourth quarter touchdown catch from Demaryius Thomas from 56 yards out, but couldn't come any closer thanks to the swarming Cane defense.
Player of the Game: Miami QB Jacory Harris completed 20-of-25 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 20-25, 270 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 17-93 Receiving: LaRon Byrd, 5-83, 1 TD
Georgia Tech: Passing: Josh Nesbitt, 6-15, 133 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Anthony Allen, 6-45, 1 TD, Receiving: Demaryius Thomas, 6-133, 1 TD
What It All Means: Miami was fully focused and extremely fired up to show that this is a new team and a new year after getting dominated by Georgia Tech last season, and just about everything worked. On the down side, PK Matt Bosher missed a few easy kicks and it was a sloppy effort late to close things out, but that's nitpicking. Jacory Harris got time and picked apart the Tech defense, while the Miami D got a total team effort with everyone filling their roles to near-perfection. After two emotional wins, now the team has to do the near-impossible and stay jacked up against a Virginia Tech team that will try to run the ball, but in a far different way than Georgia Tech did. If the Miami defensive front can generate the push it did against the Yellow Jackets, Miami will come up with another win and will get the college football world crazy for the Oklahoma showdown.
Sept. 7 - Miami 38 ... at Florida State 34
In a wild see-saw battle, Miami's Jacory Harris overcame a big hit that led to a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown by Markus White for a 31-24 FSU lead in the fourth quarter to lead the Canes to two more touchdowns connecting with Graig Cooper for a 24-yard score and driving late leading to a three-yard Cooper touchdown run. FSU came roaring back and got within range for a game-winning touchdown, but the Canes held on with a goal line stand, stopping the Noles four times from the two, with the game ending with Jarmon Forston dropping a low pass in the end zone. Neither team led by more than a touchdown with each one answering the other's big play. Christian Ponder threw for two touchdowns and a two point conversion for the Noles.
Player of the Game: Miami QB Jacory Harris completed 21-of-34 passes for 386 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. He also ran for a score.
Florida State: Passing: Christian Ponder, 34-41, 294 yds, 2 TD 1 INT
Rushing: Ty Jones, 14-59, Receiving: Richard Goodman, 5-82
Miami: Passing: Jacory Harris, 21-34, 386 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Javarris James, 11-36, 1 TD Receiving: Travis Benjamin, 4-128, 1 TD
What It All Means: If this wasn't the beginning of the Jacory Harris era on a national scale, it was an important moment for Miami. Harris showed off a great arm, tremendous poise, and the type of toughness that makes teammates follow quarterbacks through adversity. The defense struggled way too much with the FSU passing game, but it came through when absolutely needed on the goal line and now the bar is set extremely high. However, there's Georgia tech, at Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma to follow, but if the Canes can get through the next month without losing three straight, this should be a special year.
W-I-L-F-O-R-K
"Coming up the middle to make a big play is a fellow named Vince Wilfork. He is a Freshman, he is 6'2" 346lbs. I will spell the name, W-I-L-F-O-R-K," anounced Keith Jackson. "Remember him" That is the night the Nation was introduced to big Vince.
Seantrel Henderson Still Waiting.
One highly recruit offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson who committed but did not sign with USC, is waiting on the hearing for USC's possible infractions with the NCAA. If the ruling is bad, Henderson could switch his commitment from USC to Miami or Ohio State.
Canes Greatest Comeback Win
Berlin turns nightmares into heroics for No. 3 Miami
MIAMI — Late in the third quarter of Saturday night's game at the Orange Bowl against Florida, some Hurricanes fans obviously wanted a change. Quarterback Brock Berlin was struggling in his first outing before the home crowd, the Hurricanes were down 33-10, their 22-game home winning streak in serious jeopardy and their 33-game regular-season victory skein just about gone.
Miami wide receiver Ryan Moore bows to the crowd after scoring the winning, fourth-quarter touchdown against Florida.
Berlin, who started his career at Florida before transferring and sitting out last season, had thrown interceptions on the two previous possessions. In the first half, he had thrown a lateral behind running back Frank Gore, which was returned by Keiwan Ratliff for a Gators touchdown.
As Berlin came on the field with the Hurricanes down by 23, he was booed, perhaps by fans wanting to see backup Derrick Crudup replace him.
Little more than a quarter of football later, Berlin was saluted by a roaring, celebrating crowd. Miami's 38-33 victory had stamped him a hero.
The key to the turnaround?
"I just focused on getting things going," he said. "I think there were probably some emotions from it being a big game. It was a tough start, but I was able to push through it and lean on my teammates. They did an incredible job. They made huge plays."
On the next two Miami possessions, Berlin completed eight consecutive passes for 142 yards. He finished with 340 passing yards and two touchdown tosses, completing 27 of 41 passes.
"Things were going terrible until we finally started getting things going," he said.
Hurricanes coach Larry Coker dismissed the possibility of switching to Crudup.
"It wouldn't be the right thing to do at the time," he said. "Obviously, Brock finished it and had a great game. I told our team I've been around coaching a long time, this is my 34th year, but I've never seen character displayed like I did tonight from a football team. There were many times we didn't do things very well. We could have folded up and quit. But we never, never, never gave up, and I was very, very proud of that."
Behind by such a large margin, Miami went to a hurry-up offense, calling plays at the line of scrimmage. Florida was immediately on its heels and never recovered.
"We needed to score some points, obviously, so we went to the two-minute (offense)," said Berlin. "That's something we really worked hard on over the spring and summer so we really felt comfortable out there. I think this is the most satisfying win I've ever had."
Berlin's arm led the comeback, but his feet provided one of the biggest plays. He rolled out and picked up a first down on a fourth-and-1 call to keep the winning drive going. Then he hobbled to the sideline during a timeout.
"Both my calves started cramping," he said. "When I rolled out, I thought for a second I wasn't going to be able to get the first down. But I was able to, and our trainers did a good job getting the cramps out.
"This was a confidence booster for me and to show my teammates I'm the biggest competitor out there. I do whatever it takes to win. It was a great way to show them I'm a fighter."
Berlin said even facing the big deficit, the Hurricanes remained positive.
"The thought never crossed our minds that we were going to lose," he said. "So we said 'Let's go back and play. They're not going to come in our home stadium like that and beat us.'
"I can't even explain my emotions. I'm so thankful that I'm here at Miami and able to be part of such a great program and be around such great coaches and teammates. I'm proud to be a Hurricane."
MIAMI — Late in the third quarter of Saturday night's game at the Orange Bowl against Florida, some Hurricanes fans obviously wanted a change. Quarterback Brock Berlin was struggling in his first outing before the home crowd, the Hurricanes were down 33-10, their 22-game home winning streak in serious jeopardy and their 33-game regular-season victory skein just about gone.
Miami wide receiver Ryan Moore bows to the crowd after scoring the winning, fourth-quarter touchdown against Florida.
Berlin, who started his career at Florida before transferring and sitting out last season, had thrown interceptions on the two previous possessions. In the first half, he had thrown a lateral behind running back Frank Gore, which was returned by Keiwan Ratliff for a Gators touchdown.
As Berlin came on the field with the Hurricanes down by 23, he was booed, perhaps by fans wanting to see backup Derrick Crudup replace him.
Little more than a quarter of football later, Berlin was saluted by a roaring, celebrating crowd. Miami's 38-33 victory had stamped him a hero.
The key to the turnaround?
"I just focused on getting things going," he said. "I think there were probably some emotions from it being a big game. It was a tough start, but I was able to push through it and lean on my teammates. They did an incredible job. They made huge plays."
On the next two Miami possessions, Berlin completed eight consecutive passes for 142 yards. He finished with 340 passing yards and two touchdown tosses, completing 27 of 41 passes.
"Things were going terrible until we finally started getting things going," he said.
Hurricanes coach Larry Coker dismissed the possibility of switching to Crudup.
"It wouldn't be the right thing to do at the time," he said. "Obviously, Brock finished it and had a great game. I told our team I've been around coaching a long time, this is my 34th year, but I've never seen character displayed like I did tonight from a football team. There were many times we didn't do things very well. We could have folded up and quit. But we never, never, never gave up, and I was very, very proud of that."
Behind by such a large margin, Miami went to a hurry-up offense, calling plays at the line of scrimmage. Florida was immediately on its heels and never recovered.
"We needed to score some points, obviously, so we went to the two-minute (offense)," said Berlin. "That's something we really worked hard on over the spring and summer so we really felt comfortable out there. I think this is the most satisfying win I've ever had."
Berlin's arm led the comeback, but his feet provided one of the biggest plays. He rolled out and picked up a first down on a fourth-and-1 call to keep the winning drive going. Then he hobbled to the sideline during a timeout.
"Both my calves started cramping," he said. "When I rolled out, I thought for a second I wasn't going to be able to get the first down. But I was able to, and our trainers did a good job getting the cramps out.
"This was a confidence booster for me and to show my teammates I'm the biggest competitor out there. I do whatever it takes to win. It was a great way to show them I'm a fighter."
Berlin said even facing the big deficit, the Hurricanes remained positive.
"The thought never crossed our minds that we were going to lose," he said. "So we said 'Let's go back and play. They're not going to come in our home stadium like that and beat us.'
"I can't even explain my emotions. I'm so thankful that I'm here at Miami and able to be part of such a great program and be around such great coaches and teammates. I'm proud to be a Hurricane."
Miami holds out hope for NIT invite
The Hurricanes let a halftime lead slip away against the Blue Devils...Again...But hope their semifinal run in the ACC Tournament will be enough to earn an NIT invitation.
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- It took the Miami Hurricanes two special efforts in two days to make its first semifinal appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
The 12th-seeded Canes delivered another one Saturday -- it just wasn't enough to take down top-seeded Duke and keep their faint NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
Behind another dominant effort from Kyle Singler, the fourth-ranked Blue Devils created just enough cushion to distance themselves in a 77-74 win over the Canes. UM fought back from double-digit deficits twice -- including by as many 16 points with 11:52 to play -- before buckling under a 15-0 run midway through the second half to leave Greensboro Coliseum with a hard-fought loss and plenty of optimism for the future.
``I think by just getting here and playing the way we did, we proved something to ourselves and the whole country -- that we're going to be a good team, up and coming,'' said redshirt sophomore guard Malcolm Grant, who scored 17 points and fought back tears in the Canes' locker room.
``It's just tough that we had to lose. Duke is a great team. Singler is a beast. But when you make a great run twice to come back, you just hope you can finish it off.''
Singler, an All-ACC first-team selection, was a one-man wrecking crew for the Blue Devils, who will have a chance to win an ACC-best 18th conference crown in Sunday's championship game.
Singler, who launched Duke's rally from a 12-point halftime deficit at BankUnited Center last month, scored a team-high 27 points and made five three-pointers to go with a team-leading eight rebounds and seven assists.
SCOTT SHINES AGAIN
It offset another outstanding performance from UM freshman Durand Scott, who poured in 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go with four rebounds, three assists and two steals before fouling out late in the game.
Duke (28-5) looked like it was going to roll early, using its size on defense to clog the lanes and dominate on the boards. But after Lance Thomas hit a wide open 15-foot jumper with 5:28 to play in the first half to stretch Duke's lead to 30-18, UM (20-13) answered with an impressive 17-2 run to close the half.
The crowd -- and the Canes -- got especially loud when Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski drew a technical foul with 2:07 to play. Grant then hit an NBA-range three-pointer with four seconds left to send UM into the half with a 35-32 lead.
``We weren't intimidated at all,'' said redshirt freshman Reggie Johnson, who had 14 points and eight rebounds. ``We weren't looking at the name on the jersey and shaking. We came out and played like we knew we could.
``They just came back like we knew they would.''
Just like they did in Coral Gables, the Blue Devils came storming back behind Singler. He hit back-to-back threes to start the half before senior Jon Scheyer (16 points, three steals) got into the act. Duke quickly stretched a one-point lead into a 58-42 advantage in a matter of 3 minutes 37 seconds, a run capped by two free throws from Brian Zoubek with 11:52 to play.
The Hurricanes didn't fold. Scott's three-pointer with 4:39 remaining trimmed Duke's lead to 68-61. UM just couldn't hit the big shot when it was needed and the Blue Devils iced the game at the free throw line.
UM `PLAYED GREAT'
``Miami has played great basketball here and this afternoon was another example of just how well they're playing,'' Krzyzewski said.
``I though our guys had to play a great second half. They fought until the very end and I thought we did too.''
The Hurricanes just hope they fought hard enough this week to earn an invite to the National Invitational Tournament. UM coach Frank Haith said after Friday's win over Virginia Tech that he thought his team had done enough with two conference tournament wins. But UM won't know its fate until late Sunday night.
``I hope we showed that this team can be a special basketball team,'' Haith said. ``It's extremely important for these guys to continue to play games especially the way we're playing.
``We just want to keep growing as basketball team.''
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- It took the Miami Hurricanes two special efforts in two days to make its first semifinal appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
The 12th-seeded Canes delivered another one Saturday -- it just wasn't enough to take down top-seeded Duke and keep their faint NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
Behind another dominant effort from Kyle Singler, the fourth-ranked Blue Devils created just enough cushion to distance themselves in a 77-74 win over the Canes. UM fought back from double-digit deficits twice -- including by as many 16 points with 11:52 to play -- before buckling under a 15-0 run midway through the second half to leave Greensboro Coliseum with a hard-fought loss and plenty of optimism for the future.
``I think by just getting here and playing the way we did, we proved something to ourselves and the whole country -- that we're going to be a good team, up and coming,'' said redshirt sophomore guard Malcolm Grant, who scored 17 points and fought back tears in the Canes' locker room.
``It's just tough that we had to lose. Duke is a great team. Singler is a beast. But when you make a great run twice to come back, you just hope you can finish it off.''
Singler, an All-ACC first-team selection, was a one-man wrecking crew for the Blue Devils, who will have a chance to win an ACC-best 18th conference crown in Sunday's championship game.
Singler, who launched Duke's rally from a 12-point halftime deficit at BankUnited Center last month, scored a team-high 27 points and made five three-pointers to go with a team-leading eight rebounds and seven assists.
SCOTT SHINES AGAIN
It offset another outstanding performance from UM freshman Durand Scott, who poured in 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go with four rebounds, three assists and two steals before fouling out late in the game.
Duke (28-5) looked like it was going to roll early, using its size on defense to clog the lanes and dominate on the boards. But after Lance Thomas hit a wide open 15-foot jumper with 5:28 to play in the first half to stretch Duke's lead to 30-18, UM (20-13) answered with an impressive 17-2 run to close the half.
The crowd -- and the Canes -- got especially loud when Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski drew a technical foul with 2:07 to play. Grant then hit an NBA-range three-pointer with four seconds left to send UM into the half with a 35-32 lead.
``We weren't intimidated at all,'' said redshirt freshman Reggie Johnson, who had 14 points and eight rebounds. ``We weren't looking at the name on the jersey and shaking. We came out and played like we knew we could.
``They just came back like we knew they would.''
Just like they did in Coral Gables, the Blue Devils came storming back behind Singler. He hit back-to-back threes to start the half before senior Jon Scheyer (16 points, three steals) got into the act. Duke quickly stretched a one-point lead into a 58-42 advantage in a matter of 3 minutes 37 seconds, a run capped by two free throws from Brian Zoubek with 11:52 to play.
The Hurricanes didn't fold. Scott's three-pointer with 4:39 remaining trimmed Duke's lead to 68-61. UM just couldn't hit the big shot when it was needed and the Blue Devils iced the game at the free throw line.
UM `PLAYED GREAT'
``Miami has played great basketball here and this afternoon was another example of just how well they're playing,'' Krzyzewski said.
``I though our guys had to play a great second half. They fought until the very end and I thought we did too.''
The Hurricanes just hope they fought hard enough this week to earn an invite to the National Invitational Tournament. UM coach Frank Haith said after Friday's win over Virginia Tech that he thought his team had done enough with two conference tournament wins. But UM won't know its fate until late Sunday night.
``I hope we showed that this team can be a special basketball team,'' Haith said. ``It's extremely important for these guys to continue to play games especially the way we're playing.
``We just want to keep growing as basketball team.''
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Lunch with Randy
LUNCH WITH RANDY... Three weeks ago, I got a chance to go out to lunch with Shannon. There were no tape recorders, no note pads. It was just two guys born and raised in Miami talking about the college football program they've been around (In my case, from a seat far away from the field for most of it). The hour and half I spent with Shannon was about as close as I've been able to get to him in the four years since I've been covering the team.
Shannon, guarded by nature, doesn't trust the media one bit. He thinks most of us don't do a good enough job investigating anything before we write it. But he also doesn't think he needs to volunteer any information he doesn't have to. This lunch -- in part -- was for us to get a better feel for where we come from, where our opinions are formed.
In this case, Shannon doesn't want the idea to get out there that he's bashing programs in his backyard. So you won't ever read or hear any quotes from him saying high school programs are failing him. But the truth is he's worried about the way many local high school programs are being run these days.
He says there are many issues that has made recruiting local players to UM a lot tougher than before. At the top of the list: Academic failure (test scores or low GPAs) and arrest records. The old UM might have been to take a chance those kids. But not this one run under President Donna Shalala.
Then, there is the issue of individuals (street agents/assistant coaches) who are making deals (either for money or employment) with other colleges to send players away. On top of that, there are a few high school coaches for one reason or the other who have agendas against him and the program (in some cases because Shannon didn't hire them as assistants he was named UM's coach). Add it all up, and the field of high-end available recruits available to UM has shrunk.
Shannon says he isn't asking for pity. He says he just thinks there needs to be a better understanding of why UM ultimately might not recruit a certain player or end up with them on National Signing Day. Ultimately, he says, every player now at UM has gone through the recruiting ringer (background checks, academic checks, character checks). Ultimately, he says, he is the final person to sign off on any written scholarship offer the program hands out. That whole Todd Chandler fiasco? Consider it one of a few mistakes by a now former assistant. But we know through Miami Northwestern coach Billy Rolle that Chandler was never given a written offer.
Shannon says he is trying to help as many local coaches (many who are young and replacing legends) as he can better understand their responsibilities. He said he talks to them about image (he's scolded several local coaches for wearing bagging jeans and sunglasses on the sideline), instilling discipline (he says not enough suspend their best players for breaking the rules or missing practice) and not falling prey to recruiting promises (some high school coaches he says have been burned by college programs who promise they'll give them a job in exchange for a recruit). But it's hard sometimes, he says, to get through to them.
Whether you are a Shannon supporter or not, you still have to respect the fact the position he was put in wasn't easy. The Canes were well on the way to going in reverse by the time he took the steering wheel. Little by little he's made the program better than it was when he took it over. Nobody can argue that there isn't more talent on this team here now than when got it. Miami has a chance in 2010 to be really good again. And the bottomline is Latwan Anderson would not have picked UM if he didn't like the direction the program is headed in.
Shannon, guarded by nature, doesn't trust the media one bit. He thinks most of us don't do a good enough job investigating anything before we write it. But he also doesn't think he needs to volunteer any information he doesn't have to. This lunch -- in part -- was for us to get a better feel for where we come from, where our opinions are formed.
In this case, Shannon doesn't want the idea to get out there that he's bashing programs in his backyard. So you won't ever read or hear any quotes from him saying high school programs are failing him. But the truth is he's worried about the way many local high school programs are being run these days.
He says there are many issues that has made recruiting local players to UM a lot tougher than before. At the top of the list: Academic failure (test scores or low GPAs) and arrest records. The old UM might have been to take a chance those kids. But not this one run under President Donna Shalala.
Then, there is the issue of individuals (street agents/assistant coaches) who are making deals (either for money or employment) with other colleges to send players away. On top of that, there are a few high school coaches for one reason or the other who have agendas against him and the program (in some cases because Shannon didn't hire them as assistants he was named UM's coach). Add it all up, and the field of high-end available recruits available to UM has shrunk.
Shannon says he isn't asking for pity. He says he just thinks there needs to be a better understanding of why UM ultimately might not recruit a certain player or end up with them on National Signing Day. Ultimately, he says, every player now at UM has gone through the recruiting ringer (background checks, academic checks, character checks). Ultimately, he says, he is the final person to sign off on any written scholarship offer the program hands out. That whole Todd Chandler fiasco? Consider it one of a few mistakes by a now former assistant. But we know through Miami Northwestern coach Billy Rolle that Chandler was never given a written offer.
Shannon says he is trying to help as many local coaches (many who are young and replacing legends) as he can better understand their responsibilities. He said he talks to them about image (he's scolded several local coaches for wearing bagging jeans and sunglasses on the sideline), instilling discipline (he says not enough suspend their best players for breaking the rules or missing practice) and not falling prey to recruiting promises (some high school coaches he says have been burned by college programs who promise they'll give them a job in exchange for a recruit). But it's hard sometimes, he says, to get through to them.
Whether you are a Shannon supporter or not, you still have to respect the fact the position he was put in wasn't easy. The Canes were well on the way to going in reverse by the time he took the steering wheel. Little by little he's made the program better than it was when he took it over. Nobody can argue that there isn't more talent on this team here now than when got it. Miami has a chance in 2010 to be really good again. And the bottomline is Latwan Anderson would not have picked UM if he didn't like the direction the program is headed in.
Miami Hurricanes baseball team blanked by Boston College
Boston College dominated Friday to defeat UM 3-0 -BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
This wasn't the way the University of Miami wanted to open play in the Atlantic Coast Conference -- falling 3-0 to Boston College at the Hurricanes' home field.
The Hurricanes came into Friday night's game averaging nearly 10 runs a game and scoring at least seven runs in all but two contests. They beat UCF on Tuesday by 17 runs.
But on a cool, damp night at Mark Light Field, the Canes went dry in front of an announced crowd of 2,991.
UM left-handed starter Chris Hernandez (1-2, 2.35 ERA) lasted six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out five. Two of three UM errors led to two of the runs.
``I thought I threw good enough to win,'' Hernandez said. ``I was able to get the outs. It should have been a one-run game, and we need to score more than that. But it's baseball. It happens.''
Boston College ace Pat Dean (3-0, 2.79), a left-handed junior, continued his dominance over Miami. He struck out a season-high nine batters in eight innings, giving up six hits and one walk.
Dean beat the Hurricanes (8-4, 0-1 ACC) twice last season, allowing one run in 14 innings. He was the winning pitcher in the game that knocked the Canes out of the 2009 ACC tournament.
``You've got to give Pat Dean credit,'' UM coach Jim Morris said. ``He has beaten us three times now.''
The Eagles (6-6, 1-1) opened the scoring in the second with two outs. Brad Zapenas singled, went to second on an error by UM center fielder Zeke DeVoss and to third on a wild pitch by Hernandez. Designated hitter Matt Watson followed with a double that was misplayed by DeVoss.
BC scored two more in the fourth when Matt Watson doubled against the left-field wall, driving home Anthony Melchionda (reached on an error and advanced on wild pitch) and Zapenas (walk).
``They shouldn't have scored any runs,'' Morris said. ``They took advantage of our mistakes when they were given opportunities. When we had opportunities, we didn't put the ball in play. We struck out nine times and a bunch of times in crucial situations. We didn't play defense, but our pitchers pitched well enough to win.''
Miami relievers E.J. Encinosa and Sam Robinson combined to pitch the final three scoreless innings.
The Eagles continue their long road trip at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mark Light Field. They began the Florida swing with an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, lost two of three at Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, then split a two-game set at FIU.
UM right-handed senior Jason Santana (0-1, 9.00) will pitch Saturday against right-handed junior Kevin Moran (1-1. 9.31).
This wasn't the way the University of Miami wanted to open play in the Atlantic Coast Conference -- falling 3-0 to Boston College at the Hurricanes' home field.
The Hurricanes came into Friday night's game averaging nearly 10 runs a game and scoring at least seven runs in all but two contests. They beat UCF on Tuesday by 17 runs.
But on a cool, damp night at Mark Light Field, the Canes went dry in front of an announced crowd of 2,991.
UM left-handed starter Chris Hernandez (1-2, 2.35 ERA) lasted six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out five. Two of three UM errors led to two of the runs.
``I thought I threw good enough to win,'' Hernandez said. ``I was able to get the outs. It should have been a one-run game, and we need to score more than that. But it's baseball. It happens.''
Boston College ace Pat Dean (3-0, 2.79), a left-handed junior, continued his dominance over Miami. He struck out a season-high nine batters in eight innings, giving up six hits and one walk.
Dean beat the Hurricanes (8-4, 0-1 ACC) twice last season, allowing one run in 14 innings. He was the winning pitcher in the game that knocked the Canes out of the 2009 ACC tournament.
``You've got to give Pat Dean credit,'' UM coach Jim Morris said. ``He has beaten us three times now.''
The Eagles (6-6, 1-1) opened the scoring in the second with two outs. Brad Zapenas singled, went to second on an error by UM center fielder Zeke DeVoss and to third on a wild pitch by Hernandez. Designated hitter Matt Watson followed with a double that was misplayed by DeVoss.
BC scored two more in the fourth when Matt Watson doubled against the left-field wall, driving home Anthony Melchionda (reached on an error and advanced on wild pitch) and Zapenas (walk).
``They shouldn't have scored any runs,'' Morris said. ``They took advantage of our mistakes when they were given opportunities. When we had opportunities, we didn't put the ball in play. We struck out nine times and a bunch of times in crucial situations. We didn't play defense, but our pitchers pitched well enough to win.''
Miami relievers E.J. Encinosa and Sam Robinson combined to pitch the final three scoreless innings.
The Eagles continue their long road trip at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mark Light Field. They began the Florida swing with an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, lost two of three at Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, then split a two-game set at FIU.
UM right-handed senior Jason Santana (0-1, 9.00) will pitch Saturday against right-handed junior Kevin Moran (1-1. 9.31).
Looking forward to the ACC semis
Miami-Duke, 1:30 p.m.
Working Title: Do You Believe in Miracles? The 12th-seeded Hurricanes are basically the 1980 U.S. hockey team, and the top-seeded Blue Devils are the Russians. That game was a semifinal, too.
At Stake: Miami needs two more victories to play in the NCAA tourney. Duke is trying to take another step toward a No. 1 NCAA seed.
Who Has The Advantage: Duke. No, really. After pulling two big upsets and playing with utmost intensity, does Miami have anything left in the tank? If the Canes use the same zone that slowed Virginia Tech Friday, Duke’s shooters could tear it up. The Blue Devils won the regular-season matchup 81-74 in Coral Gables.
Stat to watch: The rebounding totals. Miami smashed the Hokies on the glass 42-29 Friday, and outrebounded Wake Forest in the opener as well. Getting putbacks might be the Canes’ only hope for winning, but that won’t be easy against Duke’s rotation of big men.
Working Title: Do You Believe in Miracles? The 12th-seeded Hurricanes are basically the 1980 U.S. hockey team, and the top-seeded Blue Devils are the Russians. That game was a semifinal, too.
At Stake: Miami needs two more victories to play in the NCAA tourney. Duke is trying to take another step toward a No. 1 NCAA seed.
Who Has The Advantage: Duke. No, really. After pulling two big upsets and playing with utmost intensity, does Miami have anything left in the tank? If the Canes use the same zone that slowed Virginia Tech Friday, Duke’s shooters could tear it up. The Blue Devils won the regular-season matchup 81-74 in Coral Gables.
Stat to watch: The rebounding totals. Miami smashed the Hokies on the glass 42-29 Friday, and outrebounded Wake Forest in the opener as well. Getting putbacks might be the Canes’ only hope for winning, but that won’t be easy against Duke’s rotation of big men.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Defense gets the upper hand in Miami Hurricanes' scrimmage
In UM's first open spring scrimmage, the defense dominated with seven sacks and three picks. But the tailbacks also dazzled.
The estimated 3,000 fans at Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium likely came to see a quarterback show.
What they got, for much of Thursday night, was a ferocious defensive performance interspersed with explosive runs in the University of Miami's first open spring scrimmage.
In nearly 100 plays, UM's defense had seven sacks (three by end Andrew Smith), three interceptions (two by safety Vaughn Telemaque) and a fumble recovery of a muffed snap.
Not to be outdone: tailback speedsters Lamar Miller and Storm Johnson, both of whom dazzled fans with breakaway sprints.
Johnson, a 6-0, 212-pound freshman who graduated high school early to take part in spring practice, had 10 carries for 104 yards and a 6-yard touchdown. He also had gains of 52 and 29 yards.
Miller, a 5-11, 205-pound redshirt freshman, had seven carries for 63 yards and two touchdowns, including a 44-yard charge down the middle of the field.
``Pretty good day today,'' coach Randy Shannon said. ``We got a lot of physical work in, a lot of runs. Kind of pleased with the running backs. They keep improving every week.
``Early, the defensive line -- Micanor [Regis], Curtis [Porter] and Allen [Bailey] -- they were really hitting the running backs, stuffing them. It looked like it would be a tough day for them. But the one thing I like about the running backs is they were patient enough to keep going, keep fighting.''
Besides Smith, ends Adewale Ojomo, Bailey, linebacker Tyrone Cornelius and tackle Micanor Regis each had one sack apiece.
Walk-on cornerback Nathan Gholston had the other interception, and safety Ray-Ray Armstrong had the fumble recovery.
UM's three quarterbacks -- starter Jacory Harris is out recuperating from thumb surgery -- were hampered by the absence of starting linemen Orlando Franklin, Joel Figueroa and Brandon Washington. But Shannon said he didn't think they were particularly impressive nonetheless.
``We have lots of guys out on the offensive line, but our defense really showed up.''
Quarterback A.J. Highsmith by far played the most. He completed seven of 11 passes for 94 yards and an 8-yard touchdown to Travis Benjamin. At one point he had consecutive completions of 24 yards (Leonard Hankerson), 11 (Aldarius Johnson) and 11 (Hankerson).
Highsmith later rolled left to avoid a blitz for a 13-yard touchdown keeper. But he also struggled with all three interceptions.
Quarterback Stephen Morris got sacked by Tyrone Cornelius and Adewale Ojomo the two times he was set to pass during his initial series. He was 0 for 3.
ON A LEARNING CURVE
And quarterback Spencer Whipple, the left-handed son of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, completed seven of nine passes for 75 yards. He led the drive in which Miller scored.
``The quarterbacks didn't do very well [Thursday night],'' Shannon said. ``Too many turnovers. But they're learning. That's the one thing good about spring football. They're getting a lot of reps to learn from their mistakes.
``A.J. was up and down. He threw a pick, but then he came back with a nice play on third down and long to Aldarius. He executed, and when we went to no huddle they came downfield and they scored. That shows they have the knowledge to do it.''
Aldarius Johnson caught three passes for 45 yards, including the 24-yarder thrown by Highsmith that led to Highsmith's score. Hankerson had two catches for 35 yards, but dropped at least one. Storm Johnson added two catches for 14 yards.
GOOD SHOWING
``Aldarius showed up tonight,'' Shannon said. ``One thing I liked about the receivers was that they blocked the safeties. When we had those big runs they were getting on to the safeties very hard.''
The Hurricanes are off until March 23 for spring break.
Running back Damien Berry (hamstring) did not participate. Also not participating with a hamstring injury: cornerback Brandon Harris.
The estimated 3,000 fans at Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium likely came to see a quarterback show.
What they got, for much of Thursday night, was a ferocious defensive performance interspersed with explosive runs in the University of Miami's first open spring scrimmage.
In nearly 100 plays, UM's defense had seven sacks (three by end Andrew Smith), three interceptions (two by safety Vaughn Telemaque) and a fumble recovery of a muffed snap.
Not to be outdone: tailback speedsters Lamar Miller and Storm Johnson, both of whom dazzled fans with breakaway sprints.
Johnson, a 6-0, 212-pound freshman who graduated high school early to take part in spring practice, had 10 carries for 104 yards and a 6-yard touchdown. He also had gains of 52 and 29 yards.
Miller, a 5-11, 205-pound redshirt freshman, had seven carries for 63 yards and two touchdowns, including a 44-yard charge down the middle of the field.
``Pretty good day today,'' coach Randy Shannon said. ``We got a lot of physical work in, a lot of runs. Kind of pleased with the running backs. They keep improving every week.
``Early, the defensive line -- Micanor [Regis], Curtis [Porter] and Allen [Bailey] -- they were really hitting the running backs, stuffing them. It looked like it would be a tough day for them. But the one thing I like about the running backs is they were patient enough to keep going, keep fighting.''
Besides Smith, ends Adewale Ojomo, Bailey, linebacker Tyrone Cornelius and tackle Micanor Regis each had one sack apiece.
Walk-on cornerback Nathan Gholston had the other interception, and safety Ray-Ray Armstrong had the fumble recovery.
UM's three quarterbacks -- starter Jacory Harris is out recuperating from thumb surgery -- were hampered by the absence of starting linemen Orlando Franklin, Joel Figueroa and Brandon Washington. But Shannon said he didn't think they were particularly impressive nonetheless.
``We have lots of guys out on the offensive line, but our defense really showed up.''
Quarterback A.J. Highsmith by far played the most. He completed seven of 11 passes for 94 yards and an 8-yard touchdown to Travis Benjamin. At one point he had consecutive completions of 24 yards (Leonard Hankerson), 11 (Aldarius Johnson) and 11 (Hankerson).
Highsmith later rolled left to avoid a blitz for a 13-yard touchdown keeper. But he also struggled with all three interceptions.
Quarterback Stephen Morris got sacked by Tyrone Cornelius and Adewale Ojomo the two times he was set to pass during his initial series. He was 0 for 3.
ON A LEARNING CURVE
And quarterback Spencer Whipple, the left-handed son of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, completed seven of nine passes for 75 yards. He led the drive in which Miller scored.
``The quarterbacks didn't do very well [Thursday night],'' Shannon said. ``Too many turnovers. But they're learning. That's the one thing good about spring football. They're getting a lot of reps to learn from their mistakes.
``A.J. was up and down. He threw a pick, but then he came back with a nice play on third down and long to Aldarius. He executed, and when we went to no huddle they came downfield and they scored. That shows they have the knowledge to do it.''
Aldarius Johnson caught three passes for 45 yards, including the 24-yarder thrown by Highsmith that led to Highsmith's score. Hankerson had two catches for 35 yards, but dropped at least one. Storm Johnson added two catches for 14 yards.
GOOD SHOWING
``Aldarius showed up tonight,'' Shannon said. ``One thing I liked about the receivers was that they blocked the safeties. When we had those big runs they were getting on to the safeties very hard.''
The Hurricanes are off until March 23 for spring break.
Running back Damien Berry (hamstring) did not participate. Also not participating with a hamstring injury: cornerback Brandon Harris.
Scrimmage highlights; RBs Storm, Miller continue to shine
I wasn't at Thursday night's open scrimmage at Lockhart Stadium. But we had a few Herald correspondents there. Here are some of the highlights and stats provided by UM's sports information staff along with a few injury notes...
STARS OF THE SCRIMMAGE... The big stars turned out to be freshman running back Storm Johnson and sophomore safety Vaughn Telemaque. Johnson ran for 104 yards and a touchdown and Telemaque had two interceptions.
THE RUNNING BACKS... Johnson carried 10 times for 104 yards and scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. Redshirt freshman running back Lamar Miller carried seven times for 63 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 44-yard TD run and 5-yard touchdown run in a goal-line situation to end the scrimmage. Sophomore Mike James had 12 carries for 18 yards and one touchdown.
DEFENSIVE LEADERS... Telemaque and junior defensive end Andrew Smith led the defense. Telemaque's first interception came on the second offensive possession of the game. He added another one right before halftime.
QUARTERBACKS STRUGGLE... Sophomore quarterback A.J. Highsmith completed 7-of-11 passes for 94 yards and one touchdown, but was intercepted three times. Junior Spencer Whipple went 7-for-9 for 75 yards. Freshman Stephen Morris was 0 for 3.
Some Scrimmage Stats
Receiving:
Aldarius Johnson 3 catches, 45 yards;
Leonard Hankerson 2-35; Storm Johnson 2-14; Travis Benjamin 2-8, TD; Billy Sanders 1-17; Kendal Thompkins 1-16; Davon Johnson 1-14; Tommy Streeter 1-14 yards;
Lamar Miller 1-6.
Kicking:
Jake Wieclaw 2-for-2 Field Goals (33 yards, 27 yards).
Scoring
- Highsmith 8 yd TD pass to Benjamin
- Miller 44 yd TD run
- Highsmith 13 yd TD run
- S.Johnson 6 yd TD run
- James 1 yd TD Run
- Miller 5 yd TD run
Defense: Andrew Smith 3 sacks;
Nathan Gholston 1 INT; Micanor Regis 1 sack; Tyrone Cornelius 1 sack; Adewale Ojomo 1 sack; Allen Bailey 1 sack; Ray Ray Armstrong 1 fumble recovery.
Did not participate: Running back Damien Berry (knee), guard Brandon Washington (knee), tackle Orlando Franklin (back), Brandon Harris (hamstring) and Joel Figueroa (shoulder).
Scott carries Canes past Hokies
GREENSBORO, N.C. – With the season hanging in the balance, Durand Scott brought some New York playground to Greensboro Coliseum.
Durand Scott's scoring spurt toppled Virginia Tech.His Miami Hurricanes were trailing Virginia Tech 61-59 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament with less than three minutes to play, and the next stop was the offseason unless something changed in a hurry. That’s when freshman Scott went to the rack like a Big Apple guard should.
“I just tightened my fist,” Scott said. “… I’m a great driver. I know how to get to the basket. There’s nobody in this league who can stop me when I’m determined.”
At that crucial moment Friday, Scott was determined. And unstoppable.
He drove left, drew contact and scored while being sprawled to the deck, then made the free throw for a 62-61 lead. Next possession, he charged left into the paint again and made an off-balance shot off glass. And on the possession after that, Scott switched direction, went right and drew a foul. His two free throws with 1:53 left gave Miami the lead for good.
That’s seven huge points in a minute’s time. Scott added the clinching free throws with 17.5 seconds to play for a 70-65 upset – pushing the last-place team in the league into the semifinals. According to ACC research guru Rob Daniels, only 28 teams out of the 482 seeded 10th or worse have made a major-conference tournament semifinal since 1994.
Miami’s place in the ACC semis was courtesy of the suddenly Great Scott. He finished with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds, a huge game for a skinny freshman with a single-digit season scoring average.
“Give Scott credit,” said Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg. “He made two crazy plays, and then we bailed him out with the foul. He’s strong, he’s quick, he’s physical.”
And he’s quite an addition for the Canes. Scott was a high-profile recruit, but he was reticent to assert himself upon arrival in Coral Gables.
“I was pretty much afraid to take the game over because there are people ahead of me,” he said. “I want everybody to be happy. I hate for people not to be happy on the court.”
But it’s worse when your coach is unhappy with your play. Frank Haith asked Scott a few weeks ago whether he was hitting the freshman wall, and suggested that he step up his assertiveness.
The result: Scott amped up his scoring, averaging 16 points per game in Miami’s final six regular-season games. He was only 2-for-10 Thursday in the Canes’ opening-round upset of Wake Forest, but he contributed five rebounds and four assists.
And then he took over against Virginia Tech, when Miami’s tournament life was in the balance. Now the handful of Hurricanes fans who made this trip have another day to spend in Greensboro as the Canes take on Duke Saturday in the semifinals.
“The fans here, we appreciate them,” Scott said.
After Friday, the feeling is absolutely mutual.
Durand Scott's scoring spurt toppled Virginia Tech.His Miami Hurricanes were trailing Virginia Tech 61-59 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament with less than three minutes to play, and the next stop was the offseason unless something changed in a hurry. That’s when freshman Scott went to the rack like a Big Apple guard should.
“I just tightened my fist,” Scott said. “… I’m a great driver. I know how to get to the basket. There’s nobody in this league who can stop me when I’m determined.”
At that crucial moment Friday, Scott was determined. And unstoppable.
He drove left, drew contact and scored while being sprawled to the deck, then made the free throw for a 62-61 lead. Next possession, he charged left into the paint again and made an off-balance shot off glass. And on the possession after that, Scott switched direction, went right and drew a foul. His two free throws with 1:53 left gave Miami the lead for good.
That’s seven huge points in a minute’s time. Scott added the clinching free throws with 17.5 seconds to play for a 70-65 upset – pushing the last-place team in the league into the semifinals. According to ACC research guru Rob Daniels, only 28 teams out of the 482 seeded 10th or worse have made a major-conference tournament semifinal since 1994.
Miami’s place in the ACC semis was courtesy of the suddenly Great Scott. He finished with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds, a huge game for a skinny freshman with a single-digit season scoring average.
“Give Scott credit,” said Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg. “He made two crazy plays, and then we bailed him out with the foul. He’s strong, he’s quick, he’s physical.”
And he’s quite an addition for the Canes. Scott was a high-profile recruit, but he was reticent to assert himself upon arrival in Coral Gables.
“I was pretty much afraid to take the game over because there are people ahead of me,” he said. “I want everybody to be happy. I hate for people not to be happy on the court.”
But it’s worse when your coach is unhappy with your play. Frank Haith asked Scott a few weeks ago whether he was hitting the freshman wall, and suggested that he step up his assertiveness.
The result: Scott amped up his scoring, averaging 16 points per game in Miami’s final six regular-season games. He was only 2-for-10 Thursday in the Canes’ opening-round upset of Wake Forest, but he contributed five rebounds and four assists.
And then he took over against Virginia Tech, when Miami’s tournament life was in the balance. Now the handful of Hurricanes fans who made this trip have another day to spend in Greensboro as the Canes take on Duke Saturday in the semifinals.
“The fans here, we appreciate them,” Scott said.
After Friday, the feeling is absolutely mutual.
Final: Miami 70, Virginia Tech 65
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Quick postgame thoughts on Miami 70, Virginia Tech 65:
The Miami Miracle is halfway complete. Hurricanes finished last in the league but have dispatched No. 5 seed Wake Forest and No. 4 Virginia Tech. Saturday they get a shot at stunning champion Duke.
Freshman guard Durand Scott was the hero for the Canes. He scored nine of their final 11 points and made repeated big drives to the hoop.
Virginia Tech slides back into some bubble trouble. The Hokies' strong showing in ACC play is their only selling point after doing very little in the nonconference season. Could be some anxious moments for Seth Greenberg & Co. Sunday.
The prevailing question watching Miami the past two days: How did it go 4-12 in the ACC? This is a tough, athletic bunch that guards and hits the glass -- and can hit shots as well. A mystery why the Canes struggled so much in league play
The Miami Miracle is halfway complete. Hurricanes finished last in the league but have dispatched No. 5 seed Wake Forest and No. 4 Virginia Tech. Saturday they get a shot at stunning champion Duke.
Freshman guard Durand Scott was the hero for the Canes. He scored nine of their final 11 points and made repeated big drives to the hoop.
Virginia Tech slides back into some bubble trouble. The Hokies' strong showing in ACC play is their only selling point after doing very little in the nonconference season. Could be some anxious moments for Seth Greenberg & Co. Sunday.
The prevailing question watching Miami the past two days: How did it go 4-12 in the ACC? This is a tough, athletic bunch that guards and hits the glass -- and can hit shots as well. A mystery why the Canes struggled so much in league play
Halftime thoughts: VT 37, Miami 35
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Quick halftime thoughts from Virginia Tech 37, Miami 35.
Much like Virginia before it, Miami will not submit meekly. The Hurricanes were down 10 points midway through the half but battled back to take a brief lead at 35-33 before Tech center Jeff Allen scored the last four points on putbacks.
Allen’s putbacks notwithstanding, Miami’s main mode of staying in the game has been owning the backboards. The Hurricanes have a 10-rebound advantage.
Of course, that’s been offset by committing a ghastly 12 turnovers. That’s limited the Canes to only 29 shots.
Dorenzo Hudson has been a dependable sidekick to Virginia Tech leading scorer Malcolm Delaney – but with Delaney 0-for-4 from 3-point range, Hudson has stepped into the leading-man role. He has 15 points at halftime. Hudson had scored 21 points in each of his last two games but did not play in the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.
Much like Virginia before it, Miami will not submit meekly. The Hurricanes were down 10 points midway through the half but battled back to take a brief lead at 35-33 before Tech center Jeff Allen scored the last four points on putbacks.
Allen’s putbacks notwithstanding, Miami’s main mode of staying in the game has been owning the backboards. The Hurricanes have a 10-rebound advantage.
Of course, that’s been offset by committing a ghastly 12 turnovers. That’s limited the Canes to only 29 shots.
Dorenzo Hudson has been a dependable sidekick to Virginia Tech leading scorer Malcolm Delaney – but with Delaney 0-for-4 from 3-point range, Hudson has stepped into the leading-man role. He has 15 points at halftime. Hudson had scored 21 points in each of his last two games but did not play in the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.
Miami-Virginia Tech, 2 p.m.
At stake: Miami is hoping to sustain its momentum from Thursday, when it dismantled Wake Forest in a quarterfinal upset romp. Virginia Tech figures to be much more alert -- and even though the Hokies are probably in the NCAAs, a victory here would alleviate any nagging Selection Sunday anxiety.
Who has the edge: The teams split regular-season meetings, each winning at home. But those games were back in January, an eternity ago. The Hurricanes are once again trying to win without injured big man Dwayne Collins, which won’t be easy if the Hokies are more motivated than Wake Forest was.
Stat to watch: Can Reggie Johnson freak again for Miami? The 6-foot-10 freshman started in place of Collins and erupted for 22 points, making all eight of his shots and all six of his free throws against Wake Forest. He’s averaging all of 6.2 points per game. Johnson has home-state motivation; he’s from nearby Winston-Salem.
Who has the edge: The teams split regular-season meetings, each winning at home. But those games were back in January, an eternity ago. The Hurricanes are once again trying to win without injured big man Dwayne Collins, which won’t be easy if the Hokies are more motivated than Wake Forest was.
Stat to watch: Can Reggie Johnson freak again for Miami? The 6-foot-10 freshman started in place of Collins and erupted for 22 points, making all eight of his shots and all six of his free throws against Wake Forest. He’s averaging all of 6.2 points per game. Johnson has home-state motivation; he’s from nearby Winston-Salem.
Wake Forest flops in loss to Miami
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Late in the first half of its ACC tournament quarterfinal game, with his team trailing major underdog Miami by 10 points, Wake Forest guard L.D. Williams dug in defensively.
He dogged Hurricanes guard Durand Scott left, right, left again -- in his face until the officials blew the whistle and signaled a five-second call. Williams had forced a turnover.
Wake Forest's L.D. Williams (42) goes to the hoop as Miami's James Dews (23) defends during the second half of Hurricanes' 83-62 win.He responded with two clenched fists and a yell in the direction of his Demon Deacons teammates.
Their damning, telling reaction?
They completely ignored Williams’ effort.
None of the other four Wake players on the court came to congratulate him. Not a single slap on the back, not a fist bump, nothing. The Deacons simply went about their half-hearted business.
“I feel like it was that way from Jump Street,” Williams said. “Coach (Dino Gaudio) was telling us all week we need to play with a tremendous amount of emotion, a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I don’t know what happened.”
What happened is this: Wake Forest was humiliated 83-62 in its own backyard by a team that won just four ACC games and was playing without its injured leading scorer and rebounder, Dwayne Collins. The performance was so bad that it will once again calls into question Wake’s NCAA tournament credentials, and Gaudio’s viability as the coach of this program for the long term.
The Deacons must hope that their athletic director, Ron Wellman, shielded all the televisions in Indianapolis from his fellow NCAA selection committee members. Either that, or he’ll have to do some off-the-record lobbying for a team that has lost five of its last six games.
Wake has some quality wins on its record, over Gonzaga, Richmond, Xavier and Maryland. But they’re also playing the worst basketball of anyone in the at-large pool.
“We’ll see on Sunday,” Williams said of the NCAAs. “I have no clue.”
Under Gaudio, Wake hasn’t had a clue in the postseason. Or a victory. They’re now 0-4 in postseason games under Gaudio, who got the job full-time after gracefully handling the sudden death of his boss and close friend, Skip Prosser, in the summer of 2008.
In each of those four losses, Wake was the higher seeded team. And in each of those four losses, Wake was beaten by double digits.
Last time I saw the Deacons in person, they were being routed by No. 13 seed Cleveland State in the NCAA tournament. Now this.
A Miami team with nothing going for it scored on eight of its first nine possessions to start the game. Then, already up 14, it went on an 8-0 run to start the second half. Wake Forest had no response.
“Sometimes I feel like we just go through the motions,” Williams said.
Among those who appeared to be going through the motions Thursday was Wake’s most talented player, sophomore Al-Farouq Aminu. He somewhat surprisingly returned to school after a productive freshman season but has played very poorly during Wake’s very bad stretch.
Aminu came into this tourney averaging 15.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game but had scored just 25 total points in his last three games, including being shut out at Florida State. Against a depleted Miami front line, Aminu produced a lethargic 11 points and seven rebounds while playing 25 minutes -- his lowest minute total since mid-December.
“He just wasn’t playing well, so I was just trying to put the guys out there who’d give us the best opportunity to win,” Gaudio said. “And therein lies why he sat.”
Gaudio has won 60 of his 90 games as Wake’s head coach -- a perfectly fine winning percentage. But he’s also been blessed with an abundance of talent -- and that talent isn’t coming close to performing in the postseason.
This is a sport where coaching reputations rise and fall in March. After this debacle, Dino Gaudio’s has hit rock bottom.
He dogged Hurricanes guard Durand Scott left, right, left again -- in his face until the officials blew the whistle and signaled a five-second call. Williams had forced a turnover.
Wake Forest's L.D. Williams (42) goes to the hoop as Miami's James Dews (23) defends during the second half of Hurricanes' 83-62 win.He responded with two clenched fists and a yell in the direction of his Demon Deacons teammates.
Their damning, telling reaction?
They completely ignored Williams’ effort.
None of the other four Wake players on the court came to congratulate him. Not a single slap on the back, not a fist bump, nothing. The Deacons simply went about their half-hearted business.
“I feel like it was that way from Jump Street,” Williams said. “Coach (Dino Gaudio) was telling us all week we need to play with a tremendous amount of emotion, a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I don’t know what happened.”
What happened is this: Wake Forest was humiliated 83-62 in its own backyard by a team that won just four ACC games and was playing without its injured leading scorer and rebounder, Dwayne Collins. The performance was so bad that it will once again calls into question Wake’s NCAA tournament credentials, and Gaudio’s viability as the coach of this program for the long term.
The Deacons must hope that their athletic director, Ron Wellman, shielded all the televisions in Indianapolis from his fellow NCAA selection committee members. Either that, or he’ll have to do some off-the-record lobbying for a team that has lost five of its last six games.
Wake has some quality wins on its record, over Gonzaga, Richmond, Xavier and Maryland. But they’re also playing the worst basketball of anyone in the at-large pool.
“We’ll see on Sunday,” Williams said of the NCAAs. “I have no clue.”
Under Gaudio, Wake hasn’t had a clue in the postseason. Or a victory. They’re now 0-4 in postseason games under Gaudio, who got the job full-time after gracefully handling the sudden death of his boss and close friend, Skip Prosser, in the summer of 2008.
In each of those four losses, Wake was the higher seeded team. And in each of those four losses, Wake was beaten by double digits.
Last time I saw the Deacons in person, they were being routed by No. 13 seed Cleveland State in the NCAA tournament. Now this.
A Miami team with nothing going for it scored on eight of its first nine possessions to start the game. Then, already up 14, it went on an 8-0 run to start the second half. Wake Forest had no response.
“Sometimes I feel like we just go through the motions,” Williams said.
Among those who appeared to be going through the motions Thursday was Wake’s most talented player, sophomore Al-Farouq Aminu. He somewhat surprisingly returned to school after a productive freshman season but has played very poorly during Wake’s very bad stretch.
Aminu came into this tourney averaging 15.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game but had scored just 25 total points in his last three games, including being shut out at Florida State. Against a depleted Miami front line, Aminu produced a lethargic 11 points and seven rebounds while playing 25 minutes -- his lowest minute total since mid-December.
“He just wasn’t playing well, so I was just trying to put the guys out there who’d give us the best opportunity to win,” Gaudio said. “And therein lies why he sat.”
Gaudio has won 60 of his 90 games as Wake’s head coach -- a perfectly fine winning percentage. But he’s also been blessed with an abundance of talent -- and that talent isn’t coming close to performing in the postseason.
This is a sport where coaching reputations rise and fall in March. After this debacle, Dino Gaudio’s has hit rock bottom.
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