to what had been a dream season up until Thanksgiving weekend, when reality started to hit this years Miami squad. The Orange Bowl was very frustrating and sobering, this game was there to be won(up 14-3, you figure that's exactly where you want Wisconsin) and well, that's when it all started to implode in the second quarter. Some thoughts:
- I tweeted this during the game, win or lose, Im good, in the big picture it didn't matter all THAT much but I really hope this is the last game Malik Rosier ever starts at QB for Miami. Sorry, he's not good. He's barely average, probably below that. Never mind his completion percentage which is absymal for this era of football but even his completions(like the deep post to Jeff Thomas) aren't great throws in terms of placement. This program was able to squeeze out 10 wins - with one cancelled game vs Ark State - with him and to me, that's a sizable acheivement.
But for this program to progress, Miami needs to upgrade the position. I can't wait for spring ball and see what the likes of N'kosi Perry has. Yeah, I can't lie, if Rosier is going to be under center vs LSU, I may cancel that trip. Sorry, it's the way I feel. Ive seen enough(low football IQ, poor feel and anticipation and inaccuracy). That INT to start the 2nd quarter was a momentum shifter. Even the INT where the Wisconsin defender held Cager up, was a poor throw( late and underthrown)
- Now, it didn't help that once again the Oline couldn't create a consistent push in the running game and outside a few big plays in the Deejay Dallas 'rush package'. This is another unit that needs a huge upgrade in talent. It was frustrating to see Wisconsin just consistently churn out yards in the running game, while Miami seemed to be wasting any play that was a hand-off.
- Also, to be fair to Rosier, the losses of Walton, Richards and Herndon were huge( all three have NFL futures, IMO) and again, Rosier is at best a caretaker quarterback and this is where the lack of depth was very evident. Again, young guys who are coming in(and already signed) will play a ton next season.
- Alarming trend, once again the DB's had issues and the inside slant was open all game. Now, Hornibrook made some nice throws and some tough catches were made but there was a clear lack of speed back there and like I said a moment ago - young freshman will have every chance to play next season right off the bat.
- Zach Feagles had a nice game. Hopefully he has steadied himself. My hats off to him. Good way to go into this soph campaign. As for Michael Badgley, well, despite being UM's all-time scorer he'll be known for certain huge misses as many of his made kicks. Honestly, while he has a big leg there is a bit of a consistency problem.
- 3rd downs on both sides of the ball are a HUGE issue that have to be addressed. Offense cant extend drives and the defense cant get off the field enough. If there was ever a game where time of possession told the story, this was it. I can understand on offense given the QB, etc, but defensively based on the front 7, Diaz's unit should be better. But again, maybe that's related to issues on the back-end of the defense. Tonight Jaquan Johnson and Michael Jackson showed they weren't ready for the next level.
- Overall, 10-3, to me it was an enjoyable season. We all wish it would've finished more positively but better days are ahead. But the last 3 games were a reality check. Now, Richt and Co. just have to finish off this recruiting class and then focus in on the spring.
