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Looking ahead and what could've been...

k9cane

k9cane

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great win tonight, defense played at an elite level( and really saved the day early on as the offense sputtered) and held a vaunted WVU unit in check. Miami finishes 9-4 in Mark Richt's inaugural campaign at UM. They were less than 20 points from winning 12-13 games. "Darktober'' saw a stretch where the Miami offense didn't crack 21 points - that's mind-boggling to me

It says here that if Richt would've ran more of the shotgun spread and passed to eventually run, instead of running so much on early downs out of the I-formation, Miami wins at least another game or two

Looking forward, Kaaya is a lightning rod here. But can anyone really state honestly that the Canes wont be better off with him as the QB next season? That first half was the good, the bad and the ugly of Kaaya and it showed his flaws and his strengths. He is what he is - a QB that needs a clean pocket and some time. When in rythem he can make a lot of throws.

But here's what I see coming back - a fantastic front 4 and a great foundation in the front 7, overall. Corn Elder - who for my money was the best pure player we had this season - is a loss. It's really too bad we didnt see him and Adrien Colbert on the field together this year. But I love the future of this unit, Manny Diaz and Coach Kool have the mojo going and it's the type of style that will produce NFL players, is fun to play in and will attract blue-chippers. I'll take this young foundation against anybody in the country(Joe Jax, McCloud, Shaq, Malek, Pinckey).

OK, offensively this is where things get dicey. Oline still needs a huge infusion of talent and here's hoping that LSU transfer can step in and play and that Donaldson is who Peter Ariz says he is. I'm interested to see the development of Tyree St Louis, who looks the part and Gauthier.

Ahmonn Richards is the go-to guy next year but the real question is can Mullins and Cager develop?Im a huge Stacy Coley guy and I'm gonna miss him. He's a real loss. Njoku is gone but I like our overall TE depth( provided nobody gets booted). At RB I think the Mark Walton slander needs to stop, he's a player, bottom line. And Im intrigued by Travis Homer, who flashed some explosion on ST this year.

I get the sense that Richt will always frustrate us a bit because he'll be a tad more conservative than we'd like. It is what it is...

So 9-4, not bad, not great. Could've been better but I really like the foundation that has been laid. Till the spring...
 
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Way too much logic and positive vibe, is OP sure he is on the right board?!? :sneakiness:
 
upon second review:

- this has to be Miamis' best Dline in terms of depth and talent since 2002( which had McDougle, Andrew Williams, Joseph, Wilfork, Green, etc). In my estimation Miami has at least 6 guys who have a real chance to play at the next level with reinforcements on the way. I cant remember a more impactful freshman DE at Miami since Joe Jackson

- Thought of this later, the scary thing about this defense in '16 was that they did this with the unexpected losses of Jermain Grace and AQM( two guys who were thought to be key cogs of this unit).It's further testament to Manny Diaz and the job he did in guiding this side of the ball

- It will be interesting to see how Shaq Quarterman develops physically, honestly, as good as he was it seemed like dropping a few pounds would help his game. He didn't have the burst of the other fellow freshman LB's. This frosh unit is 'Bermuda Triange 2.0'

- Corn Elder played another strong game. Pound for pound he's as good a tackler at CB as Miami has ever had.

- Seriously, since Pat O'Donnell, Miami has had a nice run of punters. Justin Vogel is a real weapon, he can boom it, pooch it and usually has good hang time.

- Braxton Berrios takes a lot of heat but in all fairness I think he's been miscast and misused as an outside receiver( and this was probably by necessity with Cager's injury but inside in the slot I think he can do some real work and stuff that he did tonight showed that. He simply isn't meant to run go-routes and fight for 50-50 balls, IMO

- Three years ago as he was a Miami recruit, Brad Kaaya and his father came to this very same bowl game in Orlando and saw Miami get smoked by L'Ville. In what may have been his final game at Miami he wins the MVP in this bowl.

- Still puzzled by the fact UM was still running mesh-point/inside read plays with Kaaya. He simply is no threat to tuck and run it. It's a waste of a down

- David Njoku is still just scratching the surface of his ability and production( again, he didn't even have 50 grabs in what was his contract year), it will be interesting to see how he does in a system where he's moved around like the Queen on a chessboard really used in an imaginative fashion. The consistency of his hands is the only real question

- Dana Holgerson became an internet sensation during this game. Good grief, guy was a parody of an angry, over-the-top coach. He probably spawned hundres of GIF's that we'll see for years to come. Seriously, ESPN3 should've set up a Dana-cam just to focus on him on the sideline

- S. Coley once again made some plays and he didn't once come up limping or squirming on the turf not one time!! This guys going to be alright. But seriously, I'm proud of this guy, take away a sophomore slump he's been a consistent playmaker. Speaking of WR's, Dayall Harris, did he play at all this game? He actually made some plays(mostly on bubble screens) early in the year and to be honest, as I take a look at next years receiving unit I find myself forgetting about him. Did he become the modern day Bobby Byrd?

- I mentioned Tyree St Louis in my OP, I really think he's one of the most pivotal guys for next year. He needs to be Coach Searles pet project. He looks the part of a RT and he seemed to make some strides but I notice that he gets beat inside a lot, across the face( which is worse than getting beat on the edge) on pass pro. But I really hope he solidifies his spot next year. He has some real physical upside

- It will be interesting to see how Ahmonn Richards expands his route tree next year. If he becomes a real technician at this position he can be Andre Johnson-level good( and as great as Johnson became Im not sure he was ready to do the stuff Richards did as a true freshman). But I think Richards is this good - to me, if/when Kaaya leaves, my choice for QB is the guy who has the best chemistry with 82. Yeah, I know it seems far-fetched but c'mon, it's not that crazy if you think about it

- Finally, there's a big debate on just how 'important' non-playoff bowl games are. Well, when you haven't won one of them in a decade and you come out victorious, yeah, it's pretty **** important. And you know what they say about winning - it beats losing.
 
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Need to find a LT for next year. According to some Donaldson is more of a RT (I'm no expert at projecting HS OL) which gives us 3 guys better suited at RT over LT in St Louis, Odogwu, and Donaldson. No idea what to expect from Brown.

I would expect McDermott, Gauthier, Darling will be the interior of the OL.

Need to find a unit that performs better then the 2016 OL.
 
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The defense will keep the games close, offensively, they need a QB that will make a couple plays a game & not lose them. Finding a QB in the spring/summer is the key. The offensive lineman will improve.
 
A tad too conservative for sure - all runs on the last series and not even taking the FG kick.

I'm not sure I'd consider him competitive enough to win championships with that - Golden would've approved of that series.

Not very happy about ending the game in that way.

Championship mentality coaches always attack. Always.

k9cane said:
great win tonight, defense played at an elite level( and really saved the day early on as the offense sputtered) and held a vaunted WVU unit in check. Miami finishes 9-4 in Mark Richt's inaugural campaign at UM. They were less than 20 points from winning 12-13 games. "Darktober'' saw a stretch where the Miami offense didn't crack 21 points - that's mind-boggling to me

It says here that if Richt would've ran more of the shotgun spread and passed to eventually run, instead of running so much on early downs out of the I-formation, Miami wins at least another game or two

Looking forward, Kaaya is a lightning rod here. But can anyone really state honestly that the Canes wont be better off with him as the QB next season? That first half was the good, the bad and the ugly of Kaaya and it showed his flaws and his strengths. He is what he is - a QB that needs a clean pocket and some time. When in rythem he can make a lot of throws.

But here's what I see coming back - a fantastic front 4 and a great foundation in the front 7, overall. Corn Elder - who for my money was the best pure player we had this season - is a loss. It's really too bad we didnt see him and Adrien Colbert on the field together this year. But I love the future of this unit, Manny Diaz and Coach Kool have the mojo going and it's the type of style that will produce NFL players, is fun to play in and will attract blue-chippers. I'll take this young foundation against anybody in the country(Joe Jax, McCloud, Shaq, Malek, Pinckey).

OK, offensively this is where things get dicey. Oline still needs a huge infusion of talent and here's hoping that LSU transfer can step in and play and that Donaldson is who Peter Ariz says he is. I'm interested to see the development of Tyree St Louis, who looks the part and Gauthier.

Ahmonn Richards is the go-to guy next year but the real question is can Mullins and Cager develop?Im a huge Stacy Coley guy and I'm gonna miss him. He's a real loss. Njoku is gone but I like our overall TE depth( provided nobody gets booted). At RB I think the Mark Walton slander needs to stop, he's a player, bottom line. And Im intrigued by Travis Homer, who flashed some explosion on ST this year.

I get the sense that Richt will always frustrate us a bit because he'll be a tad more conservative than we'd like. It is what it is...

So 9-4, not bad, not great. Could've been better but I really like the foundation that has been laid. Till the spring...
Click to expand...
 
k9cane said:
upon second review:

- this has to be Miamis' best Dline in terms of depth and talent since 2002( which had McDougle, Andrew Williams, Joseph, Wilfork, Green, etc). In my estimation Miami has at least 6 guys who have a real chance to play at the next level with reinforcements on the way. I cant remember a more impactful freshman DE at Miami since Joe Jackson

- Thought of this later, the scary thing about this defense in '16 was that they did this with the unexpected losses of Jermain Grace and AQM( two guys who were thought to be key cogs of this unit).It's further testament to Manny Diaz and the job he did in guiding this side of the ball

- It will be interesting to see how Shaq Quarterman develops physically, honestly, as good as he was it seemed like dropping a few pounds would help his game. He didn't have the burst of the other fellow freshman LB's. This frosh unit is 'Bermuda Triange 2.0'

- Corn Elder played another strong game. Pound for pound he's as good a tackler at CB as Miami has ever had.

- Seriously, since Pat O'Donnell, Miami has had a nice run of punters. Justin Vogel is a real weapon, he can boom it, pooch it and usually has good hang time.

- Braxton Berrios takes a lot of heat but in all fairness I think he's been miscast and misused as an outside receiver( and this was probably by necessity with Cager's injury but inside in the slot I think he can do some real work and stuff that he did tonight showed that. He simply isn't meant to run go-routes and fight for 50-50 balls, IMO

- Three years ago as he was a Miami recruit, Brad Kaaya and his father came to this very same bowl game in Orlando and saw Miami get smoked by L'Ville. In what may have been his final game at Miami he wins the MVP in this bowl.

- Still puzzled by the fact UM was still running mesh-point/inside read plays with Kaaya. He simply is no threat to tuck and run it. It's a waste of a down

- David Njoku is still just scratching the surface of his ability and production( again, he didn't even have 50 grabs in what was his contract year), it will be interesting to see how he does in a system where he's moved around like the Queen on a chessboard really used in an imaginative fashion. The consistency of his hands is the only real question

- Dana Holgerson became an internet sensation during this game. Good grief, guy was a parody of an angry, over-the-top coach. He probably spawned hundres of GIF's that we'll see for years to come. Seriously, ESPN3 should've set up a Dana-cam just to focus on him on the sideline

- S. Coley once again made some plays and he didn't once come up limping or squirming on the turf not one time!! This guys going to be alright. But seriously, I'm proud of this guy, take away a sophomore slump he's been a consistent playmaker. Speaking of WR's, Dayall Harris, did he play at all this game? He actually made some plays(mostly on bubble screens) early in the year and to be honest, as I take a look at next years receiving unit I find myself forgetting about him. Did he become the modern day Bobby Byrd?

- I mentioned Tyree St Louis in my OP, I really think he's one of the most pivotal guys for next year. He needs to be Coach Searles pet project. He looks the part of a RT and he seemed to make some strides but I notice that he gets beat inside a lot, across the face( which is worse than getting beat on the edge) on pass pro. But I really hope he solidifies his spot next year. He has some real physical upside

- It will be interesting to see how Ahmonn Richards expands his route tree next year. If he becomes a real technician at this position he can be Andre Johnson-level good( and as great as Johnson became Im not sure he was ready to do the stuff Richards did as a true freshman). But I think Richards is this good - to me, if/when Kaaya leaves, my choice for QB is the guy who has the best chemistry with 82. Yeah, I know it seems far-fetched but c'mon, it's not that crazy if you think about it

- Finally, there's a big debate on just how 'important' non-playoff bowl games are. Well, when you haven't won one of them in a decade and you come out victorious, yeah, it's pretty **** important. And you know what they say about winning - it beats losing.
Click to expand...

Super Post---2002 Defense was great but going back another 12/13 years I would favor a Defense with Cortez Kennedy, Russell Maryland, Greg Mark, Willis Peguese, with Shane Curry, Rusty Medearis and Darrien Krein as backups..Played a lot of 5/2 defense that was further anchored by Benard Clark, Maurice Crum, and Mike Barrow..I can still see the fear in the opposing QB's facemask with Kennedy and Maryland coming up the middle together....Tough choice but you're correct in that the WVA game showed some of old flash of a well coordinated defense with dedicated players rising to the top...
 
DiegoCane said:
Need to find a LT for next year. According to some Donaldson is more of a RT (I'm no expert at projecting HS OL) which gives us 3 guys better suited at RT over LT in St Louis, Odogwu, and Donaldson. No idea what to expect from Brown.

I would expect McDermott, Gauthier, Darling will be the interior of the OL.

Need to find a unit that performs better then the 2016 OL.
Click to expand...

Donaldson was recruited at RT but he can easily play LT or even Guard if need be.
 
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Lutzboy247 said:
DiegoCane said:
Need to find a LT for next year. According to some Donaldson is more of a RT (I'm no expert at projecting HS OL) which gives us 3 guys better suited at RT over LT in St Louis, Odogwu, and Donaldson. No idea what to expect from Brown.

I would expect McDermott, Gauthier, Darling will be the interior of the OL.

Need to find a unit that performs better then the 2016 OL.
Click to expand...

Donaldson was recruited at RT but he can easily play LT or even Guard if need be.
Click to expand...

IMO, the philosophy will be to get the best 5 out there. At the very least, they will look like what a real college Oline should from a physical standpoint. Whats interesting is that Im actually going to miss Alex Gall, I thought he played really well at center the last third of the season
 
If we can just build quality depth we'd be back! Can never seem to fill the holes we have, this year WR, DB and RB. Of course it remains to be seen, but that's issue number ONE! Gotta get the locals to buy in again! That's phucking us up big time for getting to where we need to be at personnel and depth wise.
 
I really don't understand how so many posters here continue to put the majority of the bad offensive play on kayaa on the playcalling when it's clearly the Oline that's been holding us back.

Responsibility
Oline 60%
Playcalling 20%
Kaaya 20%
 
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Great stuff K9.

Not too not pick, but Coley did limp off the field on one play. But he was back in a couple plays later. It was late 3rd or early 4th. It would not be a game if Coley didn't nick something lol. He was real cool in the tunnel though high fiving all the Canes fans. We will miss him, special player.
 
edge said:
Great stuff K9.

Not too not pick, but Coley did limp off the field on one play. But he was back in a couple plays later. It was late 3rd or early 4th. It would not be a game if Coley didn't nick something lol. He was real cool in the tunnel though high fiving all the Canes fans. We will miss him, special player.
Click to expand...

LOL, ****, he almost had it!!! I love 3 but every time I see that gif of Peter Griffin from Family Guy where he hurts his shin it reminds me of Coley. Yeah, Ahmonn Richards is great but it will be interesting to see how he does without Coley and Njoku lined up with him next season
 
The FSU and ND games will haunt me in the post-season, the coulda, woulda, shouldas, but a very solid and encouraging season from our Canes.

Not just optimistic about the future but genuinely excited. Won't have to talk myself into hope this offseason, which will be a nice change of pace.
 
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daddacane said:
k9cane said:
upon second review:

- this has to be Miamis' best Dline in terms of depth and talent since 2002( which had McDougle, Andrew Williams, Joseph, Wilfork, Green, etc). In my estimation Miami has at least 6 guys who have a real chance to play at the next level with reinforcements on the way. I cant remember a more impactful freshman DE at Miami since Joe Jackson

- Thought of this later, the scary thing about this defense in '16 was that they did this with the unexpected losses of Jermain Grace and AQM( two guys who were thought to be key cogs of this unit).It's further testament to Manny Diaz and the job he did in guiding this side of the ball

- It will be interesting to see how Shaq Quarterman develops physically, honestly, as good as he was it seemed like dropping a few pounds would help his game. He didn't have the burst of the other fellow freshman LB's. This frosh unit is 'Bermuda Triange 2.0'

- Corn Elder played another strong game. Pound for pound he's as good a tackler at CB as Miami has ever had.

- Seriously, since Pat O'Donnell, Miami has had a nice run of punters. Justin Vogel is a real weapon, he can boom it, pooch it and usually has good hang time.

- Braxton Berrios takes a lot of heat but in all fairness I think he's been miscast and misused as an outside receiver( and this was probably by necessity with Cager's injury but inside in the slot I think he can do some real work and stuff that he did tonight showed that. He simply isn't meant to run go-routes and fight for 50-50 balls, IMO

- Three years ago as he was a Miami recruit, Brad Kaaya and his father came to this very same bowl game in Orlando and saw Miami get smoked by L'Ville. In what may have been his final game at Miami he wins the MVP in this bowl.

- Still puzzled by the fact UM was still running mesh-point/inside read plays with Kaaya. He simply is no threat to tuck and run it. It's a waste of a down

- David Njoku is still just scratching the surface of his ability and production( again, he didn't even have 50 grabs in what was his contract year), it will be interesting to see how he does in a system where he's moved around like the Queen on a chessboard really used in an imaginative fashion. The consistency of his hands is the only real question

- Dana Holgerson became an internet sensation during this game. Good grief, guy was a parody of an angry, over-the-top coach. He probably spawned hundres of GIF's that we'll see for years to come. Seriously, ESPN3 should've set up a Dana-cam just to focus on him on the sideline

- S. Coley once again made some plays and he didn't once come up limping or squirming on the turf not one time!! This guys going to be alright. But seriously, I'm proud of this guy, take away a sophomore slump he's been a consistent playmaker. Speaking of WR's, Dayall Harris, did he play at all this game? He actually made some plays(mostly on bubble screens) early in the year and to be honest, as I take a look at next years receiving unit I find myself forgetting about him. Did he become the modern day Bobby Byrd?

- I mentioned Tyree St Louis in my OP, I really think he's one of the most pivotal guys for next year. He needs to be Coach Searles pet project. He looks the part of a RT and he seemed to make some strides but I notice that he gets beat inside a lot, across the face( which is worse than getting beat on the edge) on pass pro. But I really hope he solidifies his spot next year. He has some real physical upside

- It will be interesting to see how Ahmonn Richards expands his route tree next year. If he becomes a real technician at this position he can be Andre Johnson-level good( and as great as Johnson became Im not sure he was ready to do the stuff Richards did as a true freshman). But I think Richards is this good - to me, if/when Kaaya leaves, my choice for QB is the guy who has the best chemistry with 82. Yeah, I know it seems far-fetched but c'mon, it's not that crazy if you think about it

- Finally, there's a big debate on just how 'important' non-playoff bowl games are. Well, when you haven't won one of them in a decade and you come out victorious, yeah, it's pretty **** important. And you know what they say about winning - it beats losing.
Click to expand...

Super Post---2002 Defense was great but going back another 12/13 years I would favor a Defense with Cortez Kennedy, Russell Maryland, Greg Mark, Willis Peguese, with Shane Curry, Rusty Medearis and Darrien Krein as backups..Played a lot of 5/2 defense that was further anchored by Benard Clark, Maurice Crum, and Mike Barrow..I can still see the fear in the opposing QB's facemask with Kennedy and Maryland coming up the middle together....Tough choice but you're correct in that the WVA game showed some of old flash of a well coordinated defense with dedicated players rising to the top...
Click to expand...


Yeah, that 89 defense is a personal favorite of mine. Nobody re-set the LOS the way they did. It was such a deep and talented unit that Jimmie Jones( who had a good NFL career) was a back-up at DT as a senior. The other end opposite Mark was Willis Pegues(played in the NFL).I think the 3rd starting 'backer that season was Richard Newbill( who also played in the league).

Jimmy Johnson left ERRickson a full cupboard at Miami
 
edge said:
Great stuff K9.

Not too not pick, but Coley did limp off the field on one play. But he was back in a couple plays later. It was late 3rd or early 4th. It would not be a game if Coley didn't nick something lol. He was real cool in the tunnel though high fiving all the Canes fans. We will miss him, special player.
Click to expand...

Just met him at the Nike outlet about a mile from my hotel. He is bigger than I thought and very humble and polite. I said his name and he came over, shook my hand and took a picture with me. I told him they played a great game and wished him luck going forward. He and his mom (I presume) both thanked me.
 
CaneClassic said:
The FSU and ND games will haunt me in the post-season, the coulda, woulda, shouldas, but a very solid and encouraging season from our Canes.

Not just optimistic about the future but genuinely excited. Won't have to talk myself into hope this offseason, which will be a nice change of pace.
Click to expand...

Looks like we need a bigger talent advantage over UNC and VT to win a Coastal. Recruiting is going to tell us a lot, IMO.
 
CFLCane said:
I really don't understand how so many posters here continue to put the majority of the bad offensive play on kayaa on the playcalling when it's clearly the Oline that's been holding us back.

Responsibility
Oline 60%
Playcalling 20%
Kaaya 20%
Click to expand...

Though I agree the OL held us back, the coaches need to realize what they are capable of and not call plays they cannot carry out.
 
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