k9cane
Senior
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2011
- Messages
- 10,127
Miami wins 33-20, but did anyone else get East Carolina 1999 vibes? That was a game that they lead 24-7 in the second half and then fell apart. Or a bit like last years FSU game, where they nearly squandered a 28-3 4th quarter lead. Again, these Cristobal teams still have to learn how to truly finish. They won, but in truth it's a game where the coaches will have a lot to say this week.
- Darian Mensah was surgical early and then struggled late. The Canes offense looked unstoppable early on and then quite frankly, played scared late in the game. But I do wonder if Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher were a bit banged up as they were on the sideline for key drives on early downs. Regardless, that one drive where they basically threw three screens was infuriating.
- Defense, up and down, and then up again. Bad first drive, then a good stretch, then they cracked a bit at 31-7 giving up consecutive TD drives. But I give them credit, they bowed up late. If they just make routine tackles for sacks on a gutty Gio Lopez, the game would've been different.
- I still wonder if the Miami defense is better off playing more man coverage.
- The run game was there at times, but then it bogged down late. Mirabal is still probably looking for his best five.
- Damon Wilson, one really bad penalty on the roughing the passer, but he did make his presence felt in the second half consistently. He drew penalties and provided constant pressure.
- OK, a win is a win. But this is a win that shows that the Canes are still very much a work in progress on both sides of the ball.
- Darian Mensah was surgical early and then struggled late. The Canes offense looked unstoppable early on and then quite frankly, played scared late in the game. But I do wonder if Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher were a bit banged up as they were on the sideline for key drives on early downs. Regardless, that one drive where they basically threw three screens was infuriating.
- Defense, up and down, and then up again. Bad first drive, then a good stretch, then they cracked a bit at 31-7 giving up consecutive TD drives. But I give them credit, they bowed up late. If they just make routine tackles for sacks on a gutty Gio Lopez, the game would've been different.
- I still wonder if the Miami defense is better off playing more man coverage.
- The run game was there at times, but then it bogged down late. Mirabal is still probably looking for his best five.
- Damon Wilson, one really bad penalty on the roughing the passer, but he did make his presence felt in the second half consistently. He drew penalties and provided constant pressure.
- OK, a win is a win. But this is a win that shows that the Canes are still very much a work in progress on both sides of the ball.
