Before I unload on the University of Miami, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that things are finally looking on the “up and up”.
The school administration FINALLY hired a head coach who could lead ants to a picnic in Mark Richt. It FINALLY allowed some resources to be poured into a reputable coaching staff. It FINALLY allowed resources to be poured into an indoor practice facility, since it rains a lot in South Florida for some reason.
The season ticket base has expanded in spades (over 40,000). Recruiting has picked up, and is only getting better. Doesn’t hurt that the football stadium shared with the Miami Dolphins got a much-needed facelift and a cool-ass name (can’t beat “Hard Rock Stadium”).
However, the lasting wounds from the ill-fated Al Golden era is still lingering.
While recruiting has picked up, Golden’s poor recruiting has rendered the Hurricanes thin at important positions, mainly on defense. They STILL cannot beat Florida State. Their mental toughness is still a work in progress.
Let’s examine the 20-13 loss to the underdog, albeit uber-offensively talented, UNC Tar Heels for a minute.
The Canes were playing at home, and the Heels have not won there in quite some time. Miami players swore up and down that there would be no post-FSU hangover this time around.
After falling behind 10-0, that notion went right out the window. Not even the halftime ceremony honoring the 2001 national championship team could send enough good vibes towards the present Canes’ way.
And with a game in Blacksburg, VA with a very good – and probably very angry – Virginia Tech squad this Thursday, things could go sideways for the Canes quickly.
However, as I said earlier, all is not lost on Miami football.
It has a great, proven winner in Richt. He has the coaching staff to get it done. Recruiting is going to only improve by leaps and bounds.
The future is bright for the Hurricanes, even if they fall a bit short of the ACC Coastal division title this season.
Categories: college football
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