Yikes, that was ugly. I think I heard Al Golden say, “What the hell have I gotten myself into?” from the press box. The Canes stunk up the joint worse than one of my post-La Spada’s dumps. A 33-17 drubbing at the hands of Notre Dame that wasn’t even as close as the score indicates. 10 penalties. 4 turnovers. And a partridge in a pear tree.
As always, let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The Good:
- Mike James. Props to interim coach Jeff Stoutland for not only starting James, but giving him significant playing time. It was nice to see Mike out there, able to take his mind off the pain of recent weeks, if only for a few hours.
- Matt Bosher. This kid is going to be missed next year – if not for his kicking abilities, then for his tackling abilities on kickoff coverage. Is it me, or is Bosh our leading tackler on special teams? 40.8 yard average on punts, 2 for 2 on extra points, and he made his only field goal attempt, a 47 yarder. Bosh leaves some pretty big shoes to fill.
- Brandon Harris. No, he didn’t have his best game, getting toasted on one play for a TD by the NFL-ready Michael Floyd. But, the poor showing probably means Brandon is coming back for his senior year. I can’t imagine many NFL teams wanting to spend a first rounder after that display. No other player’s presence is as important for the 2011 Hurricanes than Brandon’s.
The Bad:
- The turnovers. 3 Jacory INTs and 1 Morris INT. Unacceptable. Midway through the 2nd quarter, the Hurricanes were on pace for 12 interceptions. Jacory’s stat line looks worse than Amy Winehouse on a Sunday morning: 4/7, 37 yards, 3 INTs. Jacory’s leading receiver yesterday (Harrison Smith) is not a member of the Miami Hurricanes.
- The penalties. (in Allen Iverson ‘Practice?!’ voice): ‘Ten?! Ten?!’ Ten mother f’n penalties. Golden was in the press box doing an interview when he brought it up – it was the first thing he mentioned. Just unacceptable. This team is about as disciplined as Lindsay Lohan in a restroom with lines of coke on the counter. This has got to change and it is something that Golden will surely address.
- The tackling. I swear, this team would be undefeated if it just shored up the penalties, the turnovers, and the missed tackles. Problem is, that’s most of football. Over pursuits, missed tackles, missed coverages. We sound like a broken record. I’m looking forward to Kelvin Cain playing at linebacker next year, along with Spence. Those two, along with Ramon Buchanan, should make for a formidable linebacking trio.
The Ugly:
- Wilcots/Barnhart fist bump. Did anyone else see this at the end of the halftime show? The icing on the abysmal cake that was the first half was this impromptu fist bump between CBS’ Solomon Wilcots and Tony Barnhart, wrapping up the halftime segment. Ill advised. I think they bumped once and Wilcots went in for another and Barnhart was like an awkward old white guy caught in headlights and didn’t know what to do. So awkward. I would have felt more comfortable watching a brother and sister make out. Memo to Barnhart: Please don’t attempt anything that remotely requires rhythm. This includes fist bumps, break dancing, and Michael Jackson:The Experience on Wii.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad the season is over. Jacory is done. So much promise….now its time to hold a clipboard.
Love your site, laughed my a** off at your candor all seaso.
That said, I can’t believe what a disaster this season was. So I’m gonna vent, get it out of my system, check in on signing day and then check out until August.
TOP disappointments:
1. Randy’s sideline demeanor. Especially against FSU.
2. Jacory…nuff said. Dude i hung in there with you forever, but after the ND game, i’m not a fan anymore. 32INT’s, seriously? I never want to see you behind center again.
3. Aldarius…this was supposed to be his breakout season…is he on the team??? What happened to him? Please take a lesson or three from Hank on how to use the offseason.
4. Lack of using Lamar and Mike James…where were the easy screens and underneath passes to let these guys use their skills? Lamar is one of the most explosive players in the country. He should’ve had 20 touches a game.
5. The drops….seriously?
6. Lack of even trying to use Streeter…there’s something in the locker room behind this, i mean look how easy he ran past the DB for that TD in the bowl game. I hope Golden gives him a clean slate.
7. The poor angles our safeties took, ok this is awfully picky, but RR was out of position so much made my head spin.
8. Franklin and Penalties….Golden will fix that b.s. I think we will be better without Franklin.
9. Bosher—caveat, when you are the leading tackler on kickoffs i’m not gonna bust your balls over missing a few kicks, but still.
TOP improvements:
1. Offensive Line…guys we have the makings of a dominant 2011 group man for man. Cut our sacks in half. Seemed like the only unit that really played with fire.
2. Defensive Line…i was surprised we had so many TFL this year.
3. Pass coverage…except for the constant 3rd downs we gave up.
4. Forston cares, i needed to see that from him this year.
5. BH is a leader. He gambles some. Can you imagine how worse our season would’ve been without him shutting down half the field (Floyd aside, sigh).
5. HANK–thank you for taking the off season serious and giving us some great moments. Best of luck to you man, you’ve earned it.
6. Spence is healthy and played with fire. He needs to stay and learn more about angles and gain a few more lbs.
7. Morris…to me he’s our guy hands down for 2011-12, he runs, has a quick release, natural leader and throws a strike.
This was the strangest season I can recall for our beloved ‘Canes….great talent all over the field, dominant wins and absolutely puzzling losses and quarters/halfs.
I believe Golden will change this, see ya’ll in August.
Psst, “Playoff?!” is Jim Mora. Turkey’s most famous alcoholic ranted about “Practice?!”
starkweather…you’re right!!! It’s practice….we tokkin bout practice!! Not a game! Not a game! Practice! Correction made.