Thursday, November 30, 2006
It's all about the blUe???
I remember thinking to myself before the season that I would love to see a game on the "smurf turf" but I also remember thinking how bad we would have to be to play there. Well yesterday afternoon my thoughts became reality when the U accepted an invitation to play on the "BLUE"(or the MPC Computers bowl to be exact). Listen I know that there are a vocal majority that thought we should say no and move on to next year, well I'm not one of them!!! Unlike many "BANDWAGON" Cane fans whose loyalty to the team is based on wins and losses, my loyalty is unconditional. As far as I'm concerned any game is a great game. If it's between the "SMURF BOWL" and nothing I choose the "SMURF BOWL". To be perfectly honest with you I'm excited about it, maybe the fact that I actually get to be there helps. I understand that the fans who will be watching from the couch this is no big deal,but I'm pumped to actually see the blue field. Hey call me a dork ,I'm excited!!! If you look at Nevada on paper we should be able to dominate them,but we haven't dominated anybody this year( except FAMU and they dont count) but I think we will win this game and send Larry Coker out a winner. In closing I know this isn't a BCS or National Title game but I encourage all the "true" Canes to get behind this team one more time and bring the MPC computers bowl trophy to Coral Gables...It's all about the blUe baby!!!GO CANES!!!
Caneiac1
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
It's over already???
Ok I'll admit it this year was a disaster of epic proportions,nothing went right and everything that could go wrong went wrong, but here I am facing another off season. Another 8 months of waiting and wandering. Hey I know it sounds pathetic but I live for this. The U is my heart and for 3 months out of the year it's my life. What's next?? First of all I'll wait patiently to see if we'll be playing on the "blue field" or the "baseball field". After that I'll make my travel plans for San Fran. or Boise. Next I'll spend Christmas wishing for a better year in 2007. Next i'm off to wherever we play to watch the Canes lower themselves to play in a terribly humiliating bowl game against a team that has no buisness ever facing my beloved Canes. F0llowing that I'll go into depresssion for a couple weeks as the reality that the season is over sinks in. The NFL playoffs should get me through January and the begining of February. I am not that big of an NBA fan,but i'll watch. College basketball will carry me through March(other than UM football March madness is the only other thing I really get excited about the rest of the year). The NBA playoffs will get me through June and this is when it gets rough. July through September are the "black hole" of sports. I despise MLB(What a Joke!!!) and my anticipation for the new season will slowly drive me insane until 9-1-2006 and the Marshall Thundering Herd arrive in the 305. Anyways what i'm trying to say is the computer bowl is not exactly the National Championship,but for the true die hard Cane fan it's one more chance to see your Canes take the field before the long off season....CANE FOOTBALL...I LIVE FOR THIS!!!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Patience is a virtue!!
Ok so the Larry Coker era is over and the hunt for a new coach at the U is underway,as canes fans lets not get ahead of ourselves. Lets clear up some myths about the 2007 season. First of all anyone who thinks we are going to compete for the National title next year is delusional.Let it go!!Here are a few reasons why:
1) A New System-Whoever the new coach is they will bring in a totally different system than "Coker Ball". It will take at least a year for our players to fully understand and get comfortable with a new system.
2) Schedule-If you think the Gators had it rough this year listen to this gauntlet:
On the road at Norman(OK.),Talahasee(FSU),Blacksburg(VT) and Chestnut Hill(BC).
On top of that we host GT,Maryland,UVA and Texas Tech at the OB.
Lets be realistic,it would take Jesus himself to get us through that schedule with a first year coach and system.
3) Quarterback controversey- I know it sounds cliche but who is gonna step up and be the go to guy??
Kyle Wright-Has all the potential in the world.Kyle had a fairly good campaign in 2005.I think realistically Kyle is our best option but he had a total collapse this year.I think Kyle lost the trust of this offense and he'll have to earn it back during the spring if he wants his job back.
Kirby Freeman-Kirby looked great at times(see the Maryland game) and he looked terrible at times(see the UVA and BC games).I think Kirby has the potential to be an exciting playmaker but I think he makes too many Brett Favre type mistakes.
Ultimately I think the QB competition will come down to the offensive system we will run next year.
In conclusion if you are expecting a miracle turn around next year don't hold your breath.I think 9-4 or even 10-3 with a trip to the Peach or Gator bowl is a reasonable goal for this young and unproven Hurricane team.However don't worry 2008 is another story completely(How about #6 in 08???)
1) A New System-Whoever the new coach is they will bring in a totally different system than "Coker Ball". It will take at least a year for our players to fully understand and get comfortable with a new system.
2) Schedule-If you think the Gators had it rough this year listen to this gauntlet:
On the road at Norman(OK.),Talahasee(FSU),Blacksburg(VT) and Chestnut Hill(BC).
On top of that we host GT,Maryland,UVA and Texas Tech at the OB.
Lets be realistic,it would take Jesus himself to get us through that schedule with a first year coach and system.
3) Quarterback controversey- I know it sounds cliche but who is gonna step up and be the go to guy??
Kyle Wright-Has all the potential in the world.Kyle had a fairly good campaign in 2005.I think realistically Kyle is our best option but he had a total collapse this year.I think Kyle lost the trust of this offense and he'll have to earn it back during the spring if he wants his job back.
Kirby Freeman-Kirby looked great at times(see the Maryland game) and he looked terrible at times(see the UVA and BC games).I think Kirby has the potential to be an exciting playmaker but I think he makes too many Brett Favre type mistakes.
Ultimately I think the QB competition will come down to the offensive system we will run next year.
In conclusion if you are expecting a miracle turn around next year don't hold your breath.I think 9-4 or even 10-3 with a trip to the Peach or Gator bowl is a reasonable goal for this young and unproven Hurricane team.However don't worry 2008 is another story completely(How about #6 in 08???)
Caneiac1
Saturday, November 25, 2006
What now???
So now that Larry is out what should we expect??Well I'm no expert but here is my two cents on the situation:
1)Steve Spurrier(USC)-Sounded great but "Dream On"!! Spurrier is an SEC guy,not to mention the fact that if he went to UM he would go from a liked and respected former coach to a traitor of Benedict Arnold proportions in the eyes of Gator fans.
2)Rich Rodriguez(WVU)-Never Happen!!! This guy has his nose so far up WVU's ass that he can't see his hand in front of his face. He is also under the "Delusion"that he can win a National Title at WVU (Yeah right!!)
3)Bob Stoops(OK)-Tooooooo Expensive!!!
4)Tommy Tuberville(former Auburn coach)-We had our chance and we blew it!!
5)June Jones(Hawaii)-Last season "Air"Jones and his offense racked up 476.2 yards a game and 384.2 yards per game through the air(which was second best in the country). This would be an inexpensive and economical hire which would end our offensive woes.
6)Gary Patterson(TCU)-Yet another inexpensive yet practical choice is Gary Patterson.This young and hungry coach has taken TCU from obscurity to a perenial winner.In just 6 seasons on the job he is the only coach to lead a TCU team to three ten win seasons and two 11 win seasons back to back.
7)Randy Shannon(UM Def. Coord.)-Although Randy is a local hero and a great defensive mind I don't think this hire would cause the shake up that the administration,alumni or fans are looking for.Sadly we could lose Shannon if we pass him up.
8)Greg Shiano(Rutgers)-This is the most attractive choice.I mean this guy has Rutgers in the hunt for a conference title!!RUTGERS!!He's young,He's hungry,He has ties to UM and regardless of what he says he's listening.The only problem is he's expensive and he's a god in NJ.I think we should offer him whatever he wants but I don't know if the Administration is willing to pony up the dough.
9)Barry Alvarez(Former Wisconsin coach)-If you want to know who i would bet on it would be this guy. To begin with he has ties to UM president Donna Shalala from her days at UW. Secondly he is a strict disciplinarian which we definately need at the U. Lastly he is a proven winner(three Rose Bowl victories). I think Barry is a great coach but I don't think he is a UM style coach. I don't like his up hte gut 4 yards a play offense, if you ask me it's too boring and conservative!! My gut tells me that this will be our next coach and I will welcome him but this is not my first choice.
In conclusion I don't know who our new coach will be,but I know it will be a decided upgrade from the last regime(Sorry Larry).Anyways let the debate begin..GO CANES!!!
Caneiac1
1)Steve Spurrier(USC)-Sounded great but "Dream On"!! Spurrier is an SEC guy,not to mention the fact that if he went to UM he would go from a liked and respected former coach to a traitor of Benedict Arnold proportions in the eyes of Gator fans.
2)Rich Rodriguez(WVU)-Never Happen!!! This guy has his nose so far up WVU's ass that he can't see his hand in front of his face. He is also under the "Delusion"that he can win a National Title at WVU (Yeah right!!)
3)Bob Stoops(OK)-Tooooooo Expensive!!!
4)Tommy Tuberville(former Auburn coach)-We had our chance and we blew it!!
5)June Jones(Hawaii)-Last season "Air"Jones and his offense racked up 476.2 yards a game and 384.2 yards per game through the air(which was second best in the country). This would be an inexpensive and economical hire which would end our offensive woes.
6)Gary Patterson(TCU)-Yet another inexpensive yet practical choice is Gary Patterson.This young and hungry coach has taken TCU from obscurity to a perenial winner.In just 6 seasons on the job he is the only coach to lead a TCU team to three ten win seasons and two 11 win seasons back to back.
7)Randy Shannon(UM Def. Coord.)-Although Randy is a local hero and a great defensive mind I don't think this hire would cause the shake up that the administration,alumni or fans are looking for.Sadly we could lose Shannon if we pass him up.
8)Greg Shiano(Rutgers)-This is the most attractive choice.I mean this guy has Rutgers in the hunt for a conference title!!RUTGERS!!He's young,He's hungry,He has ties to UM and regardless of what he says he's listening.The only problem is he's expensive and he's a god in NJ.I think we should offer him whatever he wants but I don't know if the Administration is willing to pony up the dough.
9)Barry Alvarez(Former Wisconsin coach)-If you want to know who i would bet on it would be this guy. To begin with he has ties to UM president Donna Shalala from her days at UW. Secondly he is a strict disciplinarian which we definately need at the U. Lastly he is a proven winner(three Rose Bowl victories). I think Barry is a great coach but I don't think he is a UM style coach. I don't like his up hte gut 4 yards a play offense, if you ask me it's too boring and conservative!! My gut tells me that this will be our next coach and I will welcome him but this is not my first choice.
In conclusion I don't know who our new coach will be,but I know it will be a decided upgrade from the last regime(Sorry Larry).Anyways let the debate begin..GO CANES!!!
Caneiac1
Thank you Larry!!
Well It's official now as of November 24 2006 the "Larry Coker" era is over!! Hey I'll admit it I jumped on the "I hate Larry" bandwagon this season.My frustration with losing and my disgust of the piss poor play calling caused me to literally hate the guy. However now that it's said and done I almost feel bad for my feeling toward him. Let's be honest, a great coach he's not but a wonderful person hell yes. Larry Coker is just a terrific human being and it's really sad that such a good person had to be let go. So before he goes I want to say thanks to Larry Coker:
1) Thank you for a National Title in 2001.
2) Thank you for a second consecutive trip and almost a second consecutive National Title in 2002 (see the phantom pass interference call)
3) Thank you for being a class act.
4) Thank you for caring for these kids who laid it in the line for you every week.
5) Thank you for never giving up on this team even though the ship was sinking.
6) Thank you for Thursday night, we needed that win more than you'll ever know.
7) Thank you for being a legitimately great person.
In closing I wish you all the success and good fortune that is coming to you. I know that you'll find another job quickly and move on to another direction in you life. Thanks for the memories Larry, we'll miss you in Cane Nation!!!
Caneiac1
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Is this the end for Larry??
Okay at the risk of being a hipocrite I know that I said after BP was killed that I would not criticize this team,but give me a damn break!!!As I sat there in TOTAL disbelief Saturday in Charlottesville I finally reached my breaking point.I was COMPLETELY disgusted with the performance(or lack of).The execution was terrible,but I have to say that Larry Coker and his "Coaching Staff" lost us that game.I have never really criticized Larry Coker too much,but this is pathetic!!Larry Coker is the WORST "Coach" I have ever seen in my life.He's a Joke!!!He is ruining this program PERIOD!!We have gone from a National Champ to a National Chump in only six seasons and it breaks my heart. I don't believe this is a bad team,I think Larry Coker has neutered this proud program!!When he should have put a foot in some of these players asses a long time ago all he gives them is two claps and a fist pump."What a Joke". I have not seen a weaker UM offense in my lifetime,we couldn't score on a two dollar prostitute this year.We are totally predictable and utterly boring,it's painful to watch.Having said that, I read a report on MSNBC which said that Larry Coker will be fired after the BC game and the newest rumor is one that I never even thought about.There is a rumor out that none other than "The old ball coach" Steve Spurrier has already been contacted.Now I don't buy into rumors and I don;t see this happening,but just the thought gets me excited!!A Steve Spurrier high octane offense plus a UM defense=an UNBEATABLE team!!I'm talking National Title in the next couple years.Anyways let me come back to reality now,regardless of all of this there is one more game to play and I still love the U.Larry it's been nice knowing you,but all things must come to an end,so why not lay it on the line Thanksgiving night and give us a nice gift...A WIN!!GO CANES ground the EAGLES!!!
'
Caneiac1
'
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Curse or Collapse???
I have never been the type of sports fan who believes in sports curses and superstition(Curse of the bambino or the billie goat in Chicago),however as of late I'm staring to become open to the idea that the U is cursed this season.Once again I sat at a Hurricane game with my heart in my throat Saturday as I watched another FLUKE interception and fumbled punt drive a steak through the hearts of this battered and weary Miami team.Are we cursed??Have we done something terrible to bring this horrible season on ourselves??If we aren't cursed how do you explain it??How do you explain a team that was picked to win the ACC and picked by some to win the National Title(Kirk Herbstreet) going 5-5 to start the season??How do you explain a QB who lots of people felt would have a breakout year turning to mush in the spotlight??How do you explain a pass defense picked by many to be the best in the country getting picked apart all season(see the Louisville and Maryland game film)??How do you explain a bench clearing brawl with a team we've never even played against??How do you explain a media feeding frenzy picking at the Canes like a bunch of voltures feeding on a dead carcass??How do you explain countless dropped passes by multiple players(Lance Legget at GT,Sam Shields WIDE OPEN after his defender fell down at Maryland)??How do you explain a senseless and tragic murder of a great kid??How do you explain our rising star "Baby J" not being able to stay healthy??How do you explain a 25-20 victory over Duke or a 14-13 victory over Houston??Are we this bad??I don't think so!!The thing that baffles me is that we are probably more talented than anyone in the conference.We have all the weapons,but we don't find ways to use them.Has the coaching really been so bad that it has cost us 5 losses??Hey I'm right up there with many other Canes fans,I want Larry Coker gone yesterday,but I dont think it's as much his fault as people think.Larry Coker isn't dropping passes,throwing picks or fumbling punts and I know alot of canes fans don't wanna see it that way but the players have made the mistakes.I guess my point is that I can't explain this season,I dont know if it's a curse or just bad luck,maybe it's coaching and maybe it's the players,all I know for sure is that I'll be in Charlottesville VA Saturday with my head held high and my us against the world attitude still in tact!!In closing I leave you with this thought"This team might be a sinking ship,but I would rather have a front row seat to this sinking ship than a seat on any bandwagon in the world!!"CANES FOREVER!!!
Will AKA Caneiac1
Will AKA Caneiac1
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Suddenly football isn't so important!!
Just as I was sitting down Tuesday night to rip UM for another pathetic loss to VT Saturday a breaking news story interupted the NIU/ Toledo "game".Miami Defensive lineman Bryan Pata shot and killed!Killed??Suddenly football isn't so important.Suddenly a 5-4 start isn't so bad.Suddenly a scrub bowl game isn't so devastating.Suddenly things come back into perspective.This is human life we are talking about not a game on a Saturday morning.This is a mother who will never see her son again not a fan whining about another loss.This is as real as it gets!!As I come to terms with the magnitude of this tragedy I can't help but be ashamed of myself and many other Hurricane "fans".I'll admit it I was one of the many people in the OB Saturday night trashing the players and coaches from the sideline.I have ripped the team repeatedly for their poor performance on the field but now all of that seems so insignificant.We need to realize that these are 18,19 and 20 year old kids and many of them have never been equiped with the tools they need to cope with such a terrible loss.I encourage every true Hurricane fan to get behind this team.If you are able to travel to Maryland or Charlottsville VA get there and even if you can't be there show your support wherever you might be.Wear a #95 jersey or wrist band or something to honor our fallen family member.Pack the seats of the OB on Thanksgiving night.Let these kids know we have their back!!Finally whether we win out or lose all three lets honor Bryan Pata by sticking by our team....GO CANES!!!
Caneiac1
P.S.:Bryan we'll miss you and you'll always be in the hearts of all Canes players and fans .RIP
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Just a side note!!
If you have read my profile you'll see that unfortunately I am from West Virginia(try being a cane fan here)Anyways over the years I have come to not only hate but despise the WVU Mountaineers and their fans.Let me explain why:
1)I have never seen more arrogant fans anywhere but what do they have to be arrogant about???A National Title?NO!A CONSISTENT winning program?NO!An impressive bowl record?NO!All the Mountaineers have accomplished in recent history is a few good years(1987,1993,2005*In a Big East conference without Miami,VT or BC*)a few Big East Championships(same as above)and with the exception of a Sugar Bowl in which they almost blew a 28 point lead,a boat load of humiliating sub par bowl losses.
2)They are the only fans in America who are proud to brag that they are the winningest school without a National Title in NCAA history(yes I'm serious).
3)They trash the Canes like they were so competitive against us.Last time I checked they were 3-19 against us all time.
4) They have the arrogance of Miami,Notre Dame,Michigan or Ohio ST. but the history of Wake Forrest or Iowa ST. or any other average at best football program in the NCAA.
5)They have the nerve to call me a front running fan however WVU fans are the worst fair weather fans in America.A few years ago when WVU was 3-9 you couldn't find a WVU t-shirt or hat anywhere,now suddenly the "DIE HARD" fans are out in full force(what a joke).
6)When WVU is losing the few true fans are halfway descent,but when they win a few games and get a little respect they make complete asses out of themselves.WVU fans have ran their mouths to me all season about how great they are and how bad the U is,like everone else they kick us when we are down!!COWARDS!!
The truth is WV..WHO isn't even worthy to be mentioned in the same breathe as UM.They aren't even in our shadow(you need a few National Championshis to be there).This year they are cashing in on a WEAK schedule,WEAK conference and cinderella type story,but tonight I think Cinderella is gonna come limping out of Louisville with a glass sliper up her ass.
1)I have never seen more arrogant fans anywhere but what do they have to be arrogant about???A National Title?NO!A CONSISTENT winning program?NO!An impressive bowl record?NO!All the Mountaineers have accomplished in recent history is a few good years(1987,1993,2005*In a Big East conference without Miami,VT or BC*)a few Big East Championships(same as above)and with the exception of a Sugar Bowl in which they almost blew a 28 point lead,a boat load of humiliating sub par bowl losses.
2)They are the only fans in America who are proud to brag that they are the winningest school without a National Title in NCAA history(yes I'm serious).
3)They trash the Canes like they were so competitive against us.Last time I checked they were 3-19 against us all time.
4) They have the arrogance of Miami,Notre Dame,Michigan or Ohio ST. but the history of Wake Forrest or Iowa ST. or any other average at best football program in the NCAA.
5)They have the nerve to call me a front running fan however WVU fans are the worst fair weather fans in America.A few years ago when WVU was 3-9 you couldn't find a WVU t-shirt or hat anywhere,now suddenly the "DIE HARD" fans are out in full force(what a joke).
6)When WVU is losing the few true fans are halfway descent,but when they win a few games and get a little respect they make complete asses out of themselves.WVU fans have ran their mouths to me all season about how great they are and how bad the U is,like everone else they kick us when we are down!!COWARDS!!
The truth is WV..WHO isn't even worthy to be mentioned in the same breathe as UM.They aren't even in our shadow(you need a few National Championshis to be there).This year they are cashing in on a WEAK schedule,WEAK conference and cinderella type story,but tonight I think Cinderella is gonna come limping out of Louisville with a glass sliper up her ass.
Optimism or Insanity????
Ok here it is 5 days removed from the GT collapse,2 days from my angry ranting about the team and coaches performance Saturday and here I am feeling that old familiar feeling that only a true canes fan feels.....Optimism!!! That feeling that won't allow me to stay angry or miss a game,that feeling that kept me in my seat for every second of the GT,Louisville and Peach Bowl losses,that feeling that keeps me excited about a showdown with VT that on the surface means nothing.What is it about Hurricane fans that allows us to be defiant when we're playing terrible???What is it that allows us to talk trash when our team doesn't back it up???What is that keeps me from joining the bandwagon of fair weather fans who jumped ship a long time ago??? Is it ignorance??Insanity,or is it the fact that I have seen the Canes at their lowest and they always scratch and claw their way back to the top eventually??Maybe the never die mentality of this program has over the years rubbed off on me as a fan.Maybe seeing the canes rise from the ashes in the late 90's inspires me to hope!!Maybe as Canes fans we have seen the U overcome all odds in the past keeps us coming back!!For me I find myself every week believing that this is our week to start the long climb back to the top.This Saturday is no exception!!To begin with I personally hate VT almost as much as FS...who,i'm tired of hearing about Beamer Ball and the "suddenly resurgent" Hokies,what a joke!!I'm tired of hearing that we are staring down the barrel of 3 more losses and I'm really tired of being trashed by EVERYONE in America.WE NEED THIS WIN!!!No not the team,the fans.Cane Nation needs this win!We need to crush the Chokies Saturday!The fans aren't asking for a National Title or an ACC title right now we just want an inspired effort..GO Canes!!!
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