Miami Football: 5 Things the Hurricanes Need To Do To Finish a Dismal Season
With the complete lack of excitement surrounding the Hurricanes, there isn't much more that can be said about them this year.
After a pretty good year last year, all the soon to be juniors came into the year with "swagger". It was short lived.
Miami has played well at times and absolutely horrible the rest of the time.
With the season lost and no longer in Miami's control, here is what needs to be done these next few weeks, not just for this year, but also for next.
#5 Let The True Freshman Play
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In Miami's last game against the Virginia Cavaliers the Hurricanes offense was completely lost and showed no emotion whatsoever.
The reason was the lack of confidence and skill of quarterback Jacory Harris. Unfortunately Jacory got hurt, I don't wish injury on anyone one, and Freshman Stephen Morris came to the rescue.
Morris threw two interceptions, one of them was an absolutely great catch by the Cavaliers defensive back in the end zone. The other, a tipped ball.
On the bright side, after he settled down, he went on to lead the Hurricanes to two touchdown passes and a nice touchdown run.
The freshman will have some ups and downs, there is no doubt, but what he showed me was that he has arm strength. Something Harris doesn't have.
If you watch every game you will see that Harris floats balls to his receivers, Morris on the other hand, has arm strength and zips the balls in there.
Now I know if Morris was to start the rest of the season that he will make some Freshman mistakes, no doubt about it, but his confidence and physical ability is already better then Harris. not to mention Morris is a much more mobile quarterback.
Suggestion, let Morris finish the season at quarterback and then next spring they can all compete for the #1 spot.
#4 Work On a Different Offensive Scheme.
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I am a big fan of pro style offense. I really am, but sometimes you may have the athletes to spread it out a little bit.
By starting Morris you have the ability to run more of a different style offense, a spread even.
Every team knows exactly what is coming when they play the Hurricanes. Miami has the same set plays every single game. Although they average a decent 170 yards per game, its not what they should be getting.
Miami's offensive line was horrible last year, but this year has been one of the bright spots of the season. That being said, there is no way they shouldn't be averaging about 35 points per game, instead of 28.
Although a lot of the problems comes from Harris, the rest of the blame is on Randy Shannon and Mark Whipple.
#3 Play Graig Cooper More
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This is Coopers last year. He has been the leading rusher for the Hurricanes for two years now and when he comes into the game, he gives them a better rushing offense.
Not to take away from Damien Berry and Lamar Miller, but Cooper is just a better running back. He hits the holes much faster and is just as strong as Berry.
The most impressive thing about Cooper is that he shows some emotion when he is on the field. The lackluster play of the Hurricanes boils down to attitude and Cooper is the answer on the field.
Also keep in mind that when Cooper gets the ball, he is averaging 8.3 yards per carry, three more then both Miller and Berry have gotten.
I am not saying start Cooper, but he needs to get more touches.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
#2 Start Playing Other Wide Receivers More
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Leonard Hankerson has been the best receiver on the Hurricanes team this year, there is no doubt about that.
Travis Benjamin and LaRon Byrd have also been playing pretty good of late, but Miami needs to start looking towards Tommy Streeter and Kendal Thompkins as well.
I've heard nothing but great things from these two wide outs all spring and summer, yet never find them on the field. Maybe they aren't practicing as well as the other starters, but give them some playing time.
They can't be any worse then what the receivers have done so far with the dropped balls, which i totally do not believe all the blame should be on the receivers. Jacory is to blame for those drops as well with all the floaters he tends to throw to these kids.
So start Byrd, Hankerson, and Benjamin, but get those other kids in, it will only be better to get them game time now, instead of waiting next until next year.
#1 Shows Some Damn Emotion!
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This maybe the most frustrating thing all year being a Hurricanes fan, is watching one of the most boring teams in the country.
They walk around like they are zombies. Like they aren't even playing for one of the best football programs in the country.
I have literally seen middle school football teams show more exuberance then these guys.
They had one game in which they ran around and played hard, showed emotion, and plain had fun and they won that game against UNC, 33-10.
Against Virginia they came out flat and not until the fourth quarter did they actual look like they were playing a game in the national spot light. Unfortunately it was a little too late.
Although the season is pretty much over for the Hurricanes, they still need to end strong and look towards next year. They can do that by setting a tone.
The Hurricanes of past, I know are shaking their heads it total disgust and its not only the coaches fault, its also the players.
They have the opportunity to play for big time football program and they are little every opportunity slip from their grasp.
Let it all out Miami and start playing like "The U", not like Miami of Ohio.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
