Happy almost-Friday, guys. Let’s get into it.

Freshmen LBs confident, prepared for challenge of facing Georgia Tech

I’ve been calling the trio of Mike Pinckney, Shaq Quarterman, and Zach McCloud “Freshmores” throughout the beginning of the season. These true freshmen LBs may be young, but they’re talented and VERY good. Combined through 3 games, they have amassed 35 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks (Pinckney) and I swear from watching the games that those numbers are low.

Now, ahead of their first ACC game — a road game against Georgia Tech and that darn flexbone triple option — the trio is exuding confidence in their abilities and preparation.

To be clear, facing GT’s flexbone option attack is a challenge. Appalachian State has a multiple look run offense, but the flexbone option necessitates the defense play their assignment (and read/diagnose those assignments) very quickly.

Now, don’t take that last paragraph for me saying the New Bermuda Triangle can’t handle the task. They’ve done everything asked of them and then some so far in their time at Miami. So, why not add play a strong ACC road game, shut down GT’s option offense, and be key contributors to a Canes victory to the list?

ACC Championship Game moves to Orlando per ESPN report

I mentioned this yesterday, but a further report has come out about the ACC Championship game.

Per Brett McMurphy of ESPN, the game will be played in Orlando on December 3rd.

The SBNation mothership had this article recapping the entire situation, and what moving the ACCCG to Orlando means for now and the future to the ACC.

The only thing missing now is an official announcement from the ACC regarding this move. Stands to reason that such an announcement could be coming in the very near future.

In Memoriam

Whether a Marlins fan or not, nearly everyone in South Florida has been affected by the tragic passing of 24-year old superstar pitcher Jose Fernandez. While we mourn Fernandez, his passing isn’t the only instance of a player with ties to this community who passed far too young.

Yesterday, our Blain Bradley wrote this piece remembering Fernandez along with several UM alums who died too young.

Rest in peace, gentlemen. You’re all missed.

Kara McCormack. Woman of the Year Finalist

This is a nice story. Kara McCormack, a member of the UM Women’s Swimming and Diving team, is a finalist for the NCAA’s Woman of the Year.

An Austin, TX native, McCormack is one of 9 finalists for this award. The Mathematics major carries a 3.98 GPA (that’s like 1 A- ever) and looks to continue her education even though her diving career is at its end. An excerpt from her personal statement as a finalist

“Although my diving career is over, I am now taking a new plunge into another opportunity: research in the medical field. My next step is a Ph.D., followed by teaching and continued advocacy for young women to follow their passions. I therefore thank my collegiate career for making me the woman I am today, and for allowing me to continue to spread this strength to others around the world.”

McCormack showed her talents well in her time competing at The U. She was a 3 time All-American, and was named the 2013 ACC Diver of the year. McCormack competed at the Olympic trials for USA Swimming in 2012.

As if that wasn’t enough, McCormack participated in an outreach trip to rural Vietnam, made the dean’s list every semester of her college career, and was inducted into Iron Arrow, the highest honor for a student at the University of Miami.

McCormack is up against 8 other wonderful individuals for the Woman of the Year award, but she’s the winner in my book.

More praise for Canes Football

Real quick, but FootballScoop.com listed Miami’s hiring of Mark Richt as the best coaching hire of the year to this point.

With Miami playing to a level of excellence that has not been seen in more than a decade — even against teams without the Canes’ level of talent — it’s hard to argue against that.

Bravo, Coach!

Quick Hitters

Gotta move fast!

The NFL twitter account asked a question everybody knows an answer to.

C’mon, fam. You already know Miami is NFLU. We’ve been over this. And, if you didn’t, just look at the graphic with the tweet. It’s plain as day.

Mike Grunewald is back with the Sunshine State 7 power rankings

Jerry gave us a transcript of Mark Richt’s media availability after Wednesday’s practice.

David Perez profiled a top 2019 recruit from a HS program that has sent plenty of top player to The U for more than 20 years.

And, if you missed yesterday’s New and Notes, I have it for you right here.

That’s it for today.

Seeya!