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The wait is over. We are officially days into a Miami Hurricanes game week. The bye week gave fans plenty of time to reflect on the early tilt of the season. Whether it was watching the North Carolina Tar Heels take Clemson to the brink or Central Michigan’s relentless destruction by Western Michigan, the gauge used to measure the season constantly altered during the bye week.
Considering that most teams have played an extra game than Miami, the statistical results for this team through four games are up-and-down. The Canes rank 13th in total defense, 6th against the run, and 4th when it comes to 3rd down conversion rates. Offensively, Miami fails to crack the top 50 in rushing, passing, scoring, 3rd down conversions, and several other efficiency rankings. The constant calling card Manny Diaz has been a strong and stout defense. So far in 2019, the team has maintained that standard. Dan Enos’ offense has been stymied by a lack of execution, poor offensive line play, and a schematically conservative approach. It’s understandable that if a team can’t block or carry out plays with success, a coach is less likely to call plays with extreme variety. However, 3rd-and-11 play-action calls and other nonsensical decisions have been puzzling to watch. The fans, like the team, have had several days to digest what they’ve seen over the last few weeks. Here’s what they had to say:
Tweets after the Victory over Central Michigan
I don’t want to hear Manny or Enos blaming Jarren for the sacks either...kid was getting hammered by the likes of CMU and battled the entire game. The OL is playing like ...that’s a FACT.
— Canes Legacy (@Titan_Cane) September 22, 2019
Stop w the OLine. FSU’s OLine is garbage, but Briles spread it out to take the pressure off. No 7 step drops. Shotgun instead. Enos need to earn his 7 figure salary.
— JDS (@Canesfreak) September 22, 2019
First year head coach, freshman QB, inexperienced OL with no depth, young at WR and DB.
— Cash Money 'Cane (@CashMoneyCane) September 22, 2019
Y'all are acting like we won 11 games last year. It's gonna be a long ride. Support the team now or fuck off.
Calling for Manny's head makes you sound like a child.
Not our best performance but we will improve see you in 2 weeks #GoCanes
— Double D (@DallasDeejay) September 22, 2019
Ok, one more thing. Anyone who wants to trash Jarren really should not follow me. This guy has yet the throw a pick and has taken a beating.
— Feldman ⛓ (@4feldman) September 22, 2019
I am incredibly impressed by @Jarren2Williams and you should be as well. @CanesFootball
I love manny. I want him to do well so bad. He’s perfect for us. But for 6 months I was fed lies about this team. It sucks
— Mikey (@MikeSanchize) September 22, 2019
The Central Michigan win was one of the most putrid victories to come out of Hard Rock Stadium in a while. It was frustrating and embarrassing. Several fans took to social media to show their support for Jarren Williams, displeasure with the team’s play, and the recognition that a culture change takes time.
Tweets through the Bye Week
Disappointed in our fan base this week. 49,000 for home games is unacceptable.
— Canes (2-2) ♂️ (@cg_mia) September 22, 2019
Manny shutting down practice early today because the effort wasn’t there is awesome to hear from the fans perspective... he realizes there is an issue and isn’t accepting anything less than the Miami standard. Now we need players to step up and take control of the locker room!
— Hurricanes Updates (@CanesFamNews) September 26, 2019
All a guy wants is good vibes and a good Hurricanes football team
— Sebastian's Pub (@SebastiansPub) September 26, 2019
That’s honestly not a lot fam come on
If you cheer for something when things are going well and trash the same thing when they aren't, you do not support that thing. It's borderline abusive
— Cash Money 'Cane (@CashMoneyCane) September 23, 2019
This team of young men owes you nothing, unless you're a booster/trustee
Criticism can be supportive. Trashing never will be
I’m not a coach... But it’s my favorite sport and I think I have a fairly good grasp of the game and talent.... With all due respect a “dose” of Rousseau is absurd Get that kid in the game and give him significant snaps and get after the QB which is clearly lacking now https://t.co/VEPwLh6Qcf
— Armando ️♀️ (@LakersCanes305) September 30, 2019
In my opinion, all of our struggles boil down to the offensive line being bad. And I don’t like saying they’re bad because they’re so young, but they are the source of our issues
— Cat 5 Incoming (@Category5Canes) September 22, 2019
The line between how critical of a team a fan can be before it becomes detrimental is often brought up. Being a fan is truly an immersive and intense way of life. Mounting frustrations and unmet expectations are often the driving force for several outbursts. How to vent those irritations and toe-the-line of respectability is something that several fans call into question daily.
The overarching theme in the fanbase is that everyone wants the team to get better. The Canes are heading into the gut-check portion of their schedule which includes six consecutive ACC games. Four of those games will be ACC Coastal battles and another includes a showdown with the hated Florida State Seminoles. These tests will go a long way in revealing the identity and resiliency of the team and coaching staff. What are your expectations for the upcoming games?
The Canes, with the addition of Nesta Silvera and Bubba Bolden, take on the Virginia Tech Hokies this Saturday at 3:30 EST on ESPN