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Weeks into the season is when fans, players, and coaches can truly distinguish between a lull and an identity. It’s not long before a muffed punt one week and a broken coverage in another begins to define your season. Plenty of Miami Hurricane fans have spent several weeks attempting to tranquilize their doubting thoughts. Game reactions have volleyed from repulsion by the uninspired play on the field to logical counters of inexperience and solid performances against good teams. However, there comes a time where you have to assess. There comes a time where you have to admit, this is who we are. In every game, even against lower-tier opponents like Bethune-Cookman and the Central Michigan Wildcats, there have been several constants. The offensive line efficiency has been horrendous, the kicking game has been problematic, the offense has not been dynamic, and tackling has not been consistent. The Canes came off a bye when they played the Virginia Tech Hokies and still continued the streak of early fluctuating play. There are positives to take from the game. The offense showed signs of life once Jarren Williams’ 3 INTs forced N’Kosi Perry into the game. The team also displayed great fight when clawing back into the game. The aftermath from the 42-35 defeat left many fans questioning how the Canes can improve while facing harsh realities about the season’s prognosis.
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Tweets through the Weekend
THATS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DONT PLAY WITH PRIDE!
— Miami vs. Everybody (@305vsEverybody) October 6, 2019
Have ZERO issues with the decision to pull jarren. If you are a concerned confidence cop, the true qb1 would understand, I THREW THREE INTERCEPTIONS IN THREE DRIVES AND COST MY TEAM A CHANCE AT WINNING VS A REALLY BAD VT TEAM WITH A RUN FIRST QB
— rOmaN (@Romancane) October 6, 2019
Take the bench.. bounce back
After another 7 sacks allowed today, Miami now leads the nation in that category with 25. Disgusting.
— Scoop (@scoopontheU) October 6, 2019
Thank you for saying the obvious @Sedano . Most people want to make excuses for Manny & his staff but they have been outcoached in every game except the Bethune game.
— Danny (@DannyLasOlas) October 5, 2019
Baker.... idk. Baker gotta go. Usually not into the midseason game but by THIS game , with the guys he has, this shouldnt be how it goes. This game, last game, unc, uf. Nah. That “let’s try out this assistant from a mid tier program” thing aint gonna fly anymore.
— Sandra (@MsMiyayo305) October 5, 2019
Someone has to go. If you play like this coming off a bye week. Your leadership is questionable in your staff and players.
— Big Time Trav, MBA (@Trahar8) October 5, 2019
“TNM”
— Grantlong (@Grantlonggg) October 5, 2019
ME: pic.twitter.com/VZDuNAqXqq
Several fans have questioned the team’s pride, coaching, and leadership. The quarterback swap, Blake Baker’s defensive calls, and the offensive line play were all buzzing topics of conversation. VT’s Hendon Hooker led offense was 9 for 16 (56%) on 3rd down. A lot of those conversions, came on the ground, as Hooker rushed for a game-high 76 yards. Whether it was coaching or play execution, the defense looked out-of-sorts early on.
Blake Baker is not the answer. Butch Barry is not the answer. Dan Enos is not the answer. MANNY DIAZ GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD!!
— Canes Fan 4L (@Canes_Fan4L) October 6, 2019
Hey Cane fans, remember when we had that “national coaching search” that lasted all of 48 hours hours and ended with this trash ass staff??
— gocanes228 (@Canes228) October 6, 2019
This offensive line is so bad at times
— rOmaN (@Romancane) October 7, 2019
Perry wins MVP for making something out of nothing on this play alone. Can't blame this one on inexperience either. @CanesInSight @OrangeBowlBoys https://t.co/ejN14MOo3N pic.twitter.com/h0kBWVuAmr
Many wanted Jimmy Johnson fired year one.... Butch too... We gotta b patient BUT struggling with central Michigan and losing to a 14.5 point dog at home in VT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM
— Armando ️♀️ (@LakersCanes305) October 6, 2019
I get we are 2-3 and the sky is falling but we led in the 4th quarter of all our losses... call me stupid all you want but if manny TRULY takes over the D and Enos spreads it out like he did in the 2nd half of VT game this can turn around. Not like we are getting destroyed #Canes
— CaneCast Kev (@Smith31Kev) October 7, 2019
Coming into the matchup, Miami was ranked sixth nationally (now 7th) in rush defense. Previously allowing 59.75 rushing yards per game, Hooker, Deshawn McClease, and others combined for 153 yards. Manny Diaz inserting himself into the defense was a fan necessity that has come to fruition. Patience in a fanbase is something that often called for but rarely sustained. There are several personnel elements that will likely go unchanged through the season. From coaches, to the offensive line, to the kicker, improvement will likely come via scheme instead of shuffling. How do you feel about the quarterback situation, Manny taking the reins of the defense, and the ability for the team to salvage the season?