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Twitter Talk: Canes fans reactions from the shocking loss to FIU

The embarrassing loss to FIU Panthers left Canes fans frustrated and searching for answers.

By Candis R. McLean
NCAA Football: Miami at Florida International Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t how much turkey slices or Wild Turkey pours will help erase the embarrassment of Miami’s shocking loss to the Florida International Panthers. The 30-24 defeat was an Orange Bowl homecoming from hell. True to the pattern of the season, the Canes continually refuse to sustain success. In a game in which the Hurricanes out-gained FIU 413 to 297 in total yards, had 9 more first downs (26 to 170), and out possessed the Panthers, it was the 3 turnovers that proved to be the deciding difference. Canes fans watched as the offense was stifled so much that the team didn’t score a point until Camden Price’s 22-yard FG with 1:52 left in the third quarter. Jarren Williams’ 3 interception performance, the lack of production from skill position players (K.J. Osborn, Jeff Thomas, Dee Wiggins, and Michael Harley), and the overall effort of the team are inexcusable. It was frustrating, unbearable, and left many fans wondering about the direction of the team.

The Jarren Williams Conversation

When you’re QB 1 at Miami, the wins and losses will be directly placed on your shoulders. Quarterback is a leadership position. The team goes where the quarterback leads them. Many fans took to social media to discuss the downs-and-downs of Williams’ 249 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs performance against FIU. Tate Martell was even mentioned. If the coaches and staff want Jarren Williams to lead Miami for years to come, they have to do a much better job of putting him and the team in a better position to succeed. The young quarterback also needs to be better.

The Coaching Conversation

Manny Diaz’s first year as head coach has led to considerable conversations about the identity of the team, his “The New Miami” mantra, and the results on the field. OC Dan Enos and DC Blake Baker have been disappointments. In many aspects, the team appears to have regressed on both sides. Jarren Williams mentioned after the game that FIU was aggressive and continually biting on Miami’s routes. There was no adjustment by Enos. The quarterback run call on fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line still triggers me.

The “Where Do We Go from Here” Conversation

Miami has already seen two (Romello Brinson and Jacolby George) decommits since the FIU loss. One fan noted the inability to explain the defeat to incoming hopefuls. Decommitments are a part of the recruiting cycle. Let’s not sound the alarm bells just yet. The video of freshman Jalar Holley dancing on the sideline has been making its rounds. It’s never a great time when the character of your team and its commitment to winning is called into question.

The Hurricanes take on the Duke Blue Devils this Saturday for their regular-season finale. Another loss, similar to that of the FIU disaster, will have fans continue to question if “The New Miami” is just the same old Miami with a different name.