Learning Humility Will Be The Difference For The Canes In 2019

I’ll be 100% honest, I was on vacation this weekend and didn’t watch the Canes game against the Central Michigan Chippewas. Though, when I was told that the final score was 17-12, I thought it was a joke, and I didn’t believe the fifth time I was told either. Then, when I looked online and saw that it was the actual score, I couldn't believe my eyes.

By the look on my face, you would’ve thought that Miami had lost the game. I went into this game for the Hurricanes fully expecting UM to win by at least 40 points. Then to go out and play like that, well, it’s frustrating.

Now, Manny Diaz and his team goes into another bye week, before facing the Virginia Tech Hokies at home on October 5th.

If you know me, you know that I'm usually the optimistic fan and the voice of reason when it comes to the Canes. I’m not saying that I'm totally bailing on this season for Miami, but my confidence has been shaken a bit.

Throughout the offseason, there was so much hype surrounding this team and program. From the Diaz hire, to the transfer portal success, big recruiting news and the energy from the #TNM movement, you would’ve thought that Miami was on the verge of contending for a national championship in 2019. Now me personally, I didn’t think a title was coming our way this season, but I was expecting a lot.

Even after their opening loss to the Florida Gators, there was so much optimism, about how good the offense looked and the close score that you didn’t lose that excitement and confidence.

Then came the heartbreaking loss to the Tar Heels, and now a mere five-point win AT HOME to Central Michigan.

Something is wrong, and I'll tell you what it is. For some odd reason, there is a false sense of cockiness and feeling that we’re better than we really are. Humility is an attribute that hasn’t graced Miami’s presence is a long time, and in my opinion has stalled the Canes progress for years. When you’re delusional instead of humble, that’s a perfect recipe for disaster, 7-6 seasons, and 15 years of disappointment.

This is a problem that has plagued the program since the Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State in 2002. From the players to the fans, Miami is under the impression that because of our rich history, we can still go out and dominate any team we play because we’re The U. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case anymore, and this past Saturday was a prime example.

The problem that Miami has had for a while now is that they elevate their game when they’re matched up against a big program, but stoop down to lesser teams levels. Look at 2017 when Notre Dame came to town and we won 41-8, we played with a chip on our shoulder and it showed. Though when the Canes play teams they’re supposed to beat by 30, they let those schools hang around, like Virginia, Boston College, Pitt, etc. Honestly there’s too many examples to name.

If you look at good teams in college football, they beat teams they’re supposed to, but beat them like they’re supposed to. Look at the Wisconsin Badgers, they thrashed Central Michigan 61-0. Or take Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide for example, they play Duke and win 42-3, or Southern Miss and win 49-7.

Better yet, and this was just amazing, but watch Jalen Hurts and his interview after the Sooners beat Houston in week one. This kind of humility is something that is just so rare in 2019, and yet it’s the attitude I wish every player on the Canes had.

Now I'm not saying that Miami is Wisconsin or Bama, but obviously we’re better and much more talented than a five point win over Central Michigan, a team that we were favored to beat by 31.

Learning humility is also learning from your mistakes. On offense, Dan Enos sees that his offensive line is a massive work in progress, perhaps Jarren Williams under-center isn’t the primary way to go. Or Blake Baker at defensive coordinator, Miami thrives when they blitz, so rushing Jonathan Garvin instead of him dropping into coverage may be a better solution.

It’s frustrating because the Hurricanes have the talent, which I know that phrase is like beating a dead horse, but Miami is stacked with players. However, those talented players need to buy into the team and into the system, there can’t be any room for selfishness and over-confidence, which is the “disease” that has floated around UM for far too long.

Thankfully, we do have several of those special kind of players that exemplify what Miami Hurricanes are, such as DeeJay Dallas, Al Blades Jr., Brevin Jordan, among others. Now it’s getting the entire team to have that dog mentality that’s going to bring this team to where it should be.

So whether it’s a team meeting, come to Jesus moment, I don't care how it happens, but the Canes need to realize that something needs to change if they want to end up in Charlotte come December.