State of The U - All PostsPissed Off For Greatnesshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52592/sotu_fav.png2024-03-18T19:16:44-04:00http://www.stateoftheu.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T19:16:44-04:002024-03-18T19:16:44-04:00Monday Musings: Still coming up clutch at the Light
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<img alt="COLLEGE BASEBALL: MAR 03 Florida at Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M-twSlovLHqYqqn4pNX2rXlfUeI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216627/2049064479.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="036QKL">IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTT’SSSSSSSSSS MONDAY!!!!!!!! And you wonderful folks know what that means. It’s time to hop into the cockpit, strap in, and blast off into the orange and green sky of <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a>-related thoughts inside my head. </p>
<p id="JpI4Rn"><strong>1) The Miami Hurricanes’ baseball team continues to vex me.</strong> I go on thinking that they’re not very good, and lo and behold they win a second straight ACC series against a top 15 team. This time, it was #15 North Carolina they victimized, as the Canes won on Friday and Saturday to take the series. Despite the fact that Miami cannot beat North Carolina for love or money in just about any major men’s sport (or so it feels to me after so many football losses to them and a terrible basketball season), the baseball team seems to have their number, winning seven of their last nine against the Heels on the diamond. </p>
<p id="644RV3"><strong>2) This time, it was Dorian Gonzalez, Jr. who delivered the Canes another thrilling win on Saturday.</strong> The junior crushed a pitch over the wall in left center to send the fans home happy. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was one of those special nights as the Cardiac Canes completed their seventh comeback victory to defeat #15 <a href="https://twitter.com/DiamondHeels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiamondHeels</a> <br><br>As they look for the sweep today, listen to how the call of the walk-off HR for <a href="https://twitter.com/CanesBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanesBaseball</a> sounded from <a href="https://twitter.com/JMonteSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JMonteSports</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/8V3nKifgyv">pic.twitter.com/8V3nKifgyv</a></p>— WVUM Sports (@WVUMSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/WVUMSports/status/1769360060080160995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="JvaWyt">Rafe Schlesinger pitched well over seven innings, allowing just one run and five hits. A not-so-common pitching gem from this starting staff, which will hopefully turn into more of a trend. We’ll see if they can keep the hot ACC start going this weekend against <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> in South Bend. </p>
<p id="7j1kK6"><strong>3) Miami had some dudes make some moves on Monday at the Hurricanes’ Pro Day.</strong> Particularly impressive was Tyler Harrell, who ran a blistering 4.28. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some of the top 40 times for Hurricanes today. on that Tyler Harrell time. <a href="https://t.co/Nb7MggmarN">pic.twitter.com/Nb7MggmarN</a></p>— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABLichtenstein/status/1769809507452895497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="bCoBNx">I was glad to see that Kam Kinchens improved his time from the combine, posting a 4.56 on Monday, which is closer to respectable than he posted at the combine. Hopefully he and Leonard Taylor end up as day two picks.</p>
<p id="3yONr1"><strong>4) A team won 5 games in 5 days to win the </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament"><strong>ACC Tournament</strong></a><strong> championship. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Miami.</strong> 10 seed <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a> defeated UNC 84-76 to claim a highly improbable championship. Meanwhile, the Canes lost for the second time in a week to Boston College to mercifully end a pathetic season at 15-17. A number of players have already announced their intention to transfer, including Bensley Joseph. At this point, there’s no one that can leave that would upset me personally. A major shakeup is needed, and Coach L has his hands full to try and figure out what in the sweet and sour hell went wrong over the last two months and how to fix it. I trust him to be able to figure it out, and I’ll continue to enjoy that beautiful Final Four banner while I do. </p>
<p id="8OeQ2H">And for the love of God, please land a couple of talented big men. </p>
<p id="0qxSa4">Go Canes!</p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/18/24105212/miami-hurricanes-monday-musings-still-slugging-at-the-lightCraig T. Smith2024-03-18T17:43:16-04:002024-03-18T17:43:16-04:00This Week in Canes Hoops: End of Season Edition
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament First Round-Miami vs Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lfUPzDgB_spTzq6eTMT9E4Q_Dsc=/0x0:2702x1801/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216507/usa_today_22761380.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What a lousy season. Plus, a couple underachieving sophomores leave Coach L’s program.</p> <p id="S73ACz">Hey everybody. We’re back for another week of <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a> Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The guys lost to Boston College in the first round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a> on Tuesday night, ending their season. The Lady Canes opted out of a smaller postseason tournament after not being selected for the 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament.</p>
<h3 id="x4sTBk">Last week:</h3>
<p id="xMhueM">The Canes lost a THIRD game to Boston College this season, 81-65. The Eagles were on fire from the start, making several three-pointers in the opening minutes. They kept up the hot shooting, scoring 47 points in the first half on their way to a 15-point lead at halftime. I opted out of watching the second half, as I knew this year’s Canes team did not have what it took to overcome that kind of deficit. Sadly, I was correct. Norchad Omier put up 18 points and 13 rebounds and Nijel Pack had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in what was likely their last game in a Hurricanes uniform. There is a chance they could come back as they both have one year of eligibility remaining, I just don’t see that happening.</p>
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<p id="BDVkTu">The Lady Canes will not be playing in the 2024 Women’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nit-tournament">NIT</a> or WBIT. Instead, Coach Meier will try to coach up her existing players while possibly looking to the transfer portal to improve the roster. Jaida Patrick is the only senior on the team, so Meier has plenty of youth to work with. </p>
<h3 id="R8Cbmu">This week:</h3>
<p id="BuiHXt">The guys lost two underachieving players to the transfer portal today in sophomores AJ Casey and Christian Watson. Casey averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds per game this season, shooting 39% from the field. Many Canes fans, including myself, had hope for Casey coming into 2023-24. He showed a couple flashes last year; another offseason should have benefited him a ton. Not so much. Casey played more timid than he did last season, and just looked lost when he was out there. Casey had some pedigree coming out of high school. He was the 80th-ranked overall prospect, 14th power forward, and third player in Illinois. I hope he can regain his confidence on a new team. Watson was another disappointment in his second season, putting up 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds on 37% shooting. He had a couple decent showings early in the year, playing good perimeter defense and making a couple three-pointers. Then, suddenly, Watson couldn’t make a shot and wasn’t playing the same level of defense. If you’re not doing either one of those things, it’s hard to get on the court. Watson also had some pedigree coming out of high school, being the top-ranked player from Washington D.C. Best of luck to Watson as well.</p>
<p id="03AaGX">These departures are great news for Coach L and his program. While it’s disappointing Casey and Watson didn’t develop into better players, it’s preferable to have those scholarship spots for two guys who can help get this team back to the top of the ACC. Let’s see if Coach L can work his transfer portal magic again and bring in a big guy and a shooter. </p>
<p id="6KMeAq">Thank you for reading this season and enjoy March Madness!</p>
<p id="2MUCGt"><strong>GO CANES!</strong></p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/18/24105206/miami-hurricanes-basketball-weekly-preview-3-18-24MikeSchiffman2024-03-17T09:46:13-04:002024-03-17T09:46:13-04:00Quick comparisons: The ‘24 ‘Canes are closer to which historical team?
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<img alt="University of Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs Florida State Seminoles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rdiga68AprD4Slwmy3YTpfwe210=/0x0:5732x3821/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213075/1281286009.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Comparison is the thief of joy, but let’s do it anyway! </p> <p id="zFbLaT">“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a quote often attributed to Teddy Roosevelt or Roger Sterling’s mother. But we’re going to compare some historic ‘Canes teams to the 2024 team anyway. The ‘24 ‘Canes are coming of of a <strong>7-6</strong> season and a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers in year two of the <strong>Mario</strong> <strong>Cristobal</strong> experiment. </p>
<p id="gpDnfa">The 1984, 1999, and 2020 Hurricanes teams were all in some form of similar circumstances but had some distinct differences. The ‘84 team was coming off of the <strong>best</strong> <strong>season</strong> in program history, the ‘99 team was <strong>18</strong> points away from being <strong>11-1</strong>, and the ‘20 team had a new and exciting <strong>transfer</strong> QB. </p>
<p id="haT6rE">At the same time, the ‘84 team had a similar mixture of rookies and veterans, the ‘99 team didn’t have the star QB (yet), and the ‘20 team had to overcome a pandemic. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Xjczs0">
<h2 id="xM8tuR">1984</h2>
<p id="9pfXzw"><strong>1984 record: 8-5 | Coach: Jimmy Johnson </strong></p>
<p id="XVsCia"><strong>1983 record: 11-1, National Champions </strong></p>
<p id="mSHn2o">The 1984 Hurricanes were riding high coming off of an 11-1 season and a National Championship. The ‘Canes upset mighty Nebraska in the 1984 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/orange-bowl">Orange Bowl</a> to take the top-rating in the polls to end the ‘83 season. </p>
<p id="mNiDis">But <strong>Howard Schnellenberger</strong> left the ‘Canes for the USFL, and a new coach was in town from Oklahoma State named <strong>Jimmy</strong> <strong>Johnson</strong>. Johnson returned starting QB <strong>Bernie</strong> <strong>Kosar</strong> along with defensive end <strong>Kevin</strong> <strong>Fagan</strong> and stud WR <strong>Eddie</strong> <strong>Brown</strong>. Miami also had a number of future stars on the roster like <strong>Alonzo Highsmith, Melvin Bratton, Jerome Brown, George Mira Jr., </strong>and<strong> Brian Blades. </strong></p>
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<cite>Set Number: X30466 TK1 R4</cite>
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<p id="SBWBDn">Miami started off hot in ‘84 knocking off <strong>Bo</strong> <strong>Jackson’s</strong> Auburn Tigers and the Florida Gators, but lost to Michigan and <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>. The ‘Canes beat <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> in South Bend, before a three game losing streak to end the season. That streak included the infamous comeback vs. Maryland and Hail (<strong>Doug</strong>) <strong>Flutie</strong> play vs. Boston College. </p>
<p id="yStZuA">There are some comparisons to be had here with the 2024 team. There’s a star QB (<strong>Cam Ward</strong>), a couple of experienced veterans (<strong>Xavier Restrepo, LB Mauigoa</strong>), and a lot of young talent on the roster (<strong>Rueben Bain, OL Mauigoa</strong>, etc.)- much like in ‘84. </p>
<p id="JKmhX2">However, the ‘24 team is clearly not coming off of a championship run, the head coach and both of his top coordinators return, and the ‘84 schedule was daunting vs. the ‘24 schedule. </p>
<p id="7OhRXr">JJ’s first season at Miami saw the ‘Canes face seven ranked opponents including no.1 Auburn and their Heisman Trophy running back. </p>
<p id="GQFX0a">The ‘84 team and the ‘24 team have their similarities and differences. The thing really dragging down JJ’s first ‘Canes squad was staff cohesion- something you would hope Cristobal has worked out heading into year three at the helm. JJ had yet to shift into his patented <strong>Miami 4-3 defense</strong>, that change would come for the ‘85 season. </p>
<div id="g1rSOT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_perC1T8nbM?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
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<h2 id="653Mk8">1999</h2>
<p id="tS8eaM"><strong>1999 record: 9-4 | Coach: Butch Davis </strong></p>
<p id="dGEJjC"><strong>1998 record: 9-3 </strong></p>
<p id="m7S2cY">The 1999 <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a> were coming off a bounce-back season in ‘98 after recording a losing season in 1997. Butch Davis had to figure out how to replace <strong>Edgerrin</strong> <strong>James</strong> and <strong>Scott</strong> <strong>Covington</strong>, but did return QB <strong>Kenny</strong> <strong>Kelly</strong>, WR’s <strong>Reggie</strong> <strong>Wayne</strong> and <strong>Santana</strong> <strong>Moss</strong>, TE <strong>Bubba</strong> <strong>Franks</strong>, and LB <strong>Nate</strong> <strong>Webster</strong>. </p>
<p id="qbAGMC">Much like the ‘84 team, the ‘99 team had a few experienced stars and a lot of young talent. Up and coming names like <strong>Ed</strong> <strong>Reed</strong>, Wayne, Moss, and LB <strong>Dan</strong> <strong>Morgan</strong> were on the roster waiting for a chance to really break out. </p>
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<img alt="Florida State Travis Minor..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e6cbF23e1K57oUrDov0dL2aqfa8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25340704/81875616.jpg">
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<p id="AdjKXN">Davis was in his 5th season in Coral Gables and <strong>Mario</strong> <strong>Cristobal</strong> is heading into year three. Both were experienced coaches who returned their OC while having a tight grip on the style of offense and defense that would be ran. </p>
<p id="x8RXmD">Miami started off the ‘99 season with a win over no.9 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> in the Kickoff Classic in New Jersey. But the ‘Canes dropped three straight to no.3 Penn State, ECU, and no.1 Florida State. Miami also lost to no. 2 <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a> later in the season. </p>
<p id="X3R2Aa">Minus the VT blowout with a freshman <strong>Ken</strong> <strong>Dorsey</strong> at QB, Miami dropped the other three losses by a combined 18 points. The ‘99 team played five ranked opponents including numbers 1, 2, and 3. I highly doubt the ‘24 Hurricanes face that caliber of opponent while also playing numbers 9 and 17. </p>
<p id="5Jnqrd"><strong>Butch</strong> <strong>Davis</strong> had the team moving in the right direction with <strong>Larry</strong> <strong>Coker</strong> at OC and <strong>Greg</strong> <strong>Schiano</strong> at DC. Miami was one season away from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/sugar-bowl">Sugar Bowl</a> and two away from the BCS National Championship. </p>
<p id="ojF3L7">The ‘99 and ‘24 teams have similar issues but Ward is known for being a consummate professional with a singular focus on football. The ‘99 schedule was brutal and had Miami played a weak schedule like ‘24 in ‘99 they might’ve finished ranked in the top-5. Both head coaches had experience under their belts, with a major difference between the squads being Kelly vs. Ward. </p>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="gcgWLU">
<h2 id="SDtyVy">2020</h2>
<p id="xJa4EO"><strong>2020 record: 8-3 | Coach: Manny Diaz</strong></p>
<p id="vKZ8si"><strong>2019 record: 6-7</strong></p>
<p id="0aOldM">Fast forward a lifetime to the 2020 COVID season. While the 90’s were plagued with “grunge pants” (thank you <strong>Tony</strong> <strong>Soprano</strong>), the 2020 season was the year of COVID-19. Head Coach <strong>Manny</strong> <strong>Diaz</strong> returned for his second season as the top guy, while bringing in a new OC in <strong>Rhett</strong> <strong>Lashlee</strong> and returning <strong>Blake</strong> <strong>Baker</strong> as DC. </p>
<p id="oPtU8z">Diaz brought in a star transfer QB in <strong>D’Eriq</strong> <strong>King</strong>, had a senior playmaking WR in <strong>Mike</strong> <strong>Harley</strong>, a trustworthy Borregales at PK, talent in the TE room, defensive line talent in <strong>Jaelan</strong> <strong>Phillips</strong> and <strong>Quincy</strong> <strong>Roche</strong>, and a blue chip transfer safety in Bubba Bolden. </p>
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<img alt="Miami Hurricanes head into bye knowing true test in No. 1 Clemson is on the other side" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jvc6n6Ukfjj19TyZLdm4raO2TPU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25340705/1228754139.jpg">
<cite>Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="kUYzUG">The ‘Canes started off ‘20 with convincing wins over UAB, no. 18 Louisville and a blowout over rival FSU. But Miami was destroyed by no. 1 Clemson. The ‘Canes then went on a winning streak of five straight games before being dismantled by no. 17 UNC and dropping a close bowl game to no. 21 Oklahoma State. </p>
<p id="b56ccl">The ‘Canes had a really solid recruiting class coming in of guys like safety <strong>Avantae Williams, </strong>OL<strong> Jalen Rivers, </strong>DE<strong> Chantz Williams, </strong>RB’s<strong> Don Chaney </strong>and<strong> Jaylan Knighton, </strong>and<strong> </strong>QB<strong> Tyler Van Dyke. </strong></p>
<p id="SIP4Cm">We’ll see if the ‘24 team faces four ranked teams like the ‘20 team did. So far only two of the ‘Canes 12 2024 opponents are ranked (Louisville and Florida State). </p>
<p id="7q70PK">It’s an easy comparison to draw between King and Ward- both athletic guys that like to sling the football and had experience before transferring. Phillips and Bain aren’t physically the same but they both put up stats to back up their ranking. </p>
<p id="fYDAD9">The ‘20 and ‘24 teams might be the best comparison. The head coach is settled in, an Air Raid OC with a strong mentor relationship prior to coming to Miami (Lashlee and <strong>Gus</strong> <strong>Malzahn</strong>, <strong>Shannon</strong> <strong>Dawson</strong> and <strong>Dana</strong> <strong>Holgorsen</strong>), and plenty of talent is on campus to make a run against a weak schedule. </p>
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<h2 id="9SpiEk">Wrap </h2>
<p id="cz5Dw5">I truly believe the 2024 team is closest to the 2020 team. While Cristobal has a Pac-12 Championship and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a> win that Diaz never had, both leave a lot to be desired on the field on game days. As a coach, Cristobal is probably closest to Davis. He’s not the tactician or psychologist of Johnson; and he’s more of a totalitarian than Diaz. </p>
<p id="kRXRrZ">OK now it’s your time to shine. Vote for your favorite comparison or add in your two cents in the comment section. </p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/17/24103727/miami-hurricanes-football-quick-comparisons-the-24-canes-are-closer-to-which-historical-team-accJustin Dottavio2024-03-11T17:11:52-04:002024-03-11T17:11:52-04:00This Week in Canes Hoops: 3/11 Edition
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Miami (FL) at Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h0KgUtwZZGCLJ0PlNnX_Fcm4aQE=/0x0:2490x1660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73199314/usa_today_22736127.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The guys keep on losing. The ladies await their postseason fate.</p> <p id="S73ACz">Hey everybody. It’s only the second week of March and Miami baseball is already more than living up to their <em>Cardiac Canes </em>moniker. At least something exciting is happening with Canes athletics at the moment.</p>
<p id="MNRT4r">We’re back for another week of <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a> Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The guys lost to Boston College at home on Wednesday night, then fell to <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> in Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Canes beat North Carolina in the first round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a> on Thursday, but couldn’t get past #11 Virginia Tech on Friday.</p>
<h3 id="x4sTBk">Last week:</h3>
<p id="xMhueM">The Canes lost at home to Boston College, 67-57. Miami was up by four points at halftime and seemed poised to get back in the win column. If only the game could’ve been called after twenty minutes. The Canes couldn’t make a shot to save their lives after the break. There’s really not much more to it than that. Another pathetic performance from a team with some legit talent on it. Matthew Cleveland led Miami with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Norchad Omier notched another double-double, putting up 10 points and 13 rebounds.</p>
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<p id="BTYaM2">Coach L’s squad fell to FSU, 83-75. The Canes shot better from the field, at 48%, but could only make 7 of 19 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, their in-state rival made 12 threes and committed 8 fewer turnovers. That is a much better recipe for winning. Omier put up a big double-double, with 16 points and 17 rebounds. Cleveland had a good game against his former team, pitching in 16 points and 7 rebounds. Darin Green Jr. was the catalyst for the Noles, scoring 26 points on 8 made threes. Florida State continues to be Miami’s kryptonite in basketball. It’s quite frustrating.</p>
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<p id="9RrqDb">The Lady Canes topped UNC, 60-59. Shayeann Day-Wilson led Miami with 13 points and 5 assists. Lazaria Spearman pitched in a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. This was a tight game throughout. Coach Meier’s squad kept their poise and was able to hold on in the end. Canes fans were excited about another potential run against some tough ACC competition. Sadly, it wouldn’t continue the following day.</p>
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<p id="T0puIP">The ladies lost to #11 <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a>, 55-47. Jasmyne Roberts led Miami with 12 points and 3 steals. Shayeann Day-Wilson pitched in 11 points and 6 rebounds. Even without ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley, the Hokies outclassed the Canes. Much of that was due to senior guard Georgia Amoore. She scored 27 points, including 10-12 from the free-throw line. Coach Meier will not be leading the Lady Canes to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances this year.</p>
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<h3 id="R8Cbmu">This week:</h3>
<p id="QqcdCU">The guys play Boston College in the first round of the 2024 ACC Tournament tomorrow, 3/12 at 7:00 PM EST. The game will be televised on ACC Network. We’ll see if Miami manages to lose to an inferior team THREE times in one season. Yikes.</p>
<p id="BuiHXt">The Lady Canes await to see if they receive an invitation to play in the 2024 Women’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nit-tournament">NIT</a>. </p>
<p id="2MUCGt"><strong>GO CANES!</strong></p>
<p id="8lKPJa"></p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/11/24097763/miami-hurricanes-basketball-weekly-preview-3-11-24MikeSchiffman2024-03-11T17:10:20-04:002024-03-11T17:10:20-04:00Monday Musings: Kicking off ACC play with some Mark Light magic
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<img alt="COLLEGE BASEBALL: JUN 02 Coral Gables Regional - Maine at Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BU26Llx4NonqrsNYBsDgNNNXBjU=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73199310/1258407875.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="fPTMnz">IIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTT’SSSSSSSSSSSSSS MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! And you fine folks know what that means. Time to tie on that apron, put on the chef’s hat, and cook up some orange-and-green-spiced <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a>-related thoughts. </p>
<p id="vMakHj"><strong>1) Well hells bells, that was one incredible start to ACC play for Miami baseball. Well, at least on Friday and Saturday nights.</strong> The Canes rallied for a 6-5 win after being down 4-0 on Friday night. Freshman sensation Daniel Cuvet delivered the big blast with a three-run, go-ahead home run in the bottom of the seventh inning for the game’s final scoring. Nick Robert got the last four outs to pick up the save. </p>
<p id="f9dAv8"><strong>2) But LORD HAVE MERCY what a comeback the Canes put forth on Saturday night. </strong> Down 12-3 in the 5th inning, the Canes mounted a comeback in the seventh with a 6 spot. But the true magic happened in the eighth. With two outs and the bases empty, Miami got on the board after back to back doubles. Three straight walks forced in a run to make in 12-11 Virginia. Then, Blake Cyr blasted an absolute bomba over the wall for a grand salami and a 15-12 lead. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Down nine? No problem for the Cardian Canes <br><br> ACCNX | <a href="https://twitter.com/CanesBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanesBaseball</a> <a href="https://t.co/3syk40XUWQ">pic.twitter.com/3syk40XUWQ</a></p>— ACC Baseball (@ACCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACCBaseball/status/1766652122672632034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a>
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<p id="oXMw7W">Cuvet added a blast to right the next batter up just for good measure. It was the biggest comeback for Miami since 1992, per the broadcast. Truly incredible. </p>
<p id="l9BUag"><strong>3)That all being said, this team simply isn’t pitching good enough this season to generate any kind of hope in postseason play.</strong> But if they can find a way to get more out of what they have on the mound, there’s no doubt this team can rake. We’ll see if they can carry this momentum into next weekend against UNC at the Light. </p>
<p id="8Zq5wK"><strong>4) Sounds like there’s some competition heating up at a key area on the Greentree practice fields. </strong><a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/4/24090624/your-miami-hurricanes-spring-into-action">Per our Kappa Cane</a>, it sounds like Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger is looking good early, which is encouraging. Cam Ward will likely win the job, but competition is only a good thing and helps keep players sharp. And injuries happen and backup options fail to pan out, as we’ve seen with the Canes over the last two years. So having at least two very good quarterbacks on the roster is incredibly important. Hopefully that’s the case for Miami. </p>
<p id="APiLMa"><strong>5) I saw something last weekend about Coach Jim Larranaga and the Canes that ruffled my feathers quite a bit.</strong> There was a particular quibble on Twitter/X, the origin of which I won’t mention. You can look for it yourself. That said, the gist of it was whether Larranaga should be canned after a disappointing season this year. While the original individual said yes, the answer is a clear and resounding no. A Final Four anywhere would earn a reprieve the following year, I don’t care where you are. A Final Four at MIAMI? That deserves an even bigger one. Back-to-back Elite Eight and Final Four seasons? That’s absolutely insane. Larranaga has taken this program to incredible heights and deserves the chance to do it again moving forward. </p>
<p id="7DVRi5">Miami needs pieces. They desperately need quality big men. Multiple. They need another scorer. But give Larranaga time to get this roster turned around. He’s done it before, and he knows how to do it again. Have faith and patience. </p>
<p id="PWJ2yz">And just go to the Wat and stare at that Final Four banner. MAN, it’s beautiful. </p>
<p id="jgzGsD">Go Canes! </p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/11/24097786/monday-musings-kicking-off-acc-play-with-some-mark-light-magic-miami-hurricanesCraig T. Smith2024-03-05T15:59:39-05:002024-03-05T15:59:39-05:00This Week in Canes Hoops: 3/5 Edition
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<img alt="Miami v Virginia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rqgU_28ed8Igsu5km7ml1_cDh2I=/0x0:3622x2415/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73184570/1918197602.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The guys lost again to UNC. The ladies wrapped up conference play.</p> <p id="S73ACz">Happy Tuesday. I know, it’s a day late for your weekly Canes Hoops update. I hope you all made it through the extra 24 hours okay.</p>
<p id="MNRT4r">We’re back for another week of <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a> Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The guys lost their seventh game in a row at #9 North Carolina last Monday night. The Lady Canes beat Pitt at home on Thursday night, then lost their conference finale to <a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com">Georgia Tech</a> at home on Sunday afternoon.</p>
<h3 id="x4sTBk">Last week:</h3>
<p id="xMhueM">The Canes lost to #9 UNC, 75-71. The guys put up a valiant effort on the road without two of their best players in Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar. Bensley Joseph played a great all-around game, putting up 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Norchad Omier had another solid game with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Miami would’ve had a real chance to pull off the upset if RJ Davis hadn’t turned into Michael Jordan. The senior-point guard scored 42 points on 14-22 shooting, including 7-11 from three-point range. He was the only double-figure scorer for the Tar Heels on the night. When your only double-figure scorer gets into the 40s, I guess that doesn’t matter all that much. I have to give props to Davis. He is going to win this year’s ACC Player of the Year. Every time he shoots a three, I think it’s going in. He is a fun player to watch. </p>
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<p id="9RrqDb">The Lady Canes started the week off with an emphatic home-win over Pitt, 62-44. Jasmyne Roberts led Miami with 17 points and 2 steals. Jaida Patrick chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Lashae Dwyer came off the bench with 17 points of her own. Coach Meier’s squad used a 18-5 second quarter to provide the cushion they needed, then stepped on the gas again in the fourth quarter, giving them the decisive victory.</p>
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<p id="T0puIP">The ladies could not complete the season-sweep against Georgia Tech, falling 71-66 in overtime. Shayeann Day-Wilson led Miami with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Lazaria Spearman had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Coach Meier’s squad shot the ball better from the field, but could not make their free-throws, going 6-16 from the line. With a chance to get to .500 in conference play, this was a tough way to end the regular season.</p>
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<h3 id="R8Cbmu">This week:</h3>
<p id="QqcdCU">The guys host Boston College tomorrow, 3/6 at 7:00 PM. The game will be televised on ESPNU. Miami will look to avenge their bad loss to the Eagles last month. Coach L’s squad then travels to Tallahassee to take on <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> in their conference finale on Saturday, 3/9 at 4:00 PM EST. The game will be televised on ESPN2. The Canes lost to the Seminoles at home back in January.</p>
<p id="6xWML7">The Lady Canes are the #9 seed in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a>. They face #8 seed North Carolina on Thursday, 3/7 at 1:30 PM EST. The game will be televised on ACC Network. Miami lost to UNC, 66-61, in late January. </p>
<p id="BuiHXt"><strong>GO CANES!</strong></p>
<p id="eB4dIb"></p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/5/24091563/miami-hurricanes-basketball-weekly-preview-3-5-24MikeSchiffman2024-03-04T17:07:23-05:002024-03-04T17:07:23-05:00Your Miami Hurricanes Spring into Action
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 28 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl - Rutgers vs Miami (FL)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DhgA274PPvGgP_yoLvldIX8nRvc=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73182338/1907908901.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><strong>The Quarterback Battle Begins</strong></p> <p id="vwEYu8">The University of Miami Hurricanes kicked off their spring football practice on GreenTree Field with a burst of energy and determination under the guidance of Head Coach Mario Cristobal. As players clad in Orange and Green hit the Practice Field, anticipation for the upcoming season hung in the air.</p>
<p id="LWR1e7">With the sun shining outside, the quarterbacks showcased their skills inside the IPF, initiating a battle for the starting quarterback position for the 2024 season. While many have handed that role to Senior QB Cam Ward, the staff is allowing the work on the field to speak for itself. Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger isn’t conceding the role to Ward, and has looked good in offseason workouts. Jacurri Brown, who has three starts over the last two seasons for the Canes, has had an equally impressive offseason. All three QBs had a good showing during the media portion of the 1st practice. Emory Williams, who started two games last season, is expected to Redshirt this season after suffering a late season injury to his non-throwing arm against Florida State. While True Freshman Judd Anderson stood out as the largest QB on the field, he is expected to redshirt this season.</p>
<p id="wafB2z">For Cristobal and his coaching staff, the first day of spring practice is about setting the tone for the weeks ahead. It’s a time to instill discipline, focus, and a relentless work ethic in every player, from seasoned veterans to eager newcomers. As they gather the team for the first drills of the day, the message is clear: every rep, every sprint, every play matters. “How you do anything, is how you do everything.” as Coach Cristobal often says.</p>
<p id="KDnRJK">Beyond the drills, the camaraderie flourished as the teammates pushed each other towards excellence, forming bonds that are critical for success on and off the field.</p>
<p id="FaN3DV">Coach Cristobal emphasized the importance of embracing the grind and the process, setting the tone for the season ahead. With optimism high and a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Hurricanes are primed for a successful campaign.</p>
<p id="rb9vPf">As the first day of spring practice concluded, the Miami Hurricanes left the field, united in their pursuit of greatness. The journey to the top begins now, and the Hurricanes are ready to rise to the challenge.</p>
<p id="5CDsIB"></p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/4/24090624/your-miami-hurricanes-spring-into-actionKappaCane2024-03-04T12:15:59-05:002024-03-04T12:15:59-05:00Monday Musings: A less than great day in Indianapolis for some former Canes
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<img alt="NFL Combine" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Lrd8Ot4wpJ94n0SOSOX7b3zv95o=/0x0:4872x3248/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73181504/2051583071.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="auws6a">IIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTT’SSSSSSSSSSSSS MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p id="6koqND">And you fine folks know just what that means. Time to tie on those bibs, grab a fork and knife, and dig into some Miami-Hurricanes-related thoughts delivered hot and fresh from my mind. </p>
<p id="1Nwpw1"><strong>1) Welp, it appears things could have gone better for some former Canes at the </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine"><strong>NFL Combine</strong></a><strong> over the weekend. </strong> The biggest disappointment has to be around Kamren Kinchens. He was projected anywhere from rounds 2 to 3 in mock drafts and profiles from draft pundits. </p>
<p id="1Se3hW">That clearly took a hit after Sunday, as our Justin Dottavio <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/4/24089984/miami-hurricanes-football-hurricanes-underperform-at-2024-nfl-combine-mario-cristobal-nfl-draft-2024">noted in his article from earlier today</a>. A 4.65 40-yard dash is going to do nothing to assuage concerns about a drop off from his supersonic 2022 season. Yes, it seems silly that a slow run (and a bad broad jump) could do that much damage, but scouts, coaches, and executives are there at the combine for a reason. Physical attributes and athleticism matter. Fortunately, Kinchens’ tape largely shows a player who should be on an NFL defense with the potential to develop into a solid starter. It’s just a question of how much money he cost himself the past year to do so. Unfortunate. </p>
<p id="pGWL0n"><strong>2) Spring football practice starts today. </strong> There’s a lot to keep an eye on, but ultimately how Cam Ward and the offense functions will tell the biggest tale on the season. How Shannon Dawson utilizes him and designs the offense around him will be curious to watch. The Canes had a good balance on offense last year, with Miami’s rebuilt offensive line doing a solid job. With two of those pieces gone in key interior starters Matt Lee and Javion Cohen, will Miami be able to run the ball as effectively? Will they put the ball in Ward’s hands more and try to cut it loose, especially with some exciting young talent on the outside added to the wide receiver room? </p>
<p id="kpxDxA">Ward to Jacolby George could be fun next fall.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cam Ward airing it out to Jacolby George. <a href="https://t.co/9nrU5uTfxP">pic.twitter.com/9nrU5uTfxP</a></p>— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABLichtenstein/status/1764656864002724270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a>
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<p id="U6Ruc8"><strong>3) Miami baseball gave us some hope on Saturday against the Gators, but ultimately dropped the series on Sunday 8-4.</strong> Miami can hit plenty. It’s going to be the pitching that keeps the team down and perhaps out of postseason play altogether. The Canes could really have used the boost of winning that series. They need some kind of spark amid a disappointing start to the year. Now, it looks like this team is going to struggle just to make the NCAA tournament at all. 6-5 record to start the season. Not a great way to kick off the J.D. Arteaga era. </p>
<p id="Nt6UYP"><strong>4) Canes hoops didn’t play over the weekend. So hey, that’s some good news! </strong> They didn’t lose again! Seven straight losses and eight of their last nine games. Perhaps some extra time off to figure out just what in the sweet and sour hell is wrong with them is a good thing. They get Boston College at home and finish at <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> to end the regular season. Not at all the follow up that folks thought they’d see from a Final Four appearance. Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong were obviously sorely missed. </p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2024/3/4/24090178/monday-musings-a-less-than-great-day-in-indianapolis-for-some-former-miami-hurricanesCraig T. Smith