State of The U - StoryStream: The Gathering Storm of Miami Hurricanes Football for 2017Pissed Off For Greatnesshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52592/sotu_fav.png2017-10-27T12:00:09-04:00http://www.stateoftheu.com/rss/stream/154455832017-10-27T12:00:09-04:002017-10-27T12:00:09-04:00Miami Hurricanes Rooting Guide: Week 9
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<img alt="Toledo v Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t9yBZ1SLRF3O5sdqgHRXp-kg_I8=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57352581/852564938.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Every week becomes more and more stressful</p> <p id="JHcgUu">The ACC is starting to heat up and the Hurricanes wouldn’t mind a little help. Here is this week’s Miami Hurricanes Rooting Guide.</p>
<h1 id="uBMChB">Friday, October 27</h1>
<h3 id="OAl0qt">Florida State at Boston College, 8:00 PM (ESPN)</h3>
<p id="2qtKnY">The Seminoles (2-4, 2-3 ACC) have fallen off the map in 2017. While the Eagles (4-4, 2-3 ACC) have surprised many with wins over Louisville and Virginia. Any Hurricanes’ fan in their right mind will be rooting for Boston College. Imagine a season where FSU didn’t make a bowl game? 2017 could be the year and the Eagles could play a part in the madness.</p>
<h1 id="Fqwm1w">Saturday, October 28</h1>
<h3 id="Nlh5hc">#8 Miami at North Carolina, 12:00 PM (ESPN 2)</h3>
<p id="NDqGBG">The game that all readers of this blog will be watching. Miami has made games stressful the past few weeks, but look for the Canes to really open this one up. North Carolina is riddled with injuries while the Hurricanes are putting their final preparations in gear before their pivotal matchup with Virginia Tech next week. Go Canes! </p>
<h3 id="FigtRi">Louisville at Wake Forest, 12:20 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="3ifjw5">An Atlantic Division showdown that doesn’t impact Miami too much. The Atlantic has turned into a two-headed race between Clemson and NC State with Louisville, Florida State and others out of the running. I’d say root for the Demon Deacons because they have five common opponents with the Hurricanes this season, which could play a factor in the Canes’ résumé later this season.</p>
<h3 id="4KwGYX">Virginia at Pittsburgh, 12:30 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="2JpKb0">The Hurricanes will face both of these squads the final two weeks of the regular season. For Virginia, every game counts at this point as they are conceivably still in the Coastal race. It’ll be hard for the Cavaliers to win the Coastal with the likes of Miami, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech in front of them, but it is not impossible. Cheer on the Panthers to knock Virginia out of the running for the Coastal title. </p>
<h3 id="VLzdZE">#14 NC State at #9 Notre Dame, 3:30 PM (NBC)</h3>
<p id="6tcl1k">Miami plays the Irish in about two weeks, a contest that could be College GameDay. Given the history between the Canes and Notre Dame, it’s challenging for the Hurricane faithful to root for the Catholics, but that is what should happen here. If the Fighting Irish keep winning and Miami holds up on their end of the bargain, Nov. 11 would be a big time top-10 showdown and the ESPN folks would come running to South Florida. </p>
<h3 id="NADB7R">Duke at #13 Virginia Tech, 7:20 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="BY3kbH">The Hokies are the Canes’ biggest competitors at winning the Coastal. If Virginia Tech loses to another team this season not named Miami, the Hurricanes’ could very well find themselves in the ACC Championship game. And if they don’t lose to the Blue Devils or another ACC foe the rest of the season, that Nov. 4 showdown at Hard Rock Stadium becomes even more important. </p>
<h3 id="ttpo6s">Georgia Tech at #7 Clemson, 8:00 PM (ABC/ESPN 2)</h3>
<p id="k78t7M">This is an interesting matchup and a questionable one on who to root for. Georgia Tech are hypothetically still in the Coastal race while the Tigers are favorites to win the Atlantic. The defending national champions would be as challenging as it gets for the Hurricanes in the ACC title game, so cheer on the Yellow Jackets to hand Clemson their second conference loss. </p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/10/27/16559738/miami-hurricanes-rooting-guide-week-9-mark-richt-malik-rosier-ahmmon-richards-travis-homer_JoshRWhite2017-09-29T13:01:04-04:002017-09-29T13:01:04-04:00Miami Hurricanes Rooting Guide: Week 5
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Toledo at Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gNMlZ-3XtlBwiU_5tnyw7oYBCco=/4x0:3117x2075/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56913385/usa_today_10299355.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Conference play starting to heat up in the ACC</p> <p id="zNYASw">With the FBI investigations of college basketball taking the sports world by storm, college football has flown under the radar this week. Nevertheless, as we reach week five of the football season, here is your rooting guide for the week.</p>
<h1 id="TBOyWK">Friday, September 29</h1>
<h3 id="Ru6zda">#14 Miami at Duke, 7:00 PM (ESPN)</h3>
<p id="6QBXDE">Mark Richt said earlier in the week he thinks “Fridays are for high school,” but he knows his team doesn’t have a choice. It’s Miami’s first trip to Wallace Wade Stadium since “The Return.” With the Blue Devil fans expected to be boisterous, this is no walk in the park for the Hurricanes. Duke has been dominant so far this season, starting off 4-0. However, its strength of schedule has been nothing special. Expect a competitive game in a hostile environment that is settled by about seven to 10 points. Don’t think who to root for in this one is shocking, Go Canes. </p>
<h1 id="D2d8vN">Saturday, September 30</h1>
<h3 id="60lUBu">North Carolina at Georgia Tech, 12:00 PM (ESPN 2)</h3>
<p id="Gcu7jn">Two teams Miami plays later in the season, which could make things interesting. At the beginning of the year most people viewed North Carolina as the favorite in this one, but the Tar Heels have struggled. UNC is already 0-2 in conference play while Georgia Tech is 1-0. Hurricane fans should be rooting for a road victory for North Carolina to give Miami the chance to be in first place in the Coastal after this week.</p>
<h3 id="5o0qup">Rice at Pittsburgh, 12:00 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="Te4rdD">A non-conference showdown featuring a dragging Conference USA team and a struggling ACC opponent. This game almost has no impact on Miami’s season, but with the Hurricanes facing Pittsburgh later in the year, Canes’ fans should be cheering on the Panthers in this noon kickoff.</p>
<h3 id="51tqzv">Syracuse at NC State, 12:20 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="hsGpVW">Two ACC Atlantic teams battle it out, but for Miami they should be rooting on the Orange. Although they appear to have stolen Jalen Carey away from Hurricanes’ basketball, the Canes will be rooting on Syracuse. Cuse and Miami square off in a little less than a month so root for the Orange to win in order to boost its overall standing among college football.</p>
<h3 id="xs89fA">Central Michigan at Boston College, 1:00 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="oj2QGb">The most riveting matchup you will see in college football this week. All kidding aside, root for the ACC in this matchup that has zero impact on Miami’s season.</p>
<h3 id="59LMTG">Murray State at #17 Louisville, 3:30 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="m1dbmR">With Rick Pitino stealing headlines in recent Louisville news, the Cardinals host a Murray State that stands almost no shot. U of L and Miami would only cross paths this season in the ACC Championship so this game has very little meaning to the Hurricanes. Root for another conference team in this one, Go Cards.</p>
<h3 id="3eazTK">Florida State at Wake Forest, 3:30 PM (ABC)</h3>
<p id="Zi7x6R">Oh, FSU. The Seminoles are unranked for the first time since 2011. I don’t think any Miami fan will ever root for the Seminoles EVER, so root for the Demon Deacons to push the Noles to 0-3 with the Hurricanes and Florida State matching up next week. </p>
<h3 id="58Tsdb">#2 Clemson at #12 Virginia Tech, 8:00 PM (ABC)</h3>
<p id="Vtvd56">The two highest ranked teams in the ACC battle on the gridiron in what might be the best matchup in college football this week. Miami fans can thank the Tigers for the firing of Al Golden, and they might want to ask for one more favor from Clemson. The Hokies seem like the biggest threat to the Hurricanes’ chances to win the Coastal crown. Root for the Tigers to put a loss under Virginia Tech’s name in the ACC standings. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ie9rVP">
<p id="YrNAzi">With the rooting guide in place for the week, sit back, relax and enjoy the wonders of college football.</p>
<p id="XFOjA5"></p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/29/16384454/miami-hurricanes-rooting-guide-week-5-miami-hurricanes-duke-blue-devils-mark-richt-mark-walton_JoshRWhite2017-09-24T14:00:02-04:002017-09-24T14:00:02-04:00The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Toledo Edition
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<img alt="Toledo v Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8n1EeCFJzT5fYQoN-NpD4_i1rRI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56830197/852500256.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In a shootout the offense and defense showed flashes, but inconsistencies still present</p> <p id="iLeWb1">After a three week hiatus because of Hurricane Irma, the Miami Hurricanes were back on the gridiron. The Canes started strong out of the gates, stuttered in the second quarter, but took flight after halftime to down the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/toledo-rockets">Toledo Rockets</a> 52-30.</p>
<p id="JdjPnj">Here’s our recap of the game: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was closer than expected at times, but <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canes?src=hash">#Canes</a> put away Toledo Rockets in an explosive second half, 52-30 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theU?src=hash">#theU</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ua1HPP2A06">https://t.co/Ua1HPP2A06</a></p>— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheStateOfTheU/status/911738329229602819">September 23, 2017</a>
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<p id="ZWGg0T">With that all being said, here we go:</p>
<h1 id="c70fxs">The Good </h1>
<ul>
<li id="EMnDph">Miami won: Winning isn’t guaranteed especially after not playing a game for three weeks. Many “experts” put the Hurricanes on upset watch, but the Hurricanes took care of business at home. </li>
<li id="WuLY4H">
<span>Mark Walton</span>: The junior running back had a career day rushing for 204 yards and 1 touchdown on just 11 carries (18.5 yards per carry). Walton also had a career-high 82 yard run stopped just shy of the goal line. Something else to note, the lead tailback for Miami was at 199 yards after 10 attempts, but after pleading with Mark Richt, the Booker T. Washington product got his wish and completed the milestone (recognized with a standing ovation as he came out of the game).</li>
</ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Walton is the sixth FBS player in the last decade to get 200 yards on 11 carries or less (assuming his day is now done).</p>— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds/status/911729206194778113">September 23, 2017</a>
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<ul><li id="Fh3eEO">
<span>Malik Rosier</span>: Throughout spring and fall camp the coaches preached consistency was going to win the quarterback battle, and fans are starting to see why Rosier was named the Hurricanes’ starting quarterback. He’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagine, but the Mobile, Alabama native showed fans why he deserves to be under center. Rosier completed 27 of his 36 passes for a career-high 333 yards and three touchdowns to just one interception. The redshirt-junior also rushed for a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice. </li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No. 12’s passer rating? <br><br>174.6 <a href="https://t.co/gQ72z3ler2">pic.twitter.com/gQ72z3ler2</a></p>— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/911748111986495489">September 24, 2017</a>
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<ul>
<li id="6It7rx">
<span>Braxton Berrios</span>: The senior wide receiver has shown big strides in his game since the Russell Athletic Bowl, and has three touchdowns in his last three games. The Raleigh, North Carolina native finished with five receptions for a career-high 105 yards and one touchdown. </li>
<li id="ctnpyG">
<span>Christopher Herndon IV</span>: After having a less than stellar week one, Miami got their tight-end involved as the senior totaled seven catches for 65 yards and one touchdown. </li>
<li id="vbmFC3">Defense (as a whole): It’s hard to judge a defense against such a high powered offense that averaged just under 45 points per game through three weeks of play, but Miami’s defense contained Toledo to 30 points. At times the defense bent, but it did not break. The Hurricanes had nine tackles for loss and sacked Woodside four times. Miami’s defense also recovered a fumble...</li>
<li id="elklwK">The Turnover Chain: IT WAS BACK. With Miami not playing since Sept. 2, the Hurricanes didn’t have a chance to break the chain out again. However, late in the third quarter the orange and green glittery medallion was on full display. With the Canes pressuring Woodside, the senior quarterback lost the football and <span>Sheldrick Redwine</span> jumped all over the pigskin. As the safety was running off the field, the junior started shooting dice in celebration and pulled out his actual chain while being crowned with the turnover chain.</li>
</ul>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">..... .....<br>⛓ ⛓<br> ⛓ ⛓<br> ⛓⛓<br> <a href="https://t.co/7KSSKlJPLh">pic.twitter.com/7KSSKlJPLh</a></p>— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/911718195500904449">September 23, 2017</a>
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<ul>
<li id="iYhhX4">Offensive line play: Something that often gets overlooked in football, Miami’s offensive line was solid all day. Consistently opening up big wholes for the running game and giving <span>Rosier</span> plenty of time to deliver the ball to the skill players on the outside. Additionally, Rosier was only sacked two times in this game (credit to his mobility and the blocking of the offensive line).</li>
<li id="M9UJVm">Freshmen: Most notably, <span>Trajan Bandy</span>, <span>Navaughn Donaldson</span> and <span>Mike Harley</span> looked impressive again in just their second week of college football action. Bandy proved to be a huge contributor on the backend despite battling a minor injury throughout the game. Donaldson provided big blocks for <span>Walton</span> and the Canes’ offense. Harley pitched in three receptions for 33 yards and showcased his barnburner speed once again.</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="hdeKWr">The Bad</h1>
<ul><li id="5f3w18">The first half: Miami got beat in the first half, plain and simple. Not only was the score 16-10 in favor of Toledo going into halftime, the Hurricanes struggled controlling the tempo of the game. Toledo held possession for more than 20 minutes in the first half compared to just under 10 minutes for Miami. With the offense the Rockets employ, they ran 50 plays throughout the first two quarters. That’s an absurd amount that is almost unprecedented. Toledo was able to accumulate 296 yards of total offense in the first half because of their time of possession and the amount of plays they were able to run.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not only does Toledo lead UM 16-10 at half, but Rockets outgaining UM, 296-190... Toledo 10 for 14 on third down, UM 0 for 4.</p>— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/flasportsbuzz/status/911698884866347008">September 23, 2017</a>
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<ul>
<li id="BYHjsh">Third down defense: The Hurricanes’ struggled on third down stopping Toledo, especially in the first half. The Rockets were 10-of-14 (71.4%) on third down conversions before the intermission. Miami improved their defense significantly in the second half, but Toledo still finished the game 13-of-23 (56.5%) on third downs. <span>Manny Diaz</span> and his staff are going to need to fine tune their third down defense with ACC play kicking off next week.</li>
<li id="4lZzxK">Malik Rosier’s streakiness: Overall, Rosier led Miami’s offense effectively and looked pretty sharp. However, the redshirt-junior was extremely streaky, especially in the second quarter. Miami had three consecutive drives in the second frame where they accomplished almost nothing. Rosier missed some pretty routine throws over the course of those possessions. It pretty much boils down to mechanics and taking his time with his progressions and reads for the Canes’ signal caller.</li>
<li id="yn38wp">The secondary: Miami allowed 344 yards passing, including 213 yards in the first half. Although Toledo’s offense is their calling card, the Hurricanes struggled with coverages. Play after play the Rockets’ offensive weapons would be left wide open. <span>Jaquan Johnson</span>, <span>Malek Young</span> and Trajan Bandy were solid on the backend, but <span>Dee Delaney</span> and <span>Michael Jackson</span> struggled. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Hurricanes shuffle the rotation in the secondary, having Bandy or Young start on the outside.</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="TRLkgO">The Ugly</h1>
<ul><li id="CkfYAp">Dee Delaney: The defensive back could’ve made the jump to the NFL last season as a middle-to-late round draft talent, but elected to transfer to Miami instead, and his game is being exposed a little bit at the Division 1 level. Time and time again, Delaney got burned in coverage. It didn’t take long for Toledo to realize that The Citadel transfer was struggling as well. Woodside kept targeting the receiver that was being defended by Delaney and it worked to perfection. Delaney will still be in the defensive back rotation, but look for the others around him (especially Bandy and Young) to see an increase in playing time in the coming weeks as Delaney fine tunes his skills.</li></ul>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dee Delaney still adjusting to FBS competition, we can say.</p>— Matt Porter (@mattyports) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattyports/status/911706808510763009">September 23, 2017</a>
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<ul>
<li id="Bm21pb">Rosier’s interception: “<span>Jeff Thomas</span> was wide open, I just completely missed him,” the gunslinger said after game. Rosier missed him by at least 10 yards. It wasn’t even close. From most fans’ view it looked like Rosier and <span>Thomas</span> had a miscommunication, but with Rosier saying he missed him it makes the throw a little concerning. As mentioned early, it comes down to progressions and mechanics for Rosier, which he will continue to improve on throughout the season. Richt knows how to develop quarterbacks and has already done so with Rosier given his improvement from 2015.</li>
<li id="HpZhRd">Penalties: No team or fanbase will ever be happy with penalties and this still rings true after Miami’s win over Toledo. The Canes took eight penalties costing them 75 yards. Against a team with the Rockets’ offensive prowess, Miami took some boneheaded penalties that easily could’ve been avoided. Most notably, Redwine jumped offside as time expired in the second quarter—which allowed Toledo to take the field goal from five yard closer, this time converting—and KC McDermott’s holding penalty negated Rosier’s initial rushing touchdown. It didn’t end up hurting the Canes at the end of the day, but against a conference opponent it could come back to haunt the Hurricanes. </li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="DCCefj">
<h1 id="A120NA">Team Grades</h1>
<h3 id="whuIpG">Offense: A-</h3>
<p id="29huga">Miami’s offense put up 587 total yards and scored 52 points. That’s pretty impressive for a unit that was not gaining headlines before the season started. Take those stats with a grain of salt considering Toledo’s defense, but the Hurricanes put up points in bunches.</p>
<h3 id="vRPrbg">Defense: C</h3>
<p id="Alf0ES">The secondary struggled mightily and surrendered 344 yards in the air blowing coverages throughout the game. Miami’s front seven was able to get Woodside and sack the quarterback four times, but it wasn’t enough to make up for the woes on the backend. </p>
<h3 id="v9h0Zn">Special Teams: B</h3>
<p id="Vr4VMM">Not too many opportunities for the third unit to shine with Miami either punching it in the end zone or going three and out. However, after a solid week one for <span>Zach Feagles</span>, the freshman had just a below average day punting the football (36.3 yards per punt). <span>Thomas</span> averaged 23.0 per kick return while no Hurricane recorded any punt return stats.</p>
<h3 id="3succE">Coaching: B+</h3>
<p id="2UKIt1">After a shaky first half, Miami rallied coming out of the halftime break. Richt and his staff made adjustments at the intermission and had confidence in their personnel to get the job done. </p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/24/16357198/the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-toledo-edition-mark-walton-mark-richt-malik-rosier-miami-hurricanes_JoshRWhite2017-09-15T13:00:02-04:002017-09-15T13:00:02-04:00Miami Hurricanes Rooting Guide: Week 3
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Bethune Cookman at Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6upTOZeUAwiTSPTR8dFzTsJh7EA=/0x0:3582x2388/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56697521/usa_today_10253720.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another week, another rooting guide, but still no Miami Hurricanes</p> <p id="OzMS5K">After a one week hiatus because of Hurricane Irma, the Miami Hurricanes Rooting Guide is back. However, unfortunately not will a full ACC slate. With Miami and Florida State now playing in October, here is who you should root for in week three. </p>
<h1 id="ni9qHn">Saturday, September 15</h1>
<h3 id="9lx34Y">#9 Oklahoma State at Pittsburgh, 12:00 PM (ESPN)</h3>
<p id="xOEwJY">The Panthers were able to knockoff Penn State and Clemson last year as time expired, but this season’s Pitt team isn’t the same. Penn State manhandled Pittsburgh last week, but the Panthers don’t have time to weep as they go back up against a top-10 team in Oklahoma State. Ideally, Hurricanes’ fans want Pitt to win, but that seems a little out there. The Cowboys have looked strong through the first two weeks, but maybe cinderella could strike at home. Root on Pitt to represent the ACC and build up the résumé with the Canes set to face the Panthers on Nov. 24. </p>
<h3 id="pr58fH">Connecticut at Virginia, 12:00 PM (ESPN 2)</h3>
<p id="oQ8skI">Another opponent Miami plays later in the season (Nov. 18) who is off to a 1-1 start. The Cavaliers are playing their third straight home game on Saturday against a UCONN team that hasn’t played since Aug. 31 (Irma). With the Hurricanes matching up with Virginia later in the season, Miami fans should be cheering on UVA in this matinee on ESPN 2. </p>
<h3 id="HWYnIC">Furman at NC State, 12:20 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="Ldjwlf">The Wolfpack are supposed own one of the best defensive fronts in the ACC (similarly to Miami). Furman stands as NC State’s last warmup game before facing off against Florida State next week. The Pack should take care of business at home and Canes’ fans should be content with that. NC State’s game this week doesn’t have too much of an impact on Miami, but we know who Canes’ fans will be rooting for next week when the Wolfpack visit Florida State. </p>
<h3 id="qKTizh">Baylor at Duke, 12:30 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="PZUmrR">Baylor has struggled and Duke has thrived this season. The Bears are off to its worst start since 2003 and are making a change under center this week. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Blue Devils are emerging as a dark horse to win the Coastal and prevent the Canes from making the ACC Championship. With Duke scheduled to host Miami on Sept. 29, go Devils in this week’s matchup against the Bears. </p>
<h3 id="WSw4mr">Utah State at Wake Forest, 3:00 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="ow4bSc">THE WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS ARE TIED FOR FIRST IN THE ATLANTIC. Okay, we can just relax for now because only three four teams in the ACC have played so far. However, Wake Forest has potential. Although they have played Presbyterian and visited Boston College, they have showcased a stingy defense through two games (8.5 PPG). The Deacons should take care of business at home and Miami fans will be fine with that. Wake Forest won’t really impact the Canes’ season this year besides playing spoiler. The Demon Deacons have a tough ACC Slate and will be there for the ride.</p>
<h3 id="quqyP9">#16 Virginia Tech at East Carolina, 3:30 PM (CBS Sports Network)</h3>
<p id="w9pxTg">Virginia Tech has solidified themselves as Miami’s top competition in the Coastal. With a week one victory over West Virginia, the Hokies are ranked one slot ahead of the Canes. Va. Tech should handle East Carolina with ease and that will keep VT undefeated. Time to root on Virginia Tech for one of the last times this season.</p>
<h3 id="qrmbMH">North Carolina at Old Dominion, 3:30 PM (Regional Only)</h3>
<p id="fK0Ebw">No Mitchell Trubisky, no problem right? WRONG. The Tarheels are off to an 0-2 start after suffering close defeats at home to both Cal and Louisville. Look for UNC to bounce back on the road against Old Dominion. With Miami scheduled to visit Chapel Hill in late October, Canes’ fans will be cheering on for North Carolina for another week.</p>
<h3 id="mmiu2t">Central Michigan at Syracuse, 3:30 PM (ACC Network)</h3>
<p id="6nMvEB">This isn’t basketball, but MIDDLE TENNESSEE beat Syracuse at home last week. Miami is rooting against Cuse on the basketball recruiting trails in regard to dynamic guard Jalen Carey, but Canes’ fans should be sticking with the Orange against Central Michigan. Syracuse visits Oct. 21 and as you’ve seen across our first two editions this year, when ACC opponents are playing out of conference, go ACC. Therefore, go Orange his week. </p>
<h3 id="yu8gq9">Notre Dame at Boston College, 3:30 PM (ESPN)</h3>
<p id="p9e4UZ">Is Notre Dame in the ACC yet? Nope. However, the Irish are a very interesting team this season. Coming off a one-point loss at Georgia, Notre Dame will most likely wallop Boston College and Miami will be just fine with that. The Hurricanes face Notre Dame at home on Nov. 11. Historically, it is hard for the Convicts to root for the Catholics, but go Irish this week. Allow Notre Dame to rack up the ACC victories before that pre-Thanksgiving matchup with the Canes. </p>
<h3 id="R8RK88">#3 Clemson at #14 Louisville, 8:00 PM (ABC)</h3>
<p id="RILyDG">Above and beyond the game of the week regardless of conference. A rematch of a thriller from last year and it shouldn’t disappoint this year. The Tigers and Cardinals will be in a dogfight for the Atlantic title this year along with Florida State. Get your popcorn ready and sit back to watch a very entertaining game. This battle will give Miami some tape on two of the top teams in the nation if they face either of them in the ACC Championship game. But for now, enjoy the wonders of this college football delight.</p>
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<p id="ztP7xM">Another week for Miami to regroup after Hurricane Irma. The Canes will host Toledo on Sept. 23 at Hard Rock Stadium after a 21 day layoff, but for now it is time to just sit back and watch. </p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/15/16252804/miami-hurricanes-rooting-guide-week-3-mark-richt-malik-rosier-mark-walton-shaq-quarterman_JoshRWhite2017-09-08T11:11:21-04:002017-09-08T11:11:21-04:00#FlashbackFriday Miami - 41, Arkansas State 20
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<img alt="Arkansas State v Miami" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JmUKp-zo27yRxWIQwuR5349YWbM=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56581241/455390558.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>This is in honor of the prudent decision to cancel this weekend’s Canes game vs. the Red Wolves.</p> <p id="UV2BJB">Following up on <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/8/16272286/miami-hurricanes-football-on-sanity-compassion-and-hurricane-irma-bigger-than-sports-have-a-heart">the <strong>masterpiece</strong></a> that SOTU’s managing editor, Cam Underwood, wrote, I thought it would appropriate to do one more #FlashbackFriday piece to remind people what happens when a Power 5 team like Miami plays a mid-major team like Arkansas State. Normally, nobody really cares about a game like this, a game where the Power 5 team pays the lesser team money to help ease the pain of playing the game at all. Once in a while David defeats Goliath but as was the case in 2014, Arky State was no David against the Miami Hurricanes Goliath.</p>
<p id="dlrfQO">The score might say it all, Canes 41, Red Wolves 20. The four touchdown passes from Bradley Kaaya might be the exclamation point. The 201 yards and two touchdowns by wide receiver, <span>Phillip Dorsett</span> might be the subplot but one play, sums up the the game and desperation of Arkansas State. The Fainting Goat. That’s right, The Fainting Goat fake punt play. A play that was so terrible, our parent site SBNation.com said it was the “<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/9/15/6155295/arkansas-state-attempted-the-worst-fake-punt-weve-ever-seen">worst fake punt we’ve ever seen</a>.” See for yourself. </p>
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<p id="yUgnZp">My thoughts and prayers are with all of the State of Florida and especially my friends and family riding out Hurricane Irma. May you all be safe.</p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/8/16275876/miami-hurricanes-flashbackfriday-miami-41-arkansas-state-20STRAUZER2017-09-05T11:00:02-04:002017-09-05T11:00:02-04:00#TossBackTuesday 1999 - #12 Miami - 23, #9 Ohio State - 12
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<p>Rebuilding from sanctions the Canes open the 99 season with a huge upset.</p> <p id="DJW3Oc">Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my final weekly Flashback Friday piece out on Friday but wanted to make sure one of my favorite games was presented to you.</p>
<p id="jJfTWu">The Hurricanes began the 1999 season as the pre-season number 12 in the Associated Press rankings and traveled to New Jersey to take on preseason number nine Ohio State Buckeyes for the Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium. The 23-12 win by Miami was one of its biggest victories since it was put on probation in 1995 helping to pave the way for the Canes to return to greatness.</p>
<p id="pmniXk">Miami's QB, Kenny Kelly, made his first start before a crowd of over 73,000 (your’s truly included) and looked terrible at times but also made some huge plays at critical moments. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 245 yards, with 2 interceptions and a touchdown pass, and rushed for a touchdown.</p>
<p id="o29wpW">This was also the game where the late Al Blades gave his infamous “HIT STICK BUST....” pregame speech. He would save a sure touchdown for OSU in the game making a great tackle of the Buckeyes RB Michael Wiley. Ohio State would have to settle for a FG on that drive.</p>
<p id="ad3iVW">Miami running backs <span>James Jackson</span> and <span>Najeh Davenport</span> rushed for 102 yards and 83 yards. Canes receiver, <span>Santana Moss</span>, finished with 3 catches for 115 yards including a 67 touchdown catch. While, the defense led by new DC, Greg Schiano, neutralized Ohio State's run offense holding by Wiley to 81 yards on 9 carries -- (one run was 69 yards).</p>
<p id="ISkqm1">Following a huge win to end the 1998 season over then #3 UCLA, this win over a highly regarded OSU team would further build the foundation for success over the next several years for Miami. </p>
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https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/5/16253122/miami-hurricanes-tossbacktuesday-1999-12-miami-23-9-ohio-state-12STRAUZER2017-09-01T12:30:02-04:002017-09-01T12:30:02-04:00Miami Hurricanes Rooting Guide: Week 1
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<img alt="Miami v Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wYLj5vGCaMbNMjhecJu5H3tVxR8=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56476627/619098050.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>As college football starts, here’s your rooting guide for the week</p> <p id="5gwRCh">College football is back! And that means so is the Miami Hurricanes rooting guide. With the Hurricanes vying for its first ACC Coastal Championship, here is the first edition of who to root for in the ACC this week.</p>
<h1 id="r0uAG2"><strong>Thursday, August 31st </strong></h1>
<h3 id="CAoZEr"><strong>Presbyterian College 7, Wake Forest 51</strong></h3>
<p id="K8o14T">This is already in the past, but Canes’ fans should have sat back and enjoyed the return of college football. Miami doesn’t play Wake Forest this season so this game is almost irrelevant. The Deacons’ held serve by dominating Presbyterian and holding face for the ACC as a conference. </p>
<h1 id="DSYALr"><strong>Friday, September 1st</strong></h1>
<h3 id="sBxqQ8"><strong>Central Connecticut at Syracuse, 7:00 PM (ACC Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="yKXpCv">The Hurricanes play Syracuse on October 21 at Hard Rock Stadium. With that being said, Canes’ fans should be rooting for the Orange. Cuse is most likely to lose a bunch of games before playing Miami in October, and for that matchup to hold more weight for the Hurricanes, root for Syracuse.</p>
<h3 id="R45js5"><strong>Boston College at Northern Illinois, 9:30 PM (CBS Sports Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="zsfasK">Very rarely do you see a power five team play on the road week one at a MAC host, but that is what we have here with this matchup. Boston College will not be very competitive in the ACC this season and the Eagles are not on Miami’s schedule. Root for Boston College in this game as it will bolster the ACC’s strength and set up Boston College as a stronger team for when they play Virginia Tech, Virginia and Florida State later in the season.</p>
<h1 id="ILzKXZ"><strong>Saturday, September 2nd</strong></h1>
<h3 id="V2BN27"><strong>Kent State at #5 Clemson, 12:00 PM (ESPN)</strong></h3>
<p id="Co8kqo">Who wouldn’t like to see a crazy upset week one? As much as college football fans across the country would love to see a miracle, the Tigers should annihilate Kent State. Miami fans should be cheering on the Tigers most of this season, including in this one, as they will be Florida State’s main competition in the Atlantic. </p>
<h3 id="GTUvEg"><strong>California at North Carolina, 12:20 PM (ACC Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="QsAcjN">Miami squares off against North Carolina on October 28 in Raleigh, NC. With North Carolina losing Mitchell Trubisky, the Hurricanes will want to get some new film on the Tar Heels. With UNC hosting the Golden Bears week one, North Carolina will have to showcase some of its playbook. With the Canes playing the Tar Heels later this season, Miami fans should be rooting for North Carolina this week to get the 2017 season off on the right foot and build up a stronger résumé for that late October showdown. </p>
<h3 id="mi7k3z"><strong>Bethune-Cookman at #18 Miami, 12:30 PM (ACC Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="xEyggc">Do I need to say anything? The reason why most of you are reading this website is to find out more about the Miami Hurricanes. With Malik Rosier as the new starting quarterback for the Canes and some new faces playing big roles, this game will serve as a showcase for Miami and an opportunity to learn more about themselves. Obviously, Miami fans should be rooting for the Hurricanes against Bethune-Cookman.</p>
<h3 id="A0Mual"><strong>Youngstown State at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM (ACC Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="EKPN3g">The Canes travel to Pittsburgh on November 24 (a Friday game the day after Thanksgiving). With the Panthers expected to have an up and down season, rooting for Pitt in this game is pretty obvious. Similarly, to what I mentioned earlier, Miami wants Pittsburgh to add wins to its record and make a potential Hurricanes’ victory more substantial later in the season. </p>
<h3 id="nETgwI"><strong>NC State vs. South Carolina, 3:00 PM (ESPN)</strong></h3>
<p id="69aum9">A very intriguing ACC vs. SEC matchup week one. NC State has similar hype around its defense as Miami compared to the Gamecocks have a high power offense. Former Florida head coach Will Muschamp takes the reins in Columbia adding extra incentive for Canes’ fans. With the Wolfpack as a dark horse in the Atlantic, Hurricanes’ fans should root for NC State as a victory will continue to build up the pedigree of the ACC, and add more strength into that Atlantic race. </p>
<h3 id="mCLWGq"><strong>William & Mary at Virginia, 3:30 PM (ACC Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="jbxeC2">Mark Richt and his squad host Virginia on November 18. For similar reasons to UNC and Pitt, Miami should be rooting on Virginia in this contest. In a game that should be pretty lopsided, the Hurricanes can add some footage to the tape on UVA. </p>
<h3 id="uy7x2F"><strong>North Carolina Central at Duke, 6:00 PM (ACC Network)</strong></h3>
<p id="nL7QWn">The Hurricanes visit Duke later this month (September 29) on a Friday night ACC Coastal showdown under the lights. Just the same that it has been with any team Miami has on the schedule this season, Canes’ fans should be rooting on the Blue Devils. Duke is a dark horse in the Coastal if Miami or Virginia Tech do not follow suit. It is not a game on the hardwood, but look for Duke to dominate.</p>
<h3 id="LGtwV3"><strong>#16 Louisville vs. Purdue, 7:30 PM (FOX)</strong></h3>
<p id="IcRr2w">Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals travel up to Indy to square off against the Boilermakers. Although Miami is not scheduled to see Louisville this season, it is in the Hurricanes’ best interest if the Cards can compete in the Atlantic with Florida State and Clemson. The Canes could also conceivably face Louisville in the ACC Championship game. Miami fans should be rooting on the Cardinals to open up the season with a victory in this ACC/Big Ten showdown. </p>
<h3 id="tAhsqQ"><strong>#3 Florida State vs. #1 Alabama, 8:00 PM (ABC)</strong></h3>
<p id="ejZSWw">The game the entire country will be watching. A consensus dislike for Alabama stretches across the nation, but Hurricanes’ fans despise Florida State. However, a win for the Noles might be beneficial for Miami. The Canes and FSU brawl on September 16 in Tallahassee. A victory for Florida State this week would only bolster their standing in the college football world and make a Miami win in a few weeks count even more (or a loss count a little bit less). I don’t think any Hurricanes’ fan every thought they’d say this, but Miami fans should casually be rooting on FSU this weekend. And if the Noles lose, Canes fans can enjoy their usual twitter banter (so really it is a win-win situation). </p>
<h1 id="Z9uCPR"><strong>Sunday, September 3rd</strong></h1>
<h3 id="Rxhc7W"><strong>#22 West Virginia vs. #21 Virginia Tech, 7:30 PM (ABC)</strong></h3>
<p id="GCzexK">The last game West Virginia played they lost to the Hurricanes in the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl. Now, the Mountaineers will face another ACC Coastal team. Sticking with similar themes from before, Miami hosts Virginia Tech on November 4. In a non-conference matchup, Canes’ fans should cheer on Virginia Tech that way the Hokies will be a stronger team résumé wise when playing the Hurricanes.</p>
<h1 id="si71m7"><strong>Monday, September 4th</strong></h1>
<h3 id="JGWUwo"><strong>#25 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech, 8:00 PM (ESPN)</strong></h3>
<p id="fgiVQo">No much more you could ask for in life than college football on a Monday night. With the Canes meeting up with the Yellow Jackets on Thursday, October 12 at Hard Rock Stadium it is in Miami fans’ best interest to cheer on GT here. For the exact same reasons with Syracuse, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Virginia and Duke this week. Especially with the speedy option Georgia Tech employs on offensive, can’t hurt to have some good game film on tape for Miami.</p>
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<p id="EGzqN8">There is your rooting guide for the week. Very rare will it be in a Canes’ fans best interest to have all ACC teams come out on top. Plenty of games to allow Richt and his staff to stack up some film. Enjoy college football! </p>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/1/16240102/miami-hurricanes-rooting-guide-week-1-mark-richt-malik-rosier-mark-walton-bethune-cookman_JoshRWhite2017-09-01T12:00:01-04:002017-09-01T12:00:01-04:00Miami Hurricanes Football: Meet the man behind the Bethune-Cookman call, Wes Durham
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<figcaption>Wes Durham (left) calls a game with broadcasting partner James Bates (right). | Fox Sports South</figcaption>
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<p>A conversation with Fox Sports’ voice of ACC Football. </p> <p id="d9lFUq">As we head into another beautiful season of football in it’s purest form, I sat at my desk and Christian Pondered: “Watching the games from the stands is awesome, but what would it look like to actually be in the broadcast booth calling the big game? What goes through those guy’s heads?”</p>
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<p id="kexkW9">Enter radio and T.V. veteran Wes Durham.</p>
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<p id="deIeo4">He’s called an Orange Bowl, a Final Four, and, most recently, Super Bowl LI between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, as the play-by-play guy for the Falcons.</p>
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<p id="K1NCHJ">On Saturdays, though, Durham works telecasts of ACC football on Fox Sports regional networks due to his vast experience broadcasting within the conference; you may have even heard Durham call some Miami-Georgia Tech games over the years, as he served as the Yellow Jacket’s play-by play announcer from 1995 through 2010.</p>
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<p id="qiQCe0">Durham, along with his broadcasting partners James Bates and Rebecca Kaple, will be covering the Miami Hurricanes’ season opener against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on September 2nd for Fox Sports Southeast at 12:30 ET. Durham is one of the most knowledgeable and engaging people in the business, and I had the pleasure to sit down with him to talk about his career, the life of a broadcaster, some college football history, and, of course, the Miami Hurricanes.</p>
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<p id="oC8Hsi"><strong>Stefan Adams</strong>: “Obviously, broadcasting is in the family with your dad (Woody Durham, voice of the <a href="https://www.tarheelblog.com/">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> for 40 years), and I’m assuming growing up around the business impacted your decision to pursue it as a career. How have those early experiences maybe led you or have influenced you to take a certain approach to calling games?”</p>
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<p id="oew1D9"><strong>Wes Durham</strong>: “It was a wonderful way to grow up; I was very fortunate in my career when I got started to have an unbelievable sounding board in my dad, in terms of what I was going through [as an inexperienced broadcaster]. It was fun when I came to Georgia Tech in the mid-90’s to do some games with him when Georgia Tech and Carolina would play.”</p>
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<p id="v67ny0"><strong>SA</strong>: “Now, I’m interested to get your perception of doing a telecast vs. the radio. Pros and cons to each? Do you have a preference for one over the other?”</p>
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<p id="mLmmRl"><strong>WD</strong>: “Radio is a smaller operation in terms of personnel, so your needs are just much less for radio. From a production standpoint, it’s maybe a 3, 4 day operation. When you’re doing television, it’s a pretty big deal. James Bates does the games with me, we have a sideline reporter this year, Rebecca Kaple, and we have a great production team... It’s a team game, really. I always tell people, you may be the guy on the screen, with the ball so to speak, but there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes: we have great camera guys, tape people, tremendous graphics people. All of that really counts.”</p>
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<p id="RWHE35"><strong>SA</strong>: “Great stuff. In the booth, you work with your broadcasting partner James Bates. What’s your relationship like and how do you guys play off each other during broadcasts?”</p>
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<p id="OZpjIv"><strong>WD</strong>: “It’s fun for us. James was obviously a very talented player in college, won a national championship with Florida.”</p>
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<p id="Ofkr3t"><strong>SA</strong>: “Hmmm, UF? Eh, I don’t know about this guy...”</p>
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<p id="PVQ732"><strong>WD</strong>: “(Laughs) Yeah, he’ll be forgiven a bit for being a Gator. Only a little though. We have a great relationship, this will be the 4th year we’ve been together. He’s got a very solid and steady football mind. His dad was a long time college and professional coach, defensive coordinator for many years, spent some time with the Miami Dolphins, and his brother is also a professional coach with the New York Jets. He just has great personality, so fun to be around, and brings a unique perspective with a twist. Its been an ideal situation to work with somebody as talented as he is. We have a really good time, call good games, and try and keep them as entertaining and informative as possible. And I think we do a pretty good job, at least I hope we do.”</p>
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<cite>Fox Sports South</cite>
<figcaption>The Fox Sports Southeast ACC Broadcast Team. (From left: Wes Durham, Rebecca Kaple, James Bates, and Takeo Spikes)</figcaption>
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<p id="jMJNDU"><strong>SA</strong>: “Shifting gears a bit, let’s talk about the game. Miami vs. Bethune-Cookman, September 2<sup>nd</sup>. Football is back. The fans are ready, it’s been a long off-season. Any sport, any opener, there’s always going to be plenty of excitement. Now, like you said before about trying to bring out a certain storyline, I always hear broadcasters talking about trying to find the story inside every game. So, Wes, what’s the story for this game?”</p>
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<p id="6kHyYN"><strong>WD</strong>: “When it comes to Miami, and I was just talking to a group about this recently, we’ve been waiting for them to come around and you can kind of feel the frustrations and some of the disappointments of the past few years. Now, having coach Richt for one year, the foundation has kind of been built. The one thing that kind of benefits Miami this year, as opposed to a year ago, is that the players have already seen a lot and here they are with 9 starters back on defense.”</p>
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<p id="rF9NVI"><strong>SA</strong>: “Absolutely, they have a lot back on the defensive side of the ball.”</p>
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<p id="1NEqNp"><strong>WD</strong>: “Not just guys that have started games, but young players that really played well. Now, you look to the offensive line. They’ve got 4 back there. They have an unbelievable sophomore receiver in [Ahmmon] Richards, the tight end [Chris] Herndon, great player. Then you look at [Mark] Walton, who is arguably the best back in the ACC and one of the top 5-6 backs maybe in the country. It really comes down to, how does the quarterback situation shake out? There’s so much fanfare about [N’Kosi] Perry coming there, but at the end of the day, I can’t say I’m totally surprised at [Malik] Rosier getting the job because he’s a guy that operated with a bit of experience.”</p>
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<p id="i7Q0w9"><strong>SA</strong>: “Oh yeah, I’m right there with you. I wasn’t surprised at all. A lot of people expected a freshman to come in and automatically pick it all up, and take the job away from Rosier. I mean, Rosier’s been the backup for 2 years now, been behind Kaaya. He had the Duke game that he started and played very well. I just think Rosier had a lot going for him as well and no one was really looking at that. Everyone’s interested in the next big recruit but, at the end of the day, I think going with the experience of Rosier was the right move.”</p>
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<p id="Eo75XB"><strong>WD</strong>: “I agree totally. I’ve always been a fan of coach Richt, and [Georgia Tech-Georgia] rivalry aside, he takes care of business within a program. Georgia is not an easy job and I thought he handled it beautifully. He always seemed to have great teams, and they had some really good years. Not just at Georgia, but at a lot of places, you can lose your sense of expectations, and you have to be careful how those expectations are built. To me, I always thought that their teams were competitive. Did they win every game? No, but were they very good and competitive in the SEC? The answer almost always seemed to be yes. It’s hard to win. And I can say that from both a college and NFL perspective. It’s really hard to win. And when you do win, the expectations level can increase to a point where you’ve got to be careful. It’s hard to keep that in check.”</p>
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<p id="qFb4lp"><strong>SA</strong>: “We’re on the same page there. 9-10 wins a year became not good enough at Georgia.”</p>
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<p id="KMQtBK"><strong>WD</strong>: “And for Miami, I saw them in July, and there was a sense they could take the next step. I think Richt was excited about what this football team was going to look like in the fall this year.”</p>
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<p id="njYX6D"><strong>SA</strong>: “Yeah, I’ve been covering some fall practice and stuff like that, and me personally, I think they’re in for a very good year. I’ve seen it myself, talked with people close to the program. I’m definitely excited... Now, no disrespect to Bethune-Cookman, but somebody told me this game might be a blowout. How do you handle games that could get out of hand to keep viewers engaged and interested?”</p>
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<p id="x71xoH"><strong>WD</strong>: “It’s one of the things we look at before a game, at the top of the chart: yes, Miami’s definitely the heavy favorite and this may end up being a lopsided game. I also know those guys [on Bethune-Cookman] were awarded scholarships, they’ll play hard. Bethune-Cookman has guys that have played high school ball with some of the guys at Miami, so you know there will be a competitive edge for some of the guys on the Wildcats.” </p>
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<p id="XMrnkb">“That being said, if the game were to go heavy to one way, what kind of storylines do you investigate? Well there’s plenty to talk about with Miami. The indoor practice facility, things like that. We’ll look at what lies ahead. Next week, they’ll be favored against Arkansas State, but then the third game is Florida State. Could be a preview of the ACC Championship game. Let’s say Florida State beats Alabama and both those schools come into the game 2-0. All of a sudden we’re talking about a major stage for the ACC, and that’s part of where we’ll go. This is an ACC-centric broadcast, so we want to take things in that direction.” </p>
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<p id="Z166rm">“In games like that, I also enjoy watching the younger guys that maybe haven’t played much, but are an injury away from playing a huge role. For fans, I think most people are interested in seeing, when you’re talking a top 20 team, are interested to see those young guys. Will N’Kosi Perry get a shot? Who’s that next guy behind <span>Mark Walton</span>? Who’s that next guy behind Herndon? Who’s the next guy in the secondary? That’s the fun part for us too, because you don’t know how good those guys are until you see them for the first time. That’s all part of the intrigue of openers and first games.” </p>
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<p id="CHGzx1"><strong>SA</strong>: “Like we talked about, you were a broadcaster for Georgia Tech football for 15 years, so you’ve seen a lot of Miami teams over the years. Do any specific Miami teams in the past stick in your mind that you really liked? Or any specific Miami-GT games?”</p>
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<p id="8D1KAd"><strong>WD</strong>: “Well, the first time I saw Miami live in football was in the Gator Bowl in 2000, when they beat Georgia Tech. That was the team that had Ken Dorsey and Kenny Kelly, I think Clinton Portis was on that team. Nate Webster, Dan Morgan at linebacker. They beat a very good Georgia Tech team, with Joe Hamilton who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Ron Dayne that year. Joe’s last game was that Gator Bowl game against Miami, coached by Butch Davis. Of course, Miami won the game and Webster and Morgan were tremendous. They did a phenomenal job that day. I’m sure I’m leaving out some really good players too (laughs).”</p>
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<div id="Tlj2zA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rCkjcCDLe2I?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="PDrU9s">“The other game I remember that probably won’t be as fond for Miami fans was back when I was still calling the Georgia Tech games in 2005.”</p>
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<p id="2zaW0B"><strong>SA</strong>: “Was that the game where Calvin Johnson had all those crazy catches?”</p>
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<p id="aNJUaj"><strong>WD</strong>: “(Laughs) Oh yeah, that’s the one. Georgia Tech blitzed all night long and they won the game and basically took Miami out of the BCS that night. Calvin had an unbelievable night. A kid that didn’t have an amazing career or anything at Georgia Tech, a kid named Dennis Davis, had a great game too. And I remember Devin Hester did not play in that game. But yeah, Georgia Tech won the game.”</p>
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<p id="BAQeOB"><strong>SA</strong>: “I definitely remember the 2005 game, but not the Gator Bowl, I think I was too young.”</p>
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<p id="Ev0sTe"><strong>WD</strong>: “Look up the Gator Bowl in 2000, the 1999 season! What a Miami team. A sophomore Dorsey, behind Portis I think they had James Jackson, I may be wrong (editor’s note: he was right). At receiver, I want to say Reggie Wayne was on that team... Santana Moss was definitely on that team!”</p>
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<p id="4ZaiwV">“For the ‘05 game, that was just Calvin being Calvin. Just some unbelievable catches. And that’s the night, he was a sophomore then, but that was the night he <em>became </em>Calvin Johnson. He’s a friend and I’m not just saying this, but he’s a great guy. He had a lot of god-given ability, but boy did he bust his rear-end. But yeah, the Gator Bowl game and the ‘05 games stick out. An unbelievable Miami team in the Gator Bowl and was kind of the precursor to them winning the national championship in 2001. Larry Coker’s first year I think.”</p>
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<p id="RzyFes"><strong>SA</strong>: “Wow, well I think that’s all I have for you Wes. Really great stuff, informative and in-depth. I feel smarter as a college football fan now. Thanks for taking the time to talk.”</p>
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<p id="7PGFu7"><strong>WD</strong>: “(Laughs) It was a pleasure, Stefan.”</p>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lSNHrX">
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<p id="GtxlrV"><em>Look out for Wes and his ‘Fox Sports Southeast’ team tomorrow calling the Miami vs. Bethune-Cookman game at 12:30 ET. Here is a link to Saturday’s game on FOX Sports GO: </em><a href="http://a.fsgo.com/uaDf/fk7VGFHg4F"><em>http://a.fsgo.com/uaDf/fk7VGFHg4F</em></a></p>
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<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x8fFnMOx-lfVlOmwxz73ImiLRyQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9157629/image1.JPG">
<cite>Fox Sports South</cite>
<figcaption>(From left): Wes Durham, Rebecca Kaple, and James Bates.</figcaption>
</figure>
https://www.stateoftheu.com/2017/9/1/16232184/miami-hurricanes-football-get-acquainted-with-fox-sports-wes-durham-mark-richt-trump-mark-waltonStefan Adams