We want the ‘U’ back

By Lee Roberts  |   Thursday, September 18, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Miami Hurricanes
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In college football, there are teams that fans either love or hate. That bipolar passion is often fueled by success and tradition. Notre Dame is the prime example. The Irish's success made them one of the premier programs in the country, and now they reap the rewards despite not being all that good. Miami is one of those programs too, but right now there’s more indifference because this isn’t the 'U' everyone grew to love. Or hate.

Commentary: Since taking over the program in 2007, Randy Shannon has instilled discipline that had been lacking under Larry Coker; moreover, he's upgraded Miami’s recruiting. His freshmen make up the top-rated recruiting class in the country. Despite an improving product on the field, there is still an edge that’s missing.

Miami lost its last game, 26-3, to Florida. The Hurricanes played the Gators much tougher than most thought they would, but they still came a long way from breaking through. Afterward, Shannon complained that Florida, because of its late-game field goal, ran up the score. That’s as big of an indictment of the state of Miami’s program as anything. After all, there should be no moral victories for the Canes.

I’m talking about the 'U', where the players are cocky and brash. Where Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin, Clinton Portis and Sean Taylor, among others, have dominated en route to big wins in the past. Big plays, big hits, big personalities and big success are the hallmarks of Miami football.

Perhaps with success, that attitude will return to the sidelines. This week’s trip to Texas A&M is a great opportunity to go on the road and shut up a raucous crowd. The Hurricanes can get a win and let the Aggie fans know about it.

Fan Pulse: One thread on a Miami message board is discussing the last time a Canes cornerback returned an interception for a touchdown. Consensus: 2000. That’s too long ago for Miami or any other big-time program, for that matter.

Injury Watch: Defensive end Eric Moncur, running back Javarris James and offensive guard Chris Rutledge are questionable for Saturday’s game.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ...
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