The U's New Uniform

The U's new Nike Uniform

The Canes are looking for more

 The Miami Hurricanes football team begins another season with several true tests coming soon on the schedule.  Coach Shannon begins his fifth season as the head coach will need to be at his best.  No longer will he be able to rely on our patience in reconstructing this team from the Coker Era.  At Ohio State, at Pittsburg, at Clemson, and then home for the Florida State Seminoles, will provide us with a litmus test, on how far this team can go.  There are high expectations in Coral Gables, with players and coaches thinking national championship.  But as we have seen in seasons past, the Canes need to save some fuel for the final stretch.  The 2009 team was riding high until late season losses to Wake Forest and the new nemesis North Carolina ended all hope for a BCS Bowl Game invitation.  Shannon made an upgrade with Mark Whipple last season and this year d-line coach Rick Petri who has had a history of developing some of the universities best defensive linemen.  With 29 years of experience and a whole spring football camp to mold his line into something special.  The pressure is on QB Jacory Harris to cut down on the turnovers and lead this team to its first double digit win season in over 7 years.  Harris who is a Heisman trophy candidate that has the confidence of his teammates and coaches.  His development is key to the success of this team.  Along with the defense, there is no greater need for improvement.  The victory against FAMU showed us a glimpse of how powerful this team can be.  Harris looked perfect and the defense was hungry and looking for blood.  They ran down the field on offense and caught a feed on their prey on defense.  Next up is Ohio State, a team that will be ready for they fight, will Harris and Company be ready for a bigger challenge?

Parcells is not a Dolphin

Executive VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells

Bill Parcells is not a Miami Dolphin.  Yep, he is paid by the Phins, he picks the players that will fill the roster, and yes he chose the coaches, trainers, and doctors. But do you think of him like Don Shula, Mercury Morris, Dan Marino, or Ricky Williams. No. If a true Dolphin was heading this team, Zachary Thomas would have had a grand retirement ceremony that wasn't pressed by the media, and Jason Taylor would be our starting outside linebacker.  Not because of his name, but because he is still better than anyone currently on the roster.  Jason Taylor, a man who gave us years of blood, sweat, and tears; willing to play for almost nothing just to wear the aqua and orange. That is what separates the two "Dolphins", one would take less money and disrespect to play for his first love; the other would be on a jet plane out of town faster than you could say, "bluberry pancakes" if there was any sign of trouble or a "so called" better job. (on a side note: The Miami Dolphins are the best job and organization).  He disliked Taylor because he thought about what's next in his life and did "Dancing with the Stars".  People talk about being a Parcells' guy and that's all there is. Perhaps Parcells needs to reevaluate exactly what he's looking for.  If he wants someone who will leave it all on the field, Taylor is a Parcells' guy.  If he wants someone who will motivate those around them, Taylor is a Parcells' guy.  If he wants someone who is good in the community, Taylor is a Parcell's guy.  But if he wants someone who will fear him, Taylor is not.  His resume speaks for itself.  Taylor, Thomas, OJ McDuffie, and Tim Bowens were all Dolphins.  My suggestion is Parcells & Amp Co. hang out a couple times a week with the above mentioned, plus Don Shula,Jim Mandich, Larry Little, and the Robbie family. As much as I love winning, selling your soul to the Parcells, may not be worth it.

The Evil Empire is now in Miami

(From Left to Right) James, Wade, and Bosh.  

The Miami Heat is now the, “Evil Empire” of basketball.  They will be both loved and hated, “game in and game out”, and now I understand and appreciate this.  The team that I have supported is now the hated team; I can truly understand why Yankee, Laker, Patriot, Steeler, and Celtic fans enjoy being hated.  Not until my team, had two of the top 3 players in the game, did it dawn on me how fun, and enjoyable the next 5-6 years is going to be.  Winning it all multiple times will make us arrogant and hard to deal with, walking around in other cities and states with the swagger of a late 80’s Hurricane football player.  And that is exactly what GM Pat Riley wants us to be.  People will cry foul, and talk about the conspiracy, and Heat fans will smile and laugh, and enjoy knowing that it is all jealousy.  Riley has had a plan in place for years, to make what just happened, happen.  Trades, losing out to some high priced all-stars; only to acquire superstars.  Now I don’t go around calling everyone superstars.  There may only be two handfuls of superstars, with a plethora of all-stars.  Barbershop all over the country, there are conversations on who is the best basketball player in the NBA. And in probably 80% of them Lebron James and Dewayne Wade are in that conversation.  That is what we have in Miami now.  There has never been a team with this type of talent.  Now talent alone isn’t going to win it all, we all know that the Lakers have the proven recipe to win.  But so does GM Pat Riley.  So now when I watch baseball and I see that ridiculous pitching staff and lineup of the New York Yankees, I tip my hat and smile, knowing that my version is in my city.

Jets in the news, Fins in the playoffs

I'm seriously enjoying hearing so much about the NY Jets and there magical season that is about to begin in a month.  Everyone, including Sporting News is picking the Jets to win it all.  So you ask, "why would he be so happy"? I'm overjoyed because Mark Sanchez and the Green Gook is about to fall fat on there faces.  The first of many stumbles begins with, "Hard Knocks" coming to training camp and filling everyones heads with helium.  If we look back at the history of teams going into a "Hard Knocks" season, only the Baltimore Ravens finished in the playoffs.  The Dolphin regime doesn't believe in individuals except for Pacells.  Carlos Dansby, here is your check, see you at OTA's.  Brandon Marshall, you are going to have to call your own, and we will see you at OTA's.  When players are supposed to be preparing themselves for the upcoming season with hard work on the field, the Jets are preparing for the camera with makeup and speech coaches.  To be a successful NFL team preparation for the season being in late July, early August with focused workouts and clear understanding of the teams strategy.  So while Jet fans and players are celebrating before the season starts, Parcells & company will working hard to celebrate after. Don't believe the hype, believe in the work.

This Ship Is on the Right Course

There were so many questions coming into this season for Coach Randy Shannon and his football team. How could this team make it through its early schedule and not come out totally defeated? Could Jacory Harris, provide the leadership and on the field command of this team, that he showed when steering Miami Northwestern to greatness? Is Coach Shannon a head coach, or just a great coordinator and recruiter? These questions and more were hanging in the balance when this team began its season.

Questions Answered
This team, being lead by underclassmen, has shown how much they learned playing as freshmen. The collapse last season came from a lack of depth. This season, freshmen are playing again and stepping up, but a superb junior and sophomore class is leading the way. We can see the maturation in this team when it rolled over Georgia Tech, or how they came back from halftime to show Duke who’s the boss. Even with countless injuries to vital players, they continue to plug in new baby faces and they continue to play at a high level. This is a direct effect of the excellent recruiting and development coming from Coach Shannon and his staff.

Coach Shannon is the man who was able to bring in a NFL pedigree offensive coordinator, Mark Whipple, to reshape the offense into the type that yielded countless NFL pros. Miami in the past has paid its bills by having a pro-style offense with the players to match. Countless players have come through those doors and have been developed to simply dominate, that is what separates the Canes from the USF Bulls. The recruiting classes since Shannon has taken over have replenished this team with talent. Under Larry Coker, the team suffered through a lack of talent and development. Shannon has provided discipline and structure that will prevent UM from sustaining any PR black eyes.

Jacory Harris has been a field general. He has provided the whole team with a stable leader. He is a sophomore who has played like a season veteran. Does he turn the ball over too much? Absolutely. But he also has the ability to take over a game with a single throw. He is a winner and will lead the team to become a national championship contender. Playing at Traz Powell Stadium in front of the whole community, he has done nothing but win, and that is all he knows. The high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in Miami-Dade county football has given us the diamond under center that we desperately needed. The pose that we have seen all year long comes from seeing and feeling what big time football is at Miami Northwestern.

This season has proven that we have the right team in place to remain in the conversation for years to come. We have seen Coach Shannon board this ship during a violent storm, navigating it out of the storm clouds to sunny, calm seas. We have a ship that has a destination in mind and that destination is prominence.

The Future of the Florida Marlins

The Marlins as always have plenty of young talent that is scratching the surface. But, with this scratch, and to continue it, owner Jeffery Loria will need to open his wallet. The stadium is being built, and the stars for the future success are aligned. The elephant that is in the room is the contract status of pitcher Josh Johnson. This ace that can lead this staff for the next 6-8 years has become the type of pitcher that you want starting game 7 of the World Series. Time is ticking and by coming to Johnson with a contract offer sooner than later would show this kid the level of confidence and willingness to pay to win. The Marlins track record of not paying is not very attractive around the league. Players see the team as a stepping stone to greater day instead of a home. This culture of trading proven talent for unproven talent just to unload salary needs to end. Hanley Ramirez is locked up, but the stars that will lead this team to sustained playoff appearances aren’t. Cameron Maybin, Chris Coghlan, Gaby Sanchez, and Anibal Sanchez are all going to be key cogs in this bright future. Along with infusing some quality veteran leadership this team will be a force. But for this to happen, Loria and the front office will need to pay players, show them that this is no layover, but a destination. Baseball in South Florida should be an easy sell; no income tax, beautiful weather, a brand new stadium, and a proven front office. Only time will tell where the front office team will steer this ship in the coming years, but to create a winner, greater culture must be set. If they are waiting on the fans to show up, build a steady playoff contender and they will come.

Jacory Harris And The Pull It Out

Looks as if Coach Randy Shannon choice to go with Soph. QB Jacory Harris was the correct move. Harris broke Kenny Kelly's record for most passing yard against Florida State. This offensive battle went down to the wire with Miami winning 38-34 in front of 87,000 at Doak Campbell Stadium. The defenses allowed the quarterbacks to carve up the secondaries with no pass rush. Harris played cool, collected and never seemed nervous or bothered at anytime in the game. Greg Cooper and Travis Benjamin also provided sparks throughout the game. This Labor Day game brought back memories of this rivalries storied past, with missed kicks, speed and athleticism. But this night belonged to Harris, going 21-34 , passing for 2 and rushing for 1 touchdown. He displayed the savvy of a seasoned quarterback even though it was his first game; knowing that he was the man and the success of this team was on his shoulders. The Canes faithful had a scare when Harris was hit and injured by FSU CB Greg Reid. However, the toughness and calls by new OC Mark Whipple put Harris in a position to continue on. Harris a member of the 2008 National Champion Miami Northwestern Bulls, was prepared young for the big stage, winning is all he did from the time he picked up the football. Though the Seminoles played well, in the end Jacory "Cool Breeze" Harris, summoned the swagger and greatness of Hurricanes past, to lead this team to victory and credibility.

Tavaris Jackson Held Out

Before last nights game, there was a small but steady stream of people wondering if QB Tavaris Jackson could create a battle with another strong performance. However, Coach Brad Childress and company decided to silence this talk by keeping T-Jack out of most of the game. If he was given the opportunity to play a substantial amount of time, we may have seen this talk grow louder. Farve had a good game and with this performance is now in the drivers seat. Viking defeated the Texans 17-10 with a strong performance from RB Adrian Peterson. Personally, I would have loved to see Jackson push Farve to the "brink of the bench". In the long term Jackson gives the Vikings the best option in the future, by in the win now league, the front office believe that the had to go for a hale mary and bring in Farve. Hopefully, Jackson will sit back and learn something from Farve and become a better QB.

09-10 Season Preview

The Miami Dolphins had an amazing 2008-09 season. Coming off a 1-15 season they shocked both Brett Farve and the NFL world as a whole. Now the hard work begins, no one will be surprised by the play of the Dolphins and will be ready for them every week.

The Draft
With the Bill Parcells and Co. back in the war room ready to better equip their team for the upcoming season, they began with the secondary. Selecting the CB Vontae Davis and following that pick with a gifted QB/ATH Pat White. In the third round they selected a personal favorite, CB Sean Smith from Utah. This draft will allow the Phins to further develop the wildcat formation that has been now dubbed the “WildPat” offense. By drafting two of the better corner backs in the draft, they will create heavy competition in the secondary. Sean Smith is a player that when developed, can cover the likes of Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Lee Evans. Parcells and Sparano continue to try to turn this team into a well disciplined, big, strong machine that will be able to play in the months of November and December when softer teams fold.

Free Agency
The Phins began free agency early by going out and signing the Cameron Wake for the CFL. Wake is a hybrid OLB/DE who is expected to create havoc in the backfield for unsuspecting quarterbacks. The solidified the offensive line by signing Joe Berger and trading for former Oakland C Jake Grove and sending C Samson Satele. To replace the loss of Randal Hill the Phins signed safety Gibril Wilson to a five-year contract; signed safety Yeremiah Bell to a four-year contract. Vernon Carey was also received a new multi-year deal. Both Bell and Carey were critical pieces that were needed to keep continuity. DE/OLB Jason Taylor has danced his way back into a Dolphins uniform after a unsuccessful stint in Washington.

Outlook
The Dolphins will start the 2009 campaign off certainly better equipped than last season, however as the defending AFC East champions, the target is on their backs and teams are ready. With the reliable Chad Pennington starting his second season under the helm of the offense, Sparano has an accurate passer who rarely makes mistakes. Disciplined as he may be, getting the ball down the field to WR Ted Ginn Jr., will be important to allow Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to have some area to move. TE Anthony Fasano is highly skilled and his ready for a breakout season to follow last season’s success. With the addition of QB Pat White to run wildcat, and allow this formation to be both a passing and running option, teams will have a new wrinkle to worry about. This confusion will allow the offense to put up enough points to give there dynamic defense room to work with.
Joey Porter and company created pressure and turnovers throughout the season. Without much pass rush from Mr. Porter’s colleagues, Jason Taylor’s return will be a welcomed addition. Sean Smith and Vontae Davis are coming along nicely during OTA’s and training camp, showing the athletic abitlity to play in the NFL. This defense should be a major strength for the team and keep the team competitive in every game.

Dolphins should finish with the season around 10-6 on the strength of the defense and new wrinkles to the wildcat offense.

Draft
1 - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois (5-11, 203)
2 - Pat White, QB/WR, West Virginia (6-0, 197)
2 - Sean Smith, CB, Utah (6-3, 214)
3 - Patrick Turner, WR, USC (6-5, 223)
4 - Brian Hartline, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 195)
5 - John Nalbone, TE, Monmouth (6-4, 251)
5 - Chris Clemons, S, Clemson (6-0, 208)
6 - Andrew Gardner, T, Georgia Tech (6-6, 305)
7 - J.D. Folsom, OLB, Weber State (6-3, 230)

Free Agent Additions
Joe Berger ,G,Dallas
Jason Taylor,DE,WAS
Tony McDaniel,DT,JAC
Eric Green,CB,ARI
Jake Grove,C,OAK
Gibril Wilson,S,OAK

Expectations Week

Evaluating South Florida’s football teams for the upcoming season.

Tuesday Miami Dolphins

Thursday Miami Hurricanes

Saturday FIU Golden Panthers and FAU Owls.

Kobe vs. MJ? Now That's Crazy Talk!!!

I can't believe that this is even being talked about, seriously "Kobe vs. MJ?". Kobe is nowhere near Micheal Jordan in the discussion of greatest players. MJ could do everything, and I mean everything better than everyone on the court. If it weren't for his unspoken two year suspension from the game he would have 8 championships. After the Bulls won their first championship during the Jordan era, we didn't even debate who would win the next season; it was just expected. Beginning the season we still had Boston as the best team and they probably would have beaten the Lakers if injuries hadn't derailed there season. 90's Bulls no questions, no debate. MJ is one of, if not the greatest swing defenders, and a incredible help side defender. He could shoot the three, his mid range game was unheard of, tremendous at getting down the lane, and lets not forget the post up game that allow him to continue to play at a great level even with a bad knee. Could he pass? Yep. Rebound? Absolutely. Basketball knowledge? Kobe who? This debate is only because all we have is baseball right now. Come back to reality please and lets all recognize Kobe Bryant as a great player, but he is no MJ.

South Florida Sports is Back!!!

After a long pause in publishing, South Florida Sports is back with new and in-depth sports journalism. Expect to see daily additions to the page, and look forward to more contributing writers. Writers will not only cover the local teams, but teams that our South Florida teams face throughout there season. This blogs intent is to information, opinion, and a forum for discussion.


Evan A. Payne

Heat Coach Resigns

Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy resigned today citing personal reasons. The Heat president and ex-coach Pat Riley will take over imediately. Riley, Van Gundy and team owner Micky Arison will announce the changes at an 11 a.m. news conference.
Van Gundy's job status has been the subject of speculation in South Florida for months, starting when Riley -- his mentor -- said shortly after the Heat's 2005 playoff run ended that he decide to take a larger role in the team's day-to-day operations. That comment, which seemed innocuous at the time, set off a storm of speculation that Riley was planning to dismiss Van Gundy and take over a team. Riley and Van Gundy had a meeting in which Riley assured the coach of his job security.

"Undefeated So Far"

The Indianapolis Colts continue on with their quest to win the Super Bowl and to go undefeated. The 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team to achieve such a season. I have a hard time believing in this team. I watch them and I see that there offense is almost unstoppable, but I still question their heart. In the past they would always crumble win they played a team that would smack them in there mouths, they could never beat a team that wasn't intimidated by there illusions. I wonder if they get into a game where things aren't going there way on offense, can they will out a win. When this happens I will believe in these Colts.