Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Miami Hurricanes.
So I want to applaud my Miami Hurricanes (everyone who knows me knows that this team is the reason I know football today, hence my adoption of them as my team. No, not for the shameful brawl that is still being discussed in various national media two days after their game against the FIU Panthers. And definitely not to defend their actions like Lamar Thomas, the ex-hurricane player and analyst for Comcast sports. Thomas, on air, defended the 'Canes rights to fight back saying they had to protect their territory and how he would have loved to join the players. He later apologised saying he was caught up in the moment as a former player, but was still fired. And rightfully so.
The Canes--not to defend them--I think, basically poured their frustration on another disappointing season on the Panthers. It's not yet November and they are already out of a national championship contention. To make it worse, they may not even contend for the ACC championship. You could tell it in the way they reacted to a teammate being attacked by an FIU player.
Now, it's pretty clear and obvious that Coker needs to be fired. A lot of people argue that he cannot be fired for his players' behavior, but the truth is he can. They are his responsibility and clearly the fact that he has not managed the team properly in the past two seasons shows that he has lost control of, and possibly respect from the team. In my opinion, he should already be a lock to be replaced, but this should seal the deal. He has regressed statistically every year since he took over. He fired several assistant coaches, some without merit, and has caused the team plenty of recruits and returning players. He has also reduced several players' potential draft positions (Olsen, Phillips, Meriweather)because of the team's poor performance thus far. It is shameful that the most successful college football team to date has plummeted so deeply and so soon. It is without a doubt that it is time for some new leadership in Coral Gables.
Now back to my reason for applauding the Canes. I've always said that the Hurricanes always provide the most ready-for-NFL players straight out of the draft than any other school. And I have yet to withdraw my statement. Major props go to Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears (who scored the game winning touchdown off of a punt return against the Arizona Cardinals last night), and Frank Gore of the Oakland raiders who, despite being plagued by injuries during his college career, has turned out to be one of most productive offensive rookies this year. Since, at least in recent years, Miami's offense has become nonexistent, you would expect to see the Canes defensive players making the most impact on teams, but players like Hester, Gore and Senorice Moss(NY Giants) have shown how much individual talent exists on the Canes' roster. And for that, I say, "How bout dem Canes."
The Canes--not to defend them--I think, basically poured their frustration on another disappointing season on the Panthers. It's not yet November and they are already out of a national championship contention. To make it worse, they may not even contend for the ACC championship. You could tell it in the way they reacted to a teammate being attacked by an FIU player.
Now, it's pretty clear and obvious that Coker needs to be fired. A lot of people argue that he cannot be fired for his players' behavior, but the truth is he can. They are his responsibility and clearly the fact that he has not managed the team properly in the past two seasons shows that he has lost control of, and possibly respect from the team. In my opinion, he should already be a lock to be replaced, but this should seal the deal. He has regressed statistically every year since he took over. He fired several assistant coaches, some without merit, and has caused the team plenty of recruits and returning players. He has also reduced several players' potential draft positions (Olsen, Phillips, Meriweather)because of the team's poor performance thus far. It is shameful that the most successful college football team to date has plummeted so deeply and so soon. It is without a doubt that it is time for some new leadership in Coral Gables.
Now back to my reason for applauding the Canes. I've always said that the Hurricanes always provide the most ready-for-NFL players straight out of the draft than any other school. And I have yet to withdraw my statement. Major props go to Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears (who scored the game winning touchdown off of a punt return against the Arizona Cardinals last night), and Frank Gore of the Oakland raiders who, despite being plagued by injuries during his college career, has turned out to be one of most productive offensive rookies this year. Since, at least in recent years, Miami's offense has become nonexistent, you would expect to see the Canes defensive players making the most impact on teams, but players like Hester, Gore and Senorice Moss(NY Giants) have shown how much individual talent exists on the Canes' roster. And for that, I say, "How bout dem Canes."
