Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The State Of Miami. Yup, We Suck. But...
I haven't commented on the state of UM since the ganking of Randy Shannon, until now.
1. The Gruden rumors seem a little far-fetched. Yet its continually reported (and by good sources), the timing is curious (NFL collective bargaining lockout), and the administration wants to spend the dough to get a good coach. $3 million a year? That's enough to have him at least listen. Based on the athletic director's comments, you better make a big splash... and there's no bigger splash than Gruden.
2. As for right now... We suck, but we have the talent not to suck. When you commit penalties and turnovers, you suck. When you don't play up to your potential, and down to other teams' talent, YOU SUCK. No, Miami wasn't more talented than Ohio State. But we certainly had more in the gun than South Florida, Virginia Tech, and freaking UVA (see why you don't lose to UVA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RidU6ILUQNE and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zKxcXfKYgY&feature=related).
We're the 4th best team in the state of Florida. When, if ever, has that ever been said about Miami?
3. Randy Shannon needed the axe. He needed it after he lost to UVA, yet the administration gave him the chance to right the ship. Additional losses to Virginia Tech and South Florida doomed his career.
Randy Shannon is an excellent defensive coordinator, solid recruiter, and overall great dude. But he is ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of an attractive head coaching position. He was simply a better #2 than #1. Think Scottie Pippen.
There were signs before the UVA game, though. The lack of discipline and mental toughness were evident due to the outrageous penalties, continuous turnovers, and erratic motivation of the players.
Shannon also mishandled the media. He refused to come on Sid Rosenberg's show because he asked tough questions. If you can't handle honest queries, how can you handle the pressure of the UM alumni, boosters, and fanbase? In addition, he didn't allow his two quarterbacks to speak to the media after the continued turnovers. That sends a bad message. Morris still hasn't spoken. Banning Twitter didn't work, either.
The Shannon era produced zero bowl wins, a losing record against postseason top 25 teams, a .500 record in a mediocre ACC, and at least 4 losses every year. Not good.
I'll give props. Fantastic citizens, outstanding academic and graduation rates, and solid recruiting make Randy Shannon a good asset to a football team. Asset, not head coach. On paper, I'd have to be insane to think that 2010 wouldn't be another stepping stone given the talent. But, I was unfortunately wrong.
4. I'm really not excited about many of the candidates. Richt said no. Dan Mullen? Edsall? That's not a splash. Honestly, there aren't that many big name coaches to match the volume of Kirby Hocutt's desire to return to "revelance."
Jim Harbaugh is almost an impossibility. Bill Cowher is also a nutty choice. Butch Davis? Urban Meyer and Nick Saban's salaries are huge at established title contenders. I'm trying to think outside the box here. Tommy Tuberville seems like a weak choice, given the connotations of the need to make an impact.
The wait continues. Hope for Gruden, but there's probably a 10% shot that he'll be in Miami.
Better than none, right?
1. The Gruden rumors seem a little far-fetched. Yet its continually reported (and by good sources), the timing is curious (NFL collective bargaining lockout), and the administration wants to spend the dough to get a good coach. $3 million a year? That's enough to have him at least listen. Based on the athletic director's comments, you better make a big splash... and there's no bigger splash than Gruden.
2. As for right now... We suck, but we have the talent not to suck. When you commit penalties and turnovers, you suck. When you don't play up to your potential, and down to other teams' talent, YOU SUCK. No, Miami wasn't more talented than Ohio State. But we certainly had more in the gun than South Florida, Virginia Tech, and freaking UVA (see why you don't lose to UVA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RidU6ILUQNE and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zKxcXfKYgY&feature=related).
We're the 4th best team in the state of Florida. When, if ever, has that ever been said about Miami?
3. Randy Shannon needed the axe. He needed it after he lost to UVA, yet the administration gave him the chance to right the ship. Additional losses to Virginia Tech and South Florida doomed his career.
Randy Shannon is an excellent defensive coordinator, solid recruiter, and overall great dude. But he is ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of an attractive head coaching position. He was simply a better #2 than #1. Think Scottie Pippen.
There were signs before the UVA game, though. The lack of discipline and mental toughness were evident due to the outrageous penalties, continuous turnovers, and erratic motivation of the players.
Shannon also mishandled the media. He refused to come on Sid Rosenberg's show because he asked tough questions. If you can't handle honest queries, how can you handle the pressure of the UM alumni, boosters, and fanbase? In addition, he didn't allow his two quarterbacks to speak to the media after the continued turnovers. That sends a bad message. Morris still hasn't spoken. Banning Twitter didn't work, either.
The Shannon era produced zero bowl wins, a losing record against postseason top 25 teams, a .500 record in a mediocre ACC, and at least 4 losses every year. Not good.
I'll give props. Fantastic citizens, outstanding academic and graduation rates, and solid recruiting make Randy Shannon a good asset to a football team. Asset, not head coach. On paper, I'd have to be insane to think that 2010 wouldn't be another stepping stone given the talent. But, I was unfortunately wrong.
4. I'm really not excited about many of the candidates. Richt said no. Dan Mullen? Edsall? That's not a splash. Honestly, there aren't that many big name coaches to match the volume of Kirby Hocutt's desire to return to "revelance."
Jim Harbaugh is almost an impossibility. Bill Cowher is also a nutty choice. Butch Davis? Urban Meyer and Nick Saban's salaries are huge at established title contenders. I'm trying to think outside the box here. Tommy Tuberville seems like a weak choice, given the connotations of the need to make an impact.
The wait continues. Hope for Gruden, but there's probably a 10% shot that he'll be in Miami.
Better than none, right?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
UM... and THEM.
Fire Randy Shannon. That’s the opinion that’s going on. Last week, I would have agreed that such is a reactionary and emotional. So let’s take the emotion out of it.
Is Randy Shannon the guy? I don’t know. We have at least one to two years of talent to make up for. Then again, UM is always talented. So, is that good enough? I saw there in the rain last year in Blacksburg. I watched as the penalties and interceptions racked up against Ohio State.
I try not to be emotional. I allow rationale and good judgment to enforce my decisions about UM. But I’m fucking pissed. I’m furious we lost to “THEM.” I’d rather lose to Duke. I’d be sick, but at least you can take medicine for a sickness.
As for the caller who yelled at Mr. Rosenburg for criticizing Randy Shannon, that’s bullshit. That’s part of his job… to put up with the heat, and to take the praise. So shut up, people. Criticism is healthy and necessary.
I applaud the university for its academics. I’m proud to be a fan of that. But do we have to sacrifice one for the other? Do we really have to choose between national championships and Rhodes Scholars? If so, it’s a fucking shame. If we must choose, and the administration is academics first (and inexpensive coaching)… who to replace Shannon? I don’t know… I’m asking.
We need a tight end, and O’Leary is going to FSU. We need more linemen… but who’s coming? The recruiting took a big hit.
We’ve improved every year under Randy Shannon. This year making it to the ACC title game is mandatory. If not, then I’m done. I’ve defended Shannon to the end… and I’ll continue to do so, unless we improve (reach the ACC title game). But I’m fucking pissed we lost to THEM.
I’m out. Go Sid.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Remembering Dr. McGehee, Part 2: Influence
One of the best facets of early pre-production is that you can gauge the interest, talent, and the faculties of your potential collaborator. You're essentially an idea salesman; what snags the really good folks is the idea... and most importantly, what you're going to do with it. When you have the capital to compensate that person, things get even better.
That being said, I have something huge coming down the pike. I dare say, it's larger than anything I've attempted. It's a bold piece of work, and I'll let the news trickle down as things become more concrete. It's developed past an idea, a story, and a sheet of paper.
I've recruited some pretty spectacular people thus far. Four, perhaps five after this week, talented individuals are on board and ready to do some remarkable things. I'm shocked at how many people are content to get a local job, and not pursue something meaningful with their education. I will not fall into such a rut. I've been building myself up to this point for years, and I've finally arrived.
It's thrilling.
--------------------
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite references was the "transforming power of education." He's right, and I had the pleasure to film him saying so. Education is a marvelously liberating and rewarding experience. It is almost entirely based on energy and its context in your life.
I remember the passion in his Sherlockian features as he lectured. There was nothing simple about his stories. I could actually smell the death at Gettysburg, feel the depression of Lincoln, and laugh in disgust at Imelda Marcos.
Something a lot of folks don't realize is that the man's "push and pull" was astounding. The more you gave in his classes, the more you got back. Lazy students were unwelcome and downright offensive to his person, as it should be.
-------------
I bitch about the government and goobers in general, but that's my personality. It was Dr. McGehee who commented to me that I was "becoming more radical with age." So I accept and embrace it. Some people just like to be pricks, and those are the folks whom I take issue with. But I am thankful for where I am and what I have become. Many say that "I probably wouldn't be here because of Person A." That's a detestably large understatement.
There are two reasons why I am where I am today. One reason is Kristen. She's awesome like that, and I was lucky she took my Miami Hurricane loving rear-end in. :) The second is Dr. McGehee. I can't begin to even describe what sort of pedestal I place him on. His words, wise counsel, unfathomable kindness, empathy, and comedy are things I take with me on a daily basis. I have a fundamental need to laugh often, and the easiest way to do so is to remember his words.
I ache to do these two people justice, and to make them proud of me. They deserve every inch of my creativity, heart, intelligence, and diligence.
So now I'm going to make my mark.
That being said, I have something huge coming down the pike. I dare say, it's larger than anything I've attempted. It's a bold piece of work, and I'll let the news trickle down as things become more concrete. It's developed past an idea, a story, and a sheet of paper.
I've recruited some pretty spectacular people thus far. Four, perhaps five after this week, talented individuals are on board and ready to do some remarkable things. I'm shocked at how many people are content to get a local job, and not pursue something meaningful with their education. I will not fall into such a rut. I've been building myself up to this point for years, and I've finally arrived.
It's thrilling.
--------------------
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite references was the "transforming power of education." He's right, and I had the pleasure to film him saying so. Education is a marvelously liberating and rewarding experience. It is almost entirely based on energy and its context in your life.
I remember the passion in his Sherlockian features as he lectured. There was nothing simple about his stories. I could actually smell the death at Gettysburg, feel the depression of Lincoln, and laugh in disgust at Imelda Marcos.
Something a lot of folks don't realize is that the man's "push and pull" was astounding. The more you gave in his classes, the more you got back. Lazy students were unwelcome and downright offensive to his person, as it should be.
-------------
I bitch about the government and goobers in general, but that's my personality. It was Dr. McGehee who commented to me that I was "becoming more radical with age." So I accept and embrace it. Some people just like to be pricks, and those are the folks whom I take issue with. But I am thankful for where I am and what I have become. Many say that "I probably wouldn't be here because of Person A." That's a detestably large understatement.
There are two reasons why I am where I am today. One reason is Kristen. She's awesome like that, and I was lucky she took my Miami Hurricane loving rear-end in. :) The second is Dr. McGehee. I can't begin to even describe what sort of pedestal I place him on. His words, wise counsel, unfathomable kindness, empathy, and comedy are things I take with me on a daily basis. I have a fundamental need to laugh often, and the easiest way to do so is to remember his words.
I ache to do these two people justice, and to make them proud of me. They deserve every inch of my creativity, heart, intelligence, and diligence.
So now I'm going to make my mark.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Remembering Dr. McGehee, Part 1
Hello all,
It's taken forever for me to get the courage to comment on the greatest loss of my life. It's still hard to even think about him. I have a picture of him in my office. Some may think that's weird, but I don't.
In any case, I'm going to post some short stories about him.
My first comes on the heels of LeBron James to Miami. Cleveland fans are weeping... and I understand that. Sports fans are passionate. But, it's just sports.
I'm a diehard, lifelong Miami Hurricanes fan. I've suffered through the sanctions post Erickson, watched the rise and departure of Butch Davis, been amazed by Ken Dorsey, royally pissed by the devolution under Coker, and now the hope to rise again under Randy Shannon. I pay attention to things like high school recruiting in Florida, jersey numbers, statistics... and I always pay humorous insults to Florida State.
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite quotes was: "Lawrence is the only Caucasian Miami Hurricane fan in America."
"Instead of rooting for the team from your own state, he instead chooses the team from his childhood. That's both psychotic and admirable."
Stuff like that. It was funny, sarcastic, and meant in the best of spirits. My classmates were highly entertained. He watched my face falter from week to week as Miami got worse. The jokes got funnier.
"I can't believe you're still wearing that fucking shirt. Damn, you're brave."
I went to see Kristen in California in Christmas 2005, easily the best three week span and best Christmas of my life. This was before she moved in with me on 4/1/06.
This was also the year Miami would fall out of the national elite. Miami got demolished by LSU in the Peach Bowl. It wasn't even close. But, it wasn't so bad. I was with the redhead. Kristen attests that the worse the Canes are, the quieter of a fan I am. Thankfully, my yelling has gotten louder since 2008.
I return to WV in January of 2006, just in time to jump into Dr. McGehee's Presidency class. His first statement when I walk through the door?
"Where have you been? I've been trying all break to get in touch with you. I thought you were on suicide watch or some damn thing because of Miami. How are you feeling?"
I laughed for three minutes. I then explained to him the situation of my winter. He smiled. When he met Kristen, he understood why.
Dr. McGehee was like that. He'd motivate you so completely to kick ass in the classroom, and then catch you off-guard with the most hilarious thing you've ever heard. I've got a bunch of stories, and I'm slowly going to tell them when the wind blows.
The world got a lot less interesting when it lost its best historian.
It's taken forever for me to get the courage to comment on the greatest loss of my life. It's still hard to even think about him. I have a picture of him in my office. Some may think that's weird, but I don't.
In any case, I'm going to post some short stories about him.
My first comes on the heels of LeBron James to Miami. Cleveland fans are weeping... and I understand that. Sports fans are passionate. But, it's just sports.
I'm a diehard, lifelong Miami Hurricanes fan. I've suffered through the sanctions post Erickson, watched the rise and departure of Butch Davis, been amazed by Ken Dorsey, royally pissed by the devolution under Coker, and now the hope to rise again under Randy Shannon. I pay attention to things like high school recruiting in Florida, jersey numbers, statistics... and I always pay humorous insults to Florida State.
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite quotes was: "Lawrence is the only Caucasian Miami Hurricane fan in America."
"Instead of rooting for the team from your own state, he instead chooses the team from his childhood. That's both psychotic and admirable."
Stuff like that. It was funny, sarcastic, and meant in the best of spirits. My classmates were highly entertained. He watched my face falter from week to week as Miami got worse. The jokes got funnier.
"I can't believe you're still wearing that fucking shirt. Damn, you're brave."
I went to see Kristen in California in Christmas 2005, easily the best three week span and best Christmas of my life. This was before she moved in with me on 4/1/06.
This was also the year Miami would fall out of the national elite. Miami got demolished by LSU in the Peach Bowl. It wasn't even close. But, it wasn't so bad. I was with the redhead. Kristen attests that the worse the Canes are, the quieter of a fan I am. Thankfully, my yelling has gotten louder since 2008.
I return to WV in January of 2006, just in time to jump into Dr. McGehee's Presidency class. His first statement when I walk through the door?
"Where have you been? I've been trying all break to get in touch with you. I thought you were on suicide watch or some damn thing because of Miami. How are you feeling?"
I laughed for three minutes. I then explained to him the situation of my winter. He smiled. When he met Kristen, he understood why.
Dr. McGehee was like that. He'd motivate you so completely to kick ass in the classroom, and then catch you off-guard with the most hilarious thing you've ever heard. I've got a bunch of stories, and I'm slowly going to tell them when the wind blows.
The world got a lot less interesting when it lost its best historian.
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