Will the hype hurt the Canes?

The question on everyone's minds entering this week isn't how the Hurricanes will handle the Hokies. It's how they'll handle the hype of being a big deal again in college football. Of the 200 questions you left me on our weekly chat, 150 pertained to the mental focus of this team.

Are they overconfident now that they're in the Top 10? Is Jacory going to be affected by the Heisman talk? Are they taking the Hokies lightly?

We won't know for sure until Saturday when the Canes line up against the ACC preseason favorite in their house. But from everything we heard from coach Randy Shannon and his players Tuesday, this Miami Hurricanes team isn't drinking the Kool Aid yet.

In fact, when the Canes got word they had moved up to No. 9 in the latest Associated Press poll Sunday, Harris said he and his teammates shrugged it off.

"Not too many people knew – one person said it, and it was like `Oh, well, we just have to get better," Harris said. "We don't want No. 9. No. 9 is nine spots away from being No. 1. We want to be No. 1 in the nation. We want to be where Florida is. Where all the great teams are. That's where we're trying to get."

Shannon said his team learned enough harsh lessons from its losses last year to avoid future pitfalls or taking teams lightly.

"This football team has learned a lot from last year's losses that we had playing against certain teams, situations," Shannon said. "Now they can realize the importance of concentrating on the game at hand, not looking ahead.

"When you look at the football team now, have we got a lot better maturity-wise than last year? Yes. As a whole the biggest thing that has helped out is the seniors on this football team. They've done a great job making sure we stay focused on the big picture, not the small picture. The preparation this morning was good, we got a lot of things done. Now we have to take the next step tomorrow. If we stay focused the game is no problem because they're ready to go. If you see guys not doing the small things in practice then you have a problem."

Harris said he's seen his new Heisman website and heard about all the things some famous people have been saying about him. But he promises it won't affect him.

"It's still not overwhelming," Harris said. "I have to pay attention to what's ahead. I have to take it one game at a time. As long as I do that, my team will help me stay focused, and I'll help them stay focused.

"I've heard (the Heisman hype). But I try not to pay any attention to it. I really don't think I've done anything yet because we've only played two games and we still have 12 more game to go. I'm just trying to win all the games."

Harris said he and his teammates know all the attention can disappear quickly.

"Once you lose you start dropping in the rankings anyway," Harris said. "Last year we went up to play Georgia Tech. I know were happy, probably too happy. That's what we learned. It's not about what's written on paper, stats. It's what's done on the field. As long as we keep performing on the field we'll get the rewards and things we deserve."

A couple quick notes...

> INJURY UPDATES: Expect to see cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke back in the lineup this week... Receiver Aldarius Johnson and running back Lee Chambers could be back too. Both were back out at practice Tuesday... We still have not received any word or defensive tackle Marcus Forston's status. He left in the third quarter with a foot injury against Georgia... Tight end Jimmy Graham had his left hand bandaged up. Ditto for backup linebacker Arthur Brown.

> I'll have plenty more for you in the coming days including audio from today's media session. We spoke with Leonard Hankerson, Jacory Harris, Randy Shannon, Matt Pipho, Orlando Franklin and Randy Phillips. I had a one-on-one with receivers coach Aubrey Hill.

Comments

[G-Cane]

Been hoping for a post all day, Manny.

FIRST.

Thank you! This team will keep its collective head on straight, facing forward and ready to face who's up to bat next.

Go Canes.

[Herbal Minded aka HM]

UM vs GT HighLight reel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl_hqM_Mi14

[nealtrom]

I watched the news conf,,,I thought you were going to oass out when jacory said he read your blog...

[imyahuckleberri]

Manny its good to hear they kids not feeding into the rankings. The most important thing is to realize the goal is a Championship. The House will fall if we lose but you have to have the hype to be number 1.

[Jacory "The Surgeon" Harris]

Just set back and enjoy the ride. The canes will remain focused, never be down on themselves in tough situations, and will play there hearts out.

[JRod]

I hope Fortson is alright, as missing him would be a huge blow... If he is out, than we need Holmes, Joseph, and Regis to step it up and form a nice rotation with Bailey...

Hopefully the injury to Graham isn't to serious and he'll be ready to go, considering that Gordon is also hurt (TE depth is being challenged)... Brown's injury doesn't worry me to much, as I think he is only participating on special teams...

I live in Alexandria, VA just outside of DC and let me tell U that the Hokie grads I work with respect us, but are confident that they are going to win... I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

[JRod]

Manny,

Is Gordon back practicing, or is his shoulder still in a sling?

[ChicagoCane]

I love the JH quote about having to get better. I think they have their heads screwed on straight, and they'd better because the fans, myself included, don't anymore. I'll admit I'm daydreaming a bit, but I keep forcing myself to remember when the season started how happy I would be with a 2-2 or a 3-1 start. I don't think stomping on GT changes things all that much.

Manny, quick question. Any word on whether we're recruiting another kicker in this years recruiting class? I asked this before, but I saw again that Shannon is going to keep Uribe as the starter for kickoffs. I still can't believe Wieclaw can't beat him out, especially after that performance last week. Any chance we're looking for someone else? We only have Bosher for a little bit longer.

Also, is there a special focus on special teams this week? I hope to God we're practicing kickoff coverage.

Go Canes!

[Doseman]

This is why you got to love RS, he is grounded and will keep his players grounded. Its all about the small stuff.

Anyone got tickets? I looked at the usual suspects

[DZ8]

Thanks Manny!

[conch salad]

I hope Fortson is alright, as missing him would be a huge blow... If he is out, than we need Holmes, Joseph, and Regis to step it up and form a nice rotation with Bailey...

JROD, I hope hes okay too, but in my opinion, Joseph and Regis have outplayed him so far this season. Still want as many healthy bodies for depth, but its not a HUGE blow.

[Canesjunkie]

Lou Holtz just jinxed us....it was a good run though.

[Canesjunkie]

Jacory reads this blog? I hope not, kid is going to torture himself for the next 3 years with our ramblings.

[YEAAAAAAAAAH]

where did u see the news conference?and how do i get to the jacory heisman website?

[YEAAAAAAAAAH]

nevermind but can you tell me how do i get to the jacory heisman website?

[YEAAAAAAAAAH]

NEVERMIND SOMEBODY TOLD MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Canesjunkie]

Sam Bradford is throwing again! Hopefully he can be ready in 2 weeks.

[JPHurricane]

I like this team better with an axe to grind. All this adoration from the media, essssppec..iallly Lou Holtz isn't welcome right now. Let's win some more ballgames.

[U Of Miami]

Lou Holtz and Mark May are both a couple of tools

I dont go by what teams they pick, I could care less about that

But they ramble on like 2 buffoons about crap nobody cares about

They blasted Miami when #95 Pata(RIP) was killed and did the same when #26 ST(RIP) was killed but never once came on the air when the truth came out and issued any apology to the family of those players they both trashed

Or the story of Lou pulling the Sch. of a player that was injured in a diving accident, after telling the family he wouldnt do such a thing

Lou ripped the scolly and never even called the player or family

A class act named Tom Osbourne gave the kid the scolly

Lou is a scumbag

[imyahuckleberri]

Canesjunkie,canaic,MRA,ChicagoCane,Caneboss,JRod,BamaCane,a few others I'm forgetting oh and last but not least my boi GREEN....man yall jus like me true Cane thru and thru. Yall might have to make a trip to TX in JAN. I love the post yall come up with. I also love the fact Jacory reads the blog. You know he in his dorm showin the team what some of the peeps is sayin. The talk about him being a string-bean I'm sure that puts a chip on his shoulder. Jus let em keep adding fuel to the fire. These guys got something to prove I keep saying that. Something about that NW team I saw personally against Southlake. Manny you gotta post your interview. I wanna see you get starstruck. Va Tech gonna come out strong but they don't have the horses. Ryan Williams is the only game changer because T. Taylor is worse that Chris Rix. When you play in big games week to week you grow stronger as a team especially if you win. Manny said lets ee how JH performs under pressure. I hope that never happens. I hope Va Tech has a certain fear in the team that no matter how good they practice if Miami has a 17-3 or 21-0 lead by halftime the game is over. The offense is so great that every fans is scared for Whip to leave. I Can only hope he stays long enough to teach a OC in waiting. The spread offense did not work for us. As for now we should really enjoy this fellas cause we happen to have a favorite team that thrives on Winning Championships.

Sux to somebody named M A R V E right now. I know its a year later but it kinda shows what kind of leader he was.

On another note sad what hapeen to Plax family. He did something dumb but man that scene in the court room when his baby was crying was heartbreaking. Give all the props to Coach Shannon for keeping these kids out of trouble, graduating, and winning.

[UM Edeukasion]

#9 is EIGHT spots from #1, not nine.

Education at UM is obviously of high importance.

[U Of Miami]

Mr. Identity Theft man
You see a new blog up a you had to come running didnt you?
What the hell is wrong Adam in Palm Beach is your bloated gut stuck in the computer chair again?

[imyahuckleberri]

Oh my now we got a hata about the grad rate. Pathetic. Funny how we lead in FBS grad rate and this punk got nothin else to talk about. Just keep on winning Canes. You'll be in the NFL and this punk will always hate UM players. We got ESPN analyst Kirk Herbie throwin up tha U.

[JudgeD2]

Happy to see the mention of academics. The Miami program is tops in Fla and is around 6th in the country for student athelete's academic performance. UM also has more NFL players with college degrees than any other university. Coach Shannon and his staff has done an outstanding job keeping the players focused on the field and in the classroom. Also, UF has had, I believe, 25 players arrested under Meyer to only 2 for the Canes (one was Marve breaking the car window). UM is running a winning program on all fronts and I am proud to be a Miami Hurricane fan!

[Nashvillecane]

Lou Holtz just jinxed us....it was a good run though.

Posted by: Canesjunkie | September 22, 2009 at 05:31 PM

Lol I was thinkin the same thing...Lou we need u to keep pickin against da canes...as TI said.... Motivation...haters get on ya job

[chris H]

Well said, JudgeD2.

[outkast305]

we just need to stay focus and practice hard. it will pay off. the haters are gonna keep coming and pretend like they were here from the beginning. randy is doing his job. Just remember that not too long ago RANDY SHANNON said he recruited players from winning programs for a reason. here we are proving the doubters wrong. Keep it up Randy Canes.

[canezilla]

um edeukasion stop watching that tool from ch7 #9 is 9 spots from number 1

[Cat5Cane]

Manny... also been waiting... and glad you posted.

So much hype and so much attention within 2 weeks... it can be overwhelming.

I really like Jacory's statement/response... `Oh, well, we just have to get better," Harris said. "We don't want No. 9. No. 9 is nine spots away from being No. 1. We want to be No. 1 in the nation. We want to be where Florida is. Where all the great teams are. That's where we're trying to get."

That tells me he is in command of his objectives... and that's Good Stuff!
Don't settle in until it's in your hand!

You can't take the hype with you to the bank!

Thanks Manny!

[Wayne Ritchie]

Under the article about Lou H. jumping on the U of Miami bandwagon I left a post about how it is high time that the three coaches need to be signed to contract extensions before it becomes to late. Now on here if the hype is going to hurt the "U" i must add this. All of the HS players that have a desire to play in a huricane uniform better not wait till Feb to get their name on the list. There are only 20+ spots to fill and waiting may cost you a shot. Young men like Luc and Gore and some QB's better not hesitate.There is no doubt that Miami is back this year has its promises. 2010 should be better. So getting on the bus now will only help in 2011 and beyond. Do not think for a minute that JH will be here as a senior. After his Jr. year he will be in the NFL. I do not blame him don't be like T & B take the money and run. If you get hurt it may all go up in smoke. So lets go HS class of 2010 sign up while the time is right.

[RICK TRUTH SPEAKER]

UN EXPECTED ADVERSITY IS THE BEST THING AGAINST COMPLACENCY. THE YEAR (2007) "ICE" LED MIAMI NORTHWESTERN TO THE STATE AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. DEERFIELD BEACH ALMOST ENDED THEIR DREAM IN THE STATE SEMIFINAL GAME , HOWEVER THANK GOD "ICE" AND HIS TEAMMATES WERE ABLE TO WIN WITH ABOUT 2 MINUTES LEFT IN THE GAME. I FEEL THAT GAME WILL ALWAYS BE A REMINDER TO "ICE TO NEVER, EVER ALLOW COMPLACENCY TO DERAIL YOUR OPPORTUNITIES. PSALMS 23

[green]

Canesjunkie,canaic,MRA,ChicagoCane,Caneboss,JRod,BamaCane,a few others I'm forgetting oh and last but not least my boi GREEN....man yall jus like me true Cane thru and thru. Yall might have to make a trip to TX in JAN. I love the post yall come up with. I also love the fact Jacory reads the blog.

Posted by: imyahuckleberri | September 22, 2009 at 06:45 PM

EXQUISITE TASTE

[duvalcanesfan]

Good stuff as usual Manny. I'm feelin the blog. I was just thinking to many people are jumping on the bandwagon and i don't like it. Lou Holtz, AP and all the commentators. I wanted us to remain under the radar and embrace the underdog role. I just hope the team does not drink the Kool Aid cause with a win at Va Tech. We will be in position to control the coastal division. We must win the ACC before we play for a National Championship. PS i told U Marcus Fortson was overrated. GO CANES!!

[green]

where did u see the news conference?

and how do i get to the jacory heisman website?

Posted by: YEAAAAAAAAAH | September 22, 2009 at 05:44 PM

CSS 11:30a tuesdays

http://www.jacoryforheisman.com/

HOUSEKEEPING

[green]

At VT they are subdued and mostly alumni...
at Miami they are the second worst fan base in college football....mostly local thugs who are loud, obscense, obnoxious and will do anything to intimidate the visiting crowd.
My first and last trip to the Orange Bowl was in 2000 and I
left the game early to try and avoid a confrontation with the
neighborhood criminals.
-- tallahasseehokie

A REPUTATION TO UPHOLD

[green]

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/3899/what-we-learned-in-the-acc-week-3

the wayward gaturd lies in wait …
ready to pounce …

AMBUSH

[green]

http://acc.blogs.starnewsonline.com/10951/acc-insider-fifth-quarter-miami-vice-revisited/

Florida State’s whipping of No. 7 BYU, the team that upset Oklahoma on national television in the season’s opening week, and Virginia Tech’s comeback victory against Nebraska went a long way toward rebuilding the ACC’s image nationally. But the team generating the most buzz is Miami. Are the Hurricanes really that good? Who cares. At least they have people talking positively about the ACC again.
-- brett friedlander

BUZZWORTHY

[green]

U v. oklahoma 3:30p or 8p ABC

to the victor belongs the spoils
-- william learned marcy

SPOILS SYSTEM

Posted by: green | September 21, 2009 at 01:35 PM

College Gameday will be there if UM wins this week and it will have to be the primetime national game.
-- manny navarro

AT THE RAINBOW’S END

[Cane4Life]

Jacory reads this blog? I hope not, kid is going to torture himself for the next 3 years with our ramblings.

Posted by: Canesjunkie | September 22, 2009 at 05:42 PM

LOL!! I couldn't agree more!!

[Cane4Life]

It's good to have DVD, Chambers and "Glue hands" Johnson back though. Not overlooking this game WHATSOEVER, but we will need DVD especially next week against OU. I hope that if Forston is out that the rest of the DT's can hold down the fort. They have been playing well. I am really glad about Aldarius and Chambers, both of their injuries seemed serious at the time.

[Turds Suck]

Go 'Canes, Keep the Focus and take care of VT. This is NOT the time to relax.

[Revenge]

DVD sucks. The biggest diiference at Corner back is that they can tackle now. Sorry but DVD cant tackle. Sheilds and Harris are hitters, and I like that.

[sl]

To green,

I attened a UM - VT game at VT about 10 years ago with my daughter who was 16 at that time. We were harrassed by a bunch of dumb red necks the whole game. If my daughter wasn't with me I may have taken a couple of them and put them in the cheap seat via air mail. The ushers were jerks as they gave us the opposite directions to find our seats. ( A new low for visitng a statdium.) In general I had to put up with major grief the whole dam day. I felt I was in a deliverance movie. I will never go back to VT. I look forward to VT finsihing 7 & 5 this year. Maybe 8 & 4 if they are real lucky like last week. VT's run is over.

[r-dub]

That's it- the Canes can only control how they play. That other stuff don't matter.

[How about some aids and cancer jokes involving 14 year old kids U comedick moron]

Posted by: was gaturd on the plane? | September 22, 2009 at 01:00 PM

NOT COOL...
Give that crap to sombody who cares. Not here
You are a disgrace, and probably a UF Fan in sheeps clothing trying to re-establish a bad rep....
BITE ME

Posted by: CC | September 22, 2009 at 01:08 PM

Despicable would be a nice word to describe U ... Ur beyond contempt and U know who U are ... So do I .

c U soon

[Any Homophobic Quips U Slug ? Yeah ... U]

Posted by: CC | September 22, 2009 at 01:08 PM

I didn't mean you CC ... Your words were spot on .

This guy is no sheep... He's spineless worm, and he's a regular here.

[The []_ _[] is back!]

Did anyone catch how lame the Gaytors have been acting with this flue nonsense?

We weren't allowed to give excuses last year, and they can't now!

It's hilarious how they threw the ball all over the field on Cha Southern and Troy. All of a sudden, they play an NFL style D in M. Kiffin's, and the have to resort to draws and options.... Give me a break! And now Urban has hit the media, including the ESPN ticker, to plead their case as the #1 squad. "Oh he was sick, he wore a mask, this guy was confined". ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

If it wasn't for their soft schedule, they'd be in trouble.

Tebow longest pass for 18 yards?! HAHA Please! I hope he continues to carry the ball 25 times a game so he can be out by game #6!

BE CAREFUL GAYTORS, BE VEWWWY VEWWWY CAREFUL!

[718]

He reads the blog - but nobody in their right mind reads the comments! Just for a few of us loonies.
Everything he says is spot on how you would script it.
4 days!

[Vader]

LETS GO CANES!!! Rock these MFer's!!

[MRA]

Canesjunkie,canaic,MRA,ChicagoCane,Caneboss,JRod,BamaCane,a few others I'm forgetting oh and last but not least my boi GREEN....man yall jus like me true Cane thru and thru. Yall might have to make a trip to TX in JAN. I love the post yall come up with. I also love the fact Jacory reads the blog.

Posted by: imyahuckleberri

Time and place!?

Haha, for real I think we're all a slightly mental family. Just need some women in it! ;)

Manny, if you get to interview these kids one on one, let 'em know your commenters all want 'em to not get ahead of themselves! We want W's, the rest will come!