Whenever the Canes hooked up with Oklahoma when I was a kid, it was one of the most exciting games to get up for -- right up there with Notre Dame, Florida State, Penn State and the hated Gators.
But a lot has changed since the Brian Bosworth-Vinny Testaverde days. The Sooners don't run the wishbone anymore and Miami doesn't play the kind of defense it used to. Tonight's game will pit an eight-ranked Sooners team that has one of the best defensive front sevens in the country and a do it all offense (even with redshirt freshman quarterback Landry Jones at the helm) against a UM team looking to bounce back from an embarrassing loss at Virginia Tech.
Before the season started, I expected Miami to go 2-2 against its tough opening four-game stretch. I thought that would be good enough to show us this team has improved. But the closer we get to kickoff, the more I see this game as a giant measuring stick for Randy Shannon and his staff. This is year No. 3 and its time for UM to start showing signs it can really compete against the nation's elite teams. I know they're shorthanded on defense (safety, defensive end). But it feels like crunch time to me.
REWIND: UM owned the Sooners back in the 1980s when both teams were regular national title contenders. Their 2007 meeting in Norman was good for a half before the Sooners pulled away 51-13.
FAST FORWARD
> UM wins because: Jacory Harris plays like a Heisman candidate again and LandShark Stadium rocks like the Orange Bowl. That means UM's offensive line plays lights out and protects Harris and his receivers don't drop balls like they did last week. Defensively, UM is going to be hard pressed to shutdown Oklahoma's balanced offense. But the key for the Canes will be eliminating big, deflating plays and creating a few turnovers to slow the Sooners down at least a little.
> OU wins because: Quarterback Landry Jones doesn't make mistakes and the Sooners don't have breakdowns in the secondary. Pound-for-pound, Oklahoma is the better team in this matchup. The only place UM really has the advantage is at quarterback and receiver. That means unless the Canes outplay them or OU makes a few gaffs, the Sooner should win this.
> My pick: Oklahoma 30, UM 21. Last week, I picked with my heart. I really was beginning to believe Miami had something special going. They still could if they win tonight. But what Virginia Tech did was unmask a lot of the Canes' deficiencies. Like it or not, the Canes' offensive line -- and running game -- still has a long way to go. The defense has to prove it can do the basics -- like tackling -- consistently. Those aren't the type of troubles a team about to beat a Top 10 ranked team has to deal with. Then again, here's to hoping I'm dead wrong.
> Game balls - Offense: Jacory Harris. If UM's going to win, he'll be the triggerman. Defense: Eric Moncur. If the UM defense is going to surprise us tonight, create turnovers and turn the tables, the key will be getting pressure on Jones. It would be nice to see a kid like Moncur provide a lot of that. Special teams: Matt Bosher. He's missed a pair of field goals against Georgia Tech and had a punt blocked last week. A game-winning field goal would be nice wouldn't it?
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Gator fan, go check on saint Tebow and get off our blog
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Tsok Gator Fan, toasty here too
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:34 PM
2nd half = run run run
Posted by: t | October 03, 2009 at 09:34 PM
We have a great chance at winning, keep running the ball!!'n
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 09:34 PM
I totally agree Mike
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:35 PM
If someone told you that we would hold Oklahoma to 10 points in the first half before the game, every one of you would have taken it. So let's stop blaming the D.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2009 at 09:39 PM
The D is finally getting some rythem. OU a little confused with the speed. Would like to see a few bliz's to get this Landry on his heels.
Posted by: canesfansc | October 03, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Right now, Ray Ray is playing outstanding. He is all around the ball. He has at least 4 Tackles. I think Miami has weathered the storm. Now, they need to make a few offensive adjustments, continue playing tough on D and this game just might come down to the final drive by either team. Come on CANES, let's get it done!!!!
Posted by: Jersey_Cane | October 03, 2009 at 09:41 PM
10-7 with a few shoots to the foot. I'll take it. Ray Ray is playing out of his mind.
2 INTs and it's 10-7. Adjustments at half. We must run more. Whipple needs to see that. The holes are there. Let's see what our D does coming out.
Posted by: 360Cane | October 03, 2009 at 09:42 PM
For all the hype Ray Ray has gotten he is showing it's for real with his play.
As for the game they are running lanes to be had there, with that they can be reverses with Benjammin and stunts to pull out the W on the national primetime stage.
Posted by: Brooklyn Cane Fan | October 03, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Yes, beers cold, wife leaving me alone, life is good!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Look at GT spanking a so called "SEC defense".
Posted by: 360Cane | October 03, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Booom!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Yessssss
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:56 PM
Big Play!!! Quick touchdown. The rout is on!!!
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2009 at 09:56 PM
Td td td td
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 09:56 PM
Canes!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Hurricane Warnings in Oklahoma!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Still got alot of time left
Posted by: GoCanesMF | October 03, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Great play by Brandon to strip that ball. Huge momentum change now. Nice catch by Epps on that TD as well.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Great start to the 2nd half. Keep it going!!!!
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 09:59 PM
It's not won by any stretch. But the way the D is playing I like our chances
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Much better kick off coverage tonight.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Wow Jacory threaded the needle to Epps, nice throw
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Imagine that shields get burnt again
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I know , it' gettin old
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Crowd sounds great!!!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:04 PM
PA call ten mins after the play
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Bull freaking crap
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Bullcrap !!!!!!
Posted by: GoCanesMF | October 03, 2009 at 10:05 PM
What a BS pro ok call
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Unreal!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Can OK get any more calls
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Refs just missed another hold but they can sure call PA
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Wow, not only are the turnovers favoring OK so are the refs
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Use shields speed to blitz
Posted by: GoCanesMF | October 03, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Are we playing in Miami or OK?
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Big play here
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Let me guess against the U
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Shocker!!!
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:10 PM
the u defense is getting it done tonight
Posted by: shawn | October 03, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Gettin physical now, yeah
Posted by: Mikepete24 | October 03, 2009 at 10:11 PM
the dirty players from OU can't admit they are getting a buut whooping tonight
Posted by: shawn | October 03, 2009 at 10:12 PM
What's up
Posted by: NigerianCane | October 03, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Let's get it on
Posted by: t | October 03, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Liking it!! Stay strong Canes
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Big play Moncur! Ticky Tack call on Spence. Nice stand. Oklahoma is losing it, lol
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | October 03, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Man I'll bet if last weeks game was here we would have won
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:14 PM
If think your a loser then you lose if you think your a winner then you win
Posted by: shawn | October 03, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Nice adjustments by the Whipster
Posted by: Jetster777 | October 03, 2009 at 10:15 PM