Alright, I've been switching back and forth between Texas-Ok.St. and Miami-FSU and frankly, both games are blowouts, big ones. Miami is clearly a better team than FSU and they look like they might be the best team in the country, and I think they might finish 3rd in the NFC East. But I have my doubts. After all, Florida St. did get whipped by UNC a few weeks ago and I <b>know</b> that UNC is not that good of a team. At least I think so, I mean UNC has seemed to play some decent ball since I saw them last. All of this leaves me perplexed and confused. So, how good is Miami? Is this a dominant team beating the crap out of another good team, or is it like Texas-Ok.St., a more talented team beating an also-ran, and as such not really a good way of telling how good a team is? Which is it?
Florida St. only has one conference loss (vs. UNC). I expect FSU to contend for the ACC championship. Remember FSU had a 54 home game winning streak before losing today. FSU is not a dominant team, but they still have athletes. What did today's game prove? FSU is not a national championship contender. Well, that was proved when the 'Noles could not win in Chapel Hill. IMO, the winner of the Maryland FSU game will win the ACC. Oklahoma State is not even on the same level as Florida State. OSU blows. The Cowboys will be lucky to win one maybe two conference games. Put Florida State on the field with Oklahoma St or even Texas. I bet you FSU would kick Texas' ***.
Great question, Pued. As the only Miami fan on this BBS (I think), I can tell you that Miami is very, very good. I have been following the Canes for 18 years and this is the most explosive and talented offensive team that Miami has ever had. Last year's team broke the school record for points in a season, but this year's team is even better, in my mind. You may ask: But they lost 2 great receivers in Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne and a good running back that is playing well in the NFL in James Jackson. However, Dorsey is even better this year than last year, Portis may be a better runner than Jackson, and the offensive line is just flat-out awesome especially McKinnie and Gonzalez. Have any of you ever seen a close-up of McKinnie to see how really big he is? 6-9 and 336 is one of the biggest people that I have ever seen on a football team, and he is a very athletic individual. Most guys that big are not even close of being the athlete that he is. He may very well be the #1 pick in the NFL draft. Defensively, Miami has had some better teams, mainly the last couple of Jimmy Johnson teams and the '91 and '94 teams. Those teams were usually led by the D-line. I remember Warren Sapp literally carrying the '94 team on his back with his dominant season. Miami's defensive strengths this year is their secondary with Ed Reed, Mike Rumph, and Phillip Buchanon. I think all 3 are Thorpe Award finalists. Reed is a sure-fire 1st round NFL draft choice. Yes, the competition has been weak so far. However, FSU played extremely tough today, especially on defense where Miami had a tough time getting a ground game going. I still can't believe that Portis had over 100 yards rushing. The last I saw he had 40, but he must had a long run of over 50 yards or something once ABC cut away from the game at 2:30. Anyway, to beat a team that hadn't lost at home in 10 years is pretty damn impressive in my mind. Miami will probably not be tested until their 10th game which is against Washington. I think the Huskies are losing to UCLA, but remember, their starting QB is out. However, the real test could be very well be on December 1, 2001 in Blacksburg against a stout VA Tech game. Both teams (sorry Haven) should be unbeaten. The winner could very well go to the Rose Bowl.
sorry Manny, you don't have the luxury as being "the only" Miami fan on this BBS!! check out my site: http://kendorsey.tripod.com I think Miami really is as good as everyone says. I mean look at their offense.. they've got Dorsey, Portis, Davenport and Shockey. All can be serious threats to an opposing defense. The Miami defense is pretty darn good too! In their win over FSU the defense created turnovers, made some good interceptions and had some sacks! They're currently ranked numero uno.. that should say alot as to how good they are, no? GO CANES! rH
rH, Your site is awesome! I tried to vote for it but I got an error message. I guess that the site where the votes go must be having server problems. It is always refreshing to talk to another Cane fan! Maybe you can answer this for me: did Portis have a long run? I knew that he had about 40 yards in the 4th quarter, it seemed, and then damn ABC broke away from the game to show us a game that nobody cares about in Wisconsin and Ohio State, at least not in Tennessee. I would have rather seen Washington and UCLA, but that's beside the point. I gathered that he must have picked those yards up after ABC broke away, but I'm not for sure. Do you know the answer to this? FSU played really hard and over their heads, but I was really hoping that Miami could score over 50 and pay them back for '97!
Put Florida State on the field with Oklahoma St or even Texas. I bet you FSU would kick Texas' ***. So, would this year's Florida State team do what last year's team led by Chris Weinke couldn't? Compete with Oklahoma? Some of you guys are the most pessimistic people I have ever seen. Oklahoma is a great team. They are #2 in both polls, and #1 in the BCS. They've won 19 consecutive games without losing a single one. They've dominated such teams in the streak as Texas, K-State, Nebraska, Florida State, and others. That OU team is very good. But if you watched the OU game, you know it was a 7-3 game. We came up on the short end, and it hurts, but its nothing to get all that frustrated with. I don't care what this team did last year, or the year before that, or the year before that. Let's talk about what's going on right now. Mack had even said it himself before last season that it was too soon to label them national title contenders due to their inexperience. The only letdown of the last couple of years is because the expectations you put on the team were way too high for a team still young. This is the first season under Mack Brown where he's had his own team that has enough experience to be successful. And you know what? They've looked pretty damn good. OU will probably win the national championship, imho, and Texas was right with them the entire game. In fact, if we hadn't knocked out Hybl, or if Vasher didn't catch that ball on the 3, we very well may have won. Look at the stats from that game. Look at the video tape. The teams were pretty evenly matched, and the statistics/game footage reflect that. We just had a couple of breaks that didn't go our way, and we lost to probably the best team in the country in a very close game. When looking back at the OU game, how in the **** can you rationalize saying FSU would "kick our ass"? We were right with OU, and possibly should've beaten them. Do you think FSU would kick OU's ass too?
It's ludicrous to say that FSU, this year, would beat Oklahoma when they couldn't beat them last year. However, I take umbrage with The Cat saying that Oklahoma will win the National Championship. They first have to beat Nebraska, then win the Big 12 Championship game, and then beat either Miami or Virginia Tech, hopefully Miami, in the Rose Bowl. So, I wouldn't crown them just yet.
The team that looks to me to be the best on both sides of the ball is....UCLA. VTech and Nebraska might be there too, but haven't played anyone so its hard to tell. (Its great to say playing Nueter Damn is playing "no-one" aint it?). Oklahoma has the best defense in the land, but their offense will be totally shut down againsts good teams. Josh Heypel (sp?) was the difference maker last year. They will not get by Nebraska because they won't score on Nebraska and Nebraska's offense won't score for OK like UT's did. They way OU's offense is playing I would not be surprised if they lose 2 games before the season is done, potentially including an upset from an average team (Tech, A & M) on their best day would not be that suprising. Miami is good, but I am not convinced they are great. Comparing them to the best of the late 80's early 90's Miami teams is a joke--those teams had 4-5 future pro's on either side of the ball-- sometimes future pros couldn't even start. The current team is not in their league. They also do not look to me as as good as Miami's team last year on either side of the ball (losing both 1st round pick receivers, Morgan, etc.). In fact, had FSU not maid so many UNFORCED turnovers and kicking game mistakes--very usual for them, that game would have been VERY CLOSE. To me the jury is still out with Miami, a cold, windy, chilly late fall day in Blacksburg is looming. Should be a great game that will eliminate one undefeated national championship contender.
Miami is awesome this year { I wish I was talking about my Dolphins} with Dorsey at the helm. I love in Omaha and have become quite a Cornhusker fan, so I cannot wait to play Oklahoma in 2 weeks to see if were as good as we think we are Could anyone see the Texans taking Dorsey with a high pick if he were coming out?
I don't know. They beat Nueweasel's team, but I think UW is overrated. They also struggled against an OSU team that I think is very overrated.
UCLA destroyed the Wash team, and they destroyed an OSU team (small furry water animals or female body parts) not as bad as there record indicates. Winning at Bama and home against the other OSU (inedible nuts) were quality early season wins too. Plus, early in the season they turned the ball over a lot and their offense wasn't in a groove, and yet they still won because of defense. They are starting to get a little air game to balance out the best back since Ricky W, they are just starting to steamroll on offense as well. The Pac 10 does have 5-6 decent teams though, it will take a little luck for UCLA to win them all, unless they are even better than I think.
Desert scar, I hope you are kidding about Dorsey not being able to carry Carr's and harrington's jockstraps. Being a Miami fan for 18 years, I can tell you that Dorsey is better than Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Steve Walsh, Craig Erickson, and Gino Torretta. After having to watch bums like Frank Costa, Ryan Collins, Ryan Clement, and Scott Covington, it's refreshing to see one like Dorsey. I agree that Miami's defense is nothing like the great ones under Jimmy Johnson and the '91 team and '94 team anchored by Sapp. However, keep an eye on Jonathan Vilma, LB, and Vince Willfork, DT. Vilma is like a sophomore and he can fly..reminds me of Ray Lewis. Willfork is 346 pounds and moves like a cat and he's a true freshman! This Miami team is the best offensive team that I have ever seen. When you're that good offensively, it doesn't matter how good your defense is as long as you have athletes and Miami certainly has that. VA Tech will be their biggest test because I don't see them taking Washington for granted. Nebraska is the only team that I worry about in beating them and possibly Florida, but the Gators are out, at least for now they are.
Manny, yeah I chose my words carefully to get your goat a little (and kept the thread alive). But I have seen Carr and Harrington improvise to win games for their teams. I have not seen Dorsey have to so, thus I am yet to be convinced he is as good as those too. He might be, just haven't seen it yet. It is one thing to be a very good player in a great system (being a Cowboys fan I have no trouble admitting Troy Aikmen falls here, this was obvious the case with Gino at Miami too), it is another thing to be a phenomenal player who can make a bad play still work (young Elway, Farve, Marino, Montana). No, there is no comparison on ANY football teams in the last 5 years with the great Miami teams, including the current Miami teams. I remember a defense with Brown, Stubbs on the D line, and entire linebacking core in college nearly as good as the Raven's (Smith, Armstead, Barrow), plus NFLers from the secondary. I remember an offense so loaded with players that future NFL starters came off the bench (Perriman, some of their RBs). Sorry, I have seen nothing to let me think the current Miami team or another other team over the last 5 years could stay within 3 touchdowns of the best Miami teams. Maybe a mid-90's FSU or Nebraska team (the one that put over 60 on Spurrier) would have had a chance, but noboby since.
No I do not think FSU would kick OU's ass because OU knows how to execute in big games. This Texas Longhorns team would not win in Tallahassee. The Horns would find a way to lose. Maybe "kick ass" wasn't the right words I was looking for. How about "FSU would win"? You can buy into all the Belmont spin you want.
Desert Scar, I think the reason why you feel about Dorsey compared to Carr and Harrington is the fact that Miami has still not been tested. However, Dorsey's comeback against FSU last year wasn't good enough for you?? Seriously, I have complete faith and confidence in Dorsey that if Miami is trailing that he can rally the troops to a victory. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the Washington game at the end of November to see the Canes get tested again. You are right about the defense; however, when you are averaging 45 points a game and can score in a variety of ways, it doesn't matter that you have a dominating defense. Look at the 1997 and 1998 Denver Broncos--they were so loaded on offense, that before you know it, they were up on teams 21-0. It makes playing defense a lot easier when you have an offense like that. The 1999 St. Louis Rams are another example of this. Just look back at the different ways that Miami scored against FSU: blocked punt return, 3 touchdown receptions, fumble return, the weirdest special teams touchdown that you'll ever see, and a touchdown run. That's as varied as you can get. Don't forget that if it wasn't for a bad snap that led to FSU's last touchdown, Miami could have had 52 points in Tallahassee! That's unheard of against a Bobby Bowden team! Also, don't forget that Miami had only 3 yards rushing in the 1st half and still finished with over 120 for the game. The great Miami teams in the past were always above-average on offense and excellent on defense. This year's Miami team and last year's as well are the opposite: excellent on offense and above-average on defense. The old great Miami teams of Jimmy Johnson could never run the football like the last 2 Miami teams can. That running game (and O-Line) along with Dorsey is what makes that Miami offense the best they ever had. Also, don't forget that Miami set a school record last year in scoring points. So, yeah, I think that this Miami team could hang with the old great ones, but I'm not gonna make any predictions on who would win.
IF the Canes have the same idea that you have (the real test is only in Washington) than they are as good as dead by a cold, windy, maybe even wet or snowy encouter in Blacksburg. That is far, far tougher test than against a Washington team that lost Touisoppo (sp?) to the pros and who is playing in the Orange Bowl. Not only is their defense not as good as the best Canes team, I don't think their offense is quite at that level. What Vinny throwing to 3 future pro receivers with the best one who ever played at Miami (Irvin), plus maybe 2-3 running backs on the roster who in the future would play some in the pros. Even if Dorsey is better than Vinny or Walsh, the rest of the offensive skills players are not. Even last years receiving corps (best in the nation) wasn't as good as the Irvin, Blades, Perriman group, and this years is a drop off of last years. Finally, no great offense is not all you need. The Broncos and Rams only won because FA hasn't allowed teams to be as good as the great Cowboy or 49er (hate to admit the latter but it is ture) teams. Those teams would have, and did, smoke the offensive oriented Broncos, Bills, Fish, etc. In college FB this is true too. Remember Spurriers finest offense?? Nebraska being great both ends beat them by close to 50. Great defense is also what allowed Tennesse and OU to run the table. Great defense and average offense usually beats great offense and average defense. We will never know, but based on how OU played FSU, Nebraska and KSU last year odds are they would have taken care of Miami as well, even Bowden said as much and he played both. OU had a great defense and very good offense because of Heypel (sp?), a very tough comb to beat.
You misunderstood me: I said that Miami wouldn't be tested again until they play Washington. Of course, VA Tech will be a test, their toughest game of the regular season, but they play Washington before they play Tech. Sorry about that being confusing. I'm going to have to agree to disagree with you about Miami's offense this year compared to teams like the ones with Testaverde and Walsh. Give guys like Andre Johnson and Kevin Beard time. Johnson could very well be better than Irvin. Also, Jeremy Shockey is the best TE Miami has ever had. Najeh Davenport is the best FB since Alonzo Highsmith, and he's twice the player that AH was. Don't forget that Bobby Bowden said that this year's Miami team's Offensive Line was the best that he has ever seen! Let's see how the Canes do against Washington, VA Tech, and hopefully, their opponent in the Rose Bowl. If Miami wins all 3 of those and Dorsey goes off then nothing will ever convince you that this Miami team's offense could be the best ever.
Hey if the current Canes can finish like you said and produce 7-8 future NFLers ON EACH side of the ball I'll say they stack up. ows that for criteria
