Aug 31 | Miami

[IRISHDODGER]

If Miami can establish the run, ND could be in trouble. Cristobal is a ground ‘em out guy at heart & that OL is legit. Even if their RB corps isn’t elite they‘re good enough to hit holes if UM can move the ND DL. Rubio, Onye, et al could be the linchpin. If they can’t establish the run, the edge guys will pin their ears back.

Carr has zero consequential snaps so I suspect Heatherman loads the box & dares CJ to complete passes. I’m not confident that ND OL can just dominate UM’s D to the point of running at will and giving Carr time to ease into passing game. I could see ND’s first series being 2 runs between the tackles for minimal gain followed up by either an incomplete pass or short completion short of the sticks on 3rd & long.

 

[General Colon Bowel]

Hey, Miami fan here. I also think we're being a bit overrated. A lot of our success, or lack thereof, will depend mostly on a ton of young talent (1st and 2nd year players). While I don't think Beck is the best QB I believe he will benefit just like Cam Ward did from a better OL and offensive coordinator...Mike Bobo is terrible. I can assure you that we have one of the best OL in the country and its been that way since Mario was hired; that's one position he and OL coach Alex Mirabal knows how to coach well.

You guys are better coached but the talent isn't that far apart except for a few positions -- RB, DB, and backup QB.

That's incorrect and doesn't make sense. Everyone besides the two DT and two safeties returned/started on defense. The reason the secondary struggled last year was because the talent was bad and the DC made the playbook more difficult, instead of simplifying it; that's from a player who started the year before and speaks with current players. We were often misaligned, confused in the secondary, and stunting for no reason whatsoever. Go and watch any game from last year and notice how many times everyone on D panicked as soon as a player on offense went into motion lol. It's literally the worst defense in the school's history. The early reviews on Heatherman and the transfers DBs (bottom 2 unit by most after fall camp last year is now viewed as a strength) have been great so far but we'll see.

Hey thanks for posting. Curious what you've heard about your receiving corps? I think Beck is a gunslinger - he'll make some mistakes, but you're also never out of a game with him. But who is going to consistently get open for him? Your TE Lofton looks pretty athletic, but the receivers don't seem like anything special. Has anything out of camp said otherwise?

As far as your D - I agree it will be vastly improved. Heatherman is a good DC. Went and watched a few Minnesota game cuts the other day, and the D was fundamentally sound. I do think it bodes well for ND's offense that Heatherman is more of a simplify the game, fundamentals type (as opposed to an aggressive/havoc/exotic blitz type D), in that it will be easier for Carr to handle in his first start. Seems like last year Minnesota's worst D performances were against rushing attacks (like Iowa) that stuck with the ground game and wore them down - that plays into ND's strengths.

Bain is a stud, and Mesidor is really good too. How's the DT from LaTech? I ask bc a few years ago we nabbed an all-american G from Marshall and he was a disappointment - couldn't make the jump - so wondering if it sounds like your DT looks like he belongs.

Lastly, how's your depth? With so many young guys being relied on, especially in your secondary, I'm curious what you have behind them. I'd say ND's depth is probably the best it's been in 30+ years. I wonder if your depth is good, or if you're worried about it if the game turns into a war of attrition.

 

[Canesfan:)]

Disregard the disrespectful posters. Many of us enjoy having fans from the other team to discuss matchups. Appreciate your input.

RB: agree that we probably have the best top end talent but the stats from last year show a couple young RBs that are pretty potent. I have respect for Miami's ground game. Especially if the OL is as good as reputed.

DB: 100% agree. We have been spoiled as fans as we used to beg for a top 25 CB. If all of your transfers gel and work seamlessly together and have zero acclimation period, I'd still take our secondary but we lost a great safety. Word is that we have a good group back there but we gotta see it.

Curious your thoughts on LB? We have a 2 players who I believe were in the top 10-15 of PFF grading (can someone fact check this?) and the 4 who'll be in rotation are all considered very, very good to potentially elite. How do Miami's LBs stack up? Are they assignment sound? Hyper athletic? Traditional thumpers in the middle?

DEs: How do you feel about your end play? Most of us expect our interior OL to be a strength until proven otherwise. Our LT is still only a true sophomore and a bit undersized. Do you have any long, twitchy DEs who can long-arm or beat with an elite first step? As it pertains to ND, we're pretty high on our group but we need to see it. Most believe Bryce Young will be a known name by opposing fans. He's a monster. Boubacar Traore is returning from injury but represents our 'twitchiest' DE. There are others who'll play big mins but those two are the flashiest.

Which offensive weapon do you think is the "go-to" player coming out of camp?

LBs are wait and see to be honest. I like your guys a lot more. The transfer from Rutgers, Toure, who the new DC coached previously is slated to start. 6th year guy whose more of a thumper but plays everywhere, think Jalon Walker as far as utilization. Senior Bissainthe will start next to him. He's an above average athlete. The younger guys is where the athleticism is at. Third year Raul Aguirre is an instincutal thumper and second year LB Cam Pruitt is the athletic LB/DB hybrid. Everyone, including myself, is very giddy about freshman LB Kellen Wiley JR. 6'4 235 athletic beast. Some say he'll start by the end of the year.

DB: whew! Sounds like the transfers are all hits. CB isn't a worry. Freshman All-American OJ Frederique looks amazing and is ready to build on an impressive first year (3rd least targeted CB in P5 last year). S is where I was initially worried but the young guys are developing well. Second year S Dylan Day was a special teams ace and is actually pushing the transfers to start. Another freshman who is always mentioned is rangy Bryce Fitzgerald.

DE: Bain is one of the best in the country. Dealt with some nagging injuries last year which led to some bad weight but he's slimmed back down and is ready to go. Wins with power moreso than speed but has crazy bend for a guy his size. Senior Mesidor will start opposite. Stumpy guy wins with power who also dealt with injuries. Expect to see one or both on the inside on 3rd downs. Former 5* Armondo Blount and Marquise Lightfoot are the backups. Blount is power and Lightfoot is speed. 5* freshman Hayden Lowe also wins with speed and is another young guy everyone raves about.

Beck missed the Spring so it's honestly difficult to get a read on the go-to guy. Sophomore WR Joshisa Trader was the guy early but he's dealing with an injury. The next guy up is probably Sophomore TE Elijah Lofton. Do it all guy -- RB, FB, TE, slot receiver. He's also built a rapport with transfers CJ Daniels.

 

[NDVirginia19]

Beck missed the Spring so it's honestly difficult to get a read on the go-to guy.

How much worry is there in the fanbase from Miami fans about this? One thing we really noticed is that Riley had a slow start last year in the pass game because he didn't have the spring to prepare.

 

[Canesfan:)]

How much worry is there in the fanbase from Miami fans about this? One thing we really noticed is that Riley had a slow start last year in the pass game because he didn't have the spring to prepare.

I'd say the worry is strictly for the game against you guys. Mario will revert back to what we call "Mario-ball", pretty much running primarily, more than likely to complement Beck. We get a few cupcakes before facing Florida so the rapport with the receivers should be better by then.

 

[NDVirginia19]

I'd say the worry is strictly for the game against you guys. Mario will revert back to what we call "Mario-ball", pretty much running primarily, more than likely to complement Beck. We get a few cupcakes before facing Florida so the rapport with the receivers should be better by then.

Hey, sometimes you have to worry about those early season cupcakes and transfer QBs having poor performances in them!!!

 

[Canesfan:)]

Hey thanks for posting. Curious what you've heard about your receiving corps? I think Beck is a gunslinger - he'll make some mistakes, but you're also never out of a game with him. But who is going to consistently get open for him? Your TE Lofton looks pretty athletic, but the receivers don't seem like anything special. Has anything out of camp said otherwise?

As far as your D - I agree it will be vastly improved. Heatherman is a good DC. Went and watched a few Minnesota game cuts the other day, and the D was fundamentally sound. I do think it bodes well for ND's offense that Heatherman is more of a simplify the game, fundamentals type (as opposed to an aggressive/havoc/exotic blitz type D), in that it will be easier for Carr to handle in his first start. Seems like last year Minnesota's worst D performances were against rushing attacks (like Iowa) that stuck with the ground game and wore them down - that plays into ND's strengths.

Bain is a stud, and Mesidor is really good too. How's the DT from LaTech? I ask bc a few years ago we nabbed an all-american G from Marshall and he was a disappointment - couldn't make the jump - so wondering if it sounds like your DT looks like he belongs.

Lastly, how's your depth? With so many young guys being relied on, especially in your secondary, I'm curious what you have behind them. I'd say ND's depth is probably the best it's been in 30+ years. I wonder if your depth is good, or if you're worried about it if the game turns into a war of attrition.

You're pretty spot on lol. We're relying on a lot of young guys. Freshman WR Malachi Toney has more than likely won the slot battle so expect to see him targeted a lot; the slot is a staple of our OC's offense. The OC said the WRs will rotate. Little brother Bauman will likely "start" at TE but Lofton will be the starter if that makes sense.

That Iowa game worried me too. I'll hope it improves with better athletes in Miami.

David Blay has been as advertised at DT and will start with Justin Scott. Trust me we've dealt with our share of small school guys not working out.

The depth is solid at most spots. It's definitely Mario's most talented team. Third year corner Damari Brown has had a good camp after missing most of last year with an injury. He's s why the transfer, Brantley, can't crack the two deep. After that, its a combination of some freshmen and sophomores. I think we'll be able to hold up.

 

[irishnd31]

Welcome Canesfan

Feel free to take a stroll through the Dante Moore thread. Lots of hot takes on culinary delights sure to satisfy any craving. Also, ALL on here would love to know your opinion of Skyline chili.

Keep posting on here man. Enjoying your UM insight.

 

[Irish#1]

Do you apply it orally?!

Granger said oral.

 

[Irish#1]

LBs are wait and see to be honest. I like your guys a lot more. The transfer from Rutgers, Toure, who the new DC coached previously is slated to start. 6th year guy whose more of a thumper but plays everywhere, think Jalon Walker as far as utilization. Senior Bissainthe will start next to him. He's an above average athlete. The younger guys is where the athleticism is at. Third year Raul Aguirre is an instincutal thumper and second year LB Cam Pruitt is the athletic LB/DB hybrid. Everyone, including myself, is very giddy about freshman LB Kellen Wiley JR. 6'4 235 athletic beast. Some say he'll start by the end of the year.

DB: whew! Sounds like the transfers are all hits. CB isn't a worry. Freshman All-American OJ Frederique looks amazing and is ready to build on an impressive first year (3rd least targeted CB in P5 last year). S is where I was initially worried but the young guys are developing well. Second year S Dylan Day was a special teams ace and is actually pushing the transfers to start. Another freshman who is always mentioned is rangy Bryce Fitzgerald.

DE: Bain is one of the best in the country. Dealt with some nagging injuries last year which led to some bad weight but he's slimmed back down and is ready to go. Wins with power moreso than speed but has crazy bend for a guy his size. Senior Mesidor will start opposite. Stumpy guy wins with power who also dealt with injuries. Expect to see one or both on the inside on 3rd downs. Former 5* Armondo Blount and Marquise Lightfoot are the backups. Blount is power and Lightfoot is speed. 5* freshman Hayden Lowe also wins with speed and is another young guy everyone raves about.

Beck missed the Spring so it's honestly difficult to get a read on the go-to guy. Sophomore WR Joshisa Trader was the guy early but he's dealing with an injury. The next guy up is probably Sophomore TE Elijah Lofton. Do it all guy -- RB, FB, TE, slot receiver. He's also built a rapport with transfers CJ Daniels.

Not being argumentative, but what are you basing these upon? Beat writers or someone who has seen a number of practices?

 

[Free Manera]

Probably not getting it from Canes 247 because those writers wash balls better than anyone. They would not say there are any question marks or weak links. This is the 87 team with a better offensive line and QB.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Granger said oral.

Shhhhhh. My wife checks my posts.

 

[irishnd31]

Shhhhhh. My wife checks my posts.

 

[Sunshine]

Thank you for your kindness.

I believe they had also a more experienced interior as well. Not trying to be cocky but the "they weren't challenged" mantra hasn't worked out too well for past opponents, namely Florida last year and the Texas A&M DL filled with 5* (two 1st rounders and a 2nd) the year before.

"Some"drops? UGA led the nation in drops which accounted for almost 700 yards.

We shall see about the weapons. A stat that is always confusing and a bit funny to me, McConkey only had 30 receptions for 478 yards and 2 TDs in 2023. The way folks talk about Beck’s receivers that year I always assumed he had at least double the receptions and yards.

Thanks for posting here!

- I think Beck is better than what a lot of people are expecting. The UGA receiver room was so bad last year that he'll definitely have a better year assuming good health. Playing in the ACC will also help. I would not be shocked if he found himself on Day 2 of the Draft next year with a bounce back season.

- I also think the DC Miami got is pretty good and will get them improved on that side of the ball as the season goes on.

- Like you said Mario can coach OL and they have talent.

- Still think ND grinds out a win, but it will be tough in August down there breaking in a new QB.

 

[Giddyup]

Is there anything you can organically use at a bar after sitting awhile to combat swamp ass? Salt maybe, I need some professional advice and I ain’t carrying corn starch around.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Is there anything you can organically use at a bar after sitting awhile to combat swamp ass? Salt maybe, I need some professional advice and I ain’t carrying corn starch around.

Manscaped ball cream works great and lasts all day.
Dime sized keeps you friction free all day. Less messy than the powders too.

 

[Giddyup]

Not sure I want to carry ball cream around. I’m talking an emergency, it’s getting wet and wildly uncomfortable down there. I’d probably just grab some salt and pepper off the bar top and see if that works.

 

[NDVirginia19]

Is there anything you can organically use at a bar after sitting awhile to combat swamp ass? Salt maybe, I need some professional advice and I ain’t carrying corn starch around.

Wear a kilt

 

[Irish2155]

Not sure I want to carry ball cream around. I’m talking an emergency, it’s getting wet and wildly uncomfortable down there. I’d probably just grab some salt and pepper off the bar top and see if that works.

Remember to wash your hand before returning any condiments.

 

[Giddyup]

Maybe

Remember to wash your hand before returning any condiments.

nah. That’s not how I roll

 

[Canesfan:)]

Probably not getting it from Canes 247 because those writers wash balls better than anyone. They would not say there are any question marks or weak links. This is the 87 team with a better offensive line and QB.

Question marks/weak links: Kicker, DT depth, QB depth, and I guess a true star receiver. I'd also say team speed is rather lacking but that's based off last year's squad.

 

[Free Manera]

Question marks/weak links: Kicker, DT depth, QB depth, and I guess a true star receiver. I'd also say team speed is rather lacking but that's based off last year's squad.

Would you agree Miami's weakness on D is up the middle? DT, MLB, and safety? That's what I have garnered from some Miami posters.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Thank you for your kindness.

I believe they had also a more experienced interior as well. Not trying to be cocky but the "they weren't challenged" mantra hasn't worked out too well for past opponents, namely Florida last year and the Texas A&M DL filled with 5* (two 1st rounders and a 2nd) the year before.

"Some"drops? UGA led the nation in drops which accounted for almost 700 yards.

We shall see about the weapons. A stat that is always confusing and a bit funny to me, McConkey only had 30 receptions for 478 yards and 2 TDs in 2023. The way folks talk about Beck’s receivers that year I always assumed he had at least double the receptions and yards.

I mean, Florida's defense wasn't good last year. Texas absolutely obliterated them in every facet of defensive measure. And keep in mind, Florida in general was not the same team at the start of the year as the one that finished the season. Napier turned that team around midseason to avoid getting the axe.

A&M having a ton of talent doesn't mean much when the coaching was absolutely atrocious. A lot of the talent from that vaunted '22 class didn't even make it to that 2023 Miami game.

Georgia had drops, but they also had Arian Smith, who could house call on any given play. Same with Dominic Lovett. They were in no short supply of big play capability, but they lacked what Bowers and McConkey provided them. Reliable hands.

As Dale mentioned, McConkey's numbers were low because he missed 5 games with injuries. McConkey was that reliable check on pretty much any given play. There's a reason why he went in the 2nd round of the draft, and we saw it last year with the Chargers. Dude was an absolute stud.

Who knows, Miami may have found a diamond in the rough via the portal, but Lovett and Smith are no slouches, despite the drops. Beck also had a tandem of excellent backs behind him in Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier. That Georgia offense obviously missed the reliability of Bowers and McConkey, but they still had a lot of talent.

 

[Canesfan:)]

Would you agree Miami's weakness on D is up the middle? DT, MLB, and safety? That's what I have garnered from some Miami posters.

It could possibly be a weakness but I don't know with the DC change/new players.

 

[NDVirginia19]

Great news if this holds

 

[IrishWayDomer]

Great news if this holds

Global cooling!

 

[NDVirginia19]

Global cooling!

I think the team will be fine regardless, but my pasty ass will appreciate the lower temperatures walking around the parking lots of Hard Rock

 

[IrishLax]

They had Georgia vs Bama on ESPN earlier this week... they were counting down the top 25 games of last year. Wild game, and with regard to Beck it's crazy because:
1. Beck clearly has elite arm talent... the kind of arm that should make you a top pick
2. He absolutely throws some of the dumbest/worst interceptions known to mankind. It's Rex Grossman-esque. He just stares one way and heaves the ball into traffic. His second and third interceptions in that game are comical.

His pass EPA... which adjusts for all of the drops... was #11 in the country last year. Ward, for reference, was #3 in pass EPA and in total EPA was #1 in the country by a LARGE margin. So this is a major downgrade for Miami no matter what way you slice it, because Ward was really that good. Ward or Jeanty probably deserved the Heisman.

Now, looking at 2023, Beck was top 5 in EPA and threw far fewer picks. So he definitely has the potential to revert to his more "conservative" form and be a top 5 QB. When he played against good defenses in 2024 (Texas 2x, Ole Miss, Bama) his performances were varying levels of disaster... QBR in the 50s or 60s each of those games. Have to ask yourself why he regressed so much.

 

[greyhammer90]

They had Georgia vs Bama on ESPN earlier this week... they were counting down the top 25 games of last year. Wild game, and with regard to Beck it's crazy because:
1. Beck clearly has elite arm talent... the kind of arm that should make you a top pick
2. He absolutely throws some of the dumbest/worst interceptions known to mankind. It's Rex Grossman-esque. He just stares one way and heaves the ball into traffic. His second and third interceptions in that game are comical.

His pass EPA... which adjusts for all of the drops... was #11 in the country last year. Ward, for reference, was #3 in pass EPA and in total EPA was #1 in the country by a LARGE margin. So this is a major downgrade for Miami no matter what way you slice it, because Ward was really that good. Ward or Jeanty probably deserved the Heisman.

Now, looking at 2023, Beck was top 5 in EPA and threw far fewer picks. So he definitely has the potential to revert to his more "conservative" form and be a top 5 QB. When he played against good defenses (Texas 2x, Ole Miss, Bama) his performances were varying levels of disaster... QBR in the 50s or 60s each of those games.

Its probably my biggest reason for quiet confidence about the Miami game. I know Mickens is going to put out an amazing secondary and I remember Beck from last year. Yes, UGA had a lot of drops, but Beck was a turnover machine against good defenses all year.

 

[NDVirginia19]

They had Georgia vs Bama on ESPN earlier this week... they were counting down the top 25 games of last year. Wild game, and with regard to Beck it's crazy because:
1. Beck clearly has elite arm talent... the kind of arm that should make you a top pick
2. He absolutely throws some of the dumbest/worst interceptions known to mankind. It's Rex Grossman-esque. He just stares one way and heaves the ball into traffic. His second and third interceptions in that game are comical.

His pass EPA... which adjusts for all of the drops... was #11 in the country last year. Ward, for reference, was #3 in pass EPA and in total EPA was #1 in the country by a LARGE margin. So this is a major downgrade for Miami no matter what way you slice it, because Ward was really that good. Ward or Jeanty probably deserved the Heisman.

Now, looking at 2023, Beck was top 5 in EPA and threw far fewer picks. So he definitely has the potential to revert to his more "conservative" form and be a top 5 QB. When he played against good defenses in 2024 (Texas 2x, Ole Miss, Bama) his performances were varying levels of disaster... QBR in the 50s or 60s each of those games. Have to ask yourself why he regressed so much.

I fully expect Beck to have a great year because the ACC level of defenses will be considerably easier for him, but I think with a new offense, new WRs, and not playing in the spring, our boys will feast in 10 days