Tough day for Jacory Harris throwing 4 interceptions in Columbus. Despite the turnovers the Canes were still in it until the end against the #2 ranked team. It is still unacceptable at this point even if it is the #2 team in the country to lose. The younger guys have grown up and it is time to start winning big games.
Both teams made mistakes and have things to work on. Miami's interceptions just made the biggest difference in the game. Not many teams win with 4 turnovers. Take out half of the interceptions and the Canes most likely walk out of there with a win.
QB Analysis
Pyror resorted back to his old ways of just being a running QB. He was not able to ever get a passing game going, which everyone thought he improved so much from watching the Oregon Rose Bowl game and the Marshall game. However, Pryor did what needed to be done to win a big game and he proved that he can run on any defense. Pyror reminds me of Vince Young and I do not see a team that will be able to stop him running.
The one thing Jacory Harris needed to improve on from last year was throwing interceptions, and like Pyror he has yet to show improvement from last year. The Canes will continue to struggle until they can minimize the interceptions. In the meantime look for Mark Whipple to start calling for running plays.
Turning point of the game
3rd Quarter, Ohio State 26 - Miami 17: The Canes put together a nice drive to get in the Red Zone and looked to get a field goal at the least to make it a 6 point game or a touchdown for a 2 point game. Instead Ohio State's top defensive lineman drops back in coverage to pick off Jacory Harris and take it back to the other side of the field. This lead to a touchdown for the Buckeyes and the score OSU 33 - MIA 17. Miami was never able to make the difference up and was definitely the most important turnover for the Buckeyes.
The Positives
The Cane defense was able to make big stops when put into many bad field position situations because of the turnovers on offense. They were able to force 5 field goals.
Miami shut down Ohio State's running game, besides Pyror, which will be a challenge for Pittsburgh in the next game because they rely on mostly their running game.
Lamar Miller will be great. Returning a kickoff for a touchdown in his 2nd game ever only being topped by Devin Hester returning a kickoff in his first attempt against the Gators. Just a matter of time he makes a huge impact on offense.
The Columbus Experience
It would of been much better leaving the horseshoe with a win, but there is not many opportunities to see your favorite team play in such a historic venue. The Hurricanes might not play there again for 40 years, as the last time came back in the 70s.
Just about every 30 seconds O H - I O is spelled out in and around the stadium all weekend, wherever you go. It gets old pretty fast. I found it funny that they spelled out Miami and made a big []_[] while playing Miami's song before the game. The band put on a great show.
Looking Ahead
Next 3 games: @ Pittsburgh, @ Clemson, FSU
The goal of the ACC championship is still alive with a possible BCS berth that has not happened since 2004. It is going to be tough, and with no breaks in the schedule the Canes need to make adjustments fast.
