Panic in South Florida
After the embarrassing loss to Florida State fans have been questioning the coaching and leadership for the Canes. The mood among the fans in South Florida these past 2 weeks has not been good at all. However, this is nothing new for Canes fans to ask for the coaches head after a few losses. Even the great coaches that have won National Championships with Miami were criticized after a loss or two and were wanted by the fans to be fired. These coaches include Howard Schnellenberger, Dennis Erickson, and Jimmy Johnson. Randy Shannon still has a lot to prove in his 4th year at head coach and it starts this week coming against his former boss Butch Davis. Randy is familiar with the pressures of being the Miami Hurricane head coach and understands how the fans react. Randy is 0-3 vs Butch so far and needs to get over the hump to make a statement to the Hurricane fans. Randy signed a new contract this year, but a loss to UNC, Georgia Tech, or Virginia Tech will have fans all over the administration to get rid of him.
The Tar Heels
Despite the rough times at North Carolina this year with the NCAA they have played inspired football after the tough 2 losses early in the season. The depth of talent Butch Davis has brought to Chapel Hill is ridiculous. What team loses the majority of their starters, replaces them with unexperienced underclassman, and got 6 yards away from beating a #6 LSU team that is 7-0 and is the frontrunner at a SEC title and a possible National title? There is no doubt in my mind with a full North Carolina roster they beat LSU and Georgia Tech. Just think we could be talking a North Carolina team pursuing a National Championship if a few plays go differently on a short-handed team. This just speaks wonders of the talent and recruits Butch Davis has brought to Chapel Hill.
This Saturday
Now we are sitting here looking at this game to still be a well fought game despite the troubles North Carolina has gone through this year. Part of their success is due to TJ Yates stepping up in his Senior year after being heavy criticized last year. It is going to be interesting to see what Miami team shows up. If its the same Miami team that shows up vs Florida State then this game is going to be ugly. It is so hard to predict what Miami will do these days because you never know what team will show up. Will it be the team that dominated Georgia Tech, or controlled Oklahoma, or got blown out by Florida State? That is the million dollar question, and Miami will not get back to being the great Miami until they can show consistency on the field. Whether it is lack of leadership, motivation, or bad coaching something needs to happen to bring things together.
