Ladies And Gentlemen, This Is Hurricane Football

Miami Hurricanes Football came alive to trounce the Virginia Cavaliers 52 – 17 at the Landshark Stadium. After the Miami loss against Clemson and a weak defensive outing against Wake Forest in the past two weeks, Miami Hurricanes came out strong and firing on all guns. The offense, defense and the special teams. They all showed what true Hurricane Football is.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is Hurricane Football”

That’s what the game commentator said. It’s true. Check out Thearon Collier’s 60-yard punt return touchdown. That is one amazing return. At one point, Collier was all alone at the far left of the field. He was totally surrounded by at least 7 Cavaliers. He twisted and turned. Somehow, he managed to squeeze through and sprinted across the field to the right side. The other Hurricanes arrived to provide him cover and a number of crunching blocks just as he turned the corner. With protection on his side, Collier made quick stride into the end zone.

I’ve watched that play for an unknown number of times now. I still can’t fathom how he managed to escape from the 7 onrushing Cavaliers. Seriously, if you have yet to view it, go check it out right now. Play the following video.

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The defense that allowed 500+ yards just a week ago, stood their ground and only allowed Virginia 149 yards. The Cavaliers’ Marc Verica was pressured through out the day. He ended up just completing 11 of 29 passing for a total of 75 yards and an interception. They were like 0 for 10 in 3rd down conversions. Amazing.

Offensively, Miami was unstoppable. They amassed 515 yards in total. Miami’s Graig Cooper had a game of his life. He collected 152 yards rushing from 18 carries.

For some of the current Canes, the win is payback for the 48 – 0 defeat they suffered to Virginia in 2007. For them, it was sweet revenge. That truly humbling loss have haunted them for two long years.

The Canes didn’t really click in the first half. Two punt blocks kept Virginia close as both resulted in two touchdowns for the Cavaliers. The Canes clearly need to work on their punting special team. Had they not turn it up in the second half, that two TDs from the failed punts would have made it difficult for them.

After the big win, Miami is now second in ACC Coastal conference with a 4 – 2 record. Georgia Tech still sits confortably at the top of the table with a 6 – 1 record. The latest BCS standings has Miami at number 14. The Canes is at 12 in the AP Polls. The Coaches Poll puts them down at number 15.

Can the Canes continue to climb up the Polls? An ACC title seem far fetch now, unless Georgia Tech some how take a dive in one of their upcoming matches. If the Canes continue to perform as they did against Virginia, they can certainly expect to play in a Bowl game.

Lets hope that The U can consistently produce the same level of performance in their remaining matches. Go Canes!