First off, let start this thing off on a positive note, Congratulations to Duke Johnson for becoming to all-time rushing leader in history in the Miami Hurricanes Football Program.

Back to Reality

Miami loses 35-23.

Fans saw much of what everyone has experienced in the Al Golden era; mediocrity and disappointment. You can’t really sugar coat it anymore, a 6-6 record is totally unacceptable for the University of Miami. Many have said this team is loaded with NFL talent, including Clive Walford, Ereck Flowers, Duke Johnson, Phillip Dorsett, and Denzel Perryman. Clive Walford is a front runner for the John Mackey award, (CFB’s best TE), all-american RB with Duke Johnson, and one of the best LB’s in the nation, Denzel Perryman. With all this talent, Al Golden was only able produce a 6-6 season. I question whether or not if the coaching staff has lost the locker room, because the performance tonight reflected little passion or heart. Also, these guys weren’t ready to play once again; The Miami defense was gashed once again, a thing all Miami fans are all used to.

Offensive Grades C-

Tonight was tough to watch from an offensive standpoint, Duke was able to get his record, but the Pitt defense made it an issue to stop tonight which they did. Kaaya looked off rhythm all night and faced constant pressure from the Pittsburgh Defense, and could not generate any points for the most part. Although, he did not turn the ball over once, he ended up with 296 yards with 2 TDs. Clive Walford’s injury really hurt the offensive game plan; it was evident Kaaya missed him out there. You have to give Pitt credit for showing up and stopping the athletes on the offense. The play calling was questionable, why not use Duke more in space or use a toss sweep? Anyways, tonight was just not very good showing. Miami was only 8-18 on 3rd downs, and couldn’t convert enough to consistently move the chains. Ereck Flowers, if I remember correctly, had a couple false start penalties that would be a drive killers

Defensive Grades F

A one denominational team was able to pummel the Miami defense on the ground; I like to call it a slow death. Pitt was going to run up the middle, and Miami couldn’t stop the run game once again. This has been a major problem in the Al Golden era, the inability to recruit top notch defensive tackles shows up in the running game. Pitt finished with 226 yards on the ground using three backs, Conner, Bennett, and James. Chad Voytik converted some key third downs by running for them. Tyler Boyd was able to find gaps in the secondary, getting a key touchdown in the 1st half. This game is very evident why stats aren’t always the truth, there is no way Miami is the number 15th ranked defense in the nation. Georgia Tech, Nebraska, and Pitt were able to GASH our defense on the ground; it is not trending upward.

Special Teams C

Michael Badgley generated most of Miami’s points tonight converting three field goals. Other than that, the special teams were disappointing one again. Kickoff coverage was awful; Tyler Boyd was able to get a sustainable amount of yards on kickoffs which set up great field position for the Panthers. Special teams has not been good all year, which has significant outcome on wins and losses. All year, there was not one TD generated through Punt Return on Kick Return.

There is not much to say anymore, Canes fans are numb to these kind of performances.