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Miami Hurricanes Football: Saturday’s FSU Game the Biggest Game of Al Golden’s Coaching Career

By Shanon Culiner

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In a weekly press conference regarding the up-coming Florida State game, Al Golden touched on many things Miami needs to get done before facing FSU. And, it wasn’t exactly new news to most of us. But, at least he understands it’s a big game (we hope).

“It’s a big game, right … we’re gonna act like it’s not a big game, I mean we get that,” Golden said. “There’s going to be subtle changes for sure. In both, personnel and play-calling.”

But, if Golden does happen to treat this game like all other games thus far (whether in practice, film room, preparation and play-calling) well, he’s pretty much signing his resignation letter come Saturday, October 10, 2015. And who knows, a win may still not be enough to help maintain his employment at Miami. Look around, Miami football coaches are getting canned like stewed tomatoes.

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Football means a lot to the city of Miami. Though most people think of glitzy South Beach as Miami, they’re wrong. I grew up in North Miami, 25 minutes north of South Beach, and I know Miami is a poverty-stricken, tough city with tough individuals. And for many kids, football is the only way out of a tough life. With that said, fans here are passionate as they want to see what’s best for the program. You know, the guys spending the money on: tickets, functions, donations and merchandise. And, it just so happens that in the not-so-far distant past, there had been a lot of success at the University of Miami in regard to the game of football.

We understand Al Golden inherited a team with some issues and has been on the “hot seat” for quite some time now. And, his “hot seat” has gotten even hotter with Miami’s loss to Cincinnati (a team they should’ve demolished). But, if he can’t pull off a win vs. the ‘Noles this Saturday, he might as well look back at his time in Coral Gables as a complete failure.

Sep 5, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden looks on before a game against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I’m sorry to be so harsh, but when you come to Miami as a coach or as a player you come for these type of games … the big games. The historic games. The rivalry games. That’s the whole point. And, if you happen to make a run during the season (which is also expected at Miami), you may find yourself wearing a shiny new ring. But, if you’re okay with mediocrity or playing easy opponents just for the sake of getting wins and looking good, then you ought to go somewhere else. Miami isn’t the right fit for you.

This Saturday’s FSU game may easily be the final opportunity for Golden to get a win against the Seminoles, and thus, obtain his first “signature win” in his entire head coaching career.

The UM-FSU rivalry not only holds tremendous bragging rights, but it holds huge future recruiting implications. And when it comes to college football, it usually starts with the recruits. Unfortunately, Miami has been on the losing end of this match-up for the past 5 years.

I even decided to take a quick glance at Golden’s head coaching stats at Temple University. Though he turned the Owls football team into a credible competitor within the Mid-American Conference (MAC), he still never beat any teams of real significance, including Golden’s alma mater, Penn State (at Temple Golden was 0-5 against The Nittany Lions).

Now, as the ‘Canes head coach, is there a team out there one could arguably say Golden has beaten that’s of any importance? The 2011 Ohio State Buckeyes (with a 6-7 record)? Or, the 2013 Florida Gators (with a 4-8 record)? Or, this year’s Nebraska team? And, let’s not forget, he’s never won a bowl game with Miami.

Bottom line, Al Golden needs this win whether he believes so or not. Even with a scheduled showdown against Clemson this season, it still wouldn’t hold the value as a victory against FSU.

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