Hope or Demise? Al Golden’s future on the line
One year ago, they were dressed in dark gray pants and jerseys, a color they called smoke with black cleats and black socks. They wore bright, polished orange helmets with the an enlarged “U” plastered on the helmet. “Tonight is the night”, they thought. The Hurricanes ran through the smoke and laid their eyes upon a sea of orange. The Miami Hurricanes held the opportunity to knock of the top ranked Florida State Seminoles.
The first half began with a three-and-out from the high-powered offense, led by Jameis Winston. The Canes hit the Noles in the mouth in the next possession with Kaaya’s touchdown to Phillip Dorsett. The fans couldn’t believe the passion, heart, and intensity that the players showed. They played physical, and they played fast. Al Golden and his team led the Noles 23-10 at the half. It was the best football that we all have seen from the Canes under the coaching regime. Although, it all fell apart. Dalvin Cook ran all over the Canes defense in the 2nd half, and the offense only put three points on the board in the second half.. (sound familiar)?
Miami lost to Florida State in 2014, 30-26. This was the fifth year in a row the Canes lost to the Seminoles, and the fourth time Al Golden has lost to Jimbo Fisher.
Let’s revisit these loses before 2014:
2010: Miami was blown out of the stadium, and this led to Randy Shannon’s demise. FSU 45-17
2011: Miami and Florida State were both having down years, and this was the first year of Al Golden’s tenure. Miami played them tough in the first half, but turnovers and special teams miscues resulted in a loss. FSU 23-17
2012: Al Golden’s staff produced a top 1o recruiting class, and people were really starting to believe in the process. Although, Miami depth was porous, and they did have many young players… right? Devonte Freeman ran for a pair of touchdowns. FSU 33-20.
2013: Miami entered the game 7-0 and was ranked 7th in the country, and Florida State was ranked #3. It was a prime-time matchup. This was a chance to show the nation that “The U is back”. Miami played well in the first half offensively, and kept the score 21-14. Although, Jameis Winston and Devonte Freeman had a field day with the Canes’ defense. It resulted in a blow out and Miami won two out of its last four games to end the season. FSU 41-14
Make or Break
Throw away the common speak of Florida State is “just a game, no different from any other”. Wrong. The upcoming game tomorrow night is a make or break opportunity for Al Golden and his 2015 squad. After last year’s in Sun Life Stadium, Miami lost their final four games. Many want Golden fired due to the mediocrity fans have been seeing over the years. It is a fair argument. Al Golden has not found a way to beat the Seminoles yet. If you can’t beat them, why should you be the coach at the University of Miami?
But what if Miami wins?
This could really rejuvenate the spirits of the fans and team for the rest of the 2015 season. It could help propel the Canes to a Coastal division title, the team’s goal for 2015. A win provides momentum. For once, a win would unify everyone for once, including the fans. Winning does cure all, right? Miami has a chance to end the losing streak this year, and this could shed a glimmer of hope for the rest of the season.
If not?
Everything is on the line, including Al Golden’s job. If he loses this game, he can kiss his time in Coral Gables goodbye. So when he looks up in the sky and sees the precarious banners, will he do something about it? He hasn’t been able to prove that he can win a tough environment under the lights in prime time television. A loss will only make it more evident that Miami should move in another direction.
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