Canes History: "Stop Mooning Over Miami" SI 1975

[cubin10]

There were no expectations, the teams were not very good and the fan base, university and city were all ok with it.

 

[Dingaan1828]

The teams were lousy in the 70s, but I don't think fans were "OK" with it. The crowds were tiny. Even with attractive teams, the attendance sucked. Back then, attendance was turnstile count (actual attendance), and it was pathetic. Lesson? You can't just bring in good teams - you have to also be good. People want a high quality competitive game. That hasn't changed over the years. We drew 19,766 for a game against Penn State in 76. That shows how much the fans were "OK" with it.

 

[decleated]

Great stuff! Thanks for that. Makes me wish I had been able to see those early games in person. Alas, I grew up on tobacco road.

Dandycane I agree about the younger generation being spoiled. I'm part of that generation. LOL! I came in the same year we won our first MNC. Still though I'm sure the perspective is even more different for our more recent Canes. What were the Zum Zum years?

Those of us who remember sitting in the OB every Friday night for Canes games are alot less spoiled than the current fanbase.....understandably.
Anybody who would of even suggested that we would simply qualify for a bowl game, let alone a Natty Title, would have been mocked as insane.

Though the play was horrible, especially on the offensive side in those years, the teams always played their hearts out and gave some of the best teams in the country a hard time on occasion. In spite of it all "those Zum Zum" years were some of most enjoyable ones.

Lou Saban definitely turned it around in his last year......defeated Auburn and the Gators behind OJ Anderson's amazing one man show performance.

Zum Zum was the brand of the hot dogs, pretzels and other goodies sold at the OB concession stands. The logo below was on every foil hot dog wrapper.
Brings back memories of the old Canes and the AFL Dolphin team with John Stofa at QB.

My family had season tickets during the 70's so we seen the good, the bad and the ugly for many years now..
I worked in the Orange Bowl for a few years back then and got to watch all the Phin and Cane games for free..
I was one of the young lads who work for Zum Zum which I think was owned by Restaurant Assoc. and our boss was
a woman named Virginia, she was a friend of my mom that is how I got the job..
I manage to save one of my work badges from those days at the OB, it's probably the only picture of Zum Zum on the net..

 

[cubin10]

The teams were lousy in the 70s, but I don't think fans were "OK" with it. The crowds were tiny. Even with attractive teams, the attendance sucked. Back then, attendance was turnstile count (actual attendance), and it was pathetic. Lesson? You can't just bring in good teams - you have to also be good. People want a high quality competitive game. That hasn't changed over the years. We drew 19,766 for a game against Penn State in 76. That shows how much the fans were "OK" with it.

First of all I was talking about the 60's, secondly the only form of communication for football was the old Miami Herald, not much news or information, the fans and the folks to are rabid, it is different with all the social media. if you weren't around then, I would expect you to know or have experienced those time. the majority of the fans didn't give two craps about the Canes. If you were around at that time and your opinion is respected, if not STFU.

 

[Dingaan1828]

The teams were lousy in the 70s, but I don't think fans were "OK" with it. The crowds were tiny. Even with attractive teams, the attendance sucked. Back then, attendance was turnstile count (actual attendance), and it was pathetic. Lesson? You can't just bring in good teams - you have to also be good. People want a high quality competitive game. That hasn't changed over the years. We drew 19,766 for a game against Penn State in 76. That shows how much the fans were "OK" with it.

First of all I was talking about the 60's, secondly the only form of communication for football was the old Miami Herald, not much news or information, the fans and the folks to are rabid, it is different with all the social media. if you weren't around then, I would expect you to know or have experienced those time. the majority of the fans didn't give two craps about the Canes. If you were around at that time and your opinion is respected, if not STFU.

Been a fan sine 1951. Grew up close to the OB. So, yeah, I was around.

 

[mianjomar]

Cubin and others its good to know that there are other lifers like me. I didn't have a chance. When we moved to Miami in 1942 I was four years old . Our first home was on 13th ave. between N.W. 6th. st and 7th. St. one block from the Orange Bowl. Later we moved across the 12th. ave bridge and spent the rest of my childhood still within ten blocks of the OB well within earshot of the crowd noise. I never had a chance. The only thing I remember about the Houston game is that they had an all American running back named McVeigh I think who also returned kickoffs. He watched a kickoff roll dead into the end zone. Miami recovered for a TD. I felt sorry for the guy. Funny thing about the gator flop is that it wasn't a big deal while it was happening. We lost another game that's all. It only became a big deal after Curci went ballistic and the press got hold of it. After all we never need to have an excuse to hate the gators. Someone mentioned Pete Banazac. He was in the same backfield with Russell Smith. Both ended up playing with the Raiders. I think Dan Conners also a Cane MLB played on that Raider team. I think all of you would agree with me that it's a shame that there isn't more film on George Mira for this generation of fans to appreciate. He is in every way in the discussion of the greatest UM quarterbacks. I do remember Bill Miller who played wr with Mira. All of these informed guys on the board would really appreciate his first step. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was made of rubber. Every part of his body would twist and turn and then he was free of the cover man. Great to reflect with all of you.

 

[Dandycane]

Cubin and others its good to know that there are other lifers like me. I didn't have a chance. When we moved to Miami in 1942 I was four years old . Our first home was on 13th ave. between N.W. 6th. st and 7th. St. one block from the Orange Bowl. Later we moved across the 12th. ave bridge and spent the rest of my childhood still within ten blocks of the OB well within earshot of the crowd noise. I never had a chance. The only thing I remember about the Houston game is that they had an all American running back named McVeigh I think who also returned kickoffs. He watched a kickoff roll dead into the end zone. Miami recovered for a TD. I felt sorry for the guy. Funny thing about the gator flop is that it wasn't a big deal while it was happening. We lost another game that's all. It only became a big deal after Curci went ballistic and the press got hold of it. After all we never need to have an excuse to hate the gators. Someone mentioned Pete Banazac. He was in the same backfield with Russell Smith. Both ended up playing with the Raiders. I think Dan Conners also a Cane MLB played on that Raider team. I think all of you would agree with me that it's a shame that there isn't more film on George Mira for this generation of fans to appreciate. He is in every way in the discussion of the greatest UM quarterbacks. I do remember Bill Miller who played wr with Mira. All of these informed guys on the board would really appreciate his first step. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was made of rubber. Every part of his body would twist and turn and then he was free of the cover man. Great to reflect with all of you.

Mira's style would translate perfectly to todays game.

 

[mianjomar]

This is great! I really appreciate you sharing this with the board. I think it's safe to say that you've overtaken cubin10 as our elder statesman. A few questions: when we played against Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, etc. back in the day was the OB sold out? I know you said it was empty for most games, but I wonder whether it was ever as electric in the 70s as it was in the 1980s and 1990s. How could we have so much talent and suck so bad? That is an impressive list of players. What do you remember about the gator flop? Was that what really started the rivalry with uf or in your opinion was it already a big rivalry?

[/QUOTE]

Sorry I missed answering these questions. I don't recall the OB being sold out during the 70's but I'm not sure. We had big crowds for Gator games and decent crowds for FSU and ND. The Fl. rivalry has been intense forever but the main driver for the intensity before the flop could well be Coach Walt Kischefsky. He was a rabid gator hater and he was very vocal to team and fan alike about how he felt. A really colorful guy.

 

[sebastian91]

Awesome thread. I'd +rep again if they'd let me, Bennu. Thanks to all of the older timers than me for sharing.

 

[QuadCityCane]

Learned a lot in this thread. Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.

 

[cubin10]

Cubin and others its good to know that there are other lifers like me. I didn't have a chance. When we moved to Miami in 1942 I was four years old . Our first home was on 13th ave. between N.W. 6th. st and 7th. St. one block from the Orange Bowl. Later we moved across the 12th. ave bridge and spent the rest of my childhood still within ten blocks of the OB well within earshot of the crowd noise. I never had a chance. The only thing I remember about the Houston game is that they had an all American running back named McVeigh I think who also returned kickoffs. He watched a kickoff roll dead into the end zone. Miami recovered for a TD. I felt sorry for the guy. Funny thing about the gator flop is that it wasn't a big deal while it was happening. We lost another game that's all. It only became a big deal after Curci went ballistic and the press got hold of it. After all we never need to have an excuse to hate the gators. Someone mentioned Pete Banazac. He was in the same backfield with Russell Smith. Both ended up playing with the Raiders. I think Dan Conners also a Cane MLB played on that Raider team. I think all of you would agree with me that it's a shame that there isn't more film on George Mira for this generation of fans to appreciate. He is in every way in the discussion of the greatest UM quarterbacks. I do remember Bill Miller who played wr with Mira. All of these informed guys on the board would really appreciate his first step. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was made of rubber. Every part of his body would twist and turn and then he was free of the cover man. Great to reflect with all of you.

McVeigh was a little guy who later played with the Chiefs pretty good player,

 

[cubin10]

Cubin and others its good to know that there are other lifers like me. I didn't have a chance. When we moved to Miami in 1942 I was four years old . Our first home was on 13th ave. between N.W. 6th. st and 7th. St. one block from the Orange Bowl. Later we moved across the 12th. ave bridge and spent the rest of my childhood still within ten blocks of the OB well within earshot of the crowd noise. I never had a chance. The only thing I remember about the Houston game is that they had an all American running back named McVeigh I think who also returned kickoffs. He watched a kickoff roll dead into the end zone. Miami recovered for a TD. I felt sorry for the guy. Funny thing about the gator flop is that it wasn't a big deal while it was happening. We lost another game that's all. It only became a big deal after Curci went ballistic and the press got hold of it. After all we never need to have an excuse to hate the gators. Someone mentioned Pete Banazac. He was in the same backfield with Russell Smith. Both ended up playing with the Raiders. I think Dan Conners also a Cane MLB played on that Raider team. I think all of you would agree with me that it's a shame that there isn't more film on George Mira for this generation of fans to appreciate. He is in every way in the discussion of the greatest UM quarterbacks. I do remember Bill Miller who played wr with Mira. All of these informed guys on the board would really appreciate his first step. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was made of rubber. Every part of his body would twist and turn and then he was free of the cover man. Great to reflect with all of you.

McVeigh was a little guy who later played with the Chiefs pretty good player,

George Mira (the matador) always gave the U a chance, he could really play, threw bullets all over and was fun to watch and root for.

 

[cubin10]

Awesome thread. I'd +rep again if they'd let me, Bennu. Thanks to all of the older timers than me for sharing.

Thanks from all of us "oldtimers".

 

[cubin10]

The teams were lousy in the 70s, but I don't think fans were "OK" with it. The crowds were tiny. Even with attractive teams, the attendance sucked. Back then, attendance was turnstile count (actual attendance), and it was pathetic. Lesson? You can't just bring in good teams - you have to also be good. People want a high quality competitive game. That hasn't changed over the years. We drew 19,766 for a game against Penn State in 76. That shows how much the fans were "OK" with it.

First of all I was talking about the 60's, secondly the only form of communication for football was the old Miami Herald, not much news or information, the fans and the folks to are rabid, it is different with all the social media. if you weren't around then, I would expect you to know or have experienced those time. the majority of the fans didn't give two craps about the Canes. If you were around at that time and your opinion is respected, if not STFU.

Been a fan sine 1951. Grew up close to the OB. So, yeah, I was around.

Although I recall it differently, I certainly respect your view.

 

[Bennubird]

Thanks! I wish they posted more often. I too appreciate the history lesson from all our senior Canes!

Awesome thread. I'd +rep again if they'd let me, Bennu. Thanks to all of the older timers than me for sharing.

 

[BoriCane]

Between 15K to 21K was the norm attendance for an average opponent if I remember correctly. Most of the fans were naturally clustered between the 40 yard lines and we used to move about the stadium to find the best seat. A major opponent could have a decent crowd -in the high 30's low 40's which was impressive at the time.

I do recall a massive rain storm during a game against Navy. The game was delayed for a half hour and we sat through the entire storm having a ball. If there was 8,000 people in the stands it was alot.

****!!! I was at that game!! My first Cane game...Nov 7, 1975...LOL...8,000 sounds optimistic but....good old times...Strange that people forget...Don Latimer and Eddie Edwards...monster defensive players, both went to league....Every time I ran into Edwards at the 960 I would take the other side of the hallway...mean looking sob!!

 

[cubin10]

Cubin and others its good to know that there are other lifers like me. I didn't have a chance. When we moved to Miami in 1942 I was four years old . Our first home was on 13th ave. between N.W. 6th. st and 7th. St. one block from the Orange Bowl. Later we moved across the 12th. ave bridge and spent the rest of my childhood still within ten blocks of the OB well within earshot of the crowd noise. I never had a chance. The only thing I remember about the Houston game is that they had an all American running back named McVeigh I think who also returned kickoffs. He watched a kickoff roll dead into the end zone. Miami recovered for a TD. I felt sorry for the guy. Funny thing about the gator flop is that it wasn't a big deal while it was happening. We lost another game that's all. It only became a big deal after Curci went ballistic and the press got hold of it. After all we never need to have an excuse to hate the gators. Someone mentioned Pete Banazac. He was in the same backfield with Russell Smith. Both ended up playing with the Raiders. I think Dan Conners also a Cane MLB played on that Raider team. I think all of you would agree with me that it's a shame that there isn't more film on George Mira for this generation of fans to appreciate. He is in every way in the discussion of the greatest UM quarterbacks. I do remember Bill Miller who played wr with Mira. All of these informed guys on the board would really appreciate his first step. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was made of rubber. Every part of his body would twist and turn and then he was free of the cover man. Great to reflect with all of you.

McVeigh was a little guy who later played with the Chiefs pretty good player,

George Mira (the matador) always gave the U a chance, he could really play, threw bullets all over and was fun to watch and root for.

Sounds like you went to Miami High School, they were the local football power team with Coral Gables in the early 60's. Didn't Bill Miller lead the AFL is most catches for the bills?

 

[mianjomar]

Cubin and others its good to know that there are other lifers like me. I didn't have a chance. When we moved to Miami in 1942 I was four years old . Our first home was on 13th ave. between N.W. 6th. st and 7th. St. one block from the Orange Bowl. Later we moved across the 12th. ave bridge and spent the rest of my childhood still within ten blocks of the OB well within earshot of the crowd noise. I never had a chance. The only thing I remember about the Houston game is that they had an all American running back named McVeigh I think who also returned kickoffs. He watched a kickoff roll dead into the end zone. Miami recovered for a TD. I felt sorry for the guy. Funny thing about the gator flop is that it wasn't a big deal while it was happening. We lost another game that's all. It only became a big deal after Curci went ballistic and the press got hold of it. After all we never need to have an excuse to hate the gators. Someone mentioned Pete Banazac. He was in the same backfield with Russell Smith. Both ended up playing with the Raiders. I think Dan Conners also a Cane MLB played on that Raider team. I think all of you would agree with me that it's a shame that there isn't more film on George Mira for this generation of fans to appreciate. He is in every way in the discussion of the greatest UM quarterbacks. I do remember Bill Miller who played wr with Mira. All of these informed guys on the board would really appreciate his first step. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was made of rubber. Every part of his body would twist and turn and then he was free of the cover man. Great to reflect with all of you.

McVeigh was a little guy who later played with the Chiefs pretty good player,

George Mira (the matador) always gave the U a chance, he could really play, threw bullets all over and was fun to watch and root for.

Sounds like you went to Miami High School, they were the local football power team with Coral Gables in the early 60's. Didn't Bill Miller lead the AFL is most catches for the bills?

I did go to MHS. I didn't follow Miller in the pros but I'm not surprised. I did run into Nick Spinelli some years ago in a clients office. I'm sure you remember him. Also I had lunch with Larry Wilson also a few years ago. Miller, Spinelli and Wilson all played with Mira. By the way I was watching an interview with Joe Namath on TV right after he signed with the Jets. When asked who his hero was he said George Mira.

 

[Crazy4thecanes]

I've been around these boards since Grassy and I have to say.....I've never run across a conversation like this. I'd like to thank you for sharing as it has been enlightening.

My first Canes game was in '86 (almost embarrassed to admit that in here!) - I feel now as if I've missed an important, essential step in knowing what it is to be Hurricane.

 

[Awsi Dooger]

Hatred of the Gators has nothing to do with that 1971 game. At 12 years old I despised Florida every bit as much entering the stadium that night as I did when they dropped to the ground or when they hoisted up the flag pole in the end zone during the post game celebration. It's ridiculous when younger fans think they need a prop or a cheap reference point to rationalize or jumpstart the hatred of the Gators.

I still have no idea how 2013 can be viewed as a disappointing season when it includes a victory over Florida, especially when they aren't on the schedule for the foreseeable. I can and do laugh at them every day. And it makes no sense we wasted a full decade fixated on Ohio State when we could have devoted all that time and energy to mocking the Gators.

Anyway, I loved attending those Friday night games in the late '60s and into the '70s. The schedule was always terrific. I looked forward to seeing the opposition fan base, and how it compared to other teams. Invariably they were older fans but I felt like I had a feel for the culture of that program and area. During the baby boom era we had split shifts in Miami schools. I remember leaving junior high at 5:30 after the second shift and having just enough time after I got home to grab a quick dinner before we left for the game. The prospect was generally in the 20-22,000 range for a typical game and maybe 40-45,000 for a major opponent who didn't bring their own fans like the Gators or Seminoles.

BTW, referencing another post in this thread, we defeated Tampa narrowly in that Freddie Solomon game on the road, and his touchdown run was closer to 80 yards than 50. That was a fun road trip for my family. They stuck Canes fans in the end zone and it was loud and rowdy all night, other than stunned whenever Solomon would gash us again. He'd drop back with no intention to throw and then wiggle for the maddening first down. When we narrowly escaped with that victory we were ranked for the first time in quite a while.

Otherwise it was an era with a dependable handful of great players and an occasional big effort that was hardly predictable. For example, we were 35.5 point home underdogs in the tight loss to Oklahoma in 1975. People were joking before the kickoff that they would leave when it reached 50-0. But then we were smacking Steve Davis around and disrupting the fullback exchange. Only the wide stuff was hurting us. Our little roll out passes were somehow working for a change. Normally we'd do the little 3 yard loop roll out and wing it into the Poly Turf. Chris Dennis had a very long (54 yards?) late field goal hit the cross bar and bounce back. It needed only a few more inches.

But every time we'd manage an effort like that and expectations rose, we'd flop against someone on our own level or lower.

I looked forward to our post game pizza tradition. My favorite spot was called Blue Grotto on the edge of the Gables. Last I checked that building is now a sports bar. They had pizza with huge bubbles of air in the crust. It was so weird I enjoyed it.