Here are my (honest) thoughts (11 games into year 3)

[Consigliere]

[This post is not about discussing the coaching, we know the issues. Also a warning that this post is long.]

10 Wins:

10 wins on its own doesn’t mean anything, it is just a number. Some questions need to be answered: What teams did you play? Did you have significant injuries? Were those 10 wins during the regular season?

Expectations: Before the season, hitting 10 wins DURING THE REGULAR SEASON would have been very good. I would even venture to say that before the season, hitting 9 regular season games would be pretty good as well (depending on the play in those games). Expectations change over the course of a season, ours changed as well. We started 7-0, we were fighting to the end of each game. I can live with not blowing opponents out and winning close games because of the issues we had and how our program was not fixed.

Even though we lost our best offensive player (The Duke of Coral Gables) for the remaining 4 games, we should have gone 3-1 after starting 7-1. We should have gotten a rematch with FSU. I don’t care how good they are, we should have gotten a rematch. Even as a severe underdog against FSU, we still were the favorites against Duke and VT. We still should have at least split those games.

While we have talent issues, coaching issues and some mishaps, we had a good enough team to at least split VT and Duke. We definitely had enough talent to hold them to 60 points combined, rather than the 90 points they had. But before we get to 10 wins, let’s beat Pitt on Friday for our 9th win. It’s tough to get to 10 wins when you don’t have a 9th win and there are only two games left.

If we do hit 10 games, it is not a **** 10 win season. It is an ugly 10 win season. While I do believe going 10-3 would be nice, it is not the season you want unless there is some drastic mishap that occurred and/or the SOS is insane (this did not really occur).

Improvement v. Is there anything left to play for?

Honestly, I don’t want to hear about we have more wins than last year (8 or 9 v. 7) as improvement. As far as I am concerned, you can junk the WHOLE out of conference schedule (this year and last year). We went 5-3 in the ACC last year; at best we can go 5-3 in the ACC this year.

5-3 to 5-3 (if we get there) is not improvement, it is a tie (with inflation it is regression, JK). We lost to FSU last year; we lost to them this year. We lost to UNC last year, we beat them this year. We beat Duke last year; we lost to them this year. We beat VT last year; we lost to VT this year. We lost to UVA last year, we beat them this year. I would say that the quality of the conference schedule is pretty similar to last year, but we should have been better and we should have went at least 6-2.

While I agree we did win games that we would have lost last year (UNC and WF) because we played tough football for four quarters; that improvement is removed when you go out and lay an egg against Duke and VT (two teams we beat last year) and allow 90 points in the process. It is simply regression to get two FAT Ls when you had so much on the line.

The bowl game: It is important to win the bowl game regardless of the opponent or the specific bowl. We haven’t won a **** bowl game since 2006. It is important for recruiting because this is our last performance before NSD and it may be what some recruits remember. It is important to end the season on a high note, even though we missed out on what could have happened. It is important for the kids on the team to get those extra practices (even with Coach D) and win another game. If you win a bowl game, it is somewhat (yes, somewhat) an improvement because it is something we haven’t done since 2006. We haven’t even played in a bowl game since the 2010 season.

So while the NCAA and NS disqualified us from bowls in 2011 and 2012, it is important to look good this year in that game no matter what bowl or opponent. This game symbolizes, to some degree, that we’re putting this FULLY behind us and overcoming this hurdle. NS, Mark May, Charles Robinson etc. all wanted us to get the death penalty; this would be a good way to bury the prior period of football.

While it seems there is nothing left to play for specifically (i.e. ACCCG), we are in damage control. We cannot just sacrifice the season because there is no appearance in the ACCCG game. It may appear to be a no-win-situation, but we need to win regardless. We need to win out. We need to finish strong and bury this season.

Recruiting: It is extremely important to finish strong in recruiting and keep loading an excellent class. We have a bunch of “studs” entering the program. The future looks bright in terms of brining in talent. Finish strong and bring in as many kids early as possible.

 

[Canesfan1899]

There is always something left to play for, ending with momentum is important IMO so the kids have some positives going into signing day and spring practice.

This season has had it's moments, we beat Florida ( I know they're awful now) but they weren't as bad when we beat them. We have signed a very good class so far and seem to be heading in the right direction going into Feb.

The bads, the defense's regression, and us not showing up in big games.

 

[5Ringz]

Vs VT there was something to play for

Vs Duke there was so,etching to play for

This week vs Pitt there is something to play for with Duke and VT losses putting us in the ACC title game

 

[Consigliere]

There is always something left to play for, ending with momentum is important IMO so the kids have some positives going into signing day and spring practice.

This season has had it's moments, we beat Florida ( I know they're awful now) but they weren't as bad when we beat them. We have signed a very good class so far and seem to be heading in the right direction going into Feb.

The bads, the defense's regression, and us not showing up in big games.

Agreed.

 

[fivecent]

It is astute of you to look a conference opponents to determine improvement. One of Goldens cons (I say this while still being a supporter of the guy in general) is to try and book weak non conference opponents so that he can claim improvement. We have Cincinnati on the schedule next year only because they couldn't get 0-11 southen mississippe to take the bait http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/11/18/

 

[Muffin Man]

Do none of you ****ers remember September 7th? I don't give a **** how bad the gators ended up being, you can't just toss that out the window like it doesn't matter. It's a win against the gators.

Before the season, 10 wins and splitting UF and FSU, even with this schedule and including a bowl, would've been deemed a step in the right direction. Couple that with a top 5 class and we're definitely stepping in the right direction.

Obviously the defense looks like ****. I think it's still a step in the right direction overall.

 

[Angry Ibis]

It is astute of you to look a conference opponents to determine improvement. One of Goldens cons (I say this while still being a supporter of the guy in general) is to try and book weak non conference opponents so that he can claim improvement. We have Cincinnati on the schedule next year only because they couldn't get 0-11 southen mississippe to take the bait http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/11/18/

So he is booking weaker non-conference opponents, not for an easier road to the title game, ala many of our SEC friends and Ohio State, but so he can inflate his own improvement year to year --- GTFOH with that bull****.

We may not like the schedule because we think it is still 87 and we should play the toughest teams in every league twice a year and then New England on Sundays, but enough with the Anti-Golden conspiracy theory bull****. There is enough for us to nitpick with the on field performance without creating things that aren't there.

 

[fivecent]

It is astute of you to look a conference opponents to determine improvement. One of Goldens cons (I say this while still being a supporter of the guy in general) is to try and book weak non conference opponents so that he can claim improvement. We have Cincinnati on the schedule next year only because they couldn't get 0-11 southen mississippe to take the bait http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/11/18/

So he is booking weaker non-conference opponents, not for an easier road to the title game, ala many of our SEC friends and Ohio State, but so he can inflate his own improvement year to year --- GTFOH with that bull****.

We may not like the schedule because we think it is still 87 and we should play the toughest teams in every league twice a year and then New England on Sundays, but enough with the Anti-Golden conspiracy theory bull****. There is enough for us to nitpick with the on field performance without creating things that aren't there.

I am sure that is apart of the plan too, but that still doesn't make it acceptable. Neither does that fact that other teams do the same garbage. Who really wants to spend time and money to watch 3 garbage non-conference games plus another 3 or 4 ACC weak sisters. 2 is understandable, but given our below average conference, 3 is the proverbial last straw.

 

[Dghustla]

"ugly 10 win seasons" only exist to fans who haven't put in the blood, sweat and tears the players have put in. You think Bama,OSU,ORE,FSU,UF,USCe,T A&M, OU give a **** about "who they beat" when they are racking up 10 wins seasons, recruits, bowls, and title shots?

Who has OSU beaten under Urban Meyer exactly? You think OSU players and fans think their 20+ game winning streak is invalid?
Who has Missouri beaten? Washed up UGA and Florida? The only complete team they faced on their schedule they lost to which is USCe.
Who has Clemson beaten? They lost to the best team the played BADLY and are currently 1 win away from a BCS bid are they apologizing?
Who has Baylor beaten? a middle of road OU team? They lost to the best team they faced, who by the way....Who exactly did Okie State beat other than Baylor?

These threads are the same ole rehashed ANTI Golden crap with a new spin under the guise of "honest point of view, non-bashing". Only devaluing accomplishments.

yes it sucks to be on the outside looking in at the ACC.
yes we didn't play well in big games
yes the defense hasn't gotten better and is a troublesome sign

But to say that "10 wins is ugly" and not a "real" 10 win season when we haven't won 10 games in over a decade regardless of the competition is a dumb point of view. and shows how out of touch you are not only with the current state of the team, but also with the current state of CFB in general.

Just remember all of the cyclical Canes fans who flooded message boards mocking FSU as the "best" 9 win team in the country for years. All they did was parley that "mild" success into recruiting classes and now are fielding a loaded dominate team. Ppl predicted this team to have a ceiling of 9-10 wins.

If we lose to UNC and Beat Duke, the winner of that game this weekend still controls their own destiny. It just sucks from a mental standpoint because it's Duke football. We also ending up finishing that game without our best 3 offensive players.

 

[CANE4LIFE]

I dont get this b*tching about the schedule. How many major teams are out there scheduling tough OOC games for fun? Most of the big programs have scheduled mostly cupcakes OOC. Maybe 1 real OOC game a year for most teams. I dont see why we should be any different. This year we had UF. Last year it was ND, and a pretty decent KSU team.

And people have some selective memories. It wasnt like we were playing murderers row back in the Big East days under Butch either. Playing FSU every year, and VT, is no joke. VT is usually a ranked team, and FSU is back to elite level. Throw in the fact that there is at least one other ACC team every year that is having a good season, and we are looking at minimum 3 TOUGH conference games a year, before you even add in a quality OOC opponent. Then you still have other conference games, and as we have seen in this age of parity, there arent many "easy" games as there used to be. Even teams like Duke and WF can rise up and put together a strong season and bite you in the @ss if you arent careful.

I think our OOC schedule should have at MOST one tough opponent, and then at least one cupcake.

 

[CANE4LIFE]

"ugly 10 win seasons" only exist to fans who haven't put in the blood, sweat and tears the players have put in. You think Bama,OSU,ORE,FSU,UF,USCe,T A&M, OU give a **** about "who they beat" when they are racking up 10 wins seasons, recruits, bowls, and title shots?

Who has OSU beaten under Urban Meyer exactly? You think OSU players and fans think their 20+ game winning streak is invalid?
Who has Missouri beaten? Washed up UGA and Florida? The only complete team they faced on their schedule they lost to which is USCe.
Who has Clemson beaten? They lost to the best team the played BADLY and are currently 1 win away from a BCS bid are they apologizing?
Who has Baylor beaten? a middle of road OU team? They lost to the best team they faced, who by the way....Who exactly did Okie State beat other than Baylor?

These threads are the same ole rehashed ANTI Golden crap with a new spin under the guise of "honest point of view, non-bashing". Only devaluing accomplishments.

yes it sucks to be on the outside looking in at the ACC.
yes we didn't play well in big games
yes the defense hasn't gotten better and is a troublesome sign

But to say that "10 wins is ugly" and not a "real" 10 win season when we haven't won 10 games in over a decade regardless of the competition is a dumb point of view. and shows how out of touch you are not only with the current state of the team, but also with the current state of CFB in general.

Just remember all of the cyclical Canes fans who flooded message boards mocking FSU as the "best" 9 win team in the country for years. All they did was parley that "mild" success into recruiting classes and now are fielding a loaded dominate team. Ppl predicted this team to have a ceiling of 9-10 wins.

If we lose to UNC and Beat Duke, the winner of that game this weekend still controls their own destiny. It just sucks from a mental standpoint because it's Duke football. We also ending up finishing that game without our best 3 offensive players.

All very good points. If we win out and have a 10 win season, this will have been a decent year of improvement. Yes, there is still a GLARING problem on defense that needs to get fixed, but **** man, how can ANYONE spit on a 10 win season after the debacle we have had for the last decade? We had a senior QB who many thought would have a break out year, and he totally flopped. We've lost our best RB and the soul of our offense. Our defense has struggled and we lack talent and depth. A 10 win season would help us finish with GREAT momentum and hopefully help us lock up the best recruiting class we have had in a LONG time here.

Yes, it sucked losing to Duke. And getting blown out the way we did. No doubt there are major issues we need to fix. But people are still fixated on this "Duke" thing. Duke actually has the BEST team they have had in DECADES this year. Im not saying they are some bad @ss powerhouse, but they are playing very well, and not the usual "Duke" we are used to. Cutcliff is a great coach, and they are having their once in a blue moon good season. I mean they beat VT at home, does that mean Frank Beamer sucks as an HC too?

Yes we sh8t the bed against VT and Duke. Our defense is broken. But all in all, if we finish strong, it certainly gives us something positive to build on. Too many people are living in the past. This isnt the 80s anymore. We havent been relevant for a decade. And Andre Johnson, Edgerrin James, or Jerome Brown arent strapping up in that locker room these days. This is a SMALL private university program, trying to compete in the BIG money era with the massive programs. We cant pay coaches 5 million a year, and assistant coaches 1 million a year. We dont have an entire state throwing bags of money and phony "jobs" at our recruits and their families. We have to hope our young, up and coming coach, can build this thing from the ground up, with local talent, some creatitivy, hunger, and a little luck.

But yeah, I would feel pretty good overall about a 10 win season. Its not a "rah rah were BACK" kind of moment, but its a "brick by brick" kind of thing.

 

[fivecent]

1. strength of schedule matters when comparing year over year improvement. Its the only way to compare apples to apples to make sure that improvement is real.

2. next year they tried to schedule 3 cupcakes, but failed with one. Is that what you really want out of a 12 week cfb schedule? 3 worthless weeks? plus another 2 or 3 worthless in conference weeks. Thats almost half the schedule of garbage football. And then people turn around and complain that no one shows up to games. To watch garbage football at high noon under the south florida sun.

 

[pcitycane]

Did read.


Very good stuff sir. I agree with everything you said.

 

[bobbydigius]

The thing tha hit the nail on the coffin is that we will at best have the same record in the ACC as last year, just one line but very telling.....

 

[@KingLew88]

You seem to forget we lost Duke and Dorsett we win VTech and Duke with the both of them. Many factors change how seasons go. I had us winning 10 games this yr with losses to FSU and VTech. I also had us winning the ACC to tho. But **** 10 wins is 10 wins.

 

[Jassid82]

Consigliere, I was prepared to totally disagree with your post (especially the "ugly" 10 wins thing) but you got my attention when you mentioned that we have the same ACC record as we did last year. (5-3). I agree that alone in itself kills the "improvement" argument. And this was supposed to be a DOWN year for conference! (UNC/Vtech/Gtech/MD/UVA all had down years)

Im not a fan of the "weak schedule" argument. Look how that is benefitting OSU right now. If you play in a 3 team conference like the ACC (FSU/Clemson/Vtech) you HAVE to schedule one TOUGH OOC game (a top 20 opponent. you pick'em) and one quality BCS level OOC opponent (Like maybe a Wash St or Vandy) . JMO.

As far as the season, I will be happy with 9 or 10 wins. That will allow Al to mentally note what the FLOOR is for expectations around here. Like the analysts use to say about the Miami Heat and the Big 3. The 2010 team should have been the worst team and the worst season for them. I think this should mark the "X" for Al as far as being his worst team and record. THIS YEAR. From here on out it should be MINIMUM 10 wins. IMO.

 

[Dingaan1828]

We don't have a 5-3 conference record.

 

[Gatorhater]

Good write up. Winning against Pitt and the bowl game is huge for recruiting purposes. And if the bowl game is against someone of note and we win then it matters in the improvement discussion. Certainly we played and easier schedule this year, much. ND and KS were the NC game until KS choked at last moment. The UF win was high point of the last three or four years. But the gator certainly did everything it could to water down that win. My biggest problem is that is seems that the team has quit this year. That is regression. Until VT there were issues, but quiting was not one of them. If they come back and beat Pitt, which. sadly, I do not expect, and then win a bowl game, then it was a sucessful year. If not, then I think we actaully slid backward. Factually, we won the Coastal last year and did not this year. That is not progress.

Either way, everything rides on the 2014 recruiting class. We must have the studs in this class and a couple more. Then we can hope Al get some sort of vision as to a defense that might actually stop the teams we play, because this defense is not better than last year. If he loses this class, put a fork in it.

 

[Consigliere]

Do none of you ****ers remember September 7th? I don't give a **** how bad the gators ended up being, you can't just toss that out the window like it doesn't matter. It's a win against the gators.

Before the season, 10 wins and splitting UF and FSU, even with this schedule and including a bowl, would've been deemed a step in the right direction. Couple that with a top 5 class and we're definitely stepping in the right direction.

Obviously the defense looks like ****. I think it's still a step in the right direction overall.

I will in no way toss away the win against the Gators for two reasons: (1.) They WERE a good team and the team we played is not the team others played (due to SEVERE injuries) and (2.) It is our rival and we played tough/physical football for 4 quarters and never quit.
We may never play them during the regular season for a long time, I don't discount that game. In all honesty, FSU is in a much better place today because of what Jimbo has done since 2010. In addition, they caught rape in a bottle with the way Winston played this season. Look what they did to Clemson, they are in a much better place then us right now.

My point was to make it easy and compare the ACC play to ACC play (since that is the constant). So that is what I did, feel free to agree to disagree.

Also, we haven't hit 10 games yet. Let's do that first.

 

[Consigliere]

It is astute of you to look a conference opponents to determine improvement. One of Goldens cons (I say this while still being a supporter of the guy in general) is to try and book weak non conference opponents so that he can claim improvement. We have Cincinnati on the schedule next year only because they couldn't get 0-11 southen mississippe to take the bait http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/11/18/

Honestly, I don't care about the Non-Conference schedule. For those focused on that, you are focused on the wrong thing. If Golden doesn't win the **** ACC then the easiest conference schedule will not save him. He still need results IN CONFERENCE.

FYI: When we scheduled Notre Dame and Kansas State, there was no indication that both were going to BCS games. Things happen and things change. This is not the problem with this team, the schedule in conference is what matters most.