Believe in the Canes

Okay, I believe the young Hurricanes football team has finally figured it out.  They are learning how to win, and that was apparent in Saturday’s thrilling come back victory at Virginia.  Too many times during the early part of the season, the Canes found ways to lose.  They couldn’t finish drives or stop the opposing team in key situations.  Against the Cavs, the Canes offense came to life just in time, and the defense was the key to victory.

U Gotta Believe!

Much of the credit, and with good reason, will go to back-up QB Jacory Harris.  He came in during one of the toughest situations you can ever deal with as a quarterback.  Down 7 in the 4th quarter and 95 yards away from the game tying score.  All he did was drive Miami down the field for a touchdown with one minute left.  Then he comes out in overtime and throws a perfect touchdown pass on 3rd down.  I saw Jacory do that plenty of times in high school, including in the state high school semifinals last year, and he just knows how to win.  All that said, it was the defense that saved the day.

With Miami’s offense sputtering to gain any yards, the defense kept making huge stands to stop Virginia in tough situations.  They did not allow a single point in the 2nd half and overtime.  That is amazing for this young team.  They also caused two key fumbles, including one on the final play of the game.   Miami has made me a true believer.  I finally think they can contend in a wide open ACC race.  

Miami has 3 games left in conference and they will all be tough.  Yet, I am starting to think that this team really thinks it can win the conference.  I can’t blame them for feeling that way.  They are young and sometimes that is a positive.  They don’t see how amazing it is what they’re doing.  Young teams like this are not supposed to win tight games in the 4th quarter.  It all goes to show that these freshman on UM have come a long way since the start of the season.  They believe, and so do I.