App State/Miami Article

[AppStateNews]

We adjusted in the second quarter to the quick throw outs. John Law picked one off in the third. We came down to score and made it a two score game with 8:30 left in the third quarter.

We stop them on First and Second down. Then Kaaya throws a bomb on third down. When (I believe) Sloan talked after the game about that play, it was the perfect play call but AJ Howard (again, if memory serves right) was just slow to react to it and got beat. It was a play call intended for them to take a shot and for Howard to get the pick and change all momentum.

Unfortunately, the wheels fell off after that.

[Yosef84]

My recollection of that game was that we tightened up and defended the run pretty well after that initial long TD run, but we never did stop the passing game. We simply didn't have the athletes at the time to defend both against a team with the athletes/QB that Miami had. It was a frustrating afternoon.

[EastHallApp]

I'm pretty much willing to chalk up that 2016 game to "just one of those days." They obviously had a level of athleticism that was tough for us to match up with. They did hurt us with those bubble screens, but they also hit several downfield throws, which Tennessee did not attempt or complete often for whatever reason.

Starting the game by allowing an 80 yard TD after a missed tackle really put us on the ropes. The TD we had called back, and losing Cox to injury on the same play. A botched snap on 3rd and goal. A missed short FG.

I don't think they were 35 points better than us on an average day. But when you combine an athletic deficit with some poor execution and some bad luck, those things can happen.

[AtlAppMan]

I'm pretty much willing to chalk up that 2016 game to "just one of those days." They obviously had a level of athleticism that was tough for us to match up with. They did hurt us with those bubble screens, but they also hit several downfield throws, which Tennessee did not attempt or complete often for whatever reason.

Starting the game by allowing an 80 yard TD after a missed tackle really put us on the ropes. The TD we had called back, and losing Cox to injury on the same play. A botched snap on 3rd and goal. A missed short FG.

I don't think they were 35 points better than us on an average day. But when you combine an athletic deficit with some poor execution and some bad luck, those things can happen.

I agree with all your points above. I totally agree they had an advantage with personnel but that is going to be the case with every TOP P5 opponent we play. That is out of our control. However, what is within our control is limiting mistakes (poor tackling execution, missed assignments, etc.) and game strategy and coaches adjusting quickly. Those are on US. Maybe we still lose by 3 or 7 but not by 35 if we do the things within our control better. I think that is probably the heart of your comment "just one of those days", meaning on that day our guys didn't rise to the occasion with the factors they control.

As a fan and coach you try to just chalk that up to a learning experience and use it to remind you to not allow that to happen in the future.

[MrCraig]

Seeing some revisionist history about the last time App played Miami. Yes, we could have played better, but y'all are acting like Miami wasn't that good in 2016. They went 9-4. 2 of those losses were on the road, and 3 were by less than a TD. Then they went and beat #14 West Virginia 31-14 in bowl season.
Yes, that was a dispiriting loss, but Miami was GOOD in 2016.
And I will always root for my Mountaineers, but Miami went 8-3 last year, and will probably be better this year. Again, I'll be cheering loud for my boys, but to win this game is a huge order. This will probably be the best P5 team we have played since Georgia in 2017.

[EastHallApp]

Seeing some revisionist history about the last time App played Miami. Yes, we could have played better, but y'all are acting like Miami wasn't that good in 2016. They went 9-4. 2 of those losses were on the road, and 3 were by less than a TD. Then they went and beat #14 West Virginia 31-14 in bowl season.
Yes, that was a dispiriting loss, but Miami was GOOD in 2016.
And I will always root for my Mountaineers, but Miami went 8-3 last year, and will probably be better this year. Again, I'll be cheering loud for my boys, but to win this game is a huge order. This will probably be the best P5 team we have played since Georgia in 2017.

I don't think anyone is saying they weren't good. They were solid; finished ranked in the 20-25 range in both polls. I think much of the disappointment, then and now, stems from the game against Tennessee, who finished with the same record as Miami and ranked within a couple spots. There's a reason we were only a 3.5 point underdog.

As for this year, we shall see. I don't expect Miami to be better than 2018 Penn State, but maybe I'm wrong.

I do think App's program has reached the point - in 2016 really, but certainly today - where facing a top 25 team doesn't mean we should automatically expect to be blown out.

[NeersBy90]

Seeing some revisionist history about the last time App played Miami. Yes, we could have played better, but y'all are acting like Miami wasn't that good in 2016. They went 9-4. 2 of those losses were on the road, and 3 were by less than a TD. Then they went and beat #14 West Virginia 31-14 in bowl season.
Yes, that was a dispiriting loss, but Miami was GOOD in 2016.
And I will always root for my Mountaineers, but Miami went 8-3 last year, and will probably be better this year. Again, I'll be cheering loud for my boys, but to win this game is a huge order. This will probably be the best P5 team we have played since Georgia in 2017.

I don't know that recalling things that killed any chance to win that game is revisionist history. Who is saying they weren't that good? Losing our all time leading rusher, a young secondary and the inability to adjust defensively on the fly were all factors that led to us getting whooped.

Of course it will be a huge order to win that game this year. Every one here will be pulling for our Neers in this game. I don't understand the point of your comment. For the record, I think I would take Penn State in 2018 as better than this Miami team but it doesn't mean I think we roll Miami...

[AtlAppMan]

Seeing some revisionist history about the last time App played Miami. Yes, we could have played better, but y'all are acting like Miami wasn't that good in 2016. They went 9-4. 2 of those losses were on the road, and 3 were by less than a TD. Then they went and beat #14 West Virginia 31-14 in bowl season.
Yes, that was a dispiriting loss, but Miami was GOOD in 2016.
And I will always root for my Mountaineers, but Miami went 8-3 last year, and will probably be better this year. Again, I'll be cheering loud for my boys, but to win this game is a huge order. This will probably be the best P5 team we have played since Georgia in 2017.

I don't know that recalling things that killed any chance to win that game is revisionist history. Who is saying they weren't that good? Losing our all time leading rusher, a young secondary and the inability to adjust defensively on the fly were all factors that led to us getting whooped.

Of course it will be a huge order to win that game this year. Every one here will be pulling for our Neers in this game. I don't understand the point of your comment. For the record, I think I would take Penn State in 2018 as better than this Miami team but it doesn't mean I think we roll Miami...

Totally agree with you, I even said we may have lost but by maybe 3 or 7 points. I am not trying to revise history either. What I didn't like was we looked like we were totally out of their league. Two weeks prior we went head to head with Tennessee and looked like we should be there, then we have Miami roll into town, get blown out and looked out classed. I stand by my point that we looked "out coached", grant you most of that was from defensive side. Playing against that level team, you can't wait two quarters and 21 pts to adjust to a bubble screen. Richt taught our coaches a lesson, bottomline.

[Black Saturday]

Going to be a tough battle for us. Not sure where the upset information comes from, but they embarrassed us the last time that happened. We have to be prepared for a fired up Miami team and be able to weather what they come at us with. We believed the hype last time and when they came out and punched us in the mouth we had no answer. Need to be more blue collar and tougher in this game. Nothing about this is going to be easy.

This U team is going to be the best team we've faced since the #5 Michigan team. Now Alabama -16 to Miami, could soften them a little the week before our game, but not expecting any kind of an upset. I'd imagine we're gonna be 17ish point underdog if you twisted my arm. Miami has lots of talent 19 of 22 starters or so back. Also guessing there #2 behind Clempsum in '21. Hoping we keep it under my spread.

[NeersBy90]

Going to be a tough battle for us. Not sure where the upset information comes from, but they embarrassed us the last time that happened. We have to be prepared for a fired up Miami team and be able to weather what they come at us with. We believed the hype last time and when they came out and punched us in the mouth we had no answer. Need to be more blue collar and tougher in this game. Nothing about this is going to be easy.

This U team is going to be the best team we've faced since the #5 Michigan team. Now Alabama -16 to Miami, could soften them a little the week before our game, but not expecting any kind of an upset. I'd imagine we're gonna be 17ish point underdog if you twisted my arm. Miami has lots of talent 19 of 22 starters or so back. Also guessing there #2 behind Clempsum in '21. Hoping we keep it under my spread.

I would say maybe the most talented team, but I think you're reaching a bit with the "best team since #5 Michigan". We've played Clemson and Georgia in CFP years, along with Penn State. Maybe the fastest or most talented but best is a stretch.

Miami of late has had a history of let down games, just look at their recent bowl losses, or ask FIU... being sandwiched where we are on their schedule is right where I want to be. I am by no means saying I expect the upset, but I do think the way it was scheduled gives us our best shot at being competitive.

[1ASU78]

After that Miami butt whuppin I talked to several Miami fans. All said they would absolutely come back to a game at the rock. Hope we give them a reason to want a payback game!

Thus the term Floridiots

We always need more Floridians in town.

Most (not all) are transplants from CT, NY, NJ

[EastHallApp]

Going to be a tough battle for us. Not sure where the upset information comes from, but they embarrassed us the last time that happened. We have to be prepared for a fired up Miami team and be able to weather what they come at us with. We believed the hype last time and when they came out and punched us in the mouth we had no answer. Need to be more blue collar and tougher in this game. Nothing about this is going to be easy.

This U team is going to be the best team we've faced since the #5 Michigan team. Now Alabama -16 to Miami, could soften them a little the week before our game, but not expecting any kind of an upset. I'd imagine we're gonna be 17ish point underdog if you twisted my arm. Miami has lots of talent 19 of 22 starters or so back. Also guessing there #2 behind Clempsum in '21. Hoping we keep it under my spread.

I would say maybe the most talented team, but I think you're reaching a bit with the "best team since #5 Michigan". We've played Clemson and Georgia in CFP years, along with Penn State. Maybe the fastest or most talented but best is a stretch.

Miami of late has had a history of let down games, just look at their recent bowl losses, or ask FIU... being sandwiched where we are on their schedule is right where I want to be. I am by no means saying I expect the upset, but I do think the way it was scheduled gives us our best shot at being competitive.

They're neither better nor more talented than those Clemson and Georgia teams.

For that matter, "best team we've faced since #5 Michigan" is a strange formulation, considering those two teams and arguably a few others we've played since were better than that Michigan team.

[mikeyosef]

I remain hopeful for a win as any fan should but, aside from the quality of the opponent, we will be up against the Miami heat and damn near impossible humidity. There's no way to simulate that in practice, especially in Boone. Hell, the folks in Miami and other places in Florida leave there every Summer and head to Boone to get away from that climate.

Still, I think we have as good a chance as anyone other than Alabama to pull off a win and I appsolutely believe we can give them a good run for their money. A lot depends on how well Brice performs and if by chance, there is a freak cold snap in the Miami area that Saturday . I'm counting more on Brice and our O-line more than the weather. Give em Hell App!!!

[AppinVA]

I remain hopeful for a win as any fan should but, aside from the quality of the opponent, we will be up against the Miami heat and damn near impossible humidity. There's no way to simulate that in practice, especially in Boone. Hell, the folks in Miami and other places in Florida leave there every Summer and head to Boone to get away from that climate.

Still, I think we have as good a chance as anyone other than Alabama to pull off a win and I appsolutely believe we can give them a good run for their money. A lot depends on how well Brice performs and if by chance, there is a freak cold snap in the Miami area that Saturday . I'm counting more on Brice and our O-line more than the weather. Give em Hell App!!!

Practicing inside a metal building that lacks a/c can help.

[MtnMan14]

I remain hopeful for a win as any fan should but, aside from the quality of the opponent, we will be up against the Miami heat and damn near impossible humidity. There's no way to simulate that in practice, especially in Boone. Hell, the folks in Miami and other places in Florida leave there every Summer and head to Boone to get away from that climate.

Still, I think we have as good a chance as anyone other than Alabama to pull off a win and I appsolutely believe we can give them a good run for their money. A lot depends on how well Brice performs and if by chance, there is a freak cold snap in the Miami area that Saturday . I'm counting more on Brice and our O-line more than the weather. Give em Hell App!!!

Practicing inside a metal building that lacks a/c can help.

If I recall correctly Boise did that a few years ago for their opener at Florida State. Even tried to simulate the humidity.

[AppinVA]

I remain hopeful for a win as any fan should but, aside from the quality of the opponent, we will be up against the Miami heat and damn near impossible humidity. There's no way to simulate that in practice, especially in Boone. Hell, the folks in Miami and other places in Florida leave there every Summer and head to Boone to get away from that climate.

Still, I think we have as good a chance as anyone other than Alabama to pull off a win and I appsolutely believe we can give them a good run for their money. A lot depends on how well Brice performs and if by chance, there is a freak cold snap in the Miami area that Saturday . I'm counting more on Brice and our O-line more than the weather. Give em Hell App!!!

Practicing inside a metal building that lacks a/c can help.

If I recall correctly Boise did that a few years ago for their opener at Florida State. Even tried to simulate the humidity.

The more I think on it, we have always seemed to be well-conditioned, and it might be better to not over-do the heat simulation. We just need to make sure we're as well rested and as well hydrated as possible. It would be nice for it to be a night game.

[Black Saturday]

Going to be a tough battle for us. Not sure where the upset information comes from, but they embarrassed us the last time that happened. We have to be prepared for a fired up Miami team and be able to weather what they come at us with. We believed the hype last time and when they came out and punched us in the mouth we had no answer. Need to be more blue collar and tougher in this game. Nothing about this is going to be easy.

This U team is going to be the best team we've faced since the #5 Michigan team. Now Alabama -16 to Miami, could soften them a little the week before our game, but not expecting any kind of an upset. I'd imagine we're gonna be 17ish point underdog if you twisted my arm. Miami has lots of talent 19 of 22 starters or so back. Also guessing there #2 behind Clempsum in '21. Hoping we keep it under my spread.

I would say maybe the most talented team, but I think you're reaching a bit with the "best team since #5 Michigan". We've played Clemson and Georgia in CFP years, along with Penn State. Maybe the fastest or most talented but best is a stretch.

Miami of late has had a history of let down games, just look at their recent bowl losses, or ask FIU... being sandwiched where we are on their schedule is right where I want to be. I am by no means saying I expect the upset, but I do think the way it was scheduled gives us our best shot at being competitive.

They're neither better nor more talented than those Clemson and Georgia teams.

For that matter, "best team we've faced since #5 Michigan" is a strange formulation, considering those two teams and arguably a few others we've played since were better than that Michigan team.

Strange indeed, maybe I'm hoping for an upset like UM to strike again, because it'll take that type of effort again. Miami will be 3rd on that list of tough guys. Agree that Clempsum and Jawga were more talented than The U this year, tough game and tough schedule this year.

[AppSt94]

Going to be a tough battle for us. Not sure where the upset information comes from, but they embarrassed us the last time that happened. We have to be prepared for a fired up Miami team and be able to weather what they come at us with. We believed the hype last time and when they came out and punched us in the mouth we had no answer. Need to be more blue collar and tougher in this game. Nothing about this is going to be easy.

This U team is going to be the best team we've faced since the #5 Michigan team. Now Alabama -16 to Miami, could soften them a little the week before our game, but not expecting any kind of an upset. I'd imagine we're gonna be 17ish point underdog if you twisted my arm. Miami has lots of talent 19 of 22 starters or so back. Also guessing there #2 behind Clempsum in '21. Hoping we keep it under my spread.

I would say maybe the most talented team, but I think you're reaching a bit with the "best team since #5 Michigan". We've played Clemson and Georgia in CFP years, along with Penn State. Maybe the fastest or most talented but best is a stretch.

Miami of late has had a history of let down games, just look at their recent bowl losses, or ask FIU... being sandwiched where we are on their schedule is right where I want to be. I am by no means saying I expect the upset, but I do think the way it was scheduled gives us our best shot at being competitive.

They're neither better nor more talented than those Clemson and Georgia teams.

For that matter, "best team we've faced since #5 Michigan" is a strange formulation, considering those two teams and arguably a few others we've played since were better than that Michigan team.

Strange indeed, maybe I'm hoping for an upset like UM to strike again, because it'll take that type of effort again. Miami will be 3rd on that list of tough guys. Agree that Clempsum and Jawga were more talented than The U this year, tough game and tough schedule this year.

We are sandwiched between Alabama and Michigan St. Their QB is coming off ACL surgery in January. They could come out flat and beat up from Alabama.

[asumba95]

call me pragmatic, but if we don't slow down their QB, it will be a loooong day. That dude is electric.

[AppSt94]

call me pragmatic, but if we don't slow down their QB, it will be a loooong day. That dude is electric.

Agree. He is coming off a torn ACL though. He may not be back to full speed by week 2.