MIAMI – The Miami Hurricanes got away with one last week against Boston College. To some degree, they’ve been getting away with it much of the season.
The Hurricanes (8-0 overall, 5-0 in the Big East) head into today’s showdown against Syracuse (8-2, 5-0) in the Orange Bowl having displayed a disturbing penchant for not taking care of business early. Consider this:
The ‘Canes were tied, 7-7, with Troy State after the first quarter.
They led Florida State 20-13 at the half, after blowing a 14-0 first-quarter lead.
They were tied 3-3 with West Virginia after one quarter.
They led terrible Temple, 7-0, after the first.
And last week Miami found itself in a 0-0 tie with the Eagles after 15 minutes.
What gives with these ‘Canes?
“When I played, we knew we were so much better than the other team that our goal was to get in and out by halftime,” said former Miami quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta. “We wanted the second team in by the third quarter. This team doesn’t have that yet.”
The ‘Canes certainly didn’t have it against BC. Quarterback Ken Dorsey turned in the worst performance of his career, a four-interception fiasco. The Miami coaching staff was as stubborn as a tick, constantly calling pass plays even though the Eagles had backed their linebackers into pass coverage.
Fortunately for Miami, the defense and running game made enough plays to preserve an 18-7 win. If the ‘Canes get brainlock today, then Syracuse stands an excellent chance of ending Miami’s 18-game win streak.
The Orangemen have a better defense than BC and they have more team speed. Of course, asking a team to go into the Orange Bowl and come out with a ‘W’ is asking a lot.
“I’m not surprised that we’re in this position,” said Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni, who withstood some early-season heat after the Orangemen opened 0-2. “And I don’t think our players are surprised.”
What’s been surprising is how the Post’s No. 1-ranked team has treated lesser opponents with relative disinterest. The Hurricanes could get away with it in the first two-thirds of the season, but today begins a three-game stretch that will make or break the ‘Canes.
After Syracuse comes a home game against Washington, the only team to beat Miami last year, and then a road game at Virginia Tech. If the ‘Canes get off slow in any of those games, they can cancel their travel plans for Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. Dorsey said he and the ‘Canes aren’t about to clam up.
Miami has to learn to take care of business early.
