Submitted by Lazaro from MIAMI

Q: I'm of the opinion that the coaches should give Streeter and Thompkins a chance to see what they could do in the game, the worst they could do is drop a pass. What do you think Manny?

Answered 10/05/10 15:56:59 by Manny Navarro

A: The one I really want to see is Tommy Streeter. He's a tall deep threat that knows how to get behind the defense. I'd like to see him running some deep routes instead of Travis Benjamin who doesn't have the size to compete for jump balls down the field.

Submitted by Canes411 from NSB, FL

Q: Manny, it seems like comparing us against FSU by using stats from games to this point is not really fair to Miami... who knows what are Offense and Defense would be ranked if we had played Samford, BYU, Wake, and Virginia...

Answered 10/05/10 15:55:55 by Manny Navarro

A: Well, stats are one way to look at it. Here's another: Florida State is good at running the football. They're receivers are OK. They're offensive line and quarterback are very good. They're secondary has been torched, but has a talented sophomore in Greg Reid. Up front, they've got playmakers again that can put heat on Jacory Harris. Is this FSU team great? No. But they're not that far behind UM in terms of talent. And right now, they've also got the better quarterback because he makes fewer mistakes. I expect a close ball game on Saturday.

Submitted by Alexis from Orlando, FL

Q: Any info on Latwan Anderson?

Answered 10/05/10 15:53:45 by Manny Navarro

A: Nope. Just a redshirt season for him. We'll have to see how he looks in the spring when he splits time between track and football.

Submitted by ryan from st. louis

Q: hey manny, bosher's game clinching field goal on saturday got me thinking about 2011. unless brandon harris leaves early, bosher seems to be the most irreplaceable departure that the team will have. so, my question: have you heard anything about targeted kickers, and especially punters? it doesn't seem to me like wieclaw is capable of handling the job, and i'd hate to have a shot at a national title in 2011 derailed by a bad kicker or a walk on punter.

Answered 10/05/10 15:52:42 by Manny Navarro

A: The Canes don't have a lot of scholarships for the 2011 class and I'm not sure they're really looking at kickers or punters. At this point, I expect Wieclaw to handle kickoffs, extra points and field goals and the walk-on they got from St. Thomas to contribute as well.

Submitted by Jason from Miami

Q: I'm hearing rumblings of a forthcoming program changing announcement. Are you aware of such rumblings and, if so, what can you divulge?

Answered 10/05/10 15:44:37 by Manny Navarro

A: It's my understanding a large amount of money was donated recently -- something to help fund a new academic building for football players. Not sure of the specifics.

Submitted by Shon from Mobile

Q: What's up with Jamal Reid?

Answered 10/05/10 15:43:27 by Manny Navarro

A: A whole lot of nothing. Kid isn't playing at all.

Submitted by jordan from miami, fl

Q: here's what happened on the muffed punt w/ streeter: if the player calls a fair catch, he gets the opportunity to catch the ball without interference, so even tho he bobbled the ball, streeter grabbing it out of the air constituted interference. it could only be recovered if the ball had hit the ground. if there was no fair catch, then streeter could've grabbed the ball out of the air and it would've been miami's ball.

Answered 10/05/10 15:38:31 by Manny Navarro

A: Well said Jordan.

Submitted by cb from Maryland

Q: Randy Shannon has a philosophy that those who practice hard will be the ones who play. But, does that extend to the QB position? I'm a big fan of J12, from way back in his NW days and from a long distance. However, it seems to me that as long as J12 knows that he will not be benched, even for a quarter, that he doesn't feel the same pressure that llinemen, RBs and others do. Is that freedom from competition helping J12 or the progrram?

Answered 10/05/10 15:38:04 by Manny Navarro

A: It's never good when a quarterback doesn't feel like he has any competition. I think in this case, Harris would have benefitted from having another quarterback who could fill in for him if he played poorly. But he doesn't.

Submitted by BigManCane from Delray Beach, FL

Q: Manny, I have really been hearing a lot from the FSU fans in the media about their defense. What do you think as far as their comparisons to our D unit? I'm really tired of hearing it but I know you have more knowledge and are "in the know". Do you think we can stop the run and pass? I am ready for a beat down on them FSU punks.

Answered 10/05/10 15:34:18 by Manny Navarro

A: Florida State ranks No. 1 in sacks, No. 2 in tackles for loss and has the 4th best run defense in the country. Offensively, they have QB Christian Ponder, who is very good. But what they do best is run behind their veteran offensive line. They're averaging 208 yards a game on the ground. I think Miami can definitely stop Ponder and the FSU offense. But I wouldn't say it is a given.

Submitted by Keith from Miami, Fl

Q: Manny, why was the play when the Clemson defender bobbled the punt and streeter took it an interference? Was he in the zone that the person needs? How much space do the players get? Also, I felt like some calls went Clemson's way. Overall I felt like officiating had some questionable calls even when they went under review.

Answered 10/05/10 15:26:34 by Manny Navarro

A: I believe the rule is you are supposed to give a player who calls for a fair catch three feet to make the catch. According to Shannon, once it was determined it was a fair catch and the play was reviewed, Streeter was penalized 15 yards.

Submitted by LV_T from henderson, nv

Q: so whats the real story with Jacory?? is it just a sore shoulder?? limited in practice but he's ready to go for FSU right??

Answered 10/05/10 15:23:09 by Manny Navarro

A: At the very least it is a sore shoulder. Do I believe it is more? Absolutely. He's been hit hard over the past two weeks. I think he's playing with pain. But I don't think there is any reason to believe he won't play Saturday since the injury isn't to his throwing arm.

Submitted by Cameron from Macon, Georgia

Q: Manny from an armchair quarterback's perspective, it appears that Jacory lacks the confidence that he displayed at the beginning of last season. J12 doesn't look like he's having any fun either. Is it me or does the offense look as though it has taken a step back...and the defense has taken a step forward?

Answered 10/05/10 15:20:48 by Manny Navarro

A: That is definitely fair to say. Harris was a more confident and successful quarterback last season than he is now. The offense also seemed to be more successful. The difference with this team is the improved defense. Not only are they creating more turnovers, they're dominating up front. I think part of Jacory's woes is physical pain. He's taken a lot of licks over the past two seasons. I don't believe he's anywhere near 100 percent.

Submitted by Keith from Miami

Q: Manny, I like the coverage on Shannon and his relationship with his players. I am glad people can see the human side required with these Student Athletes so many people here just measure championships and not the other things Shannon does for these guys. The Championships will come as everyone is growing into their own. I hope Shannon sticks around he has turned this program around and has cleaned up the bad apples.

Answered 09/28/10 16:10:43 by Manny Navarro

A: Thanks for the compliment Keith. Randy actually liked the story too and thanked me for it.

Submitted by jorge from miami

Q: Manny, ESPN ran those statistics several times during the Pitt game. Your comment that "Personally, I think Jacory is at his best when he doesn't have to scan the field too long and make decisions," may be why he succeeds in blitz situations. Man coverage, quick progressions. Essentially, a Junior QB has had trouble adjusting to an NFL system. He is more comfortable in the shotgun (he also did this in the second half a lot). Off coordinators generally like to roll mobile and young qbs out of the pocket to help with the vision. Sad that Jacory needs to be coddled when we have a championship defense.

Answered 09/28/10 16:03:26 by Manny Navarro

A: I didn't see the Pitt game on TV since I was there so missed those stats. But I agree with the shotgun part of it. That's what he ran at Northwestern. But he also had much less complicated zone defenses to throw against. When the other team blitzes, he does have to make hot reads and dump the ball off quickly. As sad as it might be, I think the Canes have to do what they have to do to protect the football, get the hands in their playmakers and not force Jacory to do something he's obviously not good at.

Submitted by Erik from Doral, FL

Q: Some if not many are beginning to wonder if Jacory Harris and Randy Shannon possess the goods to win a national championship for "The U." I am all about reestablishing the state of Miami as far as recruiting, but don't you think the recruiting base for the QB position needs to go beyond Northwestern HS or sons of former players?

Answered 09/28/10 16:01:06 by Manny Navarro

A: Of course it does Erik. The Canes want to go out and get the best players available. And they have looked. But before you write off Teddy Bridgewater, watch him play. I think he's going to be better than Jacory Harris. He's a special kid with tremendous athleticism.

Submitted by Greg from Wellington, FL

Q: Hi Manny! Love your work... Are you at all surprised that the offense (and especially Jacory) hasn't really seemed to progress under Coach Whipple in year 2? Something about our offense doesn't look fluid right now. Maybe you can help shed some light on what is going on but something just doesn't look right on O. How can you have junior wide receivers and 3 year starters running the wrong routes? How can you still have problems getting the right personnel on the field at crucial times in the red zone? I'm a believer in Coach Shannon and the staff but I look around the country and I don't see "elite" programs having these sort of basic problems.

Answered 09/28/10 15:52:22 by Manny Navarro

A: The only problem this offense has really had has been turning the ball over. Six picks in two weeks has killed potential scoring drives. Other than that, I actually see some improvement. The RBs are more involved in the passing game, are breaking off longer runs, making bigger plays. The whole thing comes down to Jacory Harris and trusting his receivers and taking too many deep shots too often. If he would check the ball underneath, let his guys make plays, this offense would be unreal.

Submitted by Jorge from Miami

Q: You say that it seems like Jacory plays better using play action and not when they bring the blitz. How do you reconcile that comment with the statistics that Jacory completes 80% of his passes in blitz situations? Also, I believe Jacory throws more interceptions off play action because he wants to hit the home run.

Answered 09/28/10 15:47:30 by Manny Navarro

A: Not being sarcastic, but I'd love to see where you got those stats Jorge. Personally, I think Jacory is at his best when he doesn't have to scan the field too long and make decisions. Last week in the second half, when Whipple rolled him out of the pocket -- essentially cutting the field in half -- he was 8 of 10 with two touchdown passes and UM's offense scored 21 points without any turnovers. I think playaction helps Jacory because it keeps the defense honest. Yes, he might throw the ball deep and get picked off. But that's on him for floating the ball toward 5-11 receivers instead of his bigger targets like LaRon Byrd and Tommy Streeter.

Submitted by Alexis from Orlando, FL

Q: How much will this rain impact what Randy will be trying to do over the next couple of days as he prepares for Clemson?

Answered 09/28/10 15:44:53 by Manny Navarro

A: Good question Alexis. This team practices at 6:30 a.m. to try and avoid afternoon showers. Whenever big storms hit the area, the team practices indoors. I would imagine if they can't practice outside tomorrow, they'll work inside.

Submitted by vincent from atl,ga

Q: if um finish season at 11-1 and boise state finish at 12-0 what are um changes of jumping boise state for the bcs title game.

Answered 09/28/10 15:40:55 by Manny Navarro

A: All depends on how the Canes finish 11-1. I think they would have to blow out a couple opponents down the stretch and show people they deserve it over Boise State. Part of that is playing a few ranked teams. Not sure who at this point in the ACC will be ranked the rest of the way. If the Canes knock off Clemson this week and FSU wins, there's a chance the Seminoles could be ranked. But after that, no remaining opponent on UM's schedule could crack the rankings. UNC and Georgia Tech already have two losses. It might come down to facing Clemson again or N.C. State in the ACC title game.

Submitted by Alexis from Orlando, FL

Q: Percentage wise, what are the odds Seantrel Henderson starts at RT?

Answered 09/28/10 15:38:33 by Manny Navarro

A: I'd give it 25 percent for this week. Only way it happens is if Johnson or Fig are hurt. It's a lot to ask him to make his debut when he's still learning the playbook.

Submitted by Jarrad from Coral Gables, FL

Q: I can't be the only one who sees Figueroa standing and watching as the defensive end is pile driving Jacory? What should we expect at RT this week? Don't you agree that the young guys can only get better with experience while Figueroa(as a senior) is out of time

Answered 09/28/10 15:38:01 by Manny Navarro

A: I think so Jarrad. I think the coaches realize that as well. We saw Seantrel Henderson this morning taking first team snaps at right tackle. I think we'll see him play more as the season goes along. But I still expect Jermaine Johnson and Figueroa to get the majority of snaps at least this week. Henderson was only in on a handful of plays last week -- goalline situations -- at Pitt.

Submitted by Ryan from Miami

Q: Do you know why Jacory always throws floaters? There are times when he really drives the ball and I wonder why he does not do that all the time?

Answered 09/28/10 15:35:51 by Manny Navarro

A: I think it's just the way Jacory plays the game. He trusts his receivers to come down with the ball and at times is obviously overconfident that defensive backs won't win the battle. The other part of the equation might be his thumb. Maybe he just can't throw the ball hard anymore consistently. I don't know.

Submitted by J Rich from boston, MA

Q: manny, do you have any idea what happened to Kevin Nelson this year? So much buzz coming in but it seems as if he's been humbled completely. He's also been on the injury report.

Answered 09/28/10 15:27:12 by Manny Navarro

A: I think it's just been a matter of him being like a lot of the other freshmen -- not ready yet to contribute. This is a very veteran football team with a lot of experience and depth. I think initially, before we knew McCarthy would be moving to the middle, and that Ramon Buchanon and Jordan Futch would be solid contributors there was a concern that UM wasn't deep enough at linebacker. I think the only way we see Nelson now is if somebody gets hurt and they have to play him. Otherwise, he'll probably only see the field on special teams when he comes back from injury.

Submitted by Chris from Windermere

Q: Any idea why we don't try to establish the run first ??

Answered 09/28/10 15:20:17 by Manny Navarro

A: It definitely seems like this is a pass happy team doesn't it? Last week, though, was the first time this season the Canes ran the ball more than passed it. In fact, in their opening 10-play, 80-yard scoring drive against Pittsburgh, UM ran the ball six times. But I agree Chris. I think Jacory Harris is always better throwing off playaction than when the other team knows he's going to throw it and can sit back in coverage or bring the blitz.

Submitted by Josh A from Miami, FL

Q: Does this chat ever go on as scheduled?

Answered 09/28/10 15:17:58 by Manny Navarro

A: Ideally, it would be better for me not to do these chats on Tuesday since players are usually made available around lunch time and that's when I'm doing interviews. Since those interview times fluctuate, I don't always start on time. But I will get to your questions. All of them.

Submitted by Caneiac from Washington, DC

Q: How do we match up with Clemson. What are their strengths and weaknesses on O & D?

Answered 09/28/10 15:15:53 by Manny Navarro

A: Let's start with the offense -- Randy Shannon described Clemson today as a team that likes to throw the football to the tight end and running backs, screens, short passes, etc. I know their OL brings back four starters and has only given up two sacks in 3 games. But that might not mean much. Auburn got to QB Kyle Parker, actually bruised his ribs on a few hits. I think UM's pass rush could have some success. The key will be not giving up the big play to the receivers (who are athletic and fast) and shutting down the tight end (a weakness the Canes have had before). Clemson's RBs are very, very good. So good tackling will be important gang. Defensively, Clemson has one of the best safeties in the country in DeAndre McDaniel. Shannon called him the best defensive player in the ACC. He has over a dozen interceptions in his career. Jacory Harris was picked by McDaniel twice last year, including one that was taken back for a touchdown. Up front, the Tigers can create havoc with defensive end Dequan Bowers. This is going to be a huge game for Orlando Franklin and UM's tackles since Clemson is very good at pass rushing. But I think the Canes can score on Clemson. They key will be not turning the ball over.

Submitted by fuja from da 912

Q: Manny Randy prides himself on making the whole team ACCOUNTABLE. Yet our qb and offensive coordinator are not held to the same standards. Blaming our receivers for ints not benching him for continually throwing jump balls deep to travis instead any of our taller receivers. If our line is not that strong why call plays that take time to work when the 7 to 15 yard stufff moves the chains. I guess what I want to know is if we go 9-4 again is Shannon's job on the line?

Answered 09/28/10 15:10:51 by Manny Navarro

A: I don't think so Fuja. I think if UM finishes with the same exact record, Shannon would be on the hot seat. But I don't the Canes firing him. This team would have to really fall apart for that to happen. He signed his contract and should be in charge unless the team goes backwards.

Submitted by Ruben from Orlando, FL

Q: With all the drops and poor route running by many of the UM receivers and the great success Mark "Super" Duper had with Hankerson has Randy ever thought of bringing in Duper as a coach or assistant?

Answered 09/28/10 15:05:02 by Manny Navarro

A: Don't think so Ruben. A lot of players work with former pros or current pros in the offseason. Ryan Hill worked out with Phillip Buchanon and Willis McGahee. Former Hurricane Jon Vilma spent the summer training at UM with a bunch of players. All of that is considered personal work. But it would be good for Hankerson to pass along the number to a few other guys.

Submitted by Preston from Ft. Lauderdale

Q: I know it's way to early, but is UM looking for a Junior College quaterback (big time recruit)to come in and push Harris for the starting job?

Answered 09/28/10 14:58:25 by Manny Navarro

A: Don't think so Preston. I think the Canes are happy bringing in Miami Northwestern senior Teddy Bridgewater next season and letting him compete with Stephen Morris and AJ Highsmith as the backup.

Submitted by Tupac from Comptom

Q: I don't think I've seen Kylan Robinson make a tackle all season. Enough is enough. When is Futch or Buchanon going to step up? Hell, I'll even roll with Cain or Gaines at this point. They can't be worse than Kylan.

Answered 09/21/10 14:22:44 by Manny Navarro

A: Shannon said on WQAM this morning to look for changes at linebacker. I think we'll see a lot more of Futch and Buchanon this week at the position alongside Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence.