Submitted by Michael Messerly from Omaha, Ne

Q: Big game tonight. I hope someone brings a sign that reads TERRY PORTER SUCKS OR I HATE TERRY PORTER! This is a huge game for the Canes and Kentucky this week. With football do you think the Canes will be motivated by the slap in the face of no one on the All ACC team! Although Miami had how many players of the week this season!

Answered 12/02/08 15:35:10 by Manny Navarro

A: The coaches will use whatever motivation they needs to get the most of their players. Although, the players will tell you they could care less about receiving individual honors.

Submitted by Fernando from Doral

Q: Last year Shannon fired his friend and defensive coordinator for Kansas's Young, at that time Shannon thought he needed a new direction. Now the defense and offense both are playing alot of freshmen but is that enough of an excuse for Nix and it just doesn't seem Nix is ready for the big stage maybe will never be...will Shannon move into another direction or is he stuck on Nix? Whats their relationship like?

Answered 12/02/08 15:33:13 by Manny Navarro

A: Shannon has always defended Nix, saying he's done a good job with the quarterbacks and making the offense better. I don't think he's stuck on anybody. But I think he will stick with Nix at least one more year.

Submitted by SK8 from ATL Shawty

Q: Manny - How much leeway does Shannon or the other position coaches have in regards to track? Unless the guys are in contention for all ACC honors, my preference would be for the secondary and wide receivers to get bigger and stronger by lifting weights in the off-season. Yeah they can run fast, but when it comes time to man up against bigger oppenents our guys are getting pushed around. Who makes that call - whether to lift with the rest of the team or go run track?

Answered 12/02/08 15:30:55 by Manny Navarro

A: I think track is encouraged. These guys are lifting weights no matter what and are staying in shape no matter what. Track has its benefits -- especially for speed. I think as long as they are doing something, Shannon is happy.

Submitted by Mpagan15 from Coconut Creek, FL

Q: Manny, this may be a few years too late, but given the dearth at the QB position while Coker was here, I was wondering what actually happened with that QB Pat Devlin when we recruited him? Given that he played some for Penn State this year, I definitely thought we could have used him here now as the veteran while Marve and Harris could've roamed the sideline with a clipboard in their hands.

Answered 12/02/08 15:29:20 by Manny Navarro

A: It hurt Miami as a program across the board not having a quarterback other than Kyle Wright or Kirby Freeman to rely on. It would have been if Devlin would have worked out here. It would have made life easier for Marve and Jacory this season and we wouldn't have this quarterback controversy.

Submitted by Mpagan15 from Coconut Creek, FL

Q: Manny, I will say one thing that has bothered me about Nix's offense is how certain players seem to be wasted in his scheme. While James was injured for most of the year, when he did come back, I felt he and Cooper were underused, especially Coop throughout the entire season. Nix was too quick to abandon the run, and fell in love way too much with the horizontal passing game and the QB runs. Also, I think Dedrick Epps has proven to be a talent at TE and can be a serious weapon for this offense next year. What do you think?

Answered 12/02/08 15:27:20 by Manny Navarro

A: I like Epps. I think he's a guy who should have seen more passes in shot passing situations. As for Nix, there's a lot to criticize. I've covered it here before.

Submitted by Mpagan15 from Coconut Creek, FL

Q: Manny, I think that an unsung hero for the team this year was Xavier Shannon. I don't think people understand just how valuable he was for this team this year. How did we miss out on him in recruiting? Why didn't he come here given his father was part of the staff? We are known for signing family members of former players.

Answered 12/02/08 15:25:29 by Manny Navarro

A: Xavier wasn't a very good prospect coming out of high school. He was undersized, overweight and slow. He was a big get for FIU at the time. He grew into becoming a decent player -- just like his dad. I think Randy also didn't want him coming to UM because he wanted him to become his own man.

Submitted by Jerry Francis from Davie, Fla

Q: What's your take on the UM basketball team? Are they going to redshirt Reggie Johnson?

Answered 12/02/08 15:23:09 by Manny Navarro

A: The team is off to a nice start at 4-1. I like the depth. I think for that reason alone Johnson is headed toward a redshirt. The only way he doesn't is if Jimmy Graham or Dwayne Collins go down with a major injury.

Submitted by Mpagan15 from Coconut Creek, FL

Q: Manny, how do you feel about Miami in the bowl game? Assuming we do go to the Emerald Bowl against either Cal or Arizona, given our latest performances against GT and NC State, do you feel confident enough in Miami stopping a couple of good Pac-10 offenses. I have to admit, the matchups are intriquing. Definitely worried about the secondary given that the Pac-10 is pretty pass happy.

Answered 12/02/08 15:21:58 by Manny Navarro

A: It's likely going to be Cal and Miami. And no, it wouldn't be an easy assignment. It's basically a home game for Cal, who has losses to Maryland, USC Arizona and Oregon State. Their passing offense actually isn't as scary as it once was. The Bears are more of a balanced team, who create a ton of turnovers and sack the quarterback.

Submitted by Canes Girl from Fort Myers, FL

Q: Manny, I think if Randy sticks with Patrick Nix, the 2009 season will be Randy's last. I know he can recruit and he bleeds orange and green, but the offense is horrible and I did not see any significant developments this year (drop passes, no blocking and quarterbacks resembling Kyle & Kirby). I know we are young, but so is Alabama, Florida, Florida State, GA Tech, etc. and they are producing touchdowns and wins. Also, what's your thoughts on Rob Chudzinski coming back to the U if Romeo Crennel gets fired (most likely). Any truth to this UM Booster saying he would cough up some money to pay the salary for Guz Malzahn at Tulsa? I also would like to see Don Solinger back on the sideline. He's produced some of the best UM and NFL running backs ever! Any idea what he's been up to? I know I'm asking for a lot, but it is the holiday season, right? BTW, love your blogs!

Answered 12/02/08 15:18:31 by Manny Navarro

A: Chud likely won't come back. He's been in the NFL too long and I think if he comes back to college its for a head coaching job. As for the booster rumor, it's that. Hearsay. As for Soldinger, he's a guy whose been coaching camps and clinics since he was fired. It would definitely be excited to see Randy bring him back. Happy holidays and thanks for the compliments Canes Girl.

Submitted by Bob Kelley from Miami Dade County, Florida

Q: Concerning University of Miami recruiting: The great UM and other national championship teams have always had great defensive tackles and offensive lineman with good foot work and quickness. Additionally, they also have backers who are quick hash to hash. Will coach Shannon consistently recruit the Marcus Forston's caliber type of lineman to get the U back into the title hunt? This year's UM team parallels LSU in that the Tigers, coming off an SEC championship and national title played the 2008 season with slow backers and under achieving seniors, and it showed (7-5). The key is consistent quality class to class. How will coach be consistent across the board, just not skill positions in his recruiting?

Answered 12/02/08 15:15:53 by Manny Navarro

A: Bob, the Canes are making a push to try and improve the offensive line and secondary in this class. In two years, he's brought in a good class in 2007 and a great class last year. I think Miami is headed to another very good class this season that could get better if he can sign some big-time linemen.

Submitted by Mpagan15 from Coconut Creek, FL

Q: Manny, in regards to the coordinators, I don't think any of them should be fired. I still consider the Bill Young hire to be a brilliant move (near miraculous), and as far as Nix is concerned, I think giving him a third year is the right thing to do. If he grows and gets better next year, you keep him. If not, you release him, Marve and Jacory will still have two years of eligibility left, which is enough time for another "good" coordinator to take effect. Realistically, this team isn't BCS worthy for another couple of years anyway.

Answered 12/02/08 15:13:04 by Manny Navarro

A: Agreed.

Submitted by Mpagan15 from Coconut Creek, FL

Q: Manny, though they were overshadowed by Shannon's amazing 2nd class, I felt that the unsung heroes this year would come from Shannon's 1st class (Marve, Coop, Bailey, Hank, McKenzie, Gunn, DVD, Kayne etc.), which was pretty good also (just outside the top 10 I think). Now that you've had two years to observe them, how would you grade them out? Given the transfers that already happened (Wiggins), and possible transfers (McNeal, Chambers, etc.), would you grade them as a success?

Answered 12/02/08 15:12:17 by Manny Navarro

A: I think Shannon's first class has been a partial success. He signed 19 guys. The best have been Graig Cooper, Allen Bailey, Orlando Franklin, Robert Marve, Leonard Hankerson, Jojo Nicholas and Adewale Ojomo. They've all contributed in some fashion. But there have a been a few busts too. Doug Wiggins never played here. Damien Berry is now a backup running back. Jermaine McKenzie? Still waiting to make his first career catch. DeMarcus Van Dyke? Went from 8-game starter as a freshman to invisible as a sophomore. Anybody seen Lee Chambers or Shawbrey McNeal lately? How about Harland Gunn, Jared Campbell, Daniel Adderley or Tyler Horn?

Submitted by Miamihurricane34 from Miami, FL

Q: I thought Bill Young preached turnovers, and that he wanted to lead the nation in turnover margin. All I have to say is 4. Last game our QBs accounted for 4 int's, our whole defense only has 4 int's this whole season! It is amazing that we have won any games this year with our qb's throwing 19 int's to only 4 for our D. I ask you, when will our D start making plays? If we could win the turnover margin we would have had 2-3 more wins this season. I ask you, is it the coverages that we use that don't give us many opportunities to pick off passes, or is our secondary really that bad?

Answered 12/02/08 15:07:35 by Manny Navarro

A: I think there's no question this secondary struggled adjusting to Young's schemes. I think there was a lot of thinking going on and not enough playmaking. That's something Shannon is going to have to address.

Submitted by Tim from Jersey

Q: A few questions for you. Where would this defense be without Spence playing this season? He is definetly the team MVP. With the extra practice time do we see Arthur Brown and some of the other freshman? Can you handicap the chances of getting Campbell, Hall, or Nixon? If Crennel and staff gets fired from Cleveland, does Shannon considers replacing Nix with Chudzinski? Any chance we where black jerseys in the bowl game? Just kidding. Great job Manny. Keep up the good work.

Answered 12/02/08 15:05:48 by Manny Navarro

A: Spence was without question the biggest addition to this defense. If you had to pick an MVP, he'd have to be in the running. As for Arthur Brown and the other freshman, next year will be put up or shut up time. You need Brown, Buchanon, Futch -- all of them to come in and play and contribute next year. As for Chud, I keep hearing there is no way he comes back to college football unless its for a head coaching job. There will be plenty available. AND NO BLACK JERSEYS! Later, Tim

Submitted by Blake from Coral Springs

Q: Sup Manny...You going to the game tonight? Where are you gonna be wanted to say what up at the BUC.

Answered 12/02/08 15:01:28 by Manny Navarro

A: Blake, I always sit in the media section, last row on corner. See you tonight.

Submitted by Juan from Hialeah, FL

Q: Larry Coker's record at UM was 60-15 (.800) with an 8-2 reocrd over Florida and FSU. Randy Shannon is 12-12 (0.50) with a 1-2 record against Florida and FSU. How can you justify keeping Randy Shannon when the Canes fired a guy with a much better record? Keep in mind Randy Shannon was on UM's staff under Coker and recruited these current juniors and seniors too.

Answered 12/02/08 15:00:11 by Manny Navarro

A: Randy Shannon was involved in recruiting those players, too. But he wasn't making the personnel decisions Larry Coker made and he wasn't in charge of deciding who handled recruiting. Where Coker failed UM was late in the game, letting the cupboard run dry and letting the program slip into mediocrity. That's why the change was made. Randy Shannon is now in charge of the cleanup. Is he the right guy? Next year will tell us. Because if this team stops moving forward, then he obviously isn't.

Submitted by Drew from Amelia Island

Q: When observing Randy Shannon on the sidelines in a game, he looks like "a deer in headlights." He shows no emotion during the game, no questioning calls, no conversing with players. I don't think he gets the players prepared for the competition. Do you really believe he is the HEAD COACH that will get in done at UM ?????

Answered 12/02/08 14:56:18 by Manny Navarro

A: Drew, the first part of your commentary is wrong. Shannon does talk to players and he definitely shows emotion. He just isn't as animated as some other coaches. Do I believe he is the head coach that will get it done at UM? I really don't know. I know Randy has done a great job in bringing in better recruits his first two seasons. But sometimes, there are guys that just play that role and eventually a coaching change is made and someone else comes in and leads the program to a national championship. I think the next few months (when he has to make decisions about his staff, his quarterback and more) will tell us whether or not Randy Shannon is that guy who will get it done here.

Submitted by Viktor from Washington, DC

Q: I read your piece the other day regarding the offensive "improvement" from last year to this year. I disagree with you that the offense has shown any real improvement this year under Nix. Moving from the 100's in total offense to 88th is a joke. We only improved by about 12 yards per game (which is nothing), despite a more experienced offensive line and better qb play. Yes we were young at qb and receiver, but there are plenty of teams ranked ahead of us that have far less talent. The improvement in scoring is nice, but how much of that can be attributed to Nix? I think that that has more to do with improved special teams (both in the fg area and field position with Benjamin returning punts) and the improvement in the defense. With regard to Nix's offense, he simply has no identity. Are we a pro-style team? Are we a spread team? It's impossible to tell with the way that Nix calls plays. His red zone play calling is a joke (see the Va Tech game as an example) and going 4 wide with an empty backfield on 4th and 1 is just stupid. How can Shannon keep this clown around for another year? What has Nix shown you that makes you think that he can lead to conference championships and eventually, a National Championship?

Answered 12/02/08 14:46:08 by Manny Navarro

A: I agree with most of your points Viktor. That's the decision Randy is going to have to make. Does he see this team's slight improvement under Nix (with better QBs and better WRs) as enough to eventually evolve into a national championship caliber team. I don't know. I personally think Miami needs to throw the ball down the field more and make defenses respect them. Maybe, that's next year's step. As for the four-wide and shotgun snaps on 3rd and 4th and short, I agree. You have to be able to run the ball (with Javarris James) and pick up first downs in those situations and not put your quarterback in position to have to make a play.

Submitted by Mike from Orlando, Fl

Q: What's up Manny!! Even though my 9-3 prediction for the football team didn't come to fruition maybe my 23-6 record for the mens basketball will!! Tell us what you think.....

Answered 12/02/08 14:42:22 by Manny Navarro

A: Mike 23-6 would be a dream season for this program. The non-conference schedule is tougher and the ACC is a lot tougher this season. I think if UM finishes 8-8 again or 9-7 in conference play and finishes 22-10 again it would be a very good year and more than enough to get UM back into the tournament. By the way, I predicted 7-5 for the football team.

Submitted by SK8 from ATL Shawty

Q: Manny - what's the deal with Andreu Swasey? When I look at the physique of the UM players it pales in comparison to some of the other "Big Boy" programs. It's like their rosters have 23 year old grown "A" men, while UM looks like your kid brother trying on your clothes. Is there too much emphasis on speed and quickness at the detriment of strength? UM doesn't have to be cute. On 3rd and short man up and move the chains with a run right up the middle. NOTHING demoralizes a defense more than having a team run it right down their throat. You know it's coming, but can't do anything about it, but take your medicine for 60 minutes. Where is the muscle on this team?

Answered 12/02/08 14:39:06 by Manny Navarro

A: I think the real answer is depth and talent. Let's face it. This isn't the old UM teams of old where Kellen Winslow was backing up Jeremy Shockey. Or, when you substituted Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee, it was Frank Gore who was coming in to carry the ball for the first time in the fourth quarter. This team still is nowhere near the depth it needed to be. That's why it looked like they were getting manhandled at times. After Glenn Cook (who is nowhere near a Jonathan Vilma or Ray Lewis) you had a Daryl Sharpton. After Anthony Reddick (who is nowhere near a Sean Taylor) you had a guy like Ryan Hill or Jojo Nicholas. The offensive line was the same story. I don't think weight training or speed had anything to do with it. I think talent and depth is the real answer.