26-3. Those are the numbers that will run across the ticker and sit atop the box-scores for Saturday night’s game between the #5 ranked Florida Gators and The U. Those numbers however belie a true accomplishment in how the young Hurricanes stymied and held the Gators to a mere 6 point lead for three quarters of play.

DEFENCE: Watch out. The Canes are fast, aggressive as demonstrated in their capacity to shut down a Heisman trophy winner and SEC powerhouse. The defensive line is comprised of hungry monsters. Linebackers show fantastic speed. Secondary able to stay with and cut-off Florida’s talented receiving core (as demonstrated by Gators QB taking sacks and hits).

OFFENCE: Robert Marve has the swagger, mobility and arm of a QB worthy of playing at Quarterback U. His ability to roll-out and laser to receivers is an awesome capability – and this was his first D-I start – and it was in the Swamp. RB’s look as though they have some work to do although they were able to find holes at times in the Gator front. WR’s need some maturing but no doubt will be a threat moving forward.

COACHING: Poise. Discipline. Unintimidated. Maybe one mistake was playing Jacory Harris as QB for more than a single series just as Marve was getting some rythym and making things tick. I don’t think it made a difference in the end.

Playing in a relatively weak conference overall, I think The U has a real chance of being at the top of the ACC at year’s end and maybe even winning it out-right. Florida is a super-talented team led by last year’s Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebou. The Canes played them tight – toe to toe. I am really excited for UM football despite the loss.

The University of Miami Hurricanes embark on a new era, playing their home opener in Dolphin Stadium. UM triumphed 52-7 in front of 48,119, a very respectable number given the Canes’ recent mediocrity in a fickle fan town and their opponents I-AA atheletic classification.

I spoke w/ my dad on my way home from work – he was on his way to the game. I wish I could have been there with him – going to UM football games is something we’ve done together since as early as I can remember. I recall going to games before I could even understand what was going on – my dad would grab my attention during kick-off’s and punts because i enjoyed watching the ball go so high and the teams run at eachother.

I’m planning on going down to Miami for a game this season and look forward to watching The U in their new home.