It's All About The Grades - Cleanin' Up The U

[darjarbinx]

The U has a history of triumph and tribulations

Coral Gables, FL (AP) – Every season it seems the list of NFL first round draft picks produced is diminutive compared to the number of arrests former players tally – and that’s a big problem.

Miami has never been known for it academic standards and upstanding characters off the field, but they are about to undergo a complete facelift when new head coach Dan Thompson takes over.

AD Paul Dee, who will step down after the 2007 football season, wanted to make one last move to clean up the school before he left. He had a number of options in house, but knew he needed a new face to change the program around in a good way.

And that movement started with the hiring of little-known 42-year-old Dan Thompson and assistant coach from Penn State University – a school known for its program standards and integrity under Joe Paterno. Thompson coached eight years alongside Tom Bradley and is considered the top recruiter on the eastern coast.

“These players may think ‘It’s all about Da U,’ but I am here to tell them ‘It’s all about Da Grades,’” Thompson stated in a press conference announcing his hiring. “The thing I learned as the assistant defensive coordinator at Penn State is if you do not have the grades you do not play. It sounds like a high school mentality, but most of these kids act like they are in high school. I demand respect from each and every one of these punks.”

Thompson is notorious around the campus for drilling his players for hours on end to gain discipline. Former player under Thompson, Paul Posluszny remembers the days in which Thompson would torture the kids. “Man, the practices were brutal – but at the end of the day they were worth it. I am a betting man after meeting him and hope the new players under Coach Dan will feel the same effect.”

Thompson has been handed the seemingly impossible job of cleaning up the program and establishing a new set of standards at The U. After a 7-6 debacle The U is suffering externally as well as internally. Their struggles have turned off some recruits interest and a feared downfall could be imminent if Thompson cannot stop the hemorrhaging.

Last season's football season was marred by an on-field fight between Miami and neighboring Florida International.

The brawl came in the third quarter of the first-ever meeting between the schools, a game the Hurricanes won 35-0. Florida International suspended 18 players, kicking two of those off the team entirely, while Miami suspended 13 players for their role in the brawl.

“If it were up to me, all 13 of those players would have been kicked off the team,” Thompson smiled. “I ran a strict two strike policy with my players at Penn State – the only difference is here I have more pull.”

Thompson’s two strike plan is an effort to weed out all of the poorly disciplined players and replace them with classy players:

• If the AD recommends a suspension, I will add two games to it.
  
• If a player is recommended for a suspension more than once they are kicked off the team.
  
• I cannot recruit players with poor discipline and potential.
  
• I can only recruit players from Florida or a determined pipeline state.
  
• Any recruit 5* to 3* must have at least a B awareness.

Miami is hoping the hiring of Dan Thompson will bring the Hurricanes their first ACC title, an honor that has been elusive since joining the conference with Florida State in 2004.

Thompson, a defensive-minded coach, has shared some insight on what he plans on doing to get The U back into the national spotlight for all the right reasons. Offensively Thompson plans on running a pro-style offense that is predominantly run-oriented. “I know that Miami is known as Quarterback U, but I hope to become Halfback U after my tenure with the team,” Thompson said of his offense.

Defensively the team is going to be aggressive. Thompson plans to interchange corner blitzes and a lot of press man to man coverage. He plans on recruiting big linemen that will plug holes in the middle and allow faster linebackers to get to the line of scrimmage untouched. “It all sounds complicated, and probably is to half of these boneheads on the team. I hope that they get in trouble so I have a good reason to kick them off the team.”

An enthusiastic, outspoken leader, Thompson hopes to bring success back to Miami and it all starts on the recruiting trail. An aggressive recruiter, Thompson often made surprise visits to recruits houses and offered them scholarships on the spot. His work brought the Penn State Nittany Lions back to national prominence. Vicariously scouting high school senior tapes, Thompson is going to amass some of the cleanest and talented classes in the school’s history.

The move has turned a lot of heads and turned a lot of haters – including darjarbinx! “I figure if I like this dynasty I probably won’t hate the team in real life as much,” the dynasty creator chuckled.

I’m not going to create another thread for you guys to put your comments. Post all of them here and I will respond to each and every one of them. Please stay active in this because that is what fuels my love for the dynasty.

[darjarbinx]

Reserved for later use.

[darjarbinx]

Reserved for later use.

[darjarbinx]

Reserved for later use.

[darjarbinx]

Reserved for later use.

[Chief Bstn]

reserved for later use
(All my comments are going to go here and I just wanted proof that I was the first to read this gem)


I think that Miami is stinky and should drop the last game of the season purposely.

[darjarbinx]

Bstn I was just about to reserve your own spot but you beat me to it.

This will probably start Friday or Saturday once I get all my graphics and name the rosters of teams I am playing, so I am sure that the first four pages will be all hype before the first game.

[USN]

wow...a definite surprise... I love it... I will definitely keep up on this

[Leak2Troupe03]

Great stuff, I am a reader!

[darjarbinx]

papelbon58 said:

wow...a definite surprise... I love it... I will definitely keep up on this

Yeah I figured I'd have a couple people scatching their heads a the pick, but I needed to mix things up.

leak2troupe03 said:

Great stuff, I am a reader!

Good to have you on board, Leak.

[wiskyfootball]

Ill do my best to keep up with it, it just wont be the same without ya on the HTML part of it, yours always looked so pretty

[D-Mac]

Ill be peepin

[Jay [FSU]]

This is definatley a great read. I'll be checkin' in, and good looking out on the comment.

[darjarbinx]

wiskyfootball said:

Ill do my best to keep up with it, it just wont be the same without ya on the HTML part of it, yours always looked so pretty

Don't worry I've got message board tricks up my sleeve. It'll be the same writing and even better graphics.

kcswagga816 said:

Ill be peepin

I'll be weepin'. Thanks for checking in turnin.

jnelson14 said:

This is definatley a great read. I'll be checkin' in, and good looking out on the comment.

Good deal man, you dynasty is shaping up well, too.

[darjarbinx]

I am going to hold off posting anything until I get all of my graphics in order and also figure out a way to convert my PS3 screenshots on to the computer. So far easportsworld has only given this option to Xbox.

[darjarbinx]

2007 Miami Schedule

SEPTEMBER 1st - vs. MARSHALL[/size]
The Thundering Herd may have one of the coolest nicknames in the college sports world, and that will warrant them at least a pity touchdown late in the game. Marshall has lost seven consecutive road openers dating back to 2000. They have never faced The U before, but are only 4-13 against current ACC teams.
Predicted Score – Miami 34 Marshall 10

SEPTEMBER 8th - @ OKLAHOMA
The Sooners have not played The U since the 1987 Orange Bowl. Unfortunately for Miami it has been three years since winning a road opener. Oklahoma enters the season ranked eighth in the nation and reeling after a shocking loss to Boise State in a festive Fiesta Bowl. The freshman tandem of Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray will be too much for Miami to handle.
Predicted Score – Oklahoma 21 Miami 17

SEPTEMBER 15th - vs. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Last year’s matchup turned into a jailyard boogie. Players stomped on each other and it was the ultimate black mark on Miami’s terrible season. The little known fact from that game was that Miami won that game 35-0. This season should be much of the same (minus the brawl) as Miami’s secondary will stymie any comeback attempt by quarterback Paul McCall.
Predicted Score – Miami 28 Florida International 3

SEPTEMBER 20th - vs. TEXAS A&M
This could be the Hurricanes most important game of the season. The difference between a 3-1 record and 2-2 record is huge heading into conference play. This game will be played on a Thursday night, and the relative past favors Miami is this game. They are undefeated in Thursday games since 2000. Expect Javarris James and company to run through the Aggies defensive front.
Predicted Score – Miami 34 Texas A&M 28

SEPTEMBER 29th - vs. DUKE
Duke nearly beat The U last season. It took a goalline stand to preserve ultimate embarrassment. But honestly, we are talking about Duke here – not the lacrosse team, not the basketball team, the football team.
Predicted Score – Miami 31 Duke 9

OCTOBER 6th - @ NORTH CAROLINA
Miami is 20-6 in conference away games, and two of those losses were to North Carolina including a last second upset when Miami was ranked #4 in the nation in 2004. Butch Davis will coach his first game against Miami since leaving the team in 2001. Miami will snag its first conference victory against North Carolina this season though.
Predicted Score – Miami 23 North Carolina 13

OCTOBER 13th - vs. GEORGIA TECH[/size]
The Calvin Johnson show has left the state of Georgia much to the chagrin of the Yellow Jacket fans. They made an appearance in the ACC championship game last season thanks to Johnson, but this season is a whole different season. With junior Taylor Bennett at the helm, the Jackets do have a better leader. History is against Miami as they have not beat the Yellow Jackets at home since 1967.
Predicted Score – Georgia Tech 17 Miami 16

OCTOBER 20th - @ FLORIDA STATE
The last six games have been decided by eight points or less – this rivalry has lost no of its luster despite both programs down seasons. Expect for coaching experience to decide this game, and the Seminoles have the edge in this matchup. Miami’s Dan Thompson is 0-0 and Florida State’s Bobby Bowden is 335-107-4 in his career.
Predicted Score – Florida State 13 Miami 7

NOVEMBER 3rd - vs. NC STATE
The Hurricanes will have a much needed rest week before heading back to the Orange Bowl to face the Wolfpack. The Hurricanes have not lost a game following Florida State since 1996. The Wolfpack have not beat the Hurricanes since 1971.
Predicted Score – Miami 34 NC State 21

NOVEMBER 10th - vs. VIRGINIA
The Cavaliers were the only team to top 100 yards rushing on the Hurricanes last season. This is also the Hurricanes season finale at the Orange Bowl. Miami is 26-3 in their last 29 finales at the Orange Bowl. Halfback Cedric Peerman should not have the same success others had last season as Miami will keep history in their favor.
Predicted Score – Miami 28 Virginia 16

NOVEMBER 17th - @ VIRGINIA TECH
The Hokies are probably going to be a top five team when they face off against The U. The Hokies return halfback Brandon Ore, quarterback Sean Glennon, receivers Eddie Royal and Josh Morgan, and leading tacklers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. They flew under the radar last season on their way to ten victories and should romp Miami this season at Lane Stadium.
Predicted Score – Virginia Tech 21 Miami 3

NOVEMBER 24th - @ BOSTON COLLEGE
The last time Boston College beat Miami was when Flutie Flakes suited up in his uniform four times too small. Last season the Hurricanes beat the Eagles to become bowl eligible. Unless Doug Flutie finds a fountain of youth anytime soon this series will remain one-sided.
Predicted Score – Miami 27 Boston College 17

[darjarbinx]

It didn't matter who was running, Miami kicked butt

Doin' It The New Miami Way

Coral Gables, FL (AP) – Dan Thompson kicked off a new era by winning the “New Miami Way.”

Recently hired head coach Dan Thompson’s gameplan worked to perfection in a 37-10 blowout over the hapless Thundering Herd on September 1st, 2007. Miami’s fans watched history as Thompson and his Hurricanes picked up the first win in the Orange Bowl.

Playing under overcast skies Miami dominated both offensively and defensively. The Hurricanes remained focused on the victory even when the path was blocked by numerous obstacles. They lost two fumbles in the first quarter, but combated those errors with five turnovers defensively – three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

“It took a little while for the team to buy into my system,” Dan Thompson stated, “but as you can see the results are more than satisfactory. You guys won’t be seeing any close wins against Duke or any silly scares against Florida International. This is the New Miami Way.”

The Hurricanes dominated the time of possession by a 2:1 ratio and their offense was efficient throughout the game. Senior Kyle Wright went 12/14 for 201 yards and a touchdown pass. His 229.8 passer efficiency rating for the game was the highest of his career. Surprisingly, though – it was not all about Kyle Wright during this game – it was about the potent rushing attack.

Enabled by great blocking, all of Miami’s halfbacks and fullbacks plowed their way through a weak defensive front for Marshall. Three different players rushed for a touchdown in this game. Sophomore Javarris James had the best day out of all the rushers: he averaged 5.0 yards on each carry and scored the first touchdown of the game from eight yards out.

His supporting cast consisted of senior Charlie Jones and sophomore Jerrell Mabry - both of which cashed in on a goalline carry for a touchdown. “That was one of the main concepts that he preached to us during spring practice. He wanted to spread the ball around. I only got 13 carries but it definitely felt like more and that is a testament to coach,” Javarris James explained. Charlie Jones had twelve carries and Jerrell Mabry had three.

The major blowout does not indicate Miami’s defense is flawless though. The Hurricanes led 24-10 at halftime, and were getting beat badly by the combination of Marshall’s Bernard Morris and Cody Slate. The two hooked up four times for 61 yards in the first half, but a few second half adjustments by Miami’s defense limited the second half production to just a single catch netting one yard.

“This is just the start of something special. You saw a lot of good plays out there, but I am not totally pleased with our players’ demeanors yet. I saw some celebrations after tackles I wasn’t happy with and I let them know about it,” Dan Thompson told reporters. “This is Marshall we just beat – not USC. I don’t know if the guys are stupid or what, but they can’t be getting too riled up over this or the bigger games down the road will psyche us out. It’s a good start though.”

Thompson’s comments came in lue of Miami’s biggest matchup of the season. They will travel to Norman to take on the #7 Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) with a scheduled start time of 8:30 ET.

MIAMI HURRICANES NOTABLES[/size]
QB Kyle Wright - 12/14 201 yds TD
HB Javarris James - 13 att 65 yds 5.0 avg TD
WR Lance Leggett - 1 rec 62 yds TD (game changing performance)
SS Kenny Phillips - INT

MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD NOTABLES[/size]
QB Bernard Morris - 11/17 108 yds TD 3 INT
HB Chubb Small - 11 att 21 yds
WR Cody Slate - 5 rec 62 yds
MLB Josh Johnson - 10 tkls sck

[darjarbinx]

These guys will play a crucial role in Thompson's plan

THOMPSON SHAPES NEW DISCIPLINE PROGRAM

Coral Gables, FL (AP) – The Hurricanes have not even played a game yet and Dan Thompson is already stumped.

He recently discovered that it appears that NCAA 08 on next-gen does not come equipped with an AD that notifies coaches of players’ wrongdoing. That could be problematic when his plan for the school is to weed out all of the poorly disciplined players.

Thompson will still honor the restriction that he may only recruit players with at least a B awareness throughout the season, but needs to come up with a system that will allow him to honor the main portion of his promise to the school – getting rid of the poorly disciplined punks.

“I think I am going to have to get stricter and start suspending players for their on-the-field antics. If a player celebrates just a little too much after a touchdown, that shows me a lack of experience and maturity. If a player has more than one holding call that shows me a lack of awareness and a willingness to ride the pine,” Thompson elucidated. “This is also good because I can witness them in the action.”

Dan Thompson’s official list of recommended suspensions is as follows:

• Any player penalized for a 15 yard facemask penalty will be suspended for the first quarter of the next game.
  
• Any player charged with holding more than twice in one game will be suspended from the team for the first half of the next game.
  
• Any celebration that lasts longer than seven seconds will result in a suspension for the consequent five minutes or the remainder of the game depending on the excessiveness of the celebration.
  
• Roughing the kicker or passer will result in a suspension for the consequent five minutes or the remainder of the game.
  
• Any player penalized more than twice throughout the game will be suspended for the first quarter of the next game.

Thompson also went on to say that any player that violates any of the aforementioned restrictions twice in a season will be suspended from the team for a game. If any players violate the restrictions more than twice, they will be kicked off the team and cut in the off-season. There are no favorites either, Javarris James carries the same weight as a two star redshirt freshman offensive lineman.

“I want people to watch our games and know that only the most disciplined players have the privilege of playing,” head coach Dan Thompson told a slew of media outlets after announcing his get-tough plan. “I figure that these rules are going to make the alumni angry, but I got permission from the AD to give these a go.”

“I know I am going to keep track of all of the violations because I just bought a huge notepad and any time a player commits a penalty I’ll take note of it. Shame on me if I miss a violation – this also requires me to be attentive and understand what exactly is going on at all times. I don’t need distractions even if it is T.I rapping in the background off of my iPod.”

The stark reality sends the players a clear message: the new era under Thompson is a no bull system. All a player has to do is slip up three times and they’re off the team.

“I am just hoping this plan of action doesn’t backfire on me and I end up with a team full of nerds,” Thompson mused. “You can’t take all of the fight out of the dog.”

[Leak2Troupe03]

Wow, thats a tough system! I understand from what your saying that they don't report suspensions and discipline issues on NCAA 08 like they did in the past? Also, good first game against Marshall.

[darjarbinx]

leak2troupe03 said:

Wow, thats a tough system! I understand from what your saying that they don't report suspensions and discipline issues on NCAA 08 like they did in the past? Also, good first game against Marshall.

I was worried my entire idea was going to be wrecked when I concieved the idea to penalize them for getting excessively penalized. I figure if they are stupid enough to get called for clipping twice in a game their awareness isn't as high as I'd want.

Thanks for the comment Leak!