Miami-GT

7:23 PM - Welcome to my first live blog. I'm joined by some grilled chicken, grilled zucchini and mushrooms, and some iced tea. Quite the company. Just wanted to throw out my prediction for the game before it starts. This is a Miami team needing to prove that the FSU win was no fluke. Also, playing its first home game should help. I think they'll struggle to stop the triple option attack as they did last year in Atlanta, but the offense is much improved and the defense has at least seen the option this time around. I like Miami's athletes a tad bit more and the Hurricanes will pull it out 31-23.

7:34 PM - I'd like to mention that I'm happy Erin Andrews could make it out for the game.

7:47 PM - This game brought to you by Jimmy Buffet and Landshark Beer.

7:51 PM - I remember in the past when teams could not run the option on Miami. I don't know if it's a lack of discipline or poor coaching, but this Miami defense is taking horrible angles on the option. GT is moving down the field pretty easily and the ball hasn't been in the air.

7:54 PM - 3rd & 6 from the Miami 17. GT runs for a 1 yard gain. The only time they were stopped is when Nesbitt made a poor read. Field Goal is good. 3-0 GT

8:03 PM - Well that was fast. In stark contrast to GT's running game, Miami strikes fast. 75 yards in 4 plays capped by a 40 yard TD pass by Jacory Harris to LaRon Byrd. Miami has an abundance of athletes.

8:07 PM - Miami's kicker has now had two kickoffs tonight. And twice he's hooked it out of bounds. How's the depth chart looking?

8:24 PM - A second TD for Harris. And wow the Tight End was W-I-D-E open. This Miami offense looks incredible. I'm starting to wonder if Miami is capable of a 10-2 season. It looks like it could get ugly, especially considering that GT is an option team.

8:33 PM - 3rd & 12 from the Miami 29. Incomplete pass by Nesbitt. Looks like Paul Johnson is going to go for it on 4th down. Flag down; pass interference on Miami.

8:45 PM - Miami just tacked on a field goal. My interest is waning. By the way, apparently, Miami voted its kicker MVP of the team last year. I'm speechless over this revelation.

8:52 PM - Wow. Travis Benjamin is fast. Really fast. He just reversed field and ran about 35 yards for a 13 yard gain. I like Randy Shannon, but you don't teach that stuff.

9:07 PM - Halftime. 17-3 Miami. A couple of observations:

1. The Miami front 4 is getting a great push, which is eliminating space on the option

2. Jacory Harris is really good. Where did this sophomore come from?

3. GT has great team speed; Miami's speed is in another stratosphere though.

I don't see the Jackets making a run with the limited air attack and inability to keep up with the speedy Hurricane receivers.

9:29 PM - I want to point out that Randy Shannon is one of my favorite college coaches. Energetic, charismatic, creative. He's a dynamic coach who attracts talented kids and gives young players a chance to play from their initial practice. He's exactly the kind of coach that I would love to play for (you know, if I was eighteen and an All-American athlete). I'm just glad that Miami has stuck with him; the future is quite radiant.

9:33 PM - The route is on. 24-3 Miami after Harris just led another TD drive to open the second half. Play is under review now, but James was definitely in. I'm going to stop posting for a while as I'm following less and less now. My final thought (for now): Miami is really good; way better than I or anyone else realized. They've dominated this game from the outset and are in full control of the Coastal division of the ACC.