Miami Scores Huge 21-16 Victory Over The Gators

After countless losses in big games over the last few seasons the University of Miami scored its 1^st signature win for the first time in a long time with a 21-16 win over rival #12 ranked Florida Gators. The win caught many people by surprise but Miami earned today's victory. Despite the Gators earning 413 yards to Miami's 212 yards the canes still managed to pick up the win to move to 2-0 on the season.

The defense a huge factor in the win today for Miami, forcing 5 turnovers and putting pressure on gator QB Jeff Driskell all day long. Led by linebacker Denzel Perryman they forced 3 fumbles and intercepted all day playing with UM swagger that so many have been waiting to see for years. What was once a weakness for the Canes is now a strength that ultimately led them to pick up a signature win over the Gators.

As great as the defense was the offense was really inefficient. Had the defense not played up to its potential the result of this game would have been different. They put themselves in way to many 3^rd and long situations and going 1-11 on 3^rd down conversions was a result of that. Duke Johnson averaged less than 3 yards per carry today and could not establish any type of run game today. As great as the win is for the program lots of things must be straightened out moving forward.

So with the big win over Florida the question of “Is Miami Back”? Will certainly be asked and to answer it I would have to say its a step in the right direction but this program has along way to go if they want to be considered “back”. This program is about National Championships and until “The U” can prove that they can compete consistently for elite status in College Football they won't officially be back.

Strouf's Take: NCAA Compensation

College Station, Texas --- Unless you've been living in a cave for the last, who knows how long, you're probably well aware of the NCAA's rules when it comes to receiving money. Johnny Manziel, the reigning Heisman trophy winner and quarterback of Texas A&M has been receiving a great amount of criticism due to the ongoing investigation on whether or not he has been receiving money for autograph signings.

Now, let's take a pause right there. Can I ask what the problem is? Professional athletes, including the third-string defensive end on your favorite NFL team, receive thousands of dollars for signing a football or two, but let's throw a temper-tantrum because the Heisman trophy winner is receiving a small amount of cash for signing a card and a football. College is expensive, obviously. Is that even an excuse? No, I don't believe it is, but when it comes to college athletes receiving compensation for signing autographs at the local memorabilia store, what is the issue? It's going to happen in four years (at most) anyway.

This became a very interesting story on the brand new show "Olbermann" on ESPN2. He opened Tuesday's show discussing this exact issue, and said something that inspired me to write this article.

"What's the problem with making a small amount of cash when somebody else will make a big amount?"

Tony Kornheiser, co-host of hit ESPN show, "Pardon the Interruption" joined Keith Olbermann on that same episode, and made a very interesting point when it came to the NCAA. Kornheiser said, "Maybe the top 64 teams will say 'bye-bye, see you later [to the NCAA]' and form their own league. They can crown a champion through a playoff." He also added the facts that student athletes are allowed to receive pay from both the University and for what this whole discussion is about, memorabilia and appearances.

What is the consequence going to be if the outcome of the Manziel situation if it turns out he did accept payment? Will a representative of the NCAA say, "Hey kid, although everybody would have done the same exact thing as you, you're suspended four games." Or will it be something along the lines of, "Oh, you did do it? Oh, so, uh.. want some wings?"

"Yes, I did accept money for signing several autographs that are worth a lot of money. Is there a problem?"

NO. A BIG FAT NO.

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— Alex Strouf (@LetsGoAlex) August 28, 2013