Looking back at the Miami Hurricanes’ 2018 football season

2018 was clearly not a great year for Hurricanes football. Even though the team was expected to win all their games, coach Mark Richt only managed to guide the team to a 7-6 record, culminating in a loss at the Pinstripe Bowl. Worse, Richt would announce his retirement shortly after, a move that, for many supporters like financial advisor Patrick Dwyer, completely blindsided the team.

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Richt’s offense was ranked 77th overall in the horrible season, not helped by the horrible kicking game. While recruiting was not bad, the Canes weren’t able to capitalize, ending with a 97th ranking in terms of special teams efficiency. The punt game was also lacking on all levels, from coverage to actual punt with Zach Feagles unable to find his rhythm throughout the season. Feagles finished with a 38.9 yards per punt while alternate Jack Spicer had a 37.7 average.


One good news for the Canes is that Bubba Baxa had a solid year as a rookie, ending the season with 9-of-12 on field goals and a 45-of-46 on extra points. He also came up with 41 touchbacks on 69 kicks. The team also displayed flashes of athletic brilliance in the return game department. Both Jeff Thomas and Deejay Dallas had solid performances, too, each scoring touchdowns on punt returns. Sadly, Thomas will be gone this year.

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The development of Baxa coupled with a leaner Dallas will prove crucial this coming season, something that would be greatly complemented by the arrival of new offense coordinator Dan Enos, says financial advisor and Canes fan Patrick Dwyer. Canes should find ways to improve their kicking game, especially if running back Lorenzo Lingard returns fully healthy.


Financial advisor Patrick Dwyer is pushing for the empowerment of medical organizations such as the Neuroscience Centers of Florida Foundation, Inc. (NSCFF) and their advocacy of putting an end to chronic neurological diseases. For more on Mr. Dwyer’s work and advocacies, subscribe to this Twitter page.

Playoffs-bound: The 2017-18 Miami Hurricanes basketball team

It seems ages ago that the Hurricanes got both the ACC regular season and tournament championships, led by the triumvirate of Durand Scott, Julian Gamble, and Shane Larkin.That was, of course, just four years ago in 2013. This year, coach Larranaga hopes to replicate that solid UM showing, with a team that should push the school into the Sweet Sixteen and maybe higher.

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With the return of Bruce Brown and the arrival of freshmen Deng Gak, Chris Lykes, and Lonnie Walker, we might be witnessing the team’s most solid lineup in more than a decade. Brown could have easily entered the NBA draft and landed as a first-round pick, but the now-sophomore star will bring an average of almost 12 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. UM should be getting another ACC player of the year.

Though Gak will most likely require some time to adjust to the Canes system, the two other freshmen should immediately contribute on the floor. Lykes is ranked 46th in the 2017 Recruiting Index. While Walker, provided he stays healthy, is seen as the most impactful, 12th-ranked player to don the Canes uniform.

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Yes, the team’s former star Davon Reed has joined the NBA, but three good rookies should be enough to compensate for this loss. Keep in mind, too, that the player roster is mostly intact with Dewan Huell, Ja’Quan Newton, Ebuka Izunda, and Anthony Lawrence, Jr. providing firepower and stifling defense.

Barring any catastrophic health issues, it shouldn’t be a surprise if this year’s Canes team make it into the Final Four. And maybe even bring back the glory of four years ago starting this November.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who avidly supports the Miami Hurricanes basketball and football teams. For more Canes news, follow this Facebook page.

Top Ncaa Basketball Title Contenders Of The 2016-17 Season

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In a few months, another iteration of the NCAA tournament will be played out by 68 qualified teams. And while practices have just begun for many college programs, there already are championship favorites expected to contend for the 2017 national title, some of which are the following:

Villanova Wildcats: Every other team is gunning to wrestle the national title away from the Wildcats, whose 2016 campaign was one of the most dominant tournament runs in NCAA history. The defending champion boasts an experienced roster as the team lost just two starters this past offseason. Villanova is out to prove that their success last year was no fluke.

Duke Blue Devils: Not listing Duke in the title favorites discussion would be a major mistake. Year after year, Duke continues to show that their program is top notch, and the upcoming season would be no different. Especially with coach Mike Krzyzewski patrolling the sidelines, key players returning for another championship run, and a couple of the best freshmen.

Kentucky Wildcats: Last season Kentucky was full of disappointment; and if there is something that legendary coach John Calipari has shown in the past, it is that his team does not stay out of the Final Four for long. With a handful of four- or five-star recruits, a national title would not be surprising for the team.

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Kansas Jayhawks: A potential top NBA draft pick, arguably the nation’s most elite backcourt, a solid frontcourt, and one of the best coaches in Bill Self – being equipped with all these will undoubtedly help the Jayhawks once again make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who keeps track of college basketball teams and tournaments. Visit this website for more interesting read about college sports.