The 35-0 thrashing that Miami put on Florida International hardly deserved any coverage this weekend. The bashing that occurred during it, however, caused the suspension of 31 players and concern nationwide about Miami's football program.
Duke (0-6, 0-5 in the ACC) hosts the Hurricanes (4-2, 2-1) this weekend, but regardless of the impending matchup, the brawl has stirred the Blue Devils as Saturday's game approaches.
"That was a mess down there," senior defensive tackle Casey Camero said. "Now they have to watch every step and move they make."
Taunting throughout the game escalated when Miami receiver James Bryant celebrated after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter. Players exchanged heated words, and soon after both benches cleared and the brawl began.
Hurricane safeties Anthony Reddick and Brandon Meriweather committed the most egregious acts of violence during Saturday's bout. Reddick wielded his helmet as a weapon, and Meriweather stomped on downed FIU players. The horrible exhibition of collegiate sportsmanship has served as a reminder for the Blue Devils of how they should compete.
"We all talk about playing the game hard and going after people in the right context," head coach Ted Roof said. "When the whistle blows, the play's over. It's not putting ourselves in a position to get into any of those types of situations."
Miami head coach Larry Coker has been criticized for his team's lack of discipline in the past-the Hurricanes were in a similar fight in last year's Peach Bowl-but still has his job for now. Jobs and roster spots, though, are in jeopardy at both Miami and FIU. Although only one- and two-game suspensions have been handed out so far, some believe that a much greater penalty was necessary.
"I'm pretty sure their program's in a situation now where the players definitely know the red light's on," Camero said about the Hurricanes. "They can't afford any more mistakes like that."
Miami lacked leadership on the field, the Duke defensive tackle said. Camero said he was in disbelief as to how a senior would throw away one of his final games.
"I'm not going to go out there, run and take my helmet off and throw it at somebody," Camero said. "I'm going to get my guys out of there."
Duke's coaching staff and players had discussed this topic even before the Miami-FIU fiasco, emphasizing that character and sportsmanship were the keys to good football.
The Blue Devils look to play sound football Saturday when a newer, younger Miami team comes to Durham. Second- and third-stringers for Miami will have to compete more in order to fill the 13-player void left by the suspensions.
"You look at where their recruiting classes have been ranked over the last several years," Roof said. "And it's not like they're going to fall off the side of a mountain because they've lost a few guys."
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