Cane Mutiny by Bruce Feldman illustrates the history of one of college football's most successful (and polarizing) teams. This book is crammed with memories from former Cane greats such as Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Lamar Thomas, and more. It provides an amazing look into the turbulent times from the rise of the U under Coach Howard Schnellenberger, to low points such as pay-for-play hedged by rapper Uncle Luke and the media portrayal of The U vs. Notre Dame as Catholics vs. Convicts.

Even if you aren't a fan of the U, it's still a captivating story about just how Miami became a powerhouse in football based upon forming their own tradition, while breaking from the normal traditions of college football.


Here's some excerpts:

The bond can do wonders in terms of success breeding success. It explains why the 'Canes always seem to have the essential ingredient that's always labeled as chemistry. "The main reason Miami stays at the top is that the players are always competing against the past, and the past is standing right there on the sideline, watching them with pride and high expectations," said Maurice Crum, a Miami linebacker in the late eighties.

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Not that the younger guys didn't hear their share of trash from the older 'Canes. Linebacker Darrin Smith came to Miami in 1989. A few days after the Miami native moved into suite 36A, his phone rang. When he picked the receiver, Smith heard an unfamiliar voice on the other end of the line. "Who Dis?" the voice barked.

"What do you mean?" Smith answered. "Who's this?"

"I asked you first," the voice growled, "Who is this?"

Finally, Smith relented. "This is Darrin Smith. Now who is this?"

"This is Michael Irvin, and you're in my room," said the voice said.

The voice actually was Irvin, who like many of the old 'Canes took to calling their old numbers to find out who had taken over their old digs -- and to make sure the legacy was in good hands. The old 'Canes become godfathers to the young guys, as Smith said Irvin became to him or as Brown became to Kennedy. "Having former players call you is like having a big brother," Armstead said. "It's like a big family. At Miami, nobody is jealous of anybody." Irvin and Smith hit it off that day after the rocky phone introduction. A few weeks later, Irvin returned to UM and crashed in Smith's suite.

With Irvin stoking the fire, Lamar Thomas not only became the epitome of the fist-pumping, butt-wiggling, let-me-get-this helmet-off-so America-can-see-how pretty-I-am 'Cane; he also smashed the 'Canes' career receiving record, a record that was held by Irvin himself. Irvin congratulated him by sending him a lithograph of himself. It came with a note that read, "If you ever forget what a great receiver looks like, just look at my picture."