Watching the Giants-Ravens game Sunday night made me really depressed. Why, you ask? Because it's reminded me just how mediocre my beloved alma mater, the University of Miami, has become.

Currently on their team, the Ravens have Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Willis McGahee. The Giants have Jeremy Shockey and William Joseph — all former 'Canes; all played on GREAT UM teams. Do you realize what a football factory the U has been over the past decade? They’ve had at least one first-round pick in every draft since 1995. In addition to the guys I just mentioned, how about Warren Sapp, Edgerrin James, Bryant McKinnie, Kellen Winslow, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss, Bubba Franks, Dan Morgan, Sean Taylor, Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams — just to name a few. Plus, Clinton Portis and Devin Hester were second-rounders.

But here's the thing. The mystique has vanished from the U. As recently as a few years ago, at the start of every season, the University of Miami was a lock to be in the top 10. They were a part of every preseason national championship conversation. Now, we're in the "others receiving votes" column AND it looks like we’re leaving the Orange Bowl! Geez, what a disaster.

It's bad enough we've become the third best team in Florida, behind UF and FSU, but I'm actually worried USF is going to be better than we are this year. That's USF -- the University of South Florida for crying out loud! Plus, we've developed this really annoying habit of getting our asses kicked lately. 40-3 to LSU in the Peach Bowl two years ago. 31-7 to Louisville last season. If we lose by 30 to Oklahoma this year, I'm turning in my vintage Bernie Kosar jersey.

So, as we approach the new season, here's a message for new head Coach Randy Shannon. Please, please, please get the program back to where it was. Keep recruiting players from Miami because that area is LOADED with talent. Get yourself a good, young QB, because we haven't had one since Ken Dorsey. And for the love of God, please don't lose to FSU anymore. I can't stand those "dad-gum" Bobby Bowden news conferences.

Oh, and if at all possible, don't let your guys stomp on any of their opponents this season. That one was kind of embarrasing.