The Short List To South Beach: Week 3

Week three on the Shortlist to South Beach opens with the following 59 teams, just under half, eliminated from contention as listed by conference affiliation:

Arkansas, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Kansas, Penn State, Utah, Colorado, California, Washington State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, Air Force, San Diego State, Wyoming, Colorado State, Hawaii, UNLV, New Mexico, UCF, Southern Miss, East Carolina, Marshall, UAB, Memphis, Houston, Tulsa, SMU, UTEP, Rice, Tulane, Army, Navy, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Miami (Oh), Bowling Green, Kent State, Buffalo, Akron, Massachusetts, San Jose State, Idaho, New Mexico State, Texas State, FIU, Troy, WKU, Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee, FAU, South Alabama and North Texas.

Four fortunate teams find themselves still on the Shortlist despite my prediction for them to fall by the wayside last week and they are:

1) Kentucky rebounds and avoids a possible letdown against Kent State in style, winning 47-14 in Lexington.  Joker Phillips will have to pull a few tricks out of his sleeve to stay at .500 the rest of the way this year to have even a chance of saving his job but winning this one was imperative if he was going to have any hope of doing so.  It still won't keep Wildcat fans from counting down the days until tip off though.

2) Utah State gets week two going with an upset 12 years in the making as they hold on to win in overtime 27-20 at home in Logan against arch-rival Utah.  Gary Anderson broke a long bowl drought last year with the Aggies and with this upset, paired with a favorable schedule the rest of the way, looks like he can do it again for an encore in 2012.

3) Louisiana, of Lafayette, for those marking score at home, keeps the good times rolling as they go to Troy and leave victorious by a score of 37-24.  Mark Hudspeth, coming off the first bowl and first bowl win in Ragin' Cajun history, secures an important league lead early in the year with this win as he attempts to follow up the momentum built up in his inaugural season at the helm.

4) Louisiana-Monroe scores the upset of the season so far as they go to Little Rock and crush the Arkansas Razorbacks once promising season to pieces with a 34-31 overtime win.  Todd Berry might have finally figured out this coaching thing and how much do you want to bet that Larry Coker was one of the first people to call his former protege to congratulate him on the win?  Kyle Wright still waited too long to dial his attempt at congratulations however and had his call fall incomplete to former position coach.  Some people will never learn.

An unlucky seven teams fall out of Shortlist consideration with losses in week two, more than half of them BCS automatic qualifier conference members:

1) Arkansas makes their fans' worst nightmares realized by losing in their home away from home opener in Little Rock.  John L. Smith is now going through bankruptcy and is about to not have a job, at least Hog fans get to see their team play Texas A&M every year again.  Small consolations are sometimes all you can hope for in life I guess the lesson here is.

2) Auburn goes down in Starkville for only the second time in 24 years.  Can a coach who delivered a national title to a historically bridesmaid of a power program be fired less than a recruiting cycle after he raised the crystal football?  Does Toomer's Corner sit in the shade of stately oak trees covered in toilet paper after every Auburn win?  What?  Too soon Tiger fans?

3) Kansas hires Charlie Weiss and plays like Notre Dame under his watch as they fall to Rice at home.  I'll refrain from the gastric bypass and rice jokes but not from pointing out that Turner Gill probably would have done better with his own upperclassmen if they hadn't jumped the gun to fire him before he could even develop any of his recruits in Lawrence.

4) Utah falls to traditional rival Utah State in overtime on the road.  Wow, the Pacific Athletic Conference sure added one awesome team to their ranks when they dipped down to the Mountain West to skim the cream of the crap off the top, didn't they?  At least Kyle Wittingham has more in common with Ron McBride than Urban Meyer now, that has to count for something.

5) Colorado State goes from the penthouse of week one to the outhouse of week two by getting dropped in Fort Collins by North Dakota State 22-7.  It's pretty obvious the Rams got caught in a letdown situation against the reigning FBS champs in the NDSU Bison, but still, this one has to be a tough pill to take for Jim McElwain and company after last weeks mile high.

6) Kent State is off the Shortlist in a flash with their sound beating at the hands of Kentucky.  Second year coach Darrell Hazell's team is still in a position to play spoiler and make some waves in MAC play this year however and could surprise some people this year while doing so.

7) Long time Sun Belt heavy Troy signals they may not be back just quite yet from their losing season last year as they start 0-1 in league play with their defeat by Louisiana.  Long time coach Larry Blakeney will probably get them back on track this year but the bounce back season expectations just took a damper thanks to this result.

I expect only six teams to be eliminated from the Shortlist to South Beach this week, which if correct would bring the total number of eliminations just over half and change the tracking from those eliminated to those left in the running in less than a month of play.  Those teams are:

North Carolina, Connecticut, BYU, Utah State, Louisiana, and ULM.

Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as we go through the winners and separate them from the numerous pretenders here on the Shortlist to South Beach.

Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[Panamacitycane]

Yay first!

[CEO]

Read the article, really good stuff.

Thanks OGV for the best series on the Internet.

[raizecane]

Ill be doing some scouting of USF for Miami tonight....

Sileo inspired me to make a new t-shirt that will say "pull a knife" on the front and "stick him" on the back...... zing

[Felipe]

Aldarius Johnson.

I guess.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Kind of like these silver helmets on Rutgers, different but not gaudy ugly so not too bad a look.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Just want to point out, Rutgers got hit for an unsuccessful attempted horse collar tackle foul, UM has had two go uncalled in two weeks I can remember.

How Lewis dived into the end zone on his TD reception and didn't get the points wiped off, I have no idea.

[CEO]

How Lewis dived into the end zone on his TD reception and didn't get the points wiped off, I have no idea.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 13, 2012 at 07:46 PM

I thought the same thing when it happened.

[roachcane77]

Ditto... (I mentioned that to my wife when it happened.)

I mean, I agree with the "no call." Let's keep some FUN in the college game!

[Felipe]

Sam Shields starting tonight, great news for him.

[hassan]

Matt Phipho

[tjl3909]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8aSGYIlVPw&feature=fvwrel

[CEO]

Raize...I am watching USF vs Rutgers.

NOT IMPRESSED.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

/\/\/\

FAMOUS LAST WORDS BEFORE D'NO'S SCHEME MAKES THEM HEISMAN CONTENDERS FOR ONE WEEK OF THEIR LIVES.

Sorry, went all Mr. Troutman there for a minute.

[4-Real]

If nuthin else why don't Miami change up uniforms just 4 the sake of sparking the interest of future recruits, since we ain't doin 2 well on the field. Hell, if you're gonna looze u should at least look good.

[4-Real]

U guys remember the Andre Davis kid we didn't want? He's a baller :( Also, check out Darius Hamilton of Rutgers. He was 1 many 5 star kids golden gave a free trip 2 last year, SO ENUFF OF THIS GOLDEN DON'T CARE ABOUT STARS CRAP!!

[nemo2002]

The only coaches who don't want 5 star recruits are coaches who can't recruit them!

[Willie Will in Nashville]

Willie I think those numbers would be better with the caliber of athletes we can get at Miami. In the Mac all defenses give up big numbers. 317 ypg would be considered really good for the Mac. I was on the I hate D'No side but looking at the numbers they tell me something positive. You have to look at the numbers wholistically in the whole Mac and not just temples numbers. I could be wrong but I really hope not.

Posted by: BigTimeCane | September 13, 2012 at 06:05 PM

I hope you are right too lol. Right now I'm not seeing it. I still don't understand what D'no meant when he said now they'll start to play the best players and it won't be like pop warner anymore, so what was he doing at first then and why wasn't he doing it at first?????

[Laquinton]

that Dan Sileo is something else isnt he ? that rant is terribly said but he is spot on. I feel that Golden and D'No is making up excuses. It doesnt matter what you did at your last job... we are not living in the past. In the present future he is getting outcoached the past 2 games . 80+ points and 1000+ yards 1-1.

[Laquinton]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/sfl-bethunecookman-qb-says-plan-is-to-shock-the-world-20120913,0,3938365.story

smh..how the mighty have indeed fallen.

[Pre83]

Sorry, went all Mr. Troutman there for a minute.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 13, 2012 at 10:15 PM

OGV, that was classic!!! I sure hope TROUT is doing well.

86 - What's the word on Sr. seis?

[Hassan]

Sileo's rant is still funny after about 10 plays lol

We need that kind of passion though.

[Harry Miller]

To all,as I posted last week that Ricky Town is comming to the N.C. game, and we are bringing Blake Dixon his tight end along for an unoffical visit.
Blake Dixon is 6' 4" 230lb, runs a 4.6 40yd.
Blake plays TE and lb and has been on the receiving end of many td passes from Ricky.
Ricky Town is humble, respectful, smart, and very well mannard young man, faith driven and a pleasure to know. Shows up at 5:am on Saturday's for beach cleanup and other community work. Believe me when I tell you this, both He and his dad really like the University of Miami. The key is that Al golden and staff stay at Miami. Miami would have to get really ripped by NCAA to affect his decession at all. I talk with his dad every day. The U has a better chance of landing Ricky Town than any other school at this time. He will get offered, but remember he is a 10th grader.

[Tsully76]

OGV great stuff man. Also saw the The State University of New Jersey(Rutgers) beat the alledged Big East power. West Central University(Bulls) last night I definitely feel even more confident that our Canes can beat them on November 17th. Go Canes beat BCC.

[canezilla]

If nuthin else why don't Miami change up uniforms just 4 the sake of sparking the interest of future recruits, since we ain't doin 2 well on the field. Hell, if you're gonna looze u should at least look good.

Posted by: 4-Real
CHILD PLEASE

[BigWIndyCane-Forecast1]

Good to see the Canes will be rotating all six DTs on Saturday. Unfortunately, noone has earned starters' reps. Hopefully, when each DT is in the game, each will play with enthusiasm and make their limited reps count.

I see a very hesitant defense at the other positions. Perryman, Brandon and Chick all play well, but the rest of them need to play a lot smarter and faster (and they will).

Golden will get it fixed.

[usagainsttheworld]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/sfl-bethunecookman-qb-says-plan-is-to-shock-the-world-20120913,0,3938365.story

smh..how the mighty have indeed fallen.

Posted by: Laquinton | September 14, 2012 at 01:07 AM

i'm just sayin'-- this perhaps is going to be more of a battle than we expect. i hope i am very wrong.

[raizecane]

Sileo's rant is still funny after about 10 plays lol

We need that kind of passion though.

Posted by: Hassan | September 14, 2012 at 01:26 AM

********************************************

The Sileo rant made the Bill King show on Sirius radio just a few ago.....

[nemo2002]

You're right!

[raizecane]

The line for the BCC game is a big fat 0.....

[Ohio_Cane]

Portis and Darrin Smith with Sedano talking Canes from yesterday: http://wqam.com/interviews

[UMike]

Whos in the the GT game?

[Hassan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keuvA4q-u6Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eQvaeZhFOY&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXgVGezTfls

Let's go!!!

[Ohio_Cane]

86, got us a follow from Hurricane Sports today. ;-)

They've got 24,000 followers. The more they retweet us, the better!

[Ohio_Cane]

OGV, kudos once again on a fantastic blog article and series! Love reading these!

[CGNC]

TGIF space people!

Let's Go Canes

[j.w.]

Thanks, guys- great blog as always. Prediction: Miami 49, Beth 24. They hang with us for a half, then we keep scoring and put enough pressure on their O to cough the ball up.
Here's to hoping I couldn't be more wrong on this, and that we roll from start to finish.

[UMike]

I got to admit..I absolutely HATE that we as a fan base have come to hope or expect a team like Bethune Cookman to score 17 or 24...they should score 7 or 10, with a td coming late in the 4th and we shouldnt expect nothing less...of course I might no be realistic in my thinking, but its what I expect lol

[raizecane]

Umike - i am with you.....

[86Cane]

Ohio nice work!

[CGNC]

AJ Highsmith to make his first start since Telemaque is out. I like him - he has done whatever is asked of him (including being J12's backup because, well, yeah, there was NO ONE else).

What time is it? AJ's time to shine

[UMike]

Ima try this again lol..who is all in for the GT game?

[Tsully76]

I am in for GT. CGNC good stuff

[UMike]

Tsully..do you have a place you normally tailgate?

[Jack]

Aj will shine, it's in his blood!!

[360Cane]

So for everyone calling for coaches' jobs, did you read the AllCanes article from C.B.?

Puts it in a very nice perspective to hopefully get some of y'all out of the 80's and early 90's.

I like how it mentioned the banner that was flown over the stadium calling for Butch's job.

As a Cane fan, it would seem we have selective memory and only want to remember the good ole days. Not what it actually takes.

[UMike]

360..idk if I want D'No to go just yet, but I do think there is something wrong there. I know were are very young on that side of the ball, but not 52 to K-State young..IMO...No I do recall a bunch of young pups, one by the name of Ed Reed, getting their butts handed to them by FSU and others as freshman, and that actually gives me some hope. The D. Johnson's, Howard's and Bush's seem like a different breed of player from the MNW crew and others (i.e. Ray Ray) and will CARE about that loss..imo

[calGary Cane]

Posted by: UMike | September 14, 2012 at 03:49 PM

Totally agree. Talent (i.e. recruiting) looks good. Coaching is still an unknown except that Fisch is doing better than DNo.

[Willie Will in Nashville]

360,

Nobody is calling for Golden's head, its D'no's

[Willie Will in Nashville]

If you think players "gave up" or did not care "enough" against KSU, you are dead wrong. Some kids were crying after the game of anger. -- Papa Cane (@SaveUMFootball)

[86Cane]

FROM THE HAMPTON INN IN PLANTATION FLORIDA...the Canespace central command center has been established! Let the partying and games begin.

Sully see U at 6 PM at Duffy's Sports Grill.

[pbcfrcane13]

Damn86 wish i could head out there tonight stupid surgery but plan for now is suck it up and head to the game where is the tailgate party.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Well this game may end up being a bore but at least the party on the patio will be successful no matter what!

[Laquinton]

After reading that allcanes blog and the whole fire d'no thing is stupid. I'm giving him and coach golden my full support. Go canes !

[longtimecanefan]

Early thoughts for tomorrow...

if the line on this is game really is 0 we need to be very careful...

unless this is an easy win the heat on No'D and even AG will continue to grow with GT and ND upcoming (2 potential losses)

A loss (yes the unthinkable) would be a disaster for the coaching staff. Depending on the circumstances changes may have to be made before seasons end.

Never thought I'd see the day our BCC would become a must win game......

86 - I let the weeds grow all week just in case.......

[solarcane]

Early thoughts for tomorrow... too

I've got an appointment for an oil change and tire rotation for my truck at 11 AM that's how important this game seems to me

soup, skool,
on the other thing
thanks for the encouragement means a lot to me from you guys

[solarcane]

I see OGV expects UNC to receive a beat down from Teddy Bridgewater,... SWEET!

[86Cane]

Sully...U da man! Guy comes all the way from Alabama to attend a Canes game.

MAD RESPECT!

[4-Real]

I'm coming 2 86! Gotta get house refinanced 1st then It's on & poppin. Trying 2 come b4 season over.

[86Cane]

Well this game may end up being a bore but at least the party on the patio will be successful no matter what!

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 14, 2012 at 05:23 PM

DON'T U KNOW!

[86Cane]

86 - I let the weeds grow all week just in case.......

Posted by: longtimecanefan | September 14, 2012 at 07:17 PM

I don't have any weeds left, we gotta win BIG!

[The Dude]

Slow around here lately...

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Yeah, but how long is the drive from the service place to in front of your TV solar? Still, lol at how entertaining this one will be. Yeah, I'd just about put a crappy DC in a headlock right now to have Bridge in the program, not that Gray Crow doesn't have my complete confidence going forward or anything.

[86Cane]

4-Real...if U do come to a game which I do NOT expect that U will, please bring your $75 registration fee with U. LOL

[UMike]

These are the games I use to get 10 tickets off eBay for real cheap in the west end zone to watch a sure blow out...not so much these days

[86Cane]

ACC Football is off to a strong start with a 15-3 record against nonconference opponents in the first two weeks... Two key games between division opponents highlight the ACC Football schedule for Week Three...Wake Forest, fresh off a dramatic win over North Carolina in its ACC opener last week, heads to fifth-ranked Florida State in an Atlantic Division battle of unbeaten teams...An important Coastal Division matchup is set in Atlanta, where Georgia TEch will play host to Virginia...In nonconference action, No. 18 Virginia Tech prepares for its first road test at future ACC foe Pitt...No. 11 Clemson is home for the second-straight weekend to face Upstate neighbor Furman...North Carolina hits the road for a tough assignment at No. 19 Loiusville...Maryland tries to remain unbeaten at home vs. UConn...NC State and Miami are all set for their home openers, while Boston College travels to Northwestern...Duke returns home to face cross-town opponent North Carolina Central.

[solarcane]

ogv,

I just can't pretend to be pumped up about playing a team like BCC. No disrespect to them at all they are winning games left and right, but c'mon man.
When we are at the point we can't wait to see how many points we can score, or better yet how few points we will give up to MEAC schools I gotta admit I'm not that guy.

I never got caught up in violating Temple or the old VT back in the Big East heyday I like beating good teams and preferably on a regular basis.

[solarcane]

Leach has his air raid running on rails

[pbcfr19832]

Damn DR made thecall Im out for tomottows gamr with an upper ext injury AH first miss game in sometime. Well you all have fun tomorrow and be safe!

[Ohio_Cane]

@FlaHSFootball: UPSET: Oakland Park Northeast 13 Miramar 5 - FINAL

WOW!

[86Cane]

Score Predictions:

Kenny 45-35 UM

Terrance: 52-21 UM

The Queen: 35-21 UM

The Princess: 27-13 UM

Me: 34-13

[orange 'n green in the vein]

solar, I got my FSU tickets in the mail today, I can't lie. I'm more excited about seeing UM lose to them in person and getting a day at the beach to nurse off the hangover on Sunday than I am watching UM go into the 2nd down 7-0 again this year Saturday.

[CaneRock]

@FlaHSFootball: UPSET: Oakland Park Northeast 13 Miramar 5 - FINAL

WOW!

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 14, 2012 at 10:54 PM

Don Bosco beat St. Thomas Aquinas 20-10.

[CaneRock]

Leach has his air raid running on rails

Posted by: solarcane | September 14, 2012 at 09:52 PM

Yes He does.

[IraqiCane]

Game day y'all...

GO CANES!!!

[4-Real]

Why do u think I'm trying to refinance my house 86?!! Trying to get u your money!! Lol

[Julio]

horrible game for this team,Morris looked lost today and the defense can't make tackles. Don't want to imagine what will happen next week against G-tech.