Mary Knows Football: Week 4

Before we get to the picks, I have to get something off my chest to help explain why I didn’t choose a certain match-up.  It’s been one of those weeks, Canespacers.  No, I haven’t been recommitted to the Palm Beach Home for Sad Superfans because I am upset about not attending the UCF beat down with such Canespace all-stars as Angry and Canechic (seen below with her daughter Nacole and some of the nice, innocent boys from Canespace) or that one dude with the enormous head (seen at L below). 

It’s just been one of those confusing weeks where things happen to make you reevaluate who you are and what your place is in this world.  I’m confused because I feel something towards someone that is very inappropriate...I feel sorry for Bobby Bowden. 

This is, of course, an unholy and unnatural way for a ‘Cane to feel.  But I can’t help it.  I just do.  It consumes me. The next thing you know, I’m going to be joining Urban Cryer for “chicken soup for Saint Timmy” runs and helping him find someone to remove that unsightly mole on his face. 

So, given the ‘Noles bye week (perhaps the best thing to happen to them this season), I’m not going to discuss the Crocs either.  I’m afraid of what further unholy and unnatural places my feelings might take me.  That being said, GO HOGS!  

8 Cincinnati vs. 21 USF: USF  

The Big East’s two remaining undefeated teams meet tonight.  Cincinnati’s QB Pike and WR Gilyard have been putting up crazy numbers this season, but USF is no slouch with the stingiest defense (9.4 ppg) in the conference.  The Bulls have lost three in a row in the series and are hungry for redemption at home.  To stop Cincinnati, Bulls DE Selvie needs to increase the pressure on Pike and S Allen (who had two interceptions in their W over Syracuse) needs to attack Gilyard down the field.  I think they can do just this, and the combination of QB Daniels and WR Mitchell can light up the scoreboard.  

20 Oklahoma vs. 3 Texas: Chokela, err . . . Oklahoma  

Although Oklahoma has yet to win on the road this year, Bradford should be back to 100% for the 81st Red River Rivalry in Dallas.  More of a reason for concern is that WR Broyles is questionable – they are already without TE Gresham for the season.  Oklahoma is averaging 188 ypg, and Texas is only allowing 46.  However, Texas developed these stats on inferior opponents (we know the Who?oners have played at least one formidable opponent!), struggled against Colorado last week, and had a slow start with Wyoming before that.  I think the biggest factor in this game is how much Oklahoma needs a W to get back on track.  This rivaled with Texas’ bitterness over not making it to the national championship last year is sure to make it a nasty game. 

I'm going with my Mom on this one (seen above at the UM/OU tailgate) and say the Sooners win by a field goal in a low-scoring defensive battle.  

6 USC vs. 25 Notre Dame: USC  

The Trojans have owned the whining Irish in the last seven match-ups, and although this year should be closer, the song will remain the same.  One reason for concern for USC could be their loss to Washington, a team Notre Dame beat in overtime two weeks ago.  To get that W, the Trojans’ secondary must shut down WR Golden Tate who plundered Washington’s defense with a total of 275 yards (244 on 9 receptions, 31 on the ground). USC’s secondary should get help from pressure put on QB Clausen by their front 7 – Perry, Griffen, and Morgan total 13 sacks between them.  If QB Barkley can put some consistency into the offense with the help of McKnight and Bradford, the Trojans should have no issues pulling out a W in South Bend.   

4 VA Tech vs. 19 GA Tech: GA Tech  

It’s time to resurrect the triple option, boys.  VA Tech’s average QB Taylor and run-of-the-mill RB Williams are getting all the hype, being compared to puppy killers and leading the ACC in rushing (122 ypg), respectively.  I’m here to tell you, they really aren’t that good.  Nesbitt and Dwyer are right behind them, indeed, Nesbitt is #3 in the ACC in rushing and Dwyer is #2.  GA Tech beat the ‘Noles by rushing for 401 yards, including 140 yards and 3 touchdowns by Nesbitt alone.  These turkeys aren’t in their storied Lane Stadium and I predict these bees beat the Hokies at their own game – a rushing battle.   

9 Miami vs. UCF: Miami  

Honestly, this week I have spent more time worrying about my referee costume to the Palm Beach ‘Canes Club Wake Forest Halloween game watch party and whether they make Jacory Harris jerseys for dogs (Sebastian’s birthday is coming up) than the UCF game.  Every game is important and none should be overlooked unless we want to play in a bowl with blue turf again. 

Still, the whole black-out thing is ridiculous . . . and the already-made victory t-shirts smack of overdoing the hallucinogens up there in central Florida.  Word on the street is that eating too many of those funny mushrooms can make people look all orange and sparkly if you know what I mean!

Here’s reality:  UCF is 3-2 after pulling out their first conference win against Memphis in the 4th quarter.  Their offense consists of RB Harvey, who has averaged 107 ypg against inferior opponents, QB Hodges who has a less-than-stellar ratio of 6-6 and 908 yards, and WR Ross with 17 catches for 220 yards.  On special teams, Ross and McDuffie need to be contained as the Knights average 28 ypr.   

Nix is gone, ‘Canes, and I expect our offense to take care of business, our decimated D line to contain Hodges and Harvey, and Ray Ray “Nyquil” (as in lights out!) Armstrong to contain Ross.  It’s time to “get a mean on,” ‘Canes (insert Johnny Be Good reference here) and show these Knights why they weren’t good enough to get a U on their helmet. 

Thanks for coming out, UCF, but I have a better idea for what you can do with those victory t-shirts. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I'll think I'll have another "cupcake" thank you very much!

Then I have to go mail this “Thinking of You” card to Bobby Bowden. 

I sure hope it gets there while he's still the Coach up there in Trailerhassee...

Comments

[Moe]

1st!!!!!

[UMike]

First?

[solarcane]

wgh?

[UMike]

Nice Moe

[CanesAddiction]

4th, where is Six?

[UMike]

ok..now I got to go read

[JSQ]

hey guys!

[Moe]

UMike Tie?

[solarcane]

hi mary ... what are you wearing
?
peace

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1640600420]

look at everyone pictures...you all look marvelous

[UMike]

Well..it shoes U first..so ur first lol

Hey hottest female cane fan ever (besides my lovely cgnc of course)...I mean jsq...nice job as always

[UMike]

moe..I meant it "shows" u first lol

[UMike]

canechic..is Wall or middle name or maiden name?

[JSQ]

"Word on the street is that too eating too many of those funny mushrooms can make people look all orange and sparkly if you know what I mean!"

86, I think you inserted an extra "too" in this photo caption!

[JSQ]

hi mary ... what are you wearing
?
peace

Posted by: solarcane | October 15, 2009 at 08:01 PM

86 says if I answer this he's gotta start charging y'all by the minute

[JSQ]

Hey hottest female cane fan ever (besides my lovely cgnc of course)...I mean jsq...nice job as always

Posted by: UMike | October 15, 2009 at 08:02 PM

Thanks, UMike!

[Sy-Cane]

Hi Mary,

Which HS did you go to? Do you follow their football team? Any notable players from that school went to the U or the NFL?

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1640600420]

maiden name

[UMike]

TD USF...7-3 USF

[Moe]

TD! USF 7-3

[86Cane]

86 says if I answer this he's gotta start charging y'all by the minute

Posted by: JSQ (the blogger formerly known as PBCC) | October 15, 2009 at 08:05 PM

Half of the profits goes to Canespace so I'm ALL IN, if U know what I mean!

[UMike]

canechic...I have wall's in my family. How much family do you have in Florida?

[JSQ]

Hi Mary,

Which HS did you go to? Do you follow their football team? Any notable players from that school went to the U or the NFL?

Posted by: Sy-Cane | October 15, 2009 at 08:08 PM

I'm from Springfield, Missouri. I went to Parkview High School. I'm not sure we ever won a game while I was there. One dude that played for us my freshman year (he was a senior then) went on to play for Mizzou. That was it.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

86, sent to the aol addy, hopefully it arrives now.

[bg1906]

Testing

[86Cane]

OGV...got the goods, we are good to go!

Tomorrow night 6 PM for the Canespace Friday Night Happy Hour:

The Short List: Week 7

[Sy-Cane]

Wow, I actually know where that is...drove through there on my way to Tulsa OK way back in the day. I stopped in Marshfield, MO around 3AM off of I-44, because I couldn't drive much longer and the snow showers were making it difficult to drive.

[bg1906]

test part 2

[86Cane]

Mary...U have USF over Cincy tonight? What gives? Cincy is gonna smoke their azz!

[JSQ]

Wow, I actually know where that is...drove through there on my way to Tulsa OK way back in the day. I stopped in Marshfield, MO around 3AM off of I-44, because I couldn't drive much longer and the snow showers were making it difficult to drive.

Posted by: Sy-Cane | October 15, 2009 at 08:17 PM

That's impressive. When I got to UM in 1999 most people referred to Missouri as a "fly-over state" and asked if I had cows in my backyard, and asked my favorite question: "do you know Bart Simpson?"

Yeah, we dated in 2nd grade. Dumped him for Nelson. HA-HA!

[JSQ]

Mary...U have USF over Cincy tonight? What gives? Cincy is gonna smoke their azz!

Posted by: 86Cane | October 15, 2009 at 08:19 PM

Are we watching the same game?

[KLCaneFan]

Love the cupcake reference Mary!

As much as I want GT to beat VT, I'm afraid that the Hokie defense is going to be too much for the Jackets. Yeah, yeah I've heard that GT has put some new wrinkles into their spiffy triple option offense, but the fact remains GT can't throw the ball and VT has a very stout defense. I think VT's gonna spank 'em. I hope you're right tho!!

Other than that, I agree with all your picks. :)

[solarcane]

I'm ALL IN, if U know what I mean!

thats the spirit!

peace

[Sy-Cane]

LOL...while you were enjoying the U in '99, I was exploring the midwest and heartlands. Great wholesome women I tell ya ;)

[JSQ]

Posted by: KLCaneFan | October 15, 2009 at 08:21 PM

In the words of the great Steve Perry, "Don't Stop Believin'!" If we believe, IT WILL HAPPEN!!!

[JSQ]

LOL...while you were enjoying the U in '99, I was exploring the midwest and heartlands. Great wholesome women I tell ya ;)

Posted by: Sy-Cane | October 15, 2009 at 08:22 PM

. . . and women that know their football!!!

[Canez1]

Don't count out Cincy just yet.

This will be a battle to the end.

USF has some nice athletes on D.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[solarcane]

these guys are #8?

yea...

peace

[86Cane]

KL...what are U wearing? Wait, wait let me guess:

Victoria's Secret, pink color I bet?

[JSQ]

these guys are #8?

yea...

peace

Posted by: solarcane | October 15, 2009 at 08:29 PM

my thoughts exactly

[JSQ]

KL...what are U wearing? Wait, wait let me guess:

Victoria's Secret, pink color I bet?

Posted by: 86Cane | October 15, 2009 at 08:29 PM

86, I'm going to have to ask you to delete that. This is a family blog, and it's not yet 10pm.

[KLCaneFan]

lmao!!!!

[KLCaneFan]

and it's not after 10!

[Canez1]

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k264/donny63/BrandonHarris2009shutdown.jpg

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[canezilla]

any news on what time we are meetimg for ucf

[86Cane]

Oh JSQ...what's the score now? I thought U KNEW football? Or was that tailgating???

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1640600420]

U mike lots, where did they grow up? My great uncle had lots of kids and they grew up in Miami Lakes. We also have some in Lake Alfred and a few in North Miami.

[JSQ]

Oh JSQ...what's the score now? I thought U KNEW football? Or was that tailgating???

Posted by: 86Cane | October 15, 2009 at 08:35 PM

As someone that knows football,

IT'S STILL EARLY!

[86Cane]

I OWN this place, I ain't deleting shyte!

I'm going ROGUE!!!

[twitter.com/palmbeachcanes]

Will there be cupcakes at the game watch?