Editor's Note: This article was submitted for posting prior to Thursday night's game between USF and Cincinnati. The Bearcats beat the Bulls by the score of 34-17 to eliminate USF from The Short List.
As we reach the halfway point of the 2009 college football season, the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley has been pared down to the magic number of 25 teams. I rank them as follows, by order of worthiness:
Florida, Alabama, Iowa, Texas, Cincinnati, TCU, Kansas, Boise State, Miami (FL), Virginia Tech, Louisiana State, South Carolina, South Florida, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Auburn, Southern Cal, Missouri, West Virginia, Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Rutgers.The only caveat I would admit to above is that I am slightly more impressed with Alabama's season so far than I am with the defending champion Florida Gators, but when the defending champion is in possession of the longest win streak in the nation and taking every team's best shot, they get the benefit of the doubt in my book.
Three teams lost games last week that result in their exclusion from the Shortlist that I didn't call for, with the final three to fall out of the last 25 teams as follows:
1) Ole' Miss keeps turning the ball over as a rivalry game they were so desperate to finally win gets away from them in Oxford 22-3 to Alabama. One thing this fan-base can always relate to now applies to the Rebels, it's time to wait for next year, again.
2) UCLA melts down in the second half in the Rose Bowl and falls to Oregon 24-10. No Ducks were assaulted in ugly on-field incidents after this heated loss in a shocking turn of events for Pac-10 competition.
3) Arizona goes on the road and gives Washington it's first win since the upset of the Trojans almost a month ago by a 36-33 margin. Topping eight wins for the Wildcats now seems like a pipe dream now and they still won't be playing in a Rose Bowl for those of you wondering if this was finally their year.
Only one team wins a game last week that I called for them to lose and be eliminated from the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley as a result and the lucky winner is;
1) Georgia Tech adds another log to the flame under Bobby Bowden's seat in Tallahassee with a road victory by the score of 49-44. You reap what you sow, isn't that a Bible verse? I would say that Bobby Bowden has finally learned the truth to that one after 34 long years. Does Jeff Bowden still get paid for not coaching this year? I've lost track of the length of that particular golden parachute canopy.
I expect seven teams to lose games this week and find themselves off the Shortlist thanks to those defeats:
South Carolina, South Florida, Wisconsin, Missouri, Virginia Tech, Southern Cal, Rutgers.
Shortlist elimination games abound this week, as Virginia
Tech, Southern Cal, and Rutgers all face challenges from fellow Shortlist teams
Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh respectively. Each of the losers of
those tilts will find their championship dreams extinguished for 2009 while the
winners will live to see next week here on the Shortlist to the San Fernando
Valley.
Enjoy all the games this week on the richest week of competition this year so far and join me back here next week as the list of teams left grows ever shorter and the competition to stay alive ratchets up another level here on the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley.
Copyright 2009 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com
mm01 needs one now
Posted by: RandyCane | October 16, 2009 at 08:28 PM
lot of Canes on the CBS4 Web Xtra upper right
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 16, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Or upper left?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 08:42 PM
Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, and I NEVER slice.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 16, 2009 at 08:42 PM
One more try of another classic line from the great Ted Knight:
Judge, my parents cant afford to send me to college.
Well, the world needs ditch diggers.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 16, 2009 at 08:45 PM
A friend once told me he used to date a hooker.
I told him that's no big deal. Tell her to put the ball back in her stance a little bit, slow her swing down and keep her head still. Problem solved.
Canes 34, UCF 17
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 08:48 PM
With Prez Donna, BTW
Posted by: miamimike01 | October 16, 2009 at 08:58 PM
soup yea my other right d'oh!!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 16, 2009 at 08:59 PM
canezilla
University Dr. west of Alafaya trail on south side just E of Chipolte Mexican Grill
Hope that helps
Posted by: Fran | October 16, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I have Latitude and Longatude if you have google earth
28"35'51 14 N
81-12 56 74 W
Posted by: Fran | October 16, 2009 at 09:05 PM
"I have Latitude and Longatude if you have google earth"
fran is the coolest dude on all of Canespace!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 16, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Solar "U" have it? it is free and very usefull.
Posted by: Fran | October 16, 2009 at 09:13 PM
fran,
I had it on a google toolbar for a long time.
I would actually be able to see the location where my daughter and her husband were in their boat in NC
I would zoom down onto the roof top of my house sometimes just to mess with it
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 16, 2009 at 09:17 PM
MM01...U ROCK!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Solar
Yea I have studied all 5 of our previous homes from Hialeah to Lake Mary just to see if any changes were made, surprizing very few LOL
Posted by: Fran | October 16, 2009 at 09:23 PM
86 I cant wait for Canechic tell her I am bringing trash bags and BBQ chickens.
it is past this old mans bed time
Posted by: Fran | October 16, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Fran...be careful there my friend, she's a BEAUTY. All I'm gonna say is take your meds.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Pitt 17, Rutgers 10 at the half.
Wannstedt outcoaching Schiano so far.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Soup
If I don't receive anymore checks by Sat PM I'll mail you this next batch Monday
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 16, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Wannstedt outcoaching Schiano so far.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 09:40 PM
To be outcoached by the `stache
That might be a 1st
Posted by: Sebastian | October 16, 2009 at 09:51 PM
I hope to be making the trip to the game tomorrow. depending on when I can make it, i will try to stop and say hi. Also, Solar put me down for the donation. I will mail the check tomorrow or Monday.
Posted by: jimmy | October 16, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Thanks Jimmy!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 16, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Pitt 24, Runtgers 10
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I wont be able to sleep tonight. Already hit the captn-n-coke and will continue till wee hours of AM.....That's how I roll.
In case anyone is interested, towards the afternoon...i will be located at E3 / E4 (M6 on the map) which is just SE of the stadium. You are all welcome to stop by and say hello. I am also sitting in section 116 rows M and N and sitting next to the prettiest gal I know. Go Canes....
Posted by: raizecane | October 16, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Anyone in NYC watching the game tomorrow besides at Brother Jimmy's?
Posted by: shwarma | October 16, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Dude, don't even start with Caddyshack references... GREATEST GOLF MOVIE EVER!
"He hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama - "
You know some of the scenes were filmed at Rolling Hills Golf & Country Club in... wait for it... Davie, FL!
Bill Murray at his best!
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Raize...professional tailgaters ALWAYS start the night before. Shoot G&T started on Monday. I'm with U buddy!
Let's go Canes!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 10:50 PM
With a name like G&T....I wouldn't expect anything less :-)
Posted by: raizecane | October 16, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Roach77...see U tomorrow! Where are U sitting? Look for ORANGE Canespace shirts!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Row C, Sec 129, Seats 15 & 16.
These UCF Alums I'm sitting with claim to be worse than our old OB Westenders.
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Supposedly RIGHT behind the Miami bench.
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 10:58 PM
We have a pool and a pond. Pond would be good for you.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 16, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Gotta get some rest... BIG day tomorrow.
Not gonna predict a score... but I will predict 3 TD passes for Jacory "Cool Hand Luke" Harris.
Later...
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Nice line pb... just when I thought I was free they PULL me back in...
"Oh, this your wife, huh? A lovely lady. Hey baby, you must've been something before electricity."
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 11:03 PM
"Remember Danny - Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left."
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Judge Smails: "You know, you should play with Dr. Beeper and myself. I mean, he's been club champion for three years running and I'm no slouch myself."
Ty Webb: "Don't sell yourself short Judge, you're a tremendous slouch."
All right, that's it... I'm really out this time.
Posted by: roachcane77 | October 16, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Would you like to tie me up with one of your ties, Ty?
How do you judge yourself against other golfers?
By height.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 16, 2009 at 11:09 PM
J12
http://www.flawlesshustle.com/interview/flawless-hustle-x-jacory-harris-miami-hurricanes-star-quarterback-interview/
Posted by: Hey Yo! | October 16, 2009 at 11:25 PM
For some reason, I feel like watching Caddyshack. :-)
Posted by: raizecane | October 16, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Roach...good stuff! LMAO!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Pitt beats Runtgers.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 16, 2009 at 11:32 PM
No Problem Solar. I'll try again. Maybe on the way back up.
Posted by: Old Skool | October 16, 2009 at 11:35 PM
I guess I missed the food and free drinks. If its not too late I'll take a double hennesy and cranbery juice. Solar I'm really diggin the avitar. Toast to all the spacers meeting in O-Town I'll be cheering extra loud here in Tally
Posted by: moneycane | October 16, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Straight Cash homie. moneycane checking in via facebook.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5237650 | October 16, 2009 at 11:44 PM
I've been under the weather of late and have not checked for a while as a result.
I come back to pics on da Space!
Ratchin' it up one step at a time!
Great work, 86!
Now what, you going to change the name to SpaceBook?
Go Canes!!
Posted by: Pre83 | October 17, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Has anyone ordered the online PPV HD version of the game yet? I'm trying to purchase it in advance since I'm not in FL but can't find the link to order and pay on the CBS college sports network. I can find the link to become a monthly member but the Hurricanes website says that such memberships will NOT be able to see the game--only annual ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Here's the Canes website with the instructions I'm going off of so you know what I'm talking about. http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101309aah.html
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: CanesFanStuckInCali | October 17, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Straight Cash homie. moneycane checking in via facebook.
Posted by: Marcus Williams | October 16, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Gangsta!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Ratchin' it up one step at a time!
Great work, 86!
Go Canes!!
Posted by: Pre83 | October 17, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Ain't no thang, it's what I do.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 17, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Has anyone ordered the online PPV HD version of the game yet? I'm trying to purchase it in advance since I'm not in FL but can't find the link to order and pay on the CBS college sports network. I can find the link to become a monthly member but the Hurricanes website says that such memberships will NOT be able to see the game--only annual ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Here's the Canes website with the instructions I'm going off of so you know what I'm talking about. http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101309aah.html
GO CANES!!!
Posted by: CanesFanStuckInCali | October 17, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Please contact customer service at 888-870-2788 for further assistance.
CFSIC I had the time of my life to get the game in HD. Call that number above and they can help you better than the web interface. If you send them an email they are pretty slow to respond to it but the email addy is customersupport@cstv.com
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5237650 | October 17, 2009 at 12:15 AM
I guess I better get to bed. I have a very long day ahead of me today. Remember, we are representing the "U" so everybody behave and don't beat up any UCF fans. I want them to think we are as nice as Cornshucker fans.....NOT!!!
For those driving to the game...be safe.
Posted by: raizecane | October 17, 2009 at 12:43 AM