Only 13 fortunate teams remain on the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley as October comes to a close and the contenders for the 2009 National Championship read as follows:
Florida, Alabama, Texas, Iowa, TCU, Cincinnati, Boise State, Louisiana State, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Southern Cal, West Virginia, Penn State.
The eastern and western SEC powers continue to slug their way towards another pivotal SEC Championship game in less than impressive fashion but the level of play they face week in and week out is what separates them from the others in my book. The six one-loss contenders still need a major dose of help to stay in contention as the final month concludes in the regular season, with several elimination games still left to play between other Shortlist schools but no guarantee of help from the outcomes for the outsiders.
Only one of the three teams I picked to lose last week bucked the trend and survived, in impressive fashion for a team that cannot afford itself any margin of error:
1) TCU goes to Provo, Utah and decimates the Cougars of BYU again this year by a 38-7 margin in a game I considered a toss-up but turned out to be a beat down instead. Gary Patterson continues to amaze me with what he's down in Fort Worth as the best non-BCS conference team in America for my money continues it's run towards a well deserved BCS bowl berth and an undefeated season. Now only one last difficult test against Utah remains for the Horned Frogs to finally achieve what they've always come just short of doing, breaking through on the national stage. If they make it, I expect them to turn in a performance closer to Boise State or Utah, rather than closer to Hawaii when given the chance to play for the big money as this program's weight training and development of second tier prospects puts it head and shoulders above the average "have-not" of the college football world.
Only one team lost a game last week that I failed to call for and as a result finds itself removed from the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley in 2009 as a result:
1) Miami loses in overtime to Clemson at home 40-37 as turnovers and poor execution in all three phases of the game doom Randy Shannon's Hurricanes to waiting until at least 2010 to reclaim their rightful spot atop the college football world. Much like 2003, overtime against the Tigers ends any Hurricane hopes of a championship but unlike that year, this loss to me seems a harbinger of better days ahead instead of an ominous sign of bad days to come as it was in the Orange Bowl all those years ago. In the end, I can't help but find a little irony in the fact that my Shortlist warning of a dangerous challenge last Saturday was removed by the operator of this blog in favor of one calling for Miami to play for it all instead just hours before the wheels came off that particular bandwagon. Funny how life works out sometimes, isn't it?
Of course I'm now obligated to inform all new readers of the Shortlist this year that I always pick the Hurricanes to play for it all at the end of the year regardless of the preseason prognostication general consensus on their actual chances so while disappointing in the outcome of last weeks game, I remain quite satisfied with the progress the team has shown in getting back to playing actual competent football for the first time in over half a decade. That doesn't change the fact I don't care one whit about an ACC title or the fact that 2009 will go down in Hurricane lore as a failure no matter what happens the rest of the way, but at least this year it looked like success was just around the corner instead of playing high-school ball somewhere in Broward and Dade county on Friday.
My fellow Canespacer Esteban "Breaks Down" this week's game against Wake:
I expect two teams this week to take the plunge out of contention for the title when the final gun sounds, they are:
West Virginia and Southern Cal
Both teams face schools with quarterback questions but I still feel that both schools, on the road, will find themselves overcome by the opposition and out of the running for the only bowl game that really matters this week in Tampa and Eugene respectively. Enjoy the games this week, or at least try to if you can, and be back here next week as the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley comes ever closer to the top 10 teams left on it in 2009.
Copyright 2009 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com
the incredible reflexes to post the last comment on one article and the first on the next within 15 seconds of each other.
no wonder im banned from getting frigging tee shirt lol
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 03:04 PM
"was removed by the operator of this blog in favor...."
I feel you OGV, I feel you brudda
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 03:09 PM
"was removed by the operator of this blog in favor...."
I feel you OGV, I feel you brudda
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 03:09 PM
U see I told U that everyone talks bad about me behind my back!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 29, 2009 at 03:18 PM
soup sent you an email,
I hope you saw where I said I have nothing but pure respect for your mom and pop
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 03:24 PM
6th...
Solar...
Is that BOZO ??? LOL
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Here's college football pundit Phil Steele's All-A.C.C. team. Your Miami Hurricanes also has ballers on Steele's 1st Team D-unit, as well as 2nd team, and 3rd team defensive and offensive units. Enjoy.
Here's the link for the rest of the all conference players. http://philsteele.com/fbsinfo/FBSAllConf/2009midssnallconf/MidSeason-ACC.html
1st TEAM Offense
QB Jacory Harris, Miami
RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
WR Torrey Smith, Maryland
WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
WR Donovan Varner, Duke
TE George Bryan, NC State
C Matt Tennant, Boston College
OG Thomas Austin, Clemson
OG Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
OT Jason Fox, Miami
KR CJ Spiller, Clemson
PR Da’Norris Searcy, North Carolina
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | October 29, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Cat5...love the new avatar! I was gonna use it but I knew u would go to that sooner or later. That's a keeper!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 29, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Mea Culpa loyal Cane fandom, because link above is inoperational.
So, if U'all are interested in perusing the rest Phil's All-A.C.C. teams, then go to http://philsteele.com/
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | October 29, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Was thinking of retiring the logo until next year... but ya never know till the fat women sing that song...
Still holding on for a miracle comeback and all 17 teams in front of us tanks it... leaving us at 11-2 and going to the big dance.
12 percenters... only
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Hey Soupster
Talk about tag logo's... That's a great one youeself.
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 04:03 PM
cat,
that's Homey D. Clown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QhuBIkPXn0
He is always gettin hassled by "The Man" just like me on here.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Let's begin the Wake beatdown already! and the VT beatdown tonight! UNC wins by 2 td's
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Let's begin the Wake beatdown already! and the VT beatdown tonight! UNC wins by 2 td's
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Regarding your touting of Butch's Hee-less squad. It ain't going to happen baby!
For Butch's ballers have thrown in the proverbial "no mas towel." LOL
Matter of fact, Beamer Ball wins by DOUBLE-DIGITS, and easily covers the - 15 1/2 line. U dig!
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | October 29, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Off the wall question here
I live in the 813/727 area and have to go to physical therapy a few times a week and there is this huge guy that ive seen there
About a month or so I had to ask him who he was and he said he was some wrestler. I could barely understand him but the guy is at least 6`10 if not taller and around 450lbs
Dude is very very very strong. His hands are enourmous. Long black hair. Has a heavy accent
If anyone follows wrestling would you happen to know who this guy is
Ive never in my life seen someone that damn tall as well as strong and not 1 bit clumsy
Posted by: Sebastian | October 29, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Can't wait for the Virginia game... have ticket in hand and will be tailgating early. Providing something else doesn't pop up like the last couple of games...
Lately been feel'n like i've been snake bit. But I say to myself... it can always be worse. Soooooo U do what ya can and take the next step.... pick it up and lay it down.
Next!!! I say, with a smile... "Mother Nature, what-cha-got and could I have another please!"
LOL... Bring it !
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Good deal ogv(Chris W). BTW:Like Cat5 & Solar's id's & U-2... 86.
Posted by: tortugacane | October 29, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Well, looks like Michigan and Illinois for the old TV this Saturday.
Two weeks in a row they pick Michigan for the second game shown for middle America...
Looks like 'Canes computer TV again.
Posted by: Texascane | October 29, 2009 at 04:36 PM
This is amusing. THE Ohio State University's Terrelle Pryor is turning to J12 for advice:
He’s turned to others outside of the program for advice, namely Jacory Harris from Miami. I think Harris is a great guy to turn to – not only is he hilarious (OK I just wanted to put that in here, not relevant at all), but he is also in a program with tremendous pressure. Harris has performed quite well this year and I think is a very good guy to turn to.
http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/?p=19498
Also recommends sweater vest to hire Whipple
Posted by: JSQ | October 29, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Regarding your touting of Butch's Hee-less squad. It ain't going to happen baby!
For Butch's ballers have thrown in the proverbial "no mas towel." LOL
Matter of fact, Beamer Ball wins by DOUBLE-DIGITS, and easily covers the - 15 1/2 line. U dig!
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | October 29, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Dude, don't be too quick to throw my prediction into the fire, VT always finds a way to lose 2-3 games per season no matter how good of a coaching staff they have and despite the talent level they get year in and year out.
Ga Tech have the best chance of winning it out in the ACC, VaTech beatdown tonight my friend! Butch's kids shows up and demolishes overrated Ryan Williams and the the rest of the gang!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 04:44 PM
17 - 16 UNC
Posted by: Sebastian | October 29, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Homey... always liked his humor... must have seen Major Payne... a half dozen times... and still laugh about "The little engine that could"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3GlIpe2Acg&feature=related
Crazy funny
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 04:49 PM
17- 7 VT
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 04:52 PM
tortuga thanks!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 04:53 PM
20-17 VT. Butch is up til late and they choke it away.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 29, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Did I see Este and BG on the UNC list???
WTF????
Aqua you in?
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | October 29, 2009 at 04:55 PM
jim carrey as vanilla ice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A7tLVIsuNw&feature=related
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 29, 2009 at 04:58 PM
awe, hell no!!!
Butch takes the wheels off and lets go of the defense... smothering VT and smacking the QB out of the game... NC 17/13
I can wish, can't I ?
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Hoping that Florida loses to Ga and Fl State... Now wouldn't that be sweet!
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Hoping that Florida loses to Ga and Fl State... Now wouldn't that be sweet!
Posted by: Cat5Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:05 PM
. . . and South Carolina!
Wait, is that too greedy?
Posted by: JSQ | October 29, 2009 at 05:08 PM
Florida state will play Florida like it's their national championship!
Florida got everything to lose and plays them like we played Clemson, trying too hard not to lose and play uptight instead of going for the kill!
Season Finale upset alert FSU 17 - UF 14
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:13 PM
South Carolina will beat the Crocs
If they go up against Ala. it wont even be close
Bama will beat them by more then 14
Posted by: Sebastian | October 29, 2009 at 05:14 PM
Mark Richt will be wishing he still have Moreno and Stafford in his team, I hate to say it but the Gators will destroy them dawgs on saturday . .
Now i do see South Carolina and FSU upsetting them, they go 11-2 or 10-3 assuming they lose to bama in the SEC championship, and maybe we can play them in the Gator bowl or Capital one bowl or something, dunno if that's a possible scenario, feel free to correct me on that one!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:23 PM
I doubt it, but would love to play Fla and MR Tebow before he says his goodbye's... Just one more time!
Were not ready for prime time yet but for this game... We ready, we ready for Mr Tebow!
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Season Finale upset alert FSU 17 - UF 14
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I agree 100% on this call. Higher score but FSU wins and Bobby saves his job for another year. Maybe...
Posted by: 86Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Me too, Cat5!!!!
Posted by: JSQ | October 29, 2009 at 05:32 PM
some of you guys are really reaching for Florida to lose
Posted by: Daytoncane | October 29, 2009 at 05:34 PM
More like reaching for florida to play em', if we do, payback will be a biiiaatch!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:38 PM
My prime choices to play somebody in a bowl
FLorida
LSU
Ohio State
The Catholics
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:39 PM
I can't wait for big bad Allen Bailey to throw timmy boy around like a lil raggedy doll!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:40 PM
I dont know if i`d call it a reach
They really havent showed anything to make me think someone cant beat them
South Carolina can,F$U with Mickey leaving and the hype around that game you never know
Alabama...forget it, the crocs have 0% chance of beating them
Posted by: Sebastian | October 29, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Rivals has us playing Georgia in The Chik fil A Bowl.
Posted by: Texascane | October 29, 2009 at 05:45 PM
My prime choices to play somebody in a bowl
FLorida
LSU
Ohio State
The Catholics
Posted by: Cat5Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Dang, that is some obvious revenge games there Cat . .
Our haterade for them gators speaks for itself, and the 08' game we want back! it'll be tough to play UF this year, if in 08 you think that Phillips pass interference that changed the momentum of the game was bogus!?! wait, til we get a chance to play em' this year, can you imagine those SEC referee homers calling all the phantoms they could call againsts us!
With LSU it's obvious we want to avenge our peach bowl lost . .
With Ohio state, need i say more . .
With Notre Dame, all you need to mention is Convicts vs Catholics, and it's nuff to make your blood boil to the max!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:48 PM
some of you guys are really reaching for Florida to lose... Posted by: Daytoncane.
Tona... not at all, Tee and company aren't the same as 08... and I think it would be a great game... and of coarse we win.
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:51 PM
In case U are new to the blog, ST#26:
http://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2009/04/sean-taylor-gone-but-not-forgotten-.html
And this one too:
http://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2008/11/one-year-later-one-life-lost.html
Posted by: 86Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Rivals has us playing Georgia in The Chik fil A Bowl.
Posted by: Texascane | October 29, 2009 at 05:45 PM
Eat more chicken!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Rivals is so idiotic, by the end of the year, them Dawgs will have 4 losses, and we'll be 10-2, no way we accept the bid to play those suckers!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:56 PM
To be honest... I think we beat everyone on my list...
Our offense is getting nothing but stronger, week by week... scoring 37 last week is going to be the norm...
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:57 PM
To be honest... I think we beat everyone on my list...
Our offense is getting nothing but stronger, week by week... scoring 37 last week is going to be the norm...
Posted by: Cat5Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Not unless the Referees decides the game, you're forgetting that UF should've had 2 losses by now, Ark and Miss. St, i'd even throw in the Vols game!
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | October 29, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Posted by: 86Cane | October 29, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Thank U for reposting those articles for us
It always brings tears to my eyes when reflecting about #26
U put your heart into those articles
RIP #26
Posted by: Sebastian | October 29, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Phillips pass interference that changed the momentum of the game was bogus!?! wait, til we get a chance to play em' this year, can you imagine those SEC referee homers calling all the phantoms they could call against us! by Beast
Like the name, BTW
Yeah and Randy needs to stop being passive about bad calls.... Sometimes ya just gotta show emotion and displeasure of a bad call to catch the attention of the press and committee... Hell, throw a damn chair on the field and take a 15 yarder...
Posted by: Cat 5 Cane | October 29, 2009 at 06:06 PM