Mary Knows Football: Week 7

Before I give you this week’s picks and brilliant analysis, I want to give a shout out to Steve Walsh, Bennie Blades, and Gary Dunn for helping the UMAA Palm Beach ‘Canes Club by signing footballs for me at the Ring of Honor induction luncheon.  I had the opportunity to attend the event with Janice Leis (seen here), my good friend and mother of Ben Leis, the President of the Palm Beach ‘Canes Club. 

 

Hurricane fans attending any of our upcoming game watches will have the opportunity to win the footballs signed by the Ring of Honor inductees (Gary’s signature in Eddie Dunn’s stead, obviously) at Miller's Ale House in east Boca Raton. 

 

This money will help the Palm Beach ‘Canes Club establish a scholarship for an incoming UM student in Palm Beach County and give back to the U. 

 

Okay, end of shameless PBCC game watch plug.

 

9 LSU vs. 3 Alabama: Alabama

 

Since Tattletale Timmy and the University of Felons are playing Vandy, an opponent they likely don’t need biased ref calls (I was a biased ref for Halloween, but even I wasn’t as flagrant as SEC officials) or eye gouging to defeat, let’s take a look at the bitter rivalry between LSU and Bama.  Alabama, who is coming in off a bye, hasn't won against LSU on its own field since 1999.  I would like to apologize in advance to my awesome friend Missy, a big LSU fan and genuine N'awlins gal who invented a combination U/shocker sign to celebrate Shockey's touchdowns, but I think this is going to Bama's year.  Bama's offense is led by Heisman trophy candidate RB Mark Ingram who has already topped 1,000 yards this season.  QB McElroy also has good receiving targets in Jones, Peek, and Maze.  Bama's defense is ranked #4 in the nation and anchored by DT Terrence Cody (who blocked two field goals to save the Tennessee game), LB Rolondo McClain, S Mark Barron, and CB Javier Arenas.  Remember these names.  We will likely be cheering for them the first week of December.  LSU's defense is no slouch, however.  Led by playmakers Jones at S, and Sheppard, Riley, and Coleman at LB, they limited the Crocs to one TD.  The problem? The Tigers' offense.  They rank 100 nationally in yards per game and 67th at scoring offense.  QB Jefferson's stats are more impressive (63% completion for 1,421 yards, 11 TD/4 Int.).  Nonetheless, I don't think the Tigers will be able to put enough points on Bama and we will see the same kind of struggles they had against Floriduh.

 

11 Penn State vs. 16 Ohio State: Penn State

 

The Luckeyes don’t look impressive on offense this year with QB Pryor struggling and calling a certain Sponge-Bob-loving QB down south for help on his game.  The Suckeyes even resorted to trick plays to move the ball against New Mexico State. THE Ohio State University does have a decent defense though.  On the other hand, Penn State comes into this game leading the nation in scoring defense, allowing just over 9 ppg.  This is due in large part to their OLB duo, Bowman and Lee, who led in tackles in the Nittany Lion’s win over Northwestern last week.  QB Clark has his choice of great receivers in Royster, Moye, Powell, and Quarless.  Where is Penn State lacking?  Special teams.  The Nittany Lions are ranked 114 in net punting, 110th in kick returns and 101 in punt returns.  In the Iowa game, Jeremy Boone had his punt blocked and returned for a go-ahead touchdown by DE Clayborn.  Boone had another punt blocked at Michigan.  I predict a Penn State win in a defensive battle, but if Joe Pa drops this game to sweater vest, the Lion’s special teams play is to blame. 

 

10 Georgia Tech vs. Wake Forest:  GA Tech

 

I’m going to skip all the stats since we are pretty familiar with what both teams bring to the table.  Similar to the UNC/VA Tech game last week, boy would I like to be wrong about this pick!  If Riley Skinner plays, maybe I could be.  As much as ‘Canes fans are down on the team for being behind to Wake Forest to most of last week’s game (except for when it counted, of course), Wake Forest does have a good offense and a very good QB.  After GA Tech’s trouble at Vandy and the regression of their defense to what it looked like earlier this season, it is clear they are not invulnerable.  Further, the Deamon Deacons have seen GA Tech’s offense before in a monsoon during their 10-13 loss to Navy.  Still, I think Duke has the better chance for the GT upset.  Oh well.  Let’s send Skinner some “get well soon” cards, ‘Canes fans and hope for the best.

 

Florida State vs. Clemson:  Clemson

 

I haven't done this in a while, and I hope my favorite 'Nole, Julie (she's okay guys, undergrad at FSWho, but med school at UM) will forgive me - but I don't see the 'Noles having a chance against Clemson.  Frankly, I think the Criminoles should just scrap the next few games and should just start preparing for Floriduh now.  Seriously.  You probably aren't going to a decent bowl game this year, Bobby, but if you beat the Crocs and send Saint Timmy off in tears, I bet you get another season to "go out on top."  Anyway, although Clemson's best pass rusher is out this game (Da’Quan Bowers sprained his MCL and PCL), I don't think even an all-world bruised-ribbed Ponder can make up for the 'Noles D in this matchup.  As if things weren’t bad enough before, players have to be distracted by Mickey Andrew’s retirement announcement on Tuesday. Instead of stopping CJ Spiller, I expect to see Criminole defenders running along beside him for 30-40 yards, almost as if they are chatting about the weather and the good crowd at the game.  My advice to avoid embarrassment, 'Noles?  If the coaches say squib, for God's sake, SQUIB!!!  SQUIB!!!

 

17 Miami vs. UVA:  Miami

 

Ah, yes.  It’s finally here.  We get UVA back at home, for our homecoming game no less.  This time, I don’t think our Miami boys will let the Cavaliers spoil the celebration.  We know the problems the ‘Canes are having - I’m not going to beat a dead horse, or in our case, a beleaguered defense and an offense allowing a few too many sacks, interceptions and dropped passes for our liking. 

 

Virginia is the only team in the ACC who runs a 3-4 D and Coach Shannon has been preparing the guys for an eight man front, man coverage, and a very physical crew of CBs.  The Cavaliers are ranked 19th in pass coverage, giving up only 4 passing touchdowns this season.  The ‘Canes had success on the ground against UVA last year, with Coop having a career-best 24 carries for 131 yards.  With the news today that Javaris James will return from injury to play this Saturday, you can expect to see more of a running game between JJ, Cooper and Berry this week.  On offense, UVA gives up more sacks than our O-line – 28 so far – so I think our D will still have success disrupting the Cavalier’s drives despite so many men out.  Further, QB Sewell has been plagued by injuries and dropped passes have been an issue for UVA.  I think the ‘Canes can capitalize on this.

 

I predict an easier game to watch than the last couple of weeks.  No need to constantly change seats in Landshark stadium, change out of your referee costume during half time because you think it is cursed, or  switch the TV you are watching to change the team’s karma – um, not that I do this or anything, but I hear some crazies do. 

 

So enjoy the kegs and eggs tailgating, ‘Canes fans, catch up with old friends at Homecoming, celebrate our alma mater, and watch our beloved Miami boys bring home another W.  This one’s for the Old Girl.  May she rest in peace once we destroy those who dared to stomp on her grave.

Comments

[SwagGirl]

FIRST!!!!!!!!!

[86Cane]

SwagGirl wins! The fix is in...

[JSQ]

What happened to my comment, 86?

It's okay, give first to SwagGirl, I don't mind.

[miamimike01]

JSQ for ROY and ROH!

She gets my vote!

Nice job as always, Mary. Can't wait to hang again...

[JSQ]

86 have you ever considered reffing for the SEC?

[JSQ]

Thanks, mm01! How are you and Randy?

[SwagGirl]

Thanks JSQ!! I am finally first.

[miamimike01]

... switch the TV you are watching to change the team’s karma – um, not that I do this or anything, but I hear some crazies do.

She IS as crazy as the rest of us!

[86Cane]

What happened to my comment, 86?

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 08:03 PM

What comment? I have no idea what U are talking about. LOL

I got fired by the SEC. I called a penalty AGAINST Tim Tebow and they escorted me right out of the Swamp.

[JSQ]

Yeah, SwagGirl, mine don't count . . . although completely deleting my comment . . . OUCH, 86!

[Sebastian]

A great write as always

[JSQ]

... switch the TV you are watching to change the team’s karma – um, not that I do this or anything, but I hear some crazies do.

She IS as crazy as the rest of us!

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 04, 2009 at 08:06 PM

You have NO idea!

[Daytoncane]

like Calvin said, Brown should free himself. you guys on here are wanting Randy to play a guy that hasn't distinguished himself from a guy who supposedly sucks.

since we're talking 'backers i found another guy who only "finds the ball and tackles" lol

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=4619628

[JSQ]

What happened to my comment, 86?

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 08:03 PM

What comment? I have no idea what U are talking about. LOL

I got fired by the SEC. I called a penalty AGAINST Tim Tebow and they escorted me right out of the Swamp.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 04, 2009 at 08:06 PM

So that answers the question of what you need to do to be fired by the SEC . . .

[SwagGirl]

Wish I was going to the game but have to work Saturday.

[JSQ]

A great write as always

Posted by: Sebastian | November 04, 2009 at 08:07 PM

Thanks, Sebastian, although I expect my puppy to like everything I write.

[Sebastian]

Bama will crush L$U by at least 17

[SwagGirl]

My daughter's school had a day this week where you could wear your favorite jersey to school and she wore her UM jersey with pride!! Oh yeah this was in the heart of Gator country. (she did catch some slack but she gave it right back to them!!)

[JSQ]

Wish I was going to the game but have to work Saturday.

Posted by: SwagGirl | November 04, 2009 at 08:08 PM

I will do a jello shot in your honor

[SwagGirl]

I will do a jello shot in your honor

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 08:12 PM

One is just not enough....

[JSQ]

One is just not enough....

Posted by: SwagGirl | November 04, 2009 at 08:13 PM

I'm on top of that, boss. I can definitely do more. Just ask mm01! haha

[86Cane]

SwagGirl...now U have FAIRLY and SQUARELY won your 2 Canespace T-shirts!

BTW...the shirts arrived today! I'll have some at the UVA game and will mail some more out tomorrow. MM01, MoneyCane and Swag are at the top of the list.

[Ben Leis]

Congrats to the U's new hall of fame class!

[miamimike01]

GOD, I love typepad.

Mary, me and Randy are fine. Still gonna swing the USF game. No if, ands, or buts. We're true fans showing our true swag.

When the going gets tough, UM KICKS SOME AZZ!

Our guys NEED to win this one. This is the "easiest" one left. A must win...

[Sebastian]

Cant get enough of this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1zUKJVEw8&feature=related

[JSQ]

Congrats to the U's new hall of fame class!

Posted by: Ben Leis | November 04, 2009 at 08:19 PM

Which includes Alex Santos, who is on my committee for sports programming of the Palm Beach 'Canes Club! Woo hoo! First Steve and Bennie in the ROH, now Alex in the HOF!!! Way to represent, Palm Beach county!

[JSQ]

I will be at USF, mm01.

. . . and we will defeat the Cavaliers. I got this.

[86Cane]

Congrats to the U's new hall of fame class!

Posted by: Ben Leis | November 04, 2009 at 08:19 PM

Hey Ben, what's up? Any special events going on in the 561?

[JSQ]

Yes, Ben, please tell us, inquiring minds want to know!

This totally doesn't seem rehearsed, right?

[JSQ]

U have FAIRLY and SQUARELY won your 2 Canespace T-shirts!

Posted by: 86Cane | November 04, 2009 at 08:19 PM

You are starting to sound like Urban Liar. I forfeited out of kindness to my fellow blogger.

[SwagGirl]

SwagGirl...now U have FAIRLY and SQUARELY won your 2 Canespace T-shirts!

Thanks 86 Cane.

[canechic]

Go Mary- sorry missed the first cuz I am spending my evening answering redundant ethics question like- "What would you do if a supervising attorney asked you to prepare requests for continuances in virtually every case he or she handled"?

and there are 12 very similar to this one....I am just about to cry....I would rather be on canespace but off to the Florida Bar website to find the rules against frivolous lawsuits.

Good job Mary and GO CANES!!!!

[JSQ]

Posted by: canechic | November 04, 2009 at 08:31 PM

Wow. That doesn't sound like fun at all. We will make up for it on Saturday!

Thanks for taking the time to comment! GO 'CANES!!!

[Six]

Pedro Martinez is going to get shelled tonight if he doesn't stop bringing Malibu Grand Prix Batting Cage speed stuff to the plate

Topping out at 86 and your cut fastball isn't getting called for a strike? Gonna be a long night .. esp. in that softball sized field up in New Yuck

Oh wait, this is a football blog

[Six]

Just 45 seconds after I said that, Matsui takes him yard

Disgusting

[JSQ]

Any questions/comments about the picks?

[86Cane]

Six...I'm watching it too. Go Phillies!

I posted yesterday about Canes baseball and basketball. Not a big hit. Not a single comment about either one.

[miamimike01]

I like all the picks.

Clemson dunks on FSU and PSU has too much for TP. I like the Nittany Lions by a TD.

LSU has no chance.

[JSQ]

Thanks, mm01!!!

[twitter.com/palmbeachcanes]

We are having our holiday reception with the legendary Dr. William R. Butler, VP of Student Affairs, Emeritus at the University of Miami on December 10th at Nick and Johnnie's in Palm Beach Florida. He will be signing his new book and talking about some really incredible stories about the U that U never knU. We have sponsorships available if you want to create some awareness for your business to a great group of 'Canes. Visit http://www.561Canes.com for more details!

[JSQ]

Wow, it's so slow you would think the World Series was on or something!

. . . oh, wait. nevermind.

[JSQ]

Thanks, Ben! It's going to be a great event!

[miamimike01]

here's one:

UM's record in basketball will be BETTER this year than last. More team ball. Nobody waiting on Jack to start sinking threes. AND, no expectations.

I like UM baseball to be in Omaha. EE is back, Grandal will be a great clean up, and I expect the young pitching to be better than last year. Morris brought in a great class. Another great year is expected from that group.

[JSQ]

From your lips to God's ears, mm01!

[86Cane]

Morris brought in a great class. Another great year is expected from that group.

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 04, 2009 at 08:50 PM

They may be too young this year, like 12 new freshmen?

[JSQ]

Are you guys going to any basketball games this year? I should be at about 4-5.

[miamimike01]

From your lips to God's ears, mm01!

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 08:52 PM

Maybe even Santa's:

All I want for Xmas is five more wins in football.

NEVER too young in baseball. FR and SO's show out too often. UM Baseball is in EXCELLENT hands.

If U can hit, you'll go far. As in Omaha...

[Six]

Canes baseball wants to win, they need to cut that "me first" bullcrap out like they had WAYY too much of last year

Too many players concerned about themselves than the team. Bellamy finally admitted that after the season was over

Cut down on the fielding errors and trying to go yard every pitch. Forget that "Chicks Dig the Long Ball" garbage. Win each pitch, win the game, welcome back to Omaha

[86Cane]

I asked Siestma if UM was gonna have any baseball/basketball double header Saturdays like last year but he said he wasn't sure.

Baseball at 3 PM / Basketball at 7:30 PM.

[pb(CSROH10)]

I have a suggestion for your weekly story JSQ.