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

[JSQ]

Do tell, pb!

[pb(CSROH10)]

You should go back and check your record on all your picks and keep a running season total.

I think overall you are doing very well.

[Hurriphin]

whoop whoop

[JSQ]

Something about your life story?

"The details of my life are quite inconsequential.... Very well, where do I begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low-grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a 15-year-old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet. My father would womanize; he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes, he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament... My childhood was typical: summers in Rangoon... luge lessons... In the spring, we'd make meat helmets... When I was insolent I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds — pretty standard, really.

[JSQ]

You should go back and check your record on all your picks and keep a running season total.

I think overall you are doing very well.

Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | November 04, 2009 at 09:09 PM

I think I have been 3/5 every week except #1. I was 2/5 that week. Average, I guess?

[JSQ]

Maybe I will do a season wrap-up with that stuff, pb. What do you think, management?

[miamimike01]

If Randy and I were closer, we would have season tix to baseball. I love UM baseball.

It's as special as football.

The last game I saw was while Randy and I owned our restuarant in Oxford, MS. UM visited Ole Miss in a Super Regional. We wore our UM gear to the games and got lots of crazy looks, b/c we supported Ole Miss Athletics, too.

But we all know who's #1 in our hearts...

Our joint had all SEC stuff on the wall, an Eli Manning autographed lithograph picture, but there was the "UM Wall of Fame".

Had to represent, even in Oxford.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Doesn't matter what I prefer...evidently Randy thought Cook was better than Sharpton last year (Think about that one for a minute). Randy had no problem throwing DVD and others into the "sink or swim" mentality.

What if he had thrown AB into the mix all last year...all those questions would have been answered...for all time. Surely would not have been bad as Cook.

Randy just seems to have a soft spot for guys like himself...big heart, understand the game...but just not quite good enough. He just doesn't seem to care for the guys with all the physical talent that like to freelance now and then.

What I am afraid of is that in a couple of years we are going to see AB playing lights out on Sunday and wonder, "What if?"

Just like McIntosh.

Posted by: Texascane | November 04, 2009 at 04:38 PM

>>>>>>

Tex, first of all if you really think Shannon has a soft spot related to ANYTHING on the football field you're way off.

Secondly, if you think Shannon would even have OFFERED Sharpton or Cook, you haven't noticed the talent upgrades he's brought in and continues to bring in each year. LB is behind schedule because of defections and injuries.

Bottom line is that #11 is basically a freshman at this new position. And while Sharpton whiffs so much it's sickening, #11 being totally clueless on anything but a dive play is clearly NOT an upgrade.

If RR hadn't gone down, Phillips would probably not have made it back into the lineup, maybe maybe not.

But Kenny Phillips just took the spot from Greg Threat and never looked back.

And Rocky had a solid senior or junior year, whichever was his last, but was injured most of the time he was here.

And whatever ground I didn't cover, PB and Dayton did.

Accept it. The difference between Kansas and SoFl is a helluva lot bigger than any of us thought.

But #11 has shown great character through this learning curve. It has to be difficult for him. Plus, one of the reasons he chose UM was because he said coach Barrow was very patient and didn't put a lot of pressure on him.

When he's ready to play he'll play. But he better learn quickly because Kevin Nelson can ball.

[Hurriphin]

Splendid work as usual, JSQ.

[JSQ]

That's awesome, mm01!

[JSQ]

Splendid work as usual, JSQ.

Posted by: Hurriphin | November 04, 2009 at 09:15 PM

Thanks, Hurriphin!

[Hurriphin]

You know who else pissed me off?

Marcus Maxey and Leon Williams.

Talk about whiffing..............

Both had every physical tool you could ask for at their respective positions, and neither of them could make a big play to save their lives.

Soooooooooo many WASTED athletes during the Coker commission..........

[miamimike01]

When he's ready to play he'll play. But he better learn quickly because Kevin Nelson can ball.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 04, 2009 at 09:14 PM

I know.

[Six]

but there was the "UM Wall of Fame".

Had to represent, even in Oxford.

Posted by: miamimike01

That's like in the Spike Lee movie, "Do The Right Thing" when Danny Aiello has a lot of pictures of Italians on the walls of his restaurant .... except I don't think the Ole Miss fans burned your joint down

[JSQ]

Hurriphin, I have a great story about Marcus Maxey. Best told off the blog and over jello shots. He said the most STUPID line ever to my friend and it lives in infamy! Kevin Everett is involved too. Ah, Cokerites.

[miamimike01]

Nelson is a BAMF!

the next great #52.

Trust me.

[JSQ]

By the way, the book about Kevin, Standing Tall, is a great inspirational read. He is a nice guy.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Who's going to step up on defense this weekend? Still down 11 players on that side or is it slightly better?

[86Cane]

What do you think, management?

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 09:11 PM

The Management fully approves!

[JSQ]

OGV, Randy said on Joe Rose Tuesday morning that they all will be out again, with perhaps, just maybe, the exception of Ray Ray.

[86Cane]

OGV...got your article! Thanks once again. The Short List is getting shorter.

[JSQ]

Ok, pb, I got Management's approval (he's tough!) so I will do a season recap. I was thinking of doing a bowl game preview/picks too. Do you like that too, management? Should I do the recap before or after the bowliday season?

[JSQ]

Looking forward to The Short List, OGV!

[Hurriphin]

Kick it to me JSQ!!

Just replace all the bad words with "Heck" "Freak" and "Airhead"

If you haven't watched "Orphan" yet, peep it On Demand. I saw it in the movies, and that little girl was the sh!t, I tells ya!

[JSQ]

Sorry, Hurriphin, that story would last about 5 seconds before 86's head exploded and it got deleted.

No bad words in the story, but it is definitely NC-17 and includes lines from a popular 50 cent song circa 2003.

Again, it involved my friend, not me. Good story. Best told over jello shots.

[Aquaman]

Tentative Baseball schedule:

2/13 alumni game
2/19-21 Rutgers
2/24 FGCU
2/26-28 Manhattan
3/2 USF (legends field)
3/3 Marlins
3/5-7 UF
3/9 @UCF
3/12-14 BC
3/16-17 Fordham
3/19-21 @Duke
3/23 UCF
3/26-28@NCST
3/31 FAU
4/2-4 Wake
4/6@FAU
4/7 FAU
4/9-11@VT
4/14@FGCU
4/16-18 UNC
4/20 Bethune
4/23-25@FSU
4/28 USF
4/30-2 Maryland
5/7-9 Alabama A&M
5/14-16@GT
5/18 TBA
5/20-22 UVA
5/26-30 ACC tourney
6/4-6 regionals
6/11-13 supers
6/19-30 CWS

[JSQ]

Thanks, aqua!

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 09:10 PM

Averaging 3 out of 5 is excellent when choosing the toughest games.

[JSQ]

Thanks, pb!

[JSQ]

Okay, Canespacers, I'm going to bed! Thanks for the comments on the article!

GO 'CANES!!! BEAT UVA!!!

See y'all around the RV lot Saturday! :-)

[orange 'n green in the vein]

I have a bad feeling about this game just like last week, what's the attendance? +/- 50,000?

[pb(CSROH10)]

OGV we will have 35k there I bet.

[86Cane]

Should I do the recap before or after the bowliday season?

Posted by: JSQ | November 04, 2009 at 09:37 PM

Before the bowl games. There is a lull in action between the final game and the ACC championship and the bowl games.

OGV...we will be lucky to have 35-40K there.

7-1 Yanks. Fat lady is warming up...

[Calvin]

Did they pull pedro out of the game yet!

[CaneSawMassacre]

JSQ .. good article a couple comments.

1. You are smokin' in the ref outfit, compliment since I'm a happily engaged man and proud to so I've never even thought about...(well) I mean I've never cheated on my girl. LOL!

2. Why did you go and have to pick the # 69 for your ref #... Was that a reference to SEC refs blowing games on purpose, or were you just trying to add to the sexy bit. Because if it was for the SEC portion, you deserve mad props. (Only thing that would have made it better was official SEC ref. conference patch)

3. You are officially nominated by me for 2010 canespace hall of fame. Mark it down 86 and vault it.

4. No lie me and my father have a karma superstition thing during Hurricanes games and usually if they are not doing well he stops watching (if I'm not with him I tell him to turn of the game).. And they usually do better.

True story this saturday we are watching the first half (disgusted)... Then dinner is starting at my parents house after the last Wake Forest TD in the 3rd quarter and my father forces me to turn it off of the television.

So I begrudingly oblige because that is not usually part of our deal (He stops watching and it gets better but, I was just hoping anything would work at this point and my father said trust me they will win if you keep it off 28-27)... Well I turn it back on and the score is still not good. My father tell me to shut it off I do...

Then I turn it back on and its 20-27.. And I'm like awesome its the 4th quarter and the defense is trying to stop Wake Forest. My father says you'll Jinx them.. I keep it on and no lie... Wake Forest starts gashing our defense again.. I'm like SH*T!!! I turn the TV back off. I wait for awhile then turn on the TV when it is the 4th and 16 with Jacory.

My dad screams again shut it off, "Dad, it is over, It doesn't matter," I say. Then I watch the amazing catch by Aldarius and proceed to go nuts. My father again is telling me to turn the TV off from his location in the den (far away from a TV), and I'm like"No No"... Jacory just threw a 4th and 16 pass for a completion, I'm suppose to watch.... I see the final drive on my knees in the living room by myself while I keep the rest of my family out of room and my dad screaming the whole time for me to turn off the TV.. (Thank God I didn't listen)

Then after we score I refused to let anybody in until the defense finally held them to the missed field goal.

IT WAS HILARIOUS..

[miamimike01]

IT WAS HILARIOUS..

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | November 04, 2009 at 10:12 PM

ALL TO FAMILIAR... LOL!

[CaneSawMassacre]

By the way. BENCH JOEL FIGEUORA

[CaneSawMassacre]

It is time for Brandon Washington to see the field. I mean rewatch the Wake game, I can not see how Joel is our 2nd best guard.

We can't just have players out their because they know the plays.

You put the damn kid in and tell him to maul everybody and anybody and if he needs to pull left or right on a play you make sure Jacory tells him.

I mean seriously.

[DZ8]

As far as pass coverage, being totally lost (AB)and being two steps behind a receiver (DS) results in the same thing. Except AB might be able to run somebody down

I agree with just about everything Texascane had to say earlier. Especially the part about Gingers having no soul...

[DZ8]

Point being, I've seen what DS can do... we have two losses and will NOT win a national championship this year. That is a failure at Miami (IMO) and I would like to see what the next generations got. (Same thing I said last year in the infamous Georgia Tech game.)

[CaneSawMassacre]

I can not believe how easily recognizable Lovette and Shannon made the D, just man coverage 2 and the worst part was that even with that simple D the safeties who were suppose to help over the top got fooled with playaction.

So if your safeties are not really helping out over the top.. move them up onto them d*mn line like Polamalu and have them screaming and running around at least intimidating the QB

[DZ8]

CSM

Awesome story of last week from you.

I got home from work, 21-27. Then walked my dog. My neighbors were having a Haloween party and I hung out there for as long as I could to avoid finding out because... I wasn't wearing MY OFFICIALLY SANCTIONED CANESPACE SEAN TAYLOR T-SHIRT! wont happen again

[miamimike01]

Kevin Nelson got next.

Need to bridge the gap until he's ready.

Until then? I have no idea.

[DZ8]

I'm a Dolphins and Canes fan, maybe not in that order anymore. Point being, until you get a dominant safety, you do not have a dominate defense. Name a dominate defense and I'll name a dominate safety.

[DZ8]

The other point being... PLAY THE FRESHMEN...or in this case sophomores.

Free#11

[DZ8]

Shayvon Green

[CaneSawMassacre]

Truth or J or any insidre Este/86 (if you feel that privy)

What is up with the defensive play calling. Nobody was fooled, not even the Wake Forest macot. He was calling out our blitz packages and coverages as we ran them.

I know we want to keep the defense simple so the players can play, but we can still disguise this stuff. You show cover 3, play Cover 2. You show Cover 1, with safety blitz, you play cover 3. You show cover 2 and you actually play man.

WTF - why is it we are not disguising anything on defense?

[DZ8]

But #11 has shown great character through this learning curve. It has to be difficult for him. Plus, one of the reasons he chose UM was because he said coach Barrow was very patient and didn't put a lot of pressure on him.

When he's ready to play he'll play. But he better learn quickly because Kevin Nelson can ball.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 04, 2009 at 09:14 PM

Just saw this Cav...

I don't think Shannon has anything against AB like some conspiracy theorists do. I think Shannon is VERY conservative. At a certain point I (emphasis on the I, because I dont get to see practice) want to see what #11 can do.

Let me go back. Last year Cook wasn't dominate. This year Sharpton will make a highlight hit, but isn't dominate. I WANT A DOMINATE middle linebacker. I haven't seen AB but I've seen DS.

"Put the back up quarterback in."

also don't sleep on Shayon Green.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Did anyone see this? Spikes extending his own suspension?

WTF is going on up there??

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4623708

[DZ8]

CSM

We never disguise anything on defense. We beat them with our athleticism. Always have... this is a new era...we'll do it again.