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

[CaneSawMassacre]

1:28 mark the O-line was terrible on selling the screen.

They gave it up way too early.. some didn't even try to blotjat person..

[phillyscott]

yep DZ...Savage fooled the shat out of me...I thought he was cane material, but in the end, he saw an opportunity where he could play from the jump, and has shown some skills at Rutgers, so who can blame the kid...He ran around with number 3 son (they went to same HS), and was over at my house every weekend....I am the official "recruit killer" for PA (I also talked to Pat Devlin some, and went to some of his games)...so this year, I am staying away from this big DT in Philly who goes to Washington HS, and really wants to be a Cane....kid is supposed to be one bad dude...where he lives in the city, he better be

[miamimike01]

guys no need in continuing to complain about the defense. at this point, it is what it is.

the offense is going to have to carry this team for the rest of the season. all those great WRs are gonna have to show how great they are now.

Posted by: Daytoncane | November 04, 2009 at 11:59 PM

I agree totally. If UM wins more games, its on Harris and his WR corp.

[DZ8]

Posted by: phillyscott | November 05, 2009 at 12:07 AM

awesome
stay away, do whatever, to help The U!

[CaneSawMassacre]

I'm just reviewing the film... I think there are some correctable errors, ,I do want Shannoon to be allowed to be questioned specifically about the play of some players i.e. Sharpton.

Cause I see no reaon this could should be on the field.

I miss Futch and the LB's should have been Mcarthy Middle, Futch strong, Spence Weak.

Even now I think Brown should get some burn. He noestly couldn't be doing any worse that Sharpton, whom I appreciate. Just don't see there. Sharpton is a practice guy, not a gamer!!!!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Savage is going to be good philly, you tried your best to sell the guy, no shame in him going to Rutgers to try to make them mean something more than a flash in the pan. Devlin wasn't your fault either, he really liked Werner, which shows you why it's better he ended up at Delaware instead. The fact that he ever committed to UM in the first place was a near miracle, his mom was a freaking PSU cheerleader after all in college.

[DZ8]

Really philly I dont blame any kid even little Brown. Do what U think is best for you. I watch Savage and I remember being new on this board and amazed at the knowledge here. U know what I mean.

A top-flight QB recruit up in PA and we got a DIE HARD CANES FAN saying this kids hanging out with his son. If U ever run into 86 tell him to buy you a beer on DZ8. I'll pay him back:)

[CaneSawMassacre]

The O should win us games like it did, but the D shouldn't put us in the position it did..

They made some boneheaded mistakes and we paid dearly.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Canesaw, great story but you have to think if Lovett COULD do something more he would. I'm honestly not so sure he can with the personnel we have.

It's a debatable point but at least no one can say the man doesn't take risks. Cover 0 blitz??? Yeah.

But people, this definitely isn't Shannon's D because Shannon would mask his D so well that it would look like man but actually be a zone...ask FSU 2006 about that one.

But we had something of a veteran team that year so it's not really applicable. That DL was stout. Even Cook managaed to look average behind them.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Sharpton is a classic one good play/two poor-to-mind-boggling-bad-plays type of ratio player. But man, when he hits you head on, it's lights out time, see you on the training table for at least another week type of collision.

[DZ8]

Cav
welcome. I disagree about Shannon disguising his D though.

My players will beat your players...starting with the four up front. IMO

[DZ8]

Sharpton might be a late round Adkins type.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Spencer could run a lot faster than Sharpton, he also could TACKLE once he got to the football. Unless Sharpton lines up the kill shot, he's not making the play.

[miamimike01]

it's not between the ears for #50, DZ8. Maybe ST's demon for someone, as a backup LB.

Can't see anything more for him

[Daytoncane]

i think many canes fans should appreciate how good of a defensive coach Shannon is. when he was running the defense we almost always in the top 10.

and a lot of those guys he was playing aren't superstars in the league right now, so that gives you an idea of what he was working with.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Shayon is an unknown.

When we know about Shayon, It'll be Kevin's turn. RS is giving KN #52 FOR A REASON.

Just like Coop, Ray Ray, and LaRon. There's a purpose.

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 04, 2009 at 10:56 PM

>>>>>

MM01, Nelson has that look in his eyes that let's you know he's serious business, a champion's look. I almost wish he'd come early so he could just take over but I also want to see AB get some time to show and prove something.

Interesting that they didn't give #52 to Shayon. To me, he's an OLB, if that. He's so lanky, once he fills out his frame he could be a DE.

If anyone should wear it, it's Nelson.

[DZ8]

I agree. I think thats what I said.

FREE#11

Let us see what hes got (listening to Jimmys Little Wing right now)

[CaneSawMassacre]

Sharpton is only good in obvious run situations.. All other scenarios he is a liability, but i guess the Shannon thinks that A.Brown will have 10 people out of place, instead of Sharpton having everybody in place but himself????? Am I thinking wrong here??

[DZ8]

I agree to miamimike01

Not sure about Shannon being a good coach, or defensive coach. He has plenty of players in The League.

JMO. Hope I'm wrong.

[DZ8]

You mold the scheme around the talent. Unless, I guess, your Miami under Shannon. Then it means you must fit your round peg into a square hole.

We are a 4 - 3 defense. Tell the middle linebacker to flow to the ball and kill the guy with the ball. Adjust your scheme to your personell, isn't that coaching?

[DZ8]

Superstars in the league vs. people in the league.

Most coaches will take people in the league.

Great, now I got the Dead on the radio.

[DZ8]

Nothing wrong with the dead but jimmys little wing is one of my favorites.

[miamimike01]

MM01, Nelson has that look in his eyes that let's you know he's serious business, a champion's look. I almost wish he'd come early so he could just take over, but I also want to see AB get some time to show and prove something.

Interesting that they didn't give #52 to Shayon. To me, he's an OLB, if that. He's so lanky, once he fills out his frame he could be a DE.

If anyone should wear it, it's Nelson.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 05, 2009 at 12:29 AM

EXACTLY!

Green could make the move to DE, but numbers and Nelson's talent will dictate where Shayon ends up. If Kevin comes in ready (he will, he promised me), if he can hang on RB's and be average in pass coverage, he'll play.

Coaches also have the luxury now with numbers (after this next class) to experiment.

Several players listed on the commit list will change positions. I see a few candidates. Let's discuss.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

DZ8, that's not an opinion, it was a fact about his D against FSU that year. And against VT 2005 he did some similar things.

Guys to Shannon, it's all about whether players can do their jobs and everyone handle their responsibilities as a unit. When Shannon's confident players can do that, he gets as creative as the situation calls for or is possible.

I personally think it's because of Shannon's teaching style that so many of our LBs are INSTANT sensations in the NFL. They're already used to playing assignments and technique, so they hit the ground running. Vilma said he still calls Shannon for football advice.

Why would he go visit Dirk Koetter in the off-season and play war-games if he was only concerned about my jimmy's being better than your joe's?

Come on guys. That shyt is cute in HS but as Grant said, "it's all between the ears at this level." How much more so for the coaches.

Plus, Shannon HAD to use his brain power in college because he wasn't the naturally gifted athlete. That's why Wannstadt had him breaking down opponents for the defense when he was a junior. BRAINZ. Shannon didn't have the brawn.

And when you have LBs who can't cover the pass, you only have half the equation, and if your DL is young and banged up and giving no pass rush, you're even further behind the 8 ball. And I'm not even mentioning DBs.

So right now we're not going to see much sophistication with the personnel we have because they can't handle it. Period.

Lord knows if AB can't handle Sharpton's load right now, he must seriously be struggling.

Now next year, with C-Mac in the middle, Nelson and AB behind him, Spence, Futch, Buchanon and maybe another freshmen behind them, we'll have a much more solid D.

CB will still be a question but with VT and RR back there, they'll have plenty of help.

And if we finally get this DL on track, it'll be like D-Day at Normandy.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"i guess the Shannon thinks that A.Brown will have 10 people out of place, instead of Sharpton having everybody in place but himself????? Am I thinking wrong here??

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | November 05, 2009 at 12:31 AM "

THAT'S A BINGO! Is that how you say it?

A. Brown will get his time to shine, he needs to master all the nuances and he's one of those guys for whom the transition from Kansas HS Ball to Miami, (FL) college ball is going to take a little while. He really should have used last year to RS but no dice considering the depth chart problem that was inherited.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

OGV, Oscar isn't going anywhere near the NFL, if he's smart. And I don't think his record's as good as TX over the same years.
I wouldn't want him anywhere near the U either, with that corn-ball offense. No way. He can do his song and dance elsewhere.

We can trash Sharpton all we want but his hit on Skinner that KO'd him was arguably the most important hit of the year, late and wrong though he was, he laid the boom.
If he doesn't KO Skinner that game is in serious doubt. Jacory and AJ may never have had the chance to perform their heroics.

[DZ8]

Captain

Love your Captain America thing.

IMO
We have always played conservative defense. Blitzing one or two players doesn't make you a mastermind. It gets back to the players vs. the coach (chicken vs. the egg) debate. Its just my opinion.

The great thing is in college football. Being a TRUE leader of young men like The Randy is, might be enough.

[DZ8]

Now Stevie Ray Vaughan...little wing

[DZ8]

Later guys. Good night.

[miamimike01]

Remember,

Nelson basically beat Buchholz, singlehandedly.

Scoop and score, INT, BOTH in the 4th Q.

14-9. Nelson and Davis, TOOK OVER THE GAME.

They BOTH rose up to the challenge when the game was on the line.

SPECIAL PLAYERS

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Cav, Texas has more wins than Urban at Bowling Green and Utah and even UF, but he's got more rings in that time frame and on a "wins per donor dollar" comparison I'd say he's better.

Plus I said he's a good football coach, not smart! And while using your QB as a Wing-T back on 3rd and 4th and short doesn't work in the NFL over time, in college, when the QB is bigger and stronger than your average LB trying to tackle him, it's UNSTOPPABLE!

[Daytoncane]

cav,

you and me are on the same page. if the guy doesn't get it, he can't be on the field.

you want to know what a MLB is? here you go

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

[miamimike01]

Official Canespace business, tomorrow.

I gotta check out. Been fun, guys. (and gal)

Vault it. Nelson wears #52 and wins an award (or two).

[Esteban]

we're always calling for the next guy...but over the past few years when has that next guy who we all thought should be playing actually come in and played better than the person who was in front of him? All were calling for Cookie, but he's playing and no one wants to see him out there no more. Damien Berry was fumbling in practice according to the coaches. Gonna put him in the game if he's fumbling in practice? For each guy its been a good reason they are sitting. I trust the coaches call.

[j.w.]

Good news for you (and me and all other out of state Canes), MaryLou- Game
http://espn.go.com/college-football/scheduleplan is carrying the game:

[canechic]

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.

Posted by: DZ8 | November 04, 2009 at 10:39 PM

You sir are a a genius!

Canesaw that story made my morning got to love us crazy cane fans!

[86Cane]

86 do you have a preview set up(solar). Can I do a mid season report?

Posted by: DZ8 | November 04, 2009 at 11:58 PM

Solar was doing the UNC defense. Can U do the offense and I'll merge them?

If you want to do a mid-season review that's fin also. I need something for Monday and Tuesday next week.

[86Cane]

Official Canespace business, tomorrow.

I gotta check out. Been fun, guys. (and gal)

Vault it. Nelson wears #52 and wins an award (or two).

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 05, 2009 at 01:04 AM

Go get 'em MM01!

[Fran]

Nice article Mary (jsq)
My next door neighbors are Gators, for 2 years no evidence of their loyalty but as soon as I put cat5cane's decal and my orange and green ribbon streamers on my truck and car out came the flags and auto decals.

[Fran]

98cane
Received this in todays E Mail.

Dear FRANCIS WORST,

This ship notification is being sent to you by the U.S. Postal Service® at the request of STEPHANIE GIRARD. If the "Shipped To" address information is not correct, please contact the Shipper.
A package with a Click-N-Ship® label created on usps.com containing the following information is scheduled to be shipped on 11/04/2009.

From:
STEPHANIE GIRARD
RAVENEL NEW MEDIA CONSULTING, LLC
6017 SANDY SPRINGS CIR NE
ATLANTA GA 30328-3831
Shipped TO: FRANCIS WORST
Debary FL

[DATcane]

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_1_0_t&usg=AFQjCNHyrkEmwTtimpIoMhpNXxHv4JywQQ&cid=1462849191&ei=EtDyStCvH53y9gS2rLgL&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbc29.com%2FGlobal%2Fstory.asp%3FS%3D11446107

U

[Cat 5 Cane]

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

IT WAS HILARIOUS..

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Funniest blog of the day!!!

[DATcane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/sfl-miami-hurricanes-tervaris-johnson-s11-05-09,0,5435831.story

ss

[Canez1]

GO YANKZ!!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Loco]

Defensive holding means Darryl Sharpton was holding a WR or RB from their route right? Shouldn't the ref have had to have Wake choose between a 1st and 5 or the gain they recieved. The yardage was tacked on after the QB scrambled for 20 yards. I must be wrong on the rule here right?

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | November 04, 2009 at 11:55 PM

Its the all-but-one principle in officiating...

Its confusing, but basically any defensive penalty that is a live-ball foul besides offsides gets tacked onto the end of the run, unless the end of the run is behind the LOS, in which case it goes from the LOS

[Cat 5 Cane]

...
Sharpton verses my man Brown... Don't pretend to know it all but maybe Virginia is the game where we see Brown's azz on the field, getting some PT in.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Weather... low 80's
Forecast is calling for partly cloudy day with spotty (fast moving) showers and 20 to 30 MPH gusts... for the next 4 days

Expect choppy seas at the Shark, as high winds and damp ball might cause concerns for Harris and Bosher, but the same holds true for Virginia...

Slight Advantage Miami... we're practicing in it daily.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[CaneSawMassacre]

Thanks for the clarification Loco.. That is stupid.

[Tereina]

Entertaining and informative as always, Mary. GO 'CANES!!!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Teriana - you new? Welcome if so.. Per 86 post here and post often!

[DATcane]

7. Virginia’s pass defense vs. Jacory Harris. The Cavaliers’ defense hasn’t been their problem this year. They’ve allowed just four passing touchdowns all season, including one to Duke last week, and the Blue Devils entered the game with 18. Only Air Force, Penn State and Nebraska have allowed fewer (three). Miami is averaging two touchdown passes per game and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple has kept things entertaining with throwing downfield whenever the mood strikes him.

U