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

[Canez1]

We need an ARTHUR ARTHUR!! chant at the game Rudy style.

Fire it up!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Sitting here and thinking of that last game at the OB,,, The parking lot was on fire with excitement, everyone was joking around and having fun, But something was missing and I knew it.

After the first five minutes, you could see and feel the team was on empty... No emotion, no fire, no energy!... by half time the team and crowd was spent and the game was all but over, but waiting only for the end of the game, to go home and puke...

What a night! What an ending... 48 to NOTHING!

Do I want revenge?... U BETCHA

[solarcane]

Man that massacre at Fort Hood was horrible, that would be one of the last places I'd think that could happen.

peace

[jimmy]

best costume ever

http://s656.photobucket.com/albums/uu288/jbryant621/

[jimmy]

oops try this one

[Cat 5 Cane]

I like it ...

ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR
ARTHUR

[Texascane]

The problem at military bases is that no one has a weapon on them. They are all locked up at the armory.

They are even more unarmed than the general populace in Texas where it is estimated that one in four adults is legally carrying a handgun in public at any time.

If you think about it, what better place?

[CaneWarrior]

U!

[solarcane]

tex,
I thought a soldier killed his commanding officer at Fort Hood last year, that's why said I was even more shocked it happened there again.

You make a good point though about loaded guns on the base.
Are the MP's carrying loaded weapons?

peace

[David G]

Awesome! You rock!

[Texascane]

Yes, but that's like finding a cop when you really need one. Ft Hood is 340 square miles and has 60,000 people on it.

The other issue about military bases is that it is a felony to carry a concealed weapon on a federal installation...even for a soldier.

[j.w.]

Ken Dorsey

[phillyscott]

11

[j.w.]

FSWho getting new uniforms and helmets (seriously):
http://www.seminoles.com/view.gal?id=57305
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/

[solarcane]

Go Pirates!

peace

[Cat 5 Cane]

Games of interest

on Tonight at 7:30
Virginia Tech -13
East Carolina

Sat 12:00
Virginia
Miami -14... Over/under 46.5 (I don't see it!) As much as I want to beat them down, It's not happening this year, with so many players out.... Miami wins, in a tough one.

Sat3:00
Duke
North Carolina -10 sniff, sniff I smell up-set.

Sat 3:30
Wake Forest... (We all know they have the guns... just maybe if the QB is back!)
Georgia Tech -16

LSU
Alabama -7.5 (Give the points)

Ohio State
Penn State -5 (I like Penn to win)

Sat 7:30
Florida State (All offense, no defense)
Clemson- 9.5
Take State and the 9.5

[solarcane]

so that's what pass rushing looks like

peace

[Texascane]

I can't believe they are letting Lou Holtz do his son's game...

Only thing worse would be if ECU was playing Notre Dame

[canechic]

..

[canechic]

New Blog

[Cat 5 Cane]

.

[CaneWarrior]

U!

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

These following players are supposedly considering the U at one point or currently from medium to high, tell me which guys are the longshots and which ones we got a good shot from and the ones we have no shot at all!

Latwan Anderson
Josh Shirley
Josh Shirley
Brandon Linder
Keion Payne
Cody Riggs
Alex Smith (Cincy)
Aramide Olaniyan
Christian Jones
Michael Thornton
Tony Jefferson (UCLA)
Ivan McCartney
Chris Dunkley
Corey Lemonier
Shariff Floyd
Dior Mathis
Jakhari Gore
Jeff Luc
Willis Wright
Arie Kouandjio
Calvin Smith
Michaelee Harris
Torrian Wilson (Stanford)
Lorenzo Waters
Brian Robinson
Kenny Shaw
Jermaine Barton
Allen Hurns
Javon Bell
Chase Harper
Timothy Graham
J'Courtney Williams
Kyle Prater (USC)
Lache Seastrunk
Lamarcus joyner
JR Ferguson
Darius White
Alec Ogletree (Georgia)
Gerald Christian (Florida)
William Gholston (Michigan State)
Christian Thomas
Terrence Mitchell
Corey Brown (Ohio State)
Jordon James
Demar Dorsey (Florida)

Some of these payers i have no knowledge of, I did some research and just know all of these guys are considering us from medium to high, but feel free to give me some insights or to give me your take on each.

Peace!

[phillyscott]

free arthur!

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

Eye on the U to be cleaned up as the Mandingo warns everybody to keep things respectable, i can finally enjoy his blog once again, no more of those ridiculous 12 yr old gator fans using 20 different names to get under every canes fans skin. Next to this, Manny's blog is one of the best, he always have great reads and his info is redunkulously accurate and far more up to date than most pay sites!