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

[DATcane]

Miami 41, Virginia 10: This should be a name-your-score kind of game. The Canes got their wake-up call last week against Wake Forest and should put forth a more complete, disciplined effort at home. Miami has stressed defensive improvement this week, but Virginia has been inept on offense this year and should make the Canes look good.

U

[CaneSawMassacre]

35 - 17 is my prediction.

[reggaebob]

im pretty sure whoever made this thing is good friends with jacory...

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/sema-2009-sponge-bob-impala

[Canez1]

69 is my favorite #!!

What a coincidence!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[DrewZ2]

Regarding #11 ... at the least put him in on 3rd down for sharpton and let him blitz... i know it would be obvious to see that we only use him to blitz but it would work the first couple times so he just tell the guy get the QB

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

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

Posted by: DZ8 | November 05, 2009 at 12:46 AM

>>>>

I'll take Shannon strategic brains since he and Lovett are working with a half empty deck.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

DAT, I had no idea UVA was that stingy through the air. This could be more dangerous than any of us thought.

[Loco]

DAT, I had no idea UVA was that stingy through the air. This could be more dangerous than any of us thought.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | November 05, 2009 at 10:53 AM

WE were ranked top 30 in the nation in pass defense last year too.... Because all teams had to do was run the ball because they were winning

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Dayton, that cat sounds like a younger, physically gifted Randy Shannon.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Drew, I'd like to see that. I also would like to think he could handle some basic man coverage schemes on 3rd since he's quicker and has a much better nose for the ball than Sharpton. But something must be seriously off if he can't even do those things. IDK!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Yes, the majority of teams with highly ranked passing defenses are bad teams. Since teams get ahead on them and have no need to pass.

[canesteeler]

I would like us to play more zone on passing situations and Esteban you are correct the guy not playing is the one we always ask for and obviously coaches the coaches know things we don't. It is obvious AB is not very good at this point if we are down to a handful of LB's and he still cant get any PT.

[CaneSawMassacre]

I'm just saying Sharpton is playing very poorly, whatever justification it might be, he is hurt, the D-lineman are not protecting him, but he is always out of position.

[Texascane]

My opinion, and it's worth exactly what you paid for it, is that no way is RS going to put Sharpton on the sideline in his senior year unless the backup is better than him in every way. While this is admirable on Randy's part with regard to #50's future with an NFL career, it also might hurt the "U" in some situations.

The last thing Randy wants to explain to NFL scouts is why DS was pulled in obvious passing downs or blitz packages for a younger player.

The "Randy Requirements" to play ahead of a senior like Phillips or Sharpton is that you must be better than him in every way...mentally, physically and leadership qualities...all of the time.

I agree with everything about that except..."all of the time."

[canesteeler]

...

[mi@mic@ne]

U

[j.w.]

G'day everyone. The new ACC bowl slection per H Dinich: 1. BCS 2. Peach/Chick Fill A. 3. Champs/Tangerine. 4. Sun. 5. Meineke. 6. Music City. 7. Independence. 8. Eagle Bank. 9. (if we have an opening and they need a team) Emerald. I liked the old one better, but whatever.

[JSQ]

Hey guys -

Just got a chance to come up for air - got into work later than planned after getting stranded at Dunkin Donuts when my car battery died. I guess that's God's way of saying to lay off the carbs. 2 hours and $135 later, everything is fixed. All I could think about was how I was going to get to the game if my car was dead! Priorities!!!

Anyway, in response to comments:

Hurriphin - the only thing I have received on the 7th floor of the Mahoney Mansions is laundry money from Ken Dorsey.

CSW - Hilarious story. I can very much relate.

The ref costume came with that number. Didn't even notice until you pointed it out. I did add the U patch on the other side though to add to the "biased ref" outfit, along with the U eyeblack.

Fran and Tereina, thanks! I'm happy you liked it!

I hope I didn't miss anyone!

GO 'CANES!

[JSQ]

Meant CSM above, not CSW.

[Six]

I'm sure Whip knows what to do against a 3-4 and how to dissect it ... he's probably seen it at least once, ha, in the NFL and that's using top of the food chain athletes

Urban Myth would do about the same, probably worse, in the NFL than Spurrier did. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that he'd be smarter than to try and fill his roster with Croc players - like Spurrier did - but he better come up with a better offense than running his QB all the time

Chris Doering
Jacquez Green
Willie Jackson
Shane Matthews
Danny Wuerffel
Taylor Jacobs

All players that Spurrier brought on or had at Washington

Felt bad for Jessie Armstead being on that team full of suck ass players like all those Crocs were

[Esteban]

also one thing that always needs to be pointed out when a MLB is struggling...look at the DT play. Not saying Sharpton would be great with big time DTs in front of him, but look at who's playing DT right now. whoever the MLB is behind them he's going to struggle some cause he's dealing with either a Center or OG every play. There is a reason Ray Lewis was campaigning for the Ravens to draft another DL space eater when they took Ngata.

with that said...i'd like to see Arthur Brown in there if only to give Sharpton a breather. They mentioned how wore out he was by the end of the game against Wake and how that lead to Chavez Grant playing LB in the nickel for him. Which says to me...Arthur get on top of things. Wasn't it Grant who said some guys weren't putting the time in in the film room/etc after he was asked about Brown?

[Esteban]

also, if a guy's not doing everything he needs to do why reward that by putting him on the field anyway? remember we don't want the Coker way of doing things back.

[Six]

Did Skinner hit his head on Jared Campbell's knee on the play he got his coconut rung? Thought I saw Skinner with his helmet off as he was going down and it hit on Campbell's knee behind him

[DallasTX Cane]

JB

[Adam]

Gotta tell ya Mary, I'm a little torn this week! The Canes are gonna win, shouldn't be a problem... And I'm sure we'll pound more beers before 7am than most people do all day...

BUT, As the resident Iowa fan I'm a little torn between rooting for PSU or OSU! If PSU win's, we pretty much got the B10 locked up.. But if OSU win's they'll be ranked higher in the polls, maybe give us a little boost when we beat them in Columbus!

I dunno... Either way, we're doin the damn thing on Saturday! See ya at 6!

[JSQ]

Gotta tell ya Mary, I'm a little torn this week! The Canes are gonna win, shouldn't be a problem... And I'm sure we'll pound more beers before 7am than most people do all day...

BUT, As the resident Iowa fan I'm a little torn between rooting for PSU or OSU! If PSU win's, we pretty much got the B10 locked up.. But if OSU win's they'll be ranked higher in the polls, maybe give us a little boost when we beat them in Columbus!

I dunno... Either way, we're doin the damn thing on Saturday! See ya at 6!

Posted by: Adam | November 05, 2009 at 12:41 PM

Thanks for commenting Adam. Patrick said you guys are meeting tonight to firm up taiglate plans. Was talking to him while I was waiting for the tow truck this morning bc I was so scared about how I was going to get down to the game. Was going to tri-rail it down Friday but now everything is okay. Leaving my house at 3am Saturday to meet you around 5:30am so we can get to the lot by 6am. I'm making breakfast casserole and a french toast bake. KEGS AND EGGS, BABY! GO 'CANES!!!

[_HM_]

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

We haven't seen Brown in game action. Their is a huge difference in Practice snaps and game players... I didn't think Ray Ray was ready, he is younger and had less time in the defense but he played well. No1 is saying Brown should start but get him in the game. IT WILL ONLY HELP HIM LEARN HOW TO BE A LineBacker.

http://herbalminded.blogspot.com/2009/11/darryl-sharpton-60235-vs-aurtur-brown.html

[canechic]

...

[Cat 5 Cane]

Hope you guys are correct, but lately it seems, we tend to make the other teams look like NC contenders!

The combination of a weak pass defense and Jacory getting sacked too many times the last couple of weeks... makes me nervous. Even if it is 3/5 Virginia. Throw in 20 to 30 MPH swirling winds at the Shark and anything can happen.

Look for a running game and a low score... hopefully 24/10 score but i'll take a 13/10 score with a smile any day until our guys are off the IR.

[Six]

Maybe the Big 11 will have a team that has a winning record in the BCS Bowls this decade besides Wisconsin, who is 2-0

Ohio State might have that chance if they win out and break their 3 game losing streak in a BCS Bowl ... emphasis on "might"

[Esteban]

i saw Arthur in game action. Was in on that play against VT where Ryan Williams had that catch about 20 yards down field after Taylor scrambled. He's the one who missed the tackle in the backfield right before Taylor set his feet and hit Williams.

[86Cane]

Leaving my house at 3am Saturday to meet you around 5:30am so we can get to the lot by 6am. I'm making breakfast casserole and a french toast bake. KEGS AND EGGS, BABY! GO 'CANES!!!

Posted by: JSQ | November 05, 2009 at 12:46 PM

U are Hard Core! See U around 10 AM with KL, Sarasota, Canechic/Angry, Cat5 (?) and a few other stragglers.

[JSQ]

Leaving my house at 3am Saturday to meet you around 5:30am so we can get to the lot by 6am. I'm making breakfast casserole and a french toast bake. KEGS AND EGGS, BABY! GO 'CANES!!!

Posted by: JSQ | November 05, 2009 at 12:46 PM

U are Hard Core! See U around 10 AM with KL, Sarasota, Canechic/Angry, Cat5 (?) and a few other stragglers.

Posted by: 86Cane | November 05, 2009 at 01:04 PM

. . . or completely out of my mind. One of those.

ANYTHING FOR THE 'CANES!!!

[JSQ]

btw, I am using the Jimmy Graham pic as my avatar to will him to make another TD Saturday.

[DATcane]

http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/sports/cavalier_insider/ci_football/article/tough_travels_helped_bailey/48491/

good read!!

[86Cane]

Over in the 941 (Bradenton) today then off to the 813 (Tampa) tonight and tomorrow.

Less blogging, more working. Arriving at The Hampton late tomorrow PM. Leaving Hampton at 9 AM, parking in East 22, walking over to West 13, West 22 and then the RV lot.

KL and Sarasota...call me when U arrive at the stadium. Try to be there by 9:30-10 AM if possible. If not I will meet U on the way into the stadium at W13 at 11:30.

[BEERicane]

BUT, As the resident Iowa fan

Posted by: Adam | November 05, 2009 at 12:41 PM

Don't read the blog much do ya?

[86Cane]

BEER...tell him about it!

GO CANES, BEAT UVA!

CANES 31, UVA 20

[BEERicane]

UM has given away 21K employee tickets so far. The upper deck should be full..

[DATcane]

BEEicane, thats good news!

[JSQ]

BUT, As the resident Iowa fan

Posted by: Adam | November 05, 2009 at 12:41 PM

Don't read the blog much do ya?

Posted by: BEERicane | November 05, 2009 at 01:17 PM

Lay off. He is from, and went to undergrad at, Iowa and grad school at Miami and works at UM. He's my boy and as hard core 'Canes fan as they come. We are both getting there at 6am Saturday to set up the tailgate while our friends sleep.

[JSQ]

BUT, As the resident Iowa fan

Posted by: Adam | November 05, 2009 at 12:41 PM

Don't read the blog much do ya?

Posted by: BEERicane | November 05, 2009 at 01:17 PM

AND, perhaps most importantly, HE IS MAKING THE JELLO SHOTS THIS WEEK!

JSK?

[canesteeler]

I have had a stressful week of work. Canes please don't stress us out against UVA.

[Daytoncane]

We haven't seen Brown in game action. Their is a huge difference in Practice snaps and game players... I didn't think Ray Ray was ready, he is younger and had less time in the defense but he played well. No1 is saying Brown should start but get him in the game. IT WILL ONLY HELP HIM LEARN HOW TO BE A LineBacker.

http://herbalminded.blogspot.com/2009/11/darryl-sharpton-60235-vs-aurtur-brown.html

Posted by: _HM_ | November 05, 2009 at 12:46 PM

i understand what you are saying but do you think Randy would put Ray Ray in if he didn't know the coverages?

keep in mind that he played a lot versus Oklahoma and had to know what the audibles were as well. it really says something about him when he can come in as a freshman and play that well.

everyone here should read the article on ESPN about Rolando McClain. after you read it ask yourself if Nick Saban, a pretty good coach, would put Brown in if he didn't know the defense.

i understand that injuries and inconsistency have forced us to have this discussion, but you must have some sort of football intelligence if you're going to play these days. we can't just "out-athlete" everyone anymore; college football has evolved.

[janice B. Leis, ABR Associate Broker]

Look forward to each week! Knowledge, beauty and a way with words! Now there in intself is a winning combination!

[DATcane]

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sports/umweblog/~3/iO5KpRQHZQM/randy-shannon-were-a-different-team-.html

ss

[JSQ]

Look forward to each week! Knowledge, beauty and a way with words! Now there in intself is a winning combination!

Posted by: janice B. Leis, ABR Associate Broker | November 05, 2009 at 01:44 PM

Aww, shucks, Thanks, Janice!!! :-)

[BEERicane]

BUT, As the resident Iowa fan

Posted by: Adam | November 05, 2009 at 12:41 PM

Don't read the blog much do ya?

Posted by: BEERicane | November 05, 2009 at 01:17 PM

Lay off. He is from, and went to undergrad at, Iowa and grad school at Miami and works at UM. He's my boy and as hard core 'Canes fan as they come. We are both getting there at 6am Saturday to set up the tailgate while our friends sleep.

Posted by: JSQ | November 05, 2009 at 01:23 PM

I'm just messing with him. I gave him and the hawks a big shout-out when he first appeared on the scene. But it went un-noticed. So I am simply trying a new approach to see if he responds to a fellow iowan. and with all of the dogging on iowa happening on this blog, he was not here to lend support, but i was here defending them tooth and nail... just sayin...

[BEERicane]

i understand that injuries and inconsistency have forced us to have this discussion, but you must have some sort of football intelligence if you're going to play these days. we can't just "out-athlete" everyone anymore; college football has evolved.

Posted by: Daytoncane | November 05, 2009 at 01:43 PM

well said.

[Six]

BEERicane was talking about how he's a Iowa fan and basically has been the only Iowa fan on here for .. ever