The Short List: Week 11

They remember what you do in November a famous SEC coach once said and as November ensues only 11 worthy teams remain in the running for the two Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley invitations to be handed out and they rank in worthiness as follows:

Florida, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, TCU, Cincinnati, Boise State, Louisiana State, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Penn State.

For the first time all year, I bat 1.000 as no team on the Shortlist wins a game I called for them to lose or losses a game I called for them to win to be eliminated as a result.  Take that Sneaky Pete Carroll, you overpaid, overrated, outlaw program running buffoon.  I don't even think the fraud can surf anyways and 2004 is a loooong way in the rear-view mirror now bubba.

There is only one team on the elite Shortlist I expect to lose their way off this weekend:

LSU.

The Tigers face Alabama this weekend in a clash of SEC West supremacy that could mark a shift in power back to the traditional flagship program of the nation's best conference.  A win by LSU would set the stage for a wild final month of the regular season as the SEC Championship game would be downgraded from automatic title berth match-up to probable ticket puncher instead as the rest of the unbeaten programs would scramble to fill the possible vacuum a one-loss SEC champion would create at the top of the polls.

To me however, 2009 marks the year where the BCS class division is being shown to wear extremely thin between the power conferences and those schools who exist outside the limelight like TCU and Boise State.  Even teams like the Hawkeyes and Bearcats, the former a school not devoid of it's own tradition and prestige historically, have used this year as an illustration that preseason bias and traditional favoritism do not necessarily have a place in the college football championship crowning competition. 

When six possible undefeated teams remain in theoretical play for an invite to a dance for only two, the unfortunate bias of supposed "professionals," with agendas completely divorced from the process they are ensured with serving is a major hurdle that must be overcome.  But how can a non-premier program tackle an opponent who exits outside the hash-marks and they can't outscore between final guns?

In 2004, the nation crowned an undeserving champion from a weak conference over an undefeated SEC champion and an undefeated Urban Meyer coached team, no split, no discussion, no controversy outside the state of Alabama.  Five years later we've seen two loss champions and one loss champions from the SEC where undefeated non-BCS teams could have been tapped to provide upsets not seen since Osborn's, "go for two," went for nothing.

Speaking of the "Miracle in Miami", here is Esteban's "Break It Down" video feature on Miami's ACC match-up with the UVA Cavaliers this week at The Shark:

If any year in college football history was shaping up as a memorable one, it's this one, not for the final coronation of Florida's first and only unbeaten season, but perhaps for something much more memorable instead, a year where a truly shocking team came from out of nowhere to not just play on the same field as the traditional powers, but perhaps to push them aside once and for all from their reserved places at the front of the line just because that's where they've always been allowed to start.  It will still take a dose of luck and an upset or two in the most unlikeliest of places to come to pass, but then again, what memorable college football champion hasn't used some of that on their way to the top?

Join me here next week as the Shortlist narrows itself down to two handfuls of contenders as the final month brings us ever closer to the ultimate prize here on the Shortlist to the San Fernandon Valley.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"A team not on the short list but brought back to reality

Stanford 31 Oregon 30

Posted by: Sebastian | November 06, 2009 at 08:22 AM"

Gutsy, gutsy call there. Very possible though as Oregon has gone on a streak that when you really look at it, doesn't have much substance to it. Oh, they beat the Condoms, finally, again. Big deal. Stanford can run the football and if they do, it could be a long day. Boise State needs Oregon to run the table though so badly and if the Ducks falter, you can almost kiss any BCS talk for them goodbye completely for this year unless TCU falls to Utah.

[CGNC]

Nice job on the short list series OGV.

and to U too Esteban!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Schwarma - I like our LB's in this class but I wouldn't turn down Luc, still at this point.

Not with the way we have been ravished by injuries and position changes.... Seems like 1-3 linebackers gets moved to Safety or DE.

[CaneSawMassacre]

Plus we have to keep up with Saban recruit extra, push out the dead weight... I mean transfers!

[shwarma]

CSM, wasn't saying we would turn him down, he's just not considering us that's all.

[Sebastian]

If TCU was to play Boise St. it wouldnt be close

TCU would beat them by double digits

Besides the Ducks have to go to Arizona as well

I can only see the NC being Texas v Bama

[CaneSawMassacre]

ohhhh I know LOL!

I'm just dreaming..

[360Cane]

*****TICKETS*****

If anyone needs tickets, I have two available for $120:

Section 443
Row 2
Seats 6 & 7

Email me at benguest76@gmail.com with your phone number.

GO CANES!!!

[macjones de Albuquerque]

I can only see the NC being Texas v Bama

Posted by: Sebastian | November 06, 2009 at 04:35 PM

Great CALL Sebastian Lodge. LOL That's how I envision it going down in Pasadena, Caly.

By the way, with the D-unit crippled by cheap shot injures, I wouldn't go near predicting the score of Miami vs. Virginia.

However, I do see Team Shannon getting the W. Hopefully Whipple opens up the offense, and gives Lockett's D-unit a helping hand. Simply because the past two opponents QB's have been All-World against an injured Cane defensive squad.

[Hurriphin]

More reasons why everyone, for at least a day, should get to get a shot at parenthood.........

Me-"You guys had better not be in that kitchen."

Xavier & Miami-"We're not!!"

SMASH, BOOM, SPLASH!!!

Me, upon walking into the kitchen to find about two gallons of kool-aid on the floor-"A YO MAN?!?!

Xavier & Miami-"Um Dad, we were pouring it for you!!"

Yeah, but remember that they didn't ASK to be here.........

[Esteban]

oops, meant jiggling.

[404Canes404]

Just found this on a Va blog posted about an hour ago, not sure what their backup QB situation is...

Virginia and Miami (-14 ) Saturday 12:00 ESPN-360
by Trent Thurston, November 6th 03:23pm
The downtrodden Wahoos (3-5, 2-2) travel to Miami Saturday, as the Hoos try to get their train-wreck of a season back on track. It will be a homecoming affair in Land Shark (Jimmy Buffet's Beer Company) Stadium for the five-time national champion Miami Hurricane's. We just found out that quarterback Jameel Sewell might be done for the season, and he will most likely not play on Saturday. Marc Verica will get the start at QB, and he will be backed up by Vic Hall. Vegas odds-makers give Miami the big edge, as they are favored by two touchdowns.

[solarcane]

Whats your thoughts on this.

Lovett knows Butch knows what Lovett knows.

Does Lovett do a few things against Virginia to get Butch to say... "yup just what I thought.." but Lovett has something else planned for UNC,and is cleverly sucking The Butcher in?

Or is Lovett forced to just play what defense is practical with the players he has available at the particular moment?

peace

[solarcane]

Marc Verica 5 games 70.0 eff 17-34-0 50.0 com. 81 yds passing 0 td 17yds long pass 16.2 yds per game

Maybe we don't make this guy the next 300yd passer, I think Stevie Wonder's football stats are better.

peace

[orange 'n green in the vein]

With the defensive attrition it's catch-as-catch-can for the defense this week and every week until some of those guys get back out on the field solar. He'll stick to the gameplan and try to confuse Verica with multiple looks I imagine, Verica was highly recruited out of high school but hasn't done a great deal in college to show he can be a difference maker. If Sharpton can knock him out as well, it might be route time and payback for the sacking of the Orange Bowl though.

[solarcane]

ogv,
That was my next question.

At halftime When Fox and the seniors ask Randy to blow Virginia out for the seniors and fans does Randy empathise with them and go over 40?
Bowl committees are starting to narrow their picks, we need to look legit.

peace

[Esteban]

Verica is who started against us last year. He can make throws if he doesn't get rushed - has talent. Pretty much any QB at a bcs school can look good tho when they have all day to throw. Our front needs to get pressure.

[dlu]

Not as many throws to rbacks either (te's) everyone trying to protect JH, has limited the play calling to some extent.

Here is a question, statement: Is this f*king bend and break getting defensive players hurt? Injuries 13- defense 2 for offense. O and D should be about 50/50. The passive(reacting to the other teams offense} and bend and break gets more players hurt. Get rid of the bend and break.

[dlu]

add the poor coaching technique on defense and you get what = the number of defensive injuries at the U.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Bowl committees are starting to narrow their picks, we need to look legit.

peace

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 05:19 PM"

Bowl committees know exactly what they're getting when they select Miami already solar, an inverse proportion of fans traveling to the game the further away from Coral Gables it is and a massive TV rating to go hand in hand with it. The Emerald Bowl last year wanted two teams at the start of the year, Cal and Miami, why? One team was going to buy the tickets, the other team was going to get people to watch the game on TV. ND - UM in the Orange Bowl would be H-U-G-E if it transpired.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Trying to reason up a cause for injuries is a waste of time. Why do they happen? Uh, becasue the human body is a fragile construct that if you mistreat it in a certain way it breaks. Poor coaching doesn't really have anything to do with injuries, that's kind of a laughable assertion there.

[j.w.]

Solar- option #2. OGV- I just don't see us confusing anyone with multiple looks on D- it hasn't happened yet and I don't think they trust the kids we have to try something new. We'll do the "here we are" D again and hope that UVA can't complete enough passes to hurt our DB's.

[solarcane]

Three Years After His Murder, Bryan Pata's Spirit Lives On

Posted Nov 06, 2009 4:00AM By Jim Henry (RSS feed)

University of Miami

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The telephone conversation between brothers, as always, was friendly and upbeat.

The noise in the Miami bowling alley, however, made it difficult for Bryan Pata to hear, so he quickly squeezed his feet into a snug pair of bowling shoes and walked outside for better reception. Edwin Pierre Pata was 400 miles away in Florida's Panhandle, standing near his car, but their bond was not diminished by distance or time. Or school allegiance.

Bryan was a Hurricane; Edwin a Seminole.

It was Monday Nov. 6, 2006, late in the college football season. The pair talked about how their respective teams had struggled since FSU beat UM 13-10 in the Orange Bowl nine weeks earlier. They compared notes on their girlfriends' dogs.

And since the evening marked the one-year anniversary for Bryan and his lady, whom he planned to marry, Edwin urged his younger brother to get back to his game and enjoy himself. Bryan also had to wake up early the next morning for segment meetings at the Hurricanes football complex.

"The thing I regret the most is I ended the conversation -- I was like, 'I don't want to hold you up,'" Edwin told FanHouse. "I wish we had talked longer. Only God knows those things; what is going to happen."

Edwin heard the distinctive crunching sound of gravel as Bryan walked across the parking lot. He heard Bryan open the door into the bowling alley. The two had another quick laugh and said good-bye. It was the last time the pair spoke to each other.

Less than 24 hours later, Bryan Pata, age 22, was found by his girlfriend, shot in the back of the head, bleeding to death outside of his apartment complex just a few hours after leaving a UM practice. Edwin received the devastating news that night a few hours after leaving an FSU practice.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 marks the three-year anniversary of Bryan Pata's death.

Police still haven't brought his killer to justice.

"I don't know what to expect in terms of how I will feel, but I think it's going to be one step closer to fully accepting that Bryan's gone from this earth," said Edwin, 26, a mere 15 months older than his brother.

"It seems like every year it feels a little better in terms of dealing with your emotions. One, it draws me closer to him and No. 2, I can still inch forward knowing that Bryan is gone."

Gone but not forgotten.

At least Edwin will also have his mind on football. He's the tight end coach at Florida A&M, which is at home against North Carolina A&T. The Rattlers, at 6-2, are enjoying a solid season.

A month after Bryan died, Edwin, a walk-on tight end for the Seminoles, graduated from FSU. He spent several months helping his mother and family cope -- Edwin is one of nine children raised by a single mother. Edwin trained and gave the NFL shot, but it didn't pan out.

He applied to several graduate schools, but a chance meeting with former Hurricane Rubin Carter, who was coaching Florida A&M, led Edwin back here as an assistant coach.

After Carter and his staff were fired after a 3-8 season, current coach Joe Taylor offered Pata an opportunity to stay on and establish himself. Pata did, and coaching has helped him move forward.

"Being around the game, being around the kids, has been extremely rewarding," Edwin said.

"It's the connection that Bryan and I had, too. There are days when Bryan is on my mind constantly. It's hard to explain, but I can just feel that he's around, his presence is there. It's the weirdest thing. I believe he's still around because he was such a huge piece of my life."

The pain of Pata's death will never leave the family.

Their mother, Jeanette, who moved to West Palm Beach after the family received a $2 million settlement from the apartment complex's insurance company for failing to provide security as advertised, is concentrating on her clothing and shoe business. Edwin talks to her daily and she will often stay with him in Tallahassee for two to three weeks at a time.

His siblings, meanwhile, have begun refocusing on their jobs and children.

"I try to encourage my mother, but we have to understand her pain," Edwin said.

"Many days [Pata's mother] will tell me that she dreamed about Bryan and that he was talking to her, and she feels that he's around the house. I try to tell her that Bryan is comforting her. I know it's difficult for mom."
- Edwin Pata
"Many days she will tell me that she dreamed about Bryan and that he was talking to her, and she feels that he's around the house. I try to tell her that Bryan is comforting her. I know it's difficult for mom."

When Florida A&M played UM at Land Shark Stadium earlier this season Oct. 10, a few family members attended the game. But it was still too painful for Jeanette, who elected to remain at home.

Earlier this summer, the family went to see Bryan's locker at UM and took pictures. Other than his helmet and cleats to the top of the locker, it "was pretty much the same way he left it," Edwin said.

Edwin stresses that nobody, including Miami police, has given up finding his brother's killer.

Pata was involved in an argument with an unknown person in the parking lot of the apartment complex shortly before his death after he stepped out of his SUV, according to police reports.

Edwin said that Pata had texted a friend at 6:48 PM, probably before he stepped from his vehicle, Edwin surmises. He doesn't venture to guess whether Bryan knew his assailant or not.

Pata was found just after 7 PM in the parking lot by his girlfriend. Pata's roommate had stopped at a nearby store for gas and pulled into the apartment parking lot a few minutes later.

"I try to remain confident and optimistic because I know how hard the police are working; we have appointments where they'll give us an update and tell us where they are at," Pata said.

"We feel like it's going to be solved. It's just a piece that's missing to the puzzle. There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle that have been put together, but it's still a mystery. We are just waiting on that one piece to solve it."

Pata said the recent stabbing death of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard, a Miami native, was also difficult for his mother emotionally. At the same time, however, Edwin believes she may have tapped into an inner strength that could help her cope with Bryan's death.

Howard's funeral was held at the same church where Pata was eulogized and the two players are buried less than 100 yards apart, the length of a football field, in the same small cemetery near the church.

Edwin said his mother attended Howard's service, where she met and spoke with Howard's mother.

"I was proud of her and, I think in a way, it actually helped her," Edwin said. "I know mom gets frustrated because she sees these different murder cases being solved, but it's just a natural reaction and we believe every day that this case will be solved, too."

Bryan Pata, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive tackle, was in his fourth year with the Hurricanes and was expected to be selected in the 2007 NFL draft. Pata, nicknamed "King of Miami" because of his affable personality, also loved to detail cars. He would have turned 25 last August.

Edwin says he experiences daily reminders of his brother, and Thursday wasn't any different during the Rattlers' practice.

Freshman defensive tackle Padric Scott of Tallahassee wears jersey No. 95 for two reasons -- it was Pata's number with the Hurricanes and Pata was his favorite player.

"It's neat to know that young players admired Bryan, and how he played; when I catch myself looking at Padric in practice, I often think how happy I am that Bryan made a lasting impression on people," Edwin said.

That impression continues through the Bryan Pata Foundation.

Edwin held the foundation's second annual football camp in honor of his late brother at North Miami Stadium this past June. He said 25 players each from UM and nearby Florida International University attended and served as coaches and more than 300 local youth football players ages 6 to 15, attended and learned life lessons.

The foundation's mission is to work with underprivileged children to stop gun violence, secure better gun control and encourage students to stay in school by promoting academics and athletics.

"I am at the point now where I just want to make sure we celebrate Bryan's life, make sure his life and his name are preserved and lives on," Edwin said.

"I know I am going to see him again. I really believe there's more to life, an after life. Bryan's time wasn't just 22 years here on earth and that was it. I don't see it that way. There's something greater. I don't look forward to dying but I definitely look forward to the day I see Bryan again."

It's a good bet the two brothers, smiling and laughing, simply pick up their conversation where they left off.

peace

[pb(CSROH10)]

Hi all! I've been lurking around ever since day 1 (came over from the Omar days). I faithfully read almost every post. Just wanted to let you know how great I think you all are, especially Mr. Soup. BTW this is the first time I've posted anywhere, ever. I'll be there tomorrow rooting for our 'Canes.

Posted by: Mimi | November 06, 2009 at 10:55 AM

Please dont have this be the last time we hear from you.

I think most of us are sick of hearing each others opinions (CC, CGNC and JSQ aside) so we could use some fresh thoughts!

[raizecane]

I think most of us are sick of hearing each others opinions (CC, CGNC and JSQ aside) so we could use some fresh thoughts!

Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | November 06, 2009 at 05:47 PM

So not only do women have it made with happy hours / ladies drink free, etc...but also get mad props from PB while us guys get left out in the cold.....

Oh the humanity :-)

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: raizecane | November 06, 2009 at 05:53 PM

Have you seen how great looking the three of them are?

[raizecane]

Have you seen how great looking the three of them are?

Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | November 06, 2009 at 05:55 PM

Oh yea......I see your point. If Terry Porter looked as good as JSQ in that uniform, I would actually think about forgiving him, LOL.

[Canez1]

Superbad is on Starz!!

She's DTF!!! LMFAO!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

Posted by: raizecane | November 06, 2009 at 05:53 PM

The power of the golden Beav.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[SOUP]

So not only do women have it made with happy hours / ladies drink free, etc...but also get mad props from PB while us guys get left out in the cold.....

Oh the humanity :-)

Posted by: raizecane | November 06, 2009 at 05:53 PM

It's a woman's world, U are just living in it.

[dlu]

orange and green, poor coaching has nothing to do with injuries, thats pretty laughable.

[SOUP]

Does Lovett do a few things against Virginia to get Butch to say... "yup just what I thought.." but Lovett has something else planned for UNC,and is cleverly sucking The Butcher in?

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 05:03 PM

In the PERFECT world? YES!

In our world? NO.

[SOUP]

The Emerald Bowl last year wanted two teams at the start of the year, Cal and Miami, why? One team was going to buy the tickets, the other team was going to get people to watch the game on TV. ND - UM in the Orange Bowl would be H-U-G-E if it transpired.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | November 06, 2009 at 05:38 PM

U are a SMART man, OGV; a VERY smart man!

[SOUP]

Maybe we don't make this guy the next 300yd passer, I think Stevie Wonder's football stats are better.

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 05:11 PM

I looked up Stevie's stats and he was better than Verica in EVERY category: 24-34, 185 yards passing 3 TDs, 56 yards longest pass, 44 yards per game.

We don't have to play Stevie too, do we?

[Sebastian]

The Heels game will come down to field position and turnovers

It might not be pretty but we will find a way

23-17

[SOUP]

If Terry Porter looked as good as JSQ in that uniform, I would actually think about forgiving him, LOL.

Posted by: raizecane | November 06, 2009 at 05:58 PM

Now U ruined it for me. LOL

[solarcane]

Unfortunately neither UM nor Notre Dame are good enough to get in the Orange Bowl...

But both could make it to the Gator Bowl which the exact number of Canes fan would attend, and TV would have the coveted
Converts vs Catholics game the love.

peace

[SOUP]

NEW BLOG AT THE RAYCOM SITE:

http://miami.raycomsports.com/blog/2009/11/06/canes-vs-cavaliers-at-the-shark/?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=650&width=850

ESTEBAN...YOUR VIDEO MADE IT PAS THE RAYCOM SCREENERS! U HAVE TO CLICK ON THE LINK THAT SAYS: BREAK IT DOWN.

[Sarasota 'cane]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp2DbvWmu4M

Shultz posted this link at the Sentinel. If AB can't go tomorrow, then we need to get this "stud" at linebacker! He must have nads made of steel!

Go 'canes!

[SOUP]

Leave comments and U could win $250 in Canes gear:

http://miami.raycomsports.com/blog/2009/11/06/canes-vs-cavaliers-at-the-shark/?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=650&width=850

[tortugacane]

Esteban, good TV as always. Canes beat Va.

[DallasTX Cane]

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 05:45 PM

Thanks for posting this article solar. still a gut-wrenching story. I hope that someone will man-up one day and come forward with info that breaks this case for the police. IMHO thats what its going to take to solve it.

[Mrs. 86]

It's a woman's world, U are just living in it.

Posted by: SOUP | November 06, 2009 at 06:25 PM

Hey 86/Soup: It appears as, if you apply this one to yourself with Mrs.86. U are a good man! I do the same as U do with my better half. Happy wife, happy life!

[miamimike01]

Hi Canespacers!

Just switched ISP, so that's why I've been offline the last 48 hours.

Good to see the Space hoppin.

[solarcane]

soup

unc defense article sent

some Death Cab for Cuties lyrics

"The taste of blood, the claim of love: these two will here on cease
to be sprouting from your fists and tongue 'cause Carolina waits for me"

peace

[solarcane]

dtx
When I read the Pata article today I thought, damn so much bad news the last two days, maybe I'll link this Sunday, then I thought Pata needs to be remembered right now. I thought for sure before now someone would point a finger.

RIP Bryan

peace

[Mrs. 86]

"The taste of blood, the claim of love: these two will here on cease
to be sprouting from your fists and tongue 'cause Carolina waits for me"

peace

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 07:23 PM

Good call solar-man. Hope you give to them... those NC nobody's. Like that quote of yours... good call.

[solarcane]

was listening to Deep Purple's Greatest Hits

"We got music in our solar system
We're space truckin' round the stars
Come on let's go Space Truckin'"

think those guys knew something way back then?

welcome back mm01

out for dinner
back ina while

peace

[miamimike01]

RandyCane here,

RIP Bryan

[Mrs. 86]

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 06, 2009 at 07:16 PM

RandyCane here,

RIP Bryan

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 06, 2009 at 07:46 PM

Hope ALL is better for you (two). Keep the faith & Believe.