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

[solarcane]

thanks jack attack

out the door for a couple

peace out girl scouts

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

I don't care how dominant of a team you've got, if you get caught sleeping, you can lose to anybody! and that include the likes of the william and mary and gardner webb!

You can thank Appalachian St for changing the trend!

[miamimike01]

Thanks jack. I appreciate the wishes.

I promise, we'll be fine.

86, important update in your email.

[DallasTX Cane]

U did good to remind us solar.

RIP BP

[tortugacane]

U

[CaneSawMassacre]

Hey.. 1 day until Canes stomp Virginia, 1 day until my bachelor party. 8 days until I plunge into forever.

[solarcane]

Meyer fined $30,000.00 for running his yap about uncalled late hits

peace

[Esteban]

dlu, 6 of the defensive players who are on the injured list were guys who were hurt coming into the season.

[Old Skool]

Tennessee players are upset over this joke told by the Memphis Coach

"A friend of mine was in Knoxville," said West, and where else would you have expect the friend to have been?

The friend wanted to find Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin's house. When he finally found it, he saw a sign in the front yard: "Talking dog for sale."

The friend saw a Lab, sitting there.

"You the talking dog?"

"Yep," the dog said.

"What's your story?" the friend asked, and the dog told his tale.

He'd been talking all his life. He once worked for the CIA. After a while, he got tired of that and took a job in security at the Knoxville airport and -- it was about this exact moment that Kiffin showed up.

"You really selling the dog?" West's friend asked the Vols coach.

"Yes," said Kiffin. "Five bucks."

"Five bucks? Why would you sell a dog like that for five bucks?"

"He's a liar!" Kiffin said. "He didn't do any of that stuff!"

[pb(CSROH10)]

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 08:45 PM

The man is a total douchebag.

[Cat 5 Cane]

A long article but worth the read on a slow night... Today's Herald news

Miami Hurricanes' line must serve and protect
The Hurricanes offensive line plans better protection for Jacory Harris, who has been sacked 20 times in the past five games.

BY MANNY NAVARRO
mnavarro@MiamiHerald.com

Jason Fox held out his hands like a proud warrior eager to show off his battle scars. From his thumbs to his pinkies, the University of Miami's starting left tackle pointed to each of his fingers that were either broken, mangled or completely exposed without fingernails.

``It's just bumps and bruises,'' grinned Fox, set to make his 45th career start at noon Saturday against Virginia (3-5, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) at Land Shark Stadium.

``That's football. That's the season. Everybody is beat up. But I'd be lying to you if I told your our bodies didn't feel it going out there and hitting every week. I'm happy coach is taking it a little easier on us in practice now. Because the team that can push through [injuries] and not get complacent is the one that is going to win games down the stretch.''

The Hurricanes (6-2, 3-2) have taken quite a few licks in their first eight games -- mostly on defense.

But the offensive line, where Fox is among six iron men who have taken the majority of the snaps this season, hasn't been spared either. Fox ``banged up'' his left knee against Clemson doing what he and the rest of UM's offensive line have been asked to do a lot more of lately -- play on their heels and try to protect quarterback Jacory Harris from the blitz.

UM did a good job protecting the quarterback early this season, allowing only four sacks in the first three games. But opponents have found leaks in the Canes' pass protection schemes lately with different blitz packages.

THE KITCHEN SINK

Last week, Wake Forest got to Harris five times, bringing the total to 20 sacks in the past five games.

``People are just throwing the whole kitchen sink at us and hoping they get there before Jacory lets go of the ball,'' Fox said. ``We're doing the best we can. But when they're blitzing seven guys and we only have six guys to protect, somebody is going to get through.''

The Cavaliers, ranked 34th nationally in total defense (329.3 yards per game) and 40th in scoring defense (21.8 ppg), don't blitz often. But they are averaging two sacks a game (16 this season) and present problems for the Hurricanes in various ways, including being the only ACC team to run the 3-4 defense.

``We've seen the 3-4, but they run it differently,'' Fox said. ``It's a very unique defense. It's an NFL-type defense. It's not a penetrating-type defense. It's reading and reacting.''

UM coach Randy Shannon said: ``Defensively, they play eight-man fronts. Sometimes they'll line up and play man coverage the whole entire game. They're just going to try and out-execute you.''

PLAYMAKERS

The Cavaliers have several playmakers on defense. Defensive end Nate Collins has been named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week twice, making 35 of his 57 tackles during the past three weeks. He leads Virginia in sacks with five.

Ras-I Dowling (6-2, 200) was named to the All-ACC Preseason Team and is fourth on the team with 40 tackles.

He and fellow cornerback Chris Cook (6-2, 210) have combined for 11 career interceptions and 39 pass breakups and are part of a secondary that has given up just four passing touchdowns all season.

It wasn't until last week against Duke that the Cavaliers finally allowed an opponent to throw for more than 200 yards.

Another Virginia defensive strength: red-zone stops. Of the 27 times opponents have driven inside the Cavaliers 20-yard line, they have forced 15 field goals.

``We got out of the running game early last week because we were down. But we plan on running the ball a lot more this week,'' UM center A.J. Trump said. ``Virginia doesn't blitz as much on film. But every week we say that, and we end up seeing more blitzes. We just have to do a better job winning the battle up front.''

[solarcane]

skool i'll use that tomorrow!
peace

[SOUP]

Come on let's go Space Truckin'"

think those guys knew something way back then?

Posted by: solarcane | November 06, 2009 at 07:37 PM

What, U think that's a coincidence?

Shhhhhhhhhhh...not so LOUD!

[SOUP]

86, important update in your email.

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 06, 2009 at 07:55 PM

Got it and responded. Nice work YOUNG man!

[solarcane]

cat,
that marty feldman avatar killz LOL
man terri garr was a hottie in that movie

peace

[Old Skool]

Dam straight Solar. What knockers.

[SOUP]

Got booted from the Hampton by some Cowboys in town for a damn Rodeo. Staying at La Quinta. The stuff I do! Out until 10:30...

[Cat 5 Cane]

LOL...Funny, Funny movie!... Saw the pic and had to do it!

[Old Skool]

What! With all the promotion you've done for them. Unless the Hampton's forking over some cash, I'd say bye-bye and find yourself a hotel that appreciates the props you dish out.

[86Cane]

Skool...it's a LONG story but don't worry, I'll get it to go in my favor. I always do!

[Old Skool]

Young Frankenstein ... Cloris Leachman at her best

[CaneSawMassacre]

Can everybody just say Aye after my post and hopefully this works.

Oh god curse the souls who killed Pata and anybody who knows about it and refuses to tell the people and unless their are mitigating circumstances (i.e. fear of their life by thugs or criminals)

"Aye" -Canesawmassacre

[CaneSawMassacre]

On a lighter note

1 day until my bachelor party and the destruction of the Virginia Caveliars.

8 days until I plunge into a lifetime of happiness, subordination, and compromise... i.e. We instead of you and I.

I'm really excited. 9 days until I arrive in Italy.

If you guys want to send wedding congratulations emails shoot me one at kenneth.c.disalvo@verizon.com (This is necessary since I might need updates on my canes, since I know the connection spotty at times)

[pb(CSROH10)]

I'm really excited. 9 days until I arrive in Italy.

Spent 17 days in Italy in 2007. The absolute best place in Europe to visit.

Great people, beautiful cities, incredible food.

[pb(CSROH10)]

/\ /\ /\

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | November 06, 2009 at 09:48 PM

[JCane]

Frau Blucher..... :)

I'd love to see some of the old players back tomorrow as a sort of do-over from the game two years ago, and maybe see if the remotivation of players again can start after the game 2 y/a.

[CaneSawMassacre]

PB you been to venice, got any great tips of places to go or rest.'s?

[phillyscott]

free arthur!

[miamimike01]

free Berry!

[pb(CSROH10)]

Spent three days there. Honesty, every single meal I had there was excellent.

The only thing I recommend is finding the smaller, family owned restaurants.

[phillyscott]

free Berry!

Posted by: miamimike01

him too, and get coop back returning kicks
with TB

[Cat 5 Cane]

HEY... HEADS UP!

FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT WATCHING THE BOISE/LA TECH GAME ON ESPN... IT'S TURNING OUT TO BE A GOOD ONE.

Tech is storming back with the ball on Boise's 10 yd line. Current score is Boise 30/Tech 21, starting the 4th qtr...

[CaneSawMassacre]

PB remember any specific rest.'s? I've heard the same thing, stick to trattoria and places that locals frequent, but its hard to really know about which ones those are on the internet.

I read about a great pizza place in the cannergio district.

[Sarasota 'cane]

TD La. Tech! Great game!

Go 'canes!

[pb(CSROH10)]

Sorry CSM, most were hit on the run. There is so much to see there we usually did what you said above.

The city is so amazing you want to walk around every square inch of it.

If you go to Rome, don't miss the Vatican. Catholic or not it is the most incredible place I've ever seen.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Tech scored a TD.. score 30/28

Teck kicked off and held/stopped Boise on around the Teck 15 and the Field goal kicker missed a chip shot...

Techs ball... Ohoo boy!

[86Cane]

CSM...I was in Spain with Mrs. 86 a few years ago and the trick is to just trust your instincts and go to anyplace that is full of people.

[solarcane]

CSM...I was in Spain

Well I've never been to Spain

peace

[SwagGirl]

86 Cane The Southeastern Circuit Finals are in Davie this weekend, but I still can't believe you were booted. I know I would have not stayed at the Hampton if is wasn't for Canespace!!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Tech stalls... punts to boise and they marched down the field and sputtered on around the 15 and then hit for a TD on 3 and 7 yds... then went for the two and got it...
Score Boise 38/28...

[solarcane]

Boise has too much talent at receiver to think la tech can stay with them

peace

[SwagGirl]

Anybody know the name of the recruit that was kicked out of the camp put on in Gainesville for flashing the "U"????

[86Cane]

I know I would have not stayed at the Hampton if is wasn't for Canespace!!

Posted by: SwagGirl | November 06, 2009 at 11:02 PM

Swag...do NOT worry: "I GOT THIS!"

I will turn this to OUR advantage, trust me on this.

[Cat 5 Cane]

I said the same thing before the game, but tech isn't folding and is playing tough!

[JCane]

Tavadius Glenn of Jax, SwagGirl. It was cool. Maybe not as good as when Orson Charles, a TE who ended up in UGa, knocked over the FU champ. trophy and it shattered into a million pieces, but pretty close!

[solarcane]

tech plays hard every game, they are just too small a school to get the players Boise has been able to get.

peace

[SwagGirl]

Thanks JCANE!!!

[solarcane]

and then nix comes in to call plays for tech
peac

[Cat 5 Cane]

Well, I spoke too fast... Boise must have gotten the ball while I was up dating and just scored another TD on one running play...
Score Boise 45/28, with 4 minutes to go!...
Damn!

[miamimike01]

Tavadis Glenn... is that a hint?