The Short List: Week 14

As the 2009 regular season comes to a close, the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley numbers six teams, all of them undefeated and in Shortlist invite consideration as such:

Florida, Alabama, Texas, TCU, Cincinnati, and Boise State.

No teams survived games I called for them to lose last week on the Shortlist to the San Fernando Valley and once again this week, I call for no teams to be excluded, although only Boise State has any real worry on that front this week.

The demarcation line between the traditional powers and the second-class citizens has never stood as in stark a contrast as it does at the present moment in my opinion as the SEC is assured of having one of the Shortlist's coveted two invitations while the outsiders hope for yet another Texas Big 12 Title Game letdown to help them strike a blow for equality amongst the 120 schools. 

 

Unlike last week where I foresaw not one, but two top 10 losses to underdog teams, I don't see it happening this week as I expect multiple undefeated teams to remain at the end of the bowls after New Year's 2010.

Some would decry this kind of treatment to the latter half of the Shortlist as discriminatory and wrong.  I couldn't disagree more, because in any objective evaluation of the teams involved, the SEC duo has traveled a more difficult path to their championship game than the others and deserve the preferential treatment shown as a result.  Texas has by a slimmer margin navigated a slightly more treacherous course than the others and as well deserves reward for that feat.

All the teams left on the Shortlist are assured a slot on the final Shortlist roster except for Boise State, which only needs to eradicate New Mexico State on the blue turf to finish their season undefeated as well, but even if BCS chaos peaks in the final weekend, would TCU and Boise State be worthy of facing the SEC champion with a chance to win the national title on the surface of the Grandaddy of them All in a game over a week after the actual Rose Bowl? 

 

The difference between the best team in the SEC and the rest of the field is almost as pronounced as it's ever been this year I believe from all that I've seen.  Both the non-BCS schools have used upsets of Oklahoma this decade to make their reputations recently but the Sooners are not the modern power their specious 2000 championship would suggest them to be upon first blush.

To me, this season, more than any in the history of the BCS era of the game is begging for a legitimate split national championship to be awarded, but with the characters involved in the drama at this point, that notion is even more a pipe dream than Joe Paterno passing the all-time coaching victories record back to Bobby Bowden is. 

 

TCU, Cincinnati and Boise State have no history to draw on, no contemporary legends to point to as icons of their football prowess to use to appeal to on the college stage in their battle against the entrenched programs they compete with.  They would have even less chance to be successful in a tournament setting I think, but at least the discussion they are included in now gives them a foundation to establish equal footing with the others in the future. 

 

If anything, their trouble lies not in the programs themselves, but in the members of the conferences they associate themselves with.  Damned by their temporal locations and alliances, not by their performance.  Guilty by association of not being equal in the court of football opinion.  An unjust end to outstanding campaigns to this point, but campaigns whose gains this year will, I believe, cause a sea-change in the sport sooner rather than later.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[Six]

As for Rugy,

I gotta say those are some bad mofos, seriously. I've always thought that. The Haka that is performed is like visual steroids for me - maybe it's b/c of my Hawai'ian roots

I get jacked up when I see this, everytime
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcN-fKEWzFQ

And the real deal, not a commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOWy1vHrpxo&feature=related

[DallasTX Cane]

for a guy that seriously compares sex to murder to call anyone else insane is the definition of insane. IMO...live your life the way you see fit and leave the judgements to God.

[Six]

Of course, this is visual Viagra as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUs9fElWhlM

U turn your speakers up for this, you get jacked

[CGNC]

Canez1 - why is today different from any other day???? LOL!

[pre83]

For a moment, I thought I logged onto iVillage: ) No offense, but switching to Cane football...

My busy season has started, so I haven't been able to check in as much, but does anyone know the status of MROB's injury, or anyone else aside from those who were out for the entire season?

Oh, and if it is not too touchy of a subject, SOUP, what in the world happened to Truth???

I have to admit, I miss his slant, especially since the season is practically over and would like to hear his take on this season and what lies ahead.

I don't recall him crossing a line that would lead to him being the Pete Rose of the Space, but who knows.

I believed the team to have made considerable strides this season in comparison to last. My hats off to the players and coaches and am looking for them to make a statement with a beatdown of whomever they face in the Bowl game!

Go Canes!

[pre83]

live your life the way you see fit and leave the judgements to God.

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | December 03, 2009 at 01:17 PM

Dallas - Amen to that!!!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

OGV, I forgot to tell you your points were spot on in this piece. To me, Boisie, TCU and Cincy need to do something other than win their conference every now and then, or in Boisie's case, they need to beat someone other than Oregon and OU in a bowl game.

Leave the Blue Turf and play Bama or Illinois or OSU.

Invite VT or USC to the Blue Turf, REGULARLY, before you make a stink about being slighted.

If the top four teams in the ACC, Big East, SEC and Big Ten played Boisie's schedule they'd be undefeated every year too.

So since Petersen is clearly the class of the 2nd Class field, he needs to step and play the big boys regularly.

As it is now, he has a singature win against Oregon and OU.

That ain't cuttin' it.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Posted by: Loco - for gifts visit www.cutco.com and email me | December 03, 2009 at 08:59 AM

>>>>>

Loco, lol, you're corn-ball, admit it and walk away. lol "Grown man"...lol....okay, whatever you like to think to make yourself feel better.

If you like watching re-runs of Cal-Stanford for a few hours, GOOD FOR YOU. Those guys look like they're having fun and it might be entertaining to watch IF YOU'VE NEVER SEEN FOOTBALL. haha

It's closer to hockey really. I can see why it's fun to play because you just run and tackle and toss the ball around.

And I didn't know those were younger players. I just pulled up "rugby highlights" and that was the first one to come up.

But it's the same shyt, slightly difference size and speed.

Like I said, THANK GOD WE AMERICANIZED THIS JUST LIKE WE AMERICANIZED THAT CORNIEST OF ALL SPORTS....CRICKET.

[Canez1]

CG LMFAO!!! I know right!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[DallasTX Cane]

I agree Cav re Boise. However, the probelm isn't them trying to get schools to play on the blue turf. Boise is famous for insisting on home-home series in order to play the big boys. However, why would a big name school bother to travel all the way out to the blue turf?? The big guys call the shots and go where its nice weather or its cheap or where there's a traditional rivalry.

Boise would earn more national respect by forgetting the home-home deal and just go play the toughest schedule possible regardless of how many tough away games there might be. Thats what Miami did back in the day in order to build the program.

No more whinning...play somebody.

[pb(CSROH10)]

For those who preach about the wrongs of others I will quote you one of my favorite sayings:

"Show me a man's sermons and I will show you his weakness."

All this unilateral judging is nauseating. I have generally found the more a man screams about something he finds so offensive, the more that person has to hide.

JMO.

[Gin & Tonic]

Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | December 03, 2009 at 02:04 PM

Exactly, after the posting the past 2 days you know for sure which posters have a wife / girlfriend that reads the space.

[CaneSawMassacre]

W/e you guys are ridiculous nobody was juding anybody.

How many times did I say it is your right to do w/e you want. You all seriously selectively read sometimes.

The fact was people were debating about something, because nobody else was on here bringing anything to the table and bowl game whining got old.

I'm done with the topic anyways. Do what makes you happy, my point was that your happiness should not affect the happiness and well being of others, but I guess comprehension levels has seriously slipped up.

[CaneSawMassacre]

Gin and Tonic what is that suppose to mean>?

[CaneSawMassacre]

you see where people start deciding what is ok and what isn't ok..

Murder you just said doesn't compare, so there is no gray.. It is all black and white. What about somebody that kills in self defense, a war soldier killing as an order, accidental death?

My point was is that you know what is wrong and right. If it makes you sleep better at night by ignoring that .. Then so be it, do you and make yourself happy.

The whole debate started about what is normal male instincts and what isn't. If you didn't want to read then don't, or if SOUP didn't want us to talk about it.. Then next time he can tell me.

You tell people not to judge by judging their debate and saying they are insane?? That is called being hypocritical.

[Gin & Tonic]

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | December 03, 2009 at 02:23 PM

Don't fall off the soapbox, it is a long way down.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Bobby is going to the Gator Bowl. Question is will the Champs Bowl pick us or the Tar heels.

I will assume they choose us.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/02/gator-bowl/index.html

[CaneSawMassacre]

Sure Gin.. sure.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"LaDamian Tomlinson is a TCU product."

DTC, what has he won?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

That is stupid Matt.

I hate that garbage about animal instinct... First of all WE ARE not animals. If we were we wouldn't be considered an andvanced species. One that dominates all animals because of our advanced consciencousness. Secondly, there are plenty of animals that only have one mate.. So what is your theory now?Humans are like the animals that have multiple mates.. Hmmm, sounds like a poor excuse for a confused individual who shouldn't be getting married in the first place.

No offense to anybody but if you and your wife want an open relationship... Then wake the phuck up.. and don't married. That is the opposite of an open relationship.

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | December 02, 2009 at 11:53 PM

It is just an excuse to lack control of over your desires and physical ambitions. Especially an excuse conjured about by people who have no self control or will power.

Agian, I know that people have desires but the fact of the matter is we have choices to not act on them.

Same way a criminal gets a high from a theft or robbery or even sicker a murder. Now you going to tell me that, that is ok too because our chemical imbalance in our body makes it feel good as well?

It is time for people to step up and stop making excuses for diluting the lines of RIGHT VS WRONG!!

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | December 02, 2009 at 11:56 PM

>>>>>

Like Este said, we are definitely animals, we just have a broader range of expression than all other animals.

You're spot on, though, about that old bullshyt excuse about animal instincts and broken promises and other nonsense.

[Hurriphin]

POOF!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Thank you Captain.. I'm done with this though.

I'm not going to be outcasted for actually having conviction about something and having respect for women.

Again, I respect everybodys rights to do w/e they want as long as they are not harming anybody else. I'll leave this convo like that.

[MR TROUTMAN]

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Video-Florida-State-s-Zebrie-Sanders-redefines-?urn=ncaaf,206179

Didn't see this one Last Saturday. He is acting Like they are a 12-0 team with all that discipline. Come on man.

[Canez1]

"It is just an excuse to lack control of over your desires and physical ambitions."

Thats my life in a nutshell!

I have no control!! And I can't say no for the life of me!!

Good times!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Texascane]

Look, it's really simple...

When I got married 31 years ago, I stood in front of my friends and family, and my wife's friends and family and swore to be faithful. If I cannot keep my word, then I am a liar and a cheat.

What's so hard about that?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Cav wrote

"Those broads are just trying to escape the discomfort they feel in being a woman. I had a fling with one in college and now she's a big-time "lesbian advocate" or whatever the hell they call it."

So how did that Meredith Baxter Birney thing go for you dude? Was it you or she that did not know what you were doing, lol. Was embarassing the other day on the Today show when she said, I had my Cav before Canespace and he wasn't enough to turn me around but wow I wish I had him now. :-)

Just kidding lol.

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | December 03, 2009 at 12:33 AM

>>>

THAT'S one thing that's never happened, bro', I can assure you. But there was no real chemistry between Us so it didn't go anywhere. It happens. She was naturally a little awkward and uncomfortable with herself, as many 19 year olds are. No big deal, right? Wrong.

For her, it became an "identity" issue and because she was something of a dork/geek, although athletic with a beautiful body, she gradually went down the road of, "I don't want to be with men."

Now she's one of three women I knew in those years who supposedly were "lesbian."

ALL of them were on that pseudo-feminist/intelluectual BS. The first two are now married, one with a kid, one without.

The 3rd, the woman above, was the most uncomfortable with herself and threw her entire identity into being a "lesbian."

She's so deep into the anti-male neurosis that it would be impossible for her to come to her senses.

Matta fact, she wrote a book based on her experience when she dressed like a man and basically publicly pretended to be a man for a number of months.

Like I said, idiotic and desperate.

Most so-called "lesbos" fall into two categories:

1..The asexual Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen Degeneres types who are so uncomfortable and unhappy with themselves as women, (because of their face or body type or overall insecurity) that they try to superficially approximate/imitate men and end up just being asexual.

2....The pseudo-intellectual/feminist types who desperately want to hate all things male.

The 1st group rarely ever come to reality and their senses because their entire identity is bound up in this nonsense and because they don't want to feel rejection and risk.

The 2nd group are generally the most likely to come to their senses.

All of this nonsense revolves around IDENTITY and the general lack/uncertainty thereof.

Lately we have fools talking about "rights" related to this nonsense.

The funny thing, of course, is that all of them give in to reality of Life in their most intimate moments......even though it's all IMAGINARY and FAKE....lol...if you know what I mean. ..lol

[Hurriphin]

The only person's opinions that ANYONE should care about, are the ones of those who have your social security number.

Anyone who doesn't, probaly isn't doing diddley-sh!t for you anyways, so everybody just be nice.....

[JSQ]

CANES BASEBALL IS ALMOST HERE

Ya, I'm probably one of the only on here to get excited about it .. that's cool

March 2nd, the Canes will be in Tampa to play USF. You're damn right I'm going to be there

I also saw that the UiF Crocs will be heading down to Gables to play. The Canes owe them some payback for how the season ended last year

Posted by: Six | December 03, 2009 at 01:03 PM

I'm excited too, Six! I can't wait to get down to the Gables for a game, have a drink at Titanic, see Harry at All Canes and, once again, need assistance from other patrons to carry all the 'Canes crap I'm buying (Miami toothbrush? Don't mind if I do!) to the counter. Ah, spring! :-)

GO 'CANES!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

and who decided that monogomy wasn't normal or natural? it was our generation. it's funny that since our generation is having relationship issues we consider the sanctity of marriage and relationships taboo rather than the norm.

20 and 30 years ago this problem wasn't occuring as frequent. their generation was fine with it, so what does that say about us?

Posted by: Daytoncane | December 03, 2009 at 11:00 AM

>>>>

Very, very true. It's part of what I call "Throwing out the baby with the bathwater."

It's what's happened to us as a nation since 1970. Suddenly EVERYTHING about our forebears and any authority figure is worthless and to be ignored.

Now we sit in a country and see the results of broken homes and the overall uncertainty about ANY relationship, except with your dog or your checkbook.

But everyone has "free choice" and "right" so it doesn't matter, right? haha

[This is NOT The Truth]

Canesaw sounds like there's some hot puntang running around his office.

Pb is right - are you trying to convince us, or yourself?

Wedded bliss must still be bringing many gifts and pleasures - it won't be long before either one of you is "too tired" or "working late" one too many times while simulataniously that hottest b*tch at work is walking by you daily with her knee pads on and her D-cups up under her chin.

Not too mention all the ladies letting your sweet one know that Rico Suave and his 9 incher is not only an earthshaker in the sack - but that his next target is her.

We'll see how moraly grounded you both are then...and yes, girls like to get it too. Nasty. Hard. Your lady isn't immune and if you ain't getting it done she's going to be telling someone. And that's when Rico's ears come alive.

Marriage is a contract. Make no mistake. It's a lot of work, too. It's never black and white and it's NEVER as cut and dry as you would like us all to believe. But you know what they say:

Ignorance is bliss.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

No offense, but I'm not going to argue with you on philosophy and whether being honest with people is better under a utilitarian perspective or not lying to treat someone as an end unto his or herself under a Kantian theory. I have a philosophy degree and I don't debate on my off time because that's my job and I do enough arguing as it is.

I think lying and cheating on people sucks and you shouldn't do it. That's it. I stated my opinion, as did everyone else, and you either agree with it or you don't. No big deal. We don't have to show off all our fancy "book learnin'" about moral relativism, etc. Let's talk about football.

GO 'CANES!

Posted by: JSQ | December 03, 2009 at 11:11 AM

>>>>

Mary, I knew there was a reason I liked you other than those beautiful dresses you wear. haha

I began college as a philo-major but had too many arguments with my first professor so I switched to history to answer the big questions.

But after many years of personal readin I've found the only person I could truly label a "philosopher" in the truest, oldest meaning of the word is Nietzsche.

Not to digress any more but I thought that was worth a comment.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

TRUTH IS IN DA BUILDIN!!! haha

Your style is transparent bro...cyncial, lascivious and off the cuff.

So what's the word on these Canes? Is #11 ready to turn the corner?

[Daytoncane]

Texas,

keep it up. you obviously understand what a real man is supposed be.

[canesteeler]

Cane baseball is a great product and is very inexpensive. I hate the small ball Morris plays, but the games are exciting and they have awesome concessions.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

I agree Cav re Boise. However, the probelm isn't them trying to get schools to play on the blue turf. Boise is famous for insisting on home-home series in order to play the big boys. However, why would a big name school bother to travel all the way out to the blue turf?? The big guys call the shots and go where its nice weather or its cheap or where there's a traditional rivalry.

Boise would earn more national respect by forgetting the home-home deal and just go play the toughest schedule possible regardless of how many tough away games there might be. Thats what Miami did back in the day in order to build the program.

No more whinning...play somebody.

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | December 03, 2009 at 02:02 PM

>>>>>

Dallas, agreed. If Petersen's so confident then leave that damn turf and play someone, in September, in the heat, AND WHOOP 'EM.

I give TCU credit for beating Clemson AT Clemson. They need to do that a few more times though. Hell, they need to start off by playing all those TX schools and whoopin' a few of them.

Cincy has a little bit of a claim, not much but a little.

Boisie has no claim, NONE. They beat Oregon in the 1st game of the season and both teams looked like doo-doo.

And you're right about the Canes. We were nobody's until we beat PSU AT PSU then going through the regular season after the UF game and whooping the greatest team to ever step on the field. Then stomping on everyone.

That's the only way you earn respect.

[canesteeler]

Marriage and committment are very serious issues. I was married for 20 years, divorced the last five and I am amazed at how many people assume we divored because of cheating when the fact is we grew apart and my ex mother in law moved in. I have been with the same girlfriend for the past 4 years and would never think of deceiving her unless Canez1 left his girl and she moved to Miami! LOL

[Canez1]

My middle name is Rico!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Canesaw sounds like there's some hot puntang running around his office.

Pb is right - are you trying to convince us, or yourself?

Wedded bliss must still be bringing many gifts and pleasures - it won't be long before either one of you is "too tired" or "working late" one too many times while simulataniously that hottest b*tch at work is walking by you daily with her knee pads on and her D-cups up under her chin.

Not too mention all the ladies letting your sweet one know that Rico Suave and his 9 incher is not only an earthshaker in the sack - but that his next target is her.

We'll see how moraly grounded you both are then...and yes, girls like to get it too. Nasty. Hard. Your lady isn't immune and if you ain't getting it done she's going to be telling someone. And that's when Rico's ears come alive.

Marriage is a contract. Make no mistake. It's a lot of work, too. It's never black and white and it's NEVER as cut and dry as you would like us all to believe. But you know what they say:

Ignorance is bliss.

-----------------------

Very sad. I won't even go any further on this.
Life is what you make of it, not anything else. Again I didn't say there are not temptations but it is how you handle them that defines you not the other way around. I believe in marriage as a covenant under GOD. You look at it as a contract to be binded by and suffocated.

Enjoy the hottie at work if you please, and don't even begin to think you know me or my wife.. EVER! Thank you.

[404Canes404]

WOW, everyone really gets crazy around here when football season is over. I see withdraws all over this space!

[canesteeler]

I think Cincy will beat Pitt, Gators over bama :( oregon over oregon state and GT rolls over Clemson!

[canesteeler]

404 plus the fact I do not feel like working anymore today. Serious withdrawal!

[Canez1]

VINCE!!!!!

LMFAO!!!!! Killin me LOL

We might be down for the bowl game so you might get another crack at her.

Soiler should be creepin around soon...

You guys are the best.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Yep UM withrdawls happens to the best and worst of us.

[CaneSawMassacre]

canesteeler what do you think about our TE situation next year?

You happy with Gordon and Sanders? Or you want somebody to move positions?

[Canez1]

CSM you are taking all of this WAAAY too serious bro.

Lighten up Francis!

Who really gives a fuk what other people think and how they carry themselves.

Cmon bro

Vince Im withya. I have not felt like working since I woke up this am!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CaneSawMassacre]

I don't, I was just debating to me it is fun.. Having conversations and trying to make a point.

But I didn't get personal with anybody and talk about them or their significant others.. So I don't care if Truth was joking or not, it was stupid and disrespectufl.

[JSQ]

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | December 03, 2009 at 03:16 PM

Thanks, Cav. I studied history, philosophy and political science at UM. It was great prep for law school since philsophy can be used similarly to the law. I used to be able to debate it, and pretty much anything, for hours with my friends who dug philosophy too (all 2 of them). But now, it is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I hate arguing about stuff like that - well, pretty much arguing/debating period - in my spare time. Probably kind of like a mechanic would feel when he gets home from a hard day's work and someone challenges him to fixing a car. Like seriously? Take that ish elsewhere. Put on the game and let me cook something and RELAX!

Philosophy still fascinates me, though. I'd just rather read it than run my mouth about it.

. . . and it helps that I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. ;-)

I had to end on an Anchorman quote, sorry. Things are entirely too serious on here today!

[404Canes404]

Vince Im withya. I have not felt like working since I woke up this am!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | December 03, 2009 at 03:33 PM

I checked out on 11/23 and will probably check back in sometime around 1/4 ish....

[Nashvillecane]

So what's the word on these Canes? Is #11 ready to turn the corner?

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | December 03, 2009 at 03:18 PM

could the coaches see something that most of us couldn't??? That #11 couldn't beat out sharpton beeing he was a 5th yr sr and ended up making 2nd team all acc with several others on the 2nd team many thot would be 1st team??? Just a thot

[USAFCane]

enough with morality, let's get back on point!

Soccer.

Hate me if you like, I LOVE SOCCER!

I can't until the the June World Cup finals.

Everyone, remember to tune in tomorrow for the draw for June's world cup finals!

Oh and cricket fans find baseball boring.

hold on, my shin was just barely grazed in the soccer game I'm playing and I have to fall over, roll six or seven teams and pretend I'm in pain. I fooled the ref again. ( I would never do this in a game, it's a classically South American tactic, adopted by all europe outside of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and non european USA)