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

[Canez1]

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

http://i.tsn.com/i/photos/20091130/130488.gif

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[solarcane]

go canez1

peac

[CaneSawMassacre]

REPOST about Rick Carletti Gator Bowl VP

He keeps talking about his contractual loop holes but hasn't mentioned once, how this might affect other teams in the conference.

OR how they are taking the LAST PLACE BOWL ELG> TEAM FROM THE PHUCKING ACC and they have the 3rd place (tentative I know) slot.

[Canez1]

Solar lmao!! You gotta act like you been there before...

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[86Cane]

Just got off an invitation ONLY media conference call with ESPN producers and Billy Corben the Director of the soon to be released movie: "The U".

Great Q & A and excellent material for a new blog feature. It will post tomorrow night at 7 PM.

[CaneSawMassacre]

NOOOOO.. Did you ask Billy why he didn't name the movie Cocaine Hurricanes????

I can't wait for the Q and A.

Just tell Billy next time, give the Shalllalllallalalalalalaala the d*mn script. So we could get the Boss Man in a movie.

Survivor of the Steets of Miami
Player
Assistant Coach
Head Coach
Actor

We just need him to keep adding notches to his different complexes.

[CaneRock]

I said 1st first!!! Do I get a T-Shirt...

[404Canes404]

MORE BREAKING NEWS:

ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia has let go embattled defensive coordinator Willie Martinez and two other assistant coaches, Channel 2 Action News sports director Chuck Dowdle confirmed Wednesday.

In addition to Martinez, UGA also terminated John Jancek, defensive co-coordinator/linebackers coach and Jon Farbis, defensive ends coach.

[CaneSawMassacre]

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/7309/mailblog-fsu-bowl-edition

Heather commenting on the Bowden Bowl Fiasco 2009.

Dun Dun Dun Dun!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

404, damn, Martinez did a solid job for the most part. Richt couldn't get the kids over the hump, not the coordinators but what do I know about GA football.

Smells a little 2005 Cokerish to me.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Like Calvin said, this bowl fiasco will teach these guys not to leave these matters in other people's hands.

Lesson learned and I hope they take it out on their opponent.

[Loco]

good article

[Loco]

I said, "Let the rest of the world have soccer." Then I said something about Football being the greatest sport. Loco said he thought soccer was the best then asked me to explain why football was. I did, from a players and a spectators perspective, the spectator especially.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | December 02, 2009 at 02:02 PM

False.

I said football was second, yes. But that does not mean that I said that soccer was first. You assumed, and you know what that means.

And no, I'm not a foreignor, nor do I speak like one or act like one. I know a lot of them and am friends with a lot of them, and may use certain terms like "boots" for cleats or "pitch" for rugby field. But I only do those in terms of the sport I play.

I'm not going to get into a political or social argument with you on this blog because this is a sports blog, and I suspect the only reason our discussion has been allowed to take place is because its about sports, and the only other thing we have is people whining about what bowl will do what. But I'm an American, and I support and love my country. Just like with my Canes though, I'm not BLIND. I see problems and know what's wrong.

And sure, the US created football, great. But do you know what the fastest growing sport in the US is? You'll find out that things change, and people change. And that you don't know everything you think you do

[Loco]

I will fight for your right to have an opinion and for my right to know that your opinion is wrong and mine is right

;)

[DZ8]

Smells a little 2005 Cokerish to me.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | December 02, 2009 at 03:49 PM

First thing I thought. Richts' seat is getting warmer.

Out for awhile guys...everyone behave...haha.

[JSQ]

86 you got mail

[CaneSawMassacre]

Ok I'm out. Done complaining for now.

[pb(CSROH10)]

The only thing more boring than soccer is arguing about soccer.

[Loco]

UGA's defense wasn't great this year. And a lot of people were calling for his head already. It happens.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

And sure, the US created football, great. But do you know what the fastest growing sport in the US is? You'll find out that things change, and people change. And that you don't know everything you think you do

Posted by: Loco - for gifts visit www.cutco.com and email me | December 02, 2009 at 03:54 PM

>>>>>

Nice superficial points when the Big 3 have saturated the market so there's no "growth" left for them, only for "new" sports, like foreign soccer and native lacrosse.

And we'll see just how much you love America in the coming decades, when foreign interests are no longer pulling strings behind closed doors and we don't have limp-dik tools and puppets making laws.

Yeah, haha, we'll see it then.

[moneycane]

86 I got the shirts in the mail and the misses is very happy. We'll wear them when we play in the Gator Bowl

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

I will fight for your right to have an opinion and for my right to know that your opinion is wrong and mine is right

;)

Posted by: Loco - for gifts visit www.cutco.com and email me | December 02, 2009 at 03:56 PM

>>>>

Haha, rights barely scratch the surface of the word American but you're clearly on that wagon, like many others.

That's probably the biggest "problem" we have as a nation is the misuse and abuse of the word "rights".

[Six]

I know that Billy Corben said this movie about The "U" is going to help recruiting like you wouldn't believe

Not that they really need that much help. They've done a pretty damn good job as it is

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

The only thing more boring than soccer is arguing about soccer.

Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | December 02, 2009 at 04:01 PM

>>>>>

THERE IT IS!

Now give us your first hand impressions and sights from the game. What did you see?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Rugby "highlights" from the 2009 world championships. If ever there was an oxymoron.

After watching this you'll have no questions about why we transformed this sport into something American.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlsRtWve1uQ

[canesteeler]

Hey Canez1 women are coming out of the wood work about Tiger! Isn't it amazing how we men will bang a cocktail waitress if she is hot as hell regarless of the circumstances. Tigers ass was set up by a broke ass but fine cocktail waitress. My question is "who is the fool"?

[86Cane]

CSM, Loco, DZ8, Captain O and others tearin' up the blob! Nice work.

Money...glad to hear that the eagle has landed. Tell MoneyGirl she earned it.

JSQ...check email, still waiting to hear from ESPN or Billy.

[86Cane]

BTW...soccer sucks!

[Canez1]

Richt is flippin the fukkk out!!!

I love it.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Seriously, you have to be smoking something to even mention this corny azz sport in the same breath as football.

I'm sure it's physically demanding, collisions, sprints and what not but it looks childish next to football, the way cricket looks next to baseball.

Whatever, dude, lol, whatever.

[404Canes404]

I agree, soccer sux... Can't we talk about professional bowling, professional pool, or watching paint dry?

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Bowl games that have a contract with a conference must select a team with at least seven wins if one is available.
– ncaa division I bylaw 30.9.2.1

[CaneSawMassacre]

I agree that soccer is significantly less fun to watch live or on TV then football, but I know I'm biased I was raised on american football.

I don't care, but if you go overseas and ask them they will say futbol is better then futbol de americana...

It is all about perspective.

I rather watch soccer though then cricket or most olympic sports.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Hurricane > 7 wins.

Semenholes < 7 wins.

Gator Bowl = contract with ACC.

Yes? No? Math wrong here?

[CaneSawMassacre]

This is the NCAA bylaw I was talking about JSQ. I just couldn't find it again though.

Bowl games that have a contract with a conference must select a team with at least seven wins if one is available.
– ncaa division I bylaw 30.9.2.1

So doesn't the NCAA have to stand up for other ACC teams rights?????

Please help again JSQ!

[CaneSawMassacre]

And I saw this before OGV, but apparently the ACC has worked out different rules with the Gator bowl.

[Sebastian]

I tried watching the world cup soccer thing a few years back and I couldnt stop laughing when a guy would fall down and it seemed like his leg had been broken in 10 places

Then gets up and runs around again. I mean what the hell is that all about?

I also didnt get the whole clapping over the head thing or taking their nasty jersey off and giving it to the other team

That was it for me trying to watch soccer

Even curling is above soccer here in America

[CaneSawMassacre]

It is like the Gator Bowl is using their contractual obligations - the ones they obliged or held up (i.e. inviting the championship loser 1 out of 4 years) as a reason to not validate other rules.

I'm not sure how this interacts with NCAA bylaws.

[canesteeler]

soccer= hot looking hispanic soccer moms in pembroke pines fl

[solarcane]

Capt O,
remember I was talking with you about the fans getting real restless with Richt and his staff of underachievers?

He will get new guys, go 8-4 then 8-4 with a loss to GT, get fired, and be a hell of an OC somewhere.

peace

[canesteeler]

I am going to check out the UM hoops team for the first time this season tonight. I did not renewal my season tickets because the traffic to to the arena sucks on weeks days!

[solarcane]

soccer= hot looking hispanic soccer moms in pembroke pines fl
Posted by: canesteeler | December 02, 2009 at 04:44 PM

Itold you when we met I like what you bring to the Space!lol

peace

[solarcane]

Watch it surface that Randy Shannon loves soccer, played it as an elementary schoolboy and

BAM!!!!!!!!

"I never said I didn't like soccer I was saying foreigners playing soccer sucks, not when Randy plays it.

peace

[JSQ]

It is like the Gator Bowl is using their contractual obligations - the ones they obliged or held up (i.e. inviting the championship loser 1 out of 4 years) as a reason to not validate other rules.

I'm not sure how this interacts with NCAA bylaws.

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | December 02, 2009 at 04:44 PM

I would argue that the NCAA bylaws are like the US Constitution - the supreme law of the land. You can't contract out of their rights and obligations any more than you can contract out of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. So, it doesn't matter what the Gator Bowl contracted with the ACC - if it violates the NCAA rules, the contract is null and void. Sorry, Bobby.

Not saying this is what is going to happen - just what I would argue for the 'Canes to avoid going to a west coast hand j-b bowl.

[CaneSawMassacre]

LMAO - you are hired JSQ!

I'll see you in Jacksonville Friday, we are going to sue these Jancky b8stards and avoid another West Coast Hand J*B Bowl!!!

Who wants to come and be part of the picketing a.k.a rioting crew???

[Sebastian]

I was over at Mannys site and he posted this about the bowl situation. If this is something that shouldnt of been done here please let me know

Folks,

Here is why FSU can go to the Gator Bowl despite being 4-4 in conference play. According to Gator Bowl Association Executive Director Rick Catlett, the Gator Bowl is allowed to take whoever they want because in 2007 they took ACC runner-up Georgia Tech, filling the contractual obligation to take the loser of the ACC title game once every four years.

According to their deal with the ACC, the Gator Bowl can take any team whose ACC record is within one loss of the top remaining available team. So, regardless if Georgia Tech (7-1) or Clemson (6-2) wins the ACC title, as long as Virginia Tech (6-2) gets taken by the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, the Gator is free to choose between 5-3 UM, 5-3 Boston College, 4-4 FSU and 4-4 UNC.

The Gator Bowl obviously wants the Seminoles. The fact the Gator Bowl and ACC are splitting ties after this season is another big reason this is happening. The ACC is actually trying to get the Seminoles to play in the Champs Sports Bowl, which will climb the ladder next season when the Gator Bowl is gone. But it probably won't happen. Either way, UM and BC are getting hosed and passed up by an inferior team.

Posted by: Manny Navarro | December 02, 2009 at 02:44 p.m.

[Canez1]

Vince LMFAO!!!

The Golden Beav rules all else.

Thats how it was, how it is and how it will always be.

It's human nature...

Even the filthy rich can't resist a dirty side piece!!

I love it!

To all the ladies out there. You need to hold it down in the kitchen and the bedroom with your man bottomline or he is going to wander 100%

You must protect your house!!!

PB LMAO!!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

MMMMM HOT SOCCER MOMS!!!

MILFY!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Daytoncane]

lots of teams use that same punt formation. if you actually watch other teams you would realize that.

it's not like Miami has invented some new system over the past three years. watch the conference games this week and take note of how many teams use it. it works if it's executed right.