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]

Yo check this video out!!

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

Dude must've been having a seizure or something!!

LMFAO!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[404Canes404]

I got an idea, let's get JSQ to sue The Gator Bowl? I got $5 on it! Canespace will make NATIONAL HEADLINES!

[CaneSawMassacre]

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

LMAO JSQ, I love that movie quote!!!!

[Canez1]

404 lmao!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[CaneSawMassacre]

I already hired her.. So I'm down for $20.

JSQ can we seriously file an emergency motion or something on the NCAA Bylaw? That would be super sweet, we might make the ESPN news or something if nothing else happens.

[JSQ]

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dolphins/joerose/2009/12/randy_shannon_jacory_harris_ne.html

Joe Rose and Randy on Jacory

[USAFCane]

"how did you get the bean above the frank!"

another great movie quote!

[86Cane]

Checking in from the 239...

[JSQ]

I already hired her.. So I'm down for $20.

JSQ can we seriously file an emergency motion or something on the NCAA Bylaw? That would be super sweet, we might make the ESPN news or something if nothing else happens.

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | December 03, 2009 at 03:43 PM

We would need to file a temporary motion for injunctive relief alleging irreperable harm to the 'Canes, the ACC, and the NCAA. If granted, that would hold it off for now, then we would have to move for a permanent injunction and hope that gets granted.

Or we can suck it up and go to (or cheer on our boys from afar) whatever bowl we end up at and let this disrespect stew under their skin until September until they take it out on everyone on the field.

As much as I want to take my mom to a bowl game in Florida this year, I'd prefer scenario #2.

Okay, now I seriously need to get back to work. Pour one out for me while I'm drafting securities class action discovery.

But wait:

Discovered by the Germans in 1904 they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a "whale's vagina."

[CaneSawMassacre]

Work or pleasure in the beautiful Ft.Myers?

[86Cane]

I got an idea, let's get JSQ to sue The Gator Bowl? I got $5 on it! Canespace will make NATIONAL HEADLINES!

Posted by: 404Canes404 | December 03, 2009 at 03:42 PM

I'm in for $100!

[RandyCane]

All this philosopy talk, " wow," is it safe to say that in todays world there are NO absolutes, except for that one of course! which leads us back to where we started. oh well, just another thought, can you imagine if every bowl eligible team was 6-6?

concerning Tiger he is very good at coming out of the rough, so I expect he will survive this. Also really enjoyed the post about spaghetti. great story.
also very true about a man's sermons. From someone who has a theology degree, I find this very true. I was real careful about what I said on sunday morning!

go Canes!

[86Cane]

CSM...Always work first, then pleasure.

I'm looking for an Australian girlfriend on Sanibel Island Beach right now. Or maybe one from Vegas?

Just kidding Mrs. 86, just kidding...LOL

[CaneSawMassacre]

"I'm sorry I'm not sorry. Okay? I'm not gonna apologize, I'm a cocksman!"

LOL wedding crashers was hilarious too..

[CaneSawMassacre]

I still don't understand how obliging by one rule allows you to disregard another.

They invited Gatech in 2007 which contractually stated they must invite the ACC championship loser once out of every 4 years. The other rule says you can't invite a team that is 2 wins or losses behind another team.

Well if Gatech or Clemson loses yes they would be the ACC championship loser but they would still be ahead by 2 wins. It is stupid mumbo jumbo.

[RandyCane]

What ever will be, will be. I think that came from a song on Broadway or some Doris Day film, but true none the less about our bowl future.

[DallasTX Cane]

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | December 03, 2009 at 02:47 PM

What difference does it make? He was one of the best RBs to play the game and a HOF lock. I referenced LD with regards to the "contemporary legends" comment in the blog article.

Many great players never win championships in team sports.

[404Canes404]

Yes, we could sit back and relax and let everything take its course and see where we will be assigned to play in our bowl game...

OR WE CAN FIGHT IT! THE BOYZ NEED US RIGHT NOW! M-I-A-M-I FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

[DallasTX Cane]

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

Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | December 03, 2009 at 02:27 PM

Like most of us occasionally do, U are either mis-reading my posts or I didn't state my meaning clearly.

I didnt call U insane or didnt mean to. My comment was in reference to YOU calling someone else insane (dont recall now & wont bother to re-read all the posts to figure it out) and what I said was that to equate sex (of any type between consenting adults - I'm not including rape here) with murder is insane. And, yes I'm well-versed in the many distinctions associated with killing. But notice the difference...killing vs murder. If one kills in self-defense it is perceived by society as a very different thing than murder. Same goes for acts of war (see international agreements on conduct during war time and what constitutes war crimes, etc).

U either misunderstood me or are trying to twist my words in order to label me hypocritical.

either way, doesnt matter. I admire your relationship with and devotion to your wife; and that is not sarcasm. I'm not arguing for or against monogamy. just saying each to his own. i'm not a fan of judgemental people - on either side.

IMO this topic is worn out.

[canesteeler]

Cane I am intrigued with Tommy Streeter putting on 25-30 pounds and moving to TE.

[86Cane]

What have you people done to my blog? It's like the Oprah show or the Lifetime channel up in here?

Anybody seen Canespace around here?

Over there? Ok, I'll go look...

[86Cane]

Cane I am intrigued with Tommy Streeter putting on 25-30 pounds and moving to TE.

Posted by: canesteeler | December 03, 2009 at 04:27 PM

NOT gonna happen. Let it go!

[404Canes404]

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | December 03, 2009 at 04:40 PM

If it doesn't have the words Meinke or Music in it, then I will be there as well!

[404Canes404]

test

[86Cane]

"Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Three with meatballs, two without

Send extra sauce.

Posted by: DrewZ2 | December 03, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Now That is funny!

[404Canes404]

better...

[Cat 5 Cane]

What's up, Doc?... Well, did we work out the world hunger or save any small countries today... ?

[Daytoncane]

86 didn't you hear?

we're turning Canespace into a daytime soap opera. we just need you to talk to the folks over at CBS and we can make it happen lol.

[JSQ]

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | December 03, 2009 at 04:40 PM

Ahem . . .

Ahem!

AHEM!

That would be me, as long as it's in FL. Can't fly between 23-30 due to surgery . . . but that doesn't mean I can't make jello shots!!!!

Okay, back to my cave to draft more discovery.

[DallasTX Cane]

always happens when the season ends...

we need more football

[86Cane]

So are we filing a lawsuit against the ACC or the Gator Bowl or not?

[86Cane]

Well, did we work out the world hunger or save any small countries today... ?

Posted by: Cat5Cane | December 03, 2009 at 04:52 PM

No but I am staying at a Holiday Inn Express tonight so tomorrow I am sure that we can take care of those two small tasks.

Streeter is a WR and ONLY a WR. Get TE out of your head.

[404Canes404]

From HD at ESPN:
The controversial Gator Bowl has gone quiet. A bowl spokesperson sent out an email today stating:
The Gator Bowl Association and the Atlantic Coast Conference are working through team selection in the same manner that is done every year. The Gator Bowl will announce its selection for the 2010 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on Sunday afternoon, December 6.

They must be reading the Space and heard about the lawsuit and got all scared!

[Lurker]

Sarasota,

You did not just say that. For the love of all that's holy, you did not say that. Please recant. I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. lol

Go Canes

[solarcane]

Been married 41 years to the same girl I dated as a jr in high school.

Canez1's girlfriend makes me chubby

I'm a walking contradiction

thats all I'm sayin about that

peace

[JSQ]

I'm so ticked that I have to leave the office early (48 discovery requests later) and go build gingerbread houses with orphans in West Palm and then get back to drafting discovery at 10pm tonight. I'm pretty sure this makes me the anti-Tim Tebow. Damn orphans.

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Bring on the holidays and our bowl game already! I need a vacation!

[86Cane]

Info on the ACC Championship game:

http://www.raycomsports.com/index.php/ACC-Information/match-center-georgia-tech-vs-clemson.html

Tickets are still available for $25!

[miamimike01]

Sounds like some of you folks need to see your priest, pastor, or whomever.

I like most of you folks because you're CANES fans, not becasue we sit next to each other in church. If I want a sermon, I'll turn on Joel Osteen.

Moving on...

This whole Bowl situation is grossly hypocritical. Bobby preaches this, he's a spokesman for FCA, he preaches fairness, blah, blah, blah.

This man, which I had nothing but utmost respect for and revered, has disappointed me. If he accepts a Gator Bowl bid ahead of 6 teams that had better seasons than FSU, that makes him no better than the cronies that run college football.

It doesn't matter his team doesn't deserve any more than an Emerald or EagleBank Bowl. It's all about Bobby, and the last few years have proven that.

I'm not dissing his contributions, b/c we all know he's a legend. But the bowls and the ACC shouldn't punish the other schools and athletes b/c this is gonna be Bobby's last game.

If this isn't evidence of bias and favoritism in college football, I don't know what is.

College football is worse than politics.

And those OLD SOB's need to figure out a playoff system. EVERY OTHER major sport has one. It could be done, but those old b@stards like their kickbacks and free vacations too much.

Sickening, that a 9-3 UM (#15, 16, or 17) is going to a minor bowl.

It makes me want to spit nails.

[Hurriphin]

GET. THIS. KID. A. GOT. DAMN. OFFER.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3prv972bmQk

He's an Ol' Miss commit, but the $ sites say he's gonna be in Coral Gables. If we offer, we could snare him away, before Meyer gets a hold of this footage.

All jokes aside, he's got Blur II written all over him.

[solarcane]

" go build gingerbread houses with orphans "

Those orphans are hell to get out of your teeth,you gotta floss for like a day...

peace

[Lurker]

go build gingerbread houses with orphans ... makes me the anti-Tim Tebow. Damn orphans.

Posted by: JSQ | December 03, 2009 at 05:52 PM

JSQ, don't get confused and give anybody a circumcision.

[86Cane]

So this is why the don't care about what the ACC thinks about their little scheme:

GATOR BOWL SIGNS ON WITH THE BIG TEN AND SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCES

JACKSONVILLE, FL— Beginning January 1, 2011, the Gator Bowl Classic will feature teams from the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference and will extend through the January 1, 2014 game.

The Big Ten returns to the Gator Bowl for the first time in nearly two decades. This conference has appeared in five Gator Bowl games beginning with a narrow loss by Ohio State after the 1978 campaign and capped by a Michigan triumph over Mississippi following the 1990 season.

The Southeastern Conference teams have appeared in thirty-five Gator Bowl games. The last appearance was by Tennessee against Virginia Tech in a game played in Gainesville, FL due to the restructuring of
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

[86Cane]

MM01 says: "This man (Bowden), which I had nothing but utmost respect for and revered, has disappointed me. If he accepts a Gator Bowl bid ahead of 6 teams that had better seasons than FSU, that makes him no better than the cronies that run college football."

THERE IT IS RIGHT THERE!

[86Cane]

MM01...DID U AND RANDY GET MY SNAIL MAIL?

[miamimike01]

yes.

Spent it on egg nog and rum while watching UM dismantle USF. (kidding)

Thank U, sir.

GO CANES!!

[Hurriphin]

Solar, I'm on your side.

I'm married, but I ain't blind.

I've always liked that old saying: "My wife and I are happily married. She's happy, and I'm married."

Oh crap. Mrs. Hurri'....... Drop screen.

[CaneRock]

Is it me, or does it sound like Allen Iverson has a frog stuck in His throat...no really, it does...

[ChicagoCane]

Hurri...love that video. He may be on the Canes radar if they miss out on Dunkley and Sticks.

[solarcane]

hurri,

yea it isn't who is noble,
or who is a villain,

It's we are all human, people do extraordinary things, and people fk up life goes on.

peace

[Mrs. 86]

Just kidding Mrs. 86, just kidding...LOL

Posted by: 86Cane | December 03, 2009 at 03:56 PM

10-4 and Roger that Mr. 86!

:) "Wink-wink"