The Short List: Week 4

As the first month of play wraps up in 2010 the Shortlist reaches an important milestone as more than half the teams are eliminated from contention and the 52 survivors read sectioned together in no particular order with their other conference members as follows:

Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, LSU, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan, Northwestern, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, Kansas State, Miami, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Florida State, Boston College, Clemson, Maryland, Wake Forest, NC State, Southern Cal, Oregon, Arizona, Stanford, Arizona State, West Virginia, USF, Rutgers, Syracuse, TCU, Utah, Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, and Temple.

Another week means another pair of teams defied my predictions to remain on the Shortlist for another game at least and they are:

 
1) Northwestern feasts on Rice on the road 30-13 as Pat Fitzgerald begins to make his case for being a better college coach than he was a college player by continuing the overachieving results that Randy Walker left in his passing in Evanston.  Fitzgerald has now taken the Wildcats to back-to-back bowls and zeros in on a third straight appearance at a school with only eight total bowl berths in it's long history playing the game.

 
2) Nevada makes the Pac-10 choke on more crow as they absolutely run Cal out of the building at home 52-31.  Collin Kaepernick is the poor man's Terrel Pryor but Chris Ault proves he knows a few more tricks than his coaching counterpart in Columbus as the Wolfpack get a huge win over a BCS automatic qualifier school to announce that they represent Boise's toughest title game hurdle in 2010.

Two teams loss games that removed them from the Shortlist this week without me calling for them to and the last week's surprises look like this:

1) Cal goes to Reno and busts its championship hopes there against Nevada 52-31.  Good riddance to bad rubbish is all I'll say as the man behind the curtain knows why.  For any fans of this program reading this, you're still a joke and Pappy Waldorf doesn't mean anything in this day and age, enjoy losing to Utah every year in conference play, chumps.

 
2) Houston loses more than the game in the Rose Bowl against UCLA 31-13 as Heisman contender Case Keenum, who needed only 4167 yards passing to top Timmy Chang all time on the yardage list for NCAA football coming into a year after throwing for over 5600 in 2009, instead suffers a torn knee ligament in this loss to leave him about 3000 short as the fifth year senior Keenum is now done and a team that was a BCS buster dark-horse now is locked into a struggle for conference survival instead.

 
I only expect four teams to be off the Shortlist this week and they read as follows: Wake Forest, Arizona State, Nevada, and Temple.

On Thursday night, your Miami Hurricanes began their Bataan march through the rest of their schedule with their backs firmly against the wall here on the Shortlist in 2010.  It is my contention that for Miami to stay competitive the rest of the way they will need to take better care of the ball on the road and their defense must begin to capitalize on opportunities for turnovers primarily. 

With their most difficult game of the season behind them, and a big win against Pitt now in the record books, and of course assuming relatively good health the rest of the way, Randy Shannon's team would appear to have the personnel to win every Shortlist elimination game the rest of the way through the season.  So, now the question becomes will he get the required execution from his charges to do so? 

Miami remained in contention on the Short List with their 31-3 slaughter of the Panthers on Thursday night at Heinz Field.  Still, after the early season loss to OSU the Hurricanes must now hope for a two loss SEC, Big 12, and Pac 10 champions for their BCS title dreams to be realized.  But without taking care of their own schedule first, the point will be moot even if that can all play out by season's end.

Personally, I had expected a very competitive game against the Panthers, and the game was closer than any of the Big East clashes between the two schools before Miami's recent dominance of the series surfaced again late in the second half as Jacory Harris cut down on his mistakes and guided the 'Canes to two fourth quarter scores. 

 
The road win in a hostile environment was greatly appreciated by the fans as the Hurricanes delivered a much needed victory to keep their BCS title hopes alive.  With every game this year now amounting to a Shortlist elimination game for them, anything less will doom them to next year. 

Join me here next week on the Shortlist as we pare down the contenders from the pretenders and the championship race begins to finally take shape as October arrives and we'll see if the Hurricanes are still in it or six feet under here on the Shortlist to the Site of the Shanghaied 'Ship.

Copyright 2010 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[Galagos]

First?

[86Cane]

SS- Byrd

"It was a long week and a half, I'll tell you that," receiver LaRon Byrd said. "A lot of guys were moping around saying 'We've got to get better, we've got to get better.' Definitely, this win took the monkey off our backs. We've just got to continue this momentum throughout the season."
Read more:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-pitt-follow-0925-20100924,0,5470485.story

Clemson:
Heading into their first Atlantic Coast Conference game, the Hurricanes will have to focus on avenging their 40-37 overtime loss against Clemson last season. During the heartbreaking loss for the 'Canes, there were 12 lead changes and two ties. Miami had an opportunity to seal a victory in regulation after an interception but failed to convert a first down to kill the clock
Read More:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-football-news-0925-20100924,0,2916755.story

Steve- Harris Quiet after win:

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2010/09/harris-quiet-after-win.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sports%2Fumweblog+%28UM+Hurricanes+%7C+Sun-Sentinel+Blogs%29

MH

Not only did the University of Miami solidify itself as a legitimate, top 20 national contender with its resounding 31-3 victory Thursday night on national television -- it gave itself, and Hurricanes fans, reason to believe this season is just beginning.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/25/1841503/road-rules-canes-focus-on-showdown.html#ixzz10Y0svtXs

Jacory - Winston: Tweet

After tossing his second interception Thursday night -- a deep pass intended to Travis Benjamin thrown into triple coverage -- former Hurricanes offensive lineman Eric Winston posted the following message on Twitter:

``Dear Jacory, There is nothing wrong with dumping the ball in the flat. Even Babe Ruth didn't hit a homerun every at bat. Sincerely, Alumni.''

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/24/1839988/ex-hurricane-offers-jacory-harris.html#ixzz10Y2719Sv

Posted by: NativeCane | September 25, 2010 at 09:36 AM

[86Cane]

PBP- Jorge

Randy Shannon threw Travis Benamin under the bus as the culprit on both of Harris’ picks, but I don’t buy it. At 5-foot-10, Benjamin is not often going to win jump balls.
Read more:

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caneswatch/2010/09/24/grading-hurricanes-vs-pittsburgh/

Maybe get a blister on your little finger
maybe get a blister on you thumb......

University of Miami coach Randy Shannon said Friday there is nothing wrong with quarterback Jacory Harris - physically or mentally.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/hurricanes/qb-jacory-harris-fine-after-little-ding-as-936069.html

Posted by: NativeCane | September 25, 2010 at 09:54 AM

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"First?

Posted by: Galagos | September 25, 2010 at 10:04 AM"

Welcome to Canespace, post here and post often is what 86 will say by the time I hit the, "Post," button.

[86Cane]

Galagos...welcome to Canespace. Post here, post often!

[86Cane]

What Jorge Milian is saying at the PBP:

"Harris followed his four-interception outing against Ohio State by getting picked off in both the first and second quarters. It could have been worse for Harris, who had at least one other pass in the first half dropped by a Pitt defensive back. As has been the case often in Harris' career, the junior quarterback repeatedly threw into double and triple coverage in Pitt's secondary."

[NativeCane]

OS- Note Wanstache and his coordinators body english.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2010/09/what-we-learned-from-miamis-win-over-pittsburgh.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sports%2Fcollege%2Foncampus+%28College+Gridiron+365%29

[orange 'n green in the vein]

/\/\/\/\

I told you.

"In addition, seeing how Utah struggled with Pitt, why is Utah ranked 6 spots ahead of the Canes?

Posted by: WindyCane1 | September 25, 2010 at 09:38 AM"

Because preseason polls are the bane of actual accurate rankings during a season and Utah got extra credit for an underwhelming performance right out of the gate. The best part of the BCS era is the introduction of the Harris poll which gets it right in the sense that the voters in there actually, OH MY GOD, WAIT for games to be played before putting teams ahead of each other.

[BahamaCane]

Oh man, i dont know what to watch at 12 noon! VT @ BC? or NCS @ GT? I am leaning at NCS @ GT!

Then at 3pm WF @ FS or Bama @ Arkansas?

I gat a feeling that Bama and Ohio State are not going undefeated!

[86Cane]

Bahama...I'm going with VT vs BC and FSU vs Wake. Of course during commercials, time outs or injuries, I flip over to the other games.

[86Cane]

OSU could get beaten but Bama can only beat themselves.

Arkansas has a good offense and should be able to score. If the Razobacks can get an early lead and force the Tide out of their running game they have a shot.

[roachcane77]

Looking forward to some good TV games today.

Always a bit boring when the U is not involved though...

Let's Go Canes!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Finally, Corso goes on Gameday without makeup. But why does his frown never move?

[canesteeler]

Bama will beat arkansas because their D is not that good. Anthony Leon starting LB for Arkansas (cousing to Sean Taylor) is my girlfriends nephew.

[macjones]

"Seeing that the Canes vs. Clemson will be at night, Clemson's crowd noise will be troublesome."

When did they anounce the Clemson kickoff ,dang I missed it.
I thought they were going to anounce it Sunday noon?

Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2010 at 08:49 PM

That's moi's Jimmy The Greek poor man's imitation. LOL

Seriously thought, either ABC or ESPN will pick up the option, and show in PRYME TYME.

Just too many ' positives ' not to. No.

1. Miami is a ESPN/ABC college football ratings monster. Always has been and always will be!

2. Clemson vs. Auburn provide the national telly audience last Sabado a breathtaking contest.

3. Both Miami and the Tigers are 2-1.

4. Clemson, S.C. provides spectacular ' night game ' atmosphere, and rates with the night games in S.E.C. country and Ohio St. and Penn St. and Texas and Oklahoma, for instance.

5. And the COUP DE GRACE is this, your Miami Hurricanes and the Tiger have provided ' close, competitive, momentum shifting games the past several seasons.

Also, I do believe the last three games between these two A.C.C. foes have gone O.T.

[Six]

canesteeler - tomorrow you and I do not like each other ... at least from kickoff until the final whistle

The Steeler D will win the game. Even with Pooh Bear Leftwich as your QB and his 5 minute delivery, the D will cause enough problems for the Bucs that field position will allow Pooh Bear to get them in position to score - probably more field goals than TDs

Will be cool to see Tomlin back in Tampa though, back to the place where his first NFL job was. He was here for the nasty Bucs D years - when that's basically all the Bucs were known for with the Tampa 2

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Also, I do believe the last three games between these two A.C.C. foes have gone O.T.

Posted by: macjones | September 25, 2010 at 12:16 PM"

A testament to the fact that Clemson MAN'S UP for the week on the schedule that reads Miami (FL).

[Sarasota 'cane]

86,

I'm using the gogo in-flight network to connect to the web on my way to Hong Kong!!

I will log in when I get there an add a dot to your country map!

I was hoping to use ESPN3 to watch the VT game, but it will not allow me to.

Technology is over the top right now!

Does anyone know the time for the clemson game yet? I get back next week at 6pm and was hoping I could catch it.

Go 'canes!

[Galagos]

Yes and I believe the road team has won all 3.

[BahamaCane]

The more i see GT's option offense, the less and less impressed i get!

[macjones]

Posted by: NativeCane | September 25, 2010 at 10:14 AM
macjones

# lbijake says: September 9, 2010 8:44 PM ET

Nebraska is looking for any excuse not to play an opponent that is too legit to quit. Either offer a home and home or pay the money for an unbalanced offer. The Huskers were always a bunch of cry babies, especially after other schools started using the roids and caught up o them "athletically"
# Observer1 says: September 9, 2010 8:45 PM ET

But Nebraska will pay Western Kentucky $1M.
---------------------

Both of these college football bloggers bloody SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER regarding the Herbie Cornhuskers.

For instance, yous notice how that Lil' Red Cornhusker program absolutely DOESN'T WANT to schedule a home-and-away.

Yet, Nebraska wants the whole Cornhusker PIG, and only wants a game in the capitol town, or a 2-for-1. Go bloody figures. LOL

Remember, remember this Hurricane rowdies. A certain ' unassuming ' college football program from the Sunshine state was willing to go to Nebraska twice, and actually SHOCKED the college football nation with a ' gutsy, narrow win ' in Stinkin' Lincoln, Herbieland. LMAO

This ' off the radar ' college football program from the Sunshine state would be considered the Boise St. of today.

Who is this team U's wonder. Well, it wasn't Miami.

Think again, that's correct. It was St. Bobby's F.S.U. Seminole program of the ' early eighties ' who ventured into Herbie Cornhuskerville, and had ' dem, dere, das, dum, ' Lil'Red minions bloody SHOCKED, as well as DUMBFOUNDED.

P.S. After that lost by Nebraska, and another close victory over Bowden's Seminoles. That Herbie Cornhusker A.D. ABSOULUTELY REFUSED to schedule a ' new series ' with St. Bobby's squad. Not even a 2-for-1.

Nonetheless, karma worked it's mysterious hand, and Nebraska faced F.S.U. in bowl games, and Coach Bowden's teams BYTCHED SLAPPED that Herbie Cornhusker program! LMAO

Moral of the rant. Nebraska don't wanna' play Boise St. on ' relatively fair ' terms, because it's too much of a risk for them. LOL Think Coach Bobby Bowden's 18-15 win in 1984.

Posted by: macjones | September 25, 2010 at 12:34 PM

Like your Miami, F-L-A Hurricanes, the Seminoles LITERALLY OWN that Herbie Cornhusker program in bowl games of ' significant! ' Yeah baby. LOL

Now, do yous Understand why the Florida's and Nebraska's of the college football realm literally refuse to play difficult non-conference teams.

[SOUP]

1. I will log in when I get there an add a dot to your country map!

2. Does anyone know the time for the clemson game yet? I get back next week at 6pm and was hoping I could catch it.

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 25, 2010 at 12:25 PM

1. Cool deal.

2. It will announced officially on Sunday at noon. Most think it will be an 8 PM game although some are still saying it will be a noon game.

[SOUP]

The more i see GT's option offense, the less and less impressed i get!

Posted by: BahamaCane | September 25, 2010 at 12:33 PM

Like DUH! The first year it worked because people were not prepared for it. The only way it works now is if they are allowed to wear a team down in a close game and break a long run late in the first half or in the fourth quarter.

It might work if they could pass out of it on occasion but that ain't happening it seems with the talent they have at QB or WR?

[macjones]

2. It will announced officially on Sunday at noon. Most think it will be an 8 PM game although some are still saying it will be a noon game.

Posted by: SOUP | September 25, 2010 at 12:40 PM

That's why the Wise men ' suits' at ABC/ESPN college football MAKE the DECISIONS, and not the typical college football fandom. LOL

Bloody EVEN MONEY, that Miami vs. Clemson is show in PRYME TYME on ABC OR ESPN OR ESPN-2.

Yes, ESPN-2 also has Saturday night games scheduled.

And prime time is either a 8:00 P.M. EST start, or a 7:30 P.M. EST telecast, or a 7:00 P.M. EST kickoff. U'all dig. LOl

[Sarasota 'cane]

And prime time is either a 8:00 P.M. EST start, or a 7:30 P.M. EST telecast, or a 7:00 P.M. EST kickoff. U'all dig. LOl

Posted by: macjones | September 25, 2010 at 12:47 PM

I hope you're right, I won't miss a down!

Go 'canes!

[macjones]

Seeing that Benji has ' officially ' become the Cane scapegoat for Jacory. Perhaps Travis should practice some ' pass brake-up drills ' with the Hurricane secondary. LMAO

Heck, the one pass Harris over threw to Benji was ' so sky high, ' that even Labron would've had difficult coming down with the catch. LOL

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"The more i see GT's option offense, the less and less impressed i get!

Posted by: BahamaCane | September 25, 2010 at 12:33 PM"

What, you don't like high school schemes being run at the next level? You probably can't stand the Uni of Fellon's single wing-T either I bet. Tech's offense will impress or not impress you depending on whether the defense is stopping the first option dive or not in any given game. Shutting down the dive is the key to forcing the early pitch and then it's all just covering assignments from there. Boringly simple really, make it a two score game and watch Nesbit throw low percentage bombs to try and get back in it is what that program's entire season looks like week in and week out.

[usagainstheworld]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5612348
Tutor won't talk to school investigatorsEmail Print Comments30 Associated Press

how does that work? sounds like home cooking here and closing of the ranks. . .

isn't she butch's live in????

[macjones]

Was that SIX and or EllIOTT and or UNGAR, whom said the Crumbling Wreck would be one Miami's 3 difficult games in conference. LOL

Wolfpack 10, Ga Tech 0

Yeah, yeah I can hear it now. The game is still early.

Or, to ease those Cane ' Crumbling Wreck ' admirers minds-eye. LOL This is just a typical BOUNCE game for Ga Tech. Especially after last Sabado's tough game with Carolina.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

The NCAA has no authority to compel witnesses to work with them in testimony. If she wants to exercise her 1st Amendment right to free speech by shutting up about this scandal that's up to her.

[pbcfrcane13]

Man I liked Wilson since we played then few years back. Watching this game he is good!! This is he first time I have actually sat and watched a good amount of his game and not saying he's the best or w/e but he just makes good decisions man. Harris take notes!!

[SJMPARMAN]

NC State should be up 23-7. Their FG kicker missed two short field goals. GT defense is clueless on pass defense.

On another note, I think Marve must have been hurt in their game against Toledo. He went 1-3 for 10 yards and had a 12 yard sack and has had no other stats since early in the game. Some guy named Rob Henry is quarterbacking for them according to the box score.

[macjones]

Hookies are in a most difficult game with upstart Boston College-albeit it's in suburban Bean Town. LOL

Beamer Ball 7, Boston College 0

[macjones]

Let's see, U'all Cane admirers still believe Beamer Ball will take down Miami. Yet, I do believe Boston College is no where to be found among the nations Top 25. LOL

Yes, yes this is a road game for the Hookies, but didn't Miami face a legitimate No.2 squad on the road in front of 95,000+ screaming barbarians. No not yours ' distant cousins. ' LOL Think the Germanic-Tutonic tribes of the North lands of Europa.

[SOUP]

Word is that Bobby Marve and Denard Robinson both hurt knees in their games and are out?

Maryland 21, FIU 14 at the half.

[macjones]

Sat., Oct. 2 Washington at USC 8 p.m. ABC and ESPN

Sat., Oct. 2 Penn State at Iowa 8 p.m. ABC and ESPN

Sat., Oct. 2 Notre Dame at Boston College 8 p.m. ABC and ESPN

I was absolutely wrong, as well as arrogant in a sixish sort of way. Because youUr Cane will not been seen on either ABC or ESPN.

So, that leaves only ' ESPN-2 ' as a final option.

It looks like it will be the 3:30 EST time slot, which could be a blessing in disguise for Team Shanon.

For Clemson's stadium will be not as ' mobbish ' under the Johnny Rebel sun, as it would've been at ' night. ' LOL

[pbcfrcane13]

This OC is just calling a very good game for NCSU Whipple take note. Dink Dink Dink then go deep. IMO

[roachcane77]

Yeah, I like WIlson too, I was at that game in Raleigh a few years ago when he picked us apart.

Too bad O'Brien is so conservative and keeps trying FGs with a crappy kicker.

[SJMPARMAN]

I was at that NCS game too. Looked good for about a quarter. Second half, not so much. Good college atmosphere and a nice stadium.

[roachcane77]

Sorry to say it Soup, but, I miss reading Calvin's blogs...

[macjones]

Because preseason polls are the bane of actual accurate rankings during a season and Utah got extra credit for an underwhelming performance right out of the gate. The best part of the BCS era is the introduction of the Harris poll which gets it right in the sense that the voters in there actually, OH MY GOD, WAIT for games to be played before putting teams ahead of each other.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | September 25, 2010 at 10:27 AM

I still prefer the ' computer element ' of the B.C.S poll. Because there's stil a ' bias human quotient ' with your Harris voting variable.

B.C.S.= ESPN/Coaches + Harris + Computers

[SOUP]

It looks like it will be the 3:30 EST time slot, which could be a blessing in disguise for Team Shanon.

Posted by: macjones | September 25, 2010 at 01:50 PM

Sorry, wrong again pumpkin head!

[macjones]

This OC is just calling a very good game for NCSU Whipple take note. Dink Dink Dink then go deep. IMO

Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | September 25, 2010 at 01:54 PM

It's the MIX of the running game which has the Wolf Pack leading, so far. Nothing more and nothing less.

If your Hurricanes don't have a ' respectable ' running game against Clemson, it will be a bery, bery, bery, bery long game for Harris and the Cane 0-line. That's all.

Because rest assure Hurricane fandom, the Tiger will bring ESCALATE the pressure on J12.

[macjones]

Sorry, wrong again pumpkin head!

Posted by: SOUP | September 25, 2010 at 02:01 PM
macjones

What. Yous still ' soar ' I called the correct point total of 31 ( THIRTY-ONE ) for Miami. LOL

Let's see, yous HIGH-BALLED the score, and six LOW-BALLED it.

Talk about a stark contrast of forecasting. LOL

[SOUP]

I miss reading Calvin's blogs...

Posted by: roachcane77 | September 25, 2010 at 01:58 PM

It's unfortunate, but it is what it is. As a blogger he had several "flaws" but his comments were always long and usually entertaining.

[pbcfrcane13]

Love how Griese just ripped Harris lol

[macjones]

So, that means Calvin is Person Non Grata forever and ever.

I guess he's ' flaws ' were too X-rated for the Canespace teeny bopper crowd. LMAO

[pbcfrcane13]

Sucks but he was right. Saying everything that comes out of his hand is soft unlike Wilson. Funny thing is you see Harris has the the arm to throw it in there when he wants to.

[SJMPARMAN]

Anybody else think Al Groh isn't going to be at GT next year, lol.

[canechic]

Wasn't the coach of GT called a genius just 2 years ago?