The Short List: Week 11

As I predicted last week only 11 teams are left on the Shortlist in 2010 and the programs rate in order of worthiness for consideration of a top two ranking as follows:

Auburn, TCU, Boise State, Oregon, LSU, Stanford, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, and Michigan State.

Between calling the sad homecoming in the Florida capitol a month prior to it transpiring and going four for five in Shortlist elimination predictions, this comes as close to a banner week as you'll ever see on the Shortlist for myself, but one team found a way to breakup the perfection for me last week:

1) LSU makes the Tide lose in Baton Rouge by a final score of 24-21 as the most overpaid coach in America loses to the second most overpaid coach in America.  Unfortunately for exasperated Tiger fans, Les Miles now looks like a near lock to remain on the Shortlist until the end of the year.  Having me said that publicly now, he's sure to lose the battle of the Golden Boot which he's 1-3 with an overtime win in the last three years.  A small price to pay to get rid of the biggest head coaching joke in the game on the Shortlist in my opinion and one I'll be all too happy to pay when it turns out that way.

Of course, that means only one team found themselves off the Shortlist last week despite me not calling for them to, the wire-to-wire pole sitter on 2009's Shortlist:

1) Alabama.  Memo to the cousin-marrying-state: The Bear is still dead, Mark Ingram Jr. couldn't hold Bo's jock if Jackson placed it in his hand to start with and Little Brother is coming for blood this year.  It's not too soon to convert now before it gets real ugly for the dead-sea-washout fans.

I'm extremely tempted to predict no one falling of the Shortlist this week but ultimately, I can't go with the prevailing conventional wisdom and have to call for an unlucky 13 wins by Texas in a row over the only team I expect off the Shortlist this week:

Oklahoma State.

When you haven't won in Austin since World War II was wrapping up, you've still got a lot to prove as a program in my opinion, but the Cowboys can and do have the talent and ability to end the futility this time around.  The results against common opponent Nebraska though forces me to make this against-the-grain call, even though this presumed pre-season, "W," for Texas no longer can be considered as such in November. 

With so few teams left in contention the eliminations will slow to a trickle as we navigate down the final weeks and possibly the most surprising end to a football season in memory draws ever closer with each upset result here on the Shortlist to the Site of the Shanghaied 'Ship.

Copyright 2010 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[SOUP]

Join the Tampa Bay Area Alumni Club in cheering on the Canes as they take on Georgia Tech!

When: Saturday, November 13th
Where: CDB's Southside
3671 South Westshore Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33629

Kick-off is at 12 noon.

[mi@mic@ne]

I just hit 331

[SOUP]

Ultimate respect and thanks again to all those who have served or are currently serving

Posted by: Six | November 11, 2010 at 12:32 PM

^^^ What he said ^^^

[SOUP]

With so few teams left in contention the eliminations will slow to a trickle as we navigate down the final weeks and possibly the most surprising end to a football season in memory draws ever closer with each upset result here on the Shortlist to the Site of the Shanghaied 'Ship.

Copyright 2010 by Christopher Whelpton

OGV...I forgot to say it before but GREAT article once again and GREAT job with the Short List all year long!

[WindyCane1]

M17 has a better passer rating than J12 and he played with fewer reps and against better competition. M17 also had the most paasing Yds of the season and he put the big play back in the offense. J12 started 8 games this seasonn and M17's first start is better than J12's entire season.

Watching J12 trying to throw deep is painful. Teams are waiting for it and for each throw there is an INT most of the time. The few deep throws he made last year does not make up for the majority of floater that cost the Canes. J12 does not throw a consistent good deep ball.

Yates, Taylor, Wilson, Parker and several other ACC QBs throw better deep balls. As a matter of fact, its safe to say that J12 has one of the weaker arms in the ACC but he tries to throw pass patterns designed for ryan mallet. Stats don't lie and there are more big plays in the passing game fron M17.

If the Canes are winning it will be tough to bring J12 back. The pressure on J12 will be tremendous if he is allowed to return to the lineup during a crucial winning streak. I don't think J12 looses his starting job because of injury - M17 will win the job through his play.

[ColoradoCane]

Posted by: WindyCane1 | November 11, 2010 at 04:09 PM

Windy I agree with you. At what point does Whipple adjust his playbook to the QBs strength though? All these teams know that he can't throw the deep ball consistently yet we continue to throw the damn thing over and over again and they continue to sit on it and pick it. What happens if we start throwing some slants and crossing patterns to someone other then a TE or RB? Jacory has always been deadly accurate out to about 15 yards. Just once I would love to see TB cross the middle.... there isn't anyone that can hang with him. IMO J12 is going to be our starter once he is healthy again but Whipple has got to adjust the playbook for him.

[WindyCane1]

le.... there isn't anyone that can hang with him. IMO J12 is going to be our starter once he is healthy again but Whipple has got to adjust the playbook for him.

Posted by: ColoradoCane | November 11, 2010 at 04:37 PM

Good pont.

[solarcane]

I'm more confident with Morris in there too windy.
I don't think Jacory is mentally tough enough to carry the team.

Every time Jacory would throw a pick he would have a little limp or clutch his shoulder, arm, groin,or thumb, while coming off the field.

We all work with people like that.
They have a defense mechanism that makes them seek forgiveness or sympathy when they make a mistake, like something physical made them screw up.

Yates was horrible last year, then "the light went on" as Randy likes to say.
If that could happen with Jacory it would be great for him.
I'm not going to predict what will happen in the future.
We have seen how everything changes from week to week, nobody can accurately say if Morris will or won't do well.
I personally like what I'm seeing.

I don't think Jacory will lose his starting job due to injury either, but I think he will start the next game he is healthy enough to play in.

Think of it this way windy.
Say you are a manager or forman where you work. You get a legitimate injury at work, and your boss sends you home for week off to heal.
When you come back do they demote you and reduce your pay because you were injured?

You should get your position back, and if someone is doing a better job, then they get the opportunity to compete and take your place.

Highsmith was a total waste of Steven Morris' time. Had Morris been pushing Jacory,we might have another win on our record, and Morris might have moved into the starting role with no controversy.

[ColoradoCane]

Posted by: solarcane | November 11, 2010 at 04:48 PM

Solar agreed. The coaches failed miserably in the handling of the backup QB situation. You can't tell me they didn't know in the spring that #17 was the most physically gifted QB on the team. F the numbers....get the best players on the field regardless of age and class.

[solarcane]

colo,

Right
Playing best players regardless used to be part of made us champions.
Look at Lamar and Berry pushing each other now, they will both just get better.

I'm sick of us playing favorites, seniors, and such.

If Cooper can sit the bench, go in when his number is called and not get his feelings hurt, then Jacory should watch Coop and learn how being an upperclassmen, a leader and team player is supposed to look.

[Sebastian]

It wasnt the playcalling when #12 was on the field

He opted to go deep when both the short throws and RBs were there to dump the ball off to.

I understand that the clique likes to toss blame at the playcalling so others follow along but the playcalling is the least of the problems

[WindyCane1]



Posted by: solarcane | November 11, 2010 at 04:48 PM

Good post. I know people like J12 too. What J12 doesn't realize is that holding his thumb or limping is not going to get us (or his teammates in his locker room) to have sympathy for him - a steak of 150 passes without an INT will certainly will. That light has been turned off for J12 and it has not been on for a while; and amazingly, J12 doesn't even know or care that he has become an intercepton machine. M17 doesn't have to be the next Testaverde - he can just be the best M17 possible and don't make silly mistakes that hurt his team

[DallasTX Cane]

I've been confused by some of the red-shirting decisions that seem to have been made. Anyone else wondering if it makes any sense to burn a red-shirt on some of the highly touted freshmen we have only so they can return a KO every once in a while? I think that for most players, even great ones, that extra year of working out & learning the game (not to mention adjusting to college) leads directly to successful college careers. IMO if a freshman isn't a legit #1 or #2, then his red-shirt should be preserved. It'll most likely pay dividends in the future.

I dont necessarily believe our planning is well thought out when it comes to Storm Johnson or Eduardo Clements. Is there something I don't know or am mising? Wouldn't it have made sense to red-shirt these two? Especially given the performance of DB, LM & MJ.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Back on Daytona Beach with an internet connection, so what's all this fire the head coach bunk going around? Did having to burn a red-shirt on a freshman at QB really show he can't coach or prepare a team? Have people watched the overpaid duo of dunces in the other two schools with crystal footballs in the state? Those guys should be watching the back for the knife, not the alum in Coral Gables.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"Especially given the performance of DB, LM & MJ.

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | November 11, 2010 at 06:14 PM"

They're banged up and The Randy likes to go 5 deep at the position is the answer I'd give you. Plus highly touted guys are going to give you three years of free play and then it's time for a paycheck to take the beating.

[ChicagoCane]

Sheldon Richardson - DT from Missouri who picks Mizzou over the Canes many years ago is STILL in junion college

[ChicagoCane]

Sorry - make that junior college. He just de-committed from Missou to play with Dirty Lane at U$C

[ChicagoCane]

IN OTHER RECRUITING NEWS:
There is a big article on rivals about all of the Canes commits that are visiting other schools in the near future (Teddy B, our 3rd generation Cane - Chikillo, and Marcus Jackson).

[solarcane]

Every guy and his wife in America at the big box store.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nt5_mnyB1s

[canesteeler]

,,,,,

[canesteeler]

Dallas I think they are forced to play some freshman to keep them from transfering.

[emorycane]

Go Home and Get Your F---ing Shinbox

[roachcane77]

Nice work Solar...

"Because I bought those other ten rods at great prices... I saved enough money that getting that new sweet rod would actually be free!"

"You are insane."

Indeed, you are insane Solar!

LMAOAROTFFL!!!

Sweet rod indeed... (That's what she said... )

[SOUP]

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Once the teams are finalized, this game will sell out, so we suggest you order today to get the best possible seats. The deadline to order is Tuesday, November 23, at 5 p.m.

The ACC

[ALPHARETTACANE]

Cavaleer / Capt Optimist,

Mr Irrational here, AlpharettaCane. I couldn't resist commenting after I saw ongoing exchange between yourself and Solar.

I prefer to take the high road. The internet makes it too easy to blast or insult people for their opinions, regardless whether they turn out to be right or wrong. But I must say, for years now I've been reading all your comments, all your views, all your expertise. I've tried to treat it like all the other opinions and posts - everyone's entitled, right?

But when you come on and hurl insults when people (or me specifically) disagree with your views, that's when I say it's not worth it. And that's a shame, because there are a lot of people on here whose opinions and insights I value highly. I believe Cutcliffe at Duke is a good college HC. That makes me a "sac-rider". I say (and continue to say) that I for one don't think Shannon is a good HC. I'm a "hater". Whipple, who I think is the best thing to happen to the offense in a long time, is a "fukin moron". Someone say Ohio State's lines are decent? God help them. Florid and Tebow are talented and will handle Miami - traitor!!! The Sheriff will deliver multiple NCs when all the Cokerites are gone. Damien Berry has terrible vision as a runner and doesn't hit the hole quick enough. WTF?

Well, it would be easy for me to sit back and say I've enjoyed watching you embarrass yourself with practically every position you've taken over the years. But I'm not going to - because they're your opinions. And your opinion is just as valid as mine or anyone else's. Right, wrong, indifferent.

I don't care if you agree, or disagree, with whatever I, or anyone else has to say. Just leave the vitriol out of it. And once and a while, step back and admit that maybe someone else saw things a bit differently.

We've been blogging way back before Omar was even on the scene, and SMD was answering questions on the Herald to the tune of one to two / week. So we know the score.

I've been wrong way more than right. And I don't mind admitting it. I think I wrote that Shannon was a great hire way back when. (Sorry, that was a cheap shot.) McCarthy, no matter how many times he can't keep up with the TE, love the guy - always will. Effort like his you can't manufacture. Still think Bosher is our MVP. Thought AJ was going to be a star. Thought Panunzio should've gone - 3+ years ago! Have consistently - consistently - said this is no better than a 8-4 team, and will be for the near future. Some calls right, some wrong, but all just my opinion. I have no inside information, never coached college football (or high school, or Pop Warner...did play HS sports and coached Little League - does that count?) and yes, I'm speculating - just like 100% of all the other people on this blog do.

So next time someone takes a position, and you disagree, perhaps you should remember the golden rule. And that at the end of the day we all have our opinions and views and they're no more right or wrong than anyone else's.

After all, isn't that what this Cane Space deal is all about?

Anyway, JMO. Fire away - I've said my peace, welcome the return volley.

[solarcane]

roach
thanks!

that was pretty much scripted right from any shopping trip I have ever been on.

[ALPHARETTACANE]

VaCane - sorry to hear about your loss. I miss reading your passionate posts.

Hang in there.

[solarcane]

canesteeler
I thought maybe that was why they had Storm returning kicks, to try and keep his heart in staying in Miami.

[solarcane]

alph,
I admire your manners

[roachcane77]

I've earned my share of "actually free" tennis, golf and other athletic equipment over the years for sure!

SO MANY good deals... can't pass them up when they are there for the taking! (It would just be stupid.)

Nice post Alph... (for an effin Hater... LOL ;) )

I agree with most of what you say, except that I, for one, am NEVER wrong on this blog, and anyone who disagrees is obviously just an idiot. (That's the jest of your meaning right?)

[ALPHARETTACANE]

Cav,

Thought (hope) you'd enjoy this.

AlpharettaCane plays Battleship with himself, 'Canes - style:

Kyle Wright has "it" - whatever "it" is. MISS!

Can't wait to see Richard Gordon return KOs. MISS!

Rich Rodriguez will turn around Michigan and is a great head coach. MISS! (still believe it though).

Mike Leach would've made a great HC at UM with all the great talent in Fla combined with his system. MISS!! (?)

Pannunzio needs to go. HIT!!

Coker was a great OC. HIT!!

Wesley should've never been let go. (?)

Marve is a better QB than Harris (MISS - HIT)

Sam McDuffie is going to be a great RB at Michigan. MISS!

LeSean McCoy will have a better Sr. year than Javarris James / Greg Cooper. HIT!!

We're going to crush LSU in the Peach Bowl, particularly since they lost their starting QB. MISS!!

Our D-Line is so deep, it's one of the highlites of this team. MISS!

DVD couldn't tackle his own shadow. HIT!!

Shannon is stubborn, coy with the media, doesn't motivate his players, and doesn't have high enough expectations for the team / program. HIT!!

Shannon has no clue when it comes to clock or game management. HIT!!

JoJo Nicholas and Jared Campbell should play over Armstrong / Telemaque. MISS! - although sometimes....)

Miami is no better than a 3rd place team in their own division. HIT!

Bill Young will revolutionize our defense. MISS!

John Lovett will revolutionize our defense. MISS!

Patrick Nix had philosophical differences with Shannon on what offensive system should be run. HIT!

He (Nix) also wasn't a good OC. HIT!

Nix was hired due to the fact that Shannon couldn't stop him when GaTech beat Miami with Reggie Ball at QB. Hit! (and he came cheap)

Louisville with Brohm is going to hang 50 on us. HIT!!

Florida is going to kick our ass. HIT!!

VaTech is going to kill us in B'burg with little Vick. MISS!!

I spend way too much time blogging about this crap instead of spending time with the family. HIT!!

Haven't added up the score, but it feels to be what, about .500?

In the end, who cares! (HIT!)

[ALPHARETTACANE]

Roach -

Yes, my sentiments exactly! Well done.

:)

[roachcane77]

OK, I was on the "Can't wait to see Richard Gordon return kickoffs" wagon...

That lasted about 1 play... as I recall.

[canechic]

This is for all the Cane fans pining for the past and second guessing the present, enjoy!

What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.

William Wordsworth

[SOUP]

So next time someone takes a position, and you disagree, perhaps you should remember the golden rule. And that at the end of the day we all have our opinions and views and they're no more right or wrong than anyone else's.

After all, isn't that what this Cane Space deal is all about?

Posted by: ALPHARETTACANE | November 11, 2010 at 08:12 PM

YES SIR!

For those who ROCK, like Alpha Dog, we salute U.

[SOUP]

OK, I was on the "Can't wait to see Richard Gordon return kickoffs" wagon...

That lasted about 1 play... as I recall.

Posted by: roachcane77 | November 11, 2010 at 09:12 PM

Reluctantly, shamefully I admit...I was on that wagon too.

[Canez1]

I think we were all on the Richard Gordon tip because we were hoping for something positive to pin our hopes on.

A few years later and we are still in that mode.

Thanks so much Bland one.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[SOUP]

NEW BLOG IS UP!

[CGNC]

189

[DZ8]

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