The Short List To South Beach

The Shortlist in 2012 again, and for the last time, tracks contenders not only trying to disrupt the unprecedented almost decade long closed competition of the SEC for the national title, but also who gets to spend 2013 on the shores of South Beach before trying to place their names amongst the all time greats of the game.  Even with a definite end to the current championship configuration in college football off in the distant horizon, here on the Shortlist the rules remained unchanged once again;

1) A team from a non-BCS automatic qualifier conference cannot lose a game.  A BCS conference team, or Notre Dame, can only lose one game and only to a BCS conference opponent or Notre Dame and still stay on the Shortlist.

2) Teams with losses will be ranked relative to the circumstances surrounding their losses.  A loss on the road by one point is more forgivable than a loss at home by 10 for example.

The last time the Shortlist tracked the contenders for one of its two championship berths, Hurricane nemesis Florida used the season to pass Hurricane arch-rival Florida State into second place on the all-time championship list for schools from the state of Florida.  This year I expect Florida State to use this season as an opportunity to tie that race for second back up for the time being.

=

With the FBS field expanded to 124 teams, I expect the following 34 to be eliminated from the Shortlist to South Beach right away, disqualifying just over a full quarter of the contenders before the first week of play finishes:

Iowa State, Washington State, Boise State, Nevada, San Diego State, Wyoming, Colorado State, Hawaii, UNLV, Southern Miss, Marshall, UAB, SMU, UTEP, Rice, Tulane, Navy, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami (Oh), Bowling Green, Buffalo, Akron,
Massachusetts, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, Texas State, UTSA, FIU, Arkansas State, and North Texas.

Included amongst the expected eliminations in week one?  Only the most successful program of recent college football history in Boise State.  The most difficult Shortlist elimination game for me to choose between the competitors in week one?  Saying goodbye to Larry Coker's UTSA Roadrunners as they visit some team named the South Alabama Jaguars in Mobile in the return bout of their double overtime thriller from last season, where Larry added to his still stellar career winning percentage with a 25 yard run for a touchdown by his team to answer the Jaguars' field goal.  If those two facts don't help convince you that there's still plenty of intrigue left in the current model of championship crowning in this game, there's not much else I can say to change your mind on that account.

Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as the Shortlist sorts out the preseason hype from the regular season reality here on the Shortlist to South Beach.

Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[raizecane]

Ohio - nice case. But I am getting the iPhone 5 so wil have to wait a while to purchase something like that. Plus i need a case that is waterproof and drop proof...lol

[3G Cane]

NASA's Supersonic Flying Wing has #Canes "U" logo on it. We're EVERYWHERE!! #TheU http://news.yahoo.com/supersonic-flying-wing-nabs-100-000-nasa-155935257.html

Posted by: Ohio_Cane
-------
Most curious considering the engineer is from F$Who. They must really wish they could be rid of us, so much so that they're shooting us into space!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

4-Real, with the science now coming out that NFL career length directly relates to ='ing a ruined brain and early onset dementia related to CTE, plus the fact a high paying job and an education on how to wield that pay properly can buy and sell even the highest paid NFL stars many times over during a lifetime, give me my brain thank you very much.

Spence is young so he'll walk again most likely with some luck and hard work, he's also probably not going to make six years in the NFL with a bum leg and already undersized before that injury. Reality bites isn't just a movie title. Again, you seem to be someone who thinks that playing a game at the pro level for money has real value added from it to the individual and society, I don't agree with you on that point though and don't owe you anything when it comes to discussing this with you or Spence regarding his situation. He's still very lucky to have a quality education to fall back on in this case like I said before.

[Hassan]

Anyone see Vandy get robbed. I love how the SEC ref's are paid by the league to not allow upsets..... The NCAA should just have college refs that rotate, Football is football there are minor tweaks in rules in different conferences and from H.S to College to Pro but how hard is it to remember the few differences. League ref's need to go because it is obvious that the SEC has the Fix in for a long time....

[Tsully76]

For us Canespacers who live in either the Central, Mountain, or Pacific time zones. Also this applies to the Canespacers in Alaska and Hawaii we can watch the game on ESPN2 at 2:30, 1:30, 12:30, 11:30, or 10:30 respective to whatever time zone u live in. Go Canes.

[Ohio_Cane]

Vandy for sure got robbed. Who knows if they would've actually scored, but they weren't given the chance, which was completely wrong.

[86Cane]

Another myth, at least to coaches, is that teams might hold back their playbook against “lesser” opponents in openers but can’t afford to do that against a conference foe.

“I don't think anybody holds back anything,” Spaziani said. “As far as easier opponents, I always get a kick out of that one because when you start the season the bad teams don't know they're bad teams.”

Golden doesn’t buy into that, either.

“If we were going to hold anything back, it would be because of how young we are and because we don't want to make mental errors and confuse them,” he said.

Beamer said his team doesn’t hold back, either.

“We go out there and … whoever it is, try to win,” he said. “Certainly with Georgia Tech that's a really important game for both of us. To start the season, I think both of us will do what we think we need to win that football game.”

[MassivCane]

Seriously!!!
http://tracking.si.com/2012/08/31/unc-academic-scandal-ncaa/?eref=sihp

[3G Cane]

The Vandy non-call is standard operating procedure in the $EC. Thats how they keep their teams from cannibalizing each other and protect the high ranked ones.

Although if Vandy beat them, next week's poll would probably be SC #15 and Vandy #16. LULZ

We'll see how the officiating in the Bama Mich game goes, anyone one know if they're using $EC refs for that?

Regardless pass interference in situations like that needs to be reviewable. The official had a perfect view and should have called it. Nothing like a blatant robbery on opening night to sully your palate for CFB.

[Panamacitycane]

So in the case of North Carolina the ncaa is saying you don't have to go to class it's ok? Well these new freshman need more football time so guess they should just skip class this year. Obviously it's not a violation.

[UMike]

3G..I thought I heard on ESPN that SEC refs were doing the Michigan-Bama game

[j.w.]

Sad for Spence.

[UMike]

Actually Im pretty sure I head them say that the SEC ALWAYS uses their refs

[CGNC]

coverage area for tomorrow's game

http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics32/800/TB/TBUATKCUEFNQTUI.20120829192347.jpg

[86Cane]

What’s at Stake?

A chance to start out the season with a conference win. After neither team went to a bowl game last season (Miami went 6-6, but declined a bowl bid due to looming NCAA sanctions), each needs that kind of boost. Miami is also seeking revenge after falling to Boston College, 24-17, at home in what was the final game of last season for both teams.

Key for the Hurricanes

Quarterback Stephen Morris. This will be the junior’s first game as the full-time starter. Proving he can move the ball against a traditionally strong BC defense and doing it on the road would be a big confidence booster for the rest of the team.

Key for the Eagles

Special teams play. Miami boasts a lot more speed than the Eagles, especially when it comes to the return game. The BC kicking game and the coverage units must avoid any big mistakes.

Numbers Game

BC brings back more of its offense than any other FBS team, with returning players accounting for 98.5 percent of its offensive yards in 2011 … Miami’s six losses last season came by an average of 5.5 points and none were by more than eight … Miami leads the series 23-5, but BC has won two of the three ACC meetings … In the last 12 years, BC has produced nine first-round draft picks … Miami’s Dalton Botts averaged 42.7 yards a punt last year, which ranked second in the ACC … Over the last five seasons, BC ranks fifth nationally in rush defense (allowing an average of 99.5 yards per game over that stretch).

Odds

Miami by 2

Prediction

Hurricanes 26, Eagles 16 – Jacory Harris isn’t around anymore and that’s good news for Miami – the interception-prone QB fired four picks against BC last year. The fact that the Eagles don’t have star linebacker Luke Kuechly anymore either will help too.

[3G Cane]

3G..I thought I heard on ESPN that SEC refs were doing the Michigan-Bama game

Posted by: UMike
-----------
Of course they are. Just like they used them the last time we played in g-ville even though the away team is supposed to have refs from their conference. I hope we didnt allow them to bring down their "fixers" when we play next year.

[THE MAN]

Yeah, I don't get the whole referee thing in NFL or college. There should be "professional refs" in each sport. Not ones where they have outside jobs or ones affiliated with a particular conference. It just makes you view bad calls or no calls as "that ref has an agenda." Both sports need to do away with that and hire them as one unit.

[Iballsohard]

Wow pretty sick that one individual on here is so callous about the lifelong dream of a Cane possibly being crushed, as well as the fact that he suffered major trauma with that gruesome injury on his knee.

You've probably never played any sports, but to make it to that level, you've been eating, sleeping and breathing football for about 75% of your entire life.

Having a degree from Miami is a definite plus and something he'll need sooner or later, nobody is arguing that, but to just callously blow of his injury like that, shows you have no heart or empathy for what that young man is going through right now. I hope he gets a chance to realize his lifelong dream, even if just for a few short years.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

SEC instituted that policy in the wake of F$U using ACC refs that pretty obviously called a game in their favor and swung a close decision their way in Griffen stadium in 2005 I want to say. Of course, in typical bought and paid for fashion, one whining mediocre program prompted the entire league to go overboard in the other direction to protect their officiating interests from that point forward.

If you thought Vandy got jobbed last night in a division game, get ready for NC State and Clemson really showing you how it's done this weekend when it comes to getting shafted by guys in stripes.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

ballhard, he already acheived his dream of making it to the NFL, so strike one.

I could care less if he takes one snap or one million at the pro level, you understood that point.

I don't care about the NFL like you do apparently and you don't know me or what I play(ed) or didn't, so strike two.

Injuries happen and are a reality, blowing it off would be saying it doesn't happen or won't happen to someone, strike three.

See you in eight at-bats?

[Felipe]

Brandon Washington waived outright by the Eagles. Wow.

[Ohio_Cane]

Brandon Washington waived outright by the Eagles. Wow.

Posted by: Felipe | August 31, 2012 at 01:54 PM
---------------------------------------

Surprised? No.

Should've went into camp in shape and not 20 lbs overweight. Needed another year in college too, where it wasn't even gauranteed he'd start.

[UMike]

This has been the worse summer of my life by far...Canes football cant get here quick enough!!!!!

[86Cane]

1. I don't care about the NFL like you do apparently and you don't know me or what I play(ed) or didn't, so strike two.

2. Injuries happen and are a reality, blowing it off would be saying it doesn't happen or won't happen to someone, strike three.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 31, 2012 at 01:49 PM

1. OGV you are mnissing the point. It is NOT if U care about the NFL, it is about if U care about Spence as a person and player.

2. Certainly injuries are a part of the game of football but U hope they don't happen to your players (current and former) and you always feel bad for them when it does happen.

I think that is what people are saying but you don't quite seem to be getting it?

[4-Real]

It ain't about the NFL Ogv, its about Sean Spence. Having a degree from Miami or any other school doesn't guarantee success or a job period. Case in point, one of the guys that installed my plumbing 4 $10 an hour graduated from MIAMI with a business degree! True story! I love clownin back & 4th with u Ogv but this crap u talkin now is over the top, even 4 me! In fact its just flat-out STUPID & SELFISH!

[Felipe]

Yeah my bad thought Brandon Washington was a 4th round pick, forgot he dropped to 6th. -Wow +Oh.

[Iballsohard]

There is something seriously wrong with you when you're only concern is being right rather than stepping back and looking at the situation with some perspective.

Trying to win debate points with the strike analogy just shows how out of touch you are with what that young man is going through.

Saying he has ALREADY achieved his dream by not even getting through his first preseason shows your totally clueless. I seriously doubt his dream was to p,ay three preseason games and then blow his knee out.

You're a real jerk.

[86Cane]

I love clownin back & 4th with u Ogv but this crap u talkin now is over the top, even 4 me! In fact its just flat-out STUPID & SELFISH!

Posted by: 4-Real | August 31, 2012 at 02:12 PM

I can't believe I am going to say this OUT LOUD here on the blog but 4-Real I actually agree with U 100%.

[Felipe]

OGV's initial point was that Sean Spence has great insurance in the form of a first class education, and that's right on, while an NFL career is a temporary and fleeting event for most anyway.

Ease down all, we're just grinding metal.

[86Cane]

Saying he has ALREADY achieved his dream by not even getting through his first preseason shows your totally clueless. I seriously doubt his dream was to play three preseason games and then blow his knee out.

Posted by: Iballsohard | August 31, 2012 at 02:13 PM

There IT is right there.

[Ohio_Cane]

Eagles released Chase Ford too. He should make practice squad. Not so sure about B-Wash.

[WWIN]

When is the depth chart coming out?????

[UMike]

Willie..I thought it came out already..or was there suppose to be another before the game?

[3G Cane]

IMO the bottomline is that preseason games need to somehow be phased out. Fans shouldnt have to pay for meaningless games and players shouldnt have to risk serious injury for them either.

[Hassan]

Sometimes i wonder if some of these guys are actually Canes fans? They relish when our players fail it seems sometimes. I for one am hurt that guys lie B Wash and others are out of football when they could be in School for free. I know for sure another year of UTough and putting him at guard would have improved him a lot. Same for all those that left early. best of luck to them in their futures

[Montreal-Cane]

UNC Academic Scandal

The University of North Carolina revealed Friday that, over a year ago, it notified the NCAA of "potential academic issues involving student-athletes in African and Afro-American Studies courses."

For the multitude of critics against UNC and the NCAA's supposed lack of action against this school in this potential scandal, this was a how-you-like-me-now statement. Some cynically believed the NCAA was slow to move against UNC in light of such alarming evidence of previous academic improprieties. But the university was showing that in fact the institution itself didn't sleep on its possible impermissibles.

But here's the kicker. In the year since, UNC and the NCAA have worked together to look into the possible cheating and academic fraud within North Carolina's academic department. They did so only on the basis of investigating players who took phony courses or received spurious grades. Yes, it was a joint effort between North Carolina and the NCAA, but basically this was UNC looking into its own dark closets and shouting out to the NCAA, who was waiting around the corner, if they found anything.

And so far: no.

Turns out UNC is in the clear. As of now.

[UMike]

Miami cornerback Brandon McGee has been through more in his 21 years than many people have in a lifetime.

So when coaches took away the senior’s coveted first-team black jersey early in fall camp and gave one instead to true freshman corner Tracy Howard, McGee didn’t pout or let the frustration fester. And he didn’t resent the words of defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio, who said he needed McGee’s “effort to match his talent.”

“We can’t come out here every day and have a pep rally and strike up the band,” D’Onofrio said. “I can’t try to light a fire under you every day. You’ve got to be responsible for that fire.”

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/31/2977584/journey-isnt-complete-for-miami.html

[Hassan]

STA and Columbus square off tonight in our stadium, the game can be watched online FoxSportsFlorida.com.http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/

Anthony Moten DT has a cane offer and will be playing next to Joey Bosa (OSU Commit) OLB/DE Virgile will be active and look out for STA RB's Watch Columbus back Woodley.

Go raiders

[Ohio_Cane]

Tomorrow's TV Broadcast Coverage Map - ABC/ESPN: http://ow.ly/dnQDp and Alumni Watch Party Locations: http://ow.ly/dnQG6

[Montreal-Cane]

Papa Cane ‏@SaveUMFootball
Lots of potential NFL players were cut today. Some left school without a degree or proper evaluation. Never trust agents. Trust coaches.

Papa Cane ‏@SaveUMFootball
Good 'ole Drew Rosenhaus, where are you now? You promised riches, success and gave us loans. But at the end we don't have homes. #Agents

[Montreal-Cane]

Canes just landed in Boston.

[Montreal-Cane]

Brandon Washington waived outright by the Eagles. Wow.

Posted by: Felipe | August 31, 2012 at 01:54 PM
---------------------------------------

Surprised? No.

Should've went into camp in shape and not 20 lbs overweight. Needed another year in college too, where it wasn't even gauranteed he'd start.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 31, 2012 at 02:10 PM

Can we blame the Rat face agent for this one?

[Tsully76]

Yes J12 was god awful against Boston College and he cost us that game. I have a question though since the other 10 games he played he threw 19 Tds and 5 ints but our team was 6-4 and the season opener we lost so. But hey some will say we only were 6-6 cause he sucked. Smh

[Ohio_Cane]

Can we blame the Rat face agent for this one?

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 31, 2012 at 03:36 PM
----------------------------------------

Him and Washington himself, yes.

[Tsully76]

Albeit I hate to hear our Canes being released outright from NFL squads. Sadly I am not surprised since some of these guys were not fully invested at Miami and thought it would be a breeze unfortunately reality hitting some of them in the face. I hate this but its the sad reality. Maybe the practice squads or the CFL. best of luck to the guys though.

[Panamacitycane]

Less than 24 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[86Cane]

IMO the bottomline is that preseason games need to somehow be phased out. Fans shouldnt have to pay for meaningless games and players shouldnt have to risk serious injury for them either.

Posted by: 3G Cane | August 31, 2012 at 02:52 PM

Totally agree 100%. Or at least reduce it to two games MAX.

[Montreal-Cane]

IF you UNC is in the clear we should be too...This is much , much more of a scandal than the so called Shapiro allegations...We are talking about a major academic scandal at UNC fixed by UNC athletics and the UNC administration...

From ESPN today...

The NCAA has told University of North Carolina officials that the university apparently did not break NCAA rules in the scandal surrounding the school's Afro and African-American Studies Department, according to a statement released by the school Friday.

North Carolina, which first notified the NCAA that it had identified potential academic issues involving student-athletes in AFAM courses a year ago, updated the NCAA enforcement staff on Aug. 23 about the situation.

"The NCAA staff reaffirmed to university officials that no NCAA rules appeared to have been broken," the school said in its statement.

In May, UNC made public an internal probe that found 54 AFAM classes were either "aberrant" or "irregularly" taught from the summer of 2007 to the summer of 2011. That included unauthorized grade changes, forged faculty signatures on grade rolls, and limited or no class time.

The NCAA is a fraud.

[86Cane]

Hassan...I do not think that anybody wishes for ANY of the former UM players to fail. I just think that based on the extenuating circumstances of their early entry into the NFL draft when clearly several of them got bad advice, had no clue and were obviously not prepared to go pro taht people react to that in a negative way.

Were the players who left early selfish and worried about themselves more than the team and The U for leaving early? Probably.

Is it selfish for Hurricane fans to have wanted the players who bolted early to stay to help the team this year? Probably.

Everyone basically wants it their way and unfortunately only one gets it and one doesn't. Usually someone will wind up being "unhappy" with the short end of the stick.

[86Cane]

The NCAA is a fraud.

Posted by: Montreal-Cane | August 31, 2012 at 04:09 PM

There IT is right there.