The Short List To South Beach: Week 2

Last weeks opening slate of games is in the books and as usual, the attrition on the Shortlist to South Beach is wide ranging and includes some unexpected strike-throughs.  The following 39 teams find themselves taken out of the running for a national championship and for all intents and purposes, playing out the string on 2012 with 11 games to go:

Penn State, Colorado, California, Washington State, Pittsburgh, Boise State, Houston, Tulsa, San Diego State, Wyoming, Hawaii, Idaho, UNLV, Southern Miss, Marshall, UAB, SMU, UTEP, Rice, Tulane, Navy, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Eastern Michigan,  Miami (Oh), Bowling Green, Buffalo, Akron, Massachusetts, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, Texas State, UTSA, FIU, Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee, South Alabama and North Texas.

In what has to be one of the worst opening weeks in Shortlist prediction history for me a whole seven teams won games last week I called for them to be taken out at the end of and they are:

1) Iowa State continues to exceed expectation under Paul Rhoads, as even a losing season thanks to last year's bowl loss can't dampen the good feelings of beating the best team in the nation for my money in Oklahoma State in 2011 or spoil the opener of this one, as they win 38-23 in Ames over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. I don't expect the Cyclones to last here on the Shortlist until the end of the month, but for the time being they remain the dominant weather pattern in the mid-west of the country thanks to the victory.

2) Colorado State sticks it to their 'older brother' Colorado in Denver 22-17.  The Rams and Buffaloes rivalry is one of the most underrated in all of college football and when they play at a neutral site like they did this year and often do, it's a fantastic atmosphere that really translates well even over the broadcast.  All you have to hear is the roar of the Rams partisans as the clock wore down during this game to realize just how much a win like this makes their season, anything else being just icing for them the rest of the way although now a bowl game is a distinct possibility for them.

3) Nevada turns up the tempature on California coach Jeff Tedford several notches by winning in Berkley 31-24.  Chris Ault is in the Hall of Fame for his coaching of the Wolfpack, Tedford won't be for his job with the Bears whenever it ends sooner or later.  Draw your own conclusions why this upset happened at Cal for only the second time in 109 years.

4) Ohio goes on the road and wins a game I spent a long time thinking about calling for them to win 24-14 against some state university once of great renown for playing football.  Frank Solich isn't winning at the clip he was at Nebraska but he's also not running just the triple option anymore with the Bobcats.  I'd also be hard pressed to name a more impressive win in his entire coaching career either, opponent defections be damned, and this year just might shape up now for an unlikely return to the BCS for the man who watched a national title get ripped from his grasp at the hands of the greatest college football team in history over a decade ago.

5) Louisiana Tech gets a hurricane assisted entry into this list although they only managed to not lose, instead of win, thanks to the postponing of their game at Texas A&M in a first for the Shortlist.

6) Texas State's sideline is where the latest Dennis Franchione career revival is taking place as it gets off to a flying start as they take out the once mighty Houston Cougars in Houston, 30-13.  Whoever says coaching doesn't matter has never tried to get a Bobcat to take down a Cougar successfully before, obviously, as in 2010 the final was 66-28 the other way.

7) University of Texas-San Antonio coach Larry Coker, you might remember him, joins Frank Solich as a Shortlist prediction spoiler in week one with a 33-31 nail-biter of a win against South Alabama in Mobile.  Say what you will about Miami's all time win percentage leader, who now boasts a career record in FBS play of 61-15, but building a program from the ground up is just the type of job his steady hand is best for and he now has a chance to stay on the Shortlist with the easiest schedule in the nation until the end of the month with this win.

In addition, 10 teams lost games last week that caused them to be taken out of Shortlist contention right away.  The out of the running programs are:

1) Penn State.  Good riddance.

2) Colorado.  Wow, the Pacific Athletic Conference sure got stronger by just going with two additions instead of actually adding the good teams from the Big 12, didn't they?  Once the Buffaloes fire Jon Embree maybe they can hire Kordell Stewart or Rashaan Salaam in a desperate attempt to recapture their relevance of a generation ago next?  No, I don't think that would work either, actually.

3) California.  On a personal level, my feelings about this school's football program are accurately summed up by the Latin saying from the third Punic War; California delenda est.  Why you ask?  Only the CEO knows and he isn't talking about it either.  Let's all just move along.

4) Pittsburgh wins the award for most embarrising first week Shortlist elimination of 2012 by paying Youngstown State a metric ton of money to come to Heinz Field and beat them 31-17.  Would Todd Graham fared any better than Paul Chryst?  Who cares, what I really want to know is just how much extra money is the ACC really expecting from adding these guys and Syracuse to the TV rights negotiations?  Right about now Dave Wannstedt looks like a good replacement in Pittsburgh, at least he got upset by FBS teams instead.

5) Memphis finds a way to lose to UT Martin, a team they beat handily in 2009 during a season they finished a whopping 2-10, 20-17 at home.  Now playing for their third coach in four seasons, this program is the definition of unsettled and still has light years to go to find any relief from the problems that plague it.

6) Houston, speaking of unsettled programs, sees their offensive coordinator resign after their loss to Texas State, no word on which type of gun was pointed at him while he submitted that piece of paper yet, however.

7) Tulsa's singular Hurricane loss leaves only the real Hurricanes on the Shortlist in 2012, which combined with the fake Miami's exit, means there's no confusion possible for the rest of the year when it comes to Miami Hurricane predictions here.  Now, about outlasting that other UM . . .

8) Idaho has seen some good days under coach Robb Akey at the Kibbie Dome, Thursday's opener was not one of them however as they lose 20-3 to Eastern Washington, their former Big Sky opponent.  No wonder they called off the series in 1995.

9) Middle Tennessee was supposed to be back near the form that won them 10 games four seasons ago, apparently McNeese State didn't get the memo as they spoil the opener in Murfreesboro for the home team, 27-21.  How Rick Stockstill's perennial league favorite responds from here is anybody's guess but you figure they still have to win more than the two games they did last year, right?

10) South Alabama proves they have a long way to go to join their SEC in-state brethren as football powers by losing at home in one of the most entertaining games on opening night.  This result should be the opening act of what will be the first losing season in school history, which will take away the only bragging point their fans have over their in-state brethren at this point.

There are a  total of 19 teams this week I'm predicting will be eliminated from the 2012 Shortlist, they are:

Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Syracuse, Nevada, Fresno State, Air Force, New Mexico, UCF, East Carolina, Army, Central Michigan, Ball State, Utah State, New Mexico State, Texas State, Louisiana, WKU, ULM and FAU.

Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as the Shortlist to South Beach continues to work its way to the halfway point of eliminations and the resulting jump from tracking the eliminated to following the favorites for 2012's national championship game.

Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[CaneRock]

HURNZEE BABY! UNO!

[CaneRock]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhh4RrVlS9E&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[Felipe]

FRANK GORE

[86Cane]

CaneRock....U ROCK!

[86Cane]

READ THE ARTICLE!

Great stuff up in there, trust me.

Express your opinion about the road to South Beach?

[Felipe]

1) Penn State. Good riddance.

Co-signed,

All of America

[86Cane]

NOTE TO BLOGGERS: THE COMMENT SECTION IS OPEN AGAIN. U DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN IN.

[Montreal-Cane]

C.W. great article.

Canes players should watch this...Pure motivation....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EJEJA0Lt4no#!

[Felipe]

3) California. On a personal level, my feelings about this school's football program are accurately summed up by the Latin saying from the third Punic War; California delenda est. Why you ask?

^Nice, wiki'd it, loved reading about the Punic Wars. Bravo.

Great article so far, not done reading it.

[LB]

"1) Penn State. Good riddance."

That would seem extreme...

...under different circumstances. One must pay the devil his due. Though it seems he's come to collect very early.

[solarcane]

ogv,
Incredible man! This is still the best sports article series I have read on the net and that includes all the guys that get paid major bucks to do it.
thanks

[Hassan]

DVD to the steelers

[Hassan]

That video was pure comedy lol wow Is he serious

[Laquinton]

I didn't find that video. I would use that as motivation honestly. That guy is dumb and the only reason he is talking is based off last year..well this isn't last years squad buddy

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Wow, Pitt might have played an even worse half of football this week than they did over the entire 60 minutes last week. Did the TCU Rose Bowl win not teach everybody the Big 10 is massively overrated yet?

[roachcane77]

Good job OGV... well thought out & researched.

What do you see as the top 3 games of this weekend? (Not including The U vs. KSU.)

[The Dude]

There are a bunch of key out of conference games for the ACC like Stanford vs. Duke and Temple vs. Maryland and NCST v. UConn. LSU and UW could be fun.

[The Dude]

And Penn St vs. Virginia. ACC needs to go win all these games the should and it would be icing on the cake if we and Duke win.

[The Dude]

Also look for Matt Barkley to put up redonkulous Heisman numbers against Syracuse.

[The Dude]

Nebraska and UCLA might be a fun watch.

[TonyCane]

I hope someone does a video montage of Miami's impending 12-0 season to this music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxunu25aM7c

[Laquinton]

86, you said Robinson was yelling at coaches and didn't return to practice.. Thr full game is on YouTube and to be honest he didnt make noise.. Besides that ff that he had.. To be honest that was going to be a missed tackle but his hand was on the ball.. Well slid on it. Miami truly needs defensive tackles... True dts Pierre is solid . Chick, green and Cain will need to play very solid and disrupt Klein. Cant have him looking like Cam Newton/tebow

[raizecane]

The Florida / A & M game will be interesting along with the UGA / Mizzo game.

[raizecane]

TonyCane - great link. Love that stuff....

[raizecane]

this is why i like south beach

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

[Hassan]

Posted by: Laquinton | September 06, 2012 at 10:40 PM

I said Robinson was yelling at coaches in the earlier blog, this is reported at PBP and ITU they say he did not practice and was arguing with coaches...

[Laquinton]

Thanks. Bet he was mad that he was benched

[Hassan]

Redshirt discussion

I wanted to talk a lil about redshirts. Our program truly will not be a top level until we develop depth and you do not do that until you can redshirt guys who need it. How ever with that said in modern CFB many kids come in more ready then ever before (Flowers) and part of that is that more kids come in early we had 8, I believe this spring. Coming in early is kinda like the new Redshirt. We have 32 freshman on our roster we played about 14 in the game and 8 came in early. Most of the guys who came in spring really needed it and are actually still not playing Gadbois, Both qb's, Witt retired, Hope, Hoilett. Only Gunter and Flowers are receiving much PT from those that came early. It looks like after this weekend the BCC game will really give our young guys a chance to ball out and see who will be redshirted, keep your eye for who plays a lot in the game and who does not because after that game I believe if you play you burn your RS. Our travel roster is 65 and we played 58 in the last game, if you do not get into the travel roster by this game and barring some great production in the BCC game look for our freshman not on the travel roster to be RS this year.

So your RS this year looks to be possibly all 3 QB Dewey, Thompson and Crow. They are 3-5 on the depth chart and one is injured no big surprise as they all needed it.
RB Dillard He arrived latest of all players is is 5th on the depth chart, no surprise as he was a 2 star guy and can use the conditioning and seasoning.
WR Carter, Jones and Lockhart could all RS.
OG Isidora
OT Gadbois
DT Ivery
DT Briscoe
DE Odonell
DE Hoilett
LB Blue
CB Hope
CB Dortch

That is 16 out of 32 which means 16 would play. Ideally I think we would like to RS Closer to 20 and candidates for those spots could be Kirby if is stays injured and Terry if he struggles in the next game. Possibly Crawford at CB

[86Cane]

Hassan...I agree with your list above excpet for the following:

WR Lockhart was said to be looking at some PT this year so not sure he will RS although it is a possibility.

I don't think that Terry or Crawford will RS they both will see more PT as the year goes on and both are needed on ST.

I do agree that Kirby will take a medical RS if he misses half the season which seems likely.

[86Cane]

RECRUITING UPDATE:

Every kid that puts on the pads hopes to start their varsity career with a bang, but I don’t think St. Bonaventure quarterback Ricky Town could have even imagined making such a big splash in his first two varsity starts.

The 6-4, 190-pound sophomore was nearly perfect in his debut, completing 10-of-11 pass attempts against Garfield, and followed it up with a 346 yard, three touchdown performance against Corona Centennial Friday night.

“It’s cool to think about and everything but I have to give it to my team. They made the plays and I just did my part,” Town said. “The line blocked and gave me time and the receivers caught the ball.”

The 2015 signal-caller played with the poise of a veteran under the bright lights and FOX Sports West TV cameras. “It was awesome. This is the type of games that you live to play,” Town said of the 40-35 win over Corona Centennial. “It was a dream come true to be out here with the crowd and play against such a great team.”

Town has made a seamless transition to being the starting quarterback at one of Southern California’s top programs. “I think it has gone pretty smooth. I’m just trying to lead the team and get wins,” said Town. “It’s exciting to go from JV last year to now being the leader of a big program like this.”

It’s obviously still very early in his high school career, but you can be sure that college coaches will keep an eye on the young quarterback with great size, a good arm, and poise beyond his years. Schools are already showing interest, including a pair from across the country.

“Miami wants to offer me but they just want to see me play some games, same with Boston College,” he said. “I think they are both great schools. I took a trip to both schools this summer and I really liked Miami and their coaches! ”

[raizecane]

86 - fat chance we land this kid (Town). USC is in his back yard.

[86Cane]

Raize...do not be surprised. Jus sayin.

[CaneRock]

It looks like after this weekend the BCC game will really give our young guys a chance to ball out and see who will be redshirted, keep your eye for who plays a lot in the game and who does not because after that game I believe if you play you burn your RS.

Posted by: Hassan | September 07, 2012 at 02:57 AM

Hassan, if I'm not mistaken, I seem to remember that if you exceed(ed) a certain number of plays for a season, barring injury, then you were classed for that season.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

roach, South Carolina/East Carolina for the major upset potential, Duke/Stanford for the same, USF/Nevada because I think USF will be good this year but Nevada can really throw a monkey wrench into their season right away at home. I know those are kind of off the radar but week two isn't so great this year.

OK State/Arizona should end up non-competitive but might put up 100 total points between them when it's over.

[MassivCane]

Do you think the team woke up to roosters this morning? Will they be milling corn? Nah, they will be bringing some nasty weather with them. Golden has these boys ready, if it wasn't for youth this kids would be dominant, the future is exciting to think about!

Go Canes! beat K-State

[86Cane]

On the redshirt issue:

1. A general red shirt is only applicable if the player does NOT play at all even ONE play.

2. A hardship (medical or other) red shirt may be granted if the player did not play in more than 20% of the teams plays or games.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - DL Luther Robinson will not travel with the team to KSU. I consider this a significant issue for depth purposes.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

/\/\/\

D'No already setting up his excuse for not stopping anything Saturday?

Hire Barrow at the coordinator and get Hargreaves back as the LB coach as a package deal with his son already. At least Mike has won championships, what's D'No got? Old Kent State tapes of 28 point wins to complain that they aren't doing the same thing over?

[86Cane]

OGV...SHHHhhhhhhhhh, not so LOUD.

[UMike]

Papa Cane - DL Luther Robinson will not travel with the team to KSU. I consider this a significant issue for depth purposes.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 07, 2012 at 09:04 AM

Not good..hopefully Moore or someone can step-up

[JameriCANE]

I have to go on the road this weekend. Anyone know how I can stream the game? The game is to be aired live on FX and Fox Deortes. I don't know where I can watch it online.

[86Cane]

Play action. That is all.

[3G Cane]

Play action. That is all.

Posted by: 86Cane
-------
YES.
BTW did Duke get delivered yet?

[LB]

"Papa Cane - DL Luther Robinson will not travel with the team to KSU. I consider this a significant issue for depth purposes."

That's AWFUL. What in the blinking blue blazes is going on here?

[UMike]

LB..I have a sneaking suspicion he may be suspended and/or off the team.

[herbieibis]

No Luther, no Porter, no problem. Just another couple of servicible guys who can be replaced by guess who? Another couple servicible guys. Next problem!

[UMike]

herbie..I agree in a way..neither were stars, but it does hurt depth, BUT UTough has prepared this guys to play a lot of snaps..other guys will have to step up..wouldnt be the worst thing for a guy like Moore get more reps

[CaneRock]

smillerdegnan #UM DT Luther Robinson got involved in issue in which his dad complained to coaches, according to CaneSport
3 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite

[CaneRock]

No Luther, no Porter, no problem. Just another couple of servicible guys who can be replaced by guess who? Another couple servicible guys. Next problem!

Posted by: herbieibis | September 07, 2012 at 11:29 AM

I don't know about Luther, but I don't consider Porter a "servicible guy". When healthy, the kid balls out.

[UpNorthCane27]

IF this whole Luther robinson and his father crying about the playing time is the reason hes not suiting or traveling with the team, AL shouldnt even think twice about putting up with this sh**!!! What has he done for the past 3 seasons he's been here? Nada, zip, ZERO, so there is no reason for him to be crying about playing time.

an FYI for robinson you came this close of being a offesnive linemen.