The first month of the college football season draws to a close and only 48 teams remain in ontention on the Shortlist to South Beach for 2012. By conference affiliation they read as follows:
LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Iowa State, Florida State, Clemson, NC State, Maryland, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Miami, Duke, Southern Cal, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington, Louisville, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Ohio, Louisiana Tech and UTSA.
A pair of teams won games in two entirely different fashions last week that I called for them to lose and find themselves eliminated because of;
1) Miami plays with fire once again but finds a way to escape with their Shortlist lives intact, for another week at least, with a 42-36 overtime win in Atlanta against the Yellow Jackets. Now let's see, where did I leave that crow recipe the webmaster of this place gave me last year? In all seriousness it was great to see Steven Morris get better as the game got to crunch time and I personally hope he uses this effort as a springboard to play with that same level of focus for a full sixty minutes this week as well.
2) Louisiana Tech goes to Urbana-Champaign and douses the Illini of Illinois by a score of 52-24. I consider this conclusive proof that you can take the Zooker out of the coach's office but you can't take the Zooker out of the program just by firing him. Sonny Dykes' Bulldogs notch win number six in 36 tries against BCS automatic qualifier schools and go for number seven this week against Virginia.
A total of five teams lost games last week and find themselves eliminated from the Shortlist to South Beach thanks to the final scores:
1) Illinois gets absolutely hammered by Louisiana Tech in what is quickly turning into a season to forget for the Big 10 conference that can't count to 12. Good luck getting that bowl streak extended now Illinois as a perfect home record will be needed barring any road upsets that likely only have the season finale at Northwestern as even a possibility the rest of the way.
2) Iowa finds a way to lose in Iowa City to Central Michigan 32-31. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your three time Big 10 coach of the year, Kirk Ferentz! How he's managed to follow the legend that was Hayden Fry for this long going on average about 7-5 for these last 14 years, I have no idea.
3) Georgia Tech gets the worst possible start a triple option team can hope for, finds a way to storm back and then gives up a two touchdown lead in the final fifteen minutes to tank their season before September even gets to its last week. For a team now playing with it's coach's recruits only, the trend for this program is as unsettling as their defensive passing completion percentage numbers are.
4) That thudding sound you heard last week was the falling over dead of the laughable concept of a Florida 'Big Four' of football programs as USF comes home from Muncie, Indiana as 31-27 losers to Ball State. Next up for the Bulls, a fight with the Seminoles of Florida State, who just happen to be looking for their first win in the series against South Florida. This time, there's no Jim Leavitt to save them either so enjoy the sub .500 record to start October, cattle.
5) What would the last Shortlist in September be without the Connecticut Huskies doing their part to make me look bad as they fall in Kalamazoo to Western Michigan 30-24? At least they held NC State to only 10 points at home during their other loss on the season two weeks ago but how do you get torched for three touchdowns and field goals each by a directional Michigan school ever?
I expect eight teams this week to fall from Shortlist contention as October arrives, one of which is not like the other:
Mississippi, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Washington and UTSA.
If you guessed, "They're coached by a national championship winning coach," you're right!
"Non-BCS auto qualifier," would also be acceptable I guess too. No, again, I didn't forget to count correctly, as once more, I saved the most important pick for last when the Wolfpack visit the Hurricanes in what amounts to another Shortlist elimination game on Saturday. While shutting down a one-dimensional offense last week was inspiring in UM's comeback win, their inability to prevent a shockingly high completion percentage with their suspect defensive scheme against diversified offenses leads me to believe they'll fall just short this week against pro prospect quarterback Mike Glennon in what should be an entertaining, but ultimately disappointing home loss and Miami is my final elimination prediction this week. Hey, at least this year they're the last Miami, Hurricane, or UM to fall off the Shortlist, so that's a welcome change as far as I'm concerned.
Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as hopefully I'll be sitting down for another heaping serving of crow, not Gray again of course, at the hands of the Hurricanes and we pull closer to the magic number of 25 teams remaining here on the Shortlist to South Beach!
Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com
LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Iowa State, Florida State, Clemson, NC State, Maryland, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Miami, Duke, Southern Cal, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington, Louisville, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Ohio, Louisiana Tech and UTSA.
A pair of teams won games in two entirely different fashions last week that I called for them to lose and find themselves eliminated because of;
1) Miami plays with fire once again but finds a way to escape with their Shortlist lives intact, for another week at least, with a 42-36 overtime win in Atlanta against the Yellow Jackets. Now let's see, where did I leave that crow recipe the webmaster of this place gave me last year? In all seriousness it was great to see Steven Morris get better as the game got to crunch time and I personally hope he uses this effort as a springboard to play with that same level of focus for a full sixty minutes this week as well.
2) Louisiana Tech goes to Urbana-Champaign and douses the Illini of Illinois by a score of 52-24. I consider this conclusive proof that you can take the Zooker out of the coach's office but you can't take the Zooker out of the program just by firing him. Sonny Dykes' Bulldogs notch win number six in 36 tries against BCS automatic qualifier schools and go for number seven this week against Virginia.
A total of five teams lost games last week and find themselves eliminated from the Shortlist to South Beach thanks to the final scores:
1) Illinois gets absolutely hammered by Louisiana Tech in what is quickly turning into a season to forget for the Big 10 conference that can't count to 12. Good luck getting that bowl streak extended now Illinois as a perfect home record will be needed barring any road upsets that likely only have the season finale at Northwestern as even a possibility the rest of the way.
2) Iowa finds a way to lose in Iowa City to Central Michigan 32-31. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your three time Big 10 coach of the year, Kirk Ferentz! How he's managed to follow the legend that was Hayden Fry for this long going on average about 7-5 for these last 14 years, I have no idea.
3) Georgia Tech gets the worst possible start a triple option team can hope for, finds a way to storm back and then gives up a two touchdown lead in the final fifteen minutes to tank their season before September even gets to its last week. For a team now playing with it's coach's recruits only, the trend for this program is as unsettling as their defensive passing completion percentage numbers are.
4) That thudding sound you heard last week was the falling over dead of the laughable concept of a Florida 'Big Four' of football programs as USF comes home from Muncie, Indiana as 31-27 losers to Ball State. Next up for the Bulls, a fight with the Seminoles of Florida State, who just happen to be looking for their first win in the series against South Florida. This time, there's no Jim Leavitt to save them either so enjoy the sub .500 record to start October, cattle.
5) What would the last Shortlist in September be without the Connecticut Huskies doing their part to make me look bad as they fall in Kalamazoo to Western Michigan 30-24? At least they held NC State to only 10 points at home during their other loss on the season two weeks ago but how do you get torched for three touchdowns and field goals each by a directional Michigan school ever?
I expect eight teams this week to fall from Shortlist contention as October arrives, one of which is not like the other:
Mississippi, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Washington and UTSA.
If you guessed, "They're coached by a national championship winning coach," you're right!
"Non-BCS auto qualifier," would also be acceptable I guess too. No, again, I didn't forget to count correctly, as once more, I saved the most important pick for last when the Wolfpack visit the Hurricanes in what amounts to another Shortlist elimination game on Saturday. While shutting down a one-dimensional offense last week was inspiring in UM's comeback win, their inability to prevent a shockingly high completion percentage with their suspect defensive scheme against diversified offenses leads me to believe they'll fall just short this week against pro prospect quarterback Mike Glennon in what should be an entertaining, but ultimately disappointing home loss and Miami is my final elimination prediction this week. Hey, at least this year they're the last Miami, Hurricane, or UM to fall off the Shortlist, so that's a welcome change as far as I'm concerned.
Enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as hopefully I'll be sitting down for another heaping serving of crow, not Gray again of course, at the hands of the Hurricanes and we pull closer to the magic number of 25 teams remaining here on the Shortlist to South Beach!
Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com
The motor inside Eddie Johnson never idles.
That's clear on Saturdays as the Miami redshirt freshman linebacker quickly turned into the breakout player of the year. It's what the general public doesn't see that earns the respect of those within the program.
Defensive end Shayon Green grinned when asked about the player he sees on weekdays.
"You have to slow him down and tell him it is practice," Green said.
Read more...
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-linebacker-eddie-johnson-0928-20120927,0,6404811.story
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:39 AM
Stop the run. Stop the run. Watch out for the pass, but stop the run.
For the past three weeks, that was Miami's defense. That script went out the window Sunday after the overtime win at Georgia Tech.
A more conventional offense is coming to Sun Life Stadium at noon Saturday. It will be an adjustment for the Hurricanes after seeing passes on just 4.8 percent of the snaps from the past three opponents.
NC State (3-1, 0-0 ACC) has a 55 to 45 percent balance between the rushing and passing game, with a strong-armed quarterback running the show. Mike Glennon, a 6-6, 232-pound senior, threw more passes in the Wolfpack season opener (46) than the Hurricanes saw in the previous three games (45) against Kansas State, Bethune-Cookman and Georgia Tech.
"You gotta love that as a cornerback," Miami's Thomas Finnie said. "You got to. It's time for us to step up and make plays, step up. I know my D-line is going to give their all and penetrate so he can throw the ball up for grabs."
Read More...
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-nc-state-quarterback-0927-20120926,0,5452919.story
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:38 AM
On Aug. 28, four days before the Miami Hurricanes’ season opener against Boston College, senior running back Mike James was visibly excited about starting the new season.
“It would be an honor to score on [Boston College] first,” he said, smiling. “I hope I don’t [have to wait too long].”
James’ plan did not come to fruition. And although UM won two of its first three games, James — who had recorded touchdowns in the 2010 and 2011 openers — failed to score in any of them. Meanwhile, his protégé, Duke Johnson, reached the end zone six times.
At a news conference leading up to last Saturday’s game at Georgia Tech, the first two football-related questions James was asked were about Johnson. But it didn’t seem to bother James.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/28/3023770/patience-and-unselfishness-pays.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:36 AM
The official ACC UM Hurricanes injury report for North Carolina State has been released.
OF NOTE:
*Punter Dalton Botts is not on this report, which is curious. Keep in mind that last week, Vaughn Telemaque (knee) was not listed on the report and did not play. Vaughn really wasn't totally ready to go, per some UM people in the program. I don't expect Dalton to play, but as I've said before, we'll see.
*Defensive back Andrew Swasey is also not listed on this report. But coach Al Golden said Tuesday that Andrew "is back.'' (Golden also said linebacker Gabe Terry is back)
*We have a probable this week, and that's good news for Miami. Linebacker Raphael Kirby, who has yet to get in a game, worked more than coaches thought he would this week in practice. If he plays, it probably will be on a limited basis.
*Middle linebacker Denzel Perryman is out, as expected.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2012/09/official-um-canes-injury-report-for-nc-state-theres-a-probable-and-wheres-botts.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:36 AM
HurricaneSports @hurricanesports
#proCane Travis Benjamin with a 40-yard punt return for the Browns in the fourth quarter against the Ravens. #SpeedKills
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:35 AM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Canes are currently No. 62 nationally in attendance, with the player No. 1 nationally in all-purpose yards. Doesn't compute.
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:34 AM
CANESFAM @CanesFam
RT @UMTickets: Don't miss out! #9Before9 tix for #CANES>ncst game tomorrow #PACKSUNLIFE Get to the BUC 2day b4 9am!! $9 tickets folks!!
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:34 AM
Chris Freet @ChrisFreet
I just voted for Mike James for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® Captain! http://es.pn/O8M1p2
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:33 AM
Chris Freet @ChrisFreet
The #Canes wouldn't be 3-1 overall, 2-0 ACC w/out Mike James @PriceJames5: http://hrld.us/QZkEKB & I'm not talking about his 4 TDs last wknd
Posted by: UMike | September 28, 2012 at 08:33 AM
OGV solid work on the weekly blog man
Posted by: Tsully76 | September 28, 2012 at 08:30 AM
The defense played the traditional 4-3 almost the entire game.
GT didn't expect it early because we hadn't shown that in previous games.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | September 28, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Actually, Miami played in that same 4-3 look in 2010, although the reads were a lil' different. RS actually did something unique in that game, He had the OLB(s) taking the dive, and McCarthy playing QB to pitch, traditionally, it's the other way around.
So yeah, I think D'Onofrio stole a page out of RS's book...
Posted by: CaneRock | September 28, 2012 at 01:56 AM
So stanford just lost to washington..this is why we all love this game..anything can happen. So to say we definitely lose to teams like notre dame or fsu is not good..for the rest of the season my thought will be like ceo ITS NOT OVA!!!! I wish I lived close enough to make it to games but due to work and about an 8 hour drive I can't make it but I hope to see everyone within driving distance there to support these guys who are busting their asses to be the best and make the fans happy they deserve it
Posted by: Panamacitycane | September 28, 2012 at 01:50 AM
Of course, there is nothing in the pick against Miami that is justified. NC State has only played one competitive team, Tennessee, definitely a lower fish in the SEC this year, although I like their quarterback. Lane Kiffin installed a system, brought in players who left, notably Bryce Brown, and the new coach, hasn't really implemented his system. Yet they still beat NC State by 14 points.
Meanwhile, Miami has 2 big conference wins on the road, against BC and GT. There was something special in the GT game, a will to win, and an unbelievable comeback. You could argue the same thing after being down early 14-0 against BC. So NC State lost its only game against real competition, and Miami is 2-1 against the big boys. And so naturally, the pick is against Miami?
Is that based on results or a personal dislike for certain coaches? I think the latter. There was a HUGE difference last game. The defense played the traditional 4-3 almost the entire game. GT didn't expect it early because we hadn't shown that in previous games. When they got it they hit big plays in the middle of the game. But in the end, when the players finally got comfortable knowing they were playing their base defense, and what they were responsible for containing, on each and every play, they looked alot like the Canes of old in the fourth quarter.
Against most of our conference, we have the more talented players week in and week out. We don't need to out scheme these other teams. We just need to let our players know what the base scheme is and what is expected of them on each play within that scheme. Last week, the defensive coordinator did that. I hope he does the same this week. When you play youth, you just have to make them do the basics well and with your talent advantage, you will get better results.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | September 28, 2012 at 12:30 AM
OGV...GREAT article as usual. Thanks for ALL u do for the blog. It is MUCH appreciated.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 28, 2012 at 12:03 AM
86... Cups in production we are ready when the CEO says go!
Posted by: OCALACANE | September 27, 2012 at 07:20 PM
Roger that. Official launch will be next week. OGV wanted some THIS week, but I told him he's gotta wait.
I will be in Ocala next week on Tuesday 10/2 and I need to pick up like a box to sell at the next couple of home games.
I'll see U at lunch time with Kay.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 28, 2012 at 12:01 AM
I'm glad to see T Benjamin on the field..but he is horrible at run blocking lol
Posted by: UMike | September 27, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Canes commits Artie Burns and Jamal Carter http://t.co/MxXObZrB
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 27, 2012 at 10:27 PM
The secret to Duke Johnson's success may also be what he shares in common with the world's greatest soccer player -- Lionel Messi. And that is...Excellent feet. They both can stop on a dime and display great agility and change of pace quickness.
Both Duke and Messi are usually the smallest guys on the field but are competing as giants!
Posted by: MiamiFan | September 27, 2012 at 10:22 PM
See you Canespacers at Sun Life in the morning. Go Canes, Beat NC State.
Posted by: Tsully76 | September 27, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Fred Azrak
Posted by: tjl3909 | September 27, 2012 at 09:53 PM
Dallas Crawford just tweeted about having dinner at Dukes house and houw good Dukes mom can cook.....I like seeing that..guys becoming family, no matter if the other guy starts over you or get more snaps..instead of leaving you compete and get better and help ur team get better..that is truly the Cane way
Posted by: UMike | September 27, 2012 at 09:45 PM
Potential 3 game win streak, let's do it Canes! It's been to damn long!!
Posted by: Jack | September 27, 2012 at 09:33 PM
I wouldn't have thought NC St led the ACC in time of possession after 4 games.
They are also 3ed in opponents 3ed down conversions and we are 12th.
We are second only to FSU in converting on 3ed down though.
Watching NC State a little this year they don't look that impressive to me.
Posted by: solarcane | September 27, 2012 at 09:09 PM
ocala, you are welcome my friend
Posted by: solarcane | September 27, 2012 at 08:51 PM
DUKE JOHNSON!
Posted by: CaneRock | September 27, 2012 at 08:03 PM
Gota control our emotions coming off the road victory to handle a tough physical nc state team. Good news for is is that nc state hasnt really played anybody. Cant take anyone lightly no mattwr how good you are and just so happens we ain't that good YET!
Posted by: fmcane | September 27, 2012 at 07:32 PM
oops...
Solar Got your package! Thank U Bro everything is awesome...
86... Cups in production we are ready when the CEO says go!
Posted by: OCALACANE | September 27, 2012 at 07:20 PM
Ouch sad thing is till they prove us wrong im thinking about going wit Ogv on this one. This is the game after a big win the canes lay the egg on us, AH!!! that clemson home loss in OT!!! Till they win a game like this not sure I have faith.....but hey I was wrong last week so heres to being wrong again!!! Cant wait to start tailgating!!!
Posted by: pbcfrcane13 | September 27, 2012 at 07:18 PM
cinco...
Posted by: OCALACANE | September 27, 2012 at 07:18 PM
3rd
Posted by: Hassan | September 27, 2012 at 07:11 PM
WHAT HAPPENS ON CANESPACE. STAYS ON CANESPACE!!!
Posted by: canezilla | September 27, 2012 at 05:34 PM
For a fee, yes that MIGHT be true?
LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | September 27, 2012 at 07:08 PM
Oh my!
Posted by: MDCane | September 27, 2012 at 07:01 PM