The Short List: Week 4

As the first month of the 2012 season winds its way down, there remain only 57 teams left in contention on the Shortlist to South Beach and they list as grouped by conference affiliation as follows:

LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Illinois, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, 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, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Miami, Duke, Southern Cal, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington, USF, Louisville, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Temple, Notre Dame, Ohio, Louisiana Tech and UTSA.

A single team won a game last week that I predicted them to fall from the Shortlist by losing.  Can you guess who it could have possibly been?

1) Well, it's late September, which as all long time Shortlist readers here on Canespace know means it's time for me to start mentioning the myriad number of times the Connecticut Huskies will defy my predictions for their elimination in any given season.  This year we get to start by examining their narrow road win in Maryland against their old coach last week by a score of 24-21 as I can only shake my head is resignation that I just need to stop predicting them to ever lose any game ever.  Barring that, maybe a move back down to FCS play would do the trick as well for me so I can stop being shown up by this team that should instead be wondering how long until Midnight Madness is it now?

A trio of teams fell in one score games that lead to them being taken off the Shortlist in 2012 a fortnight from October, they are:

1) Kentucky waits a whole week to hit the non automatic qualifier letdown switch in the locker-room as they lose in overtime at home to Western Kentucky 32-31.  Just like that Joker Phillips looks to be performing for a completely different court at the end of the year as his team is back on track to suffer their third loosing season in a row.  How long until Midnight Madness is it now?

2) Indiana falls for the third time in a row to Ball State 41-39 in Bloomington.  Kevin Wilson has already doubled last years win total though so this can still be considered progress for the Hoosier football team.  How long until Midnight Madness is it now?

3) Boston College still can't win in Evanston, Illinois as they fall once again to the Wildcats of  orthwestern 22-13.  Surprisingly Chase Rettig isn't Doug Flutie reincarnated early and didn't throw for four football fields' worth of yards, he only does that against Miami every other time he plays them, never against the Big 10.  The Eagles can't even look forward to how long until Midnight Madness is it now, so I guess that makes them the big losers this week?

I expect seven teams to find deletion from the Shortlist this week when the clock reaches zero for them: Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Temple and Louisiana Tech.

From the all time victories leader to the repatriated Big East all time losers, each deleted team will bring the Shortlist incrementally that much closer to the next milestone of only 25 or less teams remaining and the rankings becoming based on worthiness of national title contention resume instead of conference affiliation. 

.

No, I didn't miscount, despite only six teams listed above I left the most crucial pick this week for last when it comes to Canespace reader's awareness, as Georgia Tech and Miami play in what amounts to a Shortlist elimination game in addition to the crucial division race repercussions.  As well as Miami has played the last three years in turning back what had become a nightmare match-up for them when Chan Gailey was the head-coach in Atlanta, this year I just don't see it working out so well for the Hurricanes.  I predict another bad coaching job leads to a disappointing double digit loss to a team that could be stopped cold by some of the better college programs in the country and my final Shortlist elimination prediction this week is: Miami.

Try to enjoy the games this week and join me back here next week as hopefully I'll have a nice big helping of crow with a capital C, not Gray though, served up for me to enjoy here on the Shortlist to South Beach where we'll go through the survivors and see who overcomes and who falls by the wayside as the first month of play prepares to finish up.

Copyright 2012 by Christopher Whelpton for Canespace.com

Comments

[4-Real]

Uno?

[Jiggafras]

dos

[86Cane]

4-Real...first send me your $75, then tell me what U think about the article?

[86Cane]

OK, now for real, here are my reasons:

1. ANY Saturday, any teasm can beat any other team. I will NOT waste my time bringing up the 1,000 examples of total and complete underdogs beating ranked teams.

2. EVERY Saturday every fan of every team should have at least a faint glimmer of hope and faith in their team before the game starts.

3. ALWAYS believe your team is going to win. Why have them losing before the ball is even kicked off? What possible good does that do? How is that fun? Why would you be proud of that thought?

4. WHEN the game is over there will be PLENTY of time to do one of these two things:

A. Celebrate with my good friend RaizeCane and drink enough Captain and Coke to float a boat while smiling and watching girls dance on the bar in Buckhead; or

B. To commiserate with my friend OGV who has been known to pour shots of vodka into his cans of beer until he can't remember the third down call in the fourth quarter.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Third down play? That was the the third down play that didn't convert for the touchdown. How can you accuse me of forgetting that call? How can I not remember a horrible goal-line call like that?

[86Cane]

OGV...I was jus sayin. LOL

Now about the other part of my comment?

[UpNorthCane27]

Good short list article again 86!!

Were gonna beat GTech believe me 31-21, we got this, talent wise were more talented all they have is the age factor.

[UMike]

If Miami can keep Bryant and pick up Bostwick and Bain, that would be a decent DT class for this year..I have no idea what is available next year.

[UMike]

Also..Miami coaches need to do whatever then can to flip 2014 FSU commit JoJo Robinson out of Northwestern..talk you Carey or Luke..get it done lol

[Jiggafras]

Bain eliminated us this week

[UMike]

I still think we have a shot, and perhaps with Senat also..but Im not a recruiting guy lol

[Jack]

My heart says Canes win! My mind is telling me GT! Damn it!!

[Ohio_Cane]

34-24, Canes.

Saturday evening, feel free to say "Hey, Ohio predicted that!"

[UMike]

I dont like to predict games or scores, but I will predict a great time tailgating with friends and my son along with some spacers

[WWIN]

Posted by: 86Cane | September 20, 2012 at 06:36 PM

Well done. Did you get that from me lol

[WWIN]

So I take it that nobody believes the current DT's on the roster will work out??? I believe most of them are freshmen and sophomores

[UMike]

Willie..I myself am not saying that, but I do believe we need to step up the amount of quality DT's we bring in...imo

[Jiggafras]

Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | September 20, 2012 at 09:41 PM

No one thinks all of them wont pan out, but you can't fill the roster with projects at such a critical position. No one Golden has recruited there jumps out at you

[Anthonyjmanis]

In the ATL baby. Where is the canespace tailgate party on Saturday before the game?

[Anthonyjmanis]

That was the fast trip ever from Lake County Fl to Atlanta. Duking it all the way up 75. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Canes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[solarcane]

2. EVERY Saturday every fan of every team should have at least a faint glimmer of hope and faith in their team before the game starts.
=====

I used to be shocked and angry when we would lose an occasional game
It didn't matter to me if it was Rutgers or Alabama I was certain we would win.

Now it's more like I'm relieved we didn't beat ourselves more than happy when we win a game

[86Cane]

If Miami can keep Bryant and pick up Bostwick and Bain, that would be a decent DT class for this year..I have no idea what is available next year.

Posted by: UMike | September 20, 2012 at 08:53 PM

Done.

[86Cane]

Anthony...U rock man, Dukin' it all the way up I-75. Represent us in the ATL. GO CANES, BEAT GT!

[Ohio_Cane]

Check out the new edition to the man cave!! Thing is HUGE!

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s291/wes02/4283D56C-77DD-4254-A553-129A0EFF7801-30437-0000220E12606381_zps6f82f668.jpg

[3G Cane]

Check out the new edition to the man cave!! Thing is HUGE!

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s291/wes02/4283D56C-77DD-4254-A553-129A0EFF7801-30437-0000220E12606381_zps6f82f668.jpg

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | September 20, 2012 at 10:26 PM
----------
That's niiiiiiice!!!
Wish it was the ol' girl though...

[Tsully76]

Anthonyjmanis. We are tailgating on the top deck of the 3rf Street A T & T parking deck close to the Varsity restaurant off of 75/85. Near Bobby Dodd Stadium. Parking in that deck is 17.50 bruh

[WWIN]

I'm not say the DT's will or won't pan out, idk. But for Golden's sake I hope so

[SJMPARMAN]

I want to believe we can win the game. I really do. I am sure by the time kickoff comes around I'll find some way to think we have a chance. But when the other guys are averaging almost 400 yards a game running the ball and we have shown a complete lack of ability to stop the run and Perryman being out it is hard to believe. Ok let me start trying.

We have had their number for three years in a row. This is our fourth game and you have to believe the coaches are getting a feel for which players look good in pads versus which players play well in games. Jimmy Gaines has played in alot of game so he has the experience it is time for him to be PHYSICAL and wrap people up and not just try to tackle them at their legs. The Duke is the most exciting college football player in the country. Ok, I am getting closer.

I have watched both of GT's real games. Their defense is physical at the line of scrimmage. It is going to take a Javarris James type of game from Mike James to consistently move the chains. The GT secondary is only as good as their front seven meaning if we give Stephen Morris time, and he throws accurately, he could have a big day. I was shocked at how inaccurate Logan Thomas of VT was as a passer in the GT game. Rocco from Virginia was better but they feature a tight end passing game and don't even throw much to their recievers. I think we could make some plays in the secondary.

GT's offensive attack is very effective but the big yards do not come from the inside running game anymore. Against VT and especially Virginia, it was the pitch play run as the basic option or the pitch to the man in motion especially that accounted for their biggest yards. That is speed versus speed on the outside. They will hit a few big plays but I like our ability to limit it some.

Tevin Washington is an underrated passer. He had a ton of drops last year by their reciever Hill who is now in the NFL. He does have a tendency to like to throw it in the middle of the field though and maybe we can snare an INT or two.

We have a huge edge in special teams. The whole stadium goes into panic when GT tries a field goal. I didn't see anything in the games I watched that would make us fear their kick or punt return game. I would absolutely fear kicking it to the Duke, and except for the bad play last week, Dorsett is a very good punt returner. Big advantage here for us.

Ok, I am getting closer to seeing how we have a chance to win the game. But the bottom line is this. This team has to play head over heels better defensively against the run to have a chance to win. Morris has to play his best game, Mike James has to play his best game, Morris has to play his best game. We can't give up an 8 minute drive and go three and out and give up another 8 minute drive. The defense has to help the offense and the offense must help the defense by giving it time to rest and adjust during the game. It will take a total team effort to win.

[TonyCane]

Miami record, first quarter of season, last twenty years:

1992: 4-0
1993: 3-1
1994: 3-1
1995: 1-3
1996: 4-0
1997: 1-3
1998: 3-1
1999: 2-2
2000: 3-1
2001: 4-0
2002: 4-0
2003: 4-0
2004: 4-0
2005: 3-1
2006: 2-2
2007: 3-1
2008: 2-2
2009: 3-1
2010: 3-1
2011: 2-2
2012: ?

[TonyCane]

Miami vs. Georgia Tech in last decade:
Year Result PF PA Margin
2004 WIN 27 3 24
2005 LOSS 10 14 (4)
2006 LOSS 23 30 (7)
2007 LOSS 14 17 (3)
2008 LOSS 24 41 (17)
2009 WIN 33 17 16
2010 WIN 35 10 25
2011 WIN 24 7 17

[The Dude]

Well the blueprint is out on us. Motion before the snap and we'll act like it was just invented. Defensively I can't help but think GT will run for a lot of yards! I also fear Washington will start his Heisman campaign on us. An average BC QB ripped us up. Offensively speaking I could maybe see us establishing the line of scrimmage. We are just as big and strong but I don't think we always pass protect well. The TE is still a non factor. We get Hurns back which is a HUGE 3rd down plus. I can't see Fisch stopping his quick sideline sprints plays. We gotta get more verticle and take some of the pressure off James and co. My big concern on O is that it seems we don't know situational football or how to score in the redzone. If Miami wins... wow... it will be because they've fixed for one game at least every single issue. They will have played physical opportunistic D (I don't see that happening) they will have moved the ball enough to keep the D rested and will need at least 3 TDs (not so confident in this) and the special teams has to be getting the O and D I'm great situations all night (I think this could be true) Miami HAS to put GT in 3rd and long (BC killed us 3rd and long) and then be up in the fourth Qtr to make them throw.

[The Dude]

I will take the Yellow Jackets in this one 38-17.
But will be praying for Miami 34-21.
This game is almost a must win.
It could mean the difference in a 5 or 6 win season.
I say if we don't win 6 games let's start this thing over.

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

And people say the U will never have it's own stadium. Donna should feel embarrassed reading this article.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/8391751/allen-high-school-defends-18000-seat-60-million-stadium-espn-magazine

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

Good short list article again 86!!

Were gonna beat GTech believe me 31-21, we got this, talent wise were more talented all they have is the age factor.

Posted by: UpNorthCane | September 20, 2012 at 08:50 PM

The same thing i said against k-state!

[Sean Spence is a Beast!!!]

I hope we score first this time, we're always trailing in all 3 games we've played so far.

[Hassan]

Terry Hoitz: No, I don't like you. I think you're a fake cop. The sound of your piss hitting the urinal, it sounds feminine. If you were in the wild, I would attack you, even if you weren't in my food chain. I would go out of my way to attack you. If I were a lion and you were a tuna, I would swim out in the middle of the ocean and freaking eat you and then I'd bang your tuna girlfriend.
OK, first off: a lion, swimming in the ocean. Lions don't like water. If you placed it near a river or some sort of fresh water source, that make sense. But you find yourself in the ocean, 20 foot wave, I'm assuming off the coast of South Africa, coming up against a full grown 800 pound tuna with his 20 or 30 friends, you lose that battle, you lose that battle 9 times out of 10. And guess what, you've wandered into our school of tuna and we now have a taste of lion. We've talked to ourselves. We've communicated and said 'You know what, lion tastes good, let's go get some more lion'. We've developed a system to establish a beach-head and aggressively hunt you and your family and we will corner your pride, your children, your offspring.
How you gonna do that?
Allen Gamble: We will construct a series of breathing apparatus with kelp. We will be able to trap certain amounts of oxygen. It's not gonna be days at a time. An hour? Hour forty-five? No problem. That will give us enough time to figure out where you live, go back to the sea, get some more oxygen, and stalk you. You just lost at your own game. You're outgunned and out-manned.

[Hassan]

lets establish a beachhead in Atlanta!!

[LaQuinton]

Duke Johnson ! Will carry Miami to the w

[roachcane77]

Well the blueprint is out on us. Motion before the snap and we'll act like it was just invented.
Posted by: The Dude | September 21, 2012 at 01:05 AM

LOL! Great post The Dude!... (Too bad it rings with such truth.)

I think we'll know VERY early how well this game will go. As history has proven, if we can get up fairly big EARLY on GT, they'll shoot themselves in the foot trying to catch up...

[AnthonyJManis aka Antcane]

Thanks, sully my cuz lives here so he knows excatly were its at. What time?

[86Cane]

This team has to play head over heels better defensively against the run to have a chance to win. Morris has to play his best game, Mike James has to play his best game, Morris has to play his best game. We can't give up an 8 minute drive and go three and out and give up another 8 minute drive. The defense has to help the offense and the offense must help the defense by giving it time to rest and adjust during the game. It will take a total team effort to win.

Posted by: SJMPARMAN | September 20, 2012 at 11:25 PM

There IT is right there.

And IT is very doable.

[tjl3909]

U-31
GT-28
Duke adds to the growing legend--Tracy gets his first pick--Dion knocks someone out
Cortez comes out of retirement and anchors the D line

[LB]

Where's Papa Cane? His Twitter feed seems to have vanished.

[CGNC]

TGIF! I just want a W!

Go Canes

[Ohio_Cane]

Wish it was the ol' girl though...

Posted by: 3G Cane | September 20, 2012 at 10:49 PM

Me too. Looked EVERYWHERE for one...

------------------------------------

Where's Papa Cane? His Twitter feed seems to have vanished.

Posted by: LB | September 21, 2012 at 08:30 AM

He changed his name to @ByPapaCane

[canezilla]

50-47 CANES

[Ohio_Cane]

Like I told Cornbread: 34-24, C-A-N-E-S, CANES!!

[canesteeler]

The only chance the Canes have of winning this game is if the offense puts up 40 or more points because our defense will not be able to stop GT's option offense.

[86Cane]

Bake some warm cornbread add a small can of cream corn to mix for extra moisture then drizzle some honey on top right out of the oven. Yummy!

[86Cane]

Miami has to get an early lead and score tds and to hold GT to fgs in the red zone.