1. Florida State Seminoles
The 'Noles keep rolling, taking down Atlantic Division rival Boston College. They've won five in a row since their loss at Oklahoma. Florida State's bye week comes at a unfortunate time, as the team has all of the momentum in the world right now. Their game at NC State next Thursday could decide the winner of the Atlantic Division.
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
3. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes looked like they were hungover from their beat-down delivered by rival Florida State last week. They only beat Duke by 15, and looked a step slow. Luckily for them, they still control their own destiny to win the Coastal Division.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack played their worst game of the season on Saturday at East Carolina. They looked bad in all three phases of the game. Star quarterback Russell Wilson tossed three picks to only one touchdown, special teams missed a field goal and had blown coverage on kickoffs, and the defense couldn't stop the same screen pass play that the Pirates ran over and over on them. Luckily for the Pack, at their worst they still had a chance to win in regulation, this loss doesn't affect their goal of an ACC title, and they have a bye week to regroup and prepare for their showdown with Florida State.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
No surprise on Saturday as the Ramblin' Wreck took down Middle Tennessee State 42-14. Tech has won three in a row, and have a good road test waiting for them on Saturday at Clemson.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
The rotation of players being eligible and ineligible didn't seem to effect the Tar Heels on Saturday, as they won their fourth game is a row by beating Virginia on the road, breaking the "Hooville Curse" the Heels have had in Charlottesville over the years. They might actually be a contender now, but they will have their hands full at Miami this week.
7. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers snapped their three game losing streak by beating Maryland on Saturday, a team they have struggled to beat in recent history. They now are back at .500 and can start working toward a bowl birth.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps lost to Clemson on Saturday, a team they usually play well against. After their 4-1, it could be a very long second half of the season in College Park
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake underwent the inevitable on Saturday as Virginia Tech layed the lumber on the Demon Deacons. Wake is now 2-5 on the season, and that ACC Championship they had back in 2006 seems like it will be a one time deal, as they are clearly in rebuilding mode.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles surprisingly played Florida State close on Saturday, only losing by 5. They have a winnable game against Maryland at home this Saturday, but until they improve from 103rd in rushing and 104th in points per game nationally, they will continue to lose ballgames in the ACC.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia lost their third straight game on Saturday, getting completely man-handled by North Carolina on Saturday. Luckily for them they get to play Eastern Michigan this Saturday at home, which will likely be their third win of the season.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Duke stayed with Miami for most of the game Saturday, but fell short for the fifth straight week. The Devils need something, anything to get them going so they have a shot at pulling of a miraculous upset of Virginia Tech this Saturday in Blacksburg. The good news is, Friday officially marked the start of college basketball season with Midnight Madness.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 6
Florida State's convincing win over previous ACC number one Miami earns them the top spot in this week's ACC Power Rankings.
1. Florida State Seminoles
The beat down the 'Noles delivered to rival Miami on Saturday sent a strong message to the rest of the conference as to who was the team to beat in the Atlantic Division. Now with their toughest conference game behind them, Florida State is in a great position to not only win the ACC, but climb their way through the national rankings as the season progresses.
2. Miami Hurricanes
Ouch! Miami was absolutely embarrassed by rival Florida State, luckily for them the Coastal Division title still has to go through them as this was their first conference loss.
3. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack bounced back nicely from their loss to Virginia Tech by demolishing Atlantic Division foe Boston College on Saturday. Russell Wilson threw an uncharacteristic two interceptions again- that's six in the last three conference games, but he managed to throw three touchdown passes for the fourth straight week, and the Pack continued to stay hot. If State continues to play at a high level, then their nationally televised game against Florida State on October 28 could determine the winner of the Atlantic Division.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
It certainly wasn't pretty, but Georgia Tech did improve to 3-1 in conference play by beating Virginia on Saturday. The Jackets should beat Middle Tennessee State this weekend, then head to Death Valley to take on Clemson the following weekend where we'll learn if this team has a chance at repeating as ACC champions.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
Love them or hate them, it is hard not to admire what the Tar Heels are doing on the field this season. Running back Johnny White had a masterful day against Clemson, and three straight wins show the Tar Heels are starting to get it together no matter who they throw out on the field. Without 15 players on Saturday and all of the chaos surrounding the program, they still got it done.
7. Clemson Tigers
Three straight losses have sent Coach Dabo's Tigers from a team that looked like it would win the Atlantic to searching the schedule for four possible wins just to steal a bowl game to end the season. Kyle Parker may be regretting passing up playing professional baseball for the Rockies for this.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps sat on their bye week and watched three Atlantic Division teams receive losses. Maryland is quietly 4-1, and had they won at West Virginia they'd be receiving some serious press. They have a great opportunity to really send a message to the Atlantic Division in the next two weeks. They'll play at Clemson, a team they usually play really well against and then travel to take on Boston College in a winnable game.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
It is hard to imagine that the Demon Deacons would lose to Navy a week after seeing the option offense against Georgia Tech. And while the Wake defense kept both games very close, they lost both of them. it looks like their four game losing streak is going to swell to five when they take on Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium this Saturday.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles failed to beat former coach Tom O'Brien for the first time since he left Boston College and headed to NC State. The Pack embarrassed the Eagles and chased quarterback Dave Shinskie out of the game early on Saturday. Often the team ranked 99th in points per game fails to win at a high rate- such is the case for the Eagles this season. First year coach Frank Spaziani is looking at a long final seven games of the season.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
No doubt about it, Mike London was a great choice to lead Virginia, but instant results just don't happen for teams who need rebuilding. This team is heading in the right direction, but will have to pull multiple upsets to get to a bowl game.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Where to begin for the 1-4 Blue Devils? Maybe they've lost four in a row because their offense is just too young, but that's not the reason their struggling. Something has got to give for this defense, they are giving up nearly 40 points per game (and only scoring 27 points per game) and are 113th in the country in that category. Luckily, a bye week keeps the losing streak from extending.
1. Florida State Seminoles
The beat down the 'Noles delivered to rival Miami on Saturday sent a strong message to the rest of the conference as to who was the team to beat in the Atlantic Division. Now with their toughest conference game behind them, Florida State is in a great position to not only win the ACC, but climb their way through the national rankings as the season progresses.
2. Miami Hurricanes
Ouch! Miami was absolutely embarrassed by rival Florida State, luckily for them the Coastal Division title still has to go through them as this was their first conference loss.
3. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack bounced back nicely from their loss to Virginia Tech by demolishing Atlantic Division foe Boston College on Saturday. Russell Wilson threw an uncharacteristic two interceptions again- that's six in the last three conference games, but he managed to throw three touchdown passes for the fourth straight week, and the Pack continued to stay hot. If State continues to play at a high level, then their nationally televised game against Florida State on October 28 could determine the winner of the Atlantic Division.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
It certainly wasn't pretty, but Georgia Tech did improve to 3-1 in conference play by beating Virginia on Saturday. The Jackets should beat Middle Tennessee State this weekend, then head to Death Valley to take on Clemson the following weekend where we'll learn if this team has a chance at repeating as ACC champions.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
Love them or hate them, it is hard not to admire what the Tar Heels are doing on the field this season. Running back Johnny White had a masterful day against Clemson, and three straight wins show the Tar Heels are starting to get it together no matter who they throw out on the field. Without 15 players on Saturday and all of the chaos surrounding the program, they still got it done.
7. Clemson Tigers
Three straight losses have sent Coach Dabo's Tigers from a team that looked like it would win the Atlantic to searching the schedule for four possible wins just to steal a bowl game to end the season. Kyle Parker may be regretting passing up playing professional baseball for the Rockies for this.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps sat on their bye week and watched three Atlantic Division teams receive losses. Maryland is quietly 4-1, and had they won at West Virginia they'd be receiving some serious press. They have a great opportunity to really send a message to the Atlantic Division in the next two weeks. They'll play at Clemson, a team they usually play really well against and then travel to take on Boston College in a winnable game.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
It is hard to imagine that the Demon Deacons would lose to Navy a week after seeing the option offense against Georgia Tech. And while the Wake defense kept both games very close, they lost both of them. it looks like their four game losing streak is going to swell to five when they take on Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium this Saturday.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles failed to beat former coach Tom O'Brien for the first time since he left Boston College and headed to NC State. The Pack embarrassed the Eagles and chased quarterback Dave Shinskie out of the game early on Saturday. Often the team ranked 99th in points per game fails to win at a high rate- such is the case for the Eagles this season. First year coach Frank Spaziani is looking at a long final seven games of the season.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
No doubt about it, Mike London was a great choice to lead Virginia, but instant results just don't happen for teams who need rebuilding. This team is heading in the right direction, but will have to pull multiple upsets to get to a bowl game.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Where to begin for the 1-4 Blue Devils? Maybe they've lost four in a row because their offense is just too young, but that's not the reason their struggling. Something has got to give for this defense, they are giving up nearly 40 points per game (and only scoring 27 points per game) and are 113th in the country in that category. Luckily, a bye week keeps the losing streak from extending.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 5
1. Miami (3-1, 1-0)
The 'Canes continue to show that they are the best team in the conference, beating Clemson on the road. The Coastal Division is theirs to lose.
2. Florida State (4-0, 2-0)
The only team in the Atlantic Division with two conference wins, the Seminoles have rebounded nicely since their loss at Oklahoma. Jimbo has his team back in the top 25, and we will learn a lot about them after they play at Miami this week.
3. Clemson (2-2, 0-1)
The Tigers could have really put themselves in a good spot to win the Atlantic Division had they beaten Miami at home Saturday, now they may need help to win the division. After close losses at Auburn in overtime, and this week to Miami, the Tigers may be the best two-loss team in the country.
4. Virginia Tech (3-2, 2-0)
After a nightmare of a start to the season, Virginia Tech is back as an ACC contender. Tyrod and the offense woke up in their win against NC State this weekend, and if they continue to play well there's no reason they shouldn't roll into Miami with an undefeated conference record November 20.
5. NC State (4-1, 1-1)
Tom O-Brien has the Pack playing above expectations, and the talent and preparation is there, they just don't know how to close teams out in the second half yet (as evident in blowing a 17-0 lead to the Hokies). The Pack can still win the Atlantic Division- barring a collapse in response to Saturday's loss to Virginia Tech. We will see if the Pack, and Russell Wilson is for real when the Pack take on Boston College this week.
6. Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-1)
After an embarrassing loss to Kansas, and getting walloped by NC State at home, Tech bounced back by beating Wake Forest in a grudge match on the road. They're still under-achieving, but have the talent to make themselves an outside contender in the Coastal Division.
7. Maryland (4-1, 1-0)
When the season started, many doubted the Terrapins could reach a bowl game, now they have enough winnable games remaining on the schedule to receive a bid- thus saving the Fridge's job in the process.
8. North Carolina (2-2, 0-1)
Hard not to be impress with how the Heels have handled business on the field through all of the distractions surrounding the program. While losing coach Butch Davis at the end of the season may be imminent, the Heels could still manage a bowl game out of what has been a program-changing season for the worst.
9. Virginia (2-2, 0-1)
Mike London will make this program relevant, but not this season. He has a freshman quarterback in Mike Verica who should see much success in his career, but for now he needs experience and time to grow.
10. Wake Forest (2-3, 1-2)
Wake would need to pull multiple upsets to reach a bowl game this season. Freshman quarterback Tanner Price needs time to ripen, as he does, the offense will improve- but I don't see it happening this season.
11. Boston College (2-2, 0-1)
Plain and simple, averaging nine points per game won't lead to a successful season, and life won't get easier in the next two weeks with road games against NC State and Florida State.
12. Duke (1-4, 0-2)
The post Thaddeus Lewis era has been a struggle for the Blue Devils. The defense hasn't been good, either. Their best performance of the year came this past weekend against Maryland, but the offense could not get it going. Expect things to be ugly in Durham this week as Duke hosts Miami.
The 'Canes continue to show that they are the best team in the conference, beating Clemson on the road. The Coastal Division is theirs to lose.
2. Florida State (4-0, 2-0)
The only team in the Atlantic Division with two conference wins, the Seminoles have rebounded nicely since their loss at Oklahoma. Jimbo has his team back in the top 25, and we will learn a lot about them after they play at Miami this week.
3. Clemson (2-2, 0-1)
The Tigers could have really put themselves in a good spot to win the Atlantic Division had they beaten Miami at home Saturday, now they may need help to win the division. After close losses at Auburn in overtime, and this week to Miami, the Tigers may be the best two-loss team in the country.
4. Virginia Tech (3-2, 2-0)
After a nightmare of a start to the season, Virginia Tech is back as an ACC contender. Tyrod and the offense woke up in their win against NC State this weekend, and if they continue to play well there's no reason they shouldn't roll into Miami with an undefeated conference record November 20.
5. NC State (4-1, 1-1)
Tom O-Brien has the Pack playing above expectations, and the talent and preparation is there, they just don't know how to close teams out in the second half yet (as evident in blowing a 17-0 lead to the Hokies). The Pack can still win the Atlantic Division- barring a collapse in response to Saturday's loss to Virginia Tech. We will see if the Pack, and Russell Wilson is for real when the Pack take on Boston College this week.
6. Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-1)
After an embarrassing loss to Kansas, and getting walloped by NC State at home, Tech bounced back by beating Wake Forest in a grudge match on the road. They're still under-achieving, but have the talent to make themselves an outside contender in the Coastal Division.
7. Maryland (4-1, 1-0)
When the season started, many doubted the Terrapins could reach a bowl game, now they have enough winnable games remaining on the schedule to receive a bid- thus saving the Fridge's job in the process.
8. North Carolina (2-2, 0-1)
Hard not to be impress with how the Heels have handled business on the field through all of the distractions surrounding the program. While losing coach Butch Davis at the end of the season may be imminent, the Heels could still manage a bowl game out of what has been a program-changing season for the worst.
9. Virginia (2-2, 0-1)
Mike London will make this program relevant, but not this season. He has a freshman quarterback in Mike Verica who should see much success in his career, but for now he needs experience and time to grow.
10. Wake Forest (2-3, 1-2)
Wake would need to pull multiple upsets to reach a bowl game this season. Freshman quarterback Tanner Price needs time to ripen, as he does, the offense will improve- but I don't see it happening this season.
11. Boston College (2-2, 0-1)
Plain and simple, averaging nine points per game won't lead to a successful season, and life won't get easier in the next two weeks with road games against NC State and Florida State.
12. Duke (1-4, 0-2)
The post Thaddeus Lewis era has been a struggle for the Blue Devils. The defense hasn't been good, either. Their best performance of the year came this past weekend against Maryland, but the offense could not get it going. Expect things to be ugly in Durham this week as Duke hosts Miami.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
NCAA Football Week 1 Tailgate: Day 4
A Comeback Story
Much has been made of Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich's return to the gridiron after a bout with cancer, and deservedly so. But there is another ACC linebacker who is very thankful to be back on the field (and alive). Here's a great piece by Raycom Sports on NC State linebacker Nate Irving.
Much has been made of Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich's return to the gridiron after a bout with cancer, and deservedly so. But there is another ACC linebacker who is very thankful to be back on the field (and alive). Here's a great piece by Raycom Sports on NC State linebacker Nate Irving.
Monday, August 30, 2010
NCAA Football Week 1 Tailgate: Day 3
Give O'Brien More Time
N.C. State fans are all tired of being told to “be patient” and to give our football program “time to improve.” If you have truly had it with hearing these sayings, hear this out, one last time.
In his first three seasons in Raleigh, Tom O’Brien has a 16-21 record in three losing seasons. The Pack has made it to one bowl game, a loss to Rutgers in the 2008 Papajohns.com Bowl. His 9-15 record against the Atlantic Coast Conference shows very little to be proud of- with the exception of a 3-0 record against rival North Carolina. With the inclusion of Chuck Amato’s final season, State is one of only six BCS conference schools to post four straight losing seasons (Duke is the only other ACC school on the list).
One might ask, where is the bright side? It lies within O’Brien’s experience at Boston College. In his first three seasons in Chestnut Hill, the Eagles went 16-18 with one bowl appearance, a loss in the 1999 Insight Bowl. He followed those first three seasons by going 59-27, leading the Eagles to seven bowl games, and an ACC Atlantic Division title.
Give him more time, if only for just one more season. It is apparent from the progress made over the summer that his players have now started to buy into his system. The Pack will sport a potent offense being known as “the perfect storm,” led by All-ACC quarterback Russell Wilson and an experienced receiving group, a defense that returns arguably the scariest linebacker in the ACC in Nate Irving after a year out from injuries, and a secondary that if nothing else, now has a year of experience under its belt. Not to mention a new linebackers coach, who was the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and Notre Dame, John Tenuta.
Last but not least, there is a new Athletic Director in Raleigh in Debbie Yow who has vowed to not accept mediocrity anymore. Her concerns are your concerns, no more blind hires following coaches who were around two and three seasons too long. If O’Brien and Yow can stay on the same page, there should be an improvement in Pack football coming soon.
Friday, August 27, 2010
NCAA Football Week 1 Tailgate: Day 2
2. New Coaches Start Their Tenures
- Jimbo Fisher, Florida State. Anyone else think Bowden was forced out too early? Wow, big shoes to fill for the former "coach-in-waiting." Luckily for him, he starts off against Samford.
- Brian Kelly, Notre Dame. The Irish are a 10 point favorite over Purdue in Week 1, I see it being closer than that in Kelly's debut, but expect him to have less wins than his replacement back in Cincinnati...
- Butch Jones, Cincinnati. What a tough way to start off with the Bearcats for Butch Jones in his first game after leaving Central Michigan. They'll travel to Fresno to take on the Bulldogs. But I like the Bearcats to win a tight one on the west coast.
- Lane Kiffin, Southern Cal. Kiffin's Trojans start out ranked 14th... not that it matters this season- at least they get a free trip to Hawaii in week one.
- Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech. Texas Tech should be able to handle SMU at home, though I feel Ruffin McNeill should be coaching the Red Raiders, speaking of Ruffin McNeill...
- Ruffin McNeill, East Carolina. McNeill's first game with the Pirates will be a tough test at home against Tulsa. McNeill, an ECU alum, is a great fit for the Pirates and a steal of a coach who should be in charge in Lubbock, but he'll need time to come in and implement his spread offense in Greenville.
- Skip Holtz, Southern Florida. The day came that Pirates fans had to expect would come sooner rather than later. On January 14th, Holtz jumped ship for a BCS conference team. Not worried about Holtz's new team in week one, though, as the Bulls open up against Stony Brook.
- Charlie Strong, Louisville. If Charlie Strong wants to earn points quickly with Cardinals fans all he needs to do is beat Kentucky in week one at home, who has a new coach of their own...
- Joker Phillips, Kentucky. Hired as the coach-in-waiting a few years ago, Phillips leads his team into Louisville to take on the rival Cardinals in his first game as the head coach.
- Derek Dooley, Tennessee. Not quite who the Volunteers were expecting would lead them into their week one game against in-state foe Tennessee-Martin. I expect a blowout in Knoxville as the Dooley era opens strong against the Skyhawks.
- Kansas: Turner Gill in, Mark Mangino out. Week 1: Home against North Dakota State.
- Vanderbilt: Robbie Caldwell in, Bobby Johnson out. Week 1: Home against Northwestern.
- Virginia: Mike London in, Al Groh out. Week 1: Home against Richmond.
NCAA Football Week 1 Tailgate: Day 1
1. Will the "BCS-Busters" pick up where they left off?
We should get the answer to this question in Week 1. The most anticipated game of the week is third ranked Boise State playing tenth ranked Virginia Tech in Landover, MD. The game, Sunday, Sept. 6 at 8pm (ESPN), is a virtual National Title elimination game. Both teams come in with tons of hype and expectation, knowing that this is a must-win.
We should get the answer to this question in Week 1. The most anticipated game of the week is third ranked Boise State playing tenth ranked Virginia Tech in Landover, MD. The game, Sunday, Sept. 6 at 8pm (ESPN), is a virtual National Title elimination game. Both teams come in with tons of hype and expectation, knowing that this is a must-win.
- With Kellen Moore under center the Broncos always are in contention to win. But I see Virginia Tech's running game being too much for Boise State's defense, expect clutch performances from sophomore Ryan Williams, who is coming off a stellar freshman season, and junior Darren Evans who returns after missing last season with an injury.
- Watch out! This will not be an easy game for the Horned Frogs. Oregon State brings in tons of experience on offense, actually they'll roll in with more experience at all three offensive skilled positions than the Horned Frogs. Senior quarterback Sean Canfield threw for over 3,000 yards last season, a third of which went to, now senior, James Rodgers who returns for his senior season hoping to improve his draft stock. They also have junior running back Jacquizz Rodgers who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons with the Beavers. All that being said, I still think TCU's defense (which ranked 6th in the nation in points per game last year averaging just 12.8 points against per game) will win the game for the Horned Frogs.
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