Hokies and Seminoles, see you on December 4th in Charlotte, should be a good one.
(1) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies did it. They went undefeated in conference play and are set for the ACCCG in Charlotte on December 4.
(2) Florida State Seminoles
What more could you want out of a weekend as a Seminole? You blast Florida, get help and make it to the ACCCG, and rival Miami fires their head coach. Life is good... for now until you have to deal with Virginia Tech on Dec. 4, a challenge the Seminoles don't mind one bit.
(3) NC State Wolfpack
Once again the Pack snatches defeat from the jaws of victory. Golden opportunity to win the Atlantic Division blown by their loss to Maryland after being up 14-0. This team could easily be 10-2 or better, they just can't seem to get it all together.
(4) Maryland Terrapins
It must have been a great feeling for Kernersville, North Carolina native Danny O'Brien to throw four touchdowns against an NC State team that didn't even offer him a scholarship. A win that kept NC State out of the ACC Championship Game and propelled Maryland to an eight win season.
(5) Miami Hurricanes
Losing to a non-conference team from the state of Florida that is not the Gators is unacceptable. Randy Shannon learned that after his Hurricanes lost to South Florida 23-20 on Saturday, leading to his termination. Unlike LeBron, Shannon will not be taking his talents to South Beach next season.
(6) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Much like Clemson, the Jackets lost to an in-state rival in Georgia. Even during a down year Georgia beat the Jackets. It is hard to believe Paul Johnson lead this team to an ACC Championship last season.
(7) Boston College Eagles
The Eagles won five straight games to finish the season, and will head to a bowl game. In their season finale victory over Syracuse, the Eagles' defense stifled the Orange, allowing just seven points.
(8) Clemson Tigers
6-6? Really? Kyle Parker passed up a major league baseball contract with the Rockies to go 6-6? Yes, the last loss being to in-state rival South Carolina, who will play for the SEC Championship while Clemson sits at home waiting to hear about which crummy bowl game they'll go to in December.
(9) North Carolina Tar Heels
There are still many questions to be answered in Chapel Hill surrounding head coach Butch Davis and the Tar Heel football program. One question that they answered on Saturday, they still own Duke.
(10) Virginia Cavaliers
No Commonwealth Cup victory for the Cavaliers over Virginia Tech, but hey, no one else in the ACC could beat the Hokies either. This program is further along than their 4-8 record shows, and there is a plan in place for the Virginia program to grow.
(11) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Say what you want about how the ACC is not one of the superior conferences, but Wake Forest proved Saturday that the ACC's worst team is better than the SEC's worst team, beating Vanderbilt convincingly 34-14 on the road. This win should give the Wake Forest seniors a little something to be proud of about their last year in the program.
(12) Duke Blue Devils
David Cutcliffe could be the head coach in Knoxville right now- he must know something we don't about the future of Duke football.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Pack Hoops Faces Big Week
After an uninspiring performance by Sidney Lowe's Wolfpack against Fairleigh Dickinson (win, 77-67), the Pack sits at 4-1, with the lone loss to a ranked Georgetown team in the finals of the Charleston Classic.
Maybe there was a bit of a hangover from that loss, or maybe it was the "crowd that felt like 150" as a peer of mine stated to me, but whatever it was, State needs to clean it up, and quickly. Getting out-rebounded by Fairleigh Dickinson, even without star-forward Tracy Smith, is unacceptable.
The Pack will hit the road for a pair of tough non-conference games. First, they'll take on Wisconsin at the Kohl Center, a place where road teams never fare well (ask Duke, who lost there last season), in the ACC/Big-10 Challenge (Wednesday, 7:15). Then three days later they'll head to the Carrier Dome to take on number 9 Syracuse (Saturday, 5:15).
In the first game, State will have their hands full with Wisconsin's senior forward Jon Leuer. Leuer is averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Badgers. His 6-10, 230 pound frame will cause match-up problems for State's big men. Not to mention, he is 9-18 from behind the arc this year. State will have to devise a plan to stop Leuer, play him man-to-man will result in disaster.
Against Syracuse, the Pack will need to keep tabs on junior Scoop Jardine. The 6-2 point guard from Philadelphia is second on the team in points per game (12.8) and leads the Orange in assists with 7 per game. After failing to score in the season opener against Northern Iowa, Jardine has scored at least 11 points in every game since. State's best bet for slowing him down might be to keep freshman stand-out guard Lorenzo Brown covering Jardine everywhere he goes.
One thing's for sure, a win in one (or both) of these two games would go a long way for the Pack when they show off their resume to the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, and the momentum could help them string off a bunch of wins in December as they prepare for ACC play.
Maybe there was a bit of a hangover from that loss, or maybe it was the "crowd that felt like 150" as a peer of mine stated to me, but whatever it was, State needs to clean it up, and quickly. Getting out-rebounded by Fairleigh Dickinson, even without star-forward Tracy Smith, is unacceptable.
The Pack will hit the road for a pair of tough non-conference games. First, they'll take on Wisconsin at the Kohl Center, a place where road teams never fare well (ask Duke, who lost there last season), in the ACC/Big-10 Challenge (Wednesday, 7:15). Then three days later they'll head to the Carrier Dome to take on number 9 Syracuse (Saturday, 5:15).
In the first game, State will have their hands full with Wisconsin's senior forward Jon Leuer. Leuer is averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Badgers. His 6-10, 230 pound frame will cause match-up problems for State's big men. Not to mention, he is 9-18 from behind the arc this year. State will have to devise a plan to stop Leuer, play him man-to-man will result in disaster.
Against Syracuse, the Pack will need to keep tabs on junior Scoop Jardine. The 6-2 point guard from Philadelphia is second on the team in points per game (12.8) and leads the Orange in assists with 7 per game. After failing to score in the season opener against Northern Iowa, Jardine has scored at least 11 points in every game since. State's best bet for slowing him down might be to keep freshman stand-out guard Lorenzo Brown covering Jardine everywhere he goes.
One thing's for sure, a win in one (or both) of these two games would go a long way for the Pack when they show off their resume to the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, and the momentum could help them string off a bunch of wins in December as they prepare for ACC play.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 12
Hokies and Wolfpack, see you in Charlotte on December 4th.
(1) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies have now officially clinched the Coastal Division following their win over Miami on Saturday, where they used two fourth quarter touchdowns to put away the Hurricanes After nine straight wins, I can't see them losing to Virginia this week.
(2) NC State Wolfpack
State has controlled their own destiny for all but a few hours this season. Now that they are back in control of the Atlantic Division, all they have to do is beat Maryland this Saturday and they clinch the Atlantic Division- I like their chances, and I think they'll play Virginia Tech on Dec. 4th.
(3) Florida State Seminoles
Florida State's win over Maryland gives them a chance to still win the Atlantic- but they'll still need help from Maryland on Saturday. The 25th ranked Seminoles got another good performance from their defense- who are now the fifteenth best defense in the country. I think the 'Noles will surprise a lot of people this Saturday with their performance against Florida.
(4) Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes lost to Virginia Tech, finishing up their ACC schedule at 5-3. That's not going to get it done for Randy Shannon, who had the pressure on him to start the season.
(5) Maryland Terrapins
Following their loss to Florida State on Saturday night, the Terrapins are no longer in the race for the Atlantic Division title, but they'll still go to a bowl game and they have made great improvement from their 2-10 season last year.
(6) Clemson Tigers
The Tigers became bowl eligible by beating the ACC's worst team, Wake Forest 30-10. Though, 4-4 was not what Kyle Parker passed up a professional baseball contract for, he can still go out in style if the Tigers can knock off rival South Carolina this Saturday night.
(8) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Much like Clemson, the Jackets became bowl eligible on Saturday with their win, and have only their non-conference rivalry game remaining at Georgia. They are still number one in the country in rushing yards per game, but it was the air attack showed signs of life on Saturday when they beat Duke.
(7) North Carolina Tar Heels
Tough loss for the Tar Heels, as they lost to rival NC State for a fourth straight year. Now I think Butch Davis' job might be in question.
(9) Boston College Eagles
Well they haven't made it look easy, but the Eagles have taken advantage of their easy November schedule. Four straight ACC wins against teams at the bottom of the conference will send Boston College, along with eight other ACC teams, to a bowl game this post-season.
(10) Virginia Cavaliers
Mike London can make a huge first impression on Cavalier fans this Saturday if he can manage to upset Virginia Tech for the Commonwealth Cup this Saturday. Unfortunately for him, there is too much of a talent gap for Virginia to overcome, even against a Tech team who has already clinched the Coastal Division.
(11) Duke Blue Devils
Duke blasted Colgate Friday night, Irving nearly had a double-double with 13 points and 9 assists- wait this is for football? The Devils just keep going through the motions, maybe they'll beat Carolina in the season finale this year. Hey, it could happen.
(12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
When you're 97th in the country in points per game, and 114th in points given up per game, you're bound to be last in the Power Poll.
(1) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies have now officially clinched the Coastal Division following their win over Miami on Saturday, where they used two fourth quarter touchdowns to put away the Hurricanes After nine straight wins, I can't see them losing to Virginia this week.
(2) NC State Wolfpack
State has controlled their own destiny for all but a few hours this season. Now that they are back in control of the Atlantic Division, all they have to do is beat Maryland this Saturday and they clinch the Atlantic Division- I like their chances, and I think they'll play Virginia Tech on Dec. 4th.
(3) Florida State Seminoles
Florida State's win over Maryland gives them a chance to still win the Atlantic- but they'll still need help from Maryland on Saturday. The 25th ranked Seminoles got another good performance from their defense- who are now the fifteenth best defense in the country. I think the 'Noles will surprise a lot of people this Saturday with their performance against Florida.
(4) Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes lost to Virginia Tech, finishing up their ACC schedule at 5-3. That's not going to get it done for Randy Shannon, who had the pressure on him to start the season.
(5) Maryland Terrapins
Following their loss to Florida State on Saturday night, the Terrapins are no longer in the race for the Atlantic Division title, but they'll still go to a bowl game and they have made great improvement from their 2-10 season last year.
(6) Clemson Tigers
The Tigers became bowl eligible by beating the ACC's worst team, Wake Forest 30-10. Though, 4-4 was not what Kyle Parker passed up a professional baseball contract for, he can still go out in style if the Tigers can knock off rival South Carolina this Saturday night.
(8) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Much like Clemson, the Jackets became bowl eligible on Saturday with their win, and have only their non-conference rivalry game remaining at Georgia. They are still number one in the country in rushing yards per game, but it was the air attack showed signs of life on Saturday when they beat Duke.
(7) North Carolina Tar Heels
Tough loss for the Tar Heels, as they lost to rival NC State for a fourth straight year. Now I think Butch Davis' job might be in question.
(9) Boston College Eagles
Well they haven't made it look easy, but the Eagles have taken advantage of their easy November schedule. Four straight ACC wins against teams at the bottom of the conference will send Boston College, along with eight other ACC teams, to a bowl game this post-season.
(10) Virginia Cavaliers
Mike London can make a huge first impression on Cavalier fans this Saturday if he can manage to upset Virginia Tech for the Commonwealth Cup this Saturday. Unfortunately for him, there is too much of a talent gap for Virginia to overcome, even against a Tech team who has already clinched the Coastal Division.
(11) Duke Blue Devils
Duke blasted Colgate Friday night, Irving nearly had a double-double with 13 points and 9 assists- wait this is for football? The Devils just keep going through the motions, maybe they'll beat Carolina in the season finale this year. Hey, it could happen.
(12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
When you're 97th in the country in points per game, and 114th in points given up per game, you're bound to be last in the Power Poll.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Howell's Double-Double Powers Pack
The day could not have started off any worse for Sidney Lowe's Wolfpack. Star forward Tracy Smith headed back to Raleigh with a knee injury that will keep him out of the rest of the Charleston Classic, and could possibly be out for six to eight weeks. No results have been released concerning the scope done in his knee.
In their first game without Smith, the Pack, much like last night, received great games from their role players, as the they defeated George Mason 78-65. Richard Howell lead the Pack on the boards with eleven rebounds, and added 13 points along with it, earning his first double-double of the season.
NC State got 31 bench points- the most significant contributions from Howell and freshman point guard Ryan Harrow (14 points). The Pack had three other players score in double figures (Scott Wood, 13, C.J. Leslie, 11, Javier Gonzalez, 10).
Even without Smith, the Pack won the battle on the boards, 35-27. This was the second straight night that the Pack had 35 rebounds, as ten of them came on the offensive end.
For the first time all season the Pack got the three-pointer to work for them. Wood made four by himself, as the team was 8-19 from behind the arc on the night.
State will now play Georgetown on Sunday night for the championship. It will be a good test for the Wolfpack, as Georgetown is ranked 21st in the nation. State will need to continue to play hard on the defensive end if they want to have a chance to win, and rebounding will be a must.
In their first game without Smith, the Pack, much like last night, received great games from their role players, as the they defeated George Mason 78-65. Richard Howell lead the Pack on the boards with eleven rebounds, and added 13 points along with it, earning his first double-double of the season.
NC State got 31 bench points- the most significant contributions from Howell and freshman point guard Ryan Harrow (14 points). The Pack had three other players score in double figures (Scott Wood, 13, C.J. Leslie, 11, Javier Gonzalez, 10).
Even without Smith, the Pack won the battle on the boards, 35-27. This was the second straight night that the Pack had 35 rebounds, as ten of them came on the offensive end.
For the first time all season the Pack got the three-pointer to work for them. Wood made four by himself, as the team was 8-19 from behind the arc on the night.
State will now play Georgetown on Sunday night for the championship. It will be a good test for the Wolfpack, as Georgetown is ranked 21st in the nation. State will need to continue to play hard on the defensive end if they want to have a chance to win, and rebounding will be a must.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
State Uses Second Half Run to Blow Past Pirates
With star forward Tracy Smith on the bench with an apparent knee injury coming out of the second half and a 37-29 lead over East Carolina, NC State needed someone to step up in order to pull away from the Pirates. What they got was productivity from everyone as they exploded out of the gates, racing out to a 31 point lead at one point.
State used a 42-10 run to race past East Carolina in the opening round of the Charleston Classic. The Pack will take on the winner of the Charlotte/George Mason game tomorrow night at 8:30 in the semifinals.
The Pack received double-double's out of sophomore forward DeShawn Painter and freshman guard Ryan Harrow- both the first of their careers. Painter had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Harrow scored 11 points and had 10 assists.
Surprisingly quiet in the game was star freshman forward C.J. Leslie. Leslie finished the game with just four points and two rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
NC State used its quick transition game to push the pace and score easy baskets in the second half, as guards Harrow and Lorenzo Brown made quick passes to get the forwards easy layups.
Eleven different players scored for the Pack, with five in double-figures (Brown, 16, Scott Wood, 13, Painter, 12, Harrow, 11, and C.J. Williams, 10).
The most significant improvement from State's first game of the season (82-69 win over Tennessee Tech)? Rebounding. The Pack beat the Pirates on the boards 35-30, and controlled the paint most of the game.
State looked dominating in the second half, and will look to carry their momentum from tonight's blowout win into tomorrow's semifinal contest.
State used a 42-10 run to race past East Carolina in the opening round of the Charleston Classic. The Pack will take on the winner of the Charlotte/George Mason game tomorrow night at 8:30 in the semifinals.
The Pack received double-double's out of sophomore forward DeShawn Painter and freshman guard Ryan Harrow- both the first of their careers. Painter had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Harrow scored 11 points and had 10 assists.
Surprisingly quiet in the game was star freshman forward C.J. Leslie. Leslie finished the game with just four points and two rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
NC State used its quick transition game to push the pace and score easy baskets in the second half, as guards Harrow and Lorenzo Brown made quick passes to get the forwards easy layups.
Eleven different players scored for the Pack, with five in double-figures (Brown, 16, Scott Wood, 13, Painter, 12, Harrow, 11, and C.J. Williams, 10).
The most significant improvement from State's first game of the season (82-69 win over Tennessee Tech)? Rebounding. The Pack beat the Pirates on the boards 35-30, and controlled the paint most of the game.
State looked dominating in the second half, and will look to carry their momentum from tonight's blowout win into tomorrow's semifinal contest.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Pack Adds Two D-Linemen
NC State has added two more players to their currently short recruiting list.
Two-star defensive tackle Carlos Gray out of Pinson Valley High School (Pinson, AL) committed to play for Tom O'Brien's Wolfpack shortly after taking his official visit to Raleigh. I'm guessing the show that State's defense put on in a 38-3 pounding of in-state rival Wake Forest helped make his decision a little easier. Gray played this past season at Oak Ridge Military Academy (NC).
The Pack also added defensive end McKay Frandsen, a junior college transfer from Snow College. Frandsen, like Gray, committed committed after his official visit on Saturday.
This brings the total number of commits for NC State football to ten, with seven of the commits on the defensive side of the ball.
Two-star defensive tackle Carlos Gray out of Pinson Valley High School (Pinson, AL) committed to play for Tom O'Brien's Wolfpack shortly after taking his official visit to Raleigh. I'm guessing the show that State's defense put on in a 38-3 pounding of in-state rival Wake Forest helped make his decision a little easier. Gray played this past season at Oak Ridge Military Academy (NC).
The Pack also added defensive end McKay Frandsen, a junior college transfer from Snow College. Frandsen, like Gray, committed committed after his official visit on Saturday.
This brings the total number of commits for NC State football to ten, with seven of the commits on the defensive side of the ball.
Monday, November 15, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 11
Come on people, Hokies, Hokies, Hokies...
(1) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies didn't officially clinch the Coastal Division on Saturday, but is there anyone out there who honestly believes that the Hokies won't win the division? I would be surprised if they lost one of their final two games.
(2) NC State Wolfpack
State's defense came alive against a weak Wake Forest team holding the Deacons to just three points on Saturday. The Pack are in the top 30 in the country in scoring offense and scoring defense, but they will have to be efficient on Saturday if they are going to go in to Chapel Hill and beat the Heels for the fourth straight year.
(3) Florida State Seminoles
A feel-good ending for kicker Dustin Hopkins as his 55-yard bomb won the game for the Seminoles, as they escaped Clemson's upset bid on Saturday. The Seminoles stayed alive (and technically in front) in the Atlantic Division race, but still need help if they're going to play in the ACC Championship Game on December 4th.
(4) Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes beat down Georgia Tech 35-10 on Saturday and are back in the top 25. Backup quarterback Stephen Morris lead the Hurricanes to a second straight win as he fills in for the injured Jacory Harris. Unfortunately, Miami will need Harris to have a chance against the Hokies on Saturday.
(5) Maryland Terrapins
Maryland continues to be right in the thick of the ACC Atlantic Division title race. With two games left- against Florida State and NC State, they'll need freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien to play smart football if they want to have a shot to make it to Charlotte.
(6) Clemson Tigers
You almost feel bad for Clemson, they out-played Florida State for most of Saturday night's game, only to lose on a 55 yard field goal as time expired. The Tigers are a good team, and although they won't be competing for an ACC championship this year, they should beat Wake Forest this week to become bowl eligible.
(7) North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels suffered a tough home loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday, as the offense never got going against the Hokies. They'll need to be solid this week if they are going to slow down Russell Wilson and NC State's air attack.
(8) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Without starting quarterback Joshua Nesbitt (possibly for the season) the Jackets seem to be just going through the motions as the season winds down. They'll need to beat either Duke or rival Georgia if they are going to become bowl eligible. Duke did a nice job against Navy's option, and I would expect them to give Georgia Tech some problems this Saturday.
(9) Boston College Eagles
Boston College was given a gift with their November schedule. After losing five in a row earlier in the season, the Eagles have bounced back and won three straight. I would expect them to become bowl eligible by beating Virginia at home this Saturday.
(10) Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers' upset bid against Maryland fell short on Saturday when they were outscored by 21 points in the fourth quarter. The positive thing for Virginia? They are 25th in the nation in passing yards per game, that is near the top of the ACC.
(11) Duke Blue Devils
Duke's defense finally showed up on Saturday against Boston College- unfortunately the offense didn't. Duke's inability to score touchdowns in the red zone killed them on Saturday, had they not settled for three field goals they might have beaten the Eagles.
(12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake absolutely laid an egg on Saturday against NC State. Not only did they get beat badly on both sides of the ball, but seemed to not be trying to win on a few plays. Multiple times on third and long the Demon Deacons chose to run the ball leading to a punt. Running backs Josh Harris and Josh Adams will continue to be the only bright spots for this team if they continue run he ball on third and long.
(1) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies didn't officially clinch the Coastal Division on Saturday, but is there anyone out there who honestly believes that the Hokies won't win the division? I would be surprised if they lost one of their final two games.
(2) NC State Wolfpack
State's defense came alive against a weak Wake Forest team holding the Deacons to just three points on Saturday. The Pack are in the top 30 in the country in scoring offense and scoring defense, but they will have to be efficient on Saturday if they are going to go in to Chapel Hill and beat the Heels for the fourth straight year.
(3) Florida State Seminoles
A feel-good ending for kicker Dustin Hopkins as his 55-yard bomb won the game for the Seminoles, as they escaped Clemson's upset bid on Saturday. The Seminoles stayed alive (and technically in front) in the Atlantic Division race, but still need help if they're going to play in the ACC Championship Game on December 4th.
(4) Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes beat down Georgia Tech 35-10 on Saturday and are back in the top 25. Backup quarterback Stephen Morris lead the Hurricanes to a second straight win as he fills in for the injured Jacory Harris. Unfortunately, Miami will need Harris to have a chance against the Hokies on Saturday.
(5) Maryland Terrapins
Maryland continues to be right in the thick of the ACC Atlantic Division title race. With two games left- against Florida State and NC State, they'll need freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien to play smart football if they want to have a shot to make it to Charlotte.
(6) Clemson Tigers
You almost feel bad for Clemson, they out-played Florida State for most of Saturday night's game, only to lose on a 55 yard field goal as time expired. The Tigers are a good team, and although they won't be competing for an ACC championship this year, they should beat Wake Forest this week to become bowl eligible.
(7) North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels suffered a tough home loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday, as the offense never got going against the Hokies. They'll need to be solid this week if they are going to slow down Russell Wilson and NC State's air attack.
(8) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Without starting quarterback Joshua Nesbitt (possibly for the season) the Jackets seem to be just going through the motions as the season winds down. They'll need to beat either Duke or rival Georgia if they are going to become bowl eligible. Duke did a nice job against Navy's option, and I would expect them to give Georgia Tech some problems this Saturday.
(9) Boston College Eagles
Boston College was given a gift with their November schedule. After losing five in a row earlier in the season, the Eagles have bounced back and won three straight. I would expect them to become bowl eligible by beating Virginia at home this Saturday.
(10) Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers' upset bid against Maryland fell short on Saturday when they were outscored by 21 points in the fourth quarter. The positive thing for Virginia? They are 25th in the nation in passing yards per game, that is near the top of the ACC.
(11) Duke Blue Devils
Duke's defense finally showed up on Saturday against Boston College- unfortunately the offense didn't. Duke's inability to score touchdowns in the red zone killed them on Saturday, had they not settled for three field goals they might have beaten the Eagles.
(12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake absolutely laid an egg on Saturday against NC State. Not only did they get beat badly on both sides of the ball, but seemed to not be trying to win on a few plays. Multiple times on third and long the Demon Deacons chose to run the ball leading to a punt. Running backs Josh Harris and Josh Adams will continue to be the only bright spots for this team if they continue run he ball on third and long.
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