Folks, sadly the ACC has all but fallen off the radar for this week in the television world. We've got major game in the VaTech and FSU match up that will be seen across the nation but we've been relegated to the U and Raycom ACC Game of the Week for the most part. The Ron Franklin team calling the game in Tallahassee is one of my favorites, especially with Jack Arute giving those excitable sideline updates.
Heels fans, look for Doc Walker to talk about how much of a beast Quan Sturdivant is, he'll definitely create a word for the young linebacker.
Lastly UVA and GT have a good team. Charles Arbuckle is one of the most underrated analysts working college football. He's got detailed analysis and he's a lot less likely to stick his foot in his mouth.
Saturday Afternoon:
Wake Forest @ Miami (ESPNU, Noon)- Dave Armstrong, Larry Coker
Boston College @ North Carolina (Raycom, Noon)- Steve Martin, Rick Walker, Mike Hogewood
Virginia Tech @ 25 Florida State (ABC/ESPN2, 3:30pm)- Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham, Jack Arute
Virginia @ 18 Georgia Tech (ESPNU, 3:30pm)- Doug Bell, Charles Arbuckle
The NC State game up in College Park, MD didn't make the television schedule and neither did the Smart School's of the South Battle between Vanderbilt and Duke.
Showing posts with label Wake Forest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wake Forest. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Week Eight: Football From Mass to Miami Podcast
To listen to the show live click here
On last week's show we talked at length about UNC committing to football in order to keep Butch Davis. I thought the Clemson mess would solve itself but the Tigers will once again take the lead in the ACC issues with their recent firing of Tommy Bowden. The parties involved fumbled the exchange but in the end Terry Don Phillips set himself up to hire the perfect candidate and this week I'll break down MY preliminary list of go to guys. That list will also include two names that the Tigers shouldn't even invite to Pickens county.
Along with the continued Clemson melodrama we'll talk about the Brandon Tate injury and what a blow that strikes to UNC football's season expectations. The Heels will have to pick things up and make some serious personnel changes to continue their push towards the ACC title game.
Lastly this week's biggest ACC issue will be the resurgence of Virginia. The Wahoos looked awful early but the last two weeks they have proven themselves to be a team capable of winning on any given Saturday.
As with every episode of Football, From Mass to Miami you'll find:
A recap of all the Week 7 action in the ACC
Complete breakdowns of the ACC Standings
Detailed rankings of offense, defense as well as overall units
The ACC Issues of the Week
A look ahead to Week 8's games including predictions
This show might get a little bit testy as your host bristles from the incredible let down experienced at the hands of the Clemson Tigers.
Be sure to tune in live by clicking here
On last week's show we talked at length about UNC committing to football in order to keep Butch Davis. I thought the Clemson mess would solve itself but the Tigers will once again take the lead in the ACC issues with their recent firing of Tommy Bowden. The parties involved fumbled the exchange but in the end Terry Don Phillips set himself up to hire the perfect candidate and this week I'll break down MY preliminary list of go to guys. That list will also include two names that the Tigers shouldn't even invite to Pickens county.
Along with the continued Clemson melodrama we'll talk about the Brandon Tate injury and what a blow that strikes to UNC football's season expectations. The Heels will have to pick things up and make some serious personnel changes to continue their push towards the ACC title game.
Lastly this week's biggest ACC issue will be the resurgence of Virginia. The Wahoos looked awful early but the last two weeks they have proven themselves to be a team capable of winning on any given Saturday.
As with every episode of Football, From Mass to Miami you'll find:
A recap of all the Week 7 action in the ACC
Complete breakdowns of the ACC Standings
Detailed rankings of offense, defense as well as overall units
The ACC Issues of the Week
A look ahead to Week 8's games including predictions
This show might get a little bit testy as your host bristles from the incredible let down experienced at the hands of the Clemson Tigers.
Be sure to tune in live by clicking here
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Football, From Mass to Miami Podcast Tonight 9pm
Tonight on the podcast yours truly will again be breaking down the ACC from top to bottom and addressing the most poignant issues surrounding the conference. There's a lot to talk about regarding the week 5 events in the league as well as the quick approach of the halfway point for the ACC. So be sure to click here and listen live as we break down the nation's most underrated conference.
As with every episode of Football, From Mass to Miami you'll find:
A recap of all the Week 4 action in the ACC
Complete breakdowns of the ACC Standings
Detailed rankings of offense, defense as well as overall units
The ACC Issues of the Week
A look ahead to Week 5's games including predictions
Be sure to tune in to the show live to get your questions answered and hear some knowledgeable ACC football discussion. Check it out
As with every episode of Football, From Mass to Miami you'll find:
A recap of all the Week 4 action in the ACC
Complete breakdowns of the ACC Standings
Detailed rankings of offense, defense as well as overall units
The ACC Issues of the Week
A look ahead to Week 5's games including predictions
Be sure to tune in to the show live to get your questions answered and hear some knowledgeable ACC football discussion. Check it out
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Week Three: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly ACC Recap
Week Three Scores:
North Carolina 44 Rutgers 12
Maryland 35 California 27
Duke 41 Navy 31
Clemson 27 NC State 9
Virginia Tech 20 Georgia Tech 17
Florida State 49 Chattanooga 7
Virginia 10 UConn 45
This week was a solid one for the ACC as they went 4-1 in nonconference games and featured a Coastal Division showdown with the Hokies taking on the Yellow Jackets in Blacksburg.
The California Golden Bears were shocked by the Terps in the best ACC surprise of the weekend. Maryland caught the west coast Bears sleeping early and when Jeff Tedford's squad woke up in the fourth quarter it was too late for them to salvage the victory. North Carolina showed America that the preseason hype wasn't completely unwarranted as they blasted Rutgers and even Duke got into the action beating a solid Navy squad.
With that said let's get into The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of the ACC's third week of football action.
The Good
Maryland Rush Defense: The Terps defense against the run was spectacular, holding Jahvid Best and the Bears to a measly 38 yards for the game. Best entered the game with over 300 rushing yards on the season but was held to only 25 yards by a defense that looked passive in the weeks leading up to the game. David Philistin led the way with 13 tackles including one for loss as the Terps stacked the line and shut down the Bears rushing attack.
Florida State Quarterbacks: Devontrey Richardson and Christian Ponder were a combined 22-36 for 297 yards and 4 TD's Saturday against Chattanooga. Yes the Mocs are an FCS team but for the 'Noles this is a sign that the two quarterback system of D-Vo and Ponder is slowly maturing and readying itself for the ACC schedule quickly approaching. It is clear that the Seminoles have started their crawl way back to national prominence, entering the Coach's Poll at #25 this week.
UNC Defensive Back Seven: The unit is young but the linebackers are starting to understand their fits and the secondary is benefiting from the experience from a season ago. Nabbing 4 interceptions from Rutgers' quarterback Mike Teel the unit is beginning to gel nicely in their zone drops and making good reads on the football. If they can play as physical with the Tech's and Miami the team will definitely be competing for the Coastal Division title come November.
The BAD
NC State Offense: The Wolfpack produced only 288 yards against the Clemson Tigers' less than suffocating defense. While the team moved the ball well at times between the twenties they continued their 13 quarter offensive touchdown drought. Yes, it has been over three games since the Pack offense has put the ball in the end zone against a FBS team. Next week against ECU the countdown continues.
Virginia Rushing Attack: Mikell Simpson and Cedric Peerman were expected to be All-ACC contenders entering the 2008 season, a tandem second only to CJ Spiller and James Davis of Clemson. The two were supposed to take the heat off Peter Lalich and giving opponents fits with their smash and dash running styles. The duo rumbled for 24 total yards at Connecticut, bringing their combined season total to 200 yards. Without some increased production from these backfield mates Virginia's woes will continue.
The UGLY
Virginia Tech Passing Attack: The un-redshirting of Tyrod Taylor was designed to jump start the Hokies offensive attack. In a way it worked as VPI has two wins with Taylor at the helm and their rushing production has increased substantially. But, Taylors 48 yards passing was one of the worst showings for a quarterback in the modern era. He threw for 61 fewer yards than the triple option conservative attack of the Ramblin' Wreck.
Sure he completed around 64% of his passes but to put it in perspective; Taylor was 9-14 for 48 yards, Georgia Tech had one pass for 41 yards during the game. In other words, if all of Taylor's completions were lined up from the one they wouldn't even reach midfield.
Virginia Rushing Defense: The Wahoos offense looked bad, their rushing defense was abhorrent. Donald Brown is nobodies All-American but the Hoos defense sure did their best to make him look like a world beater in allowing him to rush 20 times for 206 yards through three quarters. The Cavaliers surrendered 382 total rushing yards or 163 more rushing yards than their offense gained total. Clint Sintim, Jon Copper and Antonio Appleby, the senior linebackers and core of this defensive football team have got to find a way to turn this once proud defense around.
All in all this week was strong for the ACC and next week the conference schedule features only two games as the Tar Heels play host to Virginia Tech and Wake Forest heads down to Tallahassee. The ACC also has nonconference games against the SEC (GT vs MSU), Big XII (UM vs TAMU) and Conference USA (BC vs UCF, NCSU vs #15 ECU)
North Carolina 44 Rutgers 12
Maryland 35 California 27
Duke 41 Navy 31
Clemson 27 NC State 9
Virginia Tech 20 Georgia Tech 17
Florida State 49 Chattanooga 7
Virginia 10 UConn 45
This week was a solid one for the ACC as they went 4-1 in nonconference games and featured a Coastal Division showdown with the Hokies taking on the Yellow Jackets in Blacksburg.
The California Golden Bears were shocked by the Terps in the best ACC surprise of the weekend. Maryland caught the west coast Bears sleeping early and when Jeff Tedford's squad woke up in the fourth quarter it was too late for them to salvage the victory. North Carolina showed America that the preseason hype wasn't completely unwarranted as they blasted Rutgers and even Duke got into the action beating a solid Navy squad.
With that said let's get into The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of the ACC's third week of football action.
The Good
Maryland Rush Defense: The Terps defense against the run was spectacular, holding Jahvid Best and the Bears to a measly 38 yards for the game. Best entered the game with over 300 rushing yards on the season but was held to only 25 yards by a defense that looked passive in the weeks leading up to the game. David Philistin led the way with 13 tackles including one for loss as the Terps stacked the line and shut down the Bears rushing attack.
Florida State Quarterbacks: Devontrey Richardson and Christian Ponder were a combined 22-36 for 297 yards and 4 TD's Saturday against Chattanooga. Yes the Mocs are an FCS team but for the 'Noles this is a sign that the two quarterback system of D-Vo and Ponder is slowly maturing and readying itself for the ACC schedule quickly approaching. It is clear that the Seminoles have started their crawl way back to national prominence, entering the Coach's Poll at #25 this week.
UNC Defensive Back Seven: The unit is young but the linebackers are starting to understand their fits and the secondary is benefiting from the experience from a season ago. Nabbing 4 interceptions from Rutgers' quarterback Mike Teel the unit is beginning to gel nicely in their zone drops and making good reads on the football. If they can play as physical with the Tech's and Miami the team will definitely be competing for the Coastal Division title come November.
The BAD
NC State Offense: The Wolfpack produced only 288 yards against the Clemson Tigers' less than suffocating defense. While the team moved the ball well at times between the twenties they continued their 13 quarter offensive touchdown drought. Yes, it has been over three games since the Pack offense has put the ball in the end zone against a FBS team. Next week against ECU the countdown continues.
Virginia Rushing Attack: Mikell Simpson and Cedric Peerman were expected to be All-ACC contenders entering the 2008 season, a tandem second only to CJ Spiller and James Davis of Clemson. The two were supposed to take the heat off Peter Lalich and giving opponents fits with their smash and dash running styles. The duo rumbled for 24 total yards at Connecticut, bringing their combined season total to 200 yards. Without some increased production from these backfield mates Virginia's woes will continue.
The UGLY
Virginia Tech Passing Attack: The un-redshirting of Tyrod Taylor was designed to jump start the Hokies offensive attack. In a way it worked as VPI has two wins with Taylor at the helm and their rushing production has increased substantially. But, Taylors 48 yards passing was one of the worst showings for a quarterback in the modern era. He threw for 61 fewer yards than the triple option conservative attack of the Ramblin' Wreck.
Sure he completed around 64% of his passes but to put it in perspective; Taylor was 9-14 for 48 yards, Georgia Tech had one pass for 41 yards during the game. In other words, if all of Taylor's completions were lined up from the one they wouldn't even reach midfield.
Virginia Rushing Defense: The Wahoos offense looked bad, their rushing defense was abhorrent. Donald Brown is nobodies All-American but the Hoos defense sure did their best to make him look like a world beater in allowing him to rush 20 times for 206 yards through three quarters. The Cavaliers surrendered 382 total rushing yards or 163 more rushing yards than their offense gained total. Clint Sintim, Jon Copper and Antonio Appleby, the senior linebackers and core of this defensive football team have got to find a way to turn this once proud defense around.
All in all this week was strong for the ACC and next week the conference schedule features only two games as the Tar Heels play host to Virginia Tech and Wake Forest heads down to Tallahassee. The ACC also has nonconference games against the SEC (GT vs MSU), Big XII (UM vs TAMU) and Conference USA (BC vs UCF, NCSU vs #15 ECU)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Week One: Atlantic Division Previews
This week the Atlantic Division features five games with Florida State as the lone team missing from action. Lets take a quick look at these five contests as the ACC Atlantic Division looks to kickoff week one on the right note.
NC State @ South Carolina (8:00 pm Thursday)
Neither team has an established quarterback and, up until a week ago both projected starters were blanks on the depth chart that could be filled by up to three possible names. State has settled on redshirt freshman Russell Wilson as the starter, while the Ole Ball Coach has decided to go with senior Tommy Beecher under center for the home opener.
South Carolina's offensive struggles have been heavily documented as has their missing a bowl game while losing six straight games after rising to #6 in the nation in 2007. They struggled mightily offensively and with the Gamecocks losing consistent running back Corey Boyd the offensive struggles seem destined to continue.
The plus for the Gamecocks will be their stout defense, regarded by many to be one of the nations elite units. Returning the likes of Jasper Brinkley, Captain Munnerlyn, Eric Norwood and Emanuel Cook give the 'Cocks a unit that will allow for Beecher's development by stopping the opposition, turning opponents over and winning the field position battle.
Keys to an NC State Win:
-1st year starter Russell Wilson must play mistake limited football. He can't be afraid to throw the ball away or tuck and run in order to avoid sacks and questionable throws. Wilson must approach this game ten yards at a time. Getting first downs will be his major contribution to putting the Pack in position to win.
-Andre Brown and Curtis Underwood. They must work with the Packs offensive line to establish the run early against South Carolina's defense. This will take the pressure off of the inexperienced Wilson and allow for the freshman to settle in to his quarterback role without being forced into many long passing situations. (Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene are injured)
-Tom O'Brien must pick his spots wisely. Widely regarded as a conservative coach, O'Brien is going to have to be smart in picking when to strike against this talented, experienced and confident S. Carolina defense. Winning the field position battle, establishing the run and making use of misdirection and play action passing will be crucial if the Pack plans on pulling off this upset.
-Pressuring Beecher should be job one for the Wolfpack. Their defensive line is their strongest defensive asset and features guys who struggle against the run but are quite capable of getting after the quarterback. With inexperience at safety and linebacker the Pack d-linemen are going to be tasked with the responsibility of making Beecher uncomfortable in the pocket. Without constant pressure Beecher will sit back in the pocket tossing to Kenny McKinley or Jared Cook and picking apart the Wolfpack's back seven.
Wake Forest @ Baylor (8:00pm Thursday)
The Deamon Deacons of Wake Forest head out to Waco, Texas to be the first team to take on Baylor with their new head coach, the energetic, offensive minded Art Briles. Briles, by way of Houston University, looks to rebuild a program that hasn't seen a bowl game since 1994 and a winning season in twelve years.
Briles is going to have his hands full against the Deacs and their misdirection ball controlling offense. Jim Grobe and his offensive coordinator Steed Lobotzke are committed to putting the ball in the air this season, allowing experienced quarterback Riley Skinner to air the ball out to his young receiving core.
On offense Briles returns quarterback Blake Szymanski, four offensive linemen and eight receivers with 30+ receptions. This should be the Bears' strength and they'll look to use their offense as their best defense by keeping the Deacons off the field at Floyd Casey Stadium.
Keys to a Wake Forest Win:
-Handle the pressure. For the first time in a long time the Deacons walk into a season opener as a heavy favorite and instead of surprising folks as they have the past two seasons the Deacons will be the hunted in 2008. They must respond to getting every team's best shot to claim their second ACC title since 2006.
-Tackling in space. The Deacs' secondary, with All-America candidates Chip Vaughn and Alphonso Smith, is the strongest unit on the team and they will be tested by this Baylor Bears receiving core. Briles will spread them out and throw the ball all over the field, Wake must make sound tackles in space to avoid the big plays that would keep Baylor in contention.
-Find a reliable perimeter option to compliment Josh Adams. Gone is Kenny Moore the Deacs' Mr. Do-Everything. With this first game the Deamon Deacons must find a new horse to hitch their saddle to and the leading candidates are DJ Boldin and Devon Brown.
Maryland vs Delaware (3:45pm Saturday)
Fresh off the FCS national title game the Delaware Blue Hens enter 2008 ranked #8 in their division and ready to step up to the challenge of playing their neighboring state of Maryland. Though unsettled at quarterback the Blue Hens do return 14 starters from last years squad, four of which are preseason All-Americans.
The Terps, like most FBS teams playing FCS opposition this week, are well aware of the 2007 Michigan debacle and that they too could be the next big FCS victim if they come out flat against a charged up FCS opponent. Expect Ralph Friedgen to have his boys set to perform and after settling on Chris Turner at the starting spot the Terps look ready to fulfill that projection as the ACC Atlantic dark horse.
Keys to a Maryland Win:
-Establish the run. With the departure of Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball Maryland features unproven backfield talent and this is experience that Morgan Green and Da'Rei Scott desperately need. A plus is the offensive line returns four starters and should be capable of opening up holes for which ever back emerges as the leader.
-Find Darrius Heyward-Bey. The 6'2", 206 pound receiver is one of the nation's best and Turner would be wise to find him in mismatches against the Delaware defensive backs. If Heyward-Bey has a big day the Blue Hens should be put away early.
-Find a defensive identity. Losing Dre Moore, Christian Varner and Erin Henderson have left the Terps without a true defensive calling card for 2008. Stopping the run early and hitting the Delaware quarterbacks will serve as a strong confidence boost for this young but talented defense.
Boston College @ Kent State (7:30 pm Saturday)
Matt Ryan is out, Chris Crane is in as year two of the Jeff Jagodzinski era begins in Chestnut Hill, MA. Facing off against Kent State will be no small task as the Golden Flashes return dual threat quarterback Julian Edelman and the nations reigning rushing champion Eugene Jarvis.
Jarvis posted nine-100 yard games and amassed over 1900 yards a season ago. At 5'5" and 175 pounds the short Jarvis is a powerful guy who gets lost behind his line and explodes through tackles as he gets up field. The BC defense is going to have their hands full finding and stopping the Flashes' running back.
The Flashes defense features Butkus watch list member Derrick Burrell and stand out defensive back Rico Murray. Burrell is an 6'2", 240 pound run stopper who can run sideline to sideline and who tackles with some force.
Keys to a Boston College Win:
-Find a running back. The departure of Andre Callendear and LV Whitworth have left Chris Crane without and established threat at running back. Enter Josh Haden, the true freshman has looked good in workouts and scrimmages and Crane will need him to avoid becoming one dimensional.
-Spread the ball around. The Eagles feature three reliable pass catchers in tight end Ryan Purvis and receivers Rich Gunnell and Brandon Robinson. Crane will hit Gunnell for big plays and expect to see Purvis used often as the senior qb's safety net.
-Control the line of scrimmage. Ron Brace is a monster and probably BC's best pro prospect this season. Brian Toal, the Mike Vrabel Jr linebacker returns this year as does defensive tackle BJ Raji. With their strength up front the Eagles need to control the line and put pressure on quarterbacks, especially since replacing Dejuan Tribble and Jamie Silva is no small task.
Clemson and Alabama is the game of the week in the ACC so check back Thursday for an in depth preview of this ACC vs SEC match up.
NC State @ South Carolina (8:00 pm Thursday)
Neither team has an established quarterback and, up until a week ago both projected starters were blanks on the depth chart that could be filled by up to three possible names. State has settled on redshirt freshman Russell Wilson as the starter, while the Ole Ball Coach has decided to go with senior Tommy Beecher under center for the home opener.
South Carolina's offensive struggles have been heavily documented as has their missing a bowl game while losing six straight games after rising to #6 in the nation in 2007. They struggled mightily offensively and with the Gamecocks losing consistent running back Corey Boyd the offensive struggles seem destined to continue.
The plus for the Gamecocks will be their stout defense, regarded by many to be one of the nations elite units. Returning the likes of Jasper Brinkley, Captain Munnerlyn, Eric Norwood and Emanuel Cook give the 'Cocks a unit that will allow for Beecher's development by stopping the opposition, turning opponents over and winning the field position battle.
Keys to an NC State Win:
-1st year starter Russell Wilson must play mistake limited football. He can't be afraid to throw the ball away or tuck and run in order to avoid sacks and questionable throws. Wilson must approach this game ten yards at a time. Getting first downs will be his major contribution to putting the Pack in position to win.
-Andre Brown and Curtis Underwood. They must work with the Packs offensive line to establish the run early against South Carolina's defense. This will take the pressure off of the inexperienced Wilson and allow for the freshman to settle in to his quarterback role without being forced into many long passing situations. (Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene are injured)
-Tom O'Brien must pick his spots wisely. Widely regarded as a conservative coach, O'Brien is going to have to be smart in picking when to strike against this talented, experienced and confident S. Carolina defense. Winning the field position battle, establishing the run and making use of misdirection and play action passing will be crucial if the Pack plans on pulling off this upset.
-Pressuring Beecher should be job one for the Wolfpack. Their defensive line is their strongest defensive asset and features guys who struggle against the run but are quite capable of getting after the quarterback. With inexperience at safety and linebacker the Pack d-linemen are going to be tasked with the responsibility of making Beecher uncomfortable in the pocket. Without constant pressure Beecher will sit back in the pocket tossing to Kenny McKinley or Jared Cook and picking apart the Wolfpack's back seven.
Wake Forest @ Baylor (8:00pm Thursday)
The Deamon Deacons of Wake Forest head out to Waco, Texas to be the first team to take on Baylor with their new head coach, the energetic, offensive minded Art Briles. Briles, by way of Houston University, looks to rebuild a program that hasn't seen a bowl game since 1994 and a winning season in twelve years.
Briles is going to have his hands full against the Deacs and their misdirection ball controlling offense. Jim Grobe and his offensive coordinator Steed Lobotzke are committed to putting the ball in the air this season, allowing experienced quarterback Riley Skinner to air the ball out to his young receiving core.
On offense Briles returns quarterback Blake Szymanski, four offensive linemen and eight receivers with 30+ receptions. This should be the Bears' strength and they'll look to use their offense as their best defense by keeping the Deacons off the field at Floyd Casey Stadium.
Keys to a Wake Forest Win:
-Handle the pressure. For the first time in a long time the Deacons walk into a season opener as a heavy favorite and instead of surprising folks as they have the past two seasons the Deacons will be the hunted in 2008. They must respond to getting every team's best shot to claim their second ACC title since 2006.
-Tackling in space. The Deacs' secondary, with All-America candidates Chip Vaughn and Alphonso Smith, is the strongest unit on the team and they will be tested by this Baylor Bears receiving core. Briles will spread them out and throw the ball all over the field, Wake must make sound tackles in space to avoid the big plays that would keep Baylor in contention.
-Find a reliable perimeter option to compliment Josh Adams. Gone is Kenny Moore the Deacs' Mr. Do-Everything. With this first game the Deamon Deacons must find a new horse to hitch their saddle to and the leading candidates are DJ Boldin and Devon Brown.
Maryland vs Delaware (3:45pm Saturday)
Fresh off the FCS national title game the Delaware Blue Hens enter 2008 ranked #8 in their division and ready to step up to the challenge of playing their neighboring state of Maryland. Though unsettled at quarterback the Blue Hens do return 14 starters from last years squad, four of which are preseason All-Americans.
The Terps, like most FBS teams playing FCS opposition this week, are well aware of the 2007 Michigan debacle and that they too could be the next big FCS victim if they come out flat against a charged up FCS opponent. Expect Ralph Friedgen to have his boys set to perform and after settling on Chris Turner at the starting spot the Terps look ready to fulfill that projection as the ACC Atlantic dark horse.
Keys to a Maryland Win:
-Establish the run. With the departure of Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball Maryland features unproven backfield talent and this is experience that Morgan Green and Da'Rei Scott desperately need. A plus is the offensive line returns four starters and should be capable of opening up holes for which ever back emerges as the leader.
-Find Darrius Heyward-Bey. The 6'2", 206 pound receiver is one of the nation's best and Turner would be wise to find him in mismatches against the Delaware defensive backs. If Heyward-Bey has a big day the Blue Hens should be put away early.
-Find a defensive identity. Losing Dre Moore, Christian Varner and Erin Henderson have left the Terps without a true defensive calling card for 2008. Stopping the run early and hitting the Delaware quarterbacks will serve as a strong confidence boost for this young but talented defense.
Boston College @ Kent State (7:30 pm Saturday)
Matt Ryan is out, Chris Crane is in as year two of the Jeff Jagodzinski era begins in Chestnut Hill, MA. Facing off against Kent State will be no small task as the Golden Flashes return dual threat quarterback Julian Edelman and the nations reigning rushing champion Eugene Jarvis.
Jarvis posted nine-100 yard games and amassed over 1900 yards a season ago. At 5'5" and 175 pounds the short Jarvis is a powerful guy who gets lost behind his line and explodes through tackles as he gets up field. The BC defense is going to have their hands full finding and stopping the Flashes' running back.
The Flashes defense features Butkus watch list member Derrick Burrell and stand out defensive back Rico Murray. Burrell is an 6'2", 240 pound run stopper who can run sideline to sideline and who tackles with some force.
Keys to a Boston College Win:
-Find a running back. The departure of Andre Callendear and LV Whitworth have left Chris Crane without and established threat at running back. Enter Josh Haden, the true freshman has looked good in workouts and scrimmages and Crane will need him to avoid becoming one dimensional.
-Spread the ball around. The Eagles feature three reliable pass catchers in tight end Ryan Purvis and receivers Rich Gunnell and Brandon Robinson. Crane will hit Gunnell for big plays and expect to see Purvis used often as the senior qb's safety net.
-Control the line of scrimmage. Ron Brace is a monster and probably BC's best pro prospect this season. Brian Toal, the Mike Vrabel Jr linebacker returns this year as does defensive tackle BJ Raji. With their strength up front the Eagles need to control the line and put pressure on quarterbacks, especially since replacing Dejuan Tribble and Jamie Silva is no small task.
Clemson and Alabama is the game of the week in the ACC so check back Thursday for an in depth preview of this ACC vs SEC match up.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Kicking Off The 2008 ACC Season
The ACC season kicks off in just about a week and by now every fan has read more than their share of season previews. The words of Bruce Feldman, Phil Steele, Athlon, Lindy's and Street's and Smith have become the gospel of college football fans.
Depth charts, match-ups and schemes are all but swirling around the brain and the words "Hot Seat" and "Breakout Year" are burned into our retinas. Preseason All-ACC picks, freshmen to watch and divisional champs have been droned on about so frequently that we can all recite them in our sleep.
With only a week to go lets take a step back and check out the gameday atmosphere of the ACC and the best of what our twelve member institutions have to offer as we get set to experience another fall of ACC football.
Best Stadium: North Carolina
Most folks don't look to Chapel Hill when they think of the best college football stadiums. Most folks also confuse the idea of the best with the biggest.
Kenan Stadium is a simple 60,000 seat horse shoe that is nestled right into the heart of the UNC campus. Surrounded by pine trees with a view of the legendary Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower just over the west endzone visitors to the venue are never disappointed.
As several publications have ranked Kenan Stadium is one of the premier places to take in a college football game in the nation, including a paper in the heart of the SEC, the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Ringed by the pine trees as well as dormitories, a dining hall, class rooms, the hospital and the Bell Tower there is no denying the picturesque qualities of Kenan.
Best Tailgating: Clemson
Depth charts, match-ups and schemes are all but swirling around the brain and the words "Hot Seat" and "Breakout Year" are burned into our retinas. Preseason All-ACC picks, freshmen to watch and divisional champs have been droned on about so frequently that we can all recite them in our sleep.
With only a week to go lets take a step back and check out the gameday atmosphere of the ACC and the best of what our twelve member institutions have to offer as we get set to experience another fall of ACC football.
Best Stadium: North Carolina
Most folks don't look to Chapel Hill when they think of the best college football stadiums. Most folks also confuse the idea of the best with the biggest.
Kenan Stadium is a simple 60,000 seat horse shoe that is nestled right into the heart of the UNC campus. Surrounded by pine trees with a view of the legendary Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower just over the west endzone visitors to the venue are never disappointed.
As several publications have ranked Kenan Stadium is one of the premier places to take in a college football game in the nation, including a paper in the heart of the SEC, the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Ringed by the pine trees as well as dormitories, a dining hall, class rooms, the hospital and the Bell Tower there is no denying the picturesque qualities of Kenan.
Best Tailgating: Clemson
There are pockets of tailgating greatness scattered throughout the ACC. However, for overall community atmosphere there are only four true contenders.
The Tigers edge out NC State, FSU and Virginia Tech because of the sheer size of their tailgating Saturdays in Pickens County. The spacious fields filled with RVs, law enforcement concerned more with helping and patron safety than ticketing and arresting as well as committed lifelong tailgaters make Clemson an environment perfectly conducive to enjoying a fall Saturday.
Generators rumble, grills sizzle, the southern rock blairs in the air all the while televisions set on tables and hung on the side of RVs show the highlights of the college football world. Solid Orange nation offers beers, bourbon and barbecue to old friends, new friends and perfect strangers alike.
The aromas of Carolina barbecue, fried turkey, homemade jambalaya, chili and the rest of a veritable cornucopia of traditional southernfare mix in the air to produce a heavenly scent that simply screams Southern Football Saturdays. Its a set up that would make any SEC fan proud.
Best Pre-Kickoff Ritual: Clemson, Florida State and Virginia Tech
With the mixture of old school and new school in the ACC it was too tough to pick a winner in this category, hence three schools share the title.
Howard's Rock, the Hill, Tiger Rag and C-L-E-M-S-O-(wait for it)-N. There really isn't much to explain here as every self respecting college football fan knows the story and the drama that surrounds "The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in College Football." It is one of the most original entrances in the game.
The cheery tones of FSU's fight song end with the resounding WHoOOoOO and then Chief Osceola and Renegade charge out on to Bobby Bowden Field in Tallahasee, a flaming spear held high above his headdress. As the Chief plants the spear at midfield the eruption of the 82,000+ 'Noles fans into the War Chant and the gravity of the game sets in as FSU, the fans and their opponents know that the niceties are over; its time for football.
Virginia Tech's pregame entrance is just a baby compared to the traditions of Clemson and FSU. But this baby is an experience that every true fan owes themself. At 66,000+ Tech's Lane Stadium is modest in size compared to Death Valley and Doak Campbell, but the eerily vertical stands create a noise level capable of rattling most opponents. As the "Let's Go Hokies" stadium wide chant gives way to Metallica's Enter Sandman the Hokie faithful go wild making, Lane Stadium physically shake under the crowd. One of the loudest entrances in the nation, simply put, the Hokie's fans hold their own in Blacksburg.
Honorable mention goes to the Canes' often imitated but never duplicated "Running Through The Smoke" and the Yellow Jackets coming into the Dodd led by the Wrambler.
Best Uniforms: Wake Forest
Honorable mention goes to the Canes' often imitated but never duplicated "Running Through The Smoke" and the Yellow Jackets coming into the Dodd led by the Wrambler.
Best Uniforms: Wake Forest
The ACC has some very intriguing uniform combinations, from Clemson's all purple getup that would make Grimace jealous to the UNC all blues that would make Papa Smurf proud. The Seminoles and Terps both have experimented with all black but the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest do it right.
Grobe's boys don the all blacks for every home game and the greatness of the unis is in their simplicity. No multicolor stripes like the all black duds of FSU. No white helmets offsetting the black jerseys as is the case with the Terps. Just black; basic black uniforms with gold lettering and a whole lot of attitude.
Shifting from the bottom of the barrell just a decade ago to the sleek all black uniforms let the rest of the ACC know that the Deacs have arrived on the scene.
Best Helmets: Miami
FSU's spears and tomahawk stickers are as crucial to the 'Noles as Bobby Bowden and Renegade. The interlocking NC of the Heels is as recognizable as any in the college football ranks. NC State's giant S and tiny NC has a classical look but strong Wolfpack feel and BC's basic gold helmet with the lone stripe is about as traditional as it gets.
However there is only one school that is recognized by a single letter; The U. That orange and green decal on the side of the Hurricane's helmets is uniquely and unabashedly South Florida. They don't need to dress it up with stickers, they are the U and their helmets let the world know.
As simple as the design is there isn't any doubt that the 'Canes helmet is in the top tier of NCAA headgear along with the likes of Alabama, Nebraska, Michigan and Penn State.
As it stands now the ACC has got some solid traditions across the board and breaking them down to the best and brightest for the sake of ranking them was no small task. From Chestnut Hill down to Coral Gables the conference covers more mileage than any other BCS league and with expansion finalized in 2005 the ACC is still ascending that mountain to the upper echelon of college football.
With a good showing in the 2008 season the ACC should be well on its way to changing the basketball first sentiments the league generally evokes.
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