Its spring football season ladies and if you're a junky like I am this is one of the most underrated times of the year for you. Message boards are going full throttle, folks are speculating about who will start where and the handful of early entry kids get a chance to impress us with their skills. There are only fifteen spring practices but they get scrutinized like each one is a game in a season running between March and April.
There are some interesting story lines heading into the ACC spring and as your home for everything that is the ACC we'll keep you posted on all the key news brewing up and down the eastern seaboard. We're looking forward to another great season both on the podcast and the website.
Stay tuned for some very exciting podcast and website news for your host Michael Felder.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
FFM2M Podcast Week 11
To listen to the podcast Click Here
With only 4 weeks left in the regular season we'll take a step back from analyzing teams and check out who will win the ACC's offensive and defensive players of the year. I'm sure Hakeem Nicks, Trimane Goddard and Bruce Carter will get a ton of love on the show but names like Da'Rel Scott, Antone Smith and Jonathan Dwyer should get mention on the offensive side while Clint Sintim, Michael Tauiliili and Morgan Burnett are definitely up there battling for the awards.
Much like last week with the Coach of the Year we should get a spirited debate going as I've already got my list pulled and ranked for the ACC's player of the year awards.
Should be a good show so tune it tonight at nine.
As always on "Football From Mass To Miami"
-Recap of the week that was
-Reviewing of the ACC Standings, Rankings and Power Rankings
-Previews and Predictions for the Upcoming week
I look forward to seeing you all in the live chat during the episode and if you can't listen be sure to download episodes here:
With only 4 weeks left in the regular season we'll take a step back from analyzing teams and check out who will win the ACC's offensive and defensive players of the year. I'm sure Hakeem Nicks, Trimane Goddard and Bruce Carter will get a ton of love on the show but names like Da'Rel Scott, Antone Smith and Jonathan Dwyer should get mention on the offensive side while Clint Sintim, Michael Tauiliili and Morgan Burnett are definitely up there battling for the awards.
Much like last week with the Coach of the Year we should get a spirited debate going as I've already got my list pulled and ranked for the ACC's player of the year awards.
Should be a good show so tune it tonight at nine.
As always on "Football From Mass To Miami"
-Recap of the week that was
-Reviewing of the ACC Standings, Rankings and Power Rankings
-Previews and Predictions for the Upcoming week
I look forward to seeing you all in the live chat during the episode and if you can't listen be sure to download episodes here:
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Official FFM2M ACC Bowl Predictions: Week 11
With five weeks left on the schedule the ACC already boasts four bowl eligible teams (UNC, Maryland, GT, Miami) and another five teams are just one game shy of reaching that bowling benchmark. Only two teams really look to be completely out of getting to the postseason; the Tigers and the Wolfpack. Duke's still got an outside shot with games against fellow cellar dwellers Clemson and NC State.
Last week's shake up with FSU, BC and UVA going down has shifted the weekly bowl predictions and a lot hinges on this week's games in Blacksburg, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem and Tallahasee. The first three places because of the ACC Title Game implications and Tallahasee for the title game shot but also for the Tigers meager bowl hopes.
Let's run them down:
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets caught a serious break in the their defeat of the 'Noles with the late game fumble into the end zone. Paul Johnson's boys have got the benefit of only having two ACC contests left before their end of the year showdown with interstate rival Georgia. If they can pull out wins over North Carolina and Miami they'll be sitting in the drivers seat all the way down to Tampa.
Peach Bowl: Maryland
Ralph's team has been very Jekyll and Hyde this year but, this past weekend they took a break following their NC State eek out win two weeks ago. With a date against Coastal foe Virginia Tech the Terrapins need to be able to hold serve Thursday night to keep their ACC title game birth alive. They're sitting in the driver's seat and as the lead dog in the Atlantic they've got a full game lead that will insulate them until the showdown against Florida State.
Gator Bowl: Florida State
Just when I move them up into the ACC title game spot as the champion of the conference they go out and lose in a physical battle to the Wreck in the Doak. Christian Ponder and Greg Carr need to bring back their down field passing game and get Antone Smith back on track this week against a Clemson team that has played very well against Bobby Bowden lately. The 'Noles should take care of business, their toughest games coming against BC, Maryland and the cross state rival Florida. Good thing I didn't fire up the Ponder Heisman bus.
Champs Sports Bowl: Virginia
Yes the Heels are just a game back from UVA but the Hoos have only the Hokies standing in their way as a game looking difficult. Their dates with Wake Forest and Clemson don't seem as sexy as they did preseason and Groh's team has a chip on its shoulder; especially Cedric Peerman, after dropping a game to a young Miami squad. Look for Peerman to continue his tear through the ACC and he'll continue to put up monster numbers.
Those are the four big boys and notice the subtle shake up with the rest of the bowl picture:
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina
The Heels are making it hard to move them up but a win this week would all but guarantee the Heels a top four finish in the ACC and a bump to one of the upper tier bowl games.
Emerald Bowl: Wake Forest
With a win over Miami the Deacons are right back in the Atlantic race but they don't have enough in the tank to catch the Terps or the Seminoles.
Music City Bowl: Virginia Tech
Coming out of the bye week it looks like Sean Glennon will get the start and their Thursday night showdown could drop them from contender in the coastal to fighting with Duke for space at the bottom.
Humanitarian Bowl: Miami
The Canes put a stop to the Hoos winning ways but with dates left against the Hokies and at Georgia Tech Shannon's boys will most likely limp into their ACC finale against the Wolfpack.
Eagle Bank Bowl: Boston College
Just two weeks ago the Eagles looked like a lock to finish in that 5-7 range, now; after loses at Carolina and at home to Clemson the are fighting for their post season life. Dates with Notre Dame out of conference and interconference showdowns with Florida State, Wake and Maryland definitely have become BC's own personal murderers row.
Last week's shake up with FSU, BC and UVA going down has shifted the weekly bowl predictions and a lot hinges on this week's games in Blacksburg, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem and Tallahasee. The first three places because of the ACC Title Game implications and Tallahasee for the title game shot but also for the Tigers meager bowl hopes.
Let's run them down:
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets caught a serious break in the their defeat of the 'Noles with the late game fumble into the end zone. Paul Johnson's boys have got the benefit of only having two ACC contests left before their end of the year showdown with interstate rival Georgia. If they can pull out wins over North Carolina and Miami they'll be sitting in the drivers seat all the way down to Tampa.
Peach Bowl: Maryland
Ralph's team has been very Jekyll and Hyde this year but, this past weekend they took a break following their NC State eek out win two weeks ago. With a date against Coastal foe Virginia Tech the Terrapins need to be able to hold serve Thursday night to keep their ACC title game birth alive. They're sitting in the driver's seat and as the lead dog in the Atlantic they've got a full game lead that will insulate them until the showdown against Florida State.
Gator Bowl: Florida State
Just when I move them up into the ACC title game spot as the champion of the conference they go out and lose in a physical battle to the Wreck in the Doak. Christian Ponder and Greg Carr need to bring back their down field passing game and get Antone Smith back on track this week against a Clemson team that has played very well against Bobby Bowden lately. The 'Noles should take care of business, their toughest games coming against BC, Maryland and the cross state rival Florida. Good thing I didn't fire up the Ponder Heisman bus.
Champs Sports Bowl: Virginia
Yes the Heels are just a game back from UVA but the Hoos have only the Hokies standing in their way as a game looking difficult. Their dates with Wake Forest and Clemson don't seem as sexy as they did preseason and Groh's team has a chip on its shoulder; especially Cedric Peerman, after dropping a game to a young Miami squad. Look for Peerman to continue his tear through the ACC and he'll continue to put up monster numbers.
Those are the four big boys and notice the subtle shake up with the rest of the bowl picture:
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina
The Heels are making it hard to move them up but a win this week would all but guarantee the Heels a top four finish in the ACC and a bump to one of the upper tier bowl games.
Emerald Bowl: Wake Forest
With a win over Miami the Deacons are right back in the Atlantic race but they don't have enough in the tank to catch the Terps or the Seminoles.
Music City Bowl: Virginia Tech
Coming out of the bye week it looks like Sean Glennon will get the start and their Thursday night showdown could drop them from contender in the coastal to fighting with Duke for space at the bottom.
Humanitarian Bowl: Miami
The Canes put a stop to the Hoos winning ways but with dates left against the Hokies and at Georgia Tech Shannon's boys will most likely limp into their ACC finale against the Wolfpack.
Eagle Bank Bowl: Boston College
Just two weeks ago the Eagles looked like a lock to finish in that 5-7 range, now; after loses at Carolina and at home to Clemson the are fighting for their post season life. Dates with Notre Dame out of conference and interconference showdowns with Florida State, Wake and Maryland definitely have become BC's own personal murderers row.
The ACC's Week 11 Television Schedule
The ACC is back in the national spotlight twice this week; three times if you want to count the U as a national network. Kicking off the slate with our first Thursday night contest since FSU went up and beat the Wolfpack this is a very crucial weekend of ACC action. With four ranked teams hitting the field this definitely should be a solid encore to the unexpected suspense last weeks schedule showcased.
One Keith Jackson sized "WHOA NELLY" goes to ESPN and their decision to pick up the Clemson game as their three thirty appetizer; relegating the GaTech-UNC Coastal showdown to the noon Raycom game. We here at FFM2M understand the Bowden Bowl was big business and held national intrigue preseason but with flex scheduling you've got to get the ACC's two highest ranked teams on the network. No disrespect to Stevey Martin and the Doc but this game holds serious ACC title implications and needs to get put in front of the nation.
That being said all four of the interconference games have title game say-so and every serious ACC fan will be glued to their seat Thursday and Saturday to watch as the teams jockey for the pole position. Only Maryland can control their own destiny but with a little help from their friends in the conference VT, UNC, GT, FSU and Wake can all sneak their way into Tampa.
Outside of the heated ACC race there is a Boston College game that has a little national heat to it. The Eagles have beaten up on the Irish lately and with Weis' team looking improved and BC limping it will be interesting to see if the ACC can go 2-0 against the Golden Domers.
Thursday, November 6th
23 Maryland @ Virginia Tech (ESPN, 7:30pm)- Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer, Craig James, Erin Andrews
Saturday, November 8th
20 Georgia Tech @ 19 North Carolina (Raycom, Noon)- Steve Martin, Rick Walker, Mike Hogewood
Clemson @ 22 Florida State (ABC, 3:30pm)- Terry Gannon, David Norrie, Todd Harris
Virginia @ Wake Forest (ESPNU, 3:30pm)- Doug Bell, Charles Arbuckle, Melissa Knowles
Notre Dame @ Boston College (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
One Keith Jackson sized "WHOA NELLY" goes to ESPN and their decision to pick up the Clemson game as their three thirty appetizer; relegating the GaTech-UNC Coastal showdown to the noon Raycom game. We here at FFM2M understand the Bowden Bowl was big business and held national intrigue preseason but with flex scheduling you've got to get the ACC's two highest ranked teams on the network. No disrespect to Stevey Martin and the Doc but this game holds serious ACC title implications and needs to get put in front of the nation.
That being said all four of the interconference games have title game say-so and every serious ACC fan will be glued to their seat Thursday and Saturday to watch as the teams jockey for the pole position. Only Maryland can control their own destiny but with a little help from their friends in the conference VT, UNC, GT, FSU and Wake can all sneak their way into Tampa.
Outside of the heated ACC race there is a Boston College game that has a little national heat to it. The Eagles have beaten up on the Irish lately and with Weis' team looking improved and BC limping it will be interesting to see if the ACC can go 2-0 against the Golden Domers.
Thursday, November 6th
23 Maryland @ Virginia Tech (ESPN, 7:30pm)- Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer, Craig James, Erin Andrews
Saturday, November 8th
20 Georgia Tech @ 19 North Carolina (Raycom, Noon)- Steve Martin, Rick Walker, Mike Hogewood
Clemson @ 22 Florida State (ABC, 3:30pm)- Terry Gannon, David Norrie, Todd Harris
Virginia @ Wake Forest (ESPNU, 3:30pm)- Doug Bell, Charles Arbuckle, Melissa Knowles
Notre Dame @ Boston College (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
FFM2M Podcast Week 10
To listen to the live show: Click Here
Last week we talked bowl picture and as you can see the weekly bowl predictions are already up on the website. Tonight we'll get into another massive ACC disappointment; the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. FFM2M will check out what has been the Deacon's problem as well as why the ACC has suddenly caught up to the once innovative Jim Grobe.
A recent Butch Davis and Clemson rumor has surfaced and its only right that we discuss the possible ramifications of this move and how the Heels can stop the Tigers' efforts.
For the main course we'll delve into the mid-season race for ACC Coach of the Year. There are seven legitimate candidates on the radar and each with a rightful claim to being the COTY. Instead of just predicting the ending FFM2M will bridge the gap, meaning:
We'll discuss who is the COTY up to this point in the ACC
AND
Who will finish with the most impressive resume to win the hardware in December.
As with every episode of Football, From Mass to Miami you'll find:
A recap of all the Week 9 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 10's games including predictions
Be sure to tune in as your host lays off the Clemson Tigers but gets deep into the ACC. Click here to listen live.Can't listen live? Be sure to come back to Football From Mass To Miami to check out the show right here on our website.
Last week we talked bowl picture and as you can see the weekly bowl predictions are already up on the website. Tonight we'll get into another massive ACC disappointment; the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. FFM2M will check out what has been the Deacon's problem as well as why the ACC has suddenly caught up to the once innovative Jim Grobe.
A recent Butch Davis and Clemson rumor has surfaced and its only right that we discuss the possible ramifications of this move and how the Heels can stop the Tigers' efforts.
For the main course we'll delve into the mid-season race for ACC Coach of the Year. There are seven legitimate candidates on the radar and each with a rightful claim to being the COTY. Instead of just predicting the ending FFM2M will bridge the gap, meaning:
We'll discuss who is the COTY up to this point in the ACC
AND
Who will finish with the most impressive resume to win the hardware in December.
As with every episode of Football, From Mass to Miami you'll find:
A recap of all the Week 9 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 10's games including predictions
Be sure to tune in as your host lays off the Clemson Tigers but gets deep into the ACC. Click here to listen live.Can't listen live? Be sure to come back to Football From Mass To Miami to check out the show right here on our website.
The Official FFM2M ACC Bowl Predictions: Week 10
Last week in the ACC a lot of things were shaken up. The Hokies lost their once iron fisted grip over the league, the Heels took BC down a peg and both the Terps and Hoos solidified themselves as legitimate title contenders. With that being said the Coastal Division race is still as muddy as pond water while the Atlantic Division is speeding towards a November 22nd showdown between Ralph Friedgen and Bobby Bowden for supremacy.
So without further ado here are the Week 10 ACC Bowl Predictions:
Orange Bowl: Florida State
Bowden's boys have really turned heads. They physically beat down a Virginia Tech team last weekend and took over the lead dog position in the conference. Christian Ponder is truly emerging and the next GREAT FSU quarterback. Is it too early to fire up the CP for Heisman in 2010 campaign bus?
Peach Bowl: Georgia Tech
Paul Johnson is definitely a candidate for the ACC as well as National Coach of the year. He's got the Jackets playing some good football. Although they're currently second in the Coastal their losses to Virginia and Virginia Tech should be righted with the tough remaining schedules both Commonwealth schools have to play to get to Tampa this season. The option attack of the Wreck has tough show downs against FSU and UNC in back to back weeks but if they can split these games they will be playing at home in December.
Gator Bowl: Maryland
The Terps have finally put back to back games together and the Fridge's boys are definitely starting to get with the program. Darrius Heyward-Bey is igniting with the aid of Chris Turner and the Turtles are locked into winning the Atlantic. Dates against UNC and FSU will make their road difficult but the Terrapins have one of the more talented and experienced teams on both sides of the ball.
Champs Sports Bowl: Virginia
Some may argue that the Hoos have shot their wad already but with games against depleted Wake Forest and Clemson units before their finale against the Hokies the Cavaliers schedule is doable. The fact that they hold a tie breaker over the Tar Heels gives them the edge in reaching this fourth place bowl game and Al Groh saves his job from the fire; again.
Here's the rest of the ACC Bowl Picture:
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina
Charlotte loves the Heels and in Butch's second year reaching this fan friendly bowl won't be a disappointment.
Emerald Bowl: Boston College
A jaunt to San Francisco will be what Coach Jagz and his squad get as they limp down the home stretch with games against Notre Dame, Florida State and Maryland.
Music City Bowl: Virginia Tech
Hopefully Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon can get healthy, otherwise this game my be a stretch for the Hokies.
Humanitarian Bowl: Wake Forest
The Deacons magic appears to have expired and they'll be lucky to get out to Boise before all the wind leaves Jim Grobe's sails.
Eagle Bank Bowl: Miami
The last ACC team in should be the 'Canes, beating out Clemson, Duke and the Wolfpack for this trip to our nations capitol.
So without further ado here are the Week 10 ACC Bowl Predictions:
Orange Bowl: Florida State
Bowden's boys have really turned heads. They physically beat down a Virginia Tech team last weekend and took over the lead dog position in the conference. Christian Ponder is truly emerging and the next GREAT FSU quarterback. Is it too early to fire up the CP for Heisman in 2010 campaign bus?
Peach Bowl: Georgia Tech
Paul Johnson is definitely a candidate for the ACC as well as National Coach of the year. He's got the Jackets playing some good football. Although they're currently second in the Coastal their losses to Virginia and Virginia Tech should be righted with the tough remaining schedules both Commonwealth schools have to play to get to Tampa this season. The option attack of the Wreck has tough show downs against FSU and UNC in back to back weeks but if they can split these games they will be playing at home in December.
Gator Bowl: Maryland
The Terps have finally put back to back games together and the Fridge's boys are definitely starting to get with the program. Darrius Heyward-Bey is igniting with the aid of Chris Turner and the Turtles are locked into winning the Atlantic. Dates against UNC and FSU will make their road difficult but the Terrapins have one of the more talented and experienced teams on both sides of the ball.
Champs Sports Bowl: Virginia
Some may argue that the Hoos have shot their wad already but with games against depleted Wake Forest and Clemson units before their finale against the Hokies the Cavaliers schedule is doable. The fact that they hold a tie breaker over the Tar Heels gives them the edge in reaching this fourth place bowl game and Al Groh saves his job from the fire; again.
Here's the rest of the ACC Bowl Picture:
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina
Charlotte loves the Heels and in Butch's second year reaching this fan friendly bowl won't be a disappointment.
Emerald Bowl: Boston College
A jaunt to San Francisco will be what Coach Jagz and his squad get as they limp down the home stretch with games against Notre Dame, Florida State and Maryland.
Music City Bowl: Virginia Tech
Hopefully Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon can get healthy, otherwise this game my be a stretch for the Hokies.
Humanitarian Bowl: Wake Forest
The Deacons magic appears to have expired and they'll be lucky to get out to Boise before all the wind leaves Jim Grobe's sails.
Eagle Bank Bowl: Miami
The last ACC team in should be the 'Canes, beating out Clemson, Duke and the Wolfpack for this trip to our nations capitol.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The ACC Week 10 Television Schedule
As is evident by the weak ACC calendar this week television coverage is being held to the minimum. Three of the four ACC games this weekend will be televised, but on a positive note the big time regional game of #15 FSU at the Dodd to take on the Wreck gets a quality ABC squad. Apparently the ACC's battle of the private school brains; Duke @ Wake, is getting about as much burn as last week's Vandy and Duke match-up.
Saturday, November 1st
Miami@ Virginia (Raycom, Noon)- Steve Martin, Rick Walker, Mike Hogewood
15 Florida State @ Georgia Tech (ABC, 3:30pm)- Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire, Stacey Dales
Clemson @ Boston College (ESPNU, 3:30pm)- Doug Bell, Charles Arbuckle, Melissa Knowles
Saturday, November 1st
Miami@ Virginia (Raycom, Noon)- Steve Martin, Rick Walker, Mike Hogewood
15 Florida State @ Georgia Tech (ABC, 3:30pm)- Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire, Stacey Dales
Clemson @ Boston College (ESPNU, 3:30pm)- Doug Bell, Charles Arbuckle, Melissa Knowles
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Week 9:The Official Football From Mass Two Miami Bowl Predictions
Last night on the podcast FFM2M released our first ever ACC football bowl predictions. Going forward that will be a weekly fixture, both here on the website and in the FFM2M podcast.
To listen to the previous podcasts, including this weeks just use the "Talk Shoe" tool bar to the right or click here.
Before we lay down The Official Football From Mass Two Miami Bowl Predictions lets take some time to outline the bowl games rank in order of selection.
Orange (Miami, FL)
Chic-Fil-A (Atlanta, GA)
Gator (Jacksonville, FL)
Champs (Orlando, FL)
Meineke Car Care (Charlotte, NC)
Music City (Nashville, NC)
Emerald (San Francisco, CA)
Humanitarian (Boise, ID)
Eagle Bank (Washington DC)
Spots number 1-4 as well as 8 and 9 are pretty much set in stone by the ACC overall standings.
Bowl games 5-7 have a little flux within their selection process. The Meineke Car Care, Music City and the Emerald Bowl have their pick of 5-7 between themselves. This means that depending on the teams available each bowl game is going to offer a bid to the team most attractive to them. Issues including date of the game, fanbases' reputation for traveling and opponent match ups all will factor into the Bowl Committees' and the Athletic Departments' decision on which bids to offer and accept.
Now with that cleared up here are Football From Mass To Miami's Week 9 ACC Bowl Predictions:
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech
The Hokies finally dropped a game in the league, relinquishing their iron fisted grip over the conference and again showing vulnerability on special teams. Frank Beamer's team is still among the conferences elite and the Hokies should end up in Tampa to compete for a chance to redeem themselves in the Orange Bowl.
Chic-Fil-A Bowl: Maryland
Early season the Terps looked to be an unlikely choice for the ACC title game but they're coming on strong with the maturation of Chris Turner and the explosion of Da'Rel Scott and stand out wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Gator Bowl: Florida State
The 'Noles will be served well finishing ahead of the carnage in the middle of the ACC but missing out to a tough Maryland squad. Playing right in their backyard of Jacksonville will definitely serve the fighting Bobby Bowden's justice. Getting Ponder and the rest of the young squad a good bowl game possibly against Notre Dame, renewing an old rivalry.
Champs Sports Bowl: Georgia Tech
Paul Johnson's squad is probably the most overachieving of the bunch in the ACC and they will definitely show Orlando what option football is all about. Set against a Big 10 team this could be a pretty exciting inter-sectional match up.
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina
A true match made in heaven, Charlotte is essentially Chapel Hill south and the Heels would bring plenty of fans just as they did in 2004. This may be a disappointing finish for the Heels who have started out 5-2 but with the logjam in the middle of the ACC going to this bowl wouldn't be a serious let down. It'd be a nice end to Butch's season and give the young Heels a base to build off of.
Music City Bowl: Wake Forest
Wake will be another team stuck in the middle tier of the ACC and although the Deacons had a decent showing in Charlotte the Tar Heels are a more appealing partner. The Deacs don't have a massive fan base to command the courting of bowls but they do a play an exciting brand of football and would be a good fit for the Nashville area.
Emerald Bowl: Boston College
A team with almost know real following outside of alums and family members will get the short end of the stick when it comes to the bowl bids. This bowl lacks a lot of the luster associated withe the Gator Bowl the Eagles went to last season but Coach Jags has still got a winner in Chestnut Hill.
Humanitarian Bowl: Miami
The Canes fans only travel to BCS games. The Blue Turf Bowl isn't a BCS game. Ergo the Canes fans won't travel. Randy Shannon getting the Canes to any bowl is a major step after a couple poor seasons in Coral Gables. This will be a good building block for the Canes and barring a drastic turn around it'll be the first time most of the those Miami boys see snow.
Eagle Bank Bowl: Virginia
The Hoos are surging but with their emergence on the ACC scene comes the toughest stretch of their schedule (GT, Miami, Wake & VT). Hopefully Al Groh's troops can battle through this stretch to claim the final bowl spot in the ACC. Going to DC would be a perfect fit for the Cavaliers as they've got a strong fanbase in the DC and northern Virginia area.
On The Outside Looking In:
Clemson, Duke, NC State
To listen to the previous podcasts, including this weeks just use the "Talk Shoe" tool bar to the right or click here.
Before we lay down The Official Football From Mass Two Miami Bowl Predictions lets take some time to outline the bowl games rank in order of selection.
Orange (Miami, FL)
Chic-Fil-A (Atlanta, GA)
Gator (Jacksonville, FL)
Champs (Orlando, FL)
Meineke Car Care (Charlotte, NC)
Music City (Nashville, NC)
Emerald (San Francisco, CA)
Humanitarian (Boise, ID)
Eagle Bank (Washington DC)
Spots number 1-4 as well as 8 and 9 are pretty much set in stone by the ACC overall standings.
Bowl games 5-7 have a little flux within their selection process. The Meineke Car Care, Music City and the Emerald Bowl have their pick of 5-7 between themselves. This means that depending on the teams available each bowl game is going to offer a bid to the team most attractive to them. Issues including date of the game, fanbases' reputation for traveling and opponent match ups all will factor into the Bowl Committees' and the Athletic Departments' decision on which bids to offer and accept.
Now with that cleared up here are Football From Mass To Miami's Week 9 ACC Bowl Predictions:
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech
The Hokies finally dropped a game in the league, relinquishing their iron fisted grip over the conference and again showing vulnerability on special teams. Frank Beamer's team is still among the conferences elite and the Hokies should end up in Tampa to compete for a chance to redeem themselves in the Orange Bowl.
Chic-Fil-A Bowl: Maryland
Early season the Terps looked to be an unlikely choice for the ACC title game but they're coming on strong with the maturation of Chris Turner and the explosion of Da'Rel Scott and stand out wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Gator Bowl: Florida State
The 'Noles will be served well finishing ahead of the carnage in the middle of the ACC but missing out to a tough Maryland squad. Playing right in their backyard of Jacksonville will definitely serve the fighting Bobby Bowden's justice. Getting Ponder and the rest of the young squad a good bowl game possibly against Notre Dame, renewing an old rivalry.
Champs Sports Bowl: Georgia Tech
Paul Johnson's squad is probably the most overachieving of the bunch in the ACC and they will definitely show Orlando what option football is all about. Set against a Big 10 team this could be a pretty exciting inter-sectional match up.
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina
A true match made in heaven, Charlotte is essentially Chapel Hill south and the Heels would bring plenty of fans just as they did in 2004. This may be a disappointing finish for the Heels who have started out 5-2 but with the logjam in the middle of the ACC going to this bowl wouldn't be a serious let down. It'd be a nice end to Butch's season and give the young Heels a base to build off of.
Music City Bowl: Wake Forest
Wake will be another team stuck in the middle tier of the ACC and although the Deacons had a decent showing in Charlotte the Tar Heels are a more appealing partner. The Deacs don't have a massive fan base to command the courting of bowls but they do a play an exciting brand of football and would be a good fit for the Nashville area.
Emerald Bowl: Boston College
A team with almost know real following outside of alums and family members will get the short end of the stick when it comes to the bowl bids. This bowl lacks a lot of the luster associated withe the Gator Bowl the Eagles went to last season but Coach Jags has still got a winner in Chestnut Hill.
Humanitarian Bowl: Miami
The Canes fans only travel to BCS games. The Blue Turf Bowl isn't a BCS game. Ergo the Canes fans won't travel. Randy Shannon getting the Canes to any bowl is a major step after a couple poor seasons in Coral Gables. This will be a good building block for the Canes and barring a drastic turn around it'll be the first time most of the those Miami boys see snow.
Eagle Bank Bowl: Virginia
The Hoos are surging but with their emergence on the ACC scene comes the toughest stretch of their schedule (GT, Miami, Wake & VT). Hopefully Al Groh's troops can battle through this stretch to claim the final bowl spot in the ACC. Going to DC would be a perfect fit for the Cavaliers as they've got a strong fanbase in the DC and northern Virginia area.
On The Outside Looking In:
Clemson, Duke, NC State
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