NCAA Football FanHouse

Swinney Is Rock of Clemson Program

Ray Holloman — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, ACC

Even with 10 gallons of Gatorade - orange, naturally - dripping off him, and clad in a gray Clemson sweatshirt right out of George Costanza's wardrobe, Dabo Swinney may still have been the most neatly manicured man in Memorial Stadium.

Consider that a lesson about the unflappable nature of bookish Clemson coach. Not even a Gatorade ambush can stray so much as a hair from the coach's gameplan.

"This is just an extremely special day," Swinney said of the Tigers' 34-21 victory over Virginia, a win that came hours after they clinched the ACC's Atlantic Division, Clemson's first title of any sort since 1991.

It was a belated birthday present for Swinney, who turned 40 Friday and was serenaded with "Happy Birthday" by 77,000 purple-and-orange well-wishers, a going away gift for C.J. Spiller and Clemson's talented senior class, and something of an anniversary present for all involved.

In the 13 months since Clemson athletics director Terry Don Phillips selected the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator to succeed Tommy Bowden, bypassing several other more proven coaches on Bowden's staff, the man with part in his hair crisper than a wide receiver's route has become the unmovable center of the Clemson program.

So, fittingly, after the biggest win of his career, Swinney gave the game ball to Phillips.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him," Swinney said in the postgame press conference. "He had a vision, believed in me and had the vision to see something in me, to give me an opportunity to lead this program and go against the grain. A lot of people probably didn't want me to get this job, and a lot of people probably don't want me to have this job. But I got it, and we're division champs."

Technically, the Tigers were division champs before they ever took the field. Boston College's loss to North Carolina, which went final in the minutes before the Tigers ran onto the field, assured the Atlantic Division to Clemson.

And at the auspicious moment in program history, Swinney issued a proclamation for the program, perfectly in keeping with the eyes-on-the-prize coach who may very well eat breakfast by blueprint.

"There's no celebrating,'' he told his team. "You're division champs, but champions take care of business and you've got business out on that field."

The Tigers complied fully.

After a back-and-forth first half that featured three touchdowns a surprising number of gadget plays from the Cavaliers, one of the nation's least productive offenses, Swinney and the Tigers adjusted after halftime.

They went into the locker room with a 24-21 lead, but forced the Cavaliers into three-and-outs on each of the Wahoos' first three possessions while tacking on the game's final 10 points. In the fourth quarter alone, the Tigers managed six sacks. Virginia didn't dent the scoreboard again.

"We didn't play smart in the first half," Swinney said. "We weren't disciplined with our eyes. And they had a lot of trick plays in the first half. Our staff made great adjustments at halftime and we challenged them in the second half. This team never gave up, and they came out in the second half to win this game."

And for the first time in recent memory, Clemson is getting better as the season wears on. Under Bowden, the leaves weren't the only orange crashing to Earth every autumn. The Tiger were right there wilting with them. A season ago, Clemson began the season ranked No. 9 in the nation, but were blown out by Alabama in the season opener and would lose four of five from late September until early November.

This season, the Tigers flopped early in a grimacing loss to Maryland. But instead of waiting the familiar Clemson fall, Swinney rallied his squad in a heated team meeting.

"It was a great lesson," he said. "We didn't all take genius pills and become smarter. We just grew as a team."

Now the Tigers are headed to Tampa to face Georgia Tech, the team Swinney debuted against last year. He was twice lost to the Yellow Jackets, both in the narrow fashion, including a 30-27 loss this year after the Tigers shook off a 24-0 deficit.

But even amid the celebration, Swinney was already back to business.

"Our first goal was to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division, and we did that," Swinney said. "Our next goal is to win a state championship against South Carolina next weekend. Our third goal is to win the ACC Championship game. Our fourth goal is to win a Bowl game. We're happy today, but we're not done yet."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.

Swinney Is Rock of Clemson Program originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spiller Force Behind Clemson Revival

Jim Henry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Clemson, Duke Football, Florida State, University of Miami, Virginia, ACC

Much of the credit for Clemson's turnaround this season goes to its offense. Let us count the ways.

During Clemson's current five-game winning streak -- the program's longest in three seasons -- the Tigers have scored at least 38 points in each game, a program first. During that span, Clemson has averaged 42 points per game, 425 total yards per game, 6.87 yards per play and 220 passing yards a game.

No wonder the Tigers, who had lost three of their first five games by a total of 10 points, are positioned to clinch their first trip to the ACC title game with a home victory Saturday against struggling Virginia.

Of course, Clemson's success on offense revolves around all-purpose back and Heisman Trophy hopeful C.J. Spiller. Spiller needs 103 all-purpose yards to break the ACC single-season record of 2,054, held by Virginia's Thomas Jones.

In last Saturday's victory over N.C. State, Spiller had a 16-yard touchdown run, caught a 34-yard scoring pass and threw a 17-yard touchdown to Xavier Dye, becoming the first Clemson player to do all three in one game.

"I'm just proud of C.J. -- another ho-hum day for him," coach Dabo Swinney said.

"I don't know how many other 'first evers' the guy can have."

Clemson has gained at least 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in each of the last two games. Clemson is 52-0-1 when it has at least 200 yards of each in the history of the school.

The Tigers also have gotten a big boost lately from freshman Kyle Parker. He's thrown 10 touchdowns and two interceptions in the Tigers' four wins over FBS opponents during their five-game winning streak while compiling a 164.9 passer rating.

Swinney's defense, meanwhile, allows 299.3 yards per game to rank second in the ACC and 20th nationally. Clemson's 20 interceptions (12 in the last five games) lead the FBS.

Clemson has not won an ACC Championship since 1991, when a defense led by future NFL players Levon Kirkland, Chester McGlockton and Brentson Buckner, led the nation in rushing defense.

The Tigers were 9-1-1 in the regular season that year and had a 6-0-1 record in the ACC, good enough for the league championship. Clemson defeated Maryland in the final home game on Nov. 16, 1991 and that was the last time Clemson clinched any type of title.

The Tigers have the opportunity to make history on Senior Day Saturday.

"I think that would be really special for those guys," Swinney said.

"I still remember my high school senior game. They work so hard and these guys put so much into it for those 12 Saturdays. It is just a special day and then that it is your last game and an opportunity to win the Division title on the same day. These guys were four years old the last time we won one. It is a great opportunity for them.

"That is why you play the game. All year long they have been working towards their goals and now the second goal is right there in reach. I think it would be really special."

Ann's Still Hot

It was nearly two months ago when Ann Bowden -- wife of FSU coach Bobby Bowden -- said she felt her husband was being betrayed by those who had called for the veteran coach to retire at season's end. She is obviously no less upset these days.

Bobby Bowden has indicated many times that he wants to continue to coach at FSU next season. His status will be determined by school officials at regular-season's end. Here's what Ann had to say in a USA Today story earlier this week concerning her 80-year-old husband's future.

"You know, we don't need the university as much as they need us -- as much as they need him and his connections and reputation and everything," Ann said in the story.

"If they want to pull that trick, we'll just shake the dirt off our feet and go to Europe or go on a long cruise or something. ... They'll have to fire him for him not to go another year. ... If they've got guts enough to do it, let them do it."

Spirit Award

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who recently overcame a rare form of bone cancer and helped inspire more than $120,000 in donations for cancer-related causes, has been selected for the Disney Spirit Award given annually by Disney Sports to college football's most inspirational figure.

Herzlich will be presented with the award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, Dec. 10.

"The Disney Spirit Award is an award that means more to me than any award based on statistics and on-the-field achievements," Herzlich said in a prepared statement.

"I have had to battle a deadly rare disease this past year and, along with beating the disease, I was fortunate to be able to help others along the way. To be recognized with this award is an honor and I hope that it shows people around the world that there is hope and that it will encourage them to continue to battle."

Buyout for Groh?

For embattled Virginia coach Al Groh, it's business as usual.

The Cavs are on the cusp of having consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1981-82. Add in a four-game losing streak and factor in a decline in attendance, season-ticket sales, and fund-raising, and one would suspect Groh's future in Charlottesville, Va., appears bleak.

Groh, in his ninth season, knows there is not much he can do about the future, so he deals with the present. And he believes his team has prepared well for Saturday's game against Clemson.

"Pick out your target, block out all distractions and take dead aim," Groh said, explaining Virginia's mentality heading into the Clemson game.

"It takes everything a team and a player has got to get ready to compete successfully, much less think about those extraneous things."

According to media reports, it would coast Virginia more than $4 million to pay Groh for the two years that remain on the contract.

Must-Win for Blue Devils

Duke (5-5), which has dropped its past two games to North Carolina and No. 7 Georgia Tech, finds itself in a must-win situation Saturday at Miami if Blue Devils hold any hope of becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.

It doesn't help that the banged-up Blue Devils haven't won against the Hurricanes since 1976 and have lost the past five games.

Enough of those negative vibes, says Duke coach David Cutcliffe.

"When I get on that plane, I want to believe we are going down there not with the hopes of winning, but planning to win," Cutcliffe said.

"I can tell you 5,000 reasons we won't win. If I tell you 5,000 reasons we won't win, then I have to tell you 5,000 things we are going to do about it. I talked about the challenges, what they are and what we are going to do about them.

"If you don't prepare well, you won't believe you have a chance to win or are going to win when you are playing. It all comes down to the preparation; the sincere, focused, intense preparation."

Spiller Force Behind Clemson Revival originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: Settling Divisional Races

Jim Henry — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Clemson, Duke Football, Georgia Tech, Maryland, University of Miami, NC State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, ACC

Closure.

That's what we may get from the ACC this weekend in terms of divisional winners advancing to the title game in Tampa, Fla., next month.

Clemson could clinch the Atlantic Division Saturday if the Tigers beat North Carolina State and Boston College loses at Virginia. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, can clinch the Coastal Division by beating Duke in its last league game. Of course, keep an eraser handy, just in case.

Boston College still has a chance to win the Atlantic, but the Eagles need Clemson to lose to the Wolfpack and to Virginia on Nov. 21. If the Yellow Jacket lose, as many as three teams, including Miami and Virginia Tech, could finish with two losses each.

The No. 7 Yellow Jackets (9-1), however, have been the toast of the ACC since losing at Miami in the season's third week. They are on a seven-game winning streak and boast their highest ranking since 1999.

"Since we lost to Miami, I told our guys every Monday that this week's game is single elimination. It's like the playoffs," Tech coach Paul Johnson said.

"That is the way we've tried to go at it. I said after the Miami game I thought no one would win our division with two losses. If we lose on Saturday, then maybe somebody will, but if we win, nobody won't."

Duke, of course, has a chance because it has quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, the ACC's No. 2 passer with 2,428 yards and only five interceptions, and head coach David Cutcliffe.

Tech has its turf-grinding triple option. The Yellow Jackets lead the nation in time of possession, keeping the ball 34:56 minutes per game.

"When you're playing a team that possesses the ball as well as Georgia Tech does, the best way to prevent them from dominating the ball is to try and stay on the field yourself," Cutcliffe explained.

"Your offense is not just playing their defense, your offense is playing their offense. You don't want to put your defense right back on the field after they just put together a 12- or 14-play drive, so those things are critical."

Welcome Back Frank

It has been nearly 20 years since Frank Spaziani last stepped inside Scott Stadium, and this time he'll be viewing Virginia football from the opposite sideline.

Spaziani, the first-year head coach at Boston College, was an assistant with the Cavaliers for nine seasons (1982-1990) under head coach George Welsh. This is the Eagles' fifth season in the ACC, but it will be their first trip to Charlottesville, Va.

With Spaziani overseeing the defense, UVA was ranked No. 1 in the country for three weeks in 1990, the only time the Cavaliers ever have been ranked No. 1. However, it didn't end with all roses.

Virginia won its first seven games before losing to eventual national co-champion Georgia Tech 41-38. The Cavaliers won at North Carolina the next week, then lost their last three games.

Following the season, Welsh made the decision to replace Spaziani as defensive coordinator. Spaziani was given the option of coaching defensive backs under new coordinator Rick Lantz but declined. Spaziani appreciated his time spent with the Cavs.

"When you take the whole body of stuff, I have nothing but tremendous memories of Virginia and my experience there, and I can't tell you how valuable it's been to me," Spaziani told The Roanoke (Va.) Times.

Young Guns

Maryland quarterback Chris Turner remains questionable for Saturday's game against No. 20 Virginia Tech with a left knee injury. If Turner is unable to go, look for sophomore Jamarr Robinson to step in behind center.

Robinson attempted his first collegiate passes last Saturday at N.C. State, going 5-for-11 for 27 yards while rushing for a team-high 38 yards.

The Terps also have true freshman Danny O'Brien and C.J. Brown available, though they have yet to appear this season. If they sit out the last three games, they will retain four years of eligibility heading into next season.

Although guaranteed a losing season, Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen says he's playing to win and not worried about next year.

"If Chris can go, we're going to have to make that decision," Friedgen told The Washington Times.

"To me, I've been ready to play Danny for two weeks. I think if he's the best guy, let's find out whether he can do it. If Jamarr's doing well, that's great, too. If Chris doesn't play, at least we're going to be able to see where we're at at quarterback."

Around the Horn

Who has the better arm behind center? Kyle Parker, the outfielder, or Russell Wilson, the second baseman?

Parker and Wilson have faced each other on the baseball diamond before, but Saturday's game between Parker's Clemson Tigers and Wilson's N.C. State Wolfpack marks the first time the two quarterbacks are on the same football field.

Parker has set a Clemson record for wins by a starting freshman quarterback, while Wilson, the league's Rookie of the Year last season, is second in the ACC in passing efficiency and leads the ACC in touchdown passes with 24.

"Coming into the season people were trying to make number 11 (Parker) beat them," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.

"I think he has answered a lot of those things. He can make every throw. He runs pretty well."

ACC Notebook: Settling Divisional Races originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Bowden in No Mood to Celebrate 80th Birthday

Jim Henry — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Florida State, ACC

Bobby Bowden turned 80 on Sunday, but he wasn't in the mood to celebrate.

Bowden's Florida State Seminoles lost a key ACC game at Clemson and also their starting quarterback, Christian Ponder, possibly for the season with a separated shoulder in the process on Saturday. Talk about a family funk.

Bowden's son, Terry, whose coaching staff includes younger brother Jeff, saw his undefeated and top-ranked Division-II North Alabama Lions tumble in four overtimes on Saturday, too. And Bowden's son-in-law, Jack Hines, the defensive coordinator at Colquitt County High (Ga.), opened the weekend with a defeat on Friday.

"Our whole family got whipped. We ain't celebrating nothing," Bowden quipped Sunday.

Bowden may want to make a birthday wish though.

The Seminoles (4-5) need to win two of their three remaining games, punctuated by a regular-season finale at top-ranked Florida, to extend their nation's-best streak of bowl appearances that dates back to 1982.

FSU starts that gauntlet on Saturday at Wake Forest (4-6), which has a penchant for playing the Seminoles tough. The Demon Deacons, who have lost four games by three points each this season, need to win their final two games against FSU and Duke to reach six wins and become bowl eligible.

FSU closes its home schedule against Maryland on Nov. 21.

Of course, depending on which side of the debate you stand regarding Bowden's coaching future at FSU, this game could carry historical significance in more ways than one.
"Once you get a certain age, if you're not successful, then they're going to say, 'He's too old,' and 'He's forgot everything.' "
-- Bobby Bowden
Bowden, however, is focused on the immediate hurdle. And that's making sure redshirt freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel is prepared for his first career start against the Deacs.

Manuel misfired on two pass attempts at Clemson after Ponder was injured when he tackled Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel along the sideline following his fourth interception of the game.

According to FSU director of sports medicine Randy Oravetz, Ponder will have his injured right throwing shoulder examined Monday, which will include an X-ray and additional tests. The results of that examination will determine the course of his rehabilitation.

Ponder missed most of practice last week with bruised ribs suffered in the win over North Carolina State on Oct. 31. Ponder has completed 226 of 329 passes for 2,171 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He led the ACC in passing yards per game (306.6) and total offense (327.4) heading into Clemson.

Bowden said he's eager to see how Manuel responds, though the Seminoles' spotty defense could only add to the challenge. Clemson scored 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to take control of the ACC Atlantic Division and knock the Seminoles from the race.

Wake Forest, of course, is quarterbacked by wily veteran Riley Skinner.

"It's tough but there's nothing you can do about it. All you can do is face the situation and do what is the best," Bowden said.

"That means take the next guy, move him up and prepare him the best you can. It is kind of scary. I don't remember any year like this -- yes, I do, my first year at Florida State (1976) and maybe around 1981 -- where you felt like you had to outscore people to win. That's not a healthy situation, and that's the way it has been this year."

Of course, the years -- and birthday candles -- have added up for Bowden. He remains in good health and, despite the uncertainty concerning his future, good spirits.

Bowden is the fifth head coach to coach into his 80s. The other active 80-year-old coaches are Penn State's Joe Paterno (82) and St. John's (Minn.) University's John Gagliardi, who turned 83 on Nov. 1. Amos Alonzo Stagg was 84 when he retired and Upper Iowa's John Dorman was 81.

While consecutive victories over North Carolina and N.C. State helped quiet Bowden's critics, many fans will continue to point to his age and the program's decline this decade as reasons for a change after the 2009 season. Bowden has indicated that he wants to return for a final season in 2010.

"It's predictable," Bowden said earlier.

"Once you get a certain age, if you're not successful, then they're going to say, 'He's too old,' and 'He's forgot everything.' "

Bobby Bowden in No Mood to Celebrate 80th Birthday originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: Bowden Still Boss

Jim Henry — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Duke Football, Florida State, Georgia Tech, UNC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, ACC

It's becoming clear that Florida State's Bobby Bowden, who turn 80 on Sunday, wants to coach the Seminoles in 2010.

The feisty Bowden has tipped his hand many times since coming under fire from high-level boosters, fans and the media following a 2-4 start.

Consecutive victories over North Carolina and North Carolina State have helped quiet restless critics -- and a victory Saturday at Clemson would vault FSU into second place in the ACC Atlantic Division -- and Bowden said Wednesday he will make the final call on who replaces retiring Mickey Andrews as defensive coordinator.

However, Bowden also stressed that head coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher will make a strong contribution to the process, so don't expect a disagreement conspiracy between the pair.

"I think [Fisher] definitely has to have a say-so because he's the future here. You know it?" Bowden said. "And it's one of those things I'll make the final decision on. But I'll definitely get his input, and very strongly."

Fisher is scheduled to become the next FSU coach no later than Jan. 1, 2011. If he is not, his contract calls for him to be paid $5 million.

Florida State president T.K. Wetherell said in a statement last month that Bowden's status will be evaluated after the season, and the university would have no comment until then.

In his weekly conference on the Monday with the media, including FanHouse, Fisher said that he anticipates a smooth process with Bowden in hiring the defensive coordinator. Andrews had indicated prior to the season, his 26th at FSU, that this would be his last. He made it official on Wednesday.

Fisher said he keeps a working list of prospects for all position coaches. A timetable has not been set for naming a new defensive coordinator.

"I'm glad to have the input on what we're going to do in the future and what we want to do," Fisher said. "[There] are some outstanding guys [that] will be out there, I'm sure. This is a great job. That's why I don't want to go anywhere.

"I love it here."

FSU fans, however, appear to need coaxing to rally behind their team.

In last Saturday's homecoming game against N.C. State, the Seminoles played before their smallest crowd since 1993. A noon game on Halloween combined with rainy weather, a slow economy and the team's poor performance this season added up to just 67,712 tickets sold in a stadium that seats 82,300.

Quite frankly, judging by the huge pockets of empty seats, it's also unlikely that all ticket holders attended. The athletic department lost out on more than $700,000 in potential ticket revenue, according to school officials.

The Seminoles, who haven't beaten Clemson in Memorial Stadium since 2001, have remaining games at Wake Forest, home against Maryland and at top-ranked Florida.

"We can only take care of what we can take care of, and that's who we play," Bowden said. "This ballgame coming up is the biggest one. However, if you win it, the next one becomes the biggest one."

Stop the Bleeding

Virginia Tech is looking to avoid its first three-game losing streak since 2003 when the Hokies travel to East Carolina Thursday night. Tech head coach Frank Beamer has had only two three-game losing streaks during the Hokies' 16-year bowl run (1997, 2003).

A victory on ESPN would make Tech bowl eligible for the 17th-straight season.

How the Hokies rebound from consecutive defeats to Georgia Tech and North Carolina last Thursday will rely in large part on what their defense can do to reverse a recent trend of poor play on third down, when opponents have converted 18-of-34 the last two games.

"There hasn't been a game this season that we haven't played hard, but sometimes we have to play better and more consistent," Beamer said. "These guys care and we are going to move forward with that in mind."

Epic Battle

Duke and North Carolina meet on Saturday in what normally translates into an epic battle on the basketball court. But we're talking football at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C

Don't be fooled. This is a huge game for the Blue Devils, who will become bowl eligible for the first time since 1994 with a victory. Duke is also looking for its first victory over UNC, which is coming off an emotional and dramatic win at Virginia Tech, since 2003 and just its second since 1989.

Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis has posted four consecutive 300-yard passing games. UNC coach Butch Davis went as far as to compare the Blue Devils offense to that of the Indianapolis Colts.

"After I saw [those comments], I called (Colts President) Bill Polian and asked if I could borrow his five offensive linemen," Duke coach David Cutcliffe laughed.

He turned me down."

Unlucky Deacs

Just 4-5 overall with a 2-3 ACC record entering Saturday's conference showdown against host Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Wake Forest has nearly run out of wiggle room. The Deacs need two wins in their remaining three games to become bowl eligible.

Four of Wake Forest's five losses have been decided by a combined 10 points. Making matters worse, senior quarterback Riley Skinner, who suffered a concussion in last Saturday's defeat against Miami, has been listed as questionable for this week's game.

Skinner is just one of three quarterbacks in ACC history to throw for 2,000 or more yards in each of his four seasons. That list also includes N.C. State's Philip Rivers and Duke's Thaddeus Lewis, who reached that milestone last Saturday.

"We're capable of winning," Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe said.

"That's the thing that we know. We've got to have things go right and not much has gone right for this football team. Unfortunately these guys have had some really bad breaks along the way. Obviously we've had some plays we could have made that would have made the difference without needing a break. But this is just about the most unlucky football team I've coached."

After watching film of Wake Forest's games this season, Tech head coach Paul Johnson agrees with Grobe.

"I think a lot of [their troubles] can be attributed to just bad luck," Johnson said.

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State Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka, made history 30 years ago when he became Auburn University's first "Aubie" mascot. He holds a photo Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, of the way he looked in 1979 when he made his debut in his "Aubie" costume. (AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Alvin Benn)

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Penn State football coach Joe Paterno answers a question at his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Ohio State in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 7. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno answers a question duirng his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Ohio State in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 7. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

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ACC Notebook: Bowden Still Boss originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spiller Makes All the Right Moves

Jim Henry — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:40:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, University of Miami, ACC

It seems as if C.J. Spiller's career has been punctuated by big decisions and big plays.

Spiller selected the Clemson Tigers over childhood favorite Florida State and others out of Lake Butler (Fla.) Union County. A frustrating freshman season nearly prompted him to transfer to Florida. Spiller could have entered the NFL Draft last year as a possible first-round selection. Known as a quiet leader, Spiller promised to speak up this season.

Check, check and check -- Spiller has made all the right moves.

"It has gone by so fast," Spiller told FanHouse Tuesday morning. "It seems like I just got here, and now ... these last five [regular-season] games I am going to enjoy the best way I can with my teammates. Coming back was the best decision I've made in my life. You don't have a better experience than your college one."

Which leads us to Spiller's big plays.

A jack-of-all-trades who is literally breaking records almost every weekend, Spiller has helped put the Tigers in position to win their first ACC title since 1991. And, in the process, he has vaulted into Heisman Trophy contention following his incredible performance at Miami last Saturday that saw him amass a school-record 310 all-purpose yards.

And, by the way, did we mention that Spiller's smile is contagious, his spirit unwavering and his determination unrivaled? Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has spilled the beans many times when it comes to Spiller this season.

"If you're looking at MVPs and Heismans and all that, I don't know of a player in the country that's more valuable to their team than C.J.," Swinney said.

"Sometimes I feel kind of guilty because this is my first time to ever be a head coach and here's a lot of coaches that coach their whole lives and don't get the opportunity to coach a guy like C.J. Spiller."

Spiller is certainly helping make it a season to remember.

For starters, the Tigers can win the ACC Atlantic Division and advance into the conference championship game in Tampa with wins in their final three league games against Florida State, N.C. State and Virginia. And to think it was only a few weeks ago when the struggling Tigers were being questioned and grilled for their lack of consistency.

"We can't control what everyone says and everyone can voice their own opinion, but the thing about this team is we don't worry about the media or what anyone says about us," said Spiller, who has had a 60-yard play, either from scrimmage or on a return, in each of the first seven games this season and leads the nation in all-purpose yards per game with a 207.86 average.

"We care about the guy that's next to us -- to our right and to our left -- and as long as we do continue to do that, everything will take care of itself. I think every Saturday that we line up, and talent has never been an issue since I've been here, I think we have some of the best guys in the country who can play with anyone in the country.

"And that was on display last Saturday against a great Miami team."

It was a wild one in South Florida, for sure.

The Tigers prevailed 40-37 in overtime when quarterback Kyle Parker fired a 26-yard touchdown pass over the middle to Jacoby Ford. Spiller was super, recording a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown late in the first half and adding a 56-yard score in the second half. He also topped the 100-yard mark in receiving, catching six receptions for 104 yards, and he rushed for 81 yards on 14 carries.

Spiller's kickoff return for a score was the third of the season and sixth in his career, which ties the national record for kickoff returns for touchdowns in a career with Anthony Davis of USC (1972-74) and Ashlan Davis of Tulsa (2004-05). Davis also holds the national record for kickoff returns for touchdowns during a season with five.

Spiller and the Tigers will take a break from ACC and FBS action on Saturday as they play FCS rival Coastal Carolina for homecoming.

Spiller doesn't take credit for his good fortune, instead pointing to teammates and saying he has been blessed from above.

Spiller, however, credits his maturation to the birth of his daughter Shania, now 3, as a freshman. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Spiller has attempted to pattern his game and life after childhood hero Warrick Dunn, the former FSU and NFL star who is also well known for his playing toughness despite his small stature (like Spiller) and civic leadership and community service.

"He's a great running back and a great person, a guy who caught my attention," Spiller said.

Speaking of attention, Spiller is getting plenty.

Despite Clemson's preseason Heisman Trophy push for Spiller -- the university mailed out life-sized posters of Spiller to the media -- he refuses to get caught up in the hype.

"Yes, it's wonderful to see your name in the mix because you are getting recognized but, more importantly, it also means your team is doing well because there are a lot of factors involved," said Spiller, who, with 6,383 yards, is on pace to become just the fifth player in NCAA history to reach 7,000 yards in a career. He also continues to wear a protective walking boot to protect his lingering turf toe injury suffered in the season's second game against Boston College.

"I am just going out there and having fun really, playing hard for my teammates and my team," Spiller continued. "I can't control what other guys [Heisman hopefuls] are doing. I can just control what I do and how I can help our team win games and put us in position to compete for championships around here."

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Clemson tight end Michael Palmer (86) celebrates with guard David Smith (73) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against Miami during a NCAA football game in Miami Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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Hakim Muhammad, 20, has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, which led to the death of University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard. (Photo Courtesy UConn Police Department via Hartford Courant/MCT)

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Jamal Todd, 21, has been charged with falsely reporting an incident and reckless endangerment for pulling the fire alarm that preceded the altercation during which University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard was stabbed. (Photo Courtesy UConn Police Department via Hartford Courant/MCT)

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John W. Lomax III, 21, has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard, police said. (Photo Courtesy UConn Police Department via Hartford Courant/MCT)

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Robert S. Hudd, chief of the University of Connecticut police, announced the arrests in the death of University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard in Storrs, Connecticut, Tuesday, October 27, 2009. (Rick Hartford/Hartford Courant/MCT)

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Clemson tight end Michael Palmer (86) runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against Miami during an NCAA football game in Miami Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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In this photo taken on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris hands off the football during a NCAA football game against Clemson in Miami. Only seven quarterbacks in the country have more interceptions than Harris, who had three interceptions in last week's loss to Clemson. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

In this booking photo released on Tuesday Oct. 27, 2009, by the University of Connecticut Police Department, Hakim Muhammad is shown. Muhammad, 20, of Bloomfield, Conn., has been charged with conspiracy to commit assault, in connection with the stabbing death of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard outside a school-sanctioned dance on Oct. 18. (AP Photo/UCONN PD)

In this booking photo released on Tuesday Oct. 27, 2009, by the University of Connecticut Police Department, John William Lomax III is shown Lomax, 21, of Bloomfield, Conn., has been charged with murder for the stabbing death of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard outside a school-sanctioned dance on Oct. 18. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut Police Department)

In this booking photo released on Tuesday Oct. 27, 2009, by the University of Connecticut Police Department, Jamal Todd is shown. Todd, 21, of Hartford, has been charged with a felony charge of falsely reporting an incident and a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment, in connection with the stabbing death of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard outside a school-sanctioned dance on Oct. 18. Police say Todd pulled the fire alarm that emptied the dance, triggering the fight. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut Police Department)

Psst, come on C.J. What did you really think the first time you saw the life-sized poster of yourself?

"It brought a smile to my face -- even though everyone was making fun of my smile," Spiller laughed.

"My mom liked it. But, honestly, it's neat knowing that so many people are pulling for you and so many young people look up to you. I want to be the person they can follow on and off the field."

And, in the end, make their own decisions and plays.

Just like Spiller has done at Clemson.

Spiller Makes All the Right Moves originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: FSU Needs Victories

Jim Henry — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Duke Football, Florida State, Maryland, University of Miami, NC State, Notre Dame, ACC

It has reached this point at Florida State: panicking Seminole fans are searching for victories.

At 2-4, FSU and head coach Bobby Bowden need to find four more victories in their remaining six games to become bowl eligible. That challenge starts Thursday night in a nationally-televised game at North Carolina. The Seminoles close October against North Carolina State and tangle with Clemson, Wake Forest, Maryland and Florida in November.

FSU has played in 27 consecutive bowl games dating back to 1981, when the Seminoles went 6-5.

With all that's going on at FSU surrounding its porous defense, injuries and the emotional debate surrounding Bowden's future, the Seminoles' best-case scenario might be the program's second 6-6 regular season in four years. FSU beat UCLA in the 2006 Emerald Bowl to avoid its first losing season since 1976, Bowden's first in Tallahassee.

Bowden says FSU's struggles are not a secret.

"We'll go out there and stop a team, and stop a team, and stop a team and then whoop," Bowden said in reference to the Seminoles' defensive lapses.

"So if they ever get that squared away we'll be a pretty good ballclub. Another thing is, nobody's crushed us. We haven't been blown out. We've been right down to the wire with everybody, which maybe with one play less for them or one play more for us, we could be up at the top."

Both the Seminoles (2-4, 0-3 ACC) and Tar Heels (4-2, 0-2) are looking for their first ACC victories of the season. It's actually an intriguing matchup, considering FSU is No. 1 in the conference in offense and last in defense, while UNC is No. 1 in defense and last in offense.

The Thursday night game is also the first of its kind at Kenan Stadium.

"It's a big challenge for us and we have to execute and play as well as we can if we want to be successful," FSU quarterback Christian Ponder said. "It's a heck of a challenge and it's something that we can show up and shock the world and make a statement because it's a Thursday night game and it's the only game on. So we have an opportunity but a heck of a challenge."

Bowden, who has indicated he'd like to return to coach in 2010, believes FSU's season-opening defeat to Miami has haunted the Seminoles. The game wasn't decided until the final play, when Seminoles receiver Jarmon Fortson was unable to catch a low pass in the end zone for the win.

"I think the old expression that Lombardi said, that winning breeds winning and losing breeds losing and once you've lost, you have got to get your kids to have a positive attitude," Bowden said.

"With us, we've been in every ball game. Every game we've been in has come down to the last three or four minutes. If we score, we win. If we don't score, we lose. Against Miami, we're on the two yard line with a first down but the time caught us and we couldn't get in anything but two plays. Then we missed a touchdown in the end zone that would have won it.

"That might have changed our whole season if could have won that darn ball game."

And if you are wondering about Bowden's retirement plans, he continues to drop hints. The latest one Bowden gave that he will not slip quietly away after this season came in a radio interview he gave Wednesday to an AM station in Raleigh, N.C.

Bowden also told host David Glenn of Sports Radio 850 "The Buzz" that he will not discuss his exit strategy because he doesn't want a highly publicized countdown to the end.

"I know I am in the last years - I say plural - of my career," said Bowden in a transcript of the interview available on ACC Sports Journal.

"My days are numbered. I did not want to say, 'Well, I'm going to leave at this time.' I already know when I'm going to leave. And [coach-in-waiting] Jimbo Fisher knows when I'm going to leave. He and I have talked about it."

ON THE ROAD

Boston College has Notre Dame's number.

The Eagles have won six straight against the Irish, including the last three at storied Notre Dame Stadium. If Boston College prevails, the senior class will graduate having gone undefeated against the Irish.

The bad news is BC is 0-2 on the road this season, falling behind early and never recovering at Clemson (25-7) and Virginia Tech (48-14).

"It is very complicated," BC coach Frank Spaziani said in at attempt to explain the Eagles' road struggles.

"Early in the year we weren't where we are now so that attributes to it. It also depends on the opposition and how they play against us can also factor in. Everything is new to this team because we are so young so we have to learn from it and move
on."

YOUNG GUNS

The two youngest head coaches in the ACC will meet Saturday, when Clemson plays Miami.

Clemson's Dabo Swinney is the youngest head coach in the ACC at 39. He will turn 40 on Nov. 20, the day before Clemson meets Virginia in the final home game of the year. Miami's Randy Shannon is the second youngest head coach at 43. He won't turn 44 until Feb. 24.

If history is any indication, the showdown could generate some gray hairs. The last two games between the teams were decided in overtime. Clemson won at Miami in one overtime in 2004, while the Hurricanes won at Clemson in triple overtime in 2005.

UM is in the driver's seat in the ACC Coastal Division, while the Tigers continue to search for consistency. A win over the eighth-ranked Hurricanes would represent the highest-ranked team Clemson has defeated since the 2004 (end of 2003 season) Chick-Fil-A Bowl, where Clemson defeated No. 6 Tennessee.

"We are in the middle of a division race so at this point it is like a playoff every week in this conference," Swinney said. "We are trying to just stay in the hunt and get better as a football team. We have our hands full. This is a good team we are getting ready to play."

HISTORY LESSON

The Duke Blue Devils, off last week, will try to put together back-to-back ACC wins for the first time since 1994 when they face visiting Maryland on Saturday.

Duke, 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the ACC, says it hasn't lost any momentum from its biggest win of the season, a 49-28 victory over North Carolina State nearly two weeks ago. Thaddeus Lewis completed 40 of 50 passes and finished with a career high 459 yards. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils defense held the Wolfpack offense scoreless in the second half.

Duke and Maryland haven't met in five years.

"Kids don't see much past now, past today, so all they know is that Maryland's had a difficult start," Duke coach David Cutcliffe said.

"But when you put on the tape, they see that Maryland's a good football team. You really don't have to convince kids once they see tape. They've seen enough tape to know what a good team looks like and what a bad team looks like. Maryland is a good team."

ACC Notebook: FSU Needs Victories originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: Eagles Flying High

Jim Henry — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Clemson, Duke Football, Florida State, Maryland, NC State, UNC, Virginia, Wake Forest, ACC

A solid rivalry has developed between Boston College and Virginia Tech.

While the Eagles have won the last three regular-season games against the Hokies, Virginia Tech has beaten Boston College when its counted most in the past two ACC Championship games. Plenty is at stake again when the two tangle Saturday in Blacksburg, Va.

"These guys are a premier program in the country and they haven't skipped a beat since the last time we saw them," BC coach Frank Spaziani said.

"They are always improving. This is a very good football team. They are well coached in offense, defense and special teams. Especially in their venue down there, it is very difficult to play in there. The experience of going down there has to help but this is a similar situation (to Clemson), so we are going to have to buckle up our chin straps."

Both of these teams have a chance to meet for a third consecutive year in the ACC Championship. If the Hokies beat the Eagles and then beat Georgia Tech on the road next week they will have locked up the Coastal Division by mid-October. The Atlantic Division is a tad more unsettled, but Boston College is coming off consecutive wins over division foes Wake Forest and, last week, Florida State.

The last time that BC played at Lane Stadium two years ago, Matt Ryan threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Andre Callender with 11 seconds left and the No. 2 Eagles won 14-10 against the No. 8 Hokies on a Thursday night to keep BC's national title hopes alive. This year, No. 5 Virginia Tech finds itself in the national title hunt.

Boston College's hopes once again hinge on its quarterback -- 25-year freshman Dave Shinskie.

Tabbed the starter two weeks ago against Wake Forest, the former professional baseball player was 31-for-51 against the Demon Deacons. Last week against the Seminoles, he threw for 439 yards, five touchdowns and an interception.

"He has athletic skills," Spaziani explained.

"He throws the ball well and has good mechanics and a good touch. His arm is strong enough. He can do some of those things that can help you win. He is progressing just like a freshman would. He is making some progress but by no means is he a polished, accomplished field general. There is not enough experience there. Once again, he is getting better, he is learning and we see improvement. We still need to see a lot more."

Hokies coach Frank Beamer is impressed.

"I know he is playing well for them, and I think his age and maturity helps that situation," Beamer said. "He is really throwing the ball accurately, and I think he really gives them something. With those running backs, his ability to throw the football really helps them."

On the Auction Block

Bobby Bowden's challenges haven't only been on the football field.

The historic Coalson Plantation, a 40-acre estate near Thomasville, Ga., -- 35 minutes north of Tallahassee, Fla. -- whose owners include Bowden and son Tommy Bowden, was sold at auction Thursday. The property, nine miles north of the Georgia state line, dates back to 1825, when the main house was built.

It has 11 guest suites and other buildings add another 22 guest rooms, including the Bowden Presidential Suite, name for the Bowden family. The Bowdens were among the partners in a group that purchased the complex in late 2004.

One of the plantation's most noted attributes is the Showboat Theater, a replica of the stage set from the Broadway musical of the same name. Built in 1934, it hosted the first private screening of "Gone With The Wind" in 1939.

A Tarpon Springs, Fla., couple was the top bidder with a winning bid of $2.5 million.

Streak Snapped

Too bad.

North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson's NCAA record of consecutive passes without an interception ended at 379 attempts in Saturday's 30-24 loss to Wake Forest. The sophomore was picked off twice, the first on a poorly thrown deep ball and the second in the end zone with 2:02 left and the Wolfpack driving for the go-ahead touchdown.

"I think he took a shot on the first one," Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien said.

"He's done that in the past, and it didn't pay off. He didn't see the backside safety or corner or whatever it was coming across. The second one, I think he overcompensated. He's just got to calibrate his arm, get it right for the rest of the year. They're two throws he had chances of getting into the end zone, one too far to the left and one too far to the right."

Wilson streak was at 364 passes entering the game and he had thrown 15 more before the streak was snapped.

"I didn't even think about it, to be honest with you," Wilson said. "I am going to keep throwing the ball and giving my guys chances."

Tar Heel Blues

The most disappointing team in the ACC this year? FSU? How about North Carolina?

The Tar Heels have lost their only two conference games by an average of 15 points and one was against struggling Virginia. UNC has serious, serious problems on offense. The unit ranks 113th nationally with just 280.8 yards per game. Quarterback T.J. Yates has thrown more interceptions (7) than touchdowns (6).

"One of the questions as coaches that we have to ask ourselves is, 'Are we trying to do too much with a young, inexperienced offensive football team?'" UNC coach Butch Davis said. "Some of the things that we did last year, there's some guys that aren't ready to do some of those things all of the time [this year]."

Turtle Power

Much has been made of the Maryland Terrapins' struggles this season. They dropped three of four games to open the season, including an embarrassing effort against Middle Tennessee of the Sun Belt conference.

Don't look now, but Maryland (2-3 overall, 1-0 ACC) has the chance to remain in sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with a win at Wake Forest Saturday. The Terps ended their losing woes with a 24-21 win over Clemson last weekend to open ACC play.

"I think we are right on track," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said.

"I thought last week we got better. I think getting a win (against Wake Forest) will give us momentum and hopefully get us going."

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Middle Tennessee State quarterback Dwight Dasher (9) avoids the tackle of Troy's Bear Woods (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes watches from the sidelines during the final minutes of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas. The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes runs off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas.The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 6: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian University, attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf-Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Brian Bedder/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) celebrates with teammate Sergio Perez, rear, after scoring on a 52-yard pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Troy linebacker Boris Lee (2) breaks up a pass intended for Middle Tennessee State receiver Malcolm Beyah (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. At left is Troy defender Tebiarus Gill. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Troy running back Shawn Southward (20) reacts after scoring in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee State in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. Middle Tennessee States's Emmanuel Perez (91) and Jeremy Kellem (20) walk away. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) is pursued by Middle Tennessee State's Marcus Udell (3) on a 52-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

ACC Notebook: Eagles Flying High originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: A Devilish Homecoming

Jim Henry — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Duke Football, Georgia Tech, Maryland, University of Miami, Virginia Tech, ACC

Matt Daniels doesn't even want to think about the repercussions if Duke loses to North Carolina Central University on Saturday.

The two campuses are just five miles apart, and locals in Durham, N.C., have been chatting for months about whether the Eagles can compete against a Blue Devils team that already this season has lost to a Football Championship Subdivision school.

"A lot of heads are going to be turning," said Daniels, Duke's sophomore safety.

"It's going to really affect the rest of our season. It's a confidence thing, oh, man, if we lose to Central -- they are five minutes away from us -- you are probably going to have to deal with the fans, the coaches, the Duke community, the employees here at Duke... (it will) stick on you. if you lose this game this week and win the rest of them, it's still going to stick on us."

City officials have dubbed the first-ever meeting between the pair as the "Bull City Gridiron Classic." Groups from both schools have planned community service projects before the game at Duke's Wallace Wade Stadium. Players from both teams have, in past summers, participated in 7-on-7 passing drills against each other.

Daniels played recreation football as a youth in Atlanta with NCCU's Rickie Hubbard. The showdown also features family ties. Sophomore linebacker Chris Drew is the older brother of Duke defensive lineman John Drew.

After losing its season opener to FCS Richmond, Duke beat Army but was hammered at No. 22 Kansas 44-16 last Saturday. NCCU is 0-3 with losses to Hampton, Liberty and Morehead State. After a quick rise to prominence in the Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the Eagles are in the third year of their move into the Football Championship Subdivision.

"I was an optimist, and a lot of people have been pessimistic about this ever happening," NCCU head coach Mose Rison said.

"I don't know enough history, but I do know this: People are very excited about this, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that we've had success here in football, and people have always wondered how good we can be. Are we good enough to play with a school like Duke in the ACC? Wondering minds have always wondered if indeed that could ever happened, because we were just good enough at the Division II level."

NCCU last played at Duke's Wallace Wade Stadium in 1974, when the Eagles defeated North Carolina A&T, 29-18.

Daniels said the Blue Devils can't take a victory for granted.

"We have a chance to win -- nothing is definite," Daniels said. "We have a chance to win all of our games but it's our duty to commit and understand what's at hand."

Like Old Times

Miami and Virginia Tech head into their game at Lane Stadium on Saturday both ranked for the first time since 2005.

With opening victories over Florida State and Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes are looking to win three consecutive games against top 25 opponents for the first time since 2001. That was a good year for UM, which won its final three regular-season games against ranked teams, then beat fourth-ranked Nebraska to win the National Championship.

The Hurricanes are averaging 35.5 points and lead the ACC with 465.0 yards of total offense per game this season. While much of that success has been attributed to quarterback Jacory Harris, he has deferred to UM's defense.

"We're clicking because of the defense," said Harris, who has completed 69.5 percent of his passes. "The defense ... they go out there and they show us that they can stop the team (Georgia Tech) that last year put up over 400 yards rushing on us and when they showed us that, it gave us motivation."

Poll Watching

Georgia Tech fell out of the AP and USA Today poll this week after last Thursday's loss to Miami. Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson was emphatic about his feelings concerning the polls.

"I do not care about the polls. That is ridiculous anyway," he said.

"I can look and see so many different things that do not make any sense. How can Oklahoma be ranked ahead of BYU or Oklahoma State sitting ahead of Houston. Teams that have beat teams head-to-head are nine spots behind them. Right now, this time of year, the poll does not mean anything."

How 'Bout Some Love

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney believes C.J. Spiller is underappreciated outside of the Tigers program.

Spiller, a senior, has scored a touchdown on a play of more than 60 yards in each of the Tigers' first three games. He also needs just 291 all-purpose yards to become the ACC's record holder in that category. While the school launched a Heisman campaign prior to the season that included a life-size poster featuring his likeness and he currently ranks in the top five nationally in three different statistical categories, there hasn't been much buzz surrounding Spiller.

Despite being hampered by a sore toe, Spiller needs just 2 return yards and 12 receiving yards to become the first ACC player ever to have 2,500 rushing yards, 1,500 return yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career.

"I don't think anybody in this room or in our stadium really appreciates what C.J. has done so far this year, or in his career at Clemson," Swinney said.

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Allyson Duckworth of Oxford, Miss., sets up an open spread of eats at her tent at "The Grove," Ole Miss' famous tailgating site, outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, hours prior to the school's home opener NCAA college football game against Southeastern Louisiana in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. Swine flu is swirling through the nation's campuses, but despite all the warnings, flu kits and prominently displayed jugs of hand sanitizer, many students just aren't that worried. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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An Ole Miss decorated dispenser of hand sanitizer rest next to football themed napkins and an almost empty tray of crackers and dip, at the tailgate setup of the Deaton family of Booneville, outside the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., Saturday Sept. 19, 2009, prior to the home opener NCAA college football game against Southeastern Louisiana. Lori Deaton, who works as a medical technician, said her concern about Swine Flu led her to bringing the hand sanitizer. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Two University of South Florida students take turns drinking from a cup during a college football game Saturday Sept. 19, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. Swine flu is swirling through the nation's campuses, but despite all the warnings, flu kits and prominently displayed jugs of hand sanitizer, many students just aren't that worried. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Thousands of Mississippi fans mill around "The Grove," a tented tailgate site outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, prior to the home season opener NCAA college football game against Southeastern Louisiana. The threat of both seasonal flu and Swine Flu virus being spread, is especially great among such type gatherings with open food and drink being served and a lack of available hand sanitizing dispensers at each tent. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

In this Aug. 5, 2008 photo, North Carolina Central head coach Mose Rison, center, calls a play for the offense during the team's NCAA college football practice. North Carolina Central and Duke will meet this week for the first time in football, as the schools hope to bridge a gap that has stretched beyond the five miles that separate the campuses. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Jason Arthurs)

Nebraska head football coach Bo Pelini reflects on last week's 15-16 loss to Virginia Tech during his weekly news conference, in Lincoln, Neb., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009. With the exception of a few unguarded moments, Pelini refused to let his weekly news conference turn into a pity party. Pelini said that he and his Cornhuskers are going to turn the fallout from last week's crushing 16-15 loss into positive energy. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Iowa in an NCAA college football game on Saturday in State College. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

In this Sept. 19, 2009 photo Mississippi tailback Brandon Bolden sprints past a Southeastern Louisiana defender on his way to a 44-yard run in an NCAA football game in Oxford, Miss. The fourth-ranked Rebels will need as much as they can get out from Bolden as they head into Southeastern Conference play. Their first big challenge of the season comes Thursday night against South Carolina and the SEC's No. 2 rushing defense. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee talks about his bandaged thumb, due to a splinter fracture, during a news conference in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009. Nebraska takes on Louisiana-Lafayette in an NCAA college football game on Saturday in Lincoln. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno listens to a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Iowa in an NCAA college football game on Saturday in State College. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

"This guy is a once in a lifetime guy. He is special. It just shows you how dynamic he is. He can just impact the game in so many ways. He is just as complete player as you can be. When you turn the film on he picked up a blitz in the [Boston College] game and jacked that linebacker up. He is just doing a super job for us in every area. I am really proud of C.J. He has a little bum toe and he just plays right through it. He doesn't complain, doesn't say anything."

A Tough Situation

Not much has gone right for the Maryland Terrapins this season.

Maryland is 1-2 after a 32-31 loss to Middle Tennessee State, the second season in a row the Terps have been upset by the Sun Belt Conference team. Maryland is at home Saturday against Rutgers (2-1).

"We are in a tough situation right now," Terps head coach Ralph Friedgen said.

"This is a time where a season hasn't gone along exactly as we wanted it to. I think we've played three very good teams. We are facing some hard luck. Sometimes you have to change your luck to make your luck, I understand that. I think our kids are playing hard. I think we are getting better. But you have to eliminate mistakes."

The Terrapins have surrendered 119 points this season, the worst three-game total since Friedgen took over as coach before the 2001 season. Friedgen hired defensive coordinator Don Brown in January with hopes that the success he had during five seasons at Massachusetts would continue at Maryland.

So far, it hasn't happened.

Maryland ranks 111th among 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense, yielding an eye-popping 466 yards per game.

ACC Notebook: A Devilish Homecoming originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN Captures Clemson Fan's Misery

Clay Travis — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:13:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Georgia Tech, ACC

Clemson fans didn't react well to their team's Thursday night loss at Georgia Tech. It was the kind of game that drives fans into fits of rage. One moment your team is down 24 points and you're sitting in the stands thinking, "I hope these bums get their scholarships pulled. I'm never watching another game. Ever. Why did I drive all the way to frigging Atlanta to begin with?" Then, miraculously, the winds of college football fate shift direction. Suddenly you find yourself standing in the visiting section of an eerily quiet stadium screaming at the top of your lungs as your team storms back to take a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter. All is right in the college football universe.

Except, of course, it isn't. Which leads to the above vignette we like to refer to as the Cry of the Tiger. Here's what happened.

First, Georgia Tech ties the game with a field goal. Then your team uncorks a 38-yard pass that puts them in position to win a tie game. Only the play is called back for a phantom holding call. Next, Georgia Tech takes possession and Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt, who up to that point has been 2-for-13 for 44 yards passing and two interceptions, inexplicably uncorks a 39-yard pass that sets up the game-winning field goal.

Emotional rollercoaster, thy name is college football.

If you root for any team, we've all been this guy -- hopeless, dejected, wearing our lucky hat and flip-flops in an opponent's stadium and wondering why we even bothered going to the game. Why the entire world is allied against your team, the inglorious self-obsession of fan defeat. But usually our shame is private, our self-defeat shared only within our circle of fan-friends.

Unless, that is, the ESPN cameras pick you and your buddy out of an entire stadium and make you a national punchline. First, Craig James, Jesse Palmer, and Chris Fowler ridicule you off-air for your reactions (the first part of this video was taken from the ESPN feed and not broadcast). They even break out the telestrator and circle you for television debasement. Then they top this off by taking shots at your hat, your posture, your pained expression. All with the ultimate goal of setting up their jokes so that when they return to the broadcast, your misery, your agony, your self-defeat will be all the more pungent.

Yep, Clemson fans can't even be allowed to wallow in their own misery anymore. Somewhere Tommy Bowden is counting his millions and chuckling.

Clay Travis is the author of three books. His latest, "On Rocky Top: A Front Row Seat to The End of an Era" chronicles the 2008 Tennessee football season and is on sale now.

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A swarming Alabama defense stops North Texas running back Jeremi Mathis (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. Defending for Alabama is Cory Reamer (13), Luther Davis (96), Nick Gentry (58) and Kerry Murphy (64). Alabama won 53-7. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy talks with coaches during a fourth quarter time out in his team's 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech in Austin, Texas. McCoy had the flu last week, causing him to miss a day of practice and kept him out of most drills. By Saturday night's game, he said he was still not feeling 100 percent. But a halftime spent downing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and slugging back a hydration drink, made him feel better. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, Texas wide receiver Dan Buckner is shown during the pregame warmup before his team's 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech in Austin, Texas. With Buckner in the lineup, quarterback Colt Mc Coy has a new passing target in the Longhorns' offense. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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Texas head football coach Mack Brown talks on his headset during the fourth quarter of his team's 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. For the second week in a row, the Longhorns used their quick-snap "jet" tempo to pull themselves out of the doldrums of a clunky first half and rode it to a victory. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy talks with coaches during a fourth quarter time out in their 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. For the second week in a row, the Longhorns used their quick-snap "jet" tempo to pull themselves out of the doldrums of a clunky first half and rode it to a victory. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: UCLA Bruins head coach Rick Neuheisel looks on from the sideline in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rick Neuheisel

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder looks on during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bill Snyder

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Alterraun Verner #1 of the UCLA Bruins is brought down by Brandon Banks #83 of the Kansas State Wildcats after intercepting a pass in the first half at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alterraun Verner;Brandon Banks

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Kevin Craft #3 of the UCLA Bruins congratulates teammate Eddie Williams #62 following a touchdown against the Kansas State Wildcats in the fourth quater at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Craft;Eddie Williams

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder yells towards the bench during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bill Snyder

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ESPN Captures Clemson Fan's Misery originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First-Half Flop Downs Clemson

Brian Grummell — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Georgia Tech, ACC

Staring down the barrel of an embarrassing 24-0 first half deficit to Georgia Tech, Clemson had two choices -- go down in flames, as has been its pattern in recent years, or muscle up and do something about it. Clemson chose the latter, and nearly staged an epic comeback. The Tigers surged back with 27 straight points to take the lead before the Yellow Jackets booted a pair of field goals, one with just under a minute left, to claim the 30-27 home victory.

Things started out poorly as the Clemson defense let 230-pound Georgia Tech tailback Anthony Allen take a simple short-side option pitch 82 yards for the game's first score. Later, the Tigers lined up for a 57-yard field goal. Kicker Richard Jackson instead punted the ball, but the home team was ready, and returnman Jerrard Tarrant fielded the punt and raced nearly untouched for an 85-yard return in one of the dumbest moments of this young season. Tragedy turned to comedy when Georgia Tech then faked its own field goal, with kicker Scott Blair throwing a 34-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Demaryius Thomas for the 21-nothing lead.

From there Clemson steadily rallied. The offense wasn't all that impressive, but broke through with long touchdowns passes of 63 yards to back C.J. Spiller and 77 yards to speedy receiver Jacoby Ford. The rally was nearly complete when Jackson lined up for -- and nailed -- another long field goal, this time from 53 yards to start the fourth quarter.

Georgia Tech's offense was stymied after a brilliant first half, and in the postgame interview Yellow Jacket coach Paul Johnson credited Clemson's twin terror defensive ends Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp for suffocating his option attack.

That said, the Jackets toughed it out at the end, driving for 69 and 47 yards to get in position to connect on a pair of field goals in the game's last six minutes.

Both secondaries were active, snagging four interceptions and keeping both passers under 50% completions. 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer was particularly limited, netting just 66 yards for a 3.7 average. His team ground its way to 300 rushing yards on the night, but Louisville transfer Anthony Allen was the breakout player, pulling in 127 yards and the long touchdown on his five carries. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt looked battered after a 91 yard, 18 carry effort.

The game's other star was Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan who absolutely dominated Clemson's tackles in the early going, netting three tackles for loss in the first quarter including a third and short stop on Spiller to go with a sack.

Overall this game lacked the back-and-forth drama of Monday's epic battle between Miami and Florida State, but it left a modestly positive impression of ACC football. Georgia Tech has proven Johnson's option attack can work in a major conference and win tight, physical games. Clemson showcased its terrifyingly fast, maturing offensive pieces Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller. Neither looks like national title contenders but a season spent within the top 25 rankings is certainly possible.

First-Half Flop Downs Clemson originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recap: Midweek College Football Chat

Brian Grummell — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC

Admit it, you didn't watch that Miami/Florida State game Monday night. Its OK. Shame on you, but its OK. We had doubts but when its college football you know something good is bound to happen. As sustenance we're offering another midweek chat today, at . We'll be talking college football, obviously.

We'll also talk tonight's Clemson-Georgia Tech matchup, certain to be crazy since its on a Thursday night. There's also that little game going down in Columbus Ohio, or the redemption bowl between Notre Dame and Michigan. Get your fix here, chat application after the jump.

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Recap: Midweek College Football Chat originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Would Like a Do-Over for the Opening Weekend

Chas Rich — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Clemson, Duke Football, Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State, UNC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, ACC

This was not the way the ACC was hoping to start the 2009 college football season. The conference is still trying to establish that it is on par with the SEC, Big 12 or the Big 10. Instead, it has barely kept itself in front of the Big East. The early returns suggest more of the same this year.

Through the 10 games to start the season, ACC teams went a combined 4-6. That's bad enough, considering that the ACC was a collective 0-4 against teams from the other BCS conferences. With Virginia Tech losing to Alabama in a semi-neutral site, Wake Forest suffering a home loss to Baylor, Cal destroying Maryland, and of course the opening night nationally-broadcast loss by NC State as the harbinger for this lost weekend. When the best win of the weekend is Clemson trouncing a middle-of-the-pack Sun Belt foe in Middle Tennessee State, that is not a good sign.

Arguably, what's worse was going only 3-2 against FCS opponents. Sure North Carolina, Boston College and Georgia Tech handled the exhibition games that actually count with ease, but Duke and Virginia failed miserably. One member of the conference losing to a FCS opponent happens. Two in the same weekend? That is an eye-opener.

The argument against those losses being as bad as they look is that Duke and Virginia are expected to be two of the worst teams in the ACC. Plus, Richmond (which beat Duke) is the defending National Champion in 1-AA football. Yeah, I'm not buying it either.

It's the second time in the last four years that Richmond has taken out Duke. That suggests the fluke label does not easily apply. Reality seems to be slapping coach David Cutcliffe quickly.

Virginia just suggests that this will be a very long and miserable season for the Fightin' Grohs. An ill-fitting transition to a spread offense -- because that always goes so well with a head coach that is very conservative -- is just another problem. The only thing that may help Groh is that the Virginia athletic department just sent the basketball coach packing and made an expensive hire to replace him.

With performances like that, the excitement for that ACC battle between Miami and Florida State on Monday night should be at a fever pitch. Or you just might to prefer to scoop out your eyeballs with a spoon.

On the plus side for the ACC: After this opening weekend, expectations should be low enough that they should easily exceed them the rest of the way.

ACC Would Like a Do-Over for the Opening Weekend originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Gets Second Chance to Make First Impression in Atlanta

Ray Holloman — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Virginia Tech, ACC

For the ACC, the curtain didn't so much rise on the 2008 football season as it did crash into the footlights.

In last year's national opener on Thursday night, N.C. State traveled to South Carolina, but left its offense at home in a 34-0 debacle. That Saturday, East Carolina staggered No. 17 Virginia Tech, returning a blocked punt for a touchdown for the winning points. In Charlottesville, Va., USC scored three touchdowns in the first 11 minutes and put away a 52-7 scrimmage before the ice melted in the Gatorade. And that Saturday night, Alabama walloped Clemson 34-10 in a game that was the football equivalent of standing in homeroom in only your underwear.

Clemson's vaunted ground game rushed for just as many yards as the goalposts - zero. And just as the league tried to take a step forward on a national stage, somebody tied their shoelaces together.

For the Tigers, and the ACC's reputation, Week 1 was a wound that wouldn't heal.

"It seemed to have a lingering effect for a while," said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who was an assistant under Tommy Bowden during last year's game. "I don't know exactly how long, but it was something that I think affected us for the next few weeks. ... As a result, things just kind of spiraled from there."

The following week, Middle Tennessee State humbled one-time ACC strongman Maryland 24-14, another game ACC partisans had to watch through their fingers. There probably have been worse debuts than the ACC's last year, but by the end of Week 2, it was hard to come up with one that didn't end up a with a sunken ship and Leonardo DiCaprio movie titled for it.

For a league trying to find its identity as a football power, it was a reminder that basketball season was just six weeks away.

But as the 2009 season starts, the ACC again finds itself with an opportunity to build its reputation at the expense of the nation's traditional conference powers. The first two weeks include two games against the SEC, three against the Pac-10, one against the Big 12, and the re-emergence of the Florida State-Miami rivalry, a game that has thus far played the undercard to a game played on blue turf and in the shadow of a giant Carl's Jr. cup.

Even league caboose Duke, seemingly resurgent under second-year head coach David Cutcliffe, takes a stake of league pride against reigning FCS champion Richmond. Think that game is a gimme even for Duke? Ask a Michigan fan about former FCS champion Appalachian State.

Then duck.

But for the ACC, the reclamation project of 2009 will begin where 2008 went oh so wrong, when Alabama beat Clemson in a game that wasn't so much over at the first punch. It was over when they touched gloves.

"We weren't ready to play," Swinney said. "The teams lined up and they popped us in the mouth."

And they struck the ACC below the belt. Not even Virginia Tech's climb to the top 10 by season end, and its Orange Bowl victory of Cincinnati, champion of the only league the ACC can kick sand of and get away with, made up for that season-starting stumble.

But, should the Hokies beat No. 5 Alabama in the primetime showdown Saturday night, it will be a victory for the whole league.

Just don't expect Coach Frank Beamer, who lost star tailback Darren Evans for the season earlier this month, to put the weight of the conference on his team's shoulder pads alone.

"There's no question it's a big game," Beamer said. "It would do a lot for Virginia Tech. It would do a lot for the ACC. But at the same time, you can't put all your eggs in one basket."

The Hokies will have to compensate for another ugly loss by N.C. State that sucked the excitement, and the offense, out of opening night. The Pack gained just 133 total yards, dropped the game-winning touchdown pass and lost 7-3 to a suddenly smasmouth Steve Spurrier team Thursday night.

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** RETRANSMISSION FOR IMPROVED QUALITY ** In this image rendered from video and provided by ESPN.com, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, left, punches Boise State's Byron Hout (94) as coach Chris Peterson tries to pull Hout away at the end of an NCAA college football game on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 19-8. (AP Photo/ESPN.com) NO SALES

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n this image rendered from video and provided by ESPN.com, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, left, punches Boise State's Byron Hout (94) as coach Chris Peterson tries to pull Hout away at the end of an NCAA college football game on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 19-8. (AP Photo/ESPN.com) NO SALES

In this image rendered from video and provided by ESPN.com, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, left, punches Boise State's Byron Hout as coach Chris Peterson, foreground right, tries to pull Hout away at the end of an NCAA college football game on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 19-8. (AP Photo/ESPN.com) NO SALES

In this image rendered from video and provided by ESPN.com, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, left, punches Boise State's Byron Hout (94) as coach Chris Peterson tries to pull Hout away at the end of an NCAA college football game on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 19-8. (AP Photo/ESPN.com) NO SALES

The moon rises behind a fan watching Iowa State's game against North Dakota State in the first half of this NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 34-17. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

In this photo taken Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy aims toward a receiver during practice in Austin, Texas. The No.2 Longhorns are set to host Louisiana-Monroe as they open the NCAA college football season Saturday evening. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 3: The scoreboard shows the sad state of the Oregon Ducks offense halfway through the third quarter of the game against the Boise State Broncos on September 3, 2009 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Oregon had 0 first downs, 2 yards rushing, 15 yards of passing for a total of 17 yards. Boise State won the game 19-8. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Scoreboard

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"We lacked the ability to sustain on offense," said Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien in an early nominee for understatement of the season.

But as the Blue Raiders proved in a win over Maryland last year, it's not just the big boys that can bring down the ACC. In Week 1, no team can be overlooked. Clemson hosts the Middle Tennessee State squad this eyar, a team brimming with confidence and now with offensive coordinator Tony Franklin on the sideline, the mastermind of the spread attack that turned Troy into a mid-major nuisance and earned him a job with Auburn last season..

"This is a team that we've got to be prepared for," Swinney said. "You can't overlook these guys at all. They're not a team you can make a lot of mistakes against and beat. They've played ACC and SEC caliber football."

Middle Tennessee State isn't the only minor team that could turn into a major embarrassment. Georgia Tech hosts Jacksonville State, one of the best FCS teams in the nation even without suspended quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, William and Mary plays for state pride at Virginia, Maryland visits Cal as a three-touchdown underdog, and Wake Forest hosts Baylor, a team that still has one of the nation's most dynamic quarterbacks in Robert Griffin. The Deacons, meanwhile, must replace stars Aaron Curry and Alphonso Smith defensively.

"There is a history when you look ahead," said Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson, "and it is not pretty."

And if there's one thing the ACC doesn't need, it's another lesson in ugly losses.

ACC Gets Second Chance to Make First Impression in Atlanta originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clemson's Kyle Parker Does It All, Except Decide His Future

Jim Henry — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, ACC

Kyle Parker's childhood sports heroes were Chipper Jones in baseball and Brett Favre in football. Even when pushed, there was no way, no sir, Parker could select a favorite between the talented pair.

Picking between the two sports at the collegiate level has been as difficult for Parker, a starter in right field on the Clemson baseball team and a possible starter at quarterback on the Tigers football team.

The production Parker has displayed at Doug Kingsmore Stadium and potential he has demonstrated at Memorial Stadium suggests Parker's double-duty will be successful -- and could, in fact, lead to an interesting scenario as early as next summer.

"I am having fun and God blessed me with the ability to do both," Parker, 19, told FanHouse before he helped the Tigers clinch a three-game home series against Maryland in Atlantic Coast Conference baseball over the weekend. "It hasn't been bad."

A refreshed Parker has continued his solid hitting since spring football practice ended last month, batting .306 with with 21 RBI during that 16-game span. Parker shares the team lead in home runs (10) and is second in RBI (47) with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Even so, it was Parker's marathon performance on April 11 that showcased his powerful right arm and powerful right-handed bat.

At 1 p.m.., Parker started for the White team in Clemson's spring football game in Memorial Stadium before a spring-game record crowd of 24,000, completing 13-of-21 passes for 171 yards and adding passing and rushing touchdowns in the 30-13 win. At 3:10 p.m., Parker changed out of his football uniform, hustled across the street to Doug Kingsmore Stadium and slipped into his baseball threads.

Since Clemson's Friday opener vs. Miami was rained out, the Tigers played a doubleheader against the Hurricanes.

Although Parker did not make it in time to start the first game, he came off the bench in the third inning and laced a pinch-hit single that produced a run and a standing ovation. Parker finished 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in the 12-8 defeat. After a short break between games, Parker went 1-for-3 with another home run, two RBI and a walk in the 9-1 win. Not exactly a walk in the park but ...

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Taylor Stokes wears his letter jacket on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 1, 2009. Stokes was the first black scholarship football player at Vanderbilt, and has returned 40 years later to finish his degree. He will graduate on May 8. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Taylor Stokes wears his letter jacket on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 1, 2009, in front of a statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the founder of the university. Stokes was the first black scholarship football player at Vanderbilt, and has returned 40 years later to finish his degree. He will graduate on May 8. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, left, and West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson, right, are sworn in before giving their testimony before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, left, testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. Also testifying on the panel are, from left, West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson, President and CEO of Valero Alamo Bowl Derrick Fox and Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier, right, testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. Also testifying on the panel are, from left, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson, and President and CEO of Valero Alamo Bowl Derrick Fox. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford testifies testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, left, testifies testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson sits at right (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, right, delivers his opening remarks as committee Chairman Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., sits at left, during a hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Former Syracuse and Massachusetts coach Dick MacPherson, left, and Heisman trophy winner Tim Brown chat during the announcement that the two are among 16 players and two coaches named to the 2009 College Football Hall of Fame class, in New York on Thursday, April 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

"It was the perfect day, though I was exhausted," said Parker, who also double-dipped last spring but was permitted by then-head coach Tommy Bowden to miss many football obligations because Parker redshirted. "I went straight to my apartment after our baseball games and went to bed," waking up, of course, in time to knock in a pair of runs in Sunday afternoon's 9-6 victory and help Clemson capture the series.

Parker, on a football scholarship, has captured plenty of praise.

Head football coach Dabo Swinney, entering his first full season with the Tigers following Bowden's resignation six games into 2008, said "You're not dealing with an average athlete" in regard to Parker. Swinney actually arranged his 15 spring practices around the Tigers' baseball schedule, with Parker only missing a weekend baseball series at Boston College during the month-long overlap.

Clemson hitting coach Tom Riginos gushed "Holy mackerel, this was something special" following Parker's two-timing effort on April 11. And Parker produced in both sports despite taking 15 credit hours (he maintains a B average) and attending many 6 and 7 a.m. quarterback meetings following night baseball games.

"It was pretty hectic but the biggest thing I learned was time management and taking it a day at a time," said Parker, who added the juggling act pushed him physically and mentally.

While Parker, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, has yet to play in a college football game, his talent is obvious. During two major scrimmages and the spring game, Parker completed a combined 25-of-47 passes for 345 yards and five touchdowns and did not throw an interception. Even so, Clemson's quarterback picture also features Willy Korn, a redshirt sophomore who played in eight games as Cullen Harper's backup over the last two years, and junior Michael Wade.

Swinney has called his quarterback derby a healthy situation, saying he wants the trio to continue to compete over the next four months. Even Parker admits he needs to pick up this summer where he left off in spring practice. "We may let it (competition) settle itself on the field, and I am not opposed to that," said Swinney, whose Tigers open Sept. 5 at home against Middle Tennessee.

Parker's story features an intriguing twist.

Parker graduated a semester early from his Florida high school (Bartram, near Jacksonville) to enroll at Clemson in January 2008, skipping prom and leading the Tigers in home runs and slugging as a freshman. Parker also could be an early pick in major-league baseball's amateur draft when he becomes eligible in June 2010 -- with three years of football eligibility remaining.

Parker, the son of former NFL receiver Carl Parker, stresses the football staff has not pressed him about his baseball plans. And Swinney, known for his candor and player accountability, says he will start the quarterback that gives the Tigers the best chance to win regardless of challenges.

Jeff Sauve, a kicker in football and a pitcher in baseball, is the only player in Clemson history to be drafted (1995) and play professional baseball in the summer and return for football.

Oregon starting quarterback Dennis Dixon played pro baseball in the summer of 2007 and returned for his senior football season, throwing for 2,136 yards and 20 touchdowns. Selected by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round after he had not played baseball since high school (Oregon did not field a baseball team at the time), Dixon, an outfielder, hit only .176 in 74 at-bats with two Braves rookie-league teams. Dixon was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning a Super Bowl ring last February though he was deactivated for most of the season as the team's third-string quarterback.

Other college quarterbacks who flipped-flopped between football and professional baseball included Florida's Doug Johnson, Michigan's Drew Henson, Tennessee's Todd Helton and Stanford's Joe Borchard.

Parker doesn't get too far ahead of himself. His main concern at the moment is the Tigers' non-conference baseball game at Furman on Wednesday. He also knows football awaits him at Clemson. There's no need for Parker to pick a favorite between the two sports, at least for now.

"I love to compete and I am just going out every day and trying to get better," Parker said. "I always played two sports growing up and I am out there enjoying every opportunity."

Clemson's Kyle Parker Does It All, Except Decide His Future originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 04 May 2009 13:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clemson Assistants To Be Paid $1.8 Million; Thankfully, Not Each

Mark Hasty — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:37:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Coaching, General CFB Insanity

There is, apparently, no recession in college football. Or, if there is, it has bypassed the South Carolina uplands. Now that Dabo Swinney (right) has had his training wheels taken off, it's time for the rest of the staff to get paid accordingly. And oh boy, are they going to. Clemson will pony up $1.8 million for Dabo Swinney's staff next season.

That's staggering, even if the ACC still trails the SEC in the coaching staff arms race. Last season, only 25 of the 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams paid their head coaches $1.8 million or more. Thus, as ridiculous as head coach salaries have become, the staff adds the equivalent of yet another head coach to the overall operating expenses.

You can complain all you want, but (a) it won't do you any good, and (b) there's a very good reason why these schools will pay a staff so much.

Because they're worth it. Very few FBS programs lose money, after all.

Clemson's new defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, will get $375,000 per year. Last season there were about 25 FBS head coaches who didn't get paid that much. But again, Steele's getting that money because he's worth it. He did fine work for Alabama last season and is generally regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country. His offensive playcalling, of course, is a little questionable.

Even if these megasalaries seem excessive to us fans, we might as well get used to them. The football-industrial complex looks out for its own, and college football continues to be the cash cow that keeps many an athletic department going. The coaching bubble may burst some day, but that day sure looks like it's far off to me.

Clemson Assistants To Be Paid $1.8 Million; Thankfully, Not Each originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tajh Boyd Commits To Clemson, For Now

Ian Cohen — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:50:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, ACC, Recruiting

There's been a general outcry for the ACC to recruit more quarterbacks able to succeed on the NFL level. Otherwise, the argument goes, no other quarterbacks will want to go there, let alone top-notch wide-outs, running backs or other players via the whole trickle-down thing.

And in truth, despite the success of Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub and Philip Rivers, it has been pretty slim pickings. Maybe, until now.

Highly-touted quarterback prospect Tajh Boyd has committed to Clemson (although we've heard that one before from Boyd, who's been initially linked to both West Virginia and Tennessee). This raises a few eyebrows considering they have a new and not particularly "sexy" coach in Dabo Swinney and they were up against the likes of Oregon and Ohio State, which have repeatedly shown that their offenses are most kind to the sort of athletic marignal NFL prospect Boyd happens to be.

Boyd is the second blue-chipper on Clemson's depth chart with a worrisome injury history, as Willy Korn, once considered the obvious replacement to Cullen Harper, is coming off a surgery of his own. But for now, grabbing the MVP from the Army All-American Bowl has to be considered a coup for Swinney.

Tajh Boyd Commits To Clemson, For Now originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clemson Hires Bama's Kevin Steele As DC

Ian Cohen — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:51:00 EST

Filed under: Alabama, Clemson, ACC, SEC, Coaching

Well, at least someone from the Alabama program is having a good 2009 so far. Not to be confused with "defensive coordinator," "defensive head coach" Kevin Steele is being tabbed as the new DC at Clemson under the no-longer-interim, no-he's-not-the-new-Bill-Stewart Dabo Swinney. He will also coach the linebackers. It's a return home for the 50-year old from Dillon.

It continues Swinney's infatuation with former 'Bama coaches, and expectedly so considering his ties to the program. Sources aren't certain whether it's a significant pay raise for Steele, but if Clemson's been knowing to have deep pockets when things like this hang in the balance. Regardless of the performance in the Sugar Bowl (Steele coaches the inside LBs), it's probably a wise hire for Clemson, as its become clear that expanding further into SEC territory can only help taking into account the dearth of top-level talent in their own state.

Clemson Hires Bama's Kevin Steele As DC originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bowl Season '08: Nebraska Rides Defense to Gator Bowl Win Over Clemson, 26-21

Mark Hasty — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:47:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Nebraska, ACC, Big 12, Bowl Games

FanHouse gathers around the TV to bring you insights from Bowl Season '08.

Onyx? Anthracite? Obsidian? Nothingness? Whatever they come up with, Nebraska needs to find a color beyond black and give its defense shirts in that color. After spotting Clemson an 11-point lead, Bo Pelini's Cornhuskers got huge help from their defense in the second half while the offense almost came to life.

Joe Ganz hit on two touchdowns early in the third quarter to pull within four points, but the Huskers couldn't find the end zone again. It didn't matter. The Nebraska defense had things so clogged up in the second half they could have been sponsored by Imodium. Dabo Swinney's crew couldn't even get into field goal range until it was too late to do them any good.

A lot of Blackshirts contributed to the win, but two in particular stood out. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh's name came up about every other play, with the other half of the plays being made by his linemate Ty Steinkuhler. The real game-ending play, however, came from sophomore cornerback Eric Hagg, who dropped Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper for a 16-yard loss on 2nd and goal with about two minutes left. Wayne Larrivee didn't broadcast this game, but he would've told you that was the dagger.

The game capped off transitional years for both schools. Nebraska fans are now so in love with Bo Pelini they've almost forgotten the coach he replaced, good old What's-Him-Name-With-the-Glasses. Dabo Swinney certainly would have preferred to deliver a victory in his first bowl game, but Clemson fans also have to be pleased with how he has handled the team since midseason.

Both teams have things to work on for next season, however. Swinney's Tigers will have to figure out why their offense all but evaporated halfway through the third quarter. After scoring their third touchdown with more than ten minutes left in the third quarter, Clemson could only come up with three first downs for the rest of the game. They were all on the same drive, too. Not only couldn't the defense hold the lead, neither could the offense.

Meanwhile in Lincoln they're glad they had Alex Henery kicking for them. He was responsible for 12 of Nebraska's 26 points, including the final nine. That's a great performance by him, but counting on your kicker in the Big 12 is like bringing a seltzer bottle to a gun fight. They'll need to learn how to close and how to finish if they want to make noise next year. They'll also need to replace Joe Ganz, which might take some doing.

Still, both teams can be happy with their efforts, even if only one can be happy with the results. The fans can be happy too; this was an entertaining game that wasn't fully settled until the last two minutes. In a time of failing investments, time invested in watching the Gator Bowl paid off handsomely.

Bowl Season '08: Nebraska Rides Defense to Gator Bowl Win Over Clemson, 26-21 originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turkey Legs to Go: Gator Bowl Travel Guide, Clemson vs. Nebraska

Will Brinson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson, Nebraska, ACC, Big 12, Campus, Coaching, Fans, Bowl Games

Turkey Legs to Go is FanHouse's complete travel guide for all of the 2008-2009 college bowl games. Here, we cover the Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida), which pits Clemson against Nebraska.

Overview/Matchup: Clemson and Nebraska both come into this bowl at interesting points of their respective would-be dynasties. Obviously, Nebraska's tradition is nearly untouchable, but Bo Pelini is looking to pick up his first bowl win as head coach there. And to juice up the storyline a little bit more, Dabo Swinney, who took over the team after Tommy Bowden "resigned" midway through the season, is also looking for his first. The Tigers have a ton of momentum, beating arch-rival South Carolina to close the season, but Nebraska, winners of four straight to end the year, are coming on strong as well.

Hotels: Between its prime location (walking distance of the Jacksonville Landing shopping center, Center for the Performing Arts and the sports complex), luxurious accommodations, on-site dining and excellent service, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is easily the finest hotel in Jacksonville. On the opposite bank of the St. John's River, the Crowne Plaza Jacksonville has good proximity to the stadium, balconied guest rooms and reasonable prices. Just blocks from the Crowne Plaza, the Hampton Inn Jacksonville I-95 Central offers the same great location with rooms usually available for less than US$100 per night.

Restaurants: For fine dining try Matthew's in downtown, just south of the river. The restaurant is housed in a 1920s bank building in the San Marco district and offers an eclectic Mediterranean menu. Located a few minutes east of the stadium near Regency Square Mall, Campeche Bay Cantina is famous for homemade Mexican dishes and the best chips and salsa in town. Try the fajitas or fish tacos. For cheap dining and friendly service, bb's on Hendricks Avenue is the place to be. The restaurant is noted for its creative pizzas (including the BLT Pizza) but also offers salads, sandwiches, bistro fare and bar drinks.

Nightlife: The general nightlife scene in Jax more or less ends with the Landing -- it's close proximity to Alltel Stadium make it even more appealing to the tourist, particularly if your hotel is located within walking distance. Either way, fans should try and lock themselves into somewhere within a 20 minute cab ride of this hot spot. We do have one recommendation for the big spenders among you. Preservation Tap & Chophouse has an exquisitely stocked bar with 18 beers on tap and an extensive wine list (the succulent Angus steaks flash-broiled at 1500 F/850 C are also nice).

Turkey Legs to Go: Gator Bowl Travel Guide, Clemson vs. Nebraska originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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