NCAA Football FanHouse

Some Guy You've Never Heard Is Leaving Florida, Kind of a Big Deal

Brian Cook — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Florida Football, Wake Forest Football

Redshirt freshmen guards don't have people take their pictures, so here's Urban Meyer pointing at something.

Redshirt freshman guard James Wilson has decided that Florida isn't for him:

University of Florida offensive lineman James Wilson, a former Nease High School standout, is unhappy in Gainesville and will transfer. Wilson said Friday that he asked for a release from his scholarship but did not know which school he wants to attend.

"I've got a few schools in mind," said Wilson, who redshirted as a freshman last season after undergoing surgery on his left knee to repair loose cartilage.

"It [UF] really just wasn't for me. "[Coach] Urban [Meyer] tried to convince me to stay. I was supposed to start [in 2008] but my heart's not there anymore."

Unless you're a Florida fan who's into recruiting (or a jilted USC fan), you've probably never heard of James Wilson, but this is kind of a big loss for the Gators: Wilson was the nation's top-ranked guard a year ago and the #12 player nationally. Now he's transferring to somewhere like Wake Forest.

Recruits go busto all the time, but usually not after just one year, and offensive line is one of the few spots on Florida's team that might be something of a concern next year. Two starters are gone and would-have-been starter Phil Trautwein is returning from a stress fracture and did not play in 2007. Wilson was a sizable bullet in the chamber for Florida they no longer have.

Some Guy You've Never Heard Is Leaving Florida, Kind of a Big Deal originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wake Forest's Coaching Staff Too Good To Last

Ian Cohen — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: West Virginia Football, ACC, Big East, NCAA FB Coaching, Wake Forest Football

Look, until the year Jim Grobe takes one of those sweet jobs at, say, Arkansas or what have you with their reasonable fanbases and expectations, every offseason is going to find in the pool of candidates for open positions. Grobe is well-compensated at Wake Forest, is considered a god amongst its success-starved students and plays in a conference that's weak enough to make a BCS appearance a feasible goal any given year. But still...Arkansas!

As Virginia Tech (and as an opposite case, Virginia) has shown, one of the keys to success is being able to keep a coaching staff intact, which Grobe has accomplished quite nicely since being tabbed in 2001. He's only had one of his assistants jump ship since that time, until this past offseason when DC Dean Hood was named head coach of Eastern Kentucky and now this past week when QB coach Jeff Mullen was nabbed by West Virginia to serve as the OC under Bill Stewart. Can't say I blame him, and from the looks of things, neither does Grobe. While Wake Forest has certainly been able to make inroads in the Florida recruiting game, Wake wasn't going after Sunshine State cats like Noel Devine. And considering Wake was based out of a similar spread-option offense for the most part, even without Steve Slaton and Rich Rodriguez, I can't help but think WVU shouldn't find itself in too much disrepair, provided the school doesn't shelve the team completely until they get every last buck from Rich Rodriguez.

Wake Forest's Coaching Staff Too Good To Last originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wake Forest QB Puts The Demon In "Demon Deacons"

Brian Cook — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, NCAA FB Scandal, Wake Forest Football

Hellooooooooo Riley Skinner, quarterback of Wake Forest:

If you've ever seen that D'Angelo video where it's like "whoah pelvic cleavage", and I know you have, you have probably come to the realization that this man is not wearing any pants. It's true. He's not. With Leather has a full-body shot with humorous obstruction of the naughty bit.

Why is Riley Skinner naked? Why is the picture of Riley Skinner nekkid on the internet? How many dirtbag camo trucker hats does one naked Wake Forest quarterback need? We may never know the answers to these questions. Except the last one, the answer to which is "six."

Also this week: a running back got kicked off campus for posting that he would "blow up campus" on Facebook. Jim Grobe's head is scheduled to explode Thursday, when a starting linebacker will be arrested for running a clandestine ferret-smuggling operation.

Wake Forest QB Puts The Demon In "Demon Deacons" originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

How To Blow Your Scholarship On Facebook

Ian Cohen — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, BCS, NCAA FB Police Blotter, NCAA FB Scandal, Wake Forest Football

If you're one of the people fortunate enough to be my Facebook friend (hint, hint), you'll find that I recently changed my favorite quote to one of the most retardedly genius things RZA has ever had to say on record. Safe to say, if you've heard "Sunlight" from 8 Diagrams, you know which line I'm talking about. Now, I realize that some people who check their updates might not understand what I'm trying to convey, but at worst, they'll think I'm a fool and keep it moving. Those are the greatest risks I'm willing to take with Facebook, along with drunkenly asking girls I used to date in college to be my "friend."

The case of Wake Forest reserve RB Luke Caparelli certainly makes me feel better about my usage. As to be expected when your campus is literally gated from the rest of the community, going to WFU ain't cheap. And considering that the tragedy at Virginia Tech had Virginia turning the Commonwealth Cup battle into the football version of the Itchy and Scratchy episode where the two kiss, if I were an ACC dude, I wouldn't go in claiming what Caparelli did, even remotely as a joke. As of now, Caparelli's been dismissed from the football team, but I imagine he'll have bigger troubles on his hands soon. Observe:

A Wake Forest reserve running back has been dismissed from the team after writing on his Facebook page that he would "blow up campus." Campus police said 19-year-old Luke Caparelli posted the note on the social-networking page on Jan. 13. The note was written in third person and included a threat that Caparelli would have an Uzi submachine gun "locked and loaded in his bag."

Say word! I considered applying to Wake Forest on the strength of their promotional material positing the place as a happy family of 3,000 strong ... not to mention the fact that they give you a laptop if you enroll (true as of 1998, but still...). Eventually, I had to fall back because my parents thought that any school in the South that wasn't Virginia or Emory was filled with raving anti-Semites, but hey, my big, happy family isn't filled with people who make whiskey-soaked threats of terrorism, so maybe I wouldn't have fit in anyway.

How To Blow Your Scholarship On Facebook originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

ACC Coaches Using Razorbacks for Raises

Bill Maloney — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:48:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, SEC, BCS, Arkansas Football, Wake Forest Football

Arkansas obviously wants to make a splash with their next head coach. Instead, they've just made some ACC football coaches richer. First Butch Davis spurned his alma mater for a lucrative contract extension at North Carolina. A fruitless flirtation with Tommy Tuberville kept them looking and back in ACC Country.

Tommy Bowden almost said yes...only to stay at Clemson with the predictable contract extension. Still coachless, it appears the next thought was "if you can't have Tommy Bowden, how about hiring a coaching who actually won the ACC." Enter Jim Grobe. The Wake Forest coach seemed like the better fit. Grobe is a guy who has won at schools with limited resources. His ground-based scheme would work with the talent Houston Nutt left behind. He was ready to take the next step. Yet, you know how the story ends. Grobe left Arkansas at the alter and is staying at Wake Forest. No immediate announcement on a contract extension but I would guess that part of Wake's plea for him to stay included future compensation.

Where does Arkansas turn now? There are still a few ACC coaches they haven't called on yet. Maybe Ralph Friedgen will listen. Or perhaps Al Groh. Frank Beamer has been known to leverage rumor into dollars. As long as Arkansas keeps searching, ACC ADs need to have their checkbooks open.

ACC Coaches Using Razorbacks for Raises originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NSFMF! Looks Like Grobe is Staying Put?

Ryan Ferguson — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, SEC, Arkansas Football, Wake Forest Football

FanHouse reported last night that Jim Grobe was set to be announced as Arkansas' newest head coach, but breaking at 9:45AM ET Thursday we've received reports that Grobe apparently had a change of heart and will remain at Wake Forest. From Deacon Sports:

According to sources at Arkansas and Wake Forest, Demon Deacon head coach Jim Grobe will remain at Wake Forest. Stay tuned to DeaconSports for further developments.

HawgsIllustrated.com is in agreement: ($)

Sources told Hawgs Illustrated that Jim Grobe changed his mind late Wednesday night and decided to stay at Wake Forest. Earlier in the night Grobe had accepted an offer to take over as head coach at Arkansas.

No word yet on how, what, or why... and we have yet to receive an official announcement from Grobe himself. But it looks like Arkansas most likely will have to go back to the drawing board.

NSFMF! Looks Like Grobe is Staying Put? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Arkansas Set to Announce Jim Grobe as Head Coach, Sources Say

Ryan Ferguson — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:59:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, SEC, Arkansas Football, Wake Forest Football

From HawgsIllustrated.com ($):

Sources told Hawgs Illustrated that Jim Grobe has been hired as head football coach at Arkansas. Grobe leaves Wake Forest after seven seasons as head coach, including the 2006 season when the Demon Deacons went 11-3 and won the ACC overall championship earning a BCS berth. Grobe accepted the job and was en route to Fayetteville on Wednesday night.

Northwest Arkansas' Morning News confirmed the story.

FanHouse's Instant Analysis (tm) follows.

I view this as a solid hire for Arkansas and a good fit for all parties. Grobe is one season removed from an ACC championship and BCS bowl game appearance. He was also the AP Coach of the Year for 2006 and has a reputation for instilling discipline and molding a program in his image.

Grobe will have to compete in the hyper-competitive SEC, which has eaten and will continue to eat coaches alive. He'll be going up against Les Miles, Tommy Tuberville, and Nick Saban; should Miles' Tigers defeat Ohio State in the BCS Title game, he'll be facing two national championship coaches at programs with nearly limitless resources compared to Arkansas. His willingness to accept this position must be indicative of his desire for a challenge; he'll have that in spades in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Set to Announce Jim Grobe as Head Coach, Sources Say originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Jim Grobe And His Never-Ending Job Candidacy

Ian Cohen — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska Football, ACC, Big 12, BCS, NCAA FB Rumors, NCAA FB Coaching, Wake Forest Football

I know we all like to use college football as possible equivalents for real life situations, and considering that some people follow a coach's every move more than that of their significant other, one could see the relationship between team and coach as being corporeal. Sometimes, you go your separate ways for reasons that seem shortsighted, but ultimately are important. I realized that an ex who only had a Rod Stewart covers CD to show for her last three months of music purchases may not have been the best match for me. By the same token, Nebraska axed Frank Solich knowing that it might have been a little irrational, but ultimately, a change needed to be made on both parts. And sometimes you need to need to change things up because you can't trust the person you've committed to. See: Tommy Tuberville's possible move to ~~Texas A&M~~ god knows where. But if you've experienced the relationship equivalent of what Bill Callahan did to Nebraska, you've either been on daytime TV or you founded Dashboard Confessional.

There's reason to believe (so maybe that Rod Stewart stuff did kinda take hold) that the Nebraska opening will be treated by the media in a similar fashion that the Alabama one did last year. You know the drill: school steeped in history, but most of their success on a national level came before a time most current recruits were alive for and the expectations have not been diminished one bit from "possibly irrational. " Though it remains to be seen whether the next Nebraska coach will become so under circumstances that turn him into the next Nick Saban, but I'm sure that everyone's favorite lil' engine that could, Wake Forest's Jim Grobe, will be mentioned as if coaching in Winston-Salem couldn't possibly satisfy one of America's greatest coaches (albeit one who totally blew the game against Virginia by a: not testing the Cavs' secondary and b: not trying to improve their field position on the game-deciding field goal).

What does Grobe have to offer Nebraska? Well, thanks to the development of Riley Skinner, they've gone a little more beyond the Mouse Trap-intricate battery of run plays that never, ever work on PlayStation. But it still bears a resemblance to what a modernized triple option might look like. Moreover, Nebraska has always been known for developing walk-on talent and although Grobe has been becoming more of an impact recruiter (particularly in Florida), he didn't exactly reach the Orange Bowl with the Tom Lemming-approved. Also, Grobe has held it down at one of DI-A's most academically reputable schools, so they likely won't have to worry about Colorado-like funny business when high school kids drop by on recruiting weekends.

But once again, would Grobe accept the Nebraska job? Mind you, he was a much-bandied about candidate last year coming off the Orange Bowl win and he decided to take a relatively lucrative extension at Wake, a place where he's pretty much a god and capable of competing for a BCS bowl every single year. In spite of a tough-looking schedule to kick off the year (Nebraska wasn't in shambles yet) and a heartbreaking loss to a charmed Virginia team, Wake still ended the year 8-4 and appear headed for the Meineke Car Care Bowl, a damn-near home game. Not bad for what's considered an "off" season...and Skinner's still got two more years of eligibility, not to mention whoever becomes the halfback du jour (or whatever is French for "of the year").

So here we are again with the relationship comparisons. Grobe's current situation is like having a "7" with an awesome personality that loves you unconditionally. Do you ditch it for something that's far more sexy, but can ruin your life? Unsure what sort of buyout goes along with Grobe's contract, but here's thinking that going way outside the Cornhusker family would be a mistake for both parties.

Jim Grobe And His Never-Ending Job Candidacy originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The ACC/SEC Challenge Of November 24, 2007 (And The Winner Is...)

Ian Cohen — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:07:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, SEC, BCS, South Carolina Football, Vanderbilt Football, Wake Forest Football

The ACC gets called a lot of things as far as being a football conference, but "executioner" is most certainly not one of the most oft-used appellations. But as of this past Saturday, that's where they stood as two of its teams stood in the way of their SEC equivalents' dreams. South Carolina had fallen off with a velocity that suggests that maybe the earth is flat after all and was looking to salvage a disappointing season with a scalp against a bitter rival. And as far as Vanderbilt goes, they stood on the precipice of having their bowl bid equation fail once again. You know the math: a couple of OOC gimmes, some wins against the Mississippi schools, and odd upset here and there, voila- 6 wins and a possible postseason berth for the first time in over two decades.

Perhaps it was a minor slap on the wrist for the SEC advocates' incessant superiority complex, but Clemson and Wake Forest managed to get the job done, bolstering their bowl profiles and all but relegating USC and Vandy to December couch potatoes. Clemson, on the strength of Mark Buchholz's game-winning field goal, bested the Gamecocks by the score of 23-20 and Wake had a subtly dominating performance against the Commodores that resulted in a 31-14 victory. South Carolina, now possessing a victory that likely robs UGA of a shot of a national championship has lost five in a row and stands in grave danger of missing the bowl season altogether. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt has performed in a manner that suggests that they could likely sniff at breaking their 23-year itch in 2008, but against possible Nebraska coaching candidate Jim Grobe, they appeared overmatched.

While the Tigers appear headed to either a Gator Bowl or Chick Fil-A Bowl appearance, Wake is a primo candidate for the Meineke Car Care Bowl...which has to constitute the most overlooked 8-4 season from a school with less than 4,000 enrolled undergrads.

The ACC/SEC Challenge Of November 24, 2007 (And The Winner Is...) originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

You Can't Fade Wake Forest

Ian Cohen — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: NC State Football, ACC, BCS, Wake Forest Football

So yeah, I'm as guilty as anyone of wondering whether NC State had surpassed Wake Forest as the predominant football team in the state of North Carolina (dear lord, that feels weird to write...until you realize that ECU had played better than any other team in the state except Appalachian). The Demon Deacons were coming off a two-game losing streak that pretty much ran the gamut from heartbreaker to backbreaker, falling in the last seconds to Virginia and getting utterly decimated by Clemson, whereas NC State had righted the ship with four straight wins.

With Humanitarian and Meineke Bowl reps in attendance, Wake sent an emphatic corrective to the doubters (guilty as charged) with a convincing win over the Wolfpack, who play Maryland next week in what will most likely be a bowl elimination game. As for Wake, even with a loss against Vandy next week, the Meineke Bowl seems like a reasonable destination for a 7-5 team. Since Virginia went to the initial two (back when it was called the Continental Tire Bowl), they've selected teams in a manner that have led it to be called (by me and likely few else) the Carolina Invitational. Besides the fact that they bring a better team to the table than either Maryland or NC State (the winner likely headed to Boise), Wake won't have to worry about mobilizing their relatively tiny alumni base to put on a reasonably good show in Charlotte.

You Can't Fade Wake Forest originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Will Wake Miss Out On Bowl Season?

Ian Cohen — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:22:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, BCS, Wake Forest Football

Remember two weeks ago? At that point, the biggest surprise in the ACC was the continued success of Wake Forest, as they racked up a six-game win streak that was almost certain to continue against the overrated and vulnerable Virginia Cavaliers. Except Jim Grobe's stultifying playcalling didn't allow the Demon Deacons to take advantage of UVA's relatively weak secondary and rather than trying to gain field position during the final drive, he let the admittedly money Sam Swank boot one from 47 yards out.

I guess we can stop with the "dark horse for Jacksonville" talk after a 44-10 horsewhipping at the hands of Clemson was almost enough to make you forget the Grobe Era ever existed (granted, the last time they lost this bad was in 2004, but still...). As a matter of fact, there's worries in the Wake camp that they could miss out on bowl season altogether. Of the ACC's 12 teams, 10 are currently fighting for a possible postseason bid (only Duke and UNC have been mathematically eliminated). Wake sits at 6-4 with two games remaining, and neither is a walk. NC State, themselves fighting for one of the eight allotted bowl slots, are now 5-5 and riding a 4-game win streak. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is one win away from their first bowl since 1984 and playing at home.

In spite of the glut of bowl affiliations for the ACC, Wake probably get their stuff together if they're hoping to get out of Winston-Salem in December. All post-Orange Bowl glow aside, a 6-6 Wake Forest team will a: be coming off a 4-game losing streak and b: still be a school with one of the smallest alumni fanbases in DI-A. Then again, NC State and Vanderbilt...bowl teams can at least split this pair.

Will Wake Miss Out On Bowl Season? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wake Forest, Clemson In De facto Playoff

Bill Maloney — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:21:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, BCS, Wake Forest Football

"Survive and advance" is a cliche reserved for playoffs or tournaments. Not for the playoff-less college football. But the notion of winning and staying alive is appropriate for the Clemson-Wake Forest matchup this weekend. Both teams enter the game with two conference losses. The winner will still have a chance to catch Boston College in the standings and win the ACC Atlantic Division. The loser is done.

Of the two contenders Clemson in under much more pressure. They were one of the preseason conference favorites, have one of the most talented backfields in football and a perennially underachieving coach in Tommy Bowden.

If Clemson is facing huge expectations, Wake Forest is playing with house money. Not much was expected of the defending ACC champ, yet the plucky Deacons have proven that last year's run wasn't a fluke.

While the loser of this game has an non-descript December Bowl to look forward to, the winner will still have some work to do (this is where the survive and advance comes in). Winning this game only keeps hope alive. To clinch the division the winner will still have to run the table in ACC games. A tough task but aren't all playoffs?

Wake Forest, Clemson In De facto Playoff originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

UVA Football: Side Effects Include Liver Failure And Hair Loss

Ian Cohen — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Football, ACC, BCS, Wake Forest Football

"The most hated on outta all those who say they're hated on."- Eminem, "Business"

What did Virginia ever do to you? For whatever reason, pundits from Stewart Mandel to our own Charles Rich seem to take particular pleasure in discounting UVA wins as well as predicting UVA losses as if casting doubt on the veracity of BCS rankings is some sort of crime. And while teams like Kansas and (at one point) South Florida or Cincinnati get lauded for being upstarts, Virginia wins close game after close game after a horrid 5-7 season and yet every week serves as a chance for just about everyone other than ESPN's Mark Schlabach to announce the latest team to serve as a corrective.

So yeah- how's that close UConn win looking now? And NC State...they might be getting stuff together, right? Well, in a game few expected Virginia to pull out, Sam Swank's last-second 47 yarder went wide and the Hoos captured their NCAA record fifth win of two points or less. Might not be Mangino-like impressive, but still, it can't ALL be luck, can it? And regardless of what happens against Miami, Virginia will be playing for the ACC Coastal Divsion title against Virginia Tech on the 24th. That is, unless Virginia beats Miami and VT loses to Miami and Florida State...COULD happen, but unlikely. Then again, not much about Virginia's season has gone like it's supposed to, so who knows? All we know is that Al Groh might not necessarily make every single "worst coaches" list in the 2008 preseason (as a matter of fact, other than Chris Long, nearly every impact player returns in 2008, including 2006's leading receiver Kevin Ogletree- this team could be loaded) and they'll likely get to spend the postseason somewhere warm for once. That is, unless the bowl committees once again decide that Virginia "doesn't travel well" and take Clemson or whoever instead. Hey, we have to have some consistency, right?

UVA Football: Side Effects Include Liver Failure And Hair Loss originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wake Up - Demon Deacons Back in the Top 25

Ian Cohen — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:09:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, BCS, Wake Forest Football

"I've played the underdog my whole career/I've been a very good sport, haven't I this year?"- Kanye West, "Barry Bonds"

As much as people like to say that they like an underdog, I think there's generally a vocal faction that wants those prissy private colleges to stay losing in football. Frankly, the "you will work for us" chant (usually to the tune of the Tomahawk Chop) is that much more insulting when your boss' alma mater is whipping you in football too.

Such was the case with Wake Forest entering 2007. Despite winning the ACC, performing reasonably well against Louisville in the Orange Bowl, and bringing back a good portion of their talent, most figured that WFU's season was the result of a couple of close calls that finally went their way. So you tell me what's more surprising: the fact that they ended up in the top 25 or the fact that it took them until damn near November to get back there.

Things started in a way that seemed to confirm the Wake-as-fluke theory. There's no shame in dropping one to BC in 2007, and although the home loss to Nebraska was close, there's no way it becomes more understandable in the passing weeks. And here's the thing- although they're highly unlikely to get back to Jacksonville, we might be looking at a situation similar to Northwestern when they followed up their Rose Bowl with a respectable trip to the Citrus Bowl. It won't be easy, but Wake's schedule remains somewhat manageable at their current 6-2 clip. While UVA remains a tough out at home, as a #23-#24 matchup, it remains quite winnable. As does a home matchup with the (increasingly dangerous?) NC State Wolfpack and roadie to end the year at doppleganger Vanderbilt.

Wake Up - Demon Deacons Back in the Top 25 originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Anyone Remember Wake Forest?

Charles Rich — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: UNC Football, ACC, Wake Forest Football

Defending ACC Champion? One of the good stories in college football last year? Anyone? Ring a bell?

Well, don't look now, but the Demon Deacons, after a slow, sloppy start to the season have now won 6 straight. They've reached 6-2 and are 4-1 in the ACC. Their only losses were an opening day loss to #2 Boston College and a then ranked Nebraska the following week.

Today Wake Forest blasted North Carolina 37-10. The Demon Deacons actually had less yardage than the Tar Heels. The difference was that UNC had 3 turnovers that Wake Forest took advantage of and scored, along with a kickoff returned 98 yards for a score.

Wake is following the same system as last year. They have a solid, opportunistic defense and the offense doesn't make mistakes. They may not be able to get back to the ACC Championship game without BC losing 2 games, but the Demon Deacons are still going to finish as one of the top teams in the ACC over Florida State and likely other "name" schools in the ACC.

Anyone Remember Wake Forest? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wake Forest Conquers FSU, Then Pwns Them

Brian Cook — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State Football, ACC, Wake Forest Football

Wake Forest now has a two-game winning streak over Florida State, surprising just about everyone -- raise your hand if you ever thought you'd read the words "Wake Forest now has a two game winning streak over Florida State" -- except this guy on the Wake Forest team, who apparently did a little t-shirt redecoration before the game, then displayed his handiwork in the aftermath of Wake's 24-21 win Thursday:

(Full image at College Game Balls)

Conquered, then pwned, Florida State ain't what it used to be.

Wake Forest Conquers FSU, Then Pwns Them originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Second Half Live Blog: Florida State @ Wake Forest

Brian Grummell — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:55:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State Football, ACC, Wake Forest Football

FSU @ Wake Forest | 1st Half | 2nd Half

Welcome back.

Be sure to check out Lou Holtz's "pep talk" at halftime to get a good laugh.

In the meantime, Florida State leads Wake Forest 14-7 in a sloppy, no-offense first half. The first quarter was a mess but the second quarter saw both teams come alive on both sides of the ball a little bit more.

Lou's rule: "you're either growing or you're dying" which explains why he's working ESPN and not on the golf courses until his final days. His critics don't understand that about him. Fairly subdued speech from him this week. I don't blame him, it's hard to find much chip on the shoulder stuff to say to a number one team.

Live Blog after the jump . . .

9:43 - Wake does little with its first possession of the second half, leading to a punt. Oy . . .

9:45 - Imbalance? Xavier Lee had 25 first half pass attempts. It might just work, he needs live throwing reps if he's to improve.

9:56 - Things are getting a little hankie-happy right now. Hard to play football with all the flags on the field.

9:59 - Aaaaand Skinner tosses the interception after some nice completion. ESPN's been harping that the Wake coaches have been deeply worried about plays like that. Here's where we see whether their grave concerns are warranted.

10:07 - FSU's defense is really starting to assert itself here as Wake gets into a bunch of down and long situations.

10:10 - Florida State's lazy offense finally catches up with them. Jump balls anywhere outside of say, 10 yards tend to be trouble. Interception in the end zone. Wake still has life here.

10:13 - Big play for Wake there to get past midfield on third and eight, a simple dump off to Andrews after a quick scramble. Andrews does the rest while picking up a nice block that absolutely leveled FSU safety Roger Williams.

10:18 - After playing the frosh most of the game, Wake's hammering away with senior Micah Andrews now and he's making a big impact in the run game.

10:21 - Touchdown on a nice misdirection pass there. Fantastic drive for Wake going back to the base offense to even this thing up. Wake Forest 14 - Florida State 14

10:26 - Game-changing punt return touchdown there for Wake, but flags. Going back! Fantastic defensive series to set up the punt though. Wake's coaches have come up with some great calls in the last few minutes.

10:29 - End of the third quarter. This thing's gradually become a compelling game as we now head to the final, deciding quarter.

10:41 - Huge interception by Florida State there, Wake had a man open but Riley Skinner floated that thing just a little too long and the safety was able to swoop over and get in front of the ball. Florida State ball. Drew Weatherford's now in the game. I'm fairly certain this is a bad decision.

10:47 - Combined punts tonight: 16 (so far)

10:48 - Fowler: "Who is going to make the mistake first in this game? Whoever does is probably going to lose it" That's the crappy way to play football. It wins you a lot of games, but it's garbage. Herm Edwards is right, you play to win the game. But, I mean, it's not really a game anymore and the product ends up being crap when that's the overriding mentality on both sides of the ball. It's nothing more than a silly challenge akin to a staring contest. Whether you win or lose it's completely unfulfilling.

One reason college football is so vastly superior to the NFL is that this mentality doesn't permeate the game. There's variety and an understanding that mistakes, however much you try to prevent them, are going to happen with young men out there working on just 20 hours of practice.

The more college teams edge towards that style, the less interesting a game becomes and the more disappointed I get. I can see some of that in this game, but it's clear both sides are still angling to make - or at least set up - some more big plays here. Let's hope they keep working at it.

10:55 - There's the big play. After a brief scramble as the pocked collapsed, Skinner found Kenny Moore wide-open on a well designed play. Thanks for the non-replay ESPN! Wake Forest 21 - Florida State 14

11:00 - Amazing interception by Wake Forest! Florida State got burned for the second time tonight trying to throw those ridiculous downfield jump balls. Carr mistimed the catch and his defender just barely tipped it. The deflection went right into the hands of another nearby defender. The other FSU receiver might have been able to make a play on that as well, but it's Wake ball instead. That's huge as Wake now has the ball with less than six minutes remaining.

11:02 - Wake Forest has 170 rush yards tonight, but 83 of those were on the long touchdown earlier in the game. Riley Skinner's been effective moving around the pocket and hitting timely passes tonight to bring additional offense. This is a momentary flashback of last year, no?

11:06 - This may seal FSU's fate. On a third and ten, Wake waves the white flag and calls an inside handoff, but the FSU defender rips the facemask to draw a 15-yard penalty and give Wake another first down. Geeeeeeesh. Wake only has to ice 2:45 (and counting now).

11:10 - Third and one, 1:49 left, ball just inside the FSU 30 . . . handoff to Andrews for a loss. FSU calls the time-out with 1:44 left and Wake's much-hyped kicker Sam Swank is walking out.

11:12 - NAILED IT! Swank had plenty of room on that thing, right down the middle. Heh, he fell a little bit on the follow-through and gets chest-bumps heading to the sideline. Wake Forest 24 - Florida State 14 with 1:40 left. Nice ESPN stat there: Wake has outscored FSU 17-0 in the second half.

11:14 - Scary thought: how bad will FSU's offense be once Greg Carr graduates? Or will they adjust and ditch that crutch?

11:17 - Alphonso Smith very nearly had his fourth interception return for touchdown there but he dropped it. That would have been a new NCAA record. Next play: Xavier Lee's pass is deflected and he catches it instead of batting it down forcing FSU to call another timeout. What a disastrous final drive here. Lee with a nice downfield pass there to Carr on third and 17. He shows flashes, but not consistency.

11:20 - Man, Xavier Lee suddenly looks great on the tail end of this drive, avoiding several sacks and hitting some difficult passes off-balance.

11:21 - Touchdown FSU on the Lee scramble for over 20 yards. Yet another sack avoided. Man he's become a revalation once the pressure's off. What a weird career. Time left: 17 seconds. Wake Forest 24 - Florida State 21

11:23 - The wonders never cease, FSU has two kickers on the field. I noticed that in the sideline huddle, shook my head and said noooooo. But, it's legit.

11:25 - Wake recovers, game (effectively) over.

11:26 - ESPN graphic: "Bobby Bowden: First loss in Winston-Salem" As a neutral observer that's kind of painful to see . . .

Second Half Live Blog: Florida State @ Wake Forest originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

First Half Live Blog: Florida State @ Wake Forest

Brian Grummell — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State Football, ACC, Wake Forest Football

FSU @ Wake Forest | 1st Half | 2nd Half

I'll be honest with you: the teams playing tonight aren't all that interesting. I could tell you that Florida State's got its groove back, but that won't cut it. I could tell you that Wake Forest just ain't an ACC Championship contender this year, but that would be sad. So what if I were to remind you that Wake Forest did the unimaginable last year in:

1)Beating Florida State
2)At the Doak
3)By scoring 30 points and . . .
4)Pitching a shutout

You don't think that's on the mind of both teams? I hate the phrase but it's relevant here: pride match.

Tune in and watch with me or watch whatever else is on TV tonight and be near the computer reading this to keep tabs when this thing gets interesting.

LIVE BLOG starts at 7:30 Eastern

Vitals, TV Info, Notes and Live Blog after the jump . . .

Vitals

- Florida State @ Wake Forest
- TV 7:30 Eastern, ESPN
- Florida State is favored by 6

Phil Steele Facts (Florida State): LY was the 1st timethat FSU lost to WF S'73 (only 3rd time in the series 25 gms) & it also marked the 1st time in B. Bowden's 31 yrs as FSU's HC he was shutout at home.

Phil Steele Facts (Wake Forest): LY's shutout vs FSU was WF's 1st S/'02 & 1st on the road vs a IA opp S/'76 (KSU). WF's 30 pt win LY was the 3rd largest margin of victory under Grobe in an ACC gm.

* * * * *
Pregame Notes (Continuously Updated)

. . . Worth tuning into ESPN at halftime for: the next installation in Lou Holtz's increasingly hilarious halftime pep talks. Last week he did magic tricks and lambasted people who read the comics and editorials as people who can't read and can't think . . . Wake fan is predicting a 24-20 defeat . . . Rumors to his demise are greatly exaggerated: Florida State quarterback Xavier Lee was rumored to have gone AWOL earlier this week. That matter has been cleared up as he missed practice after a meeting with a teacher ran long. With few truly interesting storylines here expect ESPN to overkill on pregame coverage of this non-event . . . FSU is just 2-2 in its last four Thursday night games . . . Wake has rushed for 169 and 247 yards the last two meetings against Florida State . . . Oh geez, corn alert, ESPN's hosts are going with hard hats to convey the "Under Construction" theme at Wake Forest with both its team and stadium . . . Lou's Pep Talk will feature the LSU - Kentucky game . . .

7:49 - Three and out for Florida State on its first offensive possession. I imagine they don't want this to become a pattern tonight. In their five games this year Florida State has recorded 8, 24, 10, 15 and 19 first downs.

8:52 - Bad break for Florida State here. They recovered that punt after contact with a Wake Forest player. Wait, uh? They ruled it a fumble, and a penalty on Wake, re-kick. Bobby Bowden and Chuck Amato just offered unintentional comedy reacting to that decision.

8:55 - This is taking a while. Doug Flutie on the delay: "this is one of those construction projects that will take two weeks".

8:56 - Now we're under review. Yes, please leave it up to the professionals. Commercial break time.

9:00 - We finally have a decision, maybe? Wait, 4th down? I guess we're punting again. Ok I see it now, ball hit a Florida State player first which maybe should have downed it? Oy . . . Nevermind, first down Florida State. Whatever.

9:04 - Well, Florida State got itself right back into another third and long situation. Punt time again. Wheeeee!

9:05 - Anyone have a BoneFish Grill near them? That Applebees commercial with the "Dynamite Shrimp" reminds me of BoneFish's tremendously delicious BangBang Shrimp appetizer.

9:16 - Punt. Punt. Punt. This is what I dreaded tonight. Well nevermind, Florida State just blocked the Wake punt! Ball well inside the 25.

But wait! Florida State fumbled its return and Wake recovered, fresh set of downs. Oh my Lord is this a sloppy game.

That's like an old lady grabbing the purse right back from the thief that took it from her. Of course, this requires another conference by the officials. At least Craig James isn't acting all loopy tonight.

9:22 - I've had an ongoing discussion the last few Saturdays with my colleague Charles Rich. I've said the Pac-10 officials are by far the worst in college football (with or without last year's Oregon debacle). He says it's the Big East. Well, tonight's officiating performance is giving weight to his argument.

9:27 - Sweet overhead camera angle as Florida State lines up from its one yard line on second and ten. Great protection for Lee but the downfield pass falls innocently incomplete.

9:29 - The strength of being 6'-6" for a guy like FSU receiver Greg Carr: there's a lot of you to push defensive backs around or jump over them. The weakness of being 6'-6" for a guy like FSU receiver Greg Carr: there's a lot of you to grab and tackle on short pass attempts. Those one yard completions must annoy the hell out of FSU fans.

9:33 - Fuuuumbleeee! Well, incomplete pass, very close to a backwards pass there. Wake's jumping a lot of Florida State's short stuff. Overthrow on third and 10 the very next play, end of the scoreless first quarter. Woooo ooooo!

9:41 - Positive yardage and first downs finally for both teams. Bonus points for Wake's first and 20 pass that oes for 24 to who else but Kenny Moore.

9:47 - I can't help but wonder if Florida State fans ask to themselves at night: "What would Charlie Ward do?" Or Jimmy Buffett (a Southern Miss alum, but roll with me here).

9:50 - Let's get interactive here: which team will score first (field goal, touchdown, whatever)? ? ? Chris Fowler just called this an offensive pillow fight. Nice.

9:53 - We've got our answer ! ! ! Wake Forest strikes first on a 83-yard rush by redshirt freshman Josh Adams. Attaboy, Josh! THAT is why I'm a fan of the Wake Forest offense. Receivers in motion everywhere, Adams gets the inside handoff, finds a lane, bounces outside and outraces the Seminole secondary to do the rest. Stellar. Wake Forest 7 - Florida State 0

9:58 - Broken play long gain there for FSU. Xavier Carter's athleticism helped avoid a sure sack and let the offense off the hook there. Ball and the first down inside the 7.

10:00 - Remember what I said about Greg Carr earlier? Yeah . . . well that pass went for negative one yards. No worries though, as Lee absolutely rockets that touchdown pass to Preston Parker in the middle of the field. That was a freaking rocket, and the announcers have the same reaction I do. Florida State 7 - Wake Forest 7

10:02 - Hopefully this burst of scoring helps each offense relax a little. There still hasn't been anything resembling a sustained drive tonight, but broken plays for Florida State and a well-designed long run for Wake have both teams on the scoreboard which is a good start.

10:05 - Great speed rush by FSU's Everette Brown for the sack on first down. He's made a solid impact this year, maybe our own Michael David Smith might mention him in a draft writeup?

10:08 - Xavier Lee remains so very raw. He's asked to complete a out of across-the-field out routes which are difficult but he hits them at a far lower rate than most.

10:09 - Lee just fumbled the shotgun snap there on his own 19, Wake Forest ball. Bo Schembechler would call this a "sudden change".

10:10 - And Wake fumbles it right back. There ain't mud on the field but there might as well be as this is a slop fest. Let's try this again . . .

10:11 - That's just r i d i c u l o u s. Lee just badly underthrew what amounts to a jump ball to Carr who hauled it down to about the Wake 25. The Jeff Bowden offense has never left. The play worked, but that's still garbage.

10:13 - Back of the end zone jump ball, Greg Carr goes up and grabs it. That's a touchdown, folks. Well covered, but Carr's just got a knack on those plays. Florida State 14 - Wake Forest 7 with 0:43 remaining in the half.

This is your reminder to stop by the Second Half Live Blog, I'll have some content up in a few minutes.

10:17 - Huge penalty against Brown there for helmet to helmet contact gives Wake 15 yards and ball to the FSU 40. Luckily Wake just wasted a boatload of clock, working it down to :07 left before calling a timeout.

First Half Live Blog: Florida State @ Wake Forest originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Early Scares Aplenty in College Football

Brian Grummell — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska Football, Ohio State Football, West Virginia Football, Akron Football, Marshall Football, Wake Forest Football

Today's a big day in college football with most of the marquee games later tonight. However, several underdogs are making it a compelling early afternoon.

Akron trails Ohio State 3-2 on the strength of an early safety and three Buckeye turnovers.

West Virginia just scored a touchdown to go up 20-16 against Marshall in the third quarter. Steve Slaton has been kept under wraps most of the day, allowing Marshall to capitalize on some West Virginia defensive mistakes and lead for most of the game.

Elsewhere, Wake Forest leads Nebraska 10 to 6 late in the second quarter. Sam Keller has been a bit erratic for the Cornhuskers and for the most part, tailback Marlon Lucky has been held in check. After a disappointing defeat last weekend against Boston College, Wake has put together a more complete game today.

Stay tuned!

Early Scares Aplenty in College Football originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Can Anyone In The ACC Play Quarterback?

Ian Cohen — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:18:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State Football, Maryland Football, Miami Football, NC State Football, Virginia Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS, Duke Football, Wake Forest Football

You'll remember that Boston College's Matt Ryan was named ACC Preseason Player of the Year despite not being anything more than the most jet black of darkhorses in terms of Heisman candidacy. But if QB is indeed the most important position on the field, it's only taken one week for Ryan to prove his worth, as he is in a tiny fraternity of ACC signal callers who actually earned their starting gig next for this upcoming Saturday. And it doesn't look like that might change any time soon.

Let's take a look at a rather large sampling of conference QB controversies/fiascoes/injury problems to illustrate what I thought last year: ACC defenses might not have racked up those impressive numbers strictly on their own talent...
Virginia: Man, remember that field goal that the Cavaliers got right before half time against Wyoming? Or, more to the point: how could you forget? That represents the sum total of Virginia's scoring in their last three road contests, divvying out to a robust 1 ppg. That won't get you very far even in the World Cup. As such, there are second thoughts as to whether Jameel Sewell is truly capable of leading the Virginia offense into the Paleozoic Era, let alone the 2007 season and beyond, to the point where vaunted freshman Pete Lalich had his redshirt turned into cinders for three minutes plus of garbage time.

Miami: We've been here before. Like, one week ago. Yeah, yeah 31-3 win and all against Marshall, but Kirby Freeman didn't exactly play in a manner that made him look that much more appealing than a handoff robot (or Kyle Wright at the very least). The stats: 9-21, 84 yds., 1 TD, 1 INT. More importantly, Graig Cooper and Javarris James combined for 215 yards on 26 carries, so until Freeman actively costs the Canes a game, he might be the choice for Randy Shannon.

Wake Forest: Even before Riley Skinner suffered a separated shoulder that will keep him out of the upcoming tilt with Nebraska, he was already good for a Half Henig (3 INT's) against Boston College. In what seems like a yearly ritual, injuries will cause Jim Grobe to work some magic on the offensive end.

Florida State: We've been here before. Like, one week ago. It looked like Xavier Lee was making strides in the offseason, but Drew Weatherford got the nod against Clemson and responded with five sacks taken and a 50% completion rate. For Jeff Bowden, that might be it in terms of vindication for the rest of his life.

NC State: Harrison Beck takes over for Daniel Evans after a valiant, if futile effort in trying to avoid an inaugural loss against Central Florida (yikes) for Tom O'Brien.

Duke: Look, say what you will about the team, but last season, Thaddeus Lewis set school records for freshman passing yards and was the last QB in DI-A to throw an INT (really!). Against UConn, he threw three picks and was eventually pulled for academic scofflaw Zack Asack, returning from a year hiatus after plagiarism accusations. Keep your head up, Josh Portis!

Virginia Tech: I'm not discounting East Carolina; after playing VT tough in week one and beasting out on NC State and Virginia last season, they might as well be a probationary ACC team. But while Sean Glennon's completion percentage (66%) was impressive, the Hokie offense didn't answer a whole lot of lingering questions from last season in its 17-7. Just remember: behind Glennon are Ike Whitaker and blue-chip Tidewater recruit Tyrod Taylor.

Maryland: Jordan Steffy left with cramps against Villanova and looked pretty impressive (unfortunately, all "well, it was against a 1-AA team" rationalizations are mothballed for now), but former super-recruit Josh Portis is out for the year after cheating on a quiz...and his mom couldn't save him this time.

Most shocking of all? Those that weren't included: UNC (last year's starter was moved to WR), Clemson (supposedly trotting out a placeholder for Willy Korn) and Georgia Tech (I don't care if it's Reggie Ball...what's it say that Taylor Bennett never managed to supplant him).

Can Anyone In The ACC Play Quarterback? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments