NCAA Football FanHouse

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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Oklahoma State football offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer is seen in Stillwater, Okla., Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. With the Cowboys facing fourth-and-1 on their very first drive against the nation's stingiest rush defense, coach Mike Gundy made a quick decision--so fast that he seemed to catch Texas off guard--and told his offense to go for it. "We knew possessions were going to be key, and we didn't want to turn it over if there was a gettable fourth down or we felt like we had a play loaded up that would fit," Brewer said. "We wanted to play fast." (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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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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ACC Notebook: Hokies, Heels Look to Bounce Back

Jim Henry — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Duke Football, Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia Tech, ACC

Both Virginia Tech and North Carolina want to move forward Thursday night following difficult losses. One of the two will be disappointed.

The No. 14 Hokies (5-2 overall, 3-1 ACC) say they are no longer stewing over their 28-23 loss at Georgia Tech on Oct. 17, despite the lingering chatter about the Yellow Jackets' chop-blocking techniques and how Virginia Tech no longer controls its destiny in the ACC's Coastal Division.

UNC is coming off a tough loss, too. Playing its first Thursday night home game a week ago, the Tar Heels led Florida State 24-6 after halftime and then fell apart, losing 30-27. The Seminoles had 285 of their 395 passing yards in the second half to keep the Tar Heels (4-3, 0-3) winless in the ACC.

"I thought we were over Georgia Tech last week," Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said.

"We played hard. They made some great plays. They've got some great players. We didn't quite play as well as we needed to and lost. ... I think our coaches and players put that loss behind us and moved on. We'll see (Thursday night)."

A national television audience and fans at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., should see a tussle over the running game.

UNC has the second-best rushing defense in the league (102.6 yards per game) and allowed only 48 yards to FSU. Virginia Tech, led by Ryan Williams and Josh Oglesby, is second in rushing offense (203.7 ypg).

The Hokies are also looking for consistency on defense after being scorched for 309 rushing yards by Georgia Tech. The defense has already allowed 12 rushes of 20 yards or longer, nearly matching last year's season total (14).

"They know I am not happy," Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. "That's unacceptable around here. For us to have the type of team we need to down the stretch, we've got to play great defense."

As far as the league's pecking order, Virginia Tech needs help if it's going to make a third consecutive appearance in the ACC championship game. The Hokies must win their four remaining conference games and have No. 11 Georgia Tech lose to either Wake Forest or Duke.

"There's a lot of football to be played," Beamer said.

"You've got your BCS standings. You've got your conference situation, and there's just a lot of football to be played. What we can control is how we prepare and how we play against North Carolina. So that's the key thing for us right now, to put all our efforts toward North Carolina."

UNC, meanwhile, now must scramble just to make the postseason. With games at the Hokies, Boston College and N.C. State, as well as home games against Duke and No. 18 Miami, it looks like a tall order.

HOME SWEET HOME?

Over its last six home games, Florida State is an embarrassing 1-5. The only victory came against Jacksonville State in September when the Seminoles scored twice in the closing minutes to survive.

FSU hopes to change its luck Saturday against struggling North Carolina State.

"We've been a mistake-prone football team," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said.

"We've been making just enough errors to get yourself beat. We play close and then we either win it or lose it in the last three minutes. The game we won was that way. I think everybody would rather play at home. It's just that it hasn't happened. And it needs to happen."

Yes it does, especially if the Seminoles want to remain in contention for the ACC championship.

Say what?

It might be a pipe dream, considering FSU's schizophrenic play, but the Seminoles need to win their remaining league games against N.C. State, Wake Forest, Clemson and Maryland to finish 4-1 in the Atlantic Division (and 4-3 overall in the ACC).

If that somehow happens and Boston College losses to either Virginia, North Carolina or Maryland in November, the Seminoles would land in the ACC title game in Tampa, Fla.

When asked if the Seminoles' dramatic comeback victory at UNC last Thursday could turn around the Seminoles' season, Bowden said, "Well, the answer to that is, yes it can. But the question is, will it?

"Did BYU (victory) turn things around? No. We had a great doggone ballgame and then the next week got beat -- and lost, what, three in a row? Is it going to have that effect? It could, but nothing's a guarantee. So we're just going to see what happens."

HOT STREAK

The Duke Blue Devils (4-3, 2-1) haven't played in a bowl since the 1995 Hall of Fame Bowl. And they haven't even come close to bowl eligibility since that trip to Tampa.

Well, the Blue Devils have won two straight ACC games for the first time since 1994 and will try to go for three in a row Saturday at Virginia.

Duke needs three wins in its remaining five games to earn bowl status since its win over North Carolina Central, which is transitioning to FCS status, doesn't count in the postseason picture.

Duke coach David Cutcliffe, a positive chap, is certainly enjoying the journey.

"It's week nine of college football and it keeps getting more intense, and I think probably more fun for everybody -- players, coaches, fans and media," he said.

"All of these games get bigger and bigger and bigger."

MIND BOGGLING

Boston College Frank Spaziani was surprised when running back Josh Haden and quarterback Justin Tuggle informed him earlier this week of their plans to leave the program and transfer.

Tuggle started the first two games of the season and helped lead the Eagles to easy victories. But he struggled in a 25-7 loss to Clemson, completing just 4 of 20 passes for 23 yards. Tuggle was intercepted three times and sacked three times. He slipped on the depth chart to No. 3 and then No. 3 with Dave Shinskie and Mike Marscovetra ahead of him.

Haden, whose older brother Joe is a starting cornerback for the top-ranked Florida Gators, started 13 career games and gained 479 yards. Haden, however, has been slowed by an ankle injury and saw his playing time diminish with the emergence of Montel Harris, who turned in a 264-yard, five-touchdown effort in a win over North Carolina earlier this month.

"The timing is tough," Spaziani said.

"As to what was on their minds, I don't know. Who can figure out what is in the minds of 19- or 20-year-olds sometimes.''

ACC Notebook: Hokies, Heels Look to Bounce Back originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: Hokies Can't Let Up

Jim Henry — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Duke Football, Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia Tech, ACC

Virginia Tech travels to Georgia Tech on Saturday in what may be the biggest hurdle left on the Hokies' regular season schedule. The fourth-ranked Hokies are in prime position to be in the national title race with some help. They will also virtually wrap up the ACC Coastal Division with a win in Atlanta.

Of course, this isn't expected to be a walk in the park for Tech either.

The Yellow Jackets, who have won three straight, present a unique challenge to the Virginia Tech defense behind their triple-option. Over the last three games, Georgia Tech has averaged 472.3 yards of total offense. The Hokies, always strong on defense and special teams, appear to be finally clicking on all cylinders now that quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running back Ryan Williams are propelling the offense.

The game will feature the top three rushers in the ACC -- Williams and the Yellow Jackets' running back Jonathan Dwyer and quarterback Josh Nesbitt, who has rushed more than 20 times in each of Tech's last three games.

"Historically, you know that they're going to be strong defensively and in special teams," Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said.

"But, offensively they've played well, scoring a lot of points and racking up a bunch of yards. They have a very athletic quarterback, their tailback is a great player, they have a veteran offensive line and an experienced tight end and they're very well coached. They are just a good team and usually good teams get better as the season goes on."

Virginia Tech has won five straight games after a season-opening loss to Alabama in the Georgia Dome. The Hokies whipped visiting Boston College, 48-14, last Saturday in a rematch of the last two ACC championship games. Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer is extremely wary of the Yellow Jackets' triple option.

"They are more advanced this year," Beamer said.

"This is the second year they have been in it. They don't turn the ball over very much, and they keep it in the quarterback's hands a lot. But I just think, overall, they are more advanced. It can work both ways, I think the fact that it is different from what you see on a normal basis, makes it very difficult to prepare for in four or five days."

BACK ON THE BUMP

Dave Shinskie will start at quarterback for Boston College in Saturday's home date against North Carolina State at Alumni Stadium. But how long will he play?

Shinskie is still trying to get past last Saturday Virginia Tech loss in which he completed 1 of 12 passes for 2 yards and threw two interceptions. Shinskie told The Boston Globe that he is moving on -- or making the attempt.

"I've been through bad losses," said Shinskie, who played professional baseball before switching careers this past summer.

"It's almost going out in the first inning of a baseball game and giving up nine runs. Your ERA is going to be high. You have to come back throw nine strong innings and hold them scoreless the next time. You've got to put it behind you. You have to do it or you're not going to make it."

STAYING OR GOING?

Bobby Bowden is sticking to his guns. Sort of.

Florida State's legendary coach went on a nationally televised show on Tuesday night and said he was "strongly leaning" toward returning for the 2010 football season. When pressed by the media about the comment following the Seminoles' practice on Wednesday, Bowden said, "If that's what I said, that's what I meant."

Bowden, called to step down at season's end by the university's board of trustees chairman, is under a one year-contract that will be reviewed by the FSU administration at the end of the season.

Last week, Bowden, under fire for the Seminoles' 2-4 start, went on various radio and television shows and said that he would make a decision after the season. He has since softened that stance.

In his Sunday news conference, Bowden said, "I think it's my decision. I think it is" when asked who had the ultimate decision -- Bowden or the FSU administration? -- concerning his future.

FSU has a contract with offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher that names him the head coach by Jan. 2011 or pays him $5 million.

STREAKING

Duke's 49-28 thrashing of host North Carolina State on Saturday was a big win. How big?

The last time Duke won in Carter-Finley was 1984. None of the current Blue Devils were born yet and Duke head coach David Cutcliffe was a 35-year old tight ends coach at Tennessee.

The victory ended an eight-game ACC losing streak, an 11-game slide against the Wolfpack and a 20-game road losing streak in the ACC.

"Everyone wants to talk about streaks," said Cutcliffe, whose Blue Devils are off Saturday. "I don't talk about streaks very often. We just try to take it one game at a time because so many of those streaks are negative in our regard."

STRICTLY BUSINESS

N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien, the former head coach at Boston College, returns to Beantown Saturday. Don't expect O'Brien to get all warm and fuzzy about seeing close friends. When asked if he had anything he wanted to do while in Boston, O'Brien answered:

"Win a football game. I'm telling my players it's a business trip. I'm not going up there for a social."

ACC Notebook: Hokies Can't Let Up originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Relief for Bowden in Stinging Loss

Jim Henry — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:15:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Georgia Tech, ACC

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Sweet Ol' Bobby.

Bobby Bowden, who turns 80 years old in less than a month, once uttered that fans call him "Sweet Ol' Bobby" when he's winning. When he's losing? They just abbreviate it to "Ol' Bobby." Well, Ol' Bobby has to live with another frustrating loss and criticism for the next 12 days.

In an ACC shootout that featured dynamic offense and dismal defense -- and ended early Sunday morning due to a 78-minute weather delay -- No. 22 Georgia Tech beat FSU 49-44.

Despite churning out 539 yards of total offense -- 403 yards and five touchdowns in the first half -- the reeling Seminoles dropped their third consecutive game and surely kept frowns on the faces of divided boosters, school administrators, trustees and students over Bowden's status.

Bowden and the Seminoles, who have lost five of their last six home games, entered Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday night locked arm-in-arm in a sign of solidarity. It was an emotional entrance that drew many in the stands to their feet.

"There's been too much about me and the kids kind of made an issue about it Friday night," Bowden said. "There was too much 'to do' about my welfare. I think the critics will keep criticizing. The good folks won't."

While some dissident students on Facebook called for a "Black Out Doak for Change," encouraging fans to wear black to the game to emphasize their sentiments that it's time for Bowden to leave the very field named after him, those in black were few and far between in the crowd of 76,292.

Everyone, in any color, was drained by the time the clock struck 12:45 AM.

In the end, FSU couldn't contain the Yellow Jackets' triple-option, which totaled 532 yards (401 rushing), six rushing touchdowns and methodically wore down the Seminoles in the second half. After FSU pulled within five points at the 4:14 mark in the fourth quarter, Georgia Tech recovered a Seminole onside kick and ran out the clock.

The Yellow Jackets outscored FSU 21-9 in the final 30 minutes after they trailed 35-28 at the half.

The teams combined for 1,071 yards of total offense, 93 points and 51 first downs. Looking for big plays? Pull up a seat.

The Yellow Jackets had scores of 69 yards (rushing) and 73 yards (passing). Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt led all rushers with 140 yards on 27 attempts. He scored three rushing touchdowns. Nesbitt added 131 passing yards and a touchdown on 4-of-8 pass attempts. Joining the rush party was Jonathan Dwyer, who had 102 yards and two touchdowns on 14 attempts. Anthony Allen added 81 yards on just four rushes.

Across the way, FSU quarterback Christian Ponder passed for a career-high 359 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 18-of-21 passes in the first half for 267 yards and four touchdowns. Jermaine Thomas contributed 105 rushing yards and a touchdown. Taiwan Easterling had 104 receiving yards on five receptions.

Mother Nature had the best defense, forcing both teams into the locker room for more than an hour midway in the first quarter under the threat of lightning and severe weather. When they returned, ho-hum, it was off to the races -- a combined nine possessions resulted in nine touchdowns.

Time to exhale for FSU fans, though, and face the somber reality in these parts.

It was another disappointing defeat for the iconic Bowden, who has suffered just one losing season in 33 years at FSU but has come under fire for mediocrity for much of this decade. FSU tumbled to 2-4 overall and, at 0-3 in the ACC, is one of three in the 12-team league without a conference victory.

The Seminoles, who had never lost to the Yellow Jackets in six previous home games, will look to regroup for their road date at North Carolina (4-2, 0-2) on ESPN Oct. 22.

"We simply could not stop them," Bowden said. "We had to score every possession, they did it and we didn't."

It was the most points the Seminoles have allowed at home since a 49-27 loss to No. 1 Miami in 2001. It was also the most rushing yards since Bo Jackson and the Auburn Tigers piled up 413 in 1985.

Of course, Bowden's future is expected to continue to dominate discussions.

This past week, Board of Trustees chairman Jim Smith called for Bowden to retire at season's end following a loss at Boston College. The FSU administration also said last week that Bowden's coaching future will be decided at the end of the season.

The hometown newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat, said it was time for Bowden to step down. State newspapers such as the Pensacola News-Journal and the Palm-Beach Post published editorials that called for the veteran coach to retire at the conclusion of this season.

Bowden, meanwhile, has rejected the retirement overtures and repeated this week he will evaluate his performance when the time comes.

The firestorm of public opinion involving Bowden has been passionate.

One side believes mediocrity is acceptable. That's what some students and young boosters at FSU are saying about the Seminoles' football program for its insistence to allow Bowden to continue to coach. No mas; they are mad at Bowden, ranked second in career victories among major college coaches, and want him to skedaddle under any circumstance but have resigned themselves it won't happen any time soon.

Older alumni are probably more focused on the image and heritage of of the university, pointing out that Bowden is an integral part of that history. They want Bowden to leave, too -- probably sooner than later -- but they don't want him to leave mad under any circumstance.

That's the kicker, wide right aside.

It's as if nearly everyone associated with FSU entered this weekend mad as Hades.

Some are mad that Jim Smith went public last Sunday and said he wanted Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Some are mad at FSU President T.K. Wetherell, a self-proclaimed ally of Bowden, for not nudging Bowden into retirement years ago and instead in 2007 designing a succession plan that calls for Bowden to retire after the 2010 season.

Some are mad at Athletics Director Randy Spetman, who has acknowledged most e-mails coming to his office have not been supportive of Bowden, simply because he hasn't done enough either as an administrator.

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Some are mad at the Seminole boosters for not getting involved in the fracas. Some are mad at the entire coaching staff for being so dysfunctional despite its claims of harmony. Some are mad at the players for showings such as Saturday's effort that saw the team squander an outstanding offensive performance.

Some are mad the controversy is ruining fund raising and have indicated they will keep their checkbooks closed until a coaching change is made. Some are mad this mess is ruining recruiting and shoving FSU even farther behind state rivals Florida, Miami and, oh my gosh, South Florida, which stunned the Seminoles earlier this season behind a hometown quarterback that the Seminoles didn't actively recruit.

Let's also keep in mind that Bowden has supporters in his corner, too. They are mad the venerable coach is being mistreated and believe he has earned the right to step away on his own terms.

Regardless of feelings and what's being debated publicly, Bowden's currently reviewing two options concerning his future: Resign at season's end with a lucrative buyout or return for a final season in 2010 and give offensive coordinator/head-coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher full control of the program.

Fisher's present contract calls for the school to pay him $5 million if he is not the head coach by January 2011. Bowden makes $2.5 million annually, a tad more than half of the staff's $4.88 million cumulative salary.

Bowden, whose only losing season at FSU was his first in 1976, when he was paid round $45,000 annually, is in obvious danger of finishing below .500.

Would that be enough for Bowden to make the decision on his own to step away? He has always promised that he couldn't stomach mediocrity and losing. But is there more than meets the eye? Is that about pride? Money? Old-age stubbornness?

FSU has two remaining home games -- Oct. 31 against North Carolina State and Nov. 21 against Maryland -- and closes its regular season at Florida on Nov. 28. When asked what he would consider a successful season, Bowden replied, "To me ... win the rest of my games. It won't satisfy everybody but that's the best I can do right now. You know. The way we're playing, you got a long way to go."

What do you think it's going to be by Thanksgiving?

Sweet Ol' Bobby.

Or Ol' Bobby.

No Relief for Bowden in Stinging Loss originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FSU-Georgia Tech in Weather Delay

Jim Henry — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Georgia Tech, ACC

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Bobby Bowden and the Florida State Seminoles entered Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday night locked arm-in-arm in a sign of solidarity. However, a strong, unified start against Georgia Tech has been slowed by the threat of lightning and severe weather, however.

The Seminoles-Yellow Jackets game is in a weather delay tied at 7-7 with 6:50 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams headed into their respective locker rooms after a Tech touchdown and extra point that tied the game. A severe weather alert was issued and a light rain started to fall.

Thunderstorms rolled through Florida's capital earlier Saturday but the weather cleared for the 8 p.m. EST kickoff. The teams traded scores on their opening possessions in a pivotal ACC showdown. Bowden, 79, who is under fire after the Seminoles started his 35th season at the school with a 2-3 record, has said his age is the biggest reason he's being criticized.

The game is expected to resume at 9:45 p.m. EST.

FSU-Georgia Tech in Weather Delay originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:28:00 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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Defense Turns Opponents Carolina Blue

Jim Henry — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, UNC, ACC

East Carolina coach Skip Holtz is a believer. North Carolina is built around defense with nine returning starters. The unit, ranked sixth nationally in total defense, also has allowed the Tar Heels valuable time to develop their young offense.

"I said going into this that I think from a defensive standpoint," ECU coach Skip Holtz said, "the gaudy numbers they put up in the first two weeks, they are going to lead the country if they continue with those numbers."

Let's roll out those numbers, now after three weeks. UNC ranks sixth nationally in total defense (198.7 yards), sixth in third-down conversion defense (22.2 percent) and seventh in rushing defense (52.3 yards) as it prepares for Saturday's game at angry Georgia Tech.

Better yet, the confident, 22nd-ranked Tar Heels are 3-0 for the first time since Mack Brown's final team started 8-0 in 1997, which coincidentally was the last time they won in Atlanta.

UNC also has recent history on its side against the Yellow Jackets, slowing their powerful triple-option in last season's 28-7 victory. It was one of only two games in which Tech failed to score at least 10 points in Paul Johnson's first season.

"I think the thing we did the best last year was that we were very, very disciplined," UNC coach Butch Davis said.

"One thing you can't do against a team like this -- and this goes back to the days of the Oklahoma wishbone and a lot of the other really good option offenses -- is that you can't void your own personal responsibilities. They've added some things to get the ball on the perimeter that last year were not really truly there for them just because of the added talent they have on their roster. You have to play disciplined and you have to tackle well."

UNC has done both very well this year.

The Tar Heels have held their three opponents to six (The Citadel), 10 (Connecticut) and 17 (East Carolina) points. The last time UNC held three consecutive opponents to 20 or fewer points was 2000 against Virginia, Pittsburgh, Maryland.

UNC limited ECU to 55 yards rushing last Saturday and actually has held all three opponents to under 100 yards on the ground. In the first three games, the Tar Heels have held the opponents to just 1.8 yards per carry.

The Yellow Jackets, of course, offer a new set of challenges.

For starters, they are coming off a disappointing 33-17 defeat at Miami last Thursday after opening the season with wins over Jacksonville State and Clemson. Tech did not commit a turnover and punted just three times against UM, but it was limited to a mere 95 rushing yards. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, rolled up 454 yards of total offense behind quarterback Jacory Harris.

Tech dropped out of both the AP and coaches' poll this week.

"If you go back and look at the stats through three games this year and last year, we are probably better than we where we were a year ago," Johnson said.

"I think we are better team but we are not where I want us to be. We scored 30 points in two of our first three games. It is never as good or bad as it seems. We are not as good at running the option as we need to be. We are not as good as throwing the ball as we need to be.

"We need to be really good at something. On defense, we need to be really good at something as well. If we are not going to be good against passing, then we need to be really good against the run or vice versa. That is what I am saying when I say we are not good at whatever."

Despite last season's success against the Yellow Jackets, Davis understands how difficult it is to get ready for such an attack in one week. That's why the Tar Heels, who are looking to win their first ACC opener since 2000, spent time in the spring and again throughout preseason camp working on an option attack so his defense would be prepared.

"This is something that is so dramatically different than the National Football League is that every week every offense we've played is been so much different than the one before it. There's no real carry over," said Davis, who coached the Cleveland Browns from 2001-04.

"In the National Football League you go out there and everybody runs the same runs and everybody runs kind of the same passes and third down looks identical. Well, you look at who we played in The Citadel in the first game... virtually no carry over. We are all fortunate that we've got a little experience on defense that they will hopefully remember some of the lessons they've learned from last year. But it's still about execution."

Sophomore defensive end Robert Quinn, who recorded a career-best two sacks against ECU, agreed, saying, "If you start over thinking and trying to do too much, that's when things get out of whack. You listen to the call, try to be disciplined and read your keys and assignments."

This just might be UNC's first defense this decade that UNC fans have trusted so completely to control a game.

The Tar Heels are allowing just 198.7 yards per game to rank third in the ACC and sixth in the nation. The last time UNC allowed less than 300 yards per game was 12 years ago. After it allowed opponents to convert 43 percent of their third-down chances last season, UNC's first three opponents have converted just 10 of 45 (22.2 percent) attempts. The unit had seven tackles for loss against ECU.

Perhaps the best news, however, is the UNC defense has given time for the offense to get its feet underneath it.

The Tar Heels have struggled with inexperienced wide receivers and a string of injuries along the offensive line. Led by the performance of quarterback T.J. Yates, both of those areas made significant progress against ECU.

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UNC gained 433 yards of total offense, made its most consistent use of the passing game and ran the ball effectively enough to keep some of the pressure off Yates. Yates has completed 29 of his last 36 attempts in his last five quarters of play. He went 10-of-12 in the fourth quarter against UConn two weeks ago.

Against ECU, the Tar Heels averaged an impressive 6.9 yards per offensive play.

"We kind of stuck to our 'base' protections, kind of 'seven man' stuff---not too complicated---and the offensive line protected very, very well," Yates said.

UNC's start this season has gone very, very well, too, specifically on defense.

If you don't believe it, just ask ECU's Skip Holtz.

Defense Turns Opponents Carolina Blue originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:58:00 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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ACC Notebook: Miami Gets Its Wish

Jim Henry — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, Maryland, University of Miami, Virginia, ACC, Coaching

Playing consecutive Thursday night games has left Georgia Tech checking its calendar.

The Yellow Jackets relied on dramatics to beat visiting Clemson last Thursday, squandering an early 24-point advantage, only to have Scott Blair save the day with a 36-yard field goal with under a minute to play. After catching its breath, Georgia Tech meets Miami in an ACC Coastal Division showdown Thursday at Land Shark Stadium.

"Like they say, it is a fast turnaround," Tech coach Paul Johnson said. "We are trying to figure out what day it is. It is a huge challenge this week going to Miami, a very talented team. They have a lot of great athletes and a lot of history and tradition."
Georgia Tech, however, has recent history on its side. The Yellow Jackets have won the last four meetings in the series, including a 41-23 victory last season in Atlanta. The Hurricanes were so embarrassed by their performance, also on a Thursday night, that they wanted and asked the ACC for a Thursday night rematch in 2009. They got their wish.

UM should be fresh. The Hurricanes beat Florida State 10 days ago in their season opener. And take one guess what the Hurricanes have focused on during practice -- slowing Tech's triple option. Not that Miami head coach Randy Shannon needs to be reminded, but the Yellow Jackets had 472 yards rushing and 518 yards in total offense a year ago.

"They do run a triple option and they have about four or five different scenarios on how they will run it," Shannon explained.

"The biggest factor will be [Jonathan] Dwyer. The fullback must be accounted for on every single play. If he happens to get into the open field, we have to get him down for a 10- or 12-yard gain and then line up again. We cannot afford him to get long runs against us and that's what makes their offense go."

Tech's offense has certainly been a go-go. The Yellow Jackets have scored 30-plus points in each of their first two games of the season for just the second time in seven years. Tech might not pass that often -- 27 attempts through two games -- but the Yellow Jackets are averaging 25.4 yards per completion.

Let's not forget defense or special teams. The Yellow Jackets have not allowed a rushing touchdown this season and have allowed just one rushing play of 20 yards or longer. Sophomore Jerrard Tarrant has returned punts for touchdowns in each of the first two games -- 68 yards against Jacksonville State and 85 yards against Clemson.

Johnson also has calculated the importance of winning a division game.

"I think to get to where we want to go we certainly have to beat our division opponents," Johnson said.

"The last one (against Clemson) was huge in that you can't afford to lose a conference game at home. But you can say the same thing for when you play a game out of your division because it almost counts as two games. We saw how that worked last year when we lost the first division game to Virginia Tech and it came back to haunt us at the end as we were tied in the record, but we lost the (title) head-to-head."

Oops, Penalty Flag

ACC officials have reviewed the tape and a ruling has been made -- Georgia Tech's fake field goal that went for a touchdown in the opening quarter against Clemson was actually an illegal play and violated substitution rules.

On the play, Georgia Tech scored on a 34-yard pass from kicker Scott Blair to Demaryius Thomas off a fake kick. Thomas remained on the field, near the Tech sideline, while the rest of his teammates were subbed for the kicking team.

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson said he alerted officials about the play prior to the game and said he was surprised by the ruling.

"The ACC after the game interpreted that as a violation. Alright, well, we're in the league. If that's illegal, we won't do it anymore," Johnson said. "But I've done it before and it hasn't been a problem. If you've got a trick play before the game you tell them what's going to happen, and I told them. If it had been illegal, they should've told us then."

ACC coordinator of football officials Doug Rhoads said Monday that the play should have been flagged and nullified for violating a rule prohibiting substitution tactics that may confuse opponents. The ruling, of course, won't change the game's outcome.

Shovel, Flashlight or Worm?

Virginia coach Al Groh has relied on a number of motivational strategies during his career. He may need one soon as the winless Cavs travel to Southern Miss on Saturday.

Groh's most famous example was bringing a shovel to the sideline, which he did as an assistant with the New England Patriots under Bill Parcells in 1994. After starting the season 3-6, the shovel was meant to symbolize his players digging themselves out of a hole. The Patriots would not lose another regular season game as the shovel remained on the sideline.

Other examples include passing out flashlights to the players -- Groh did this as the head coach of the New York Jets in 2000. The gesture was a dig at the previously traded Keyshawn Johnson, who called himself a "star" in comparison to Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet, who was just a "flashlight." Going back even further, Groh, as the head caoch for Wake Forest in 1984, ate a worm after referencing an Alaskan ice fisherman, who kept worms in his lower lip in order to keep them warm and catch the best fish. On both those occasions, his teams pulled of an upset in the next game.

"I might go to something," Groh admitted. "I might put the worm third though."

Call Heads or Tails

North Carolina State's Eddie Gardner, who has been involved with the Wolfpack program in some capacity since the late 1970s and has been the football team's equipment manager since 1986, will provide the ceremonial coin toss in Saturday's game against Gardner-Webb. Gardner is retiring at the end of the month.

"He's the flipper," N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien

And, in case you are wondering, O'Brien says it's a mere coincidence and has nothing to do with his last name being Gardner and the opponent Gardner-Webb. Gardner has served in his role as equipment manager under the past four head coaches and has worked for every coach since Bo Rein (1976-79).

Don't Remind Me

Maryland's Ralph Friedgen has called last year's 24-14 loss at Middle Tennessee as one of the worst defeats of his coaching career. Saturday's rematch in College Park, Md., is also expected to be a tussle.

The Blue Raiders (1-1) are riding high following last weekend's impressive 31-14 win over Memphis. They showed improvement in all phases of the game after falling to Clemson in the season opener. Maryland, meanwhile, needed overtime last Saturday to beat visiting James Madison, 38-35. The Terps have won eight of their last nine at home dating back to the 2007 season.

While the Fridge isn't big on revenge, he expects his team to be.

"I think our kids want to win this game for what happened last year," Friedgen said. "If they don't, I don't know what's going through their veins."

By the Numbers

Boston College's two-headed quarterback -- Justin Tuggle and Dave Shinskie -- combined to throw for 223 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Kent State. ... Clemson scored 27 unanswered points in the 30-27 defeat at Georgia Tech. ... FSU quarterback Christian Ponder completed 22 of 35 passes for a career-high 324 yards in the win over Jacksonville State. ... Maryland's young defense surrendered 418 yards of total offense, including 268 rushing, in a win over James Madison. ... Quarterback Russell Wilson bounced back from a poor performance against South Carolina a week earlier, by completing 15- of-21 passes, for 228 yards and four touchdowns in a win against Murray State. N.C. State's defense allowed just one yard rushing (net) and 36 total yards in the game. ... Riley Skinner, who had all kinds of problems in the opener against Baylor, completed 18-of-26 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown in the victory over visiting Stanford. ... Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis became only the second player at Duke and 14th in ACC history to amass 50 career touchdown passes with a strike against Army. Linebacker Vincent Rey and defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk each had 10 tackles in the game. .. Anthony Allen averaged more than 25 yards on his five carries and finished with 127 yards, including a 82-yard score in the first quarter, in the win over Clemson. ... North Carolina has now allowed just 16 total points in the first two games, its lowest total to start a season since 1996. ... Virginia had just 177 yards of total offense and failed to snap even one play in the red zone (inside opponent's 20-yard line) in home defeat to TCU. ... Virginia Tech had 605 yards of total offense (most since 2001), including 444 rushing yards, in win over Marshall.

ACC Notebook: Miami Gets Its Wish originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 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.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;altcast_code=f8a15cf7be&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;FanHouse Week Two Midweek College Football Chat&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

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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Georgia Tech, Tennessee: Two Peas in a Shirtless Pod

Clay Travis — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, Tennessee, ACC, SEC, General CFB Insanity

Last week, we brought you video of the Tennessee football team posing shirtless alongside an orange Lamborghini. After tens of thousands of you stormed the YouTube ramparts, that video blew up and was eventually removed due to a copyright issue. Since that time the Georgia Tech football tam has posed alongside Bumblebee and Ironhide from the Transformers. Seriously. They couldn't even get Megan Fox to lounge on top of the car?

All of this serves as clear evidence, in case we needed any, that college football is perpetually stuck in the timeless year of 1988. As Andy Staples at Sports Illustrated pointed out to me, the cars resemble nothing if not the Trapper Keeper cars that you and I carried to elementary school. Back when we were all going to have our own Lamborghini as soon as we turned 18. How's that working out for you? Not you, Mark Zuckerberg, you Facebook-founding bastard, I mean the rest of us. Yeah, not so well.

I've made fun of these shirtless photos, but I decided it was time to play journalist and tell both sides of the story. How? By fabricating a defense of the photos from a Georgia Tech player. So enjoy.

As a prelude though Georgia Tech and Tennessee are being singled out for posing with fabulous sports cars, the shirtless team photo is a staple of athletic programs across the country. Why? I don't know. IIt's truly unbelievable. The only thing more unbelievable than the shirtless team photos is the shirtless team photos lounging on sports cars. What comes next year? I think porn stars need to be mixed in. So clearly I don't get this trend that has swept through college football. That's why having a Georgia Tech player defend the photo shoots was so important.

It's a monologue, so enjoy:

"Hey, you, yeah you, Clay Travis, the guy with the flabby chest, whom Bumblebee from 'Transformers 2' would look at and say, 'Hey, you with the flabby chest, you just don't get it.' Posing without our shirts is about team unity. So what if we all know what each other look like with our shirts off? We need to show everyone else in the country what the team looks like with our shirts off. How else can we win football games?

See, sometimes you gotta dig down real deep to win. In the fourth quarter, right after we hold up four fingers to show we're going to totally dominate the quarter, you might find yourself laying on the turf, spent, not really wanting to get back up for another play. But you know what, you know what makes us get up then? We think about our brothers, the guys we leaned on the windshield of a sports car alongside, and we get up. We pose, therefore, we are.

You don't know anything about brotherhood. You've probably never even gotten to ride in a car that's so awesome it makes you forget about your 1.2 GPA for 10 minutes. Really colorful sports cars are badass, like a bowl full of Jolly Ranchers that don't cost anything. Anything! Only with wheels.

And then we get to buy the pictures of ourselves and put them up on the walls of our dorm room, so people who already know what we look like with our shirts off can walk in and say, 'Damn, I look good with my shirt off.' And you know what else we do, we give those pictures to the chicks, man. They love the pictures. I've had a girlfriend for three years. You know what I got her.

Year one? Shirtless team photo.

Year two? Shirtless team photo.

Year three? Shirtless team photo. Signed.

Plus, do you know how many ugly girls go to this school? We gotta work outside the campus to get the really good looking girls. Atlanta's got a lot of them, but it's competitive. You gotta represent. Now I roll straight into bars with the team photo. Throw that mug down on the table at a bar, unfurl it like a magic carpet, say, "You wanna ride with a man that rolls with Bumblebee?"

Two words:

Chicks.

Dig.

It.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1250148288

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Latest College Football Photos

California running back Jahvid Best, left, runs drills as running back coach Ron Gould, right, looks on during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. With eight returning starters from a topflight defense, Best and Shane Vereen sharing the running load, and Pac 10 powerhouse Southern California needing to fill plenty of holes, this could be the year the Bears end a more than half century drought and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1958 season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Latest College Football Images

Stanford head football coach Jim Harbaugh watches his team during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford cornerback Corey Gatewood (2) covers receiver Ryan Whalen (8) during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California Running Jahvid Best puts on his helmet during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. With eight returning starters from a topflight defense, Best and Shane Vereen sharing the running load, and Pac 10 powerhouse Southern California needing to fill plenty of holes, this could be the year the Bears end a more than half century drought and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1958 season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California quarterback Kevin Riley smiles during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Riley, who went 7-2 as a starter last season, is back and entered as the slight favorite in a three way battle with Brock Mansion and Beau Sweeney based on what he did last year. "His experience puts him a step ahead and he has a knowledge of the offense," Tedford said. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford quarterbacks Andrew Luck (12) and Tavita Pritchard (14) throw during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California head coach Jeff Tedford watches his team during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. With eight returning starters from a topflight defense, Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen sharing the running load, and Pac 10 powerhouse Southern California needing to fill plenty of holes, this could be the year the Bears end a more than half century drought and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1958 season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws during NCAA college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh instructs his team during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Not to mention, have you ever stood in front of a mirror, slowly exhaled, covered your body in baby oil, hopped in a tanning bed, repped out 468 push-ups and then flexed so you could see how ripped you look in the mirror? Probably not.

And sure, some people, such as Georgia players, see the pictures and they think, "What a bunch of homos."

But you know what we say to that? We flip it on them with our scientist brains. We Pythagorean theorem that bitch. We say, "Yeah, homo sapiens!"

Then we all dance around and say, "Hypotenuse, what, what!"

We're engineers, son.

Gets them every time, Clay. And if that doesn't you know what we do, we hold up the four and the five. You know what that is? The number of points we hung on those chumps on senior day in their own stadium. You know why we hung 45 on them?

Yep, shirtless team photo.

Judgmental guys like you make me sick. You probably had a problem with the full-frontal team shot we took in the shower too. Typical, you just don't get jocks. We're so straight.

Why?

Because we run the triple option. You know what the triple option relies on? Guns, like these boys. (Flexes bicep.) And tris like these (flexes calf), and rock hard abs like these (flexes abs.) Even our wide receivers are in good shape. And all they do is stand out by themselves and chicken fight with defensive backs. Because we don't throw them the ball! But you know what, f they needed to they could kill a man. They can open a Coca-Cola bottle by flexing their pectoral muscles. Can you open a Coca-Cola bottle by flexing your pectoral muscles?

Of course not. I bet you couldn't even crack open a Mr. Pibb.

Next year we're not going to get our picture taken with cars, though. We're all going to hold guns in our hands. I heard Florida tried to do it last year, but they were worried about probation violations with felons holding guns. So we're going to do it, point those mugs right at the camera. Maybe even squeeze off a few rounds just to scare the camera man. Show him who's the boss. We are.

Cameraman, he holds it up, we're all splayed out, muscles like rippling rivers in a stream, and you know, he doesn't say cheese. You know what he says.

'Say Bobby Dodd.'

I don't even know who Bobby Dodd is, but I bet he never had muscles like these. "

*Flexes*

Georgia Tech, Tennessee: Two Peas in a Shirtless Pod originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCAA Football Twitter Mailbag: Top 25, Georgia Tech, Baylor, USC, More

Michael David Smith — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Baylor, Georgia Tech, USC

The preseason Top 25 always stirs debate, and that makes it a good topic to tackle in our first NCAA football Twitter mailbag, where we discuss whether Georgia Tech is overrated, whether Baylor could be a surprise team, what's up with USC, and more.

Your tweets and my responses for our college football Twitter mailbag are below.

FBfollies: How can anyone justify having Georgia Tech ranked so high?
Based on the early reaction I've heard, Georgia Tech seems to be the team whose ranking -- No. 15, according to the coaches -- has the most people talking. The coaches are actually right in the middle of where I've seen Georgia Tech predicted to finish; various preseason rankings have Tech anywhere from No. 7 to outside the Top 25.

Personally, I like what Paul Johnson is building at Georgia Tech. The bowl game beat-down at the hands of LSU wasn't pretty, but the Yellow Jackets return almost all the same offensive personnel that ran roughshod over Miami and Georgia at the end of last season. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Georgia Tech finish the season as a Top 15 team.

Brandon_I: Baylor is missing. Just kidding.
I know you're kidding, and of course, Baylor didn't get any Top 25 votes, but don't sleep on the Bears. As Terrance Harris wrote last month, there's optimism in Waco the likes of which there hasn't been in a very long time. And I think Robert Griffin might just be the best athlete ever to play quarterback in college football. I wouldn't be shocked to see Baylor win six games this season, which would be the most for Baylor since 1995.

dustinjames: The National Title belongs to either Florida or Oklahoma. USC will lose at Oregon seeing as USC can't win in Oregon.
I agree with you that Florida and Oklahoma deserve to be the Top 2 teams heading into the season, although I don't say it with as much certainty as you do: The Oklahoma-Texas game will basically be a toss-up, and Florida is walking a minefield in the SEC. And as for USC...

JayVeeEn: I think they're good, I'm just wondering how much USC had to pay for the fourth spot.
I'm surprised by all the anti-USC sentiment out there. Yes, I know they lost quarterback Mark Sanchez and a ridiculous amount of defensive talent (eight Trojan defenders were drafted, four on the first day), but I don't think ranking a team No. 4 when they've been in the Top 4 for seven straight seasons is all that unreasonable.

On the other hand, if your anti-USC sentiment is based on the seemingly never-ending NCAA investigation of the school, well, your sentiment is a popular one.

PJHarrison: Looks OK to me although the bottom seems more like a popularity contest.
I think the whole poll is basically a popularity contest. As I've said before, the preseason polls are useful mostly as a measurement of the biases of the voters. Any BCS conference team that had the same 2008 season as Utah would be ranked much higher than Utah's No. 18 heading into 2009. Only Notre Dame could be ranked in the preseason Top 25 after losing 15 games the last two seasons. And so on.

So no, the preseason Top 25 isn't gospel, and yes, it's mostly a popularity contest. It's still fun to talk about, though.

Want to be part of our next college football Twitter mailbag? Post a question or comment on Twitter.com, and be sure to start it with @MichaelDavSmith.

NCAA Football Twitter Mailbag: Top 25, Georgia Tech, Baylor, USC, More originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Picks Virginia Tech Over Florida State as ACC's Top Turkey

Jim Henry — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, ACC

Mark it down. Virginia Tech will beat Florida State for the ACC Championship in December.

So says the media that covers the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hokies, winners of three ACC championships in their first five seasons of membership, were the overwhelming pick to claim a fourth in voting conducted by media at the ACC Football Kickoff at Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C.

The Hokies received 78 first-place votes and 512 points to easily claim the Coastal Division title. Georgia Tech claimed the other nine first-place votes and 415 points for second. North Carolina (350) and Miami (282) followed the top two and placed ahead of Virginia (148) and Duke (120).

Voting was more balanced in the Atlantic Division, in which four of six teams got first-place votes.

FSU won with 56 first-place citations and 479 points. Second-place Clemson (387 points) was the choice for first by 14 electors; N.C. State (364) was picked No. 1 on 10 ballots; and Wake Forest (295) received seven the nod from seven voters. Maryland (157) came in at fifth and Boston College (145), the two-time defending Atlantic champion, finished sixth.

The ACC Championship game is Dec. 5 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The game will be broadcast by ESPN at 8PM.

Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer, the 2008 ACC Player of the Year, was selected to repeat over Clemson running Clemson's C.J. Spiller in preseason voting for the 2009 honor.

Dwyer, whose 107 rushing yards per game led the league in 2008, is the first ACC Player of the Year to seek a repeat of the honor since FSU's Charlie Ward in 1993. Ward defended his conference distinction and won the Heisman Trophy in leading the Seminoles to the national championship in that 1993 season.

And, speaking of Spiller, a life-size poster, measuring 5-feet-11 inches tall of the tailback, greeted the media during the ACC Football Kickoff. It's part of Clemson's Heisman Trophy campaign for the senior running back. It will cost Clemson more than $1,000 postage, even with sponsors, to deliver the poster to media and would-be voters.

It's not the first time Clemson has thought big.

It was 25 years ago when current Clemson assistant athletic director Tim Bourret came up with the idea of a life-size poster of William "The Fridge" Perry standing in front of a refrigerator.

Media Picks Virginia Tech Over Florida State as ACC's Top Turkey originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jonathan Dwyer Set to Carry Georgia Tech to Top of ACC

Jim Henry — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:48:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech's triple-option offense under first-year head coach Paul Johnson created a buzz in the ACC and beyond last season. Defenses weren't accustomed to seeing that system, and it showed. The Yellow Jackets ranked fourth in the nation in rushing offense, they won nine games and snapped a seven-year skid versus rival Georgia.

Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer, a superb talent in any style of offense, believes the Yellow Jackets will be even more comfortable and confident this year. Plus, don't be surprised if Tech looks to take advantage of more passing opportunities, too.

It's always nice to have, well, quadruple options.

"I think it's a very interesting offense, and it's fun, too," Dwyer told FanHouse. "We have the potential to score a lot of points and make a lot of big runs. The passing game will help everyone, too. Everyone can be a key contributor in this offense, and each and every week anyone can have a breakout game."

The games can't begin soon enough for Dwyer, last year's ACC Player of the Year and the conference's leading rusher with 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries. The Yellow Jackets' summer strength and conditioning drills are nearing an end and have gone extremely well, Dwyer said. Dwyer and starting quarterback Josh Nesbitt have also become more vocal with their leadership responsibilities.

"I've been out there doing what I am supposed to be doing, plus trying to motivate and encourage everyone every day we are working out," the junior said.

That's a good thing, too, since the Yellow Jackets won't be able to sneak up on teams this season.

Despite a new coaching staff, new systems on both sides of the ball and holes in the depth chart, Georgia Tech went 9-4 and sparred with Virginia Tech for the ACC Coastal Division title a year ago. LSU ruined the Yellow Jackets' mojo with a 38-3 win the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, but Georgia Tech didn't fret for long.

With 18 returning starters and 61 returning lettermen, both tops in the ACC, and a better feel for Johnson's methods, the Yellow Jackets should be in front of the learning curve.

If Georgia Tech can rebuild its defensive line and get more production from Nesbitt behind center -- the Yellow Jackets led the ACC in total offense but ranked last in pass offense -- analysts say there isn't any reason why Tech can't contend for the conference crown. The Yellow Jackets last won 10 games in 1998.

"Overall, I think we played well last season but offensively we made a lot of mistakes in terms of turnovers, but that was something we eliminated in the spring and carried it over into camp this summer," said Dwyer, the only player in the ACC last year to average more than 100 yards rushing (103.1). He also rushed for 100 yards in nine games to tie the school record.

"As long as we can avoid turnovers and silly mistakes, I think we are capable of doing a lot of big things this season."

Tech must navigate a tricky schedule to accomplish those big things.

September features consecutive ACC games against Clemson, Miami and North Carolina. October is double-miles month with four of five games on the road. The lone home game, Oct. 17 against Virginia Tech, is circled in red. The Hokies have won three league titles over the past five years. The Yellow Jackets also dip into the SEC with non-conference games against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Georgia.

Not to worry. The Yellow Jackets proved last year they could beat opponents with a throwback offense, and this year they seem ready to throw down again, be it old school or new school.

"It's fun for us when we know we are on a roll and nobody can stop us," Dwyer said. "It's all about having that confidence in each other and knowing what we are supposed to do. We have fun and play as hard as we can, this offense...it's indescribable how good we can be."

Jonathan Dwyer Set to Carry Georgia Tech to Top of ACC originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turkey Legs to Go: Chick-Fil-A Bowl Travel Guide, Georgia Tech vs. LSU

Will Brinson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, LSU, ACC, SEC, 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 Chick-Fil-A Bowl (Atlanta, Georgia), which pits Georgia Tech against LSU.

Overview/Matchup: Georgia Tech had a heck of a season under Paul Johnson in 2008 and they get rewarded with an upper tier ACC bowl. They get really rewarded because they don't even have to leave campus to play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Les Miles and LSU do, however, and there should be some pretty stout pressure on the Tigers to pull of a postseason dubya here, what with fans questioning Miles' ability to generate enough offense in the bayou.

Hotels: For luxury accommodation close to the stadium The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is your best bet. The Westin Peachtree has a higher rating, but its sleek design borders on frigid and leaves many guests feeling more like they've entered a bank than a hotel. In the mid-range category the Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park is a few hundred yards from the Georgia Dome and offers excellent service for the price. The open atrium and waterfall don't hurt either. For the budget-conscious traveler the Holiday Inn Atlanta Downtown is the best hotel in the area that offers rooms for less than US$100 per night.

Restaurants: After your team wins the big game, or maybe before if you're feeling confident, head to Bone's for a thick, perfectly grilled steak. The prices are steep but the food is worth it. If you're staying in downtown Atlanta, and you need a reasonably priced meal that will fill you up, look no further than Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles.

In addition to the chicken and waffles, try the sweet potato cheesecake and salmon croquettes. If you only eat one place in Atlanta, eat at The Varsity. It's cheap, delicious and you can order from your car. The shakes are good, but the onion rings are out of this world.

Nightlife: As for nightlife, Blind Willie's Blues Bar is a local landmark and the place to go for live blues in Atlanta. The place is often packed so be sure to get there early. Moe's & Joe's is a Virginia-Highlands bar with good wings, cheap beer and friendly atmosphere. It would be a great place to pre-game or celebrate with a few pitchers.
All travel related information provided by Professional Travel Guide.

Turkey Legs to Go: Chick-Fil-A Bowl Travel Guide, Georgia Tech vs. LSU originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paul Johnson Is Your ACC Coach of the Year

Ian Cohen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, ACC, Coaching

And it might not end there. I can imagine many more publications and affiliations jumping on board, particularly after the impressive way the Yellow Jackets crossed out Georgia's dream season and put a K (we will make Westside Connection references, yes we will). Despite some questionable losses (dropping a home game to Virginia before the Cavaliers then lost their final four games of the year) and really, a decent core of defensive talent, Paul Johnson's first year at Georgia Tech was likely way more successful than most people anticipated, achieving the highest BCS ranking in the conference, despite being left out of the championship game, and garnering a bid to the Chick fil-A Bowl.

And now, for what seems like the first time since the Joe Hamilton-Dez White glory days, Georgia Tech seems primed to be not only an ACC titan but possibly a national power as well. But while the ACC coach of the year honors usually has a Cy Young-ish obsession with win-loss records without context of how they've really come about (see Al Groh, 2007), the most impressive aspect of Georgia Tech's season undoubtedly was the coaching, how Johnson put the fear of the triple-option into a league averse to offensive innovation. Whether it's here to stay or a Kevin Maas situation where everyone eventually figures out the offense. But only the future will prove if Johnson's squad is a yearly contender for the Orange Bowl or a yearly contender to meet his old squad at Navy in the Congressional Bowl. For now, he's ACC coach of the year.

Paul Johnson Is Your ACC Coach of the Year originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Georgia Tech Whips Miami on 472 Rush Yards

Brian Grummell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:46:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, University of Miami, ACC, BCS, Prospects

What a night for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, completely gutting a previously resurgent Miami defense to the tune of 472 rush yards. It was the second-highest ground total ever surrendered by a Miami defense. Just last week we saw Miami hold Virginia Tech to 77 rushing yards and two yards a carry to go with six sacks in a 16-14 victory. Tonight was another story altogether as Georgia Tech ripped off a 41-23 victory that was not as close as the scoreboard would indicate.

In just the 11th game of Paul Johnson's brief tenure in Atlanta, he coached a masterpiece. At one point, four separate players were a threat to break 100 yards rushing, with a fifth totaling an additional 47 yards. Instead, only one player did so but in a big way. Tailback Jonathan Dwyer, the nation's next great option back, notched two touchdowns and 128 yards in the first half on just 10 carries including a highlight-reel 58 yard scamper.

This one was gory folks. Even Tech's defense got in on the action, with NFL-worthy defensive end Michael Johnson taking an interception back 26 yards for an early touchdown. But let's talk about the run game some more, as this was an exciting display of brilliant old-school football.

Tech softened Miami's defense up early with a surprising pass attack, but soon settled into a big-play run attack. In the first half alone they ripped off runs of 35, 14, 29, 12, 58, 54 and 10 yards.

Nearly every Yellow Jacket player got in on the action, gleefully ripping off long runs feasting on the chum trail Miami left for them. Dwyer's backup Roddy Jones had a long run of 40 yards, and finished with 97 and almost 14 yards/carry. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt had a 54-yarder and finished with 93 yards. Nesbitt's backup freshman Jaybo Shaw ripped off a 27-yarder on his way to 47 yards in the fourth quarter. Kept quiet most of the game, fullback Lucas Cox exploded for 78 yards of his own, capped by a 32-yarder. Stunningly, most of the runs were right up the gut at the heart of the Miami defense. Where's Ray Lewis when you need him?

Clearly, the triple option offense can work in a major football conference, and could be an effective rebuttal to the rise of the spread-option offenses run rampant in the game. It won't lure or produce a ton of NFL players like USC's pro-style attack will, but it can sure destroy its share of solid opponents in the college game. Ask Miami.

The win gives Georgia Tech a fighting shot at winning the ACC Coastal Division and competing for a BCS bowl appearance. Kudos to coach Paul Johnson for succeeding with a new system where -- so far -- Rich Rodriguez hasn't been able to thrive with a similar attack at a better program.

Meanwhile, Miami is left licking some serious wounds. Chances are the players will go unscathed as this is a young team that can laugh this off, but the loss will go down as one of the worst in modern Miami history. There were some lean years of late, but it seems Randy Shannon had begun turning Miami around to conference contender status. However, this is a major setback that some very proud and loud fans won't easily forget.

Regardless, as much as I love the forward pass and hate seeing Miami suffer (college football is better when Miami is doing well), tonight was a brilliant and beautiful display of a great running game doing some explosive things we normally associate with the country's high-powered passing attacks. More such outings will be on the way.

Georgia Tech Whips Miami on 472 Rush Yards originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Great Option Back Is Back, His Name Is Jonathan Dwyer and He Plays at Georgia Tech

Brian Grummell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:05:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Tech, University of Miami, ACC

So he's not exactly the great Mike Rozier and we haven't seen a truly great option runner since 1997 and Ahman Green, but Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer will most definitely do. Before leaving late in the first half with an injury, Dwyer did the following with his 10 carries against a hot Miami defense:

35-yard-carry, 0 yards, 3 yards, 12 yards, -1 yard, 58 yards (touchdown), 2 yards, 10 yards, 3 yards, 6 yards (touchdown). Most of his carries were inside Miami's 10 yard line where the defense could slow him down, but in the open field he was electric, including a certain highlight-reel cult hit 58 yard touchdown run where he barreled over, juked and then outran several defenders.

It was power, speed, shakes, vision and want-to all in one amazing play. And it wasn't his first like that this year. Watch enough Georgia Tech football and its obvious that as talented a runner quarterback Josh Nesbitt is (93 yards tonight, 591 yards in nine games this year), he keeps the darn ball too much. Backfield mate Dwyer is the real deal, and his 128 first-half yards and two touchdowns against Miami point to a bright future in college football.

Dwyer has always had the talent (a PS#5 Phil Steele consensus ranking among running backs in his class), but the man met the machine when triple option guru Paul Johnson signed on to coach at Georgia Tech. There were doubts about whether the offense could function in a major football conference, but those doubts are forever dashed after Tech rushed for the second-most yards by a Miami opponent, ever.

The Yellow Jackets totaled 472 yards, breaking off big gains at will in an exciting and forceful showing. Four players were a threat to go over 100 yards, although only Dwyer crossed the threshold with his 128. Our hero Dwyer was the catalyst, pounding Miami inside the ten and breaking their spirit with the 58-yarder in the second quarter to help Tech to a 17-3 lead that quickly soared to a 41-16 thrashing before things finally slowed down. What a showing!

He now leads the ACC in rushing as a sophomore with 1,184 total yards to go with his 11 touchdowns. Even while sharing time with Tashard Choice and his 1,379 yards last year, Dwyer rang up almost 500 yards of his own hinting at what might be. That day has arrived. What we have is a big, fast, aggressive and powerful option back that can succeed in multiple systems and roles but has come into his own as a lead back in the first year of Georgia Tech's triple option.

Next year should be a fascinating encore. In the meantime, he has one more national showing in the old fashioned hate rivalry game with Georgia next weekend. If he can do what he did in a half against Miami, with a little more consistency he'll do it against anyone.

Welcome to stardom, kid.

The Great Option Back Is Back, His Name Is Jonathan Dwyer and He Plays at Georgia Tech originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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