NCAA Football FanHouse

FSU's Streak Survives, Will Bowden?

Jim Henry — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Maryland, ACC

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- When Bobby Bowden finally decides to slip quietly into retirement, he believes Florida State fans will remember the good times -- and not the program's recent slide -- that happened during his storied coaching career. One question: Does his career have any chance at a storybook ending?

FSU's dramatic 29-26 home victory over Maryland Saturday helped an already wounded Seminole Nation avoid further grief, if not slow a potentially uncomfortable showdown with its iconic coach. Instead, the Seminoles (6-5) breathed a collective sigh of relief and became bowl eligible for the 28th straight year.

Another streak is on the line at top-ranked Florida next Saturday.

"Say that without laughing. Don't you dare laugh," Bowden chuckled when asked if he thought his team could beat the Gators, who have won five consecutive and six out of the last eight games in the series.

"Anything is possible. You have a team, unranked, playing the No. 1 team in the nation at their place with a five-game winning streak against us."

"But nothing is impossible."

The Seminoles proved as much against the Terrapins, relying on a bit of luck and three freshmen.

A mere two minutes away from a devastating loss, FSU freshman Greg Reid darted 48 yards with a punt return to the Maryland 44. Terrapins coach Ralph Friedgen said Nick Ferrara intended to punt the ball out of bounds on the right sideline, but it drifted back into the hands of Reid, the ACC's leading punt returner.

Freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel, who had tossed his third interception of the game on the Seminoles' previous possession, scrambled twice for 35 yards and then tossed a 6-yard completion to Tawian Easterling.

That set up freshman Lonnie Pryor's 3-yard run with 32 seconds left to send a season-low crowd of 66,042 at Doak Campbell Stadium home with a smile.

"I knew when our defense got three and out, I had to make a big play then," Reid said.

"We've been fighting it all year, you know, big plays. I told EJ [Manuel] before I would set him up for good field position and all you've got to do is finish the game. Everything worked out. We're going to get better, we are going to get ready for the Gator game, I can tell you that."

That's certainly good to know.

FSU finished its home season with a 3-3 record and for the second straight home game there were thousands of empty seats despite pregame activities honoring departing senior players and longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.

Andrews, 68, the gum-chewing, fiery/friendly ol' cuss, is leaving after 26 seasons to be a full-time grandfather to the children of his son Ronnie, who died suddenly in 2007. Andrews was given a new garnet Ford crew cab pickup from his former players before the game and he was carried off the field by his current players after the game.

A relieved Andrews, who was awarded the game ball, said you couldn't have scripted a better story in terms of winning his final home game. Bowden, who had attempted to talk his good friend out of retirement and into one more season in 2010, was also thankful the game had a good ending.

"It would have been awful to send him out with a loss, it would have been awful," Bowden said. "Mickey's a great guy. I bet he will shed a lot of tears -- you won't see them -- but he's so sentimental."

The 80-year-old Bowden, meanwhile, continues to press forward. He has repeatedly indicated he wants to return to coach next year.

While his future has been the source of speculation for years, the heat increased earlier this season when Jim Smith, chairman of the university's trustees, said Bowden should leave after this season.

The flames of discontent were once again further stroked earlier this week when Ann Bowden, Bobby's wife, publicly dared the university to fire Bowden. She had earlier stated she felt betrayed by Smith and others who wanted to push out her husband.

"You know, we don't need the university as much as they need us -- as much as they need him and his connections and reputation and everything," Ann Bowden told USA Today. "If they want to pull that trick [and force Bobby to retire], we'll just shake the dirt off our feet and go to Europe or go on a long cruise or something.

"They'll have to fire him for him not to go another year ... If they've got guts enough to do it, let them do it."

Bowden wanted no part of any verbal jousting following the Maryland game, saying he instead wanted to enjoy the victory.

"Let's don't talk about me. We've talked about me enough the last two weeks," Bowden laughed, proving he certainly hasn't lost his sense of humor, even though FSU is just 37-26 in the past five years.

"The [wins] are all big for me. That's one thing you don't get too old for, is a win. Can you imagine how miserable I would be if we lost? Miserable."

Bowden's not the sentimental type either. He said he didn't give one thought to the possibility that it may have been his final home game at FSU as well.

"Did it cross my mind?," Bowden asked. "No. I don't do that."

Hmm, the Maryland-FSU game could have been called the Buyout Bowl.

Bowden has indicated he would like to coach through at least the 2010 season. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has a contract already calling for the school to pay him $5 million if he is not the head coach by January 2011.

Expect a decision on Bowden's future quickly after the Florida game. Again, as reported earlier by FanHouse, it's believed he has been given two options - step away with a nice payday or return and allow Fisher control of the team, including coaching decisions.

On the other sideline was Friedgen, who, given the Terps' financial woes, is expected to remain as head coach for the remaining two years of his contract. The university needs a cool $4.5 million if it wants to move the Fridge early and elevate head coach-in-waiting James Franklin.

Time will determine those moves.

Bowden wanted to enjoy the moment, while Friedgen suffered through his team's sixth consecutive defeat.

"It's one of those games you lose it," Bowden explained.

"Look up and say gosh, you just lost it. Then you pull it out. Then you look up there and we just lost it again. They scored a touchdown. Then first thing you know we won it. It was that kind of game.

"It's hard to believe we won it."

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University of Cincinnati Quarterback Zach Collaros appears before Judge Bernie Bouchard in Hamilton County Municipal Court, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 in Cincinnati. The judge has warned Collaros that he could spend the bowl season in jail for failing to begin a court-ordered program on underage drinking. (AP Photo/The Enquirer, Malinda Hartong)

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Will Hurd, left, and Brent Lanier, right, join the crowd in a standing ovation for Richard West, center, after he addressed a Bonfire Remembrance Ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 in College Station, Texas. West's son, Nathan, was one of twelve A&M students who died when the bonfire, traditionally burned on the eve of their NCAA college football game against Texas, collapsed during construction Nov. 18, 1999. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Texas A&M former student Kenny Williamson, left, and Heather Morris, right, pause at a marker for Timothy Kerlee, Jr. at the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 in College Station. Kerlee, a classmate of Williamson, was one of twelve A&M students who died when the Bonfire, traditionally burned on the eve of their NCAA college football game against Texas, collapsed during construction Nov. 18, 1999. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

FSU's Streak Survives, Will Bowden? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Notebook: Settling Divisional Races

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

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

Closure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Back Frank

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young Guns

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around the Horn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ACC Notebook: FSU Needs Victories

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bowden says FSU's struggles are not a secret.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE ROAD

Boston College has Notre Dame's number.

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

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

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

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

YOUNG GUNS

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

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

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

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

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

HISTORY LESSON

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

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

Duke and Maryland haven't met in five years.

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

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

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

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ACC Notebook: Eagles Flying High

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"He has athletic skills," Spaziani explained.

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

Hokies coach Frank Beamer is impressed.

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

On the Auction Block

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

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

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

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

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

Streak Snapped

Too bad.

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

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

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

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

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

Tar Heel Blues

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

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

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

Turtle Power

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ACC Notebook: Pack Ready for Fall Rise

Jim Henry — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Maryland, University of Miami, NC State, UNC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, ACC

Tom O'Brien teams traditionally get better as the season goes on -- as North Carolina State did in winning four of its last five games last year. With Wake Forest, Duke and Boston College coming up in the next three weeks, the surging Wolfpack could be 6-1 going into its bye week prior to an Atlantic Division showdown at Florida State.

O'Brien, however, isn't about to get caught up in such nonsense. He's a game-at-a-time head coach, and Saturday's meeting at Wake Forest is N.C. State's first ACC game and first road game.

"All I know is what team I got this week against the team I am going to play," O'Brien said. "I don't know who is going to be here next week. We continue to march on and try to be the best we can weekly."

The Wolfpack, winners of three straight following Saturday's come-from-behind victory over Pittsburgh, has plenty of reasons to grin.

For starters, N.C. State is ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense. Through four games, the Wolfpack is yielding just 201.2 yards per game after holding the Panthers to just 300 yards. Pitt came in averaging 380 yards per game.

State's defensive coaches were credited with doing a tremendous job of adjusting to Pitt's offensive schemes during the game. O'Brien, of course, wasn't ready to do cartwheels. He noted that the N.C. State defense missed more than 20 tackles, just as it had done in the season-opening defeat to South Carolina.

"It doesn't really say anything," O'Brien said of the unit's national ranking. "It's only after four games and one month of the season. If we're there after 12 games then it will say a lot about our defense."

Then there's the stellar play of quarterback Russell Wilson.

Wilson was 21-of-35 passing for 322 yards and four touchdowns against the Panthers. The majority of that came in the second half, when he led his team from two touchdowns behind by scoring the game's final 21 points. He also rushed the ball 10 times for a career-high 92 yards, including a 21-yard dash on fourth-and-14 from deep in Pittsburgh territory to prolong what turned into the game-tying drive.

"That was just Russell being Russell," O'Brien said.

"That turned the game around for us. He was able to break contain, they were in man coverage and everybody was run off. He took off down the boundary. That was the key scramble of the football game."

In all, last year's ACC Rookie of the Year was personally responsible for 414 of State's 530 offensive yards in the game. Wilson also pushed his NCAA record streak of passes without an interception to 360. In his last 13 games, Wilson has 29 touchdown throws with zero interceptions.

Wilson credits preparation and his receivers for his streak.

"Each and every practice I'm trying not to throw an interception," Wilson said.

"Every throw I'm trying to move the ball up and down the field and help my team be successful. The same thing with the wide receivers. They know that in the back of their mind they're trying to make plays for me. They don't want to give up an interception. That's a pass that they could have an extra 15 or 30 yards. They don't want to give the ball up."

Tar Heels Run Over

North Carolina suffered its first loss of the season, 24-7 at Georgia Tech last Saturday, losing its ninth consecutive ACC opener.

The Tar Heels (3-1, 0-1) managed a meager 154 total yards, including just 17 on the ground. On the flip side, UNC surrendered 317 rushing yards, 160 more yards than it had given up in the first three games combined, and turned over the ball three times. The Yellow Jackets also had a significant advantage in terms of time of possession, 42 minutes, 6 seconds to 17:54.

The Tar Heels return home Saturday or their 114th meeting with Virginia (0-3), which is coming off a bye week. The Cavaliers have won two of the past three in the series in Chapel Hill and six of seven overall. Don't expect personnel changes from UNC coach Butch Davis.

"I think we're playing the best players that we've got," Davis said.

"We've got to look at what are their capabilities, what can they realistically do and how can they get better at what we're trying to do? I think the worst thing we can do is some kind of magical hodgepodge where you move the offensive line around. They've got to get some consistency and continuity over the course of the week and the course of the season. We've got to be more effective. We've got to get the ball in the hands of our play makers better."

Frazzled by Turnovers

The struggling Maryland Terrapins have a minus-10 turnover margin. That's bad. In fact, the Terps already are more than halfway to last year's 13-game turnover total of 25. They've been costly, too, leading to 61 of the 153 points allowed this season.

That's why coach Ralph Friedgen has unveiled a new practice tactic this week as Maryland prepares for Saturday's visit from Clemson. Turnovers are met by immediate punishment.

"We're going to do something to recognize the turnovers, whether it's up-downs or whatever," Friedgen said. "I think we have to make a conscious effort to not do this. I think it (turnover) has to be something that we avoid at all costs."

Let it Rain

Blacksburg, Va., is a tough place for a visiting team to win, especially when Virginia Tech is playing Beamer Ball to perfection -- as the Hokies did against the visiting Miami Hurricanes Saturday. A blocked punt for a touchdown, three sacks and a couple of turnovers turned their showdown with Miami into a laugher.

Let's not forget about the rain either. Word is more rain fell over a 24-hour period Saturday than on any other day in Blacksburg since 1987.

Average at Best

Following Saturday's home defeat to South Florida, Florida State's record over its past 48 games (dating back to its October, 2005 loss at Virginia) is 25-23.

Corey Clark, a sportswriter with The Tallahassee Democrat, pointed out in his blog that if fans toss out victories against non-BCS conference teams (Troy, UAB, Rice and Western Michigan) and Duke, that record is 19-23.

And, Clark also pointed out that using that same qualifier (which means fans exclude non-BCS teams and Duke), the Seminoles are 5-11 in their last 16 home games against regular FBS football programs.

Quotable

When asked where he thought the ACC stood in the collegiate landscape this young season, N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien indicated he had no idea.

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Washington State running back Dwight Tardy, runs past Southern California safety T.J. McDonald during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. USC won 27-6. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Oklahoma takes on No. 17 Miami in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Miami. (AP Photo)

Penn State coach Joe Paterno listens to a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State takes on at Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Penn State coach Joe Paterno jokes with reporters prior to his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State takes on at Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

In this Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Southern California running back Stafon Johnson runs for a touchdown against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio. Johnson had emergency throat surgery Monday, Sept. 28, after a weightlifting accident. The senior who scored the No. 7 Trojans' go-ahead touchdown against Ohio State was bench-pressing when the bar slipped from his right hand and fell onto his throat. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

In this Oct. 18, 2008, photo, UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft looks to pass as Stanford defensive end Pannel Egboh puts on pressure during an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif. The Bruins won the game on a last-minute touchdown pass by Craft, who's back in the starting lineup as UCLA prepares to face Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 3. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

In this Oct. 25, 2008, photo, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford drops back to pass during an NCAA college football game against Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops doesn't know whether Bradford will be ready for Saturday night's game at No. 17 Miami on Oct. 3, but said it won't be a game-time decision. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Baylor sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin is examined after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee during an NCAA college football game against Northwestern State on Saturday Sept. 26, 2009 in Waco Texas. Griffin is out for the year. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Penn State tight end Andrew Quarless is tackled by Iowa's Pat Angerer, upper right, and Tyler Sash, bottom, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in State College, Pa. Iowa's defense handed the Nittany Lions their first loss for the second-straight season. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark (17) throws the ball away and was charges with intentional grounding as Iowa defenders Christian Ballard (46) and Jeremiha Hunter move in and clear Penn State offensive lineman Nerraw McCormack (72) out of the way during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in State College, Pa. Iowa's defense handed the Nittany Lions their first loss for the second-straight season. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"Who knows in today's college football," O'Brien said.

"It seems like this is going to happen more and more. What was the quote I read in USA Today, I think probably USA Today or somewhere where Bobby Bowden said, 'Where did these guys come from?' Today everybody's got players. As I've said earlier, there are no free Saturdays, and you better be ready. I think people are coaching. There's a lot better coaches out there.

"Guys used to just roll out the ball and have talent and play the game and win. That doesn't happen anymore. I think guys are well-coached, teams are well-coached, they have players in position to win, and if you're not ready to play on a Saturday, anybody can win, anybody can lose."

ACC Notebook: Pack Ready for Fall Rise originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:54:00 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)

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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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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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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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Mack Brown Does BCS Backdown

Brian Grummell — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Maryland, Ohio State, Texas, UCLA, USC, Big East, Pac 10, FCS

Every week during college football's endless offseason, The FanHouse Walk will put last week's stories to bed and deliver the essentials to bridge that agonizing space between now and September.

Remember Cal 2004 -- Texas coach Mack Brown, who, aside from last year's Big 12 tiebreaker dustup, has benefited greatly from the BCS, has apparently decided to get off his high horse when it comes to matters of BCS. Brown hilariously brought in experts during the offseason to explain the BCS to him and his coaches, ignoring that he fully understood matters enough in 2004 to politic for Texas' inclusion over a Cal team that had a better season and overall performance to that point than his Longhorns.

In addition, Brown has lost his coaches' poll vote - AMEN! - not due to conduct but simple procedure where coaches are randomly chosen to participate. Maybe he should have lost it on conduct. Brown was the person you saw on your television last January proclaiming his team that had just escaped Ohio State (last seen at the loser side of ugly beatdowns against USC, LSU and Florida) the best in the country!

Let your team do its talking on the field and good riddance.

Contract Year -- USC junior tailback Joe McKnight is back like Ron Burgundy, dominating through USC's first two practices. Is this a mirage or can he stay healthy and escape the heavy gravitational pull that is USC's befuddling tailback-by-committee approach?

Well, if there's anything USC haters see most when they look at the program, its dollars. Joe McKnight's even put the dollar symbols on his eye black so do the math here, a true junior offensive player on a high profile team + child to take care of = fierce urgency of now. Now he just needs to shed the co-anchors and claim the lion's share of carries.

ByTheWay new quarterback, shoe warsterbeck, don't sleep on USC this year.

Whatever You Say, No. 2 -- Life's not always bad in the shadows. Head coaches get all the glory but coordinators are taking on an increasingly important role in pro and college football. Most grow impatient and look towards head coaching gigs, but the occasional lifer is out there who helps define the position. Such is the case of longtime Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who is strongly hinting this will be his last season in Tallahassee.

I don't know of any coordinators in the College Football Hall of Fame, but a great argument can be made for his inclusion as sort of the Norm Chow of legendary longtime defensive coordinators.

Its Supposed to be Fun -- Silly stuff, but yet another crumb in the long evidence trail that Pete Carroll likes to keep things loose and fun. Below is video from a recent USC team meeting that turned into 'an impromptu sing off'. The winner, by decision, linebacker Marquis Simmons with his take on the always stirring 'Lean on Me'.

Overtime, Ball on the 25

-- Others have attempted similar analysis but its always cool to look at again - Saurian Sagacity examines the statistical characteristics of BCS champions. My quibble? They should have broadened it to national champions to include the 2003 USC team that was atop both major polls at the end of the year and likely would have beaten either LSU or Oklahoma. I'm curious how that would have affected data.

-- You can call him the Lawnmower Man. Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards will miss a few weeks of practice after doing what had to be some gruesome damage to his right foot thanks to a mowing accident.

-- A company now makes collegiate-scented fragrances for programs such as LSU, Penn State and North Carolina. They're not doing their job, however, if UCLA's doesn't smell like envy and Maryland's doesn't smell like old bay.

-- The Black Coaches Association takes umbrage with the lack of black coaches in Sporting News' recent '50 greatest coaches' list. As they make clear, its more a matter of missing opportunity than anything that only Grambling legend Eddie Robinson made the list.

-- Rivals looks at some of college football's top trios and oddly places Oklahoma State's trio of Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant ahead of Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray and Jermaine Gresham.

-- Ohio State may be without linebacker Tyler Moeller for the 2009 season after a head injury that was due to either a fall or perhaps a sucker punch.

-- Phil Steele thinks new Boston College coach Frank Spaziani got 'Baylored'. Heh.

-- Heisman Pundit releases his preseason top 10 teams list.

-- Dr. Saturday talks the Pac-10 perception dance. Cosigned.

-- Speaking of perception, ESPN's Brian Bennett addresses the state of the Big East. I think their demise is much overstated. The Mountain West is peaking right now during an average period of Big East play. The Big East is deeper, has more historically relevant programs, makes more money and is more influential. Bagging on them is trendy but not the most fulfilling thing one can do.

Mack Brown Does BCS Backdown originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ralph Friedgen Slims Down as Challenges Bulk Up at Maryland

Jim Henry — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, ACC

Ralph Friedgen looks, sounds and feels great.

He's also enthusiastic about his Maryland Terrapins, too, and their chances in the ACC.

"There's something about this team that says winner," Friedgen said. "Their goals are high and I think they (players) are hungry. I am hungry, too. It has been awhile since we've won this thing and I want to win it again."

Friedgen's hunger is two-fold.

He certainly hasn't lost his competitiveness as he has been shedding pounds over the past year. Following a rigorous diet that may not win him more games but could extend his life, Friedgen has lost roughly 95 pounds since last season when his weight ballooned to a high of 401 pounds.

Friedgen's ultimate goal is to drop 150 pounds.

Friedgen attempted to diet a few years ago, with Maryland alumni pledging donations for every pound he dropped. That didn't last long, however, and Friedgen's weight returned with vengeance. Finally last fall, he listened to the advice of his doctors and the pleas of his family.

"They wanted to see me healthy, so I decided to give it a try," said Friedgen, who comes from a diabetic family.

Friedgen had contemplated surgery but decided dieting was the better approach. With the help of a diet company called Medifast, Friedgen drastically altered his eating habits, grudgingly giving up his favorite dish - pasta. Friedgen's daily regimen now includes 4 ounces of oatmeal for breakfast, soup at lunch and occasional protein bars during the day.

Friedgen dropped 16 pounds (mostly water weight) in the first week of his diet, but the quick start altered his blood sugar and left him dizzy on the practice field on hot days. Not to be deterred, Friedgen remained disciplined at the dinner table despite the long hours and constant travel associated with coaching, eating small portions of food instead of large ones to trigger his metabolism.

Friedgen started to see results.

He lost 60 pounds by Humanitarian Bowl last December in Boise, Idaho, where the mother of former receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey told Friedgen, "Coach, that blue field makes you look skinny." Friedgen, who had lost pounds but not his sense of humor, answered, "We've got to get one of them in Maryland."

Naturally, Friedgen can't stomach losing when he talks about his Terps. But his ninth season at his alma mater just might be his most challenging.

Friedgen said goodbye to 30 seniors last season -- the largest senior class he had ever coached. Friedgen also bid adieu to Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL draft -- and welcomes back only eight returning starters.

While there are significant questions across the board, the good news is Maryland features nice talent at the skill positions, including two-year starting quarterback Chris Turner.

Turner ranks seventh on Maryland's career passing list (4,474 yards) and fourth on its career completion percentage list (59.7 percent). He also has earned a reputation as a big-game performer -- Maryland has won six of the seven games against ranked opponents in which Turner has played.

Still, Turner and the Terps must play with more consistency. Last year, the same Terp team that beat Cal, Clemson, and North Carolina also lost to Middle Tennessee State and was shut out by Virginia

Latest College Football Images

Kansas State quarterback Carson Coffman is shown during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford talks to the press during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

MCT

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops signs his autograph on some commemorative footballs during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

MCT

Baylor head coach Art Briles autographs a commemorative helmet during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

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Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops talks with the reporters during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

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Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is shown during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is shown during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel gestures as he speaks during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Kansas coach Mark Mangino gestures during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Oklahoma State University head football coach Mike Gundy answers questions from reporters during media day at the Dallas-Fort Worth Westin Hotel in Irving, Texas, Monday, July 27, 2009. (Brandon Wade/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

MCT

While Friedgen said in an interview earlier this month with The Baltimore Sun that he might want to stay beyond the three years for which he is under contract -- the school has already designated offensive coordinator James Franklin as Friedgen's successor -- he has his sights focused squarely on this season.

Although Friedgen spent much of Tuesday's media interviews at the ACC Football Kickoff conference in Greensboro, N.C., answering questions about his diet -- he plans to keep the weight off for good this time -- he couldn't mask his enthusiasm surrounding the Terps.

"I think are kids are really anxious to get back here for (the start of practice)," Friedgen said.

"They want to achieve, that's the thing I like about this team. I have some leaders. I've got some guys who are not just yes-men. They are able to speak their mind, not only speak their mind to me, but to their other teammates. I've seen the preparation. I like the character. I don't see guys trying to get out of things. I don't see guys trying to short-cut things. I see guys coming every day to work and get better. I see the enthusiasm and the positive attitude."

Ralph Friedgen Slims Down as Challenges Bulk Up at Maryland originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star-Crossed Top Recruits of 2005 More Likely to Be Arrested Than Drafted

Clay Travis — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:47:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, Police Blotter, Recruiting, Prospects, Heisman

In 2005, Rivals.com ranked 28 men as five-star football recruits. The players were the cream of the crop, the top football players in America. They signed to play for top teams across the country, from USC to Miami, Penn State to Oklahoma.

There was just one problem: Turns out they were more likely to be arrested than drafted by the NFL.

In the 2009 draft, seven of these 28 men were drafted. Four more left early and were drafted in the 2008 draft. That means there have been 11 draft picks from the 2005 five-stars. Amazingly, that's less than the number of men who have been arrested, 14. If you ever doubted whether being obsessed with college football recruiting was fool's gold, keep this stat in mind: In 2005, five-star recruits were more than twice as likely to be arrested (14) as drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2008 or 2009 (six). There haven't been this many wasted hours on the Internet since first year lawyering.
But it's time for a confession: I'm guilty of being obsessed with college football recruiting. As soon as a recruit commits to my team, I immediately watch all the videos and debate the accuracy of Rivals' vaunted star ranking system. Rivals is always right when it comes to analyzing my teams' recruits. Come February, we all sit in front of our computers and wait for the signing day faxes to arrive. Depending on how many two-star, three-star, four-star, or the glorious five-stars our teams sign, we then assess our recruiting class and dream championship dreams.

Or curse our fan fate.

But no one really ever asks a key question, how accurate is the Rivals star system when it comes to future NFL draft success? The answer? Not that accurate. Eight of the first round picks in 2009 were two-stars, guys who, if your team offered them scholarships, you'd kick the dirt and wonder whether your team would ever compete for championships. See for yourself. If the NFL draft is an inexact science then college football recruiting is akin to treating cancer with leaches.

In all, seven five-stars from the class of 2005 were drafted out of the 255 picks in 2009. Combining that with the four taken in 2008's first round, 11 five-star players from the 2005 class have gone on to be drafted. That pales in comparison to the 135 two-stars and 65 three stars. In fact, guys who would barely merit a mention when they sign with your team (nary a four-star or five-star among them) comprised a whopping 78 percent of the NFL draft picks.

Now it's important to note that there are many more two- and three-star recruits in the country than there are four- and five-star recruits. But I'd always believed, mistakenly it turns out, that the size of the NFL D\draft made it fairly likely that just about every five-star recruit, the jewels of every recruiting class, would get drafted. The reality isn't true. Not even close.

In fact, 2005's five star-recruiting list is more valuable for defense attorneys than it is for NFL prospects. Of the 14 players who would go on to be arrested (and it could even be higher, these 14 arrests I found by a diligent search consisting of typing in arrest and the player's name in Google), none is more disturbing than the No. 4 overall recruit in 2005, Melvin Alaeze. Alaeze was a 6-foot-2, 277-pound defensive end who selected Maryland after a spirited recruiting battle. No doubt Terrapin football fans burned things in the streets. In high school, Alaeze ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds and could already bench press 225 pounds 22 times. His final five schools were Maryland, Virginia Tech, USC, Penn State and Miami. Instead of starring in college he received an eight-year prison sentence at the end of 2007.

The Baltimore Examiner reports:

"Circuit Judge John Turnbull sentenced Alaeze to 8 years behind bars after the football standout pleaded guilty to committing a first-degree assault. Alaeze admitted participating in a Dec. 24, 2006, shooting and robbery in Randallstown in which a man was shot and wounded in the head and back."

Alaeze received the most serious penalty of those arrested. So far. He joins his fellow five-stars: Ryan Perrilloux, Tray Blackmon, Jason Gwaltney, Alex Boone, Justin King, Callahan Bright, DeMarcus Granger, Fred Rouse, Rey Maulauga, Demetrice Morley, Ryan Grady, Darren McFadden, and Jerrell Powe as mugshot material. You'll note that a few of these managed the five-star daily double, arrest and first-round draft pick status. That's talent, the five-star cross-over.

In the end, our recruiting obsession is making players stars before they even arrive on campus. And maybe, just maybe, that stardom contributes to their misbehavior once they arrive on campus. When you've been told that you're God's gift to football, begged to attend schools by national championship winning coaches for months, danced with the hottest girls on campus, and had your signing-day decision nationally televised, is it any surprise that you think the regular rules don't apply to you?

You think that because ... they don't.

When you get right down to it, being a five-star Rivals prospect might be the ultimate football kiss of death. At the very least it tells us that we fans are as big of idiots as we already expected we were, the information we use to feed our recruiting obsession is as tasty as rice cakes and water, as filling as empty air.

Last fall, my wife came downstairs at 3 a.m. to find me watching high school highlight videos in the darkness of my office. She thought I was looking at porn. In a way, I was. Rivals recruiting rankings are every bit as fantastical as the finest creations in the Vivid Video stable. We think if we stare long enough at the five-stars we can predict the next two Heisman Trophy winners, the reality is we're more likely to predict the campus police blotter.

Because for the vast majority of Rivals' five-star prospects the moment the rankings are released, the players have reached the pinnacle of their football careers. It's all downhill, and we'll be there to watch the slide. Asking all the while, "How could this have ever happened?"

Star-Crossed Top Recruits of 2005 More Likely to Be Arrested Than Drafted originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 11 May 2009 23:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coach-In-Waiting Plan Needs to Go

Kevin Blackistone — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Maryland, Coaching

Haste always invites waste. Such was the case with my 30-second rant last Friday at the end of Around the Horn against the trend of college coaches designating successors.

I expressed my amazement that Ralph Friedgen, the football coach at Maryland where I started teaching last semester, announced last Friday that he was tagging one of his assistants to be the program's coach when his contract ends in three years. I argued that I didn't think Friedgen had earned that right.

More important, I suggested that the growing movement of naming a head coach-in-waiting undermined equal opportunity in coaching.

What I didn't point out was that the successor Friedgen named, James Franklin, is black. Therefore, my argument appeared to have a rather large hole.

It does not.

What Friedgen suggested and Maryland signed off on with Franklin is an exception. This is the norm: Florida State's Bobby Bowden said Jimbo Fisher will replace him, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said Chip Kelly will replace him, and Texas coach Mack Brown said Will Muschamp will replace him.

Also, Joe Paterno, should he ever retire, is suspected to be considering longtime assistant Tom Bradley to replace him. And Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer is said to be considering Bud Foster to replace him.

All of those designates, or potential designates, are white. Those are five jobs where no-need-to-apply signs may as well be hung at the door.

The only other exception is Kentucky where Rich Brooks said he wants Joker Phillips, a young black assistant, to succeed him.

White or black, this is an unfair hiring process because it isn't a hiring process at all. It is as closed a search as there ever was. Just because one black coach or two benefits from it doesn't make it right. And most of these schools are publicly funded, not private like a mom-and-pop operation where the transfer of control within the family is expected and tolerated.

I'm not alone in my concern.

"We really need to emphasize that designating a successor ... closes off inclusion, it closes off opening up interviews for all top candidates," NCAA vice president for diversity and inclusion Charlotte Westerhaus told USA Today last December. "And if you close that off, you will inevitably close off the opportunity to diversity the ranks of college football."

The coach-in-waiting plan is just a newfangled extension of the good ol' boy network.

Kevin B. Blackistone is a panelist on ESPN's Around the Horn, the Shirley Povich Chair in Sports Journalism at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, and a frequent sports opinionist on other outlets. A former award-winning sports columnist for The Dallas Morning News, he currently lives in Silver Spring, Md.

Latest College Football Photos

Iowa running back Shonn Greene, right, answers questions at a news conference before the official presentation of the Doak Walker Award, Friday evening, Feb. 6, 2009, in Dallas. Former Dallas Cowboys running back Calvin Hill, left, received the Doak Walker Legends awards. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

Iowa running back Shonn Greene, right, and former Dallas Cowboys running back Calvin Hill pose for photos before the official presentation of the Doak Walker Award, Friday evening, Feb. 6, 2009, in Dallas. Hill received the Doak Walker Legends awards. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

Iowa running back Shonn Greene answers questions at a news conference before the official presentation of the Doak Walker Award, Friday evening, Feb. 6, 2009, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

In this 2007 photo, Bastrop High School's Rueben Randle (5) is shown in action in the class 4A high school football championship in New Orleans. Randle signed a letter of intent to play at LSU on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Kita Wright)

Georgia Tech football coach Paul Johnson speaks during a news conference in Atlanta on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, national signing day. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Georgia Tech head football coach Paul Johnson speaks during a news conference in Atlanta Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Ohio State football recruit Jack Mewhort (74) stands with Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, left, during a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, left, stands with recruits Storm Klein (32), Zach Boren (44), Jack Mewhort (74) and Adam Homan (49) during a news conference on National Signing Day Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel address members of the media during a news conference on National Signing Day Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Coach-In-Waiting Plan Needs to Go originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Steve Slaton, Maryland Terrapin?

Brian Grummell — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, West Virginia, Recruiting

FanHouse's lead-up to college football's signing day makes like Charles Dickens and looks at the Ghosts of Recruiting -- past, present and future. In the Ghosts of Recruiting Present, we document prominent recruiting makes and misses that changed programs

Hard to imagine now, but former West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton was buying into that whole "fear the turtle" thing. Maryland came out on top among the Philadelphia-area tailback's list of offers, and left him excited to play relatively close to family and home. That is, until they pulled his offer.

Thus: Steve Slaton at West Virginia, part of the great Pat White/Steve Slaton combo that had a large role in a pair of West Virginia BCS game appearances and victories and launched S.S. Rich Rodriguez into a seemingly ill-fated job-hop to Michigan.

Program changer? Definitely.

In his stead, Maryland has ridden the forgettable duo of Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball. They combined for over 4,000 yards in their careers, but didn't exactly light up the ACC or raise Maryland's profile. Slaton managed 3,923 yards in just three years and easily blew past troubled super recruit Jason Gwaltney, who hasn't been heard from again.

Slaton clearly did not take lightly to Maryland's bait-and-switch, toasting them for 137 yards and three touchdowns in 2007 and 195 yards and two touchdowns in 2006. Classic payback.

Be sure to check out the entire Ghosts of Recruiting series leading up to college football's national letter of intent day

Previously in Ghosts of Recruiting

Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Pac-10 Also-Rans Washington and UCLA
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Big 12 Slumpers Colorado and Texas A&M
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Former Masters Miami and Florida State
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Aging, Embattled Warriors Pitt and Syracuse
Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Virginia and Michigan State Rounds Things Out

Ghosts of Recruiting Present: Steve Slaton, Maryland Terrapin? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sour Times For Josh Portis

Ian Cohen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Florida, Maryland, ACC, SEC, Prospects, Division II

Because nobody loves him, it's true. Not like his mom does, at least. And hey, a Third joke! As in, he's about to quarterback his third team in five years after bolting from Florida to Maryland to California...of Pennsylvania. Thanks to fellow Fanhouser Bruce Ciskie, I now recognize them as the team that got worked something terrible in the D-II playoffs by Minnesota-Duluth. Before then, I knew it as the very same school that Virginia's own exiled QB, Kevin McCabe, shuffled off to after an unceremonious benching during the 2006 season.

And while McCabe got in Al Groh's doghouse during a rebuilding year for a couple of INT's (resulting in a longer leash down the line for turnover machine Marc Verica in the same situation?), Portis was basically a weapon that the Terps couldn't seem to find a use for, in spite of his rave-worthy athleticism. Even with Ralph Friedgen's rep as an offensive innovator, the steadier, if not somewhat uninspiring Chris Turner's progression led to a diminished need for the potential for Portis gadget plays. Portis attempted three passes all year and ran 36 times. Somewhere down the road, it's not unthinkable that his huge upside could land him in the "sleeper" territory in 2010's mock draft (similar to Rhett Bomar), but as for now, it's somewhat disappointing that a rare talent in quarterbacking didn't pan out in a conference that really needs it.

Sour Times For Josh Portis originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maryland Gamebreaker Heyward-Bey Goes Pro

Ian Cohen — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, ACC, Prospects

If you're the type of guy who spends the livelong day poring over mock drafts, hoping and praying that your team picks something other than an offensive lineman (the relative "socks for Hannukah" result- useful, but sorta boring), you're familiar with this archetype: freakishly talented wide receiver struggles with quarterbacking upheaval, oh, if only he could put it all together and be consistent! More often than not, you see this guy sliding towards the top of the second round despite first-round talent, and in premature draft grades, the team that obtains him is considered to have gotten a steal (especially if they drafted a QB in the first round).

Sometimes you do indeed get a steal. Sometimes you get Malcolm Kelly. And with that, the announcement of Maryland's exciting, if not always dependable Darrius Heyward-Bey throwing his proverbial hat into the ring. Despite the rep that's stuck with him since he shocked the ~~scant ACC viewership~~ world with a 96-yarder against Miami, Heyward-Bey's stats are still pretty tough to argue with: even as a real-deal receiver in a pro-style offense, Heyward-Bey still managed to be the Terrapin's third-leading rusher, and in just three years, he collected the second most receiving yards and third most receptions in Maryland history. Then again, when Jermaine Lewis holds most of your important receiving records, those tasty crabcakes of info are best taken with a bit of salt.

Maryland Gamebreaker Heyward-Bey Goes Pro originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turkey Legs to Go: Humanitarian Bowl Travel Guide, Maryland vs. Nevada

Will Brinson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, Nevada, ACC, WAC, 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 Humanitarian Bowl (Boise, Idaho), which pits Maryland against Nevada.

Overview/Matchup: You would THINK that a Maryland - Nevada matchup would get the old ticket sale - juices flowing, right? Yeah, you would be wrong. Because the Terrapins have sold all of SIXTEEN tickets. SIXTEEN! In other words, people in Maryland are none too fond of having to travel all the way up to Idaho and watch their team play. And since Nevada's only slung eight tickets, well, yeah, this might not be the most crowded game. Good news for you = easy hotel reservations!

Hotels: There isn't much in Boise in terms of world-class accommodation, but there are a number of good-quality hotels and budget rooms within easy driving distance of the hotel. Although the nearby Hotel 43 is a competitive alternative, we recommend The Grove Hotel for well-heeled travelers. Just across the river from the stadium and offering a popular on-site restaurant, and even more popular on-site sports bar, the Grove is also probably the best all around value for any bowl traveler. For those who would feel more comfortable in a traditional midrange, try the Courtyard by Marriott. It's also located just across the river from the stadium and has reasonable rates and consistent service. Budget-minded travelers should try the Best Western Airport Inn. Located just two blocks from the airport, the hotel offers rooms for US$79 per night. However, keep in mind before booking that rooms at the Courtyard are only a few dollars more and the location is far superior.

Restaurants/Nightlife: As for dining, there's plenty to eat in Boise, but we recommend you focus on the brewpubs. Much like Asheville, North Carolina, and Big Sky, Montana, great microbreweries seem to follow young outdoorsy types. Tablerock Brewpub & Grill is a must visit, but also keep an eye out for Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery, Bitter Creek Alehouse and Ram Restaurant & Brewery.

Turkey Legs to Go: Humanitarian Bowl Travel Guide, Maryland vs. Nevada originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Humanitarian Bowl Ticket Sales In The Dozens

Brian Cook — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Boise State, Maryland, Nevada

No, seriously.

Buried at the end of a positive article on the Humanitarian Bowl "hoping for a big turnout" that matches the whopping 26,000 that showed last year is this stark reminder of what happens when your bowl game is played in Boise, Idaho:

As of Monday afternoon the University of Maryland says it's sold about 16 tickets to the game. The University of Nevada says it's sold 8 so far.

"About" 16 tickets? How can the word "about" ever be followed by the number 16? If I worked in the Maryland ticket department I would at all times have a completely accurate number of tickets sold in my head: 16.

It will remain 16 until the game, at which point it will remain 16 for all time. If I run in to someone who worked at the Maryland ticket office in 2088 I will immediately query them about the number of tickets sold to the 2008 Humanitarian Bowl and if I do not get the answer "16" I will pull the mask from their face, revealing the supposed Terrapin to be a googly-eyed alien invader. This, I predict, will save the planet.

You're welcome in advance.

(HT: ONBUG)

Humanitarian Bowl Ticket Sales In The Dozens originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is The ACC Getting Balled Out Of The Humanitarian Bowl?

Ian Cohen — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Ball State, Boise State, Maryland, Wake Forest, ACC, WAC, Rumors, Bowl Games

Truth be told, a lot of casual ACC fans probably didn't realize that the conference tie-in still existed. And I'm not sure if they'd miss it- usually, a bid to Boise is indicative of a season that was horribly uneven, thoroughly disappointing or, in the case of a serious rebuilding project, a half-lit beacon of hope.

Don't know what you got til it's gone, I suppose. More likely than not, Boise State is going to end up at home as the WAC representative, and rumor has it that Roady's is taking a serious look at similarly undefeated Ball State...provided the ACC's cool with that. Lord knows the casual viewer would be, as it would represent the only matchup of undefeated teams during the entirety of bowl season. In the event that we see said BSU/BSU tilt, Maryland might end up in the awkward situation of playing Navy even though they've been quick to opt out of the natural rivalry. Looks like the Congressional Bowl is willing to call Maryland's "we got exams" bluff (see also: "I'm washing my hair that night") and work around the last day of finals for the Terrapins- otherwise, the bowl could have to ask Navy to allow a rematch against Wake.

Is The ACC Getting Balled Out Of The Humanitarian Bowl? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BC-Tech in an ACC Title Game Rematch

Chris Burke — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College, Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, ACC

The topsy-turvy, back-and-forth ACC race finally came to an end on Saturday, and we ... are right back where we were at this point last year.

Boston College and Virginia Tech will meet in next week's ACC title game, a rematch of the 2007 championship. The Hokies won last season's version, 30-16.

Both teams needed wins today to claim spots in the ACC finale, and neither disappointed. Well, both nearly disappointed. Hosting a Virginia team in need of a win to become bowl eligible, Virginia Tech nearly provided UVa. that big victory. Virginia Tech rallied from 14-7 down to take a 17-14 lead, but saved that lead only after an end zone interception off Wahoo quarterback Marc Verica.

Boston College also got a tough challenge, with Maryland taking the Eagles down to the wire. BC survived 28-21, though, clinching the ACC Atlantic.

Frankly, anything less than close, haywire finishes would have been out of place in the ACC this year. Even with their wins, both BC and Virginia Tech needed to rely on tie-breakers to get to the title game.

The Eagles earned their ACC championship spot courtesy of their win at Florida State a couple weeks back. Virginia Tech got on thanks to an early-season victory over Georgia Tech.

Boston College knocked off Virginia Tech earlier this season, 28-23 in Massachusetts. Based on that outcome - and the rest of the ACC season - you'd have to expect next week's game to be a good one. Boston College snuffed out Tyrod Taylor in that game, holding him to 90 yards passing. But Taylor's showing his potential as a double-threat guy lately. In today's win, Taylor threw for 137 yards and rushed for 137 yards.

Can't get more balanced than that.

With Taylor playing that well, Virginia Tech has to be considered the favorite next week, despite the season's earlier outcome. Not to mention, it's hard to bet against Virginia Tech in the ACC; regardless of what players come and go, the Hokies keep winning - this will make three trips in four years to the conference's relatively new title game.

On the other side of the ball, is there any doubt that Jeff Jagodzinski is doing a great job at Boston College? I mean, consider that his quarterback from last year, Matt Ryan, is a prime contender for the NFL's Rookie of the Year award - and that didn't stop BC from getting to the conference title game - and you have to appreciate what he's done there.

BC-Tech in an ACC Title Game Rematch originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maryland Wins, and Miami Says 'Thanks'

Chris Burke — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, University of Miami, UNC, ACC

I could sit here and force you to read a bunch of wisecracks about how the ACC has been a bit of a debacle this season. Or I could say this:

If Miami wins its next three games, the Hurricanes will represent the Atlantic Coast Conference in a BCS game.

That once-baffling possibility became reality courtesy of Maryland, which upset North Carolina today, 17-15. The Terrapins win further clouded what was an already murky situation in the conference.

In the ACC Atlantic, Maryland is now (temporarily) tied with Florida State for first - the Seminoles play Boston College tonight, then visit the Terps next week. Wake Forest, which had been tied for first, lost at last-place N.C. State this afternoon.

But the big beneficiery of the Maryland victory - other than the Terps themselves - is, without question, Miami.

The 'Canes moved to 4-2 in the conference with a big Thursday night win over Virginia Tech. But their loss earlier to North Carolina meant that Butch Davis and the Tar Heels held the tie-breaker on Miami. Now that UNC is 3-3 in the conference, this is obviously no longer a problem.

Behind Miami in the standings now - in addition to North Carolina - is Georgia Tech (4-3 in the ACC). Miami visits the Yellow Jackets next week, then heads to N.C. State in its finale. Win both of those, and Miami advances to the ACC title game.

Whether Miami's Coastal Division control says more about the 'Canes or the ACC's overall mediocrity, I'm not sure. I'm willing to say ... it's a little bit of both.

Remember, this is a Miami team that finished 5-7 last year and 7-6 the season before. The Hurricanes then started the 2008 season just 2-3 with back-to-back home losses. They looked on their way to another non-bowl finish.

But credit where credit is due. Since losing to Florida State on Oct. 4, Miami has won five straight games. It hasn't always been pretty, what with four of those victories coming by seven points or less, but at other times it's been brilliant. As in Thursday night when the Hurricanes came out of halftime and just dismantled Virginia Tech for the entire third quarter en route to that victory.

Things are a mess in the ACC right now. Something tells me Miami is not complaining.

Maryland Wins, and Miami Says 'Thanks' originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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