NCAA Football FanHouse

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: Hokies, Heels Look to Bounce Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOME SWEET HOME?

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

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

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

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

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

Say what?

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

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

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

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

HOT STREAK

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIND BOGGLING

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

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

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

"The timing is tough," Spaziani said.

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

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

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ACC Notebook: 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: Hokies Can't Let Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACK ON THE BUMP

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

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

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

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

STAYING OR GOING?

Bobby Bowden is sticking to his guns. Sort of.

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

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

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

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

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

STREAKING

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

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

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

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

STRICTLY BUSINESS

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

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

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

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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)

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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 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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South Carolina Grinds Out 7-3 Victory Over North Carolina State

Brian Grummell — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:13:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, South Carolina, ACC, SEC

The dead ball era came to college football, at least for a night as South Carolina played ball control just a little bit better than North Carolina State. Both contributed woeful offensive performances, South Carolina finishing with 255 yards and North Carolina State just 133 in an ugly, sleepy affair.

A first half touchdown several plays after recovering a Toney Baker fumble deep in Wolfpack territory was all South Carolina needed. They actually missed a field goal and mishandled the snap on another but were never made to pay for their mistakes. North Carolina State receivers dropped endless passes, providing little help to quarterback Russel Wilson.

This was the second straight snoozefest game between the programs who hopefully get to take a national TV break for a few weeks. Fortunately for college football fans the much-anticipated Boise State and Oregon game is played later Thursday night.

South Carolina Grinds Out 7-3 Victory Over North Carolina State originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday Night FanHouse College Football Chat and Experts' Twitter Feed

Brian Grummell — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:47:00 EST

Filed under: Boise State, NC State, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah

College football is B - A - C - K so grab a seat, pop on ESPN or some other network if you're watching one of the undercard games (Coastal Carolina at Kent State, perhaps?), and lets talk college football's opening night starting at 7 PM Eastern.

A team of FanHouse writers will be your hosts and we'll have updated Twitter feeds from various sources related to the involved teams updating within the chat software. See it all ... after the jump!

Live Scoreboard | South Carolina Grinds Out Win
David Whitley: Erin Andrews Watch

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Thursday Night FanHouse College Football Chat and Experts' Twitter Feed originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prepare the Visor Toss, South Carolina Might Not Survive September

Clay Travis — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boise State, NC State, Oregon, South Carolina, SEC

Did the air smell crisper to you last night? This morning did you beat your chest and bellow as loud as you could while staring at the heavens? I did. College football is back. Thank the Lord. But for some of us, such as South Carolina fans, the season is not getting off to a nice, easy start. Nope, they're traveling north and taking on N.C. State in a game that they're expected to lose. That's despite the 34-0 walloping they put on N.C. State on a Thursday night to start last season. In fact, of the four teams playing tonight on ESPN, South Carolina has more at stake than any of them. Yep, more than Boise State, Oregon, or the Woflpack.

Why?

Because South Carolina has to survive September or their season is going to implode in a hurry. Let's dive in to the college football bonanza and I'll tell you why Gamecock fans are covering their eyes with their visor lids. And it has nothing to do with the debut of the Wild Cock formation. Seriously, am I the only person who can't wait to here Verne Lundquist/Benjamin Franklin talk about the Wild Cock?
I love South Carolina fans and the football experience in Columbia. I like the oysters in the pregame, the dangerous medley that arrives when the South Carolina state fair coincides with a football game, the middle school enthusiasm that their male fan base has to scream out "Cocks" as loudly as they can in the midst of the Gamecocks cheer. I like the Cockabooses and the mildly creepy, yet at the same time awesome, way the camera guy zooms in on really hot coeds during the Carolina Girl song. I like Charleston and Hilton Head and Pat Conroy and the South Carolina state flag and the way that no matter how many hall-of-fame coaches whose career they run into the ground, South Carolina fans keep believing in their team.

Having said that, I don't like South Carolina's opening schedule.

Not at all.

In three of their first four games, including tonight at N.C. State, the Gamecocks will be the underdog. They'll be expected to lose at Georgia -- in a game that will doubtless end with a score of 12-10 and not be decided until the final play -- and at home on Thursday night against Ole Miss. Blessedly, in the third game of their schedule, they have a home win against Florida Atlantic penciled in. But right now, there's a strong likelihood that South Carolina comes out of September sitting at 1-3.

This is ominous, even aside from the disappointment of a 1-3 record.

South Carolina only has one game on their schedule after September that is a guaranteed win -- South Carolina State. Tremendous odds will be on the Gamecocks losing to Florida and at Alabama. If you finish September with three losses, you can chalk up five guaranteed losses with those two teams. Toss in games at Arkansas and at Tennessee, where they'll likely be underdogs, and games like Vanderbilt (who have beaten the Gamecocks twice in a row), Clemson, who the Gamecocks have only beaten three times since 1996 and Kentucky, and you're talking about a team that will struggle to get bowl eligible if they start poorly.

So if you're wondering which school has the most at stake in tonight's games, South Carolina is the answer. Because if they end September 1-3, as they're predicted to do, they aren't going to a bowl game and Steve Spurrier will be finished at the school.

Book it.

Yep, if South Carolina doesn't come out of September sitting at 2-2 at the worst, the season goes off the Cockaboose rails in a hurry. And N.C. State is an easier opponent than either Ole Miss or Georgia. So for the Gamecocks more so than any other team, they must win tonight. Their season depends on it. Hell, their coaches fate might depend on it.

I hope the oysters are in season.

Happy college football season, y'all.

Here are my first week picks against the spread. Starting next week, and this is the complete truth, I'm going to be picking against my family's French exchange student, Audrey. She knows nothing about college football. Which means she'll probably beat me for the season. But for now, it's just me against the world.

South Carolina at N.C. State -5.

I think the Gamecocks will lose. But I think it will be an agonizingly close loss. Say by three points on an N.C. State touchdown with less than two minutes to play.

Oregon at Boise State -3

How many times will blue turf be mentioned in tonight's game? Blue turf, blue turf, blue turf. How many times will it start a sentence? Better question, how many Oregon students will think they took the wrong mushrooms when this game opens?

Georgia at Oklahoma State -4.5

Mark Richt is 30-4 in road games with the Bulldogs. Of course, conveniently, that doesn't count neutral games at Florida. Suggestion for Oklahoma State fans: Gator Chomp all night long.

La. Tech at Auburn -12.5

True story, Auburn's Tri-Delts replaced Chris Todd at quarterback with a girl name Laci Reynolds because Chris Todd's arm wasn't strong enough. Todd responded by winning the starting quarterback job at Auburn.

Alabama -6.5 vs. Virginia Tech

Alabama fans are talking trash about how much of the Georgia Dome will be wearing crimson. Seriously, Virginia Tech, y'all can't travel down the road 7 hours for a game this big? For shame, Hokies, for shame.

LSU -17.5 at Washington

True story, Les Miles spent all offseason thinking Washington was in Washington, D.C. He's going to be shocked when the plane lands and he can't see the Washington Monument from his hotel room.
...
Clay Travis is the author of three books. His latest, On Rocky Top: A Front Row Seat to The End of an Era chronicles the 2008 Tennessee football season, is on sale now.

Prepare the Visor Toss, South Carolina Might Not Survive September originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Erin Andrews to Discuss Peeping Tom Incident on Oprah

Brian Grummell — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:45:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, South Carolina, Media Watch, General CFB Insanity

Erin, Oprah. Oprah, Erin. Yes that Letterman skit was years ago but more timely is ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews' appearance on Oprah. She'll break her silence in an interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show the morning of September 11th.

Sports Illustrated broke the news Monday, offering few other details besides time and date. If you're an American male you know the details but for everyone else late to the story, video of a naked Andrews shot through what appeared to be a peep hole surfaced several weeks ago. Its release prompted swift action by her attorneys and ESPN to suppress the video and seek action against whoever perpetrated the invasion of privacy crime against her.

Since then Andrews has apparently not been on ESPN broadcasts as part of a planned vacation but is set to return Thursday night as part of the network's broadcast of college football's first official game of 2009 between South Carolina and North Carolina State. That'll be interesting, hm?

Few segments of society are more respectful and controlled when it comes to respecting women than college men -- cough -- and now she's entering a stadium filled with thousands of them. I'd be shocked if ESPN wasn't pressing security hard to confiscate any and all questionable signs in advance of the broadcast.

Whatever, tune in on the 11th to see the damage done to Andrews and how she's gotten along since then.

Erin Andrews to Discuss Peeping Tom Incident on Oprah originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday Is the New ... Something for College Football

Brian Grummell — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Boise State, NC State, Oregon, South Carolina

Fill in the blank of that now-cliche setup. The new Monday Night Football. The new black. The new upset machine. The new everything. Thursday has long been a quiet part of the college football landscape but with ESPN's growing presence as a business partner, it is now kind of a big deal.

In a sport where Saturday is king, Thursday night is grabbing an increasing share of the starring role as the home to nine season-opening games including two that will be nationally televised. For several years now at FanHouse we've been live blogging Thursday night games and it's apparent they've gained a certain cult status for the football-mad folks who can't quite wait a week until their next fix -- this after waiting through a torturous eight month offseason.

So, what gives?

Methinks it has something to do with the big stage. Crazy things are always around the corner in college football but the inmates seem to take over the asylum on Thursday nights. Last year saw something like five or six straight Thursday night upsets including Oregon State's jaw dropper over USC, providing some of the best video and narrative of the entire season.

College football is very much a game of emotion and for a non-traditional setting Thursday seems to bring out packed stadiums and energized teams. Perhaps part of the growing appeal is also its jump out of the traditional SEC and ACC sandbox and expanding into Pac-10 play, Big East play, and everyone else. Its truly a rotating national event that brings together fans around the country for what is still very much a regional game.

And once again this year, Thursday plays host to the season opener. The matchups aren't always sexy -- see last year's South Carolina 34 to nothing romp over North Carolina State -- but they provide sustenance and banter. Folks won't soon forget being witness to Tommy Beecher's four interception night that still saw the Gamecocks win big. Its like that every Thursday, some new talking point or narrative cropping up, ripe for the water cooler and reminiscing.

Coincidentally, South Carolina and North Carolina State will once again kick off the 2009 college football season as the game gets top billing (7 PM Eastern) from ESPN, but the matchup everyone wants to see is Oregon traveling to the noisy and mind-warping blue turf that is home to the Boise State Broncos. They're nearly unbeatable at home but Oregon and particularly quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, wants revenge for last year's upset loss. Masoli was taken out of the game after what he claims was a cheap shot from a Boise State player and he's been talking all offseason about it.

Adding to the intrigue is a coaches' association request for schools to shake hands before games on opening week, something Masoli's publicly scoffed at as he wants no part of the pleasantries.

Be sure to also keep an eye out for Sun Belt favorite Troy against MAC power Bowling Green (7PM ET) and Utah hosting perennial Western Athletic Conference whipping boy Utah State.

Thursday Is the New ... Something for College Football originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russell Wilson Has ACC Seeing Red

Jim Henry — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, ACC

Nine days and counting.

Russell Wilson will begin his second season as North Carolina State's starting quarterback next Thursday in the opener against South Carolina. Wilson, who was very good last season, wants to be even better this year. He feels more comfortable in the offense, he knows his teammates better, and he heartily embraces the expectations that surround the Wolfpack program.

In fact, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden has said that only one quarterback in the ACC has all the qualities needed to turn a team into a national contender: Russell Wilson, take a bow.

"There will be excitement there but I think I will be a lot more relaxed," Wilson said Tuesday.

"Playing last year, learning how to be a relaxed, calm quarterback, staying composed during adversity helps. I am definitely excited about this first game. Every time you play there is something new that happens."

N.C. State fans, of course, know exactly what they don't want to see happen to Wilson, and that's being helped to the sideline. Perhaps no player in the Atlantic Coast Conference was more important to his team lat year than the athletic Wilson. He became the first freshman in the 57-year history of the ACC to be named the All-ACC first-team quarterback, and was named rookie of the year as well.

Wilson absorbed some hard knocks along the way, however.

In the opener at South Carolina, Wilson suffered a concussion and was carried off the field on a stretcher with five minutes left in the second quarter. Pressured by the Gamecocks in the backfield, Wilson took a knee to the back of his head while hitting the ground. Although he doesn't remember the injury, Wilson gave fans a thumbs up while being carted away. The game, however, ended thumbs down for the Wolfpack in the 34-0 defeat.

Wilson missed the South Florida game in late September with an injured shoulder, and the Wolfpack hit rock bottom in the 41-10 loss. A healthy Wilson, however, helped N.C. State win four straight games in November to reach the Papjohns.com Bowl. But he was hurt in that game, too, tweaking a knee, and Rutgers rallied in the second half for a 29-23 victory.

Wilson believes his maturity and understanding of the Wolfpack's offense should help him avoid injuries this season. Even so, don't think that Wilson is going to temper his approach. That's not his style, which is to take whatever running hole or passing lane the defense gives him.

"I am never afraid of doing certain things, or playing to the best level I can," said Wilson, who led the ACC last season in total offense with an average of 213 yards, in touchdown passes with 17, and in passing efficiency.

"I am going to be smart. If I need to get down, I will get down. But I think a lot of it goes back to watching film and understanding certain situations where I could get down earlier. A lot of it is just being more mature. The game has slowed down for me. The game (has) slowed down for a me a lot."

Wilson, a redshirt sophomore, will enter the season having thrown his last 249 passes without being intercepted. While Bowden says Wilson was the most dangerous quarterback he saw last season, N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien says Wilson is the most organized player he has ever seen. That's just reflects Wilson's personality, values and family influence.

"I try to stay as organized as possible, making sure you are doing all the little stuff that really matters when it comes to winning games and working hard on the practice field, " Wilson said. "I think everybody has that mindset. I always push people and I always push myself. The first thing you have to do is push yourself if you are going to push other people. I always try to be the best I can be and work hard everywhere I go."

It shows, too.

Wilson is on an accelerated academic schedule and on track for graduation in the spring of 2010. He also is a baseball prospect (second baseman for the Wolfpack) who's eligible for the 2010 draft. In fact, with Wilson's future uncertain beyond this season, O'Brien plans to play highly touted redshirt freshman backup Mike Glennon for a series in the first half of each game this season.

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In this photograph taken on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, Nebraska's Marcus Mendoza catches a pass during their NCAA college football practice in Lincoln, Neb. Mendoza will move from wide receiver to running back after the departure of Quentin Castille last week .(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

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Latest College Football Images

In this photograph taken on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, Notre Dame halfback Cierre Wood runs through the line during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

In this photograph taken on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick runs through a drill during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel times a play during an NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State lineman Dexter Larimore (72) looks to block Andrew Sweat (42) during an NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State quarterback Joe Bauserman is in background left. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel yells out instructions to his players during an NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State quarterback coach Nick Siciliano, left, gives instructions to quarterback Terrelle Pryor during an NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel yells out instructions to his players during an NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) watches a play from the sideline during an NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

Wilson, however, is not worried about the future. He's too busy trying to build on the positives from last season to help prepare for the Gamecocks' visit to Carter-Finley Stadium. In fact, if you want to know a little bit about Wilson's makeup, one his best memories from last year had nothing to do with his play. It was the Wolfpack's ability as a program to overcome their 2-6 start.

"Coming back from where we were at one point in the season, we weren't winning games but we were so close. That feeling where you are so close but you are losing, that's a tough feeling to have, especially when you know you have a good team, and you know the rest of the guys are working hard," Wilson said.

"So, getting over that hump, getting over that adversity, coach O'Brien truly helping us, truly continuing to push us and believing in us, the staff believing in us ... that was probably the most exciting. Not necessarily one moment, or one game, I guess it's a period of time where we've overcome obstacles."

O'Brien enters his third season still looking for his first winning record in Raleigh, N.C., and here's little doubt that this year will provide him with that opportunity. And, in case you are wondering, O'Brien was in this position before when he was the head coach at Boston College. After going 4-7 in his first two season, the Eagles finished better than 500 for eight straight years and won seven consecutive bowl games.

It's safe to assume that nobody is going to outwork Wilson.

No matter what you do, good or bad -- I have to recognize how good I am and how bad I am," said Wilson, a Richmond, Va., native who threw for 1,955 yards last season with 17 touchdowns and just one interception (against Clemson on Sept. 13). "I have to know every time I step on the field, or I am in the film room, or I am sitting at home thinking of what play I am going to run, I have to really visualize it. I have to get better at it, I have to understand it to do the best I can.

"I want to be the best quarterback I can. I want to be the best quarterback in the ACC. I want to be the best quarterback in the nation. Every time I step on the field I definitely want to be the best quarterback that day. I will do whatever it takes -- sit back in the pocket all day, or if there's times I need to run to get a first down, I will do that.

"I think everyone has grown. Everybody understands what coach O'Brien wants us to do.The main goal for me is just to win every time I step on the field. That's all that matters."

Nine days and counting.

Russell Wilson Has ACC Seeing Red originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lou Holtz for Congress?

Mark Hasty — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Arkansas, Minnesota, NC State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Media Watch, Rumors

Just when you and I both thought college football couldn't get any weirder, it's trying. The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Lou Holtz, former coach of William and Mary, NC State, the New York Jets, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina (whew), is pondering a run for Congress.

Holtz would seek the Republican nomination in Florida's 24th congressional district, which includes parts of the Orlando suburbs and the Space Coast.

If Holtz succeeds in winning the nomination, he would challenge first-term Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, a Democrat from New Smyrna Beach. Should Holtz win in 2010, he would join Nebraska's Tom Osborne, who represented Nebraska's 3rd district from 2000 to 2006, as the only college coaches to serve in Congress.

The real question: How big are those "if"s?

Put it this way: You should always take any rumor with a grain of salt. This one appears like you might want to take it with a 25-pound salt lick. Republican officials did confirm to the Sentinel that they met with Holtz and he is interested in running, but none of them wanted their names used.

File that under "things that make you go hmm ..."

There was one person willing to go on record as thinking this is a good idea, though:

"You put him in the ring and it's all but over," said John Dowless, an Orlando-based Republican consultant. "He's on TV, he's likable, the name ID is huge and people respect him enormously."

Clearly, Dowless hasn't been paying attention. This is a man who managed to get nearly every program he coached put on NCAA probation, after all.

It's a free country, of course, and Holtz is free to run for office if that's what he wants to do. The 24th district leans Republican so it's entirely possible he could wind up elected to Congress if he gets through the primaries. Somewhere, Rod Serling is smiling.

Lou Holtz for Congress? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Football's Statutory Take

Brian Grummell — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Alabama, NC State, Tennessee, Texas

Every Monday 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.

If He Can Get On The Field, Play Ball -- It's come to this: the 13-year-old brother of Tennessee safety Eric Berry has pledged to play football for the Vols. Nevermind that he's not even in high school, but the kid's set on Orange and who is Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin to say no? The saving grace in all of this is that verbals are non-binding and four years is a lot of time to fill where both parties could easily part ways.

It's really not that big of a deal given the non-binding voluntary nature of the affair but it's still gross and stinks too much of the gases emanating from college basketball for this college football fan. Hopefully this is a one-time deal but you know how pesky those Pandora's Boxes are. This is just begging for some college football equivalent of the nation's sex laws.

Bad News Comes In Threes -- In a week filled with endless celebrity deaths, here's another sad troika: The Lane Kiffin Show has returned with three new episodes discussing the SEC East and West and a bedroom encounter with his wife Layla. As usual the emperor has no clothes.

Illegal, Except When It Isn't -- Completing our Tour De Tennessee today, it has been announced that the Volunteers will play North Carolina State in 2012's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Should be fun, but what happened to the NCAA supposedly outlawing these kickoff/preseason/classic type games?

Overtime, Ball on the 25

-- Not a good week for college football linebackers and their cars. North Carolina State linebacker Nate Irving and Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle were both taken out of commission indefinitely after various acts of vehicular mayhem. Fortunately both are alive but left behind damaged cars, trees and buildings.

-- Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome to Alabama: I think I love you, but what am I so afraid of? I'm afraid that I'm not sure of a love there's no cure for.

-- Some interesting 2009 non-conference game discussion.

College Football's Statutory Take originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Ready to Abandon Championship Game in Florida

Chas Rich — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:42:00 EST

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

The ACC championship game has seen diminishing attendance from the 70,000 plus in the first game in 2005 down to a dismal sub-28,000 in 2008. The problem, it seems, has not been the fact that the ACC has been a collective morass of mediocrity that makes it less attractive for fans to want to make last-minute travel plans to the game. It has nothing to do with teams with smaller alumni bases like Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Boston College making appearances.

How about the fact that they have been held in Florida and only once has Florida State or Miami appear? Good luck getting the ACC to admit that was the expectation when they set it up for the first four games to be in Florida.
It seems the problem is that no one wants to go to Florida. Charlotte, North Carolina is the place to be.

"Charlotte is more in the middle of our footprint," North Carolina State athletic director Lee Fowler said Monday following meetings involving ACC athletic directors, football coaches, basketball coaches and faculty representatives, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island. "We've tried Jacksonville, and we're trying in Tampa. I'd like to see how the game performs in North Carolina."

Virginia Tech athletic director Jim Weaver, whose football team has played in three of the four ACC title games, was even more direct.

"We've got to get to Charlotte," he said. "That doesn't mean Jacksonville and Tampa haven't done good jobs. It's simply too hard for people to get to Florida for a weekend game, then plan on going to a bowl game - especially now, in this economic downturn."

The ACC championship game is not scheduled to make an appearance in Charlotte until 2010. The championship does not have a permanent location. The ACC has instead taken to soliciting bids from potential host cities to try and get the most money.

Charlotte, North Carolina is the most central location for most programs in the ACC. It is also not far from the league's offices in Greensboro. But the ACC has been sensitive to accusations that it favors holding events in North Carolina and providing an advantage for the programs in the state.

It seems unlikely that the ACC will be able to pull out of Tampa for this year. Tampa and Raymond James Stadium would likely, not be eager to lose any events that could produce some extra revenue.

It also seems unlikely that the ACC will be willing to pay any escape penalties to move it this year. So get ready for lots of empty seats for at least one more year. Just do not expect a return to Florida until FSU or Miami shows some sustained success.

ACC Ready to Abandon Championship Game in Florida originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 12 May 2009 15:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Surgery for N.C. State's Superfrosh Quarterback Russell Wilson

Ian Cohen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, ACC, Injuries

Awesome news for the North Carolina State baseball team- infielder Russell Wilson will not require surgery after suffering a knee injury during the offseason. Wilson batted .296 in 32 games last season, with an 83 percent success rate on stolen bases. Obviously, a different prognosis may have resulted in a serious blow to the Wolfpack's depth.

Oh, right- he plays a bit of football too. And he's kinda good at it too, enough to be named 1st-team All-ACC despite being a freshman and suffering through concussion problems during the season (as well as a pretty pedestrian supporting cast). Despite a rather inauspicious beginning to the Tom "Tonz O Funz" O'Brien era in Raleigh, things are looking up, considering how the 'pack came on towards the end of the season and even if Wilson's a little gimpy come spring practice, hotshot recruit Mike Glennon is a possible option ... well, provided he isn't as whiny as his brother Sean.

No Surgery for N.C. State's Superfrosh Quarterback Russell Wilson originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bowl Season '08: Russell Wilson Down, Rutgers Wins (Simple Explanation Version)

Will Brinson — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:39:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, Rutgers, ACC, Big East, Fans, General CFB Insanity, Bowl Games

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

Russell Wilson got hurt. With all due respect to Rutgers players, coaches, fans and awesome Pulitzer Prize winning alumni, that's about all you need to re: the PapaJohns.com Bowl. Of course, it's also all you need to know about North Carolina State's season -- when Wilson was healthy and in the game, the Wolfpack were one of the most exciting teams in the NCAA, and when he wasn't, well, they were the type of team that could give up a first half lead to a suddenly struggling Rutgers team.

Again though: Rutgers = not bad. They came in having won six straight games, but, caveats aside, you couldn't tell by the time the clock struck zeroes on the first half. The Wolfpacka dominated, Mike Teel struggled mightily, and it looked like a runaway win for State. Then Wilson got hurt.

It happened right before the end of the first half and it was a strained left knee and he was most certainly capable of coming back, but, again, no offense to the pizza tossing Papa, but this wasn't the time and the place to bring the future of a school's football program back onto the field.

And as such, the fate of the PJ.com Bowl fell to Daniel Evans, Raleigh's native son. As was the case for the end of Chuck Amato's tenure in Raleigh, he couldn't come through, and Teel magically morphed into the guy who tossed seven taters against Louisville. State withered, Rutgers rallied, and a pair of seasons got microcosmed really quickly.

Bowl Season '08: Russell Wilson Down, Rutgers Wins (Simple Explanation Version) originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turkey Legs to Go: PapaJohns.com Bowl, North Carolina State vs. Rutgers

Will Brinson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:10:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, Rutgers, ACC, Big East, 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 PapaJohns.com Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama), which pits North Carolina State against Rutgers.

Overview / Matchup: Birmingham got lucky in their bowl draw this year, as both Rutgers and N.C. State come into the postseason on quite the tear. The Wolfpack features All-Universe freshman quarterback Russell Wilson, the first frosh to ever land first team All-Conference in the ACC. Meanwhile, a Cincinnati BCS berth and a six game winning streak to close out the season (highlighted by Mike Teel tossing a redonk seven touchdowns in the season finale against Louisville) lets the Scarlet Knights squeeze into a decent bowl.

Hotels: For luxury accommodation and entertainment, well-heeled travelers should stay at The Wynfrey Hotel. It's a 15-minute drive from town, but the trek is worth it if you want to do any shopping. The hotel is attached to the massive Riverchase Galleria. For good-quality accommodation closer to the stadium, try the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. The hotel offers the best overall value for bowl travelers, combining reasonable rates with comfortable beds and a great location. For budget-minded travelers, try the Days Inn just across the highway from the stadium. They offer rooms for less than US$100 per night and the proximity can't be beat.

Restaurants/Nightlife: For fine dining in Birmingham, try Bottega Italian Restaurant. Bottega consistently receives great reviews and if the prices prove too steep, the sister restaurant, Bottega Café, next door is a more affordable alternative. Dreamland Bar-B-Que is a cheap, family-friendly alternative to high-end Italian. Dreamland is a local favorite featuring an on-site smoker and arguably the best ribs in Birmingham.

Turkey Legs to Go: PapaJohns.com Bowl, North Carolina State vs. Rutgers originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NC State Bowl Picture Clears Up If Troy Beats Arkansas State

Sportz Assassin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:14:00 EST

Filed under: NC State, ACC, Bowl Games

Last week, I told you that NC State is fighting an uphill battle to get themselves into a bowl game. The Wolfpack are in a pool of at-large teams that are fighting for just a few open spots.

NC State is relying on a Sun Belt Conference game to help determine their bowl fate. Yeah, that's how far the ACC has fallen.

If Troy beats Arkansas State this Saturday, then the PapaJohns.com Bowl will send an invite to NC State. State would play a Big East team (probably UConn or Pitt) in the Birmingham-based bowl.

If Arkansas State upsets Troy, then they are contractually obligated to go to the PapaJohns.com Bowl and NC State would be left out. Then the Wolfpack's options are the Motor City Bowl or Hawaii Bowl. A spot in the Hawaii Bowl opens up if Arizona State loses to Arizona tomorrow.

NC State Bowl Picture Clears Up If Troy Beats Arkansas State originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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