NCAA Football FanHouse

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

Getty Images for The Miami Proje

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

Getty Images for The Miami Proje

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: 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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Cavs' Cold Start Puts Groh on Hot Seat

Jim Henry — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC

When it comes to Virginia's unsettled quarterback position in its new spread offense, embattled Cavaliers coach Al Groh doesn't expect to pull a rabbit out of a hat. He's not intentionally being secretive. Of the team's three quarterback options, none could avoid producing multiple turnovers in last weekend's disastrous home defeat to William & Mary. Or was it to Peter, Paul & Mary?

Doesn't matter.

With No. 16 Texas Christian traveling to Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Groh may need to put together the best coaching job of his career to get the Cavaliers pointed in the right direction. According to Virginia media, if Groh doesn't and the team, which faces one of the country's most challenging schedules, gets off to a poor start, there are already rumors flying that UVa could pull a Clemson from a year ago and replace Groh with one of his assistants during a bye week.

(That would be Sept. 26 on calendar planners, for all the wanna-be Dabo Swinneys out there).

In past years, however, Groh has been superb in bringing back teams from slow starts. And it's no secret the Cavaliers will need to get a much, much better performance from their offense, specifically at quarterback, to have any chance against the Horned Frogs in their season opener. TCU, relaxed and rested, finished last year ranked seventh and has been one of the nation's most successful programs during the last decade.

"Until one [quarterback] steps up and establishes that this is the guy we should ride, which hasn't been the case so far, we feel it will be necessary to use, whoever and how many are necessary to get the position to play well enough," Groh said Wednesday during the ACC teleconference call.

"Clearly, as we searched throughout the game last week for the level of performance we needed ... we really weren't able to come up with enough."

The Cavs used three different quarterbacks and had seven turnovers overall in their 26-14 defeat to Bill & Mary. Jameel Sewell threw two interceptions, converted defensive back Vic Hall fumbled twice and Marc Verica mixed it up with one of each. The trio combined to complete 18 of 33 passes for 137 yards with just one completion longer than 20 yards.

When asked if he had decided on a starter for the TCU game, Groh said no. But it was obvious he desperately wants one of the three to establish himself behind center. The Cavs had 268 total yards against the Tribe, converted just 5-of-17 third-downs and lost the possession of time battle by 10 minutes. UVa was in the shotgun formation on every snap of the contest, even a fourth-and-1 that was eventually a quarterback keeper.

"It's not a secret. It's based on performance by the players and which one seems to be more comfortable with the plan and who can execute the plays," Groh said.

"We are not trying to pull any magic tricks or be secretive; we are just looking for executing. Until we find the consistent level of execution that we need, we will have to continue to search. We would like it to be otherwise, I am sure we would. We hope it becomes otherwise but all we can do is coach it and hope the players take the initiative to show us the execution that we need."

If not, Groh could face execution, coaching-style. While UVa fans haven't shied away from voicing their displeasure, Groh always conditions his players during the offseason to deal with both the applause and criticism.

"One of the things that we tell [players] before the season ever starts is a team collectively and the players individually have to be prepared to handle both the love and the hate, because both of them come during the course of the season," Groh said during his weekly press conference on Monday.

"Every week the team is going to get one or the other. If you're 12-0, the team has to be able to tune out the love. And if you're 0-12, a team has to be able to tune out the hate. Either way affects how the players think and all the players can think about is what they need to do to do their jobs."

TCU Coach Gary Patterson watched the Cavaliers' loss to William & Mary and said it is difficult to read too much into a seven-turnover performance. He believes the Cavs were better than their opener indicated.

Groh, searching for a silver lining, reminded his players that two previous UVa teams lost openers but rebounded nicely. He said the key is remaining unified and trusting each other.

"I told the players we had two teams -- in 2002 and 2007 -- that lost the first game. In fact the 2002 team lost the first two games and both went on to win seven games in a row and cumulatively won nine games," Groh said.

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Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark's helmet flies off as he is tackled by Akron defender Sean Fobbs during the second half of their college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State won 31-7.

Carolyn Kaster, AP

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Tulane wide receiver Casey Robottom (19) dives into the endzone for a touchdown against Tulsa in the second half of an NCAA college football game in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.

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Carolyn Kaster, AP

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham will have arthroscopic surgery to determine the extent of damage to his injured right knee. Coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that it's unknown whether Gresham will be able to return this season(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh (93), and Jared Crick (94), surround Florida Atlantic's Alfred Morris, in the first half of their NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. In his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said his team's defense against Florida Atlantic was soft.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Nebraska nose tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) goes after Florida Atlantic's William Rose (46) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. In his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, , Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said his team's defense against Florida Atlantic was soft.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Missouri wide receiver Danario Alexander runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in St. Louis. Alexander had a big opening game with 10 catches for 132 yards in Missouri's 37-9 victory . (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Missouri wide receiver Danario Alexander runs with the ball during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in St. Louis. Alexander had a big opening game with 10 catches for 132 yards in Missouri's 37-9 victory . (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Penn State coach Joe Paterno answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Syracuse in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 12 in State College. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

"That history doesn't mean that that's a resource to do it again other than to point out that this has been done; it can be done. What they did have in common, they stay unified; they stayed consistent in their approach. They kept working and they kept believing in what they were doing and in the system and they used practice every day to get better and to keep marching forward.

"Probably I don't think -- as I don't really remember -- but I think it's probably unlikely that from outside the walls of the building that those two teams were getting a great deal of positive reinforcement either. But they got it to where it was necessary and that was through the relationships that they had with each other and the confidence that they had in the system."

Groh's system is on the clock.

Cavs' Cold Start Puts Groh on Hot Seat originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:02:00 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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The FanHouse Walk: FOX May Walk Away From BCS a Year Early

Brian Grummell — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Connecticut, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, BCS

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.

Rejoice! Er, potentially rejoice -- Last week the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported speculation that FOX might extricate itself a year early from its BCS coverage commitments. Besides the rarely disputed notion that FOX's BCS coverage is woeful -- thank you, Thom Brennaman and endless band shots -- the network seems to realize they've been dealt a weak hand for their 2010 games.

ABC/ESPN retains control of Rose Bowl rights and with this year's BCS championship game in the Rose Bowl, FOX is already out the two most compelling and lucrative BCS properties. Throw in another potentially uninspiring ACC/Big East matchup in the Orange Bowl and things are looking bleak. Observers fear the increasingly monopolized presence of ESPN/ABC in college football but FOX has been sufficiently incompetent enough for me to not care in this particular situation.

It Isn't College Football Without Notre Dame -- I'm not sure which is more annoying for college football fans, the constant drama and attention around Notre Dame when they're not successful and have a universally disliked coach, or when they are successful and have a universally disliked coach. We'll have to debate that at some later point.

Anyway. The Irish are back to playing football, hitting the field this week to begin spring practice. As reported nearly everywhere, aforementioned hated coach Charlie Weis will return to coaching on the field. After knee surgery last year he directed several games from the press box. We're again left to ponder between two bad choices, televised shots of Weis' irritated self on the field or behind plexiglass.

Oh, and coach Weis has made public his four main objectives for the spring. They are 1) meshing the newly revised coaching staff, 2) self scouting, 3) outright competition and 4) finishing games -- remember ~~The Alamo~~ North Carolina!

Thats Fine, For Now -- Virginia begins spring with defensive back Vic Hall listed as its No. 1 quarterback. He was actually quite successful in limited duty last year. Mind you he didn't throw many passes, but made their offense dangerous with his running skill and speed.

He's unlikely to remain there with the return of former castoff Jameel Sewell, but at least Virginia knows it has an interesting fallback when it settles on an actual quarterback trusted to throw the ball.

Overtime, Ball on the 25

-- Hilarious lampoon of the NCAA Tournament's never-ending desire to expand

-- Statistically Speaking puts Mike Bellotti's career at Oregon into proper and impressive perspective.

-- Connecticut's going to a more fast-break style of offense (Via College Football Talk)

-- Rich Rodriguez needs to work on his Twitter skills (Via Get The Picture)

-- New Washington coach Steve Sarkisian has a website to go with that Twitter account. Now about that whole football thing ... (via The Wiz of Odds)

The FanHouse Walk: FOX May Walk Away From BCS a Year Early originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kyle Long to Bring Family Name
Back to UVA?

Ian Cohen — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC

Was it tough to see Virginia strike out on Kyle Long the first time around when he was being recruited in 2007? Had to -- this was when Chris Long had possibly the most high-profile season for any Cavalier in history while his famous father looked on.

It would only make sense if Kyle followed in his brother's path, but instead, he chose to play baseball at Florida State. For Virginia fans, it was the equivalent of finding out the girl you were pining for turned out to be a lesbian. Sure, it sucks to a certain extent, but there's a comfort knowing it's not really a reflection on you.

As it turns out, Kyle withdrew from FSU after one semester and has been taking classes at the nearby Piedmont Community College. Which leads to an obvious question -- is Kyle ready to do what Virginia fans believed was right all along?

While no one's confirmed anything yet, it's looking like Kyle's got his eye on being the latest multi-sport prospect that Al Groh turned into an offensive lineman. There's a big caveat, though, about as big as Kyle Long himself, who towers over "big" brother Chris at 6'7", 280 pounds.

I imagine being a Florida State baseball player leads to certain advantages and distractions, and Kyle wasn't getting it done academically. Being closer to home (and privy to physical threats from Howie and Chris) will likely make him straighten up and fly right, and believe you me, I've known lesser academic talents from less famous families that were granted leniency from UVA's legacy factor in admissions. If Kyle passes muster, he'd have to sit out 2009 as a transfer before having three years of eligibility starting in 2010.

Kyle Long to Bring Family Name
Back to UVA? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Virginia Coach Pops Up in School Directory

Ian Cohen — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:56:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Coaching

Hey, remember those bizarro rumors about Romeo Crennel being next in line at UVA if and when Al Groh gets the heave-ho? We laughed, we cried, we learned a little about ourselves. Of course, most of us sort of knew it was about as much of a pipe dream as you could imagine, and for the UVA fan, that means "a dream where you get repeatedly bashed with a pipe."

So why is the latest addition to Virginia's coaching staff all kinds of cloak and dagger? Is it because Bob Trott's (above) last job was UNDER ROMEO CRENNEL WITH THE BROWNS!?!?! According to the faculty guide at Virginia, Trott is now, well, part of the faculty. The only problem is that no announcement has been made about a hire by the sports information director.

Hmm.

It's unclear what exact role he'll play (now that Ron Prince is the special teams guy and until further notice, Al Groh is the defensive coordinator), but linebacker coach is open, so why not? If Virginia's as bad as some are predicting this year, it might just be a Delta House-style blowout for Groh and his pals in the face of the gallows.

New Virginia Coach Pops Up in School Directory originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Crennel to UVA- How Far-Fetched Is It?

Ian Cohen — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:22:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Coaching, Rumors

I think Virginia coach Al Groh gets enough done in 2009 to, at the very least, leave on his own terms. Say what you will, but the usual pattern dictates that Virginia surpass expectations a year after falling flat. Once that happens, the inevitable goes down and Craig Littlepage heads down I-20 to Richmond and meets whatever demands Mike London has.

Well, after Al Groh, who in Charlottesville wouldn't want another aged NFL retread with connections to Bill Parcells and dubious gameday strategy? So imagine when the rumor was floated that Romeo Crennel was being even mentioned as a longshot candidate for the not-open Virginia job mere months after a not-particularly ceremonious defenestration by the Browns. Talk about a no-brainer, like, literally- though Crennel does hail from Lynchburg (I guess? that's the reasoning), he's spent a grand total of one season in the ACC, and that was as a defensive line coach for Georgia Tech. In 1980. Not sure who was putting this one out there, but it's kind of crazy what can be thrown out there under the radar when Virginia fans are most heatedly discussing who their next basketball coach might be after yet another conference loss.

Romeo Crennel to UVA- How Far-Fetched Is It? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virginia Loses Defensive Coordinator to Cincinnati in Sign of the Times

Ian Cohen — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Cincinnati, Virginia, ACC, Big East, Coaching

Virginia has already burned through two defensive coordinators in the 2009 offseason. (What's your chump school been up to?) The first time was somewhat surprising, but understandable. The 65-year-old Bob Pruett had been at the helm for one very inconsistent season, but his age and concerns over allegations of academic fraud and player overpayment by local businesses while serving as the head coach at Marshall could've played a huge role in his decision to voluntarily step down.

Having to replace pretty much the entire linebacking crew in a pressure-packed season last year didn't help either. Even with Al Groh's uncertain future, I doubt he's jockeying for another head-coaching spot.

So, the promotion went to Bob Diaco, and a scant number of days later, he bolted to take the same exact job at Cincinnati. That move wasn't terribly surprising. Diaco reunited with Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly, whom he had worked with at Central Michigan, while Cincinnati is currently a more successful team, earning an Orange Bowl bid last year.Losing Diaco or Pruett would have the same effect on Virginia in most eyes as, say, the Steelers losing Dick LeBeau. Al Groh, after all is the de-facto defensive coordinator, and, in these belt-tightening times, maybe it makes sense to remove the "de facto" part of the equation. Miami, after all, had no problem doing that with head coach and now defensive coordinator as well, Randy Shannon.

In the meantime, you have to wonder how this will effect recruiting. Pruett was making inroads in the Tidewater region where Virginia was getting housed by Virginia Tech. If anything, this move will just make the "Mike London in 2010" echoes even louder.

Virginia Loses Defensive Coordinator to Cincinnati in Sign of the Times originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Prince Back At Virginia, Doing Something Or Other

Ian Cohen — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Coaching

I don't need a whole lot of reminders that 2005 was a long, long time ago, so imagine seeing Ron Prince already completing his first tour of duty as a head coach and parlaying that experience into a brand new job at Virginia. That may or may not be a worse job, but it's most definitely a more vague one.

While Prince served as Virginia's offensive coordinator during what. in retrospect, are looking like Al Groh's glory days in 2009, (my kingdom for a Marques Hagans QB draw! Or a slow-developing Wali Lundy sweep!) he's looking to add "assistant head coach" to his resume.

But how will his stodgier style will mesh with new hire Gregg Brandon's Bowling Green-developed spread. Lord knows that sending five wide under Prince likely meant Hagans diving into the line for one yard. And, of course, another loss to Virginia Tech.

What's interesting here is that Al Groh might be facing yet another win-or-else season with yet another shuffled deck of assistants. Even in the event that Groh doesn't make it past 2010, Virginia does have two recently deposed head coaches already available on staff. Is it possible that Prince and Brandon see blood in the water?

Ron Prince Back At Virginia, Doing Something Or Other originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Signing Day: Morgan Moses To UVA

Ian Cohen — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Tennessee, UNC, Virginia, ACC, SEC, Recruiting

Ahmad Brooks. Michael Johnson. Um, Peter Lalich. Do Virginia fans really miss all those days when Al Groh was still that heat in the streets and VIrginia could crack the top 20's of most recruiting rankings? Well, it sure made Signing Day much more fun, as the past couple of years have seen UVA bank solid, if not unexciting classes filled with linemen on both ends and likely a solid tight end prospect.

2009 has been, well, not too much different, however, over the past couple of weeks there had been speculation that mountainous man Morgan Moses, a 6'7", 343 lb. masher from Richmond could be a key pickup for Virginia. On the one hand, you have UVA's reputation as an OL factory, with D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Branden Albert and most likely Eugene Monroe becoming top-15 NFL picks over the past few years. On the other, you have concerns that Moses may not qualify academically for Virginia (especially after the decommittal of Alex Owah, who qualified under NCAA standards, but not UVA's) and a head-to-head competition with the ascendant UNC program.

Well, score one for Groh, as Moses, the #3 run blocker according to Rivals, is going to keep things in state for the Hoos. It might seem like a weird thing to get excited about, considering that Virginia is moving to a spread offense or some facsimile of it with their personnel, but beating out UNC and Tennessee shows that there's still potency in Groh's recruiting.

FanHouse takes you into the belly of the college football beast that is recruiting. We'll be around before, during and after Signing Day '09.

Signing Day: Morgan Moses To UVA originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Virginia and Michigan State Round Things Out

Brian Grummell — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Michigan State, 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 Past we note 10 recruiting powers who have hit a dry spell

Completing Part I of our Ghosts of Recruiting series, we discuss the changed recruiting fortunes of Virginia and Michigan State. Like several schools mentioned here, both have been at various times elite programs but certainly not of the level achieved by an Oklahoma or a USC or a Michigan, the so-called traditional powers. Prospects aren't quite Syracuse-level glum for both, but they aren't exactly their old selves either.

Before going a moment further, I want to clarify something. We've paired teams in this series not so much to link their fates, but simply for organization's sake. Naturally some were conference peers and could go side-by-side like Pitt and Syracuse (Big East) or Washington and UCLA (Pac-10). Michigan State and Virginia are what is leftover, there's no effort here to draw a direct link between them.

Onward.

Virginia's a bit of an interesting story. For all intents and purposes, Virginia's success in the post-1950 modern college football game begins and ends with one George Welsh. Hired from Navy in 1982 to take over for 1-10 Dick Bestwick, Welsh rapidly became the stoic face of Virginia football for nearly two decades before his retirement in 2000. His breakthrough years were 1984 and 1999, going 8-2-2 -- yes, Virginia, college football used to have tie games -- and then 10-3.

Nothing spectacular, but nothing remotely shameful either in avoiding a losing record from 1987 until his retirement at 6-6.

Slowly then steadily, Welsh found and molded excellent talent, with the program spinning out names like Jeff Lageman, Shawn Moore, Herman Moore, Ray Roberts, Chris Slade, Terry Kirby, James Farrior, Jon Harris, Jamie Sharper, Tiki and Ronde Barber, Anthony Poindexter (who would have been an all-timer before an unfortunate leg injury), Aaron Brooks, Patrick Kerney and Thomas Jones.

Successor Al Groh, hired from the New York Jets and bringing an NFL approach, started out hot. He won nine games in his second season and eight the following two. Along the way he brought in guys like Heath Miller, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Ahmad Brooks and Darryl Blackstock. For whatever reason, he's whiffed lately including one attrition-heavy class a few years ago. Defensive end Chris Long, son of NFL great Howie Long, did go second in last year's NFL draft but that's about it for the last two years, first-round guard Branden Albert aside. Just a sixth rounder and a pair of seventh rounders are all he has to show for two senior classes at a place quietly used to producing some very, very good football players.

Its odd too, because Groh has been blessed with some quality quarterbacks in Matt Schaub and Marques Hagans. Only last year did the quarterback situation fall apart after Jameel Sewell fell out with academic woes and highly regarded Peter Lalich left school. Groh has also pulled in some excellent offensive linemen and linebackers, but he hasn't quite found that impact back or receiver or some more skilled defensive linemen.

Virginia's recruiting did show up on the Phil Steele consensus top 25 recruiting rankings for a while under coach Groh. They were not in the top 25 from 1999-2001, but had the 11th best class in 2002, followed by a No. 12, No. 24 and No. 17 class before going unranked again the last two years.

If Groh can recapture some of that magic from early in his tenure, Virginia will be fine and maybe break through that 8/9 win barrier that's haunted Groh. If not, Virginia will be looking for just its seventh coach since 1960.

Out in East Lansing, Sparty -- like Virginia -- hasn't exactly been left in college football's wake. Coach Mark Dantonio won nine games last year, and as recent as 1999, Nick Saban was putting together a 10-win effort. Problem is Michigan State's glory years really point to "Duffy" Daugherty, who coached from 1954 to 1972.

Daugherty positioned Michigan State among the greats, famously playing Notre Dame to a 10-10 tie in a 1966 season that saw the Spartans finsh 9-0-1. A huge part of Daugherty's success came from bringing in black athletes in an era where it was still uncommon at many college football programs, particularly in the south and SEC.

In a feat likely to never be repeated, four Michigan State players were taken in the first eight picks of the 1967 NFL draft. Defensive lineman Bubba Smith, plucked out of Texas, went first, followed by tailback Clint Jones at No. 2, linebacker George Webster at No. 5 and the late receiver Gene Washington at No. 8.

Eventually a more uniform integration swept college football -- HBO did a great special on this recently -- and Michigan State found itself fighting harder for great players locally as their national efforts slowed.

If you look at the Spartans' draft history, it isn't exactly like they've been hurting for players, but their lowered national profile and a flurry of coaching changes have diluted the overall talent level. Playing second-fiddle in an already so-so talent state like Michigan doesn't help things either. Whatever the reason, they haven't had a first-round pick since massive flop Charles Rogers in 2003.

Oddly, coach Mark Dantonio -- who I hunch will pan out and stabilize things after the exciting if erratic close of the John L. Smith era -- has been a player in Michigan State's recruiting drop. Michigan State did appear in the top 25 of Phil Steele's consensus recruiting rankings four times in a six-year period from 1999 to 2004 (13th, 10th, unranked, 15th, unranked, 16th) before dropping out completely the last two years. The coach those two years? Dantonio.

Things are looking up for 2009, with an impressive ten Rivals.com four-star recruits pledged but unsigned. Among them are a pair of running backs, a quarterback and several offensive linemen. Great for the offense, but we'll see how things work out defensively. This year's class draws heavily from Michigan and more talent-rich Ohio, with a smattering of players from Iowa and Indiana and one from Florida. Not exactly how Daugherty might've done it, but its a different era now.

With a little more like that and more struggles from in-state rival Michigan, perhaps the Spartans can reclaim some of that past recruiting and on-field glory.

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 Round Things Out originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Ogletree Ankles UVA's Spread Offense

Ian Cohen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Prospects

Well, the good news for Virginia's long-suffering fanbase is that after years and years of thoroughly unexciting and unproductive offensive schemes under the stewardship of Ron Prince and Mike Groh, deposed Bowling Green coach Mike Brandon is prepared to institute the spread as he takes control in 2009. And yeah, it's likely a good idea considering the ACC is pretty much bereft of that offensive style (perhaps save for the spread option), and it just might be the sort of thing that makes UVA a destination for the kind of speedsters they seemingly miss out on year after year. Awesome!

Now, get prepared for a spread offense ran by an admittedly mobile quarterback with considerable accuracy problems, one year removed from an academic suspension. Or the guy who threw the most interceptions in the ACC despite not even starting all year. Excited yet?!?! Oh, and thanks to leading receiver Kevin Ogletree making an excusable, if not seriously curious leap into the NFL draft, your most accomplished pass catcher hauled in a grand total of 19 balls in 2008, provided inevitable Wes Welker comparison Cary Koch isn't granted a hardship exception.

Ogletree's move is understandable in that he's already graduated, is one season removed from a decimating tendon injury and, I dunno, inspired by the success of Billy McMullen? Ogletree lacks ideal size and gamebreaking speed and is coming off a season nearly identical to that of 2006 (50+ catches, 5-7 record, zero national presence) and could have possibly hooked back up with a QB he has good chemistry with in an offense that's emphasizing the pass more than ever (conceivably). Wish him the best, but let's just hope he made good friends with Eugene Monroe and Clint Sintim.

Kevin Ogletree Ankles UVA's Spread Offense originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virginia's Monroe Wins An Award Of Some Sort

Ian Cohen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:14:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Coaching, Prospects

Virginia OT Eugene Monroe hasn't had an uneven while always promising career in Charlottesville, but in some ways, it's proven how recruiting ranks still can hold sway four years after the fact. Coming out of New Jersey, Monroe was graded by many as the #1 offensive line recruit, if not the top recruit on offense, period, yet injuries and D'Brickashaw Ferguson had stunted his progress until last year. In 2007, a still unhealthy Monroe picked up all-ACC honors (albeit honorable mention) and set himself as a prime prospect in next year's NFL draft. But a #1 pick? Was a possibility at the onset of the year (like, before the USC game). Not no more, not with Michael Oher and Andre Smith generally catching the eye of scouts, but Monroe's road to becoming the next D'Brick or Branden Albert has been helped along by him winning the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the best blocker in the conference. It was voted on by the conference's defensive coordinators, but was he the best, or is it just a "Dear Science" sort of thing, where it gets voted #1 just to justify hype?

And generally, this is a pretty big surprise, not because he's some nobody, but because Virginia somehow allowed the fewest sacks in the conference (16), despite having a mostly rebuilt line and inexperienced QBs. Then again, considering what Marc Verica does with time to throw, maybe they'd be better off letting him take a hit instead.

Virginia's Monroe Wins An Award Of Some Sort originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Al Groh's Contract Won't Be Extended

Ian Cohen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:46:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Coaching

Item! Al Groh might not be coaching Virginia...in 2012. At the end of each season, Virginia is given the option to extend the contract of its head coach by one year, and just like the last time they had a rebuilding season that ended at 5-7 (like, two years ago), AD Craig Littlepage declined to do as such. Now, before you see this as a vote of no-confidence after the embarrassing loss (not in score, but in how it definitively proved they've wasted Vic Hall to this point), keep in mind that due to his dubious Coach of the Year honor in 2007, Groh's on pace to patrol the sidelines at Scott Stadium until 2011.

And even though he'll have a year-end review with the AD, god only knows what they'll talk about considering that Virginia would need $6 million in hush money should Groh not be back for 2009. And really, they're in no position to make that sort of unrequired expenditure.

Al Groh's Contract Won't Be Extended originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:46:00 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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The Grohs Deserve to Get Fired

Ian Cohen — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC

It usually only existed in the dreams of Virginia's most inventive and intuitive fans -- Virginia high school record holder Vic Hall at the wheel, running a sort of wildcat-option scheme that could rejuvenate what was usually seen as a terribly conservative Cavaliers offense. And indeed, in the first half, it happened -- Hall ran a 40-yard touchdown in the first half and scored the other touchdown on a running play, garnering over 100 yards in the process. It was the only time in his three years that Hall has been at the controls, and the usually stoic Virginia Tech defense was found to be confused.

And when it came down to brass tacks, with Virginia driving and three points behind on Virginia Tech, what happened? They put in turnover machine Marc Verica, who proceeded to ... throw an interception into triple coverage, ending Virginia's season. Virginia lost to Virginia Tech 17-14, in a game where they had way too many breaks go their way.

To which, I ask -- whaaaa? Exactly what was Al and/or Mike Groh thinking on this? When Vic Hall is in the game, Virginia scores. When Marc Verica is in the game, Virginia turns the ball over. He has thrown 16 interceptions on the year, despite playing in a generally run-happy offense. Are they really stuck off the realness of a Matt Schaub offense? Fortunately, Jameel Sewell and Vic Hall technically have a year of availability left, but will the starch-shirt Groh regime see the writing on the wall? I'm wagering a Congressional Bowl bid they don't.

The Grohs Deserve to Get Fired originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Help Out Former UVA CB Philip Brown

Ian Cohen — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:12:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Fans

We have our good times here at Fanhouse, most of it involving the vagaries of overweight coaches, delusional fans and a German term for sour grapes that no one would likely know if it weren't for The Simpsons. However, on a serious note, these are actual men and women (you never know) with real lives and real life problems.

Unfortunately, it often takes the latter of these things to prove that fans of the sport are more often than not on the same side, regardless of allegiance. Philip Brown's UVA career was certainly star-crossed (to put it kindly) and didn't end on Grounds, however, it's got nothing on what's happened after graduation. Brown has been battling testicular cancer over the past few years, and unfortunately, it's come back. Whether you're a Virginia fan or not, please visit the Philip Brown guestbook to give him good wishes in his battle.

Help Out Former UVA CB Philip Brown originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virginia Adds TCU To Schedule...Or...TCU Adds Virginia To Schedule

Ian Cohen — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:39:00 EST

Filed under: TCU, Virginia, ACC, Mountain West

Yeah, which is it- bowl-ambitious BCS team deciding to add a difficult non-conf game in lieu of a Sun Belt creampuff or just the kind of game a BCS-ambitious team like TCU needs to beef up those Sagarin numbers in the event they run the table? Either way, it's something of a relief for each of these schools that they play each other in 2009- it's a considerable downshift from each team's premiere non-conference game this season- USC for Virginia, Oklahoma for TCU. And of course, it's the first time they've faced each other since the 1994 Poulan Weedeater Independence Bowl. But lord knows I don't need to remind you of that fact.

Next year, the game takes place in Charlottesville as part of UVA's considerably southern OOC slate (Southern Miss, William & Mary, and um...some to-be-named MAC team), with a return date in Fort Worth in 2012. It's a good set-up for TCU, and hopefully the next Virginia coach can use the back end of this home-and-home to expand the Cavaliers' recruiting base into Texas. Groh's contract does run out in 2011, after all.

Virginia Adds TCU To Schedule...Or...TCU Adds Virginia To Schedule originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Al Groh Ensures Spot In Future Hot-Seat Articles, Will Coach Again in 2009

Ian Cohen — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:39:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia, ACC, Coaching

Whether or not you like it, it's happening. Word to Gavin Newsom, the Virginia faithful will have Al Groh to kick around for another year if we're to take UVA AD Craig Littlepage at his word. Regardless of what happens in the next two games, Groh will be back grumbling on the sidelines in 2009. (Of course, it has every bit as much to do with the figure $5 million as it does with 5-5). After being on the business end of a good ol' fashioned passionate ass-whoopin' this past Saturday against Wake Forest, it's probably safe to assume that expectations have been ratcheted down from "dark horse ACC champ oMG!" to "I guess if we make that Navy bowl game, we'll see if UVA fans really are that bad about traveling en masse." Or at least one that Virginia has a good shot at winning, since I assume beating Georgia Tech has some sort of transitive effect here.

And even that could be a stretch, since Clemson is every bit as much of a mystery at this point and Virginia needed the biggest comeback in school history in order to score their last win in Blacksburg- and that happened in 1998. But hey, as long as Groh knows he'll be back in 2009, doesn't he at least owe it to the long-suffering fans to make things interesting in the event they fall behind way early against Clemson? Maybe let Vic Hall play QB? Triple-option with Peerman, Payne and Simpson...oh, wait.

Al Groh Ensures Spot In Future Hot-Seat Articles, Will Coach Again in 2009 originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCAA Football FanHouse

ACC Notebook: Eagles Flying High

Latest College Football Images

ACC Notebook: Miami Gets Its Wish

Cavs' Cold Start Puts Groh on Hot Seat

Latest College Football Images

ACC Would Like a Do-Over for the Opening Weekend

The FanHouse Walk: FOX May Walk Away From BCS a Year Early

Kyle Long to Bring Family NameBack to UVA?

New Virginia Coach Pops Up in School Directory

Romeo Crennel to UVA- How Far-Fetched Is It?

Virginia Loses Defensive Coordinator to Cincinnati in Sign of the Times

Ron Prince Back At Virginia, Doing Something Or Other

Signing Day: Morgan Moses To UVA

Ghosts of Recruiting Past: Virginia and Michigan State Round Things Out

Kevin Ogletree Ankles UVA's Spread Offense

Virginia's Monroe Wins An Award Of Some Sort

Al Groh's Contract Won't Be Extended

BC-Tech in an ACC Title Game Rematch

The Grohs Deserve to Get Fired

Help Out Former UVA CB Philip Brown

Virginia Adds TCU To Schedule...Or...TCU Adds Virginia To Schedule

Al Groh Ensures Spot In Future Hot-Seat Articles, Will Coach Again in 2009

Kyle Long to Bring Family Name
Back to UVA?