Yet More Predictions

Big Game of the WeekendTM
There is no truly big game this weekend. VPI plays WVU in a rivalry game but it's likely to be one-sided. Miami plays the surging South Florida Bulls who crushed Louisville (Ed's sleeper team.) last weekend but Miami is very unlikely to underestimate Da Bulls. And there's no way Miami loses to another in-state team.

So in a shocker I'm going to say the Big Game of the Week^TM is Virginia at Maryland. Virginia has fallen from the rankings on the advice of Lee Cockrell so they're in desperate need of a big conference win. UVa simply can't afford to lose to the teams it ought to beat if they plan to make a decent bowl game. And given their late-season schedule now is not the time to start dropping games.

On the other hand Maryland's season could seriously tank if they fall to 2 and 3. They've got to get this one against a solid Virginia club if they expect to win the required 6 games for a bowl. Next week they'll get Temple which should be a victory. So with a win this weekend they could be 4 and 2 before beginning a really rough stretch. A 6 and 5 record would probably score Maryland a spot in the "Starting a bowl game sounded like a good way to make money Bowl" but I can't see how that will happen without a victory this weekend.

Virginia goes on the road for a solid win and returns to the FootBlog's Top 20 list.

Other ACC games
VPI rolls. Big.
BC crushes a hapless, and winless, Ball State team.
UNC has lost two close games and won one. Make it two with a victory over a pretty good Utah team.
Clemson pounds Wake into submission. The big uglies for Clemson are the difference.
FSU crushes a reeling Syracuse team.
Miami big over South Florida.
Navy vs. Duke -- I don't predict high school games.

WCU prediction
#18 WCU rolls to a big victory The Citadel. WCU's nationally ranked defense gets 'er done again and the offense finally finds some rhythm.

Birkel cheers irrationally and yells things at the refs. At least I'm sure that one is correct.

The Daily Footblog Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage.

The Kickoff: Updated at 10:30 am

Frank Dascenzo: Big Four's football woes no new deal - "Big Four football is down, in case you didn't know that. But the truth is it has been that way for a long time, and whether there's light at the end of the tunnel depends upon to whom you listen."

Hokies have the team to challenge Trojans: The team No. 1 Southern Cal has the most respect for isn't on its schedule. Sure, the Trojans will be challenged by Arizona State (tomorrow) as well as Notre Dame, California, and UCLA. But there is a team on the east coast that has caught their eye.

FSU athletics in their blood: All the advice that Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims has needed to be a great athlete could be found at the dinner table.

Duke Notebook: Duke defenders back on track - A pair of Duke defenders who missed much of last season with injuries aren't missing a beat so far this season.

Peattie's peak a faded memory: UM coach Larry Coker is seeking consistency from kicker Jon Peattie, who had a stellar 2003 season as a redshirt freshman.

This is an interesting tale from the Wake Forest Football Camp : Yank This - Linebacker Aaron Curry survived the removal of 13 teeth in 10 hours.

Clemson v. Wake: Deacons’ Vallos a demon in trenches. Former high school wrestling star is a big reason Wake Forest leads ACC in rushing

First and goal? BC going to Toal: "When he scored the winning touchdown in Boston College's 16-13 overtime triumph at Clemson last Saturday, Brian Toal said he was taken by the awkward hush that fell over the Memorial Stadium crowd of 79,000 after he plunged into the endzone."

Terps full at fullback: Deese, Cesa, Dickerson give running game 1-2-3 blocking punch

Heels to run patient defense: The Utes' confusing spread attack still thrives on the same thing: defensive impatience. I think Bunting knows that this is a big game for him....bigger than Miami last season. If he doesn't recognize it, there is a bigger issue than even I can articulate.

It's a Stately Endeavor: Terps, Cavs Vying For Area Reign. Uhhhhhhh, there is a school called Va Tech that is laying the complete smack down on both of these programs right now. I think they are, most likely, in the mix for area reign as well.

Georgia Tech linebacker Phillip Wheeler enjoys hard hitting.

A little Basketball news - Coach K lands a talk radio deal with XM: Basketball and Beyond with Coach K. His agent is doing a fantastic job. Give him a better %, coach!!!

Cavaliers' line buster might try filibusters: From the left or the right, Brad Butler is a standout offensive tackle.

Williams just wants to win: East Carolina cornerback and return specialist Travis Williams says close isn't good enough.

Leave it to the Winston-Salem Journal to make such profound statements: Hokies off to a great start. Ya think????? I love my hometown paper but sometimes they make me wonder.

ACC Notebook from the WSJ (No, not that WSJ). Leadoff: Friedgen learning to live with instant replay.

Going through hoops: Excited by the prospect of seeing Atlantic Coast Conference basketball on their campus, Boston College students swarmed Conte Forum Wednesday night in anticipation of tickets going on sale at 7 yesterday morning. Think the kids on the Hill aren't excited about being in the ACC?

UNC's McGill wants to play Louisville: North Carolina soon might add another player to its running back mix -- Ronnie McGill. Careful what you ask for, Ronnie. I get the feeling that Louisville is going to refocus and smoke a couple of folks going forward. They'll still win the Big East. USF will choke it away down the stretch.

Silent sack machine: Tim Sandidge doesn't do a lot of talking, but the Tech defensive tackle is a quarterback menace.

Changing of guards continues: Clemson's Roman Fry will make first start of season; Chason holds on to his punting job.

Georgia Tech Notebook: Henderson's presence huge. "After more than three seasons of playing with defensive end Eric Henderson, Georgia Tech middle linebacker Gerris Wilkinson has a pretty good feel for what the senior means to the defense. "

New coach says this Utah team is `a good one', but not great. Utah has 13 starters gone from 12-0 squad that scorched Carolina last season.

Weekend predictions from Birkel in the PM.

The Daily Footblog Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage.

The Kickoff:

A Bull market: The University of South Florida, which has 18 players from Miami-Dade and Broward counties, is coming off an upset of Louisville that has sent its stock soaring. A victory over UM would bring larger dividends. Anybody else think there are going to be a few scuffles, a few heated exchanges.......and a beat down delivered by the 'Canes? This just smells like one of those times when a team is going to come in to high and get drop kicked.

Va.Tech aims to close rivalry with West Virginia on good note.

Jonathan Lewis doesn't smile when he talks about West Virginia. He also doesn't try to put a good face on Virginia Tech's most recent visit to Morgantown, W.Va., a 28-7 loss for the third-ranked Hokies two years ago. It was, Lewis said, every bit as bad as the score suggests. "They punished us. The took the ball and they ran it down our throats and they made us like it," he said. "It felt hopeless and you couldn't help what was going on."

More Hokie Notes from the Times Dispatch.

Duke's Bailey a wild man on game day: "Six days a week, Duke linebacker Patrick Bailey is as mild mannered as they come. But come Saturday, Bailey doesn't mind his manners -- not that the Blue Devils mind." Pass a little of that on to the rest of your team, Patrick.

Ex-North Meck star gets hot: N.C. State line coach praises, rides Derek Morris. More ACC News as well.

For Albert, a Learning Experience: After Academic Struggles, Lineman Earns a Starting Role on No. 19 Virginia. More UVa Notes from the TimesDispatch

UNC Notebook from the Durham Herald Sun: Heels paying special attention to special teams

For Clemson, Wake a hard team to forget: "THE PREDICTABLE QUESTIONS thrown at Clemson players came in waves, and each focused on the past. So many of the inquiries began with 'Do you remember? and referenced last season's great escape against Wake Forest or the 2003 embarrassment during the Tigers last visit to Winston-Salem or the Demon Deacons prolific running game."

When they play 'The Cuse' this weekend, the Seminoles can expect some twistschallengesanges from CRobinson'snsons defense.

After having his field goal attempt blocked against the Hokies, GT kicker Travis Bell says that he has learned his lesson: 'I know I have to be ready, no matter what'. You didn't know that before the game, Travis? How about another little taste from the AJC Tech Blog. And this one, too.

Former 'Nole Travis Johnson steps into first start at DE with Texans.

ACC Notebook from the Times Dispatch. They seem to think that Chuck is on the hotseat.

The decision is final: Grobe says that Randolph definitelyately start at QB this weekend as Wake takes on Clemson.

How about a little audio from the ACC weekly coaches teleconference.

Ex UNC standout Julius Peppers getting flak for lack of sacks: The Panthers defensive end downplays slow start to season, but really could use a breakout game.

It's the ACC Basketblog posing as the 'Footblog' for the next 8 or 9 weeks, so you know we have to have a little BBall break: Georgia Tech coaches say that forwards top their wish list.

UNC's Tate develops as a return man.

Leader of the Pack has Wolves at his door.

Just out of reach: Although UVa defender Chris Long has put plenty of pressure on opposing QBs, he has yet to get a sack in 2005.

Robinson has respect, wants wins at Syracuse: Coach brings a wealth of success and experience to the field as his Orange take on FSU.

Beamer takes blame for 2003 loss as Hokies return to Morgantown. Wow....I didn't realize the game had gotten this serious.

More on Virginia's Glen Albert and the changes that he's been through. Good read from the Washington Post.

Georgia Tech cuts prices on chairbacks: Georgia Tech is hoping reduced prices can lure fans into some of the best seats at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

More to come.............

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The Headlines:

Sorry, Wolfgang, but this was just a classic shot!

Amato under fire? Looks like even though the NCState AD has publicly backed him, they felt compelled to have Chuck give an interview yesterday addressing the state of the Wolfpack program. Hmmmmmm......

FSU Center John Frady steps in, and steps up, driving the Seminoles to a 3-0 start.

Heels build on Edwards: Tailback had the personal goal of rushing for 1000 yards in his first season as a starter. If the NCState game is any indication, his rushing attack will continue to boost the offense.

JOKE NOW ON OPPONENTS: Safety Brandon Meriweather, once remembered mostly for getting leveled by a West Virginia running back in 2003, has become the Hurricanes' leader on defense and helped mold younger teammates.

Looks like Wake's Corey Randolph has gotten his QB job back, just in time for a home game against the Clemson Tigers.

Well, sorry to start your day with a bit of a tear jerker story from out of conference, but Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss fulfilled the dying wish of a 10 year old boy last weekend during the Washington game. Good read. Nice touch, coach.

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun says Navy's invasion could be trouble for Duke. The history book says Navy leads the football series with Duke 17-12-5. What it doesn't say is that the Midshipmen have put a serious hurting on two potentially good seasons for the Blue Devils.

Some Cavaliers face homecoming battle: Several players who grew up in Maryland circle game with Terrapins on their schedule.

Hokies' Vick Is More Than Making a Name for Himself.

Identity crisis plagues offense at Clemson: In quest for balance, Tigers haven’t lit up scoreboard or found a playmaker

Terps Suffering From Third-Rate Efficiency

"....the Terps' poor performance on third downs has bedeviled Coach Ralph Friedgen throughout this season's erratic opening month. And with his defense coming off its strongest showing of the year, boosting the offense's third-down success rate will be one of the primary goals this week."

The Atlanta Journal andconstitutionn on how the Yellow Jackets stack up so far. Our view: GT is a bit suspect!

How about a Maryland basketball break: Strawberry rehabs knee, renews mind. Injured Terp and conditioning coach toil to strengthen their working relationship; Injured Terp, conditioning coach put working relationship on stronger terms.

As North Carolina's defensive end Tommy Davis played the best game of his college career last weekend, his father watched on television and cheered from Goldsboro's Wayne County Jail.

"It hurts, it hurts bad," sighed Linwood Davis, regretting the years he has missed with his children because of multiple drug charges. When Tommy Davis was 5, his father was arrested and imprisoned for eight years on drug-related offenses. During the past five years he has been in and out of jail on more drug charges. With his dad absent, Tommy Davis learned life, like football, includes hard knocks. "Nothing is going to be handed to you,'' he said. "You've got to be able to take care of yourself."

Good read!!

Almost heaven? Hardly when it's Tech at WVU.

Beamer later heard about a bunch of dirty laundry that was delivered by the raucous WVU fans to the Hokies faithful on hand for the Wednesday night contest. "From the stories that I've heard about the last time we were there, I thought things got a little shaky up in the stands," Beamer said. "And I hate to see that. I think when people feel threatened -- and I wasn't there, you just hear the stories -- I think that's a little bit too far. "I've always kind of liked it up there ... I have up until you hear the stories that took place two years ago ... in the bathrooms and parking lots and all that stuff.
"I heard a lot of stories, and, again, I wasn't there. But I know it seems like a lot of our fans are worrying about going back up there. And that's not right. That's not playing college football, I think." Should the rivalry continue?

More on the wild fans at WVU from the VaTech players inside.

Wake Forest game is a must win for Clemson in order to reach some of their preseason goals.

Just out of reach: Although UVa defender Chris Long has put plenty of pressure on opposing QBs, he has yet to get a sack in 2005.

Terps measure up: Ennis, Podlesh paying wholesome dividends for kicking game.

The North Carolina football team faced a daunting task when it went to Carter-Finley Stadium last week. This week, the challenge might be greater: to take advantage and defeat a unique, but beatable Utah team. For Heels, beating Pack was nice ... but consistency would be better!

More to come........

Funny Stuff

Via 850 The Buzz.

Sorry it's a little old.

So, is this type of motivation going to be the new norm. Here's hoping decency gets the better of this one.

Here's the long and the short of it: For each Kentucky football victory a billboard will show the model depicted losing a piece of clothing. But they're 1-3 so now the billboard will lose two pieces of clothing per victory.

Thanks to All

I missed the fact that we went over 100,000 page views this past weekend. Thanks to all our readers for making this blog fun for Ed and Birkel. (Third. Person. Alert.)

I know I really enjoy the give and take in the comments section; our commenters provide better commentary than that of any other sports blog, IMHO. You guys teach me a lot of useless stuff that I was unlikely to learn otherwise and for that I thank you.

/gushing

Birkel

Revised Top 20

USC (1-2 in the Heisman voting?)
Texas
Virginia Tech (One slip from Texas or USC and the Hokies or FSU is likely in the Rose Bowl.)
4. Georgia
Florida
FSU (at Virginia, at Clemson and at Florida -- All that stands in the way of an ACC Championship showdown with VPI, with all due respect to the other teams on the schedule.)
The Ohio State (allegedly) University (Are there others?)
8. Michigan State (What pains me more? To have MSU the top ranked team from the Big 10(11) or OSU? Tough call.)
Tennessee (Road victories move you up a bit.)
Miami
LSU
12. California
Notre Dame
Alabama (Here's hoping 'Bama returns to its winning ways!)
Minnesota
16.Arizona State (Welcome to the rankings. For one week. You'll be gone after USC dismisses you.)
Wisconsin
Iowa State
UCLA
20. Michigan (My bias shows. Yet. Again.)


Teams of Note who fell out of the Top 20:
Virginia. Taking the advice of Lee J. Cockrell I have removed Virginia from my Top 20 listing. I take him at his word that he knows the Wahoos are not a legitimate Top 20 team. (This is called making a joke, Lee. Please take it in the light it is offered. Also, I looked at their schedule. That's really tough stuff.)

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The Headlines:

Don't forget about the Basketblog Weekly Conference Poll

Stress stretch has Tigers longing for a winning breather: Close finishes make great TV but wear down the players.

"How strong was Virginia Tech's defense in Saturday's 51-7 rout of Georgia Tech at Lane Stadium? The Hokies' effort was so impressive that the Walter Camp Football Foundation made an unprecedented decision Sunday. For the first time ever, the Camp Foundation elected to give its national Division I-A defensive player of the week award to an entire unit instead of an individual." Wow.

From the Atlanta Journal and Constitution: Ten things we've learned about the ACC.

Duke's Asack impresses at QB: Play against Virginia may move freshman into starting lineup soon. Greg Paulus, I tell you. Get Greg Paulus.

Open date could not come at a better time for the YellowJackets. While I think they are a bit overrated, I don't think that was the true GT team we saw over the weekend. They'll be better going forward.

FSU's passing game OK, and getting better every week. All Jeff Bowden now needs is a strong running attack and for the backups to show why they were so highly recruited.

After another loss to the Tar Heels and 7 consecutive ACC losses at home, some Pack fans are getting restless. The 31-24 home loss to North Carolina on Saturday spurs some criticism, but N.C. State athletics director Lee Fowler says he is "100 percent behind" football coach Chuck Amato. He should be until Chuck proves that he can't get those guys under control. If they can just cut the unsportsmanlike and unnecessary roughness penalties out, they will be strong.....very strong.

Following big hit, Ryan tries to deflect tough talk. Matt Ryan deflected all praise for the way he got back on his feet -- after getting decked by Clemson linebacker David Dunham -- to lead Boston College to its first ACC triumph in Saturday's 16-13 overtime victory over the Tigers.

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun says that Uncle Mo is now on the side of the Tar Heels. This Saturday's game against Utah will tell a whole lot of the story.

With Wake out of the way, Maryland faces test No. 2 against UVa's potent rushing attack.

And, here come the excuses for NC State and Chuck the Chest: Keeping assistants would aid Amato. Chuck Amato has lost a number of assistants, but what he has really lost is an All American QB and any sign that he is willing to lose games in order to discipline his team. Nail those guys asses to the bench until they learn to control themselves and announce it to the world! I think you may be surprised at the support you would get. Stop talking about championships and start talking about exactly what you are: a growing program trying to reach basic levels of consistency.

For Virginia's Lipsey, career hasn't always been a snap. With an injury providing the opening, he has recently moved front and center for U.Va. That's good, b/c they are going to need lot's of help to break serve in College Park this week.

According to Ron Morris of The State, Tigers bandwagon jumpers should know better.

Here's a running back out of Raleigh that it would be nice to see the state schools keep at home. He rushed for 484 yards on Friday night!!!

A little basketball: Felton: 'We are going to the playoffs' :Bobcats rookie Raymond Felton isn't afraid to step out on a limb. Raymond, I like you and all but that limb may be a bit weak.

More to come.....

The Basketblog Weekly Conference Poll

Don't forget the Monday Daily Roundup:

Week 4

(1) Virginia Tech
(2) Florida State
(3) Boston College (1)
(4) Miami (5)
(5) Virginia (6)
(6) Clemson (7)
(7) Georgia Tech (5)
(8) Maryland (9)
(9) North Carolina (11)
(10) North Carolina State (8)
(11) Wake Forest (10)
(12) Duke (12)

The "Big 4" .......right where they belong. For all you folks still doubting Marcus Vick (and those who would rather have Matt Baker as their QB instead of Vick....I won't call you out but you know who you are) keep doubting, and he will keep passing, running, and winning! The Hokies are the REAL DEAL!!! I remain impressed with the size, grit, and intelligence of the Boston College Eagles. That's a nice squad that I am willing to give a punchers chance against ANYBODY.

Clemson, Clemson, Clemson........wow.

As for the the Pack......you ought to be ashamed of yourselves!! You are better than UNC at almost every position, but have to be the dumbest group players I have ever witnessed. That's a shame, b/c the talent is clearly there, the will of the fan base is clearly there, and the $$$$$ from the alum is there. You look like a Champion and play like a chump. Get your act together, Chuck, and bring those fans what they deserve..............another 4th place (or worse) finish!!

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist!

As for John Bunting..........you've done it again: You've won a game you didn't have to win.......and further muddied the water for Carolina fans. I'm making my announcement right now: the Utah game should be the do or die game for all of those fence riding folks like me who can't make up their minds about this coach. Utah has proven to be decent, but far from the great team they were 1 year ago. Carolina should handle them at home. Please Coach, for once, win a game that you "ought" to win. Win, and I will declare for all to hear my allegiance to you as the coach!!! Just win, baby....just win!

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The Headlines:

In a game that was a comedy of errors, Carolina prevails over the hapless Wolfpack 31-24. That gives UNC a 10-3 record over the Pack in the last 13 seasons and drops the vaunted Chuck Amato to 2-3 against the much maligned John Bunting. Looks like 4th in their DIVISION is a real possibility for State. All talk, no substance! What say you, Wolfgang.

It's Big praise coming from Clemson: As one of his teammates was being helped off the field after being trampled by Boston College's gargantuan offensive line, Clemson junior cornerback Duane Coleman strode over to BC's sideline to engage coach Tom O'Brien in some good-natured banter. Respect all around after the 16-13 Eagles victory in Death Valley. Big win.

Virginia rolls over Duke as Devils hit another sour note.

This is interesting news for Wake Forest fans: Syracuse may replace ECU on WFU schedule. Wow.....I'm surprised that ECU is the one instigating this move by the Deacons. Very interesting.

Reggie Ball was back for Georgia Tech, but Virginia Tech rolls to another rout, 51-7.

Terps wake up enough to win: Maryland prevails in error-filled game for first ACC victory.


The Miami Hurricanes came home to clarity. After two road games that left plenty of questions, the 12th-ranked Hurricanes produced enough answers Saturday to defeat Colorado 23-3 in their home opener at the Orange Bowl

Parker hasbig step out of Ray Lewis' shadow

In addition to dealing with being the little brother in the shadow of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, and playing football about 30 miles away from the pro stadium where Lewis plays, Maryland sophomore running back Keon Lattimore has had to deal with being third string.Until yesterday.Determined to find a playmaker who could spark the Terps' running game, which in its last two losses totaled 106 yards combined, coach Ralph Friedgen gave Lattimore an opportunity in yesterday's 22-12 win over Wake Forest.

With UM's Coker, it's not about the money, but he is a money coach. Right after Miami's Hurricanes finished pummeling Colorado 23-3, somebody asked Larry Coker if he had been thinking about his new five-year contract, and Coker said something a little special.........

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun: Baker simply brilliant.

No time to savor victory: And on the seventh day . . . they rested. Boston College's football team, weary from its 16-13 overtime triumph at Clemson Saturday before a sun-baked Death Valley crowd of 79,000, kicked up its heels yesterday and basked in the afterglow of its first Atlantic Coast Conference victory, which vaulted the Eagles (3-1 overall, 1-1 conference) back into the Associated Press Top 25.

More UNC v. NC State reading-
Lennox Rawlings of the Winston Salem Journal: Sleepwalking Wolfpack takes a nap at the wrong time.

While I kill Bunting weekly, I must admit that Bunting's defense is peaking. In the depths of John Bunting's early struggles as North Carolina's coach, his lowest points came on defense which, to me, was totally inexcusable. Things are looking up in that area.

Moore to come.........

Birkel's Top 20

USC (Are there still doubters?)
Texas
Virginia Tech (Wolfgang, Mind if we crown them already? Ask Doug if his GaTech boys are believers.)
4. LSU (pending the Monday Tennessee game)
Georgia (these three go together 'cause only one will win the SEC)
Florida
FSU
8. Ohio State (allegedly) University
Michigan State
Miami
Tennessee (pending the Monday LSU game)
12. California
Virginia ('til their late season swoon, of course)
Notre Dame
Alabama
16. Minnesota (Welcome to the rankings.)
Arizona State (Welcome to the rankings. For one week. You'll be gone after USC dismisses you.)
Wisconsin
Iowa State
20. Michigan (I don't think there are 20 better teams in America. Jus' don't.)


Teams of Note who fell out of the Top 20:
Georgia Tech: 'Cause when you lose by 44 you drop from the BasketBlog rankings. Even Oregon kept it to 32.
Louisville: One of Ed's favorites. But man did they lay an egg against South Florida.

Weekend Predictions

Big Game of the Week
VaTech pulls away late and keeps GaTech at arms' length for a comfortable victory. The Hokies has something that the the Jackets don't: belief in their own excellence. It will make all the difference. Well, that and playing in Blacksburg which offers the greatest home field advantage in the conference.

Others
NC State avenges the aforementioned goal line fumble and beats the socks off the 'Heels.

Clemson gets past a determined BC team that will find the ACC (with the additions of VPI and Miami) slightly more demanding than the Big East. I'm sure BC will still be feeling the effects of the FSU game. Same for Clemson after their Miami loss. This one could get sloppy so expect the home crowd to make a difference.

Canes beats Buffaloes every time. Look for Miami to get healthy against undefeated Colorado.

Wake's offense is fine but their defense is not. Maryland wins a close game and sends the Deacs reeling toward a 3-8 campaign. That hurts after the promise of last year. Meanwhile nobody will fear this turtle team for quite a while. Their last five games are troublesome: VPI, at FSU, at UNC, BC and at NCSU. Maryland better get this one under their belt or they'll be a 3-8 team. One of these teams is about to slump horribly: advantage Maryland.

Virginia should know better than to schedule a 1-AA team this late into the season. It's sad to see, really. What's that? Oh. My bad. This just in: Duke is not 1-AA. Who knew?

Bonus Prize
Cheesecake if you haven't already seen it. Hubba, hubba. Click down the left-hand side of names if that's not your flavor.

The Daily Roundup: Friday

The Headlines:

It's game time! Already a must-win for Wolfpack, Tar Heels. Tough schedules and high hopes raise stakes of game. And a year later, the Wolfies are still crying foul after their boy got blown up on the goal line a fumbled the game away. As long as the Heels are competitive, a loss like this shouldn't really hurt Bunting. However, if the team gets roughed up ala UVa. last year, he's going to have some issues at home. My predictions come later. Wolfgang....you got us some tickets, right? An EA Sports Preview of what might happen on Saturday. Pretty cool stuff.

Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball looked much better in practice Thursday, taking a majority of snaps with the first team and looking as though he will be ready to play at least part of Saturday's crucial game against Virginia Tech. This may get ugly early for the Jackets. I think they are a bit overrated.

Wake Forest content to run and run and run. When you have backs like they do, you keep it on the ground, come what may. If they can tighten that D up just a bit, Wake could make some noise.

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun may have it right: UNC-State is big, but State-Georgia Tech might be bigger for the Chest and the Pack.

........it's a big game, but I've got news for you: The following week's game is bigger. Chuck Amato knows how to beat the Tar Heels -- he's 3-2 vs. them. But he's 1-4 vs. Georgia Tech and has lost four straight to the Yellow Jackets, and next week's game is in Atlanta.

Despite the loss last week to FSU, Boston College has sent a strong message to the ACC. However, I think the folks in Death Valley may send the Eagles a stronger message on Saturday. I can't imagine what will be going through those Eagle players heads when they see 85,000 fools in orange going nuts and see the Tigers come down the hill and take the field.
At Clemson, BC will get message loud and clear. Good read from the Boston Globe. That has to be one of the most impressive entrances in College Football.

The Will to win: Versatility, leadership make offensive lineman Will Montgomery the essential Hokie.

Duke lineman Jim Moravchik coping with loss off the field. Bob Lipper of the Times Dispatch says that Georgia Tech is the first of many tests that the Hokies will face this year.

Clemson is back on Georgia’s mind. The Clemson-Georgia football series will resume with a home-and-home series in 2013 and 2014, the schools announced Thursday. Georgia will travel to Clemson in 2013, and the Tigers will visit Athens in 2014. Great matchup for those two teams!!!

FSU RBs strong in flats. Leon Washington rushed for just 24 yards against Boston College. And a running game touted as one of the nation's best was held to 13 yards in Florida State's 28-17 victory. But when they spread it out, Washington caught four passes for 43 yards - including one for 18 yards. Booker added two catches. Whatever works for you.....

Coker signs revamped deal . After saying for more than a month that his revamped contract was all but ready to be signed, University of Miami football coach Larry Coker finally signed it Thursday, taking him through the 2009 season.

Not ACC, but interesting: Div II NC Central has 35 Division I transfers and JUCO's on their team this year. You talk about a team taking advantage of transfer rules. Geezzzzz. You can build a program like that, but can you hope to graduate those players. See Kansas State and Cinci?

Back to the ACC:

Another week, another new challenge for UNC defense: The difficulty of this season's North Carolina football schedule, rated the toughest in the nation during the preseason, is no secret. Now the D gets their mettle tested by another set of stout running backs.

Taylor fits right into Jackets' offense. This is funny

Taylor Bennett woke up Sunday morning with an unfamiliar feeling. And, no, it wasn't giddiness at leading Georgia Tech to victory in his first collegiate start or that his name and face were all over the newspapers. He was completely sore from playing

You may need to get use to that. Let's hope Mr. Ball makes a full recovery.

A Team Within a Team: Ghee, Gattis have bonded on and off the field for Deacons.

Georgia Tech backup QB Patrick Bennett got his first start sooner than he expected for the Jackets. He may play more than half of the game in Blacksburg. That could be quite an uncomfortable experience for him.

Wolfpack's Lawson enjoying rivalry week: Tar Heels will be center of attention at Carter-Finley Stadium in high-noon encounter

Porter (ankle) making progress: When Quinton Porter awoke Sunday morning after Boston College's 28-17 loss to Florida State the night before, his sprained right ankle was throbbing. The quarterback thought there was no way he'd be ready to start tomorrow's game at Clemson. ''To be honest, the next morning I thought I was going to be out for a few weeks," he said.

Major task for Minor: Life as the 'other' cornerback on the Virginia Tech defense has been good so far for Washington, D.C., native Roland Minor.

Jackets bothered by collapse: Georgia Tech's defense still hears about how it failed to stop Virginia Tech late in last year's game, letting the Hokies rally.

More to come.......

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The Big Five Basketbloggers (That are only "3" today):

Ken Pomeroy getting it done with an Individual Stats Primer. Get over there!

From the Sports Economist - Which is more balanced- NFL or Champions League? Get over there!!

From the Sports Law Blog - The Robots Are Coming! The Robots Are Coming! Will Artificial Intelligence One Day Solve The Things That Don't Make Sense in Sports? Good read. Get over there!!!

The Headlines:

The Hokies' Miracle Worker: Va. Tech coach Beamer has built elite program in Appalachian foothills. I have no idea why I ever thought UNC really had a chance to get this guy. Hey, check out the AJC Blog talk with a little YellowJacket News.

Heated rivalry gets even hotter. Pack's disputed loss at UNC in '04 adds fire.

".....video replays from various sources surfaced on the Internet. N.C. State fans said they proved McLendon scored. North Carolina fans said they proved he didn't. Tommy Hunt, the ACC officiating supervisor, said last week he has seen many angles on the play, and none convinced him McLendon scored. "The call was correct," Hunt said.

One of the best NC State v. Carolina games I've seen. (especially that part at the end.....sweet!)

On a serious note, former Seminole and Jets' receiver Laveranues Coles reveals he was sexually abused from age 10-13.

"I haven't talked about it in ... forever, but I know that holding something like that inside has been a burden for so long," Coles said Sunday after helping the Jets beat Miami 17-7. "For me to get on this platform that I have, having been in the league and have all the media attention that we have, I think it's something that should be said."If it gets one kid to come out and say, `Look, this is happening to me,' ... I think it's right."

Good for you, Laveranues!

Running on pure power: Tyrone Moss, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in both games this season, has provided UM a strong running game.

Contrary to reports out of Atlanta yesterday, it looks like Georgia Tech's Bennett may get call again this weekend against the Hokies. That just can't be a good thing for the Jackets.

Duke added another college football kingpin to its future schedule Wednesday, when the school announced it would travel to Alabama next season. Ted Roof.......that is just not a smart move considering your situation!

Though billed as a 4-3 defensive team, Wake Forest spent little time against East Carolina with three linebackers on the field, and even less with four defensive linemen. Instead the secondary was swarming with defensive backs.

Lennox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal says that the Old Foes: State-UNC is saltiest of local battles. I'd have to agree with that. Too bad the teams seem traditionally stuck in 10th to 4th place.

Gaither to Tackle a Tall Task: Six-Foot-9 Freshman Gets the Call on Terps' Offensive Line

Porter still has to pass practice test. The good news for Boston College's football team yesterday was that senior quarterback Quinton Porter , who suffered a sprained right ankle in the third quarter of Saturday night's 28-17 loss to Florida State, was no longer on crutches.

Whitehurst comfy in pocket — and beyond

The maturation of Charlie Whitehurst as Clemson’s quarterback can be seen just about anywhere he turns. Take his weekly meetings with the media. Once a reserved freshman who morphed into a sometimes combative interview subject during his sophomore and junior seasons, Whitehurst now presents himself to the media as confident and cocksure.

LOSING TO GAIN: Lighter Carter gives Cavaliers more production at nose tackle.

Fans who can't get enough of Florida State football at home should find the 2006 schedule to their liking. FSU will host eight games next season - the most it's held in Tallahassee in one year.
Wake Forest Notebook Grobe says Mauk is playing too fast at times.

Wright has proven skeptics wrong: Confusion over which Pine Forest one of the reasons Wright landed in Chapel Hill

Wright said that the Florida coaches knew he attended Pine Forest High but thought that he was at Pensacola (Fla.) Pine Forest not Fayetteville Pine Forest. Wright said he and the coaches lost contact because of the confusion. Several Division I-AA programs offered Wright scholarships, including N.C. Central, N.C. A&T and Florida A&M, where one of his cousins played. "I felt I was better than that," Wright said.

Behind their backup: Eagles confident QB Ryan can get job done.

Getting Ground Down: Terps Struggle To Run the Ball, Stop the Rush

Hokies' Vick making headlines on the football field this season.

Cavs like Parham's numbers: The Virginia inside linebacker has readily taken on added responsibilities and his teammates and coaches like the results.

In basketball news that has been coming for sometime (and may open a scholarship, I think) UNC's Grant hangs it up. String on injuries lead 6-11 senior to end his career early. Apparently, Mr. Grant is a very smart young man and will be pursuing law school in the Ivys.

More basketball news: BC rewards Skinner with an extension through 2011. I like the Eagles to make a BUNCH of noise in the conference this year.

NC State vs. UNC extras: Lot's of stories below on this game for those who care to read more

The recruiting coup of NC's all time leading rusher, Tony Baker. Boy....that one hurt!

Heels' backups ready, if needed, according to the N&O's Ned Barnett. They are not very good with Baker. I can't imagine what they will be like without him

Heels and the Pack know that this is not just another game.

More to come......

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The Headlines:

Did anyone else hear about this? Mascot takes a hit at Duke - A VMI band member sacks the foam-paddled Blue Devil during the game. This is remarkable.

How about a little Blogger news: If you don't like our rankings, go check out the good words of Dave Sez. Maryland below UNC? I just don't know about that one, Dave.

And now....a word from our new friends on Chesnut Hill. Move to ACC has cost.

Being part of the Atlantic Coast Conference has its price. Just ask Boston College football and basketball season ticket-holders, who have had to come up with more money for premium packages. For the basketball season, seats went from $231 to $480 for a 16-game package at Conte Forum.

You gotta pay to play folks.

From the SportsProf: The Miracle of St. Anthony

Put simply, if you're a basketball fan, you have to read this book.

I'm on it!

Looks like the Jackets could have Ball back against the Hokies. More Virginia Tech Notes.

It's been 1st and whoa for Tar Heels. North Carolina's problems rushing the football and getting significant gains on first down appear to go hand in hand. More on the Tar Heels' pitiful rushing attack and the hard hands of the receivers.

The Sports Economist: Risk and NFL Contracts. Good stuff!

Clemson Coach Rob Spence mad scientist at work. He says that he would rather experiment and fail than never experiment at all. So far, so good.

UVa. notes from the Times Dispatch.

Groh wore a cap at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. Not until his news conference yesterday did reporters see the cuts and bruises on his forehead, courtesy of a head-to-helmet with one of his defensive backs during practice last week. "I was run into," Groh said. "I appreciated his effort." He may be moving slowly for a while. "There are a few more spots that aren't quite as apparent as the one on my forehead," Groh said.

More inside!

Deacons' Dynamic Duo. Running backs Barclay, Andrews have combined this season to rush 111 times for 730 yards. They are both very, very impressive and should cause quite a few problems this weekend for the Terps.

Fresh start for ex-Pack receiver. Richard Washington tries to regain his academic eligibility at Valdosta State.

UVa. running back Wali Lundy's injured foot is improving. He may be ready to roll in the annual bar fight that is Duke v. Virginia.

Gaither getting started. Move allows Miller to return to tight end for Terps against Wake

Gailey: Fill-in Bennett good enough in a pinch: Virginia Tech doesn't know much about Taylor Bennett. And Georgia Tech fans know more about Bennett than they would like at this point of the season. Bennett started at quarterback against Connecticut after Reggie Ball was hospitalized after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. Symptoms include fever, severe headache and vomiting.

Frank Dascenzo says that Carolina QB Matt Baker has been good enough to post wins. 3 ints at Georgia Tech, inability to escape the rush against Wisconsin........0-2. True enough, this 0-2 start is not even 60% his fault, but "good enough".....I don't think so. Also, it's pretty bad when your coach orders you a new flak jacket b/c the one you are using isn't going to protect you well enough. That's not a good sign of things to come for you, Matt.

More to come.......

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The Headlines:

The AP and USA Today Top 25.

There is a lot riding on the N.C. State vs. UNC rivalry: Amato says beating Tar Heels bigger than winning a bowl game! Any bowl game.......I would respectfully disagree with that. Sorry, but I would rather win the Orange, Sugar, Rose, Fiesta, Peach, Gator, or Cotton Bowl than beat NC State. Perhaps I'm way off on this. At any rate, Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun agrees that the game is big for the area and should be saved for the end of the season. I've always liked that idea, absent a season ending boarder war with South Carolina in Charlotte every year. That would be nice!

In his opinion, Rick Bonnell says that Clemson isn't in Miami's league. Both teams are in the ACC, but Hurricanes still notch above Tigers. That's about right. Good read.

Good news for Georgia Tech - Quarterback Reggie Ball left Emory University Hospital on Monday, will return to class today and attend practice in preparation for Virginia Tech.

Coach Roof finally gets a chance to relax after last weekends win over VMI. Great.....the next home game is against Navy. That one is going to turn out poorly for the Devils.

Terps are again late to punch. Friedgen to address fourth-period letdown while time is still at hand.

Getting a jump: UM safety Kenny Phillips lived up to the hype in only his second college game. And the early notoriety from Saturday's game-saving effort didn't go to his head.

And lookie here: Dick Baddour says that the National Title was the icing, but UNC must still improve in Football. Well that can only happen when two people leave. Guess who the second one is, Dick?

Despite loss, BC made impact. Boston College may not have won its Atlantic Coast Conference debut, but the Eagles -- ranked 17th before dropping out of the Top 25 after Saturday night's 28-17 setback to No. 8 Florida State -- seemed to win a measure of respect from the Seminoles.

Replacement's part not small for U.Va. Filling in for Brooks, Mark Miller made seven tackles against Orange.

Time for FSU defense to heal. Several Seminoles shrugged off pain, highlighting need for depth, and the bye week!

Not Football, but this is an interesting move by the NBA: League announces NBDL affiliations - New program allows teams to assign first- and second-year basketball players to the minors. Good for the NDBL, good for some of the younger players who aren't ready for the big leagues, bad for colleges. Don't agree? Take it to the comments section.

Lawson relishes another test. Wolfpack defensive end expects Tar Heels to run his way on Saturday. Hmmmmm......I don't think I would be running his way. However, we are talking about John Bunting here, so Manny is probably spot on.

Curry out for the season. Former UNC QB re-tears Achilles tendon in Raiders' loss. That is the 3rd injury to the same tendon dating back to his UNC days. That's got to be pretty discouraging for him. What if he had gone to FSU and not taken the 4 years of physical beatings he took at UNC?

In more NC State v. Carolina news, Last year's loss appears to be behind the Pack.

Chuck Amato doesn't want to talk about it. At one point in his weekly press conference Monday at Carter-Finley Stadium, the N.C. State football coach asked if anyone wanted him to translate his thoughts into Italian in case they didn't understand. "...it's over," he said. "It's gone."

Ryan the safer call at QB. Tom O'Brien sounded optimistic and pessimistic at the same time as he talked about the chances of Quinton Porter starting at quarterback Saturday against Clemson.

UVa. QB Marques Hagans unhappy with his 3 misfires despite his 110 yards rushing in Cavs win over the Orange.

Hagans had led the Cavaliers in rushing last year against Syracuse and twice had rushed for more than 80 yards in a game, so nobody was shocked when he went over the century mark. What was less predictable was his continuing problem with interceptions. Hagans has been intercepted five times in two games, equaling the five times he was intercepted in 12 games and 261 attempts last season.

Lessons of past setbacks don’t leave Tigers at a loss. Veteran leaders keep team upbeat and focused on future after Miami heartbreaker

More to come.....

A Bit Late...

But, hey... I had to write my exams and that's a big time suck. It's the first one so I couldn't give the responsibility over to my grad assistant. Know what I mean? Anywho,

I'll save Mike C. the trouble of link-whoring our comments section and put his recap of the West Virginia/Maryland game on the main page. Nothing but love, baby. And don't hesitate to click over to his main page to see some cat-blogging too!! Everybody loves a cute pet blog.

*********************

As for the Basketblog's Footblog Top 20, here goes:

USC
Texas
Virginia Tech (because the ACC is weaker than the SEC so VaTech has a legit shot at the title)
4. LSU
Georgia (these three go together 'cause only one will win the SEC)
Florida
FSU
8. Louisville
Michigan
Ohio State (allegedly) University
Michigan State
12. Miami
Tennessee
Purdue
Georgia Tech
16. California
Virginia ('til their late season swoon, of course)
Notre Dame (look at the schedule)
Alabama
20. Clemson

Yes, I know there's a heavy East Coast bias. But USC so dominates the West Coast I figure all those teams started the season with an 'L'.

U-C-L-A is undefeated right now but that Bruins/Trojans game is going to get U-G-L-Y. Ditto Arizona State, Oregon and Cal.

What I really want to know is which 8 simpletons voted Texas ahead of USC. What? Winning the last 2 championships and returning your starting backfield just ain't good enough? VaTech could get into the national title game but the ACC really only has that one hope in my estimation. FSU just isn't that doggone good this year.

The Basketblog Weekly Conference Poll

Don't forget the Daily Roundup

Week 3

1) Virginia Tech (2)
2) Florida State (3)
3) Boston College (1)
4) Miami
5) Georgia Tech
6) Virginia (7)
7) Clemson
8) NC State
9) Maryland
10) Wake Forest (11)
11) North Carolina
12) Duke

A bit more re-shuffling of the deck in the top five with a fall by the Tar Heels to all new depths on 'O'! Sorry Tar Heel fans......Wake can run, run, and run some more. Facts are facts! We're still impressed with BC but it did seem at times that FSU's team speed was keeping the Eagles reaching. Perhaps Miami will pose the same problems for a team like BC......we shall see. Everybody else pretty much did what they needed to do this weekend. Really a tough loss for the Tigers at home, but in my mind that sort of game is not a real set back. Fix one pass and Clemson is sitting at 3-0 (and number #3 in the Basketblog poll).

I think I'll let Mr. Birkel drop the Basketblog Top 20 on you later this afternoon.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The Weekend Review:

Out of respect, they came to bury BC. Nicholson's two INTs key FSU's win over the Eagles. Good game. Like seeing the 'Noles looking a bit more like the FSU of old that would come into the house of a would be champion and take a little turf at the end of the game. Good stuff!

Big triple play seals win for The "U": Tyrone Moss' TD in the third overtime and Kenny Phillips' interception on Clemson's last chance lifted Miami, which avoided its first 0-2 start since 1978. Hurricanes didn't’t want to drop to 0-2, and they celebrated like it at the end of the game. Did you see the wide open Clemson WR in the endzone during thewaningg seconds of regulation!?!?!?!?!?! You talk about missed opportunities. Wow.

Terps fumble one away, 31-19: QB's late turnover ends Terps' comeback hopes as W. Virginia stays unbeaten. That was a killer....just a killer.

Caulton Tudor says that no offense means no victory for UNC. Wow.....so does Mr. Lenox Rawlings: Delaying Tactics - UNC slows Wisconsin, but not enough to win.

Hokies post 2nd straight shutout. Defense pastes Ohio 45-0. Virginia Tech moves to # 2 in this weeks Basketblog Poll.

Wake Forest rushes for 407 yards, the second highest figure in school history, in route of ECU and first victory of the season. By the way......Mr. Barclay is a beast!

Cavs inch past Orange: Snelling comes through on crucial fourth-down play; Hughes' FG wins it. That was a nice game and a very good win for the Cavs!!!

No Reggie? No problem. Backup Georgia Tech QB, defense key in win over UConn.

Devils stomp VMI Keydets. Get 'em anyway that you can, Blue Devils.

Even defeat increases hopes for Clemson's season.

ALL ABOARD, TIGERS. Grab a ticket and take a seat before they hand up a sold-out sign. The orange bandwagon is starting to roll, and not even Clemson’s 36-30 triple overtime loss to Miami on Saturday should squelch the parade.

More to come........

Predictions

Here's what I've got:

I got FSU in a squeeker over BC. Team speed makes the difference but the home field advantage keeps BC in it.

Clemson in an upset over Miami. Larry Coker's job is in trouble and his team may not be that good. Will they quit on him if he loses this weekend? Will he be a lame duck? I guess that makes me a Bowden fan for the weekend...

UNC gets pummeled by the Badgers of Wisconsin. UNC isn't physical enough.

WVU covers the spread in a big win over Maryland.

Virginia goes up to Syracuse and lays an egg in the Carrier Dome.

VaTech big against an inferior foe. Ditto NCTech. Whoops, I mean NC State. (My bad.)

The Daily Roundup: Friday

ACC Weekend predictions from Ed and Birkel in the PM. And now.....

The Headlines:

O'Brien may want to take Cavalier approach: If Boston College coach Tom O'Brien needs a blueprint on how to beat No. 8 Florida State in the Eagles' inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference game tomorrow night at Alumni Stadium, he may want to dust off the game plan he used as offensive coordinator of the 1995 University of Virginia team that pinned FSU with its first ACC loss. Great game, great call by Bowden on the last play, great stop by UVa.

Miami in must-win situation vs. Clemson

With hair still wet from his postgame shower at Florida State, Eric Winston's mind already was focused on Clemson. ''A must win for us," the Miami Hurricanes' left tackle said. ''We know there's a lot lying on this game," Hurricanes quarterback Kyle Wright said.

While they may be right, isn't it interesting hearing sounds of uncertainty coming from the "U"?

While the Heels will face a determined rush attack from Wisconsin a week after witnessing the acrobatic artistry of Georgia Tech's passing attack, Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun thinks that this game could make or break the Carolina season. That might be overstating things a bit, but I certainly believe that UNC can't afford to get thrashed at home. Fans will give a "pass" for a competitive showing. Where things will get sticky for Bunting and crew is if they end up 0-3 after the NC State game, facing what would then have to be considered a more than decent Utah team at home, followed by a game at Louisville the next weekend. A 1-4 start is real possibility. An 0-5 start would be a disaster and, I believe, would really raise the temperature in Bunting's office quite a bit. Here's hoping he pulls the upset this weekend and can enter the NC State game on even ground.

Terps refocus on red-zone goal: Making most of chances key against West Virginia

Noles still playing on a learning curve: Despite cruising to a 62-10 rout of The Citadel last week, the Seminoles showed signs of immaturity, QB Drew Weatherford said.

Small ball: Although he's from a little school, Cedric Peerman making big impact in Cavaliers' backfield.

Punting is a bright spot for Deacons: Plackemeier has rebounded from disaster vs. Vandy.

Don't sell the Pack short: N.C. State says it has the tools -- and the inclination -- to throw deep. I'm sure we'll see lot's of deep balls against that Eastern Kentucky juggernaut.

Tough Chore: Ohio U. will go on the road to face a powerful Virginia Tech team that doesn't often lose to big underdogs.

Notebook: Tight ends struggling after Devils' two games: Duke's offense has relied heavily on its tight ends in the passing game in recent seasons. But through two games, the group's contributions have been light.

A more serious note for Georgia Tech athletic in general: Tech hopes its case is under control today

Today in an Indianapolis hotel room, Georgia Tech representatives will argue to the NCAA infractions committee that the problems in the school's eligibility certification process do not represent a lack of institutional control.

On the national front, Weis aims to boost Notre Dame's reputation. Do they really need a reputation boost?

Back to the ACC:

In the ACC Notebook - Davis has undefeated Clemson off to running start as the back is among group of freshmen giving lift to 20th-ranked Tigers. Also, discipline from Amato. What !?!?!

Excitement hits new heights for Eagles as Boston College begins its tenure in the Atlantic Coast Conference tomorrow night against Florida State. You gotta like that!!

Brainy UNC lineman Kyle Ralph, ever challenged by his parents as a child, stays one step ahead of the competition.

No quit in this coach: Florida State's Bobby Bowden has taken heat for his 15 losses over the last four years. Most schools would kill to average 8-4. I love the fact that FSU is not one of those schools! Keep swinging, Bobby!!!

McIntosh healthy, eager to play: The "U"s strong side linebacker, Roger McIntosh, will start Saturday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery before fall camp.

'I'm ready to make some big hits.'

I love it!

Connection restored: David Clowney always has been one of Marcus Vick's favorite targets. After two years of waiting, they are back in business.

Former FSU wide receiver Matt Frier has had to depend on the same positive thinking to defeat illness that drove FSU to the 1993 National Title.

Frier was FSU's poster player for positive thinking after the top-ranked Seminoles' 31-24 loss to No.2 Notre Dame his senior season. After the game, the wide receiver from Live Oak implored the media to drop FSU no lower than second in the Associated Press poll. Frier encouraged his teammates to work hard in case things went their way in the final two weeks of the season.

On Nov.20, 1993, FSU got its break in its search for a national championship. Boston College endeared itself to FSU players, coaches and fans in upsetting the new No.1, Notre Dame, on a 41-yard field goal by David Gordon to end the game. The Irish's 41-39 loss allowed FSU to play its way into the Orange Bowl, where it defeated Nebraska for the national title. And Frier became the cover boy - flanked by gleaming FSU cheerleaders - on Sports Illustrated.

While reading the Blogs

Don't forget the Daily Roundup

It's funny how you get to know people who post regularly. Of course they can be a half a world away but you just get a sense that they're good people, somehow.

So it didn't surprise me at all when I got a message from the Illini Wonk about his preseason basketball poll. He's obviously a good person. Check his poll to see why. Good stuff, no?

More in a bit...

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The Headlines:

The state of football in Florida will become much clearer Saturday. The two ACC teams and Florida each play pivotal conference games against nationally ranked opponents.

Tar Heels prepare for 'Bludgeon Ball' as Wisconsin rolls into Chapel Hill with a scoring average of 60.5 pts per game.

ACC Notebook from the Charlotte Observer. The leadoff: Deacons 0-2 start raises questions.

Duke coach Ted Roof said that second-stringer Curt Dukes, who has seen significant playing time behind starter Mike Schneider in the Blue Devils' first two games, will sit out Saturday to recover from a knee injury. Another bad break for the Devils.

They're ready to tackle ACC: BC's linebacking corps set to meet Florida St. head-on in conference debut. There seems to be real excitement in the northeast over this move. Great stuff.

Not Much Down Time for Maryland's Davis. Terps' Tight End Is Renowned for Tackle-Busting Runs.

Virginia starting tailback Wali Lundy should be back for Saturday's game at Syracuse, but all-American linebacker Ahmad Brooks will probably remain sidelined.

University of Miami star Eric Winston is blocking out the negatives after his march to the National Football League and the millions of dollars that a top-five draft choice commands took a detour when a knee injury curtailed his 2004 season after four games.

If 'U' want to see the Hokie's game this weekend, 'U' better call your local cable provider or 'U' will be out of luck. Within Hokie Nation, ESPNU has yet to take up full-time residency, and the fans aren't happy.

Despite griping by the fans and a steady rating of "bad - poor" by national critics, GT might be proof that a stable coaching staff provides consistency over the long haul. Boy....I hope that right.
FSU Notebook: 'Noles defensive line returns to full force.

Win vs. Canes was `the greatest'. Clemson's Reggie Merriweather says his proudest moment at Clemson is his performance in an OT victory against UM last year.

Carolina receiver Derrele Mitchell had a big first game and looks to have a big senior year

"I was totally focused on that game," Mitchell said. "It's not just that game; it's basically the whole season, knowing that this is my senior year. We have a great team and a great schedule ahead of us. This whole season I'm just focusing on big plays and helping my team out the best way that I can."

Deacons' receivers under fire Grobe says one of team's early problems is pass catchers not catching passes.

A little NBA ball: Even with the new building and the drafting of two Tar Heels, Bobcats season ticket sales are lagging. With these type prices, I understand why.

Down at ECU, receiver Aundrae Allison is nowhere near as good as advertised. In fact, he's better. This guy has given the Pirates a deep threat that they haven't had in a number of years.

I guess Carolina's Defense can't get the call's straight when Captain Doug Justice calls them repeatedly on the field. Now, they'll be signaled from the sideline and spoken once on the field in order for the D to get settled more quickly. Hmmmmmmm........ I don't think that's going to stop your linebackers from getting blown up, Coach.

More to come....perhaps the ever mysterious Birkel will grace us today with more talk of the great "Blue".

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The Headlines:

Top-dollar assistants: College football teams are competing off the field for talented assistant coaches with longer and more lucrative contracts. In a very interesting twist, they also look at coaches salaries vs. the top salaries of professors at both UNC and NC State. Not a lot of difference between the two at NC State, but look at the gap at UNC between top coaches and top profs. More disturbing (and, I'm sure, we'll hear more about this after the article gets passed around the campus community today) is the disparity between top profs at UNC vs. those at NC State. Wow......

The following figures show the salaries of assistant football coaches at six ACC public universities that made the figures available. I went into the wrong line of work........

Maryland's offense takes on healthier look. Fullback Cesa returns, may play against WVU; tackle Gaither improves

Another stupid decision by the NCAA: Division I basketball and football players from schools closed by Hurricane Katrina will still have to sit out for a year if they transfer to one of the many colleges that have offered admission, NCAA president Myles Brand said Tuesday. They get more stupid and pointless by the second. Don't agree? Take it to the comments section.

Clemson's Duane Coleman, a third-string tailback, switches to cornerback with hope of seeing more playing time.

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun says that one game and one loss into the 2005 football season, North Carolina's John Bunting is certain of one thing: His new quarterback, senior Matt Baker, can get the ball to his receivers, and if they catch it the Tar Heels have a chance to win. I'll know more after this weekend and reserve further judgment until then.

Hosting scrappy UConn this Saturday, Georgia Tech looks to go 3-0 for first time since 2001.

"Man-Child" Morgan is impressing the folks at Virginia Tech with his aggressive play on game day, and in practice.

Deacons are not smiling. WFU's Grobe says that Mauk needs to avoid trying to do too much. Coach, you need to worry less about Mauk and more about getting your DBs a little closer than 15yds off the line of scrimmage, and teaching your punt returner that it's OK to take a knee when he's 10 yards deep in the endzone..

More by John Delong on the Pack's crowded, and loaded backfield. They should have great fun this weekend running over Eastern Kentucky.

Sound performance Groh's practice goal. Coach has music blaring to prepare the Cavaliers for noise in Carrier Dome.

BC's 1st league exam: 'Noles: FSU's struggles in recent road games mix in with ACC hype, but with 4,500 allotted tickets sold through its athletic department, FSU will be well-represented at Saturday's sold-out game at Boston College. Now, the Seminoles get to see BC's All American, Mathias Kiwanuka, first hand. More on Mathias from the Boston Globe.

A great read by Nolan Hayes of the Durham Herald Sun on the delicate balancing act of football scheduling, North Carolina style. The moral of the story: be careful what you sign up for

When North Carolina scheduled Wisconsin in 1995 for football....the Badgers were far from a power. That is no longer the case. Louisville had experienced several losing seasons when it agreed to a contract with UNC. Before getting Urban Meyer as coach, Utah was nothing more than a name school that UNC could play to get a nice trip and some exposure on the West Coast. Connecticut, which won the Motor City Bowl last season, wasn't even in Division I-A.

Now they are all legit and set to beat the Heels brains in. Which raises another question: Why can a coach get it done at Wisconsin (good academic school) and not at Chapel Hill. Hmmmmmm..

Hokie Notes from the TimesDispatch.

In a bit of non ACC news, the Aggie-Eagle Classic football series, which has matched Div. II N.C. Central with Div. I-AA North Carolina A&T at N.C. State's Carter-Finley Stadium for the past 12 seasons, apparently has been suspended. Former A&T coach and current NC Central AD Bill Hayes says the following

"It is a shame that North Carolina A&T has made the decision to end one of the oldest football rivalries in the state of North Carolina and in Black College sports history," Hayes said. "The Eagles and Aggies have been playing football for more than 80 years. It has been a proud tradition -- one that has brought many friends and families together to celebrate this great rivalry.

Just for the folks who don't know the background, this is a complete BS snowjob by the folks at A&T. Bill Hayes is COMPLETELY responsible for building their program, their stadium (nearly 30,000 seats) and their growing football identity. He left them a championship program when he was run out of the school for, apparently, butting heads with the wrong boosters. Their program has been in shambles ever since while NCCU is on the rise under his leadership. Shame on the Aggies for this gutless move!!!

Now.....back to the conference:

Friedgen hopes changes lead to results on offense. Terps FB Cesa could return for Saturday's game vs. West Virginia; Freshman OT Gaither making strides

Former Virginia long-snapper Ryan Childress is among Gov. Warner's staff in Louisiana coordinating relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina. That's good stuff, Ryan!!!

Brian Murphy of the Macon Telegraph on why GT was passing up the chance to run the ball during the 4th quarter in their victory over UNC.

Leading 27-14 in the fourth quarter and needing to run out the clock for its second consecutive victory, Georgia Tech didn't simply hand the ball to standout tailback P.J. Daniels on Saturday against North Carolina

I didn't get it, either.

Wright and Olsen: UM's instant classic combo. Against FSU, Kyle Wright and Greg Olsen were the most prolific UM quarterback-tight end duo in one game since 1985, a point that we are sure has not gone unnoticed by the Clemson Tigers.

A Note on Basketball: Bad news for Sean May and the Bobcats - May had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will not be ready to play when training camp begins next month.