The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Not the best.......yet. Heel step up against OSU. Will they see each other again in Atlanta?

Getting your mind right:
NCSU Coaching Search - Cowher won't go to Pack :"Bill Cowher, a former Wolfpack linebacker who coached the Pittsburgh Steelers to a Super Bowl title last season, put an end Wednesday to speculation he might be tempted to leave the NFL and succeed Chuck Amato as the Pack's coach."

Miami Coaching Search - Dee expects new coach in `week or two' :"A short list of prospective head coaches for the Hurricanes' coaching vacancy has been compiled, and Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee said he expects to have a decision in the next "week or two." "

UM takes closer look at Shannon :"Hurricanes defensive coordinator Randy Shannon will receive serious consideration for the vacant head coaching position, according to UM sources."

From the Great Omar Kelley Hurricanes Blog - Steering the CEO Search: "I want my life to be defined by the fact that I never felt comfortable following..." Get over there!

LENOX RAWLINGS on the Winston Salem Journal: How-To: Pack should learn from Deacs' Wellman. Pack fans aren't going to like that....

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun - UNC looks tough in latest challenge:"The script goes a little — no, make it a lot — like this: North Carolina is trailing, in this case The Ohio State University, which by the way, can play not just football but pretty darn good basketball, too. Before you could say something like, “It’d be about time to get the ball to Tyler Hansbrough for one of his raging bull moves into the paint” ... well, you know the rest. "

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Terps, Pack are surprises: "While it's too early for anyone to go bananas, N.C. State and Maryland basketball fans have to be excited by what they've seen so far."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Wolfpack, Lowe have surprising good start:"N.C. State's basketball team won't challenge for the ACC title, but it might not settle in the league's gutter, either."

Observations from the UNC victory over Ohio State Ken Tysiac

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer Early view of Tar Heels, Duke

The Real Boss: Grobe says his wife, Holly, is in charge and he's an assistant:" The secret is out about the Grobe family. The most competitive person in the family isn't Jim Grobe, the football coach at Wake Forest, and it's not either of his two sons. No, the most competitive is Grobe's wife, Holly. "

With ACC title on line, Deacons ask for Moore

Ed Hardin of the Greensboro News & Record: Wake QB faces big test

Does 'Hoosiers' Make Today's Players' Highlight Reel?


The conference headlines:

From our friends at StateFansNation:
Cowher(out) Johnson? Fisher? Other?
TSN: Grant Needs to Take The Point
Logan Outlines Recruiting Risk of Johnson Hire
The best team blog in the land. Get over there!!!

North Carolina
Hansbrough powers Heels' run to victory :"Led by sophomore forward Tyler Hansbrough's 21 points and 14 rebounds, including seven points in a key spurt, No. 7 UNC rallies to beat No. 3 Ohio State, 98-89. UNC's freshmen also did not disappoint in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge game. "


Duke
Defense saved the Devils from offensive struggles :"Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski wasn't going to take it sitting down. Early in the second half of Tuesday night's ACC-Big Ten Challenge battle with Indiana, Krzyzewski watched his Blue Devils miss the mark on several shots and look bad doing it. "


Boston College
It's best we realize what he is: "Did both the Conte Forum crowd of 8,606 and the national television audience fully realize they were watching the best pure forward in the country play last evening?" Dudley is a beast, no doubt.


Virginia Tech
Hokies stop Iowa:"The Hawkeyes make up most of a 16-point deficit but Virginia Tech hangs on to get its fourth win."

Collins Snaps Out Of Funk For Hokies


Georgia Tech
MORE HONORS FOR CALVIN : "Calvin Johnson was a runaway winner for ACC Player of the Year, receiving 66 of 80 media votes. "

Nix interested in Tulane job:"Tech's offensive coordinator say he hasn't talked to anyone about head coaching position."

Report: Gator will take Tech as runner-up


Clemson
Tigers’ bench fuels romp:"Clemson improves to 8-0 for third time in past five seasons. Clemson dominated the offensive boards, used an effective full-court press and received better reserve play Wednesday to beat Minnesota 90-68." If they can keep Mays this year, the Tigers will be a tough out.

High honor for Adams:" Less than a year ago, he faced a big decision, but once Gaines Adams decided to return to Clemson University for his final season of eligibility, he never looked back."


Virginia
Cavaliers continue struggles, fall to Purdue on road


Florida State
Mental errors hound 'Noles: "Jason Rich failed to convert in transition and skidded a bounce pass out of bounds. Toney Douglas had a pair of turnovers and lofted up an air ball on a leaner in the paint. Al Thornton had two turnovers of his own."


Miami
Miami to face Nevada in MPC Bowl :"Larry Coker's difficult and final year at Miami will end on the blue turf of Boise. "

BERARDINO: Bowl trip to Boise more like a punishment


Wake Forest
WFU loses by 36 points :" Air Force uses 20-2 run in opening half to roll to 94-58 win." That's no good.

Never nominated, Skinner will serve as All-ACC

Deacons rely on efficiency:"Wake Forest's football team commits penalties as often as Florida retirees receive reckless-driving citations. "

Block launched Wake:"Duke win started Deacs' journey to Atlantic Division title. "

Wake's season awakens passion

All in Fun: WFU players stay loose by looking for look-alikes

Wake finds gems in football that others miss

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: The best coach in the country this year says he's happy in Winston-Salem.

Getting your mind right:
NC State Coaching Search - Cutcliffe interested in N.C. State job:"Assistant has rejuvenated Vols' offense."

JOHN DELONG of the Winston-Salem Journal: Emphatic: Grobe doesn't seem to be testing the waters

Staying Put: Grobe, named ACC coach of the year, says he has no plans to coach elsewhere:"Coach Jim Grobe of Wake Forest was named the ACC coach of the year yesterday, a unanimous choice by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.And despite speculation linking him to other coaching jobs around the country, Grobe said he'll be back at the same school next season, eligible for the same honor. " Good for Wake and good for the ACC.

Older Vick not pro in image game:"In Virginia, we look at the Vick brothers and see Michael as the older, achieving brother and Marcus as the younger, more reckless brother. "

Help for a Dream: Tall Chinese immigrant's hopes of playing in the NBA may hinge on surgery here -Sun Ming Ming is to have surgery Thursday at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.:"The crowd of kids walking by an indoor basketball court at a Greensboro YMCA rubbernecked their way down the hallway yesterday afternoon.This happens in malls, in restaurants - pretty much anywhere in public. In a world proportioned for people well under 7 feet tall, it's hard not to notice a man whose dark, cropped hair grazes the ceiling." Think the Deacs might be able to get him on campus for a year if the surgery is successful.

Ron Morris of the The State - Critics, lay off Bowden: "THE TIME HAS long since passed to get off Tommy BowdenÂ’s back. Clemson fans need to take a step back and re-assess their assessment of Bowden. This is a coach who has brought stability to a program sorely lacking that throughout the 1990s. This is a coach who has built a program for long-term, consistent success." This is a coach who deflates the fan base almost every single year. THIS was the year that Clemson should have won the conference, and the folded down thestretchh. Overall, Tommy has done a good job in Death Valley, but if you didn't win it this year, when is it going to happen? Folks...the ACC Championship game is Wake Forest v. Georgia Tech. We're just saying..... By the way, tickets are still available.

Blue Devils match up to a tough Challenge:"Right behind my seat along press row in Cameron Indoor Stadium Tuesday night, a kid was wearing an Indiana basketball jersey -- honest. "


The conference headlines:
From our good friends at StateFansNation:
Cowher’s Contract? Interim Solution?
More Lowe (or is it “Lower”?)
Saunders Takes Bias to a New Level: Here we go....
More on the ESPN2 / Jimmy Dykes Bull*#&^ (Updated 3pm)
A View from the Cheap Seats
TuesdayÂ’s Football Update

Big Ten will deliver big tests:

BCS: Debate's about who's No. 2


North Carolina
Heels seeking more consistency

Buckeyes challenge Tar Heels:"North Carolina coach Roy Williams said he never thought the NBA would pass a rule requiring its players to be 19 and a year removed from high school, so he only recruited high school star Greg Oden "a little bit."" Yeah....that was a little bit of a mistake.

Buckeyes face UNC in battle of classes :"This time last year, the 2006-07 basketball schedule was far from a priority for Thad Matta and Roy Williams. But without having to think much about it, both coaches knew of one nonconference game their teams would play. "


Maryland
UM meets challenge:"6th man Vasquez foils Illini with Ibekwe out, snaps Illini home streak at 51 games." Great win by the Terps. We could be talked into believing that Maryland is the most complete team in the conference right now. Come on.convincence us!!! Take it to the comments section.

Terps Step Up to Challenge:"Greivis Vasquez, above, scores 17 points as No. 23 Maryland squanders a 15 point lead before recovering to drop Illinois, 72-66, in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Tuesday."


Duke
Blue Devils escape with win :"Duke's offense sputters after halftime, allowing Indiana to battle into the final seconds before failing to get a good look at a tying 3-pointer. The young Devils improved to 6-1 with the 54-51 victory while showing again they still have issues to work out."


Georgia Tech
Gator Bowl may snub Tech: "Jax game officials say they don't want ACC title game loser, even if it flouts league policy."

Georgia Tech has good hands in other Johnson:" Georgia Tech's James Johnson keeps his hands busy these days. "


Boston College
After misses, BC rebounded:"The Boston College men's basketball team knew it would likely struggle to find an identity and fill the void left by the departures of Craig Smith and Louis Hinnant, who combined for 3,075 points, 1,411 rebounds, and 746 assists and walked out of Conte Forum as the winningest senior class in program history. "


Virginia
Groh certain Virginia can right its ship

Groh upbeat about next fall

Cavs' Sewell, Ogletree To Have Wrist Surgery

Chemistry test awaits Virginia


NC State
Wolfpack, Lowe have surprising good start:"N.C. State's basketball team won't challenge for the ACC title, but it might not settle in the league's gutter, either."

Atsur could miss Pack's ACC opener:"Injured hamstring shelves point guard."


Clemson
Defensive line prospect commits to Tigers


Florida State
Seminoles fall at Wisconsin :"Tuesday night further exemplified how heavily Florida State depends on senior forward Al Thornton. "

FSU, UCLA get Emerald bids :"Florida State and UCLA will meet for the first time in football next month in the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco, bowl director Gary Cavalli and administrators from both schools announced Tuesday. "


Miami
'Canes rally falls just short :"The Miami Hurricanes, who have never won a game in a Big Ten arena in seven tries, added another defeat to their resume Tuesday night with a 61-59 loss against Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. "

UM takes closer look at Shannon :"Hurricanes defensive coordinator Randy Shannon will receive serious consideration for the vacant head coaching position, according to UM sources. "

Miami's late-night payoff:"Calvert Hall graduate McClinton, alone in gym, raised his game."


Wake Forest
Grobe happy at Wake :"Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe, whose name has been mentioned in connection with the Alabama opening, said Tuesday he isn't interested in going anywhere."

Wake's Skinner voted ACC's top rookie:"Quarterback Riley Skinner wasn't even supposed to play much for Wake Forest this year."

Air Force on cusp of Top 25 :" Wake Forest's opponent tonight has 6-1 mark, starts four seniors and a junior."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage !!!
PHOTO: New Era Begins

Getting your mind right:
Pack quiet, but list could have these 5 :"Another coaching search has begun at N.C. State, and athletics director Lee Fowler says he will not make any public comments until it ends. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Dopke Talks N.C. State Search:"N.C. State’s search for Chuck Amato’s replacement could go in several directions. College football analyst Brad Dopke of CollegeSportsReport."

Bob Lipper of the Times Dispatch - :"ACC losing coaches, patience"


Neil Amato of the Wilmington Star - Grab a drink and watch the coaches' carousel spin:"No Ferris wheel at Duke. No Tilt-a-Whirl at N.C. State. But a carnival atmosphere at the football home of both Saturday."

Barry Saunders of the Raleigh News and Observer - Coach selections give hope: "It's a coincidence, no doubt about it. But that doesn't make it any less significant......UNC athletics director Dick Baddour said he didn't even know that Butch Davis, the man officially introduced Monday as the new head football coach, was part American Indian "until we were well into the process" of interviewing him for the job. Because Baddour was unaware of it, you know he was unaware that the hiring occurred in the same month that the university is celebrating American Indian Heritage Month."

Dascenzo: Davis' reign begins in Chapel Hill:" His real name is Paul Hilton Davis, Jr., but his friends call him Butch, which seems like a good thing. "

[LENOX RAWLINGS] of the Winston-Salem Journal - Nice Speech: Davis says all the right things


The conference headlines:
From our good friends at StateFansNation -
Post Game Media/Blog Comments: Pack looked very, very good last night. McCauley is a player.
Fanblogs: Reviewing the Top Candidates (Updated 3:30pm)
You Can’t Say We Didn’t Warn You…
Get over there!!!

Plenty of Deacs, no Heels picked for all-ACC:"Balance was the key word this season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, so it's fitting that four schools shared the spotlight on the all-conference team."

Georgia Tech
Staying the course:"Chan Gailey was due. The explanation for Georgia Tech's run to Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game is much more complicated, of course. But with the public's need to know what's different about these Yellow Jackets - Why did this team finally meet fans' lofty ACC expectations? - the best place to start is the head coach. "

Tech's not picky about bowls:"AD Radakovich says winning ACC title and earning an Orange Bowl berth would be preferable."


Wake Forest
Tech, Wake Forest had easy paths


Virginia Tech
With His Coaching Track Record, Foster Could Be a Hokie for Hire


Clemson
Bowden defends tailback choice:"Tigers coach said decision to play Davis was an attemopt to go with the ‘hot hand. Reggie Merriweather waved his arms wildly when he entered the game, as he played it and when he was pulled from the game."


FSU
Jeff Bowden ready to bowl:""Bobby Bowden said at his weekly luncheon he never had a season like this one. Eight games were decided by eight or fewer points, and Florida State lost five of them."


Miami
Arkansas' Nutt: 'No interest' in becoming next UM coach Arkansas coach Houston Nutt says he is not seeking the open coaching position at Miami. Houston Nutt

Choice of new UM coach may sway recruits :"The news that Larry Coker had been fired as Miami's head coach hit Glades Central running back Damien Berry hard. But it didn't come as a surprise or change his opinion of the program he says he is still committed to."


Virginia
Deadline approaches for Groh's extension


North Carolina
Davis outlines plan of attack for Heels: "Bunting's successor expects to unleash 'wide-open' offenseAs his Super Bowl ring glittered in the glare of television lights Monday afternoon, Butch Davis laid out his plan for making North Carolina a championship football team."

Carolina already has its coach:"As head-coaching jobs continue to open across the country and schools begin their searches, North Carolina football fans can relax. "

Ambitious football dreams costly :"Butch Davis will get an average $1.86 million annually for seven years, plus bonuses. It's more than double Bunting's salary."

Davis days are here:"Butch Davis wasn't exactly sure what a Tar Heel was a couple of weeks ago."

Players get positive first impressions of Davis :"North Carolina's football players got a chance to meet with their next head coach for the first time Monday afternoon. "

Davis gets long-term UNC deal

A short Q&A on the Davis hiring

Audio slide show: Butch Davis introduced


NCSU
Murphy saw good and bad in Amato :"The N.C. State booster with his name on the program's football center believes that most Wolfpack fans support Lee Fowler's decision to fire Chuck Amato. "

N.C. State has many options in its search:"N.C. State's search to replace Chuck Amato as football coach has begun, and the first order of business was to hire an outside firm to assist in the process. "


ACC Basketball News :
NCSU
Wolfpack up to challenge Maybe there's more to this N.C. State basketball team than anybody initially saw. And maybe there will be more to this season rather than less.


Duke
Devils take a shot at Indiana :"More fans tuned in for last year's Duke-Indiana showdown in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge than had for any of the other 63 games in the event's seven-year run. "


Maryland
Terps' defense does an about-face:"Big improvement helps spark 7-0 start."

Unbeaten Terps Just Playing Their Game


Georgia Tech
Tech hoops seeks discipline


Virginia
Cavaliers' Cain gets the point

Cavs prevail against UNC Asheville


FSU
FSU can rebound from ugly loss:"There aren't any do-overs in college basketball."


Miami
Haith grieves for nephew shot dead by police in N.Y. :"Hurricanes coach Frank Haith will be coaching tonight's ACC/Big Ten Challenge game between Miami and Northwestern with a heavy heart. "

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: But I went to 5 bowl games!!!!! It was a season of inches, I tell you, a season of inches!!!!!!!!

Getting your mind right:
BCS standings

Dascenzo: In the end, the Wolfpack just didn't win enough: "If timing is everything, Chuck Amato's was rotting away consistently. They waited -- some patiently, some with that passion fueled mostly by that marvelous arm of Philip Rivers -- for Amato's alma mater, N.C. State, to turn the football program up a notch. They came buying tickets, plenty of them, and they stood in line and didn't complain when some couldn't sit on the 50-yard line. "

Caulton Tudor of the News and Observer - Offense No. 1 priority for Pack : " Chuck Amato's primary shortcoming, and eventual undoing, as N.C. State's head football coach was his failure to respond to the importance of offensive production."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Paulus Turning The Corner?:"Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski called Saturday night’s performance by sophomore point guard Greg Paulus his best of the season."

SEC like left-out kid again: "Call the Bowl Championship Series flawed. Call it a bogus way of crowning a national champion. Call it nasty names that can't be mentioned here."

It's not all hearts and flowers for bowl matchmakers:"The language is on Page 3 of the official Bowl Championship Series handbook: "The Bowl Championship Series is a five-game arrangement for post-season college football that is designed to match the two top-rated teams in a national championship game and to create exciting and competitive matchups among eight other highly regarded teams in four other games." "

This time, BCS gets it right


The conference headlines:
From our friends at StateFansNation:
Official: Wolfpack Releases Chuck Amato (Updated 9:22pm): Wow....5 out of 7 years to bowls, facilities out the wazoo, interest in football at an all time high, two losing seasons and the guy is out.....at NC State?!?!?!? Yes, and it was the right move. Congrats to NCSU and UNC for finally getting in the ball game and daring to be great in football!!! The Basketblog applauds your!
Party like it’s 1959
ECU Fallout Articles
Get over there!!!


North Carolina State
NCSU sacks Amato after Pack goes 3-9 :"Support for Chuck Amato changed swiftly this season as the Wolfpack dropped its last seven games to close 3-9. On Sunday, a day after a 21-16 loss to East Carolina University, NCSU Athletics Director Lee Fowler announced that the N.C. State coach had been fired."

Offense No. 1 priority for Pack

Amato's seven years of highs and lows

NCSU's statement on Chuck Amato

Photo gallery: Chuck Amato: A retrospective


Georgia Tech
Gailey stands by erratic Ball:"Coach reiterates that senior will be his starting QB in the ACC championship game."

Bradley: Ball goes 0-for Georgia

Refocusing now Tech's challenge:" The rage burned inside Georgia Tech linebacker KaMichael Hall. "


Wake Forest
Wake Forest's time to shine

Out Of The Blue: Wake Forest, a longtime doormat, has stunned many by becoming football power in expansion-era ACC: One good season does not make any school a power. What they did was a great accomplishment. We hope they can follow-up with a solid season in '07. If Wake can duplicate BC's success, that would be quite an accomplishment and GREAT for the ACC.


Virginia Tech
Victory and vindication for Virginia Tech

Pace's FG streak ends on 47-yard miss

Backup RBs grateful for chance

Defense never rests


Maryland
Maryland lines up for bowl leftovers:"ACC championship to dictate lineup; Terps-Navy possible."


Clemson
Bowl possibilities unclear for Tigers:"Scenarios could be defined by result of ACC title game on Saturday. How the ACC resolves a discrepancy between a rule and a deal could determine where Clemson spends its bowl trip."

First Clemson, next the SEC:"It was, in the University of South Carolina's hopes and dreams, the start of something big, not just making their annual clash with Clemson University a rivalry in more than name only."


Miami
Coaches nix Miami rumors

From the Great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog:
Standing Out:"There are a couple of thoughts bouncing around my head 24 hours after Larry...:"
The Ax Has Fallen:"The CEO will be cashing out his stock options after Miami's bowl game, and the..."
Get over there!!


Virginia
Virginia down, not out after loss to Hokies, losing season

Defense not to blame for losing record

Inexperience not an excuse

Virginia far from great away from Scott


North Carolina
Davis set to begin his next rebuilding project:"New UNC coach brings a winning personality to a school that is all-too familiar with losing."

Davis brings poise, presence


ACC Basketball News
Duke
Another Challenge to be met :"Duke freshman Jon Scheyer grew up intently watching the annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge, keeping close tabs on which conference would come out on top."


Boston College
Eagles get together then tear apart URI:"After the Boston College men's basketball team suffered its second consecutive loss, 73-64, Wednesday at Providence, senior forward and cocaptain Jared Dudley convened a players-only meeting on Thanksgiving to address what was ailing the Eagles.


Virginia
U.Va.'s Cain ready to deal with success, winning


FSU
Conversation with Bobby Bowden »

FSU seeks more punch:"Two early fouls might no longer mean an automatic seat until halftime at Florida State. At least not for Al Thornton, anyway."

'Noles were inexcusable, inexplicable »


Virginia Tech
Disney trip not magical for Tech

Tech fares better against Grizzlies

Hokies gobbled up by Broncos

Tech freshman get on the job training

The Daily Roundup: Friday

We present an abbreviated version today. ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!
The Basketblog!

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Dascenzo: Saving the best for last? :"For all those who believe it's wise to save the best for last, listen up. There are seven football games Saturday involving ACC teams, and then there's Delta State at N.C. Central in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - UNC's Loss Good For Williams:"Many North Carolina fans were probably really down on their team after Wednesday’s defeat to Gonzaga, but take note UNC folks, the loss wasn’t exactly a bad thing."


The Conference Headlines:
Miami
BC simply bowled over:"Well, at least it won't be Boise. That may not be much of a consoling thought, but it's about the best anyone can come up with after the Boston College Eagles eliminated themselves from ACC championship consideration by losing a 17-14 decision to Miami at the decrepit Orange Bowl last night."

Nine is not enough for team to raise the bar:"Boston College arrived in the Orange Bowl looking to record its 10th win of the season and bronze its legacy as one of the school's elite teams."

Anniversary unforgettable:" What's beyond a Classic? The Doug Flutie pass, you know all about. It was career-defining and image-cementing, as the ever-savvy BC QB sensed even then."

Hurricane force:"Earlier this week, with rumors of his imminent firing at a fevered pitch, embattled Miami coach Larry Coker enumerated the things he had been thankful for in his term as the Hurricanes' head coach."


Virginia Tech
U.VA. vs. TECH NOTES

Va. Tech defense finds its footing


Virginia
Epilepsy won't stop U.Va.'s Snelling


NC State
Trying Times: Amato has proven to be adept at dodging bullets during his tenure at N.C. State


Duke
Duke's faith in Roof far from blind:"Football coach Ted Roof will stay for rebuilding process. "


ACC Baseketball News:

North Carolina
UNC's core player falters in Big Apple

Wright extends Heels' reach :"Brandan Wright, a 6-9 freshman, has the longest stretch Roy Williams remembers coaching since Sam Perkins' in the 1980s. Wright will start his fifth consecutive game when UNC plays Tennessee at 4:30 p.m. today in the NIT Season Tip-Off consolation game in New York. "

Gonzaga proved point vs. UNC


Virginia Tech
Broncos bust Hokies

Happy Turkey Day!!!!

We're off today, and back on the job in the AM.

Enjoy the day with family and friends.

The ACC Basketblog.

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!


Getting your mind right:
Bowl Picture Is Unclear: "After a quick inspection of the ACC Atlantic Division Standings, the only thing clear with the bowl picture is that the outlook remains muddled."

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer - Don't chuck him now :" After seven seasons, Chuck Amato is 25-31 in the ACC. He's 3-4 against UNC. His Pack just lost to a Tar Heels team that was 0-9 this season against Division I-A opponents. Now, Amato has so many critics even he can see them. The question is how to answer them. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star:" Character was never the complaint with Bunting"

SKOLNICK: Reviving UM no easy feat :"It is a tradition. After the last practice before the last game, Hurricanes players carry senior teammates off the field. This customarily occurs in late December, just before the team flies to its annual appearance in a major bowl. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Duke's McRoberts Must Step Up:"Sitting here watching Duke struggle in its attempted comeback against Marquette it’s clear that sophomore Josh McRoberts isn’t yet the player many in the media anticipated."

Underwhelming: Deacs, Terps look like mirror images:" Looking for statistics to explain why Wake Forest and Maryland have been successful this season? Look elsewhere. The stats don't support their success. "

JOHN DELONG of the Winston-Salem Journal:" Motivation: Outcome of BC game will affect Maryland"


The conference headlines:
Judge orders arrest of ex-NCSU player: "A Chatham District Court judge has issued an order for the arrest of Marcus Melvin, a former N.C. State basketball player, after Melvin failed to appear in court Tuesday on charges that he tried to strangle his then-girlfriend." Marcus, Marcus, Marcus.


Georgia Tech
Sizing them up: "A graphic package on how Tech, UGA compare on the field, as institutions and with key campus figures. " Gailey and Richt • Clough and Adams
Recruiting • Favorite football moments

Johnson having a big-time impact:"Calvin Johnson looked around his family's living room and told the standing-room-only crowd what they wanted to hear. He intended to play football at Georgia Tech. "

Richt: Tech star ready for NFL

Jackets aim to slay a 'monster'


Wake Forest
Deacons' backs set to return: "Last week, Wake Forest almost ran out of running backs. This week, coach Jim Grobe might have more than he can use. "

Grobe, Deacons know what they're playing for Saturday:" Jim Grobe doesn't have to stretch to motivate his Wake Forest team this week."

Plenty of questions left to be answered for Deacs :" Grobe uncertain who will start at running back for WFU; Thompson should be back."


Maryland
Friedgens open home, refrigerator: "Thanksgiving feast will include Terps who can't go home."


Boston College
Upside on display:"It wasn't like he was trying to make the springboard team for Beijing. DeJuan Tribble was flying down the sideline at Alumni Stadium with a stolen pass and nothing but end zone ahead of him when he decided to go aerial. Nothing elaborate, no flight plan filed with the FAA. Just up and down and in."


Virginia Tech
TECH NOTES

Likely starter Lewis ready for spotlight


Clemson
Bowden tries to tone down talk of records :" Spiller, Davis push for Merriweather to start at senior's final home game."


Florida State
FSU-FLORIDA: Can FSU shock UF?:"A 9 1/2 -point underdog. Its offense, 12 games into the season, is without an established quarterback. And injuries may force Florida State to use true freshmen in the backfield against a Florida defense that allows just 71.8 yards rushing per game."

FSU-FLORIDA: FSU must be diligent against Florida's stingy defense

FSU-FLORIDA: Lee says he can handle being backup »

FSU-FLORIDA: Gators have one eye on 'Noles, other on recruiting »

Rolle ready for rival »

FSU must prep for two QBs »

FSU offensive prepares for UF defense »

FSU-UF series full of spoilers »

Weatherford to start for 'Noles »


Virginia
Cavs have officials to thank for TD


Miami
Embattled Coker focused on winning :" Larry Coker has been so focused on beating Boston College on Thursday night -- ending UM's four-game losing streak and earning the Hurricanes the win needed to secure a bowl bid -- he has become numb to talk of his ouster. "


ACC Basketball News:
North Carolina
UNC to take on Gonzaga tonight


Duke
Devils let guard down :"The title game of the 2006 College Basketball Experience Classic ended appropriately for both Marquette, a 73-62 winner at Municipal Auditorium, and Duke, the loser. Appropriately because it ended the way it began with 13th-ranked Marquette's athletic guards doing too much for ninth-ranked Duke's defense to handle on Tuesday night." That is a bad sign for Duke. It's hard to get lack of athleticism at the point position fixed. Duke won lots of games with Wojo, but it cost them when it counted. Could we be seeing the same thing again?


Georgia Tech
MAUI CLASSIC : "Lewis Clinch played a valuable role in Tech's 92-85 comeback win over Memphis as the Yellow Jackets will play for the championship Wednesday."

Memphis game not memorable for Young


Clemson
Tigers hold off Bulldogs:"Clemson uses clutch free throws late in second half to beat Mississippi State. As he watched the ball-handler approach, Clemson’s Sam Perry shoved teammate Vernon Hamilton to the side."


Virginia Tech
On the job training:"Tech freshmen Lewis Witcher and Nigel Munson are adjusting to college basketball."


NC State
Grant leads charge : "N.C. State gets 25 points and 12 rebounds from Gavin Grant -- both career highs for the 6-foot-7 junior -- to give coach Sideny Lowe his third win in his first season. The Wolfpack defeats Valparaiso 78-64. "

Fayetteville Britt star commits to Wolfpack: This kid is a good one.


Florida State
FSU goes big with early signings :"The Florida State men's basketball team formally announced Tuesday that Solomon Alabi, Julian Vaughn and Jordan DeMercy had signed national letters of intent."


Wake Forest
Freshmen lead way: Smith, Skeen propel Wake Forest to an 88-78 victory over Vanderbilt :"It might be a stretch to conclude from its 88-78 victory over Vanderbilt last night that Wake Forest, after a season of despair, is back in basketball. But the Deacons do at least appear to be on their way. "

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Duke, taking it to Air Force.

Getting your mind right:

Stock Is Rising: ACC Coaches' Pedigrees

Dascenzo: Ideas that Davis can put to use:"Next week, Butch Davis arrives in Chapel Hill to tell us about the future of North Carolina football. For sure it should be an interesting conversation, one filled with optimism and spiced with the usual emotion -- and some skepticism -- that is normal in the arrival of a new, somewhat familiar, face. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star- ACC Off To Great Start:"Yes, it’s still very early in the college basketball season, but the ACC is off to a great start and appears in position to challenge as the nation’s premiere conference."

John Eisenberg of the Baltimore Sun :" BCS has flaws, but still beats playoffs."

NASCAR's New Champion Lags in Popularity :"There's an Internet video of a family in its kitchen watching October's last-lap wreck at Talladega. When Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson crash on the final lap, the family flies into an expletive-laden rage against Johnson."


The conference headlines:

From our friends at StateFansNation
Fowler Tries Not To Comment On Amato
The Onslaught Has Begun (Updated 5:30pm)
Squeezing in the Roundball
3pm Football Update: Amato This Is A Season Of Inches
Guest Writer: Billy Tough
Get over there!!!


Georgia Tech
Tech closes recruiting gap:"Richt says Jackets more competitive with UGA than any year since he arrived in Athens."

Wake Forest
School Pride: Mavericks' Howard, former Wake Forest star, is enjoying the football success of his alma mater:" Josh Howard is in his fourth NBA season as a star with the Dallas Mavericks.But he vividly remembers his senior year at Wake Forest and the times he would see Josh Gattis, Willie Idlette or other current members of the football team in the weight room or at dinner. "


Maryland
Terps hope Deacs game has meaning


Boston College
Dunbar picks up national honor:"Boston College junior linebacker Jolonn Dunbar , who became the fourth player in NCAA history to return two fumbles for touchdowns in the same game in Saturday's 38-16 win over Maryland, was named Division 1-A Defensive Player of the Week yesterday by the Walter Camp Foundation and also received Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week honors following his ..."


Virginia Tech
Adibi's foes in check:"Xavier Adibi has the speed to catch ballcarriers, but he credits his strong mental approach to playing chess."


Virginia
Virginia can bypass Idaho bowl

Cavs had 12 on field for second TD, Coker says

Virginia at Virginia Tech


Miami
From the Boston Globe - Salvage operation for Miami:"University of Miami linebacker Darryl Sharpton was eating alone in a campus dining hall when he got a call from defensive coordinator Randy Shannon telling him to rush to the Hecht Athletic Center. The redshirt freshman had gotten the same call from Shannon before; usually it meant the coach wanted to go over some plays with ... "


North Carolina
New Heels coach may reap benefits of Bunting recruits: "North Carolina football coach John Bunting says he will do whatever he can to help his successor, Butch Davis. Perhaps he already has. "


NC State
Amato: Wolfpack football program is in good shape:" N.C. State has lost six straight and is 3-8, but the school won't talk about the job status of Chuck Amato."

N.C. State mum on Amato's job status

Amato is mum on future : "N.C. State coach, AD won't discuss his job status until after Saturday's season finale against East Carolina." We think he's gone....may already be a done deal. Amazing.....


Duke
Duke hoping Victory Bell is enough motivation :"Fighting injuries, fatigue and a season-long losing streak, Duke has one last opportunity to earn a tangible reward for its months of hard work. "


ACC Basketball News:

Duke
Devils turn to Nelson for crisis control:" Junior guard DeMarcus Nelson scores 23, hits crucial FTs as Duke reaches College Basketball Experience Classic final. "

Duke uses Experience:"Moments after Duke's game Monday night against Air Force in the semifinals of the College Basketball Experience Classic, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski couldn't stop spouting compliments the way of the Falcons. "


Georgia Tech
Jackets get in gear:"Tech 79, Purdue 61: Jackets advance to Maui semifinals against No. 12 Memphis."

Jackets start cold, finish hot in Hawaii

Hawaii for hoops not a tough call for fans


Maryland
Terrapins Move Up, But Don't Let Down

Terps lower 'Boom'"Transfer Osby emerges in Winthrop rout; he, Ibekwe dominate inside." Terps are going to be very good this season.


Wake Forest
Study In Contrasts: Young WFU team will play veteran Vanderbilt tonight

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: "See you soon, Chuck."

Getting your mind right:
Spurrier shuns Miami rumor Post Comment :"As he did earlier this month on his radio call-in show, coach Steve Spurrier said Sunday he was not interested in leaving the University of South Carolina for Miami if Larry Coker is fired at the end of the season.: Now, wouldn't THAT be interesting?"

BCS is as simple as USC:"Should it be a rematch between Ohio State and Michigan in the Bowl Championship Series title game Jan. 8 or a fresh, new matchup?"

Steve Ellis of the Tallahassee Democrat: Lee FSU's best shot at upset »

Dan LeBatard of the Miami Herald - Spurrier to UM sounds nice, but he's not a good fit: "Steve Spurrier coming to the University of Miami, while sexy and interesting, has that pesky little problem of not making a whole lot of sense." If "fit" means winning and recruiting well, then he will do just fine.


The conference headlines:
From our friends at StateFansNation:
Dear Wolfpack Nation (and other national media) — updated 6:19pm with more fun stuff
Blood In The Water- Tudor & Dascenzo Fire Away (Updated 10:30am)
Rutgers, My Ass (and other angry, drunken football thoughts)
Fired Coach 23, Soon To Be Fired Coach 9: Where is Wolfgang when you need to hear from him. More dumb decisions, more poor execution, more talk on the field from Wolfpack players. Lee, it's time to put Chuck to pasture! Hate to say we told you so, but......
Get over there!!!!


Georgia Tech
A STREAK TO UPHOLD :"Georgia Tech enters Saturday's game at Georgia with a historical precedent on its side: the last nine times Tech entered its big rivalry game ranked while Georgia was unranked, the Yellow Jackets have prevailed. "

A matchup that really matters:"Georgia fan says "I could live with going 1-10 as long as the one win is against Tech.""

Jackets' biggest hurdle awaits: "In the midst of the program's best season in almost a decade, on its way to a possible Atlantic Coast Conference championship and its first ever Bowl Championship Series berth, one question will be asked over and over all week. Can the Jackets have a great season without beating Georgia? "


Virginia Tech
Ore's sprained ankle makes playing doubtful


Wake Forest
Injuries mounting for Wake tailbacks: "Wake Forest started the season with an all-conference running back that figured to be perfect for the Demon Deacons' run-oriented attack. A few months later, the 20th-ranked Demon Deacons are running out of runners."

Deacons planning to get up for Terps :"WFU says it will put Saturday's loss in past."


Boston College
Eagles set sights on title game:"Jolonn Dunbar had just wrapped up his postgame remarks following Boston College's 38-16 trouncing of the No. 21 Maryland Terrapins Saturday at Alumni Stadium."


Maryland
With breaks, Terps' hopes within grasp: "If BC loses and wide receivers cure drops, ACC title possible."


Clemson
Weekend clarifies Tigers’ path to bowls: "Losses by Maryland, Wake Forest help Clemson’s chances for bid to Gator Bowl."

USC seniors try to avoid 0-for-Clemson Post Comment :"They've beaten Florida and Tennessee, not to mention Alabama and Arkansas. But the University of South Carolina seniors have never beaten Clemson University."

How they are faring :"A weekly look at how Clemson's and USC's recruiting classes are faring in their senior seasons."


Florida State
FSU has chance to make its season:"A phone call to home this week from Caz Piurowski will likely lead to one of his father's favorite topics - the thrill of defeating Florida. Four times."

FSU's Timmons won't head to NFL just yet »

Conversation with Bobby Bowden »


Virginia
Sports Focus: U.Va. Football


Miami
Coker's fate still up in air, Dee says :"With Steve Spurrier deflecting questions Sunday about reports that he is the front-runner to be Miami's next football coach, UM Athletic Director Paul Dee said the school's administration hasn't come to a final decision on Larry Coker's fate and that no potential candidates have been contacted. "

Offensive line loses two more :" Miami's beleaguered offensive line suffered two more crippling blows early in the second quarter of Saturday's 17-7 loss to Virginia."


North Carolina
Heels alumni speak on Davis: "Curry, Sims have mixed feelings about coaching change. "


NC State
Postgame clipboards - N.C. State:"Inside the game."

Amato's mind on ECU:"Coach concentrating on Pack's finale, not on his future. " It's kind of wierd how Chuck might cut his throat the very same way that Mike O'Cain cut his....with back to back losses to UNC and ECU.


ACC Basketball News

North Carolina
UNC works hard in easy win:"Roy Williams delivered a simple message to his basketball team Saturday, a day after after what he called North Carolina’s worst practice of the season. "

Ellington's lyrical play aids Heels :"Freshman adds 19 to UNC's blowout. "

Ellington shares in Heels' spotlight


Duke

Duke honored to be playing Air Force :"Duke’s two games over two nights at the College Basketball Experience Classic will present the Blue Devils’ freshman-laden team with lots of firsts. "


Maryland
Terps are flying high after triumph in N.Y.


Virginia
Leitao gives Cavaliers 'tough love' after win


Virginia Tech
Hokies take sting from Hornets in 2nd half

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Yeah, I know that it's a Choiba and not the Hoyo de Monterrey Governor EMS featured below, but I thought it was a cool picture.

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke: Hoyo de Monterrey Governor EMS. Get over there!

Graham says he's innocent: " Trevor Graham, a Raleigh-basedcoach who has worked with champions Marion Jones and Justin Gatlin, pleaded not guilty Thursday to accusations he hindered a federal steroids investigation."

Rick Mease: Legislators take notice of NCAA's hypocrisy

Trying to build on buzz: "After an eye-catching Final Four run, George Mason wants to hold the nation's attention." Good luck with that.

Frank Dascenzo: Heels vs. Pack has lost lusterNo matter how you look at it, Saturday’s meeting of rivals N.C. State and North Carolina at Kenan Stadium has little suspense.

JOHN DELONG: "AMATO'S NEMESIS: State's Chuck Amato gets one last chance to even the score with UNC's John Bunting Saturday"

Hart: Bowden package not odd:"The first steps of finding a new offensive coordinator are being taken while the buzz continues over Jeff Bowden's severance agreement with the university."



The conference headlines:

From our friends at StateFansNation:
Never Forget
A View from the Cheap Seats
Get over there!!


Goergia Tech
Tech seniors leave legacy
10 Jackets who play final home game Saturday have accomplished and overcome in their careers.

Injuries won't keep Tech quarterback from facing Duke:"Perhaps in a perfect scenario quarterback Reggie Ball could take a bow with the rest of Georgia Tech's senior class and, after making the start, sit out most of Saturday's home game against Duke. "

Bradley column: Freshmen are gifted


Wake Forest
This weekend, Wake is place for big games

Ignoring the Pain: WFU upperclassmen play through injuries, leading by example:" As miserable as tackle Arby Jones of Wake Forest was while recovering from a torn medial-collateral ligament, he at least knew where to find company. He found it in the sport he loves. And in doing so, he ignored the rather emphatic advice his throbbing knee was giving him to cease playing football. There's a price to pay to play football. The price is pain. "

Gridiron awakening: "With Grobe at helm, Deacons are making nation take notice. The mastermind behind college football's latest up-from-the-ashes sensation -- conqueror of Seminoles and preconceived notions comes from underdog stock himself."


Maryland
The Terrapins Formula

Wilson Has Plenty to Talk About


Boston College
Report: O'Brien lagging behind on pay:"Although he has 20th-ranked Boston College in contention for first place in the ACC's Atlantic Division, the $733,626 salary Eagles coach Tom O'Brien receives ranks him among the lower third of the league's 12 coaches, seven of whom earn more than $1 million annually, according to a USA Today study on coaches' salaries." That is absolutely rediculous.

Eagles counting on Dunbar: "Although Boston College does not keep track of such numbers, if there were statistics on momentum-changing plays in a football game -- or "money plays" as they're known at another Atlantic Coast Conference school -- junior linebacker Jolonn Dunbar would lead the Eagles."


Virginia Tech
Tech doesn't expect penalties from probe

Perfect feels just fine to Pace

Attorney drops 1 of Williams suits


Clemson
Coaches slow recruiting:"With only about six roster spots left to fill, Tigers scheduling fewer unofficial visits. Technically, Clemson’s assistant coaches will be on the road recruiting tonight. In essence, though, they will be like den mothers."

Virginia
U.Va. burdened by its offense

New questions spark memories

Several Cavs had ties to Pata


Florida State
Smith to start for FSU »

Who will replace Jeff Bowden? »

Antone Smith to start for Seminoles »


Miami
UM's Reddick to return against Virginia :"Safety Anthony Reddick was reinstated to the team and will play Saturday against Virginia, coach Larry Coker said Thursday".

Memo to UM secondary: Tackle! Miami defensive backs coach Tim Walton said his unit must limit the amount of yardage opponents get once they make a catch.


NC State
N.C. State struggling to find its strength :"When Philip Rivers was conducting the N.C. State offense, the Wolfpack could be counted on to pile up passing yards and points. "

Recruits choose Pack: "N.C. State gets two from Virginia." Big moves by Chuck.


North Carolina
Trustees to ratify Davis deal soon:"Incoming coach still must sign contract." What is it with UNC coaches and not signing contracts?


Duke
Teammates talk about season, friendship: "Duke senior John Talley has led a quiet career for a cornerback who ranks first in the ACC in career interception return yardage and second in the conference in career interceptions."


ACC Basketball News

Duke
Devils swat Spartans : "Duke's Josh McRoberts gets a block against UNC-Greensboro. The Blue Devils limit the Spartans to only six first-half field goals in building a 45-20 halftime lead, and then cruises behind leading scorer Brian Zoubek's 17 points. "

McClure leads Devils past UNCG: "The Duke Blue Devils haven’t been together long enough or healthy long enough to be on the same page offensively, but Duke’s defense turned a page in the record books with its performance in Thursday night’s 75-48 victory over UNC Greensboro at Cameron Indoor Stadium. "

Zoubek seems a good bet


Georgia Tech
Jackets roll over Panthers:"Ga. Tech 103, Ga. State 74: Win marks first time Tech's scored 100 or more back-to-back since 1994."


Maryland
Terps in bloom at Garden: "'Statement' first half leads to rout of St. John's in 2K semifinal." Either St. Jones is that bad, or the Terps are on a mission this year and the ACC better look out. I saw some execution and intensity from that team I haven't seen in almost 3 seasons. Fear the turtle?

Wake Forest
Prosser is looking for consistency