We're taking the day off.......

We'll see you on New Years day! Thanks for the support this past year. Our readership numbers have doubled every year since January 2005 and that is because of you. Keep spreading the word and joining in the fun. We hope to provide this service to you for some time to come.

Happy New Year!!!

Ed & Birkel of The Basketblog!!!

The Daily Roundup- Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: The future looks bright for the 'Noles. Congrats on the big win.

Getting your mind right:
Court: Feds can use MLB drug test data : So....what happens when Bonds urine doesn't show up as dirty in this group of players that was tested a few years ago? One would hope that they already know the urine is among the sample that tested positive, or, we could have another OJ trying on the gloves in court situation!!! And on that note.....was that not one of the single dumbest moves by a prosecution team EVER!!!

1951 team honored: "Undefeated San Francisco team denied Orange Bowl because they refused to leave their black teammates at home."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - The joy that is boys and their toys on Christmas:"I've spent two Christmases with my new family, one I inherited nearly 20 months ago when my better half met me at the altar."

JOHN DELONG of the Winston-Salem Journal: South Florida has plenty for Orange Bowl visitors to remember


The conference headlines:
The Great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - Finally, A Name Is Given:"I would love to tell you what the weather is like in Boise right now but I've..." Get over there!

Florida State
A STRONG FINISH:"Florida State coaches talked to players about a past it did not want to match - a 5-6 season in 1976 that was the program's only losing effort under Bobby Bowden."

FSU RB Booker saves best for last »

Questions are aplenty for Seminoles' coaching staff »

Bowden thankful to preserve winning season »

Future looks bright »

Looking ahead: Why FSU will be better in 2006 »

Providence gives 'Noles huge test:"It was with the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in mind that Florida State arranged Friday's encounter with Providence in Tampa."


Wake Forest
Deacons say there's more at stake than pride :"WFU is trying to avoid the 'just-happy-to-be-here' syndromeIt's easy for someone who has never played football to consider Wake Forest's trip to the Orange Bowl a win-win proposition. What Wake Forest has accomplished this season - the 11 overall victories, the six road victories, the win over Georgia Tech in Jacksonville that secured the school's second ACC championship - will never be forgotten. "

Chance of a Lifetime: Deacons' Simmons relishes opportunity to play in hometown


North Carolina
Rutgers at North Carolina: Tonight's game:"Sophomore point guard Bobby Frasor's injured right foot will keep him sidelined for a fifth straight game."

Frasor's recovery has hit a setback, Williams says:" Point guard for Tar Heels still sidelined by sore foot."


Tar Heels still on the mend:"Quentin Thomas has resumed some basketball activities, but Bobby Frasor hasn't been as fortunate. So it goes for a pair of North Carolina point guards who are battling foot injuries. Neither player will be available for the Tar Heels today when Rutgers (6-5) visits No. 2 UNC (10-1) for a men's basketball game (7 p.m., ESPN2) at the Smith Center."

Virginia
Cavaliers looking to rebound vs. old coach:"It will be a week since Virginia has played when the Cavaliers welcome former coach Jeff Jones and American University to the John Paul Jones Arena tonight, and coach Dave Leitao hopes the time away has been well-spent."

Reluctant to return:"Jeff Jones has had little to do with Virginia since being fired as basketball coach in '98."


Duke
This swarm suits Duke:"The Blue Devils basketball team has plenty of people ready to pounce on sweat or take on any other task. "


NC State
Stokes' Pirates take on Pack:"Former Virginia guard Ricky Stokes is in building mode at ECU. "


Georgia Tech
Clinch working on defense:"Basketball sharpshooter spending more time on the bench, says he's 'still learning' team sets."

Fast Tech defense faces fleet West Virginia offense:" If the slow-motion key on Chan Gailey's VCR remote could talk, it would attest to the speed of West Virginia's offense. "

Another Jacket ineligible:"Add a key special teams player to the list of Georgia Tech athletes who won't play in the Gator Bowl."

Receiver McGuire lost to academics

Anoai commands Jackets' attention


Boston College
B.C. coach no stranger to Navy

Soggy field results in facility upgrade:"The Boston College football team arrived here for Saturday's Meineke Car Care Bowl at noon yesterday, right on schedule."


Virginia Tech
VA. TECH NOTES

REFINED ORE:"Maturity added polish to Virginia Tech's talented tailbackFor all the preseason talk about Branden Ore's newfound maturity, not everyone was convinced the immensely talented tailback from Virginia Tech had undergone a lasting transformation. "

Powell's style puzzles his opponents

Winning them over


Maryland
In the stands by her man:"Gloria Friedgen, the heart of her husband's UM team, stays busy."

The Heart of Maryland:"While some coaches appear to be driven by a bottom line that is based on the final score, Ralph Friedgen seems to be powered by a love for his players and the University of Maryland. "


Clemson
Time to tip-toe:"Bowden knows that distributing carries among three star backs requires careful chemistry."

Tigers' Dukes hopes to leave on high note:"Marion Dukes said he was ready to sing for his supper -- country style -- but nobody knew the tune."

Tigers balance work, play :"Coach Tommy Bowden said that while he wanted the Tigers to enjoy their visit, he was relatively confident they wouldn't lose sight of their objective."


Miami
UM's Darryl Sharpton learning by playing:"One of the lasting images of Miami's season was Randy Shannon consoling Darryl Sharpton after the Hurricanes' 30-23 loss to Georgia Tech. "

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Major Mitchell, getting the Deacs ready to beat the 'Cards.

Getting your mind right:
Tonight's bowl game- Emerald Bowl: UCLA vs. Florida State Time, TV: 8 p.m., ESPN Where: San Francisco At a glance: Florida State is lucky to be here after a horrible regular season. UCLA is riding the emotional wave of beating USC -- a loss that knocked the Trojans out of the BCS title game -- and the Bruins are better and probably hungrier. ..." Good luck, 'Noles!!!

HYDE: No answers for Pata's family, only heartache :"In the home without Christmas, a brother recites Psalms 16:8. A sister embraces the last family photo. And the mother who wakes in tears each morning remembers watching the election returns on CNN six weeks ago, right in that room there, when the phone rang and the grown child who answered it went screaming down the hall."

Hornets' Paul injured:"New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul, a former Wake Forest standout, was carried off the floor Tuesday night against the SuperSonics in severe pain with a sprained right ankle." Hope that turns out to be nothing serious.

Green newest color for Navy:"Johnson's success gives academy financial windfall."

Coaching peers weigh in on styles of Knight, Smith :"Calhoun, Keady and Vitale express admiration for teaching skills."

BCS a mess 40 years ago:"Imagine a bowl season in which no national rankings were at stake, three of the nation's top five teams didn't even play and the lowly Sun Bowl featured the most interesting matchup."


The conference headlines:
The great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - Going Another Round:'How does coach Frank Haith feel about the season so far? Is this what he..." Get over there!


Florida State
Bowden upbeat for tonights game despite 6-6 mark:"The FSU coach likes the change of scenery as his Seminoles (6-6) prepare to finish their season well before New Year's Day in the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco, facing similarly inconsistent UCLA."

Still Goin' at 77: Florida State's Bowden, despite recent slump, in no mood to ponder his retirement

FSU looking to finish above .500:"San Francisco Before the trip, Bobby Bowden asked how many of his Florida State players had been to San Francisco. Only three hands went up in the locker room."


Wake Forest
Loaded for Orange: Demon Deacons' equipment manager has to make sure players have what they need : "Coach Jim Grobe gave his players an early Christmas present Saturday morning when he canceled the team's last on-campus practice and turned them loose for a quick holiday break with their families.His announcement was met with a predictably boisterous outburst, and nearly 100 young men quickly scattered to begin making their way home."

Joined at the Hip :"WFU's Mitchell has been Grobe's right-hand man for the past 12 seasons. His players call him Coach Mitch.If they were more formal, they would address him as Major Mitchell. "

Ugly defeat spurs Deacs :" WFU will be back in Miami for first time since '04 rout."


Virginia Tech
Vision Now a Reality:"Frank Beamer always believed his alma mater would play for the national championship one day and now as head coach he has made everyone believe in Virginia Tech."

Winning them over:"Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon is now getting positive feedback from fans, but he knows that could change."

Hokies discover dome an echo chamber


NC State
Homesick no more, Mount Zion star refines game :"NCSU-bound power forward Tracy Smith is expected to shine in the GlaxoSmithKline holiday tourney, which begins today at Reynolds Coliseum. "


Boston College
BC left feeling a bit empty:"The Boston College football team yesterday traveled to Charlotte, N.C., for its appearance opposite Navy in Saturday's Meineke Car Care Bowl. It's not likely, though, that the Eagles, who will be making their second bowl trip to Charlotte in three years, will have as many fans in attendance as, say, BC's 1984 Cotton Bowl team, which according to former sports ... "


Maryland
Terps guard puts service in front of the line:"Terps guard Woods puts defending his country ahead of a chance to play football in his final season of eligibility."

Terps' Weatherly Stresses Positives


Clemson
Defense leaves note hanging:"Koenning, coaches hope unit finally responds on field against Kentucky."

Gaddis shifts to boundary spot :"Move comes in wake of Duane Coleman’s suspension last week."


Georgia Tech
Commentary: Gailey finds his comfort zone

THE CHOICE IS YOURS :"To hear the Jackets' running backs coach, Curtis Modkins, tell it, Tech tailback Tashard Choice (above) ranks among the nation's elite college rushers. Statistics, like rushing attempts, support Modkins' beliefs."

Joining the elite:" Tashard Choice didn't need to see the list. His former teammate, Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, was the best college tailback in the country, hands down. Yet Georgia Tech's running backs coach, Curtis Modkins, wanted Choice to name the nation's second and third best running backs during an August meeting. "

Bowl streak among elite:"Jackets making appearance in 10th consecutive bowl game, one of longest strings in nation."


Miami
Coker warns players not to make weather for game an issue :"No matter what the temperature is today in Boise, Idaho, there's a good chance it'll be colder there than it has been at any point this year in South Florida. "

UM's Moss says he's ready for a run at the NFL :"Tyrone Moss' career at the University of Miami didn't end how he envisioned it, but the senior hopes to live up to his potential -- and UM tailback pedigree -- in the NFL. "

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Popping that jersey, but take care of that ankle!!!

Getting your mind right:
HOOPS: Commentary: Knight can't help himself

An Image Issue: NBA's marketing philosophy has caused its players to be under close scrutiny

Hillside's Greg Little did whatever it took for his team to win:"Every year in this country, thousands of high-school athletes are afflicted with a condition brought on by excessive headlines, incessant Internet recruiting chatter and the widespread adulation of their classmates and fans." Many think the signing of Butch Davis may have put North Carolina back in the race for this player from Durham who has committed to Notre Dame. We shall see.

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Holiday Gifts For The ACC:"If Santa Clause was good to the ACC he may have taken two trips to drop off gifts around the 12-team conference on Sunday night."


The conference headlines:
Top 25: Clemson back in for first time since 1999

YEAR IN REVIEW: Hokies stuff foes on way to bowl

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: Not every Vick shines at Tech


Boston College
Nagging left foot injury bothering Boston College's Dudley:"As if an 84-66 pummeling at the hands of the 11th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks Saturday afternoon wasn't bad enough, the unranked Boston College men's basketball team limped home to Chestnut Hill to learn it could be without senior forward Jared Dudley in its next two games, nonconference home affairs against Duquesne Thursday and Northeastern Dec. 31. "


Virginia
Cavaliers end slide at tourney


Wake Forest
'Wake Way' proves potent :"Picked to finish last in the ACC's Atlantic Division, Jim Grobe's Deacons overcame injuries and all odds to become league champions and grab an Orange Bowl berth. They tend to find a way to win."

Big Time: Deacs in for a treat, two Panthers say


Maryland
After pain, much gain:"Injury and inconsistency almost stalled Erin Henderson, but the linebacker has come on strong for Maryland."


Florida State
Booker has no regrets:"FSU senior is leaving without major honors. "


Virginia Tech
Hokies run streak to 5

Virginia Tech's Graves awaits opportunity

A Hokie at heart:"The Georgia strength coach is a Virginia Tech fan, but he's also passionate about the Bulldogs."

Foster gives DB Flowers praise

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke - Stogie Reviews: Perdomo Reserve Golf Limited Edition Robusto: Get over there!!!

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Huge Win For Developing Blue Devils:"Duke’s 61-54 victory over Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night was an enormous win for the Blue Devils."

Hollins finds way off NBA main trail:"Bobcats rookie thankful for D-League's lessonsRyan Hollins went from five-star hotels to five-hour bus rides. Welcome to the minors, kid.''

Eagles earn top ranking;"N.C. Central University has been declared the 2006 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College Football National Champions, the school's first such title in the 33 years that SBN Sports Network has conducted the poll." Congrats to the Eagles. That gives North Carolina two football national champions of one form or another.

From the Washington Post - The Hard Sell:"Shepherd University's Ernie McCook is one of many coaches who neglects nearly all else in his life this time of year so he can tackle the gargantuan task of selling a small school with few scholarships to as many football players as possible. "

From the Washington Post - Mike Wise: Bozeman Gives Credit To Time Served


The conference headlines:
Duke
A smashing victory for Paulus, Devils:" Sophomore guard Greg Paulus cuts his chin diving to the floor, but bounces back to score a career-high 20 points as the sixth-ranked Devils overcome a frigid first half and beat Gonzaga 61-54. " Great win by Devils.


Florida State
FSU fends off Coastal Carolina :"On paper, Florida State probably should have defeated Coastal Carolina by 30 points. '


Virginia Tech
Hokies Give the Pirates A Hosing at the Garden: Defense Keys Romp Over Seton Hall: Virginia Tech 80, Seton Hall 61

VT Insider: Hokies eager to see old buddies

Look who's talking, scoring


Virginia
Cavaliers end slide at tourney



North Carolina
Heels' big man matures :"Hansbrough leading UNC by shot selection. "

Hansbrough happy to be headed to home state:"When Charles Barkley entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in September, he made one request to the folks in his hometown of Leeds, Ala. "


NC State
Newest Wolf: Ferguson arrives at State tagged as a shooter, but shows defensive skills, too


Wake Forest
Deacons to battle Spiders tonight :" Wake Forest plans to get its roller-coaster season going uphill against Richmond."

Deacon Tower to be bigger than original blueprint -" Wellman: Construction of 125-foot tall structure set to begin next month."


Boston College
BC players make case for keeping Spaziani:"At his introductory press conference Wednesday night, Boston College football coach Jeff Jagodzinski said he planned to assemble "the very best staff possible" but added that "nothing's been etched in stone.""


Maryland
New Trenches Await:"Maryland's Donnie Woods is healthy after a head injury that required him to be airlifted off of the field earlier this year and now plans to skip his final season of eligibility to serve in the U.S. Army."


Clemson
Tigers preparing for bowl game without Coleman:"Walker ruled ineligible; Chancellor looking at I-AA options."


Georgia Tech
Bennett eager for challenge:" Taylor Bennett confirmed Thursday what Georgia Tech's offensive coordinator, Patrick Nix, already knew. "

Tech looks to hoops for rivalry redemption


Miami
UM assistants could be on the move :" John Palermo considers himself one of the few "lucky ones" in the college coaching fraternity because he was able to work at the same school, live in the same house and have his children reside in the same city for 15 years during his tenure as an assistant at Wisconsin. "

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke - Stogie Reviews: Perdomo Reserve Golf Limited Edition Robusto: Get over there!!!

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Huge Win For Developing Blue Devils:"Duke’s 61-54 victory over Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night was an enormous win for the Blue Devils."

Hollins finds way off NBA main trail:"Bobcats rookie thankful for D-League's lessonsRyan Hollins went from five-star hotels to five-hour bus rides. Welcome to the minors, kid.''

Eagles earn top ranking;"N.C. Central University has been declared the 2006 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College Football National Champions, the school's first such title in the 33 years that SBN Sports Network has conducted the poll." Congrats to the Eagles. That gives North Carolina two football national champions of one form or another.

From the Washington Post - The Hard Sell:"Shepherd University's Ernie McCook is one of many coaches who neglects nearly all else in his life this time of year so he can tackle the gargantuan task of selling a small school with few scholarships to as many football players as possible. "

From the Washington Post - Mike Wise: Bozeman Gives Credit To Time Served



The conference headlines:
Duke
A smashing victory for Paulus, Devils:" Sophomore guard Greg Paulus cuts his chin diving to the floor, but bounces back to score a career-high 20 points as the sixth-ranked Devils overcome a frigid first half and beat Gonzaga 61-54. " Great win by Devils.


Virginia Tech
Hokies Give the Pirates A Hosing at the Garden: Defense Keys Romp Over Seton Hall: Virginia Tech 80, Seton Hall 61

VT Insider: Hokies eager to see old buddies

Look who's talking, scoring


Virginia
Cavaliers end slide at tourney



North Carolina
Heels' big man matures :"Hansbrough leading UNC by shot selection. "

Hansbrough happy to be headed to home state:"When Charles Barkley entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in September, he made one request to the folks in his hometown of Leeds, Ala. "


NC State
Newest Wolf: Ferguson arrives at State tagged as a shooter, but shows defensive skills, too


Wake Forest
Deacons to battle Spiders tonight :" Wake Forest plans to get its roller-coaster season going uphill against Richmond."

Deacon Tower to be bigger than original blueprint -" Wellman: Construction of 125-foot tall structure set to begin next month."


Boston College
BC players make case for keeping Spaziani:"At his introductory press conference Wednesday night, Boston College football coach Jeff Jagodzinski said he planned to assemble "the very best staff possible" but added that "nothing's been etched in stone.""


Maryland
New Trenches Await:"Maryland's Donnie Woods is healthy after a head injury that required him to be airlifted off of the field earlier this year and now plans to skip his final season of eligibility to serve in the U.S. Army."


Clemson
Tigers preparing for bowl game without Coleman:"Walker ruled ineligible; Chancellor looking at I-AA options."

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Wake, getting it done in the twilight!

Getting your mind right:
Nets owner gets OK to build in BrooklynClearing the way for major pro sports to return to Brooklyn for the first time since the Dodgers left in 1957, New Jersey Nets owner Bruce Ratner's $4 billion redevelopment project was approved Wednesday. : The value of my sister's condo just went through the roof!!!

Michael Wilbon - A Different Christmas:"A year after his son died in what later is ruled a suicide, it is impossible to see how the week before Christmas can be a happy time for the Colts' Tony Dungy."

76ers' new era might include Larry Brown: Nobody saw this coming, did they?

Nuggets' weird science intriguing:"What a wonderful basketball experiment the Denver Nuggets are putting together with the acquisition of Allen Iverson. How cool is this: Having the NBA's top two scorers together on one team when it isn't the all-star team?"

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer-Wolfpack flashes potential: "Against 10th-ranked Alabama on Wednesday night, N.C. State's men's basketball team had hopes of getting a quality victory in the RBC Center."

Dascenzo: Defense the game from Day 1
Grant Hill once told me to deny an opponent a good shot is equivalent to making one yourself. The day Hill shut down Purdue's Glen Robinson in a regional final with textbook-like defense, another chapter was written in the saga of the Mike Krzyzewski era.

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Wolfpack better than expected, but getting tired: "Gavin Grant wasn't ready to admit it, but Ben McCauley was."

Wake Forest's Grobe Wins Coaching Honors :"Jim Grobe held Wake Forest together after a couple of potentially devastating injuries, refused to let his players feel sorry for themselves and turned the perennially downtrodden Demon Deacons into champions."


The conference headlines:
Boston College
Jagodzinski takes over at BC:"About 1 1/2 hours before he was introduced as Boston College's 33d head football coach, Jeff Jagodzinski walked into the second-floor auditorium at the Yawkey Athletic Center, the same room where he conducted his first team meeting. It was the same room where former BC coach Tom O'Brien made a tearful farewell speech to his players before leaving for North Carolina State."


Georgia Tech
Ball out of Gator Bowl:"Beleaguered QB ruled academically ineligible; Bennett to start vs. W. Va." Reggie Ball and Kenny Scott, you are the latest winners of the ACC Basketblog's Fred G. Sanford Award!!!

Bradley Quick Hit: Strange, sad ending

Ramblin' On: Welcoming the bad news

Notebook: Tech adjusting to West Virginia's defense:"West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez's spread option offense is the rage in college football and a pain for defenses to prepare for."


NC State
NCSU doesn't pack it in:" Behind by 23 points against 10th-ranked Alabama in the second half, N.C. State pulls to six points down in the final minute to come away feeling good about its effort."


Miami
Binghamton shocks Miami, 79-74 :"This was expected to be just another game in the win column for the Hurricanes. " Wow.....wow.

UM's Walton on teams' wish lists :"Secondary coach Tim Walton is the favorite to become Miami's next defensive coordinator, but UM isn't the only school interested in him. "

Canes: `We like it cold' :" For years, the Western Athletic Conference has been characterized by teams with plenty of offense and scant defense, but Nevada -- which takes on the University of Miami in the MPC Computers Bowl in Boise, Idaho, on Dec. 31 -- is an exception. "


Florida State
FSU faces a formidable Bruins defense :"All of those voters must have had a hard time deciding between Justin Hickman, 6-foot-2, 263-pound menacing senior defensive end, and Bruce Davis, 6-foot-3, 237-pound menacing redshirt junior defensive end."

Fisher not close to being hired -- yet :"The Jimbo Fisher-for-offensive coordinator campaign reached startling critical mass this week in cyberspace, with many fans poised to drink to a done deal. "


Virginia
Cavs clobbered by Utah

U.Va. loses to Utah in San Juan

Football, basketball aside; Cavs having great year


Wake Forest
Into the Great Unknown: Long layoff before playing bowl game is a new experience for WFU's Grobe :"Football coaches are, by necessity, creatures of habit.Only those with a strong, entrenched mode of operation could ever successfully keep a program consisting of at least 150 moving parts - counting players, assistant coaches, managers, trainers and support staff - all moving in the same direction."

Duke
Duke, Gonzaga still promises a great show:"A season after Duke and Gonzaga -- or at least their respective superstars -- were pitted against each other in the court of public opinion, Duke and Gonzaga finally will meet on a basketball court, the most famous one in the world. "

Matchup still one to watch :"It's time to stop boohooing over being denied the J.J. Redick-Adam Morrison mano-a-mano tilt that didn't happen in the NCAA Tournament last season or any time before that. "


North Carolina
Pittman Named Offensive Line Coach :"University of North Carolina head coach Butch Davis announced Wednesday the hiring of Sam Pittman as the Tar Heels' offensive line coach."


Maryland
Football: Terps' United Front


Virginia Tech
VA. TECH NOTES

Top notch
Hokie standouts Branden Ore (pictured) and Vince Hall lead the way on The Roanoke Times' All-State football teams.

Changes on the fly for Tech hoops


Clemson
Coleman arrested for marijuana possession:"Clemson senior cornerback is due to graduate today. Senior cornerback Duane Coleman's availability for next week's bowl game has been jeopardized after his arrest Wednesday on a marijuana charge."

Dean’s spirits are up and good :" Perfectionist kicker comes to terms with his miss at end of Carolina game."

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Which will be left standing in the end?

Getting your mind right:
Going nose to nose :"Once Big East rivals, Tom O'Brien and Butch Davis are now Big Four rivals. They'll go nose to nose for recruits. They'll try to bump each other off the ACC stage. They'll be measured against each other. " That should be interesting....Butch had a tough time with Tom during his days at Miami.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Davis, O'Brien begin their race side by side: "If history holds, North Carolina's Butch Davis and N.C. State's Tom O'Brien will be coaching rivals for years to come."

Dascenzo: Krzyzewski helps keep the Cameron streak alive :"In the plethora of Duke basketball treasures, there are numbers galore. There are those three NCAA titles the Blue Devils have won with Mike Krzyzewski's orchestration of motion offense and man defense. Those 10 Final Fours and seven championship games are impressive. "

Report: Ex-Duke players end bid to buy team . Wow...thought that was a done deal.


The Conference Headlines:
The Great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog- Ambition Drives Us All:"Congrats are in order for Mario Cristobal, who has finally accepted the head..." Get over there!

From our friends at StateFansNation:
State Places 3 in Pro Bowl
Neinas in the News
7-2 & Rising Hopes
Get over there!!!

From the fantastic Dave Sez Blog - You down with PPP?

North Carolina
Heels school Williams' former pupil :"When Rex Walters played for Roy Williams at Kansas, "I was tough on him," Williams said recently. "Maybe more than anybody I have ever been around.""

Doherty adds Lynch to SMU staff:"Former NBA player George Lynch has joined SMU's basketball staff as an administrative assistant/graduate manager. "


Butch Davis a busy coach:"B.D. could stand for Butch Davis. Or it could stand for all of the busy days that he's having. During the three weeks since he was named North Carolina's head football coach, Davis has spent his time recruiting, assembling a staff and addressing Rams Club members and other UNC supporters. "

Davis: Players must buy in early to win

Davis wasting little time:"Butch Davis likes to read when he's not handling one of the many responsibilities that accompany being a major college football coach."

Davis trying to woo former Heels


Duke
Devils work hard for win :"With the Kent State cheering section pelting them with shouts of "Overrated!" in the final minutes, the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils worked their way to a 79-72 victory over the Golden Flashes on Tuesday at Cameron Indoor Stadium."


Wake Forest
Deacons snap skid: Wake Forest romps past Gardner-Webb with hot shooting:" One possession into Wake Forest's 92-60 victory over Gardner-Webb last night, the Joel Coliseum horn sounded and Ish Smith was on his way to the bench. "

Wake Forest's leading receiver hurt in practice :"Morton hopes to be ready for Orange Bowl after he dislocates left ring finger."


Clemson
Tigers shed rust, Ga. Southern :" Clemson improves to 11-0 with fourth win against SoCon foe."

Bowl Opposition - Brooks gradually building a program to last at Kentucky :"Four years ago, when the University of Kentucky sought once again to remodel its football program following another sentence in NCAA jail, the school hired Rich Brooks to oversee the construction."

Gaddis to test NFL waters:"Junior corner still plans to return for senior season; Stuckey plays QB.

Six Tigers get all-star nods Post Comment :"One of the sweetest perks for a college football senior is an invitation to an all-star game after the bowl season."

Boston College
O'Brien goes back to B.C. to recruit staff

BC's Jagodzinski draws some support:"The new coach has been called the 'best candidate for Boston College.' "


Georgia Tech
Juggling minutes motivates Jackets to easy win

Hewitt benches Peacock for Dickey

Flipping defense, offense:"Jackets hope moves pay off as well as the two big offense-defense swaps Gailey made a year ago."

Slaton tough challenge for Tech defense :"Asked to describe teammate Steve Slaton's running style, West Virginia quarterback Pat White chose a simple answer. "He embarrasses people," White said. "


NC State
O'Brien: Pack players won't play if they're not disciplined :"Tom O'Brien still isn't sure who will be on his coaching staff. N.C. State's new head football coach doesn't know how many Wolfpack recruits are wavering on their commitment. The earliest he figures he'll get a handle on N.C. State's roster and its strengths and weaknesses is spring practice. " That should bring them 3 more wins, off top.


Virginia Tech
Changes on the fly:"Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg likes how his basketball team is playing since he tweaked his lineup and defense."

Top Virginia Tech recruits

Sports Focus: Virginia Tech Football


Florida State
Hart: No coordinator deal:" Speculation that Jimbo Fisher will be Florida State's next offensive coordinator spikes each each time a head coaching job involving the LSU offensive coordinator goes to someone else."

Different style for Wilson:"After playing 129 games over parts of six seasons with the Florida State men's basketball team, Andrew Wilson wasn't sure how he would react when he finally had the opportunity to check out the Seminoles on TV."

FSU doesn't want to get caught snoozing »


Miami
Ex-UM assistant gets 5-year deal to coach at FIU :"Miami· Mario Cristobal was able to have his dream come true Tuesday when Florida International named the Miami native its second football coach in the history of the five-year-old program. "

Coaches adjusting their roles :"Trying to identify who was leading the Hurricanes' offensive line the day Mario Cristobal was named Florida International's new head coach was like a shell game."
"

Maryland
Terrapins Notebook: Friedgen Gives Players Day Off on Christmas


Virginia
Cavs chill in Puerto Rico

Top UVa recruits

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: BC got their man. Welcome, Coach Jagodzinski

Getting your mind right:
DEI can't afford to drive away Dale Earnhardt Jr. :

Teresa Earnhardt said it's time for her stepson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to make an important decision.
"Right now the ball's in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality," the CEO of Dale Earnhardt Inc. told the Wall Street Journal.

What is she thinking about? JR drives that ship, not you madam. If you don't believe it, let him leave and watch your DEI fold like a cheap suit.

Michael Wilbon - A Hittin' Image:"If Commissioner David Stern does not send the message that the NBA has zero tolerance for fighting, it's incredibly bad business for a league whose image is already scrutinized."

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Sorry, Carmelo, old baggage can weigh down new penalties

Bowls build toward BCS: Raleigh News and Observer staff writer J.P. Giglio breaks down the highs and lows of college football's holiday season.

Combines help give NC an edge in Shrine Bowls :"Off-season combines have helped North Carolina take control of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, according to Eastern Alamance coach John Kirby, who spent the past year evaluating talent at several of those combines as an assistant coach for the annual all-star game. "

Former FSU QB sues Titans after mascot run-in:"Ex-Saints quarterback Adrian McPherson is suing the Tennessee Titans because their mascot hit him with a golf cart before the second half of an August exhibition."


The conference headlines:
ACC Report Card

The Great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - What Can He Sell?:"You asked how Randy Shannon would sell the program to recruits and it's really a..." Get over there!

From our friends at StateFans Nation:
Coach Lowe on WPTF: Two Football Players Joining the Team
Football Stat Relevance
NC State’s Coaching Salaries
Get over there!!!

Boston College
BC set to name Jagodzinski football coach:"When he set out to find a new football coach, Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo indicated Tom O'Brien's successor had to be, above all else, "a great fit" at the university. "

Jagodzinski hiring careful step forward for Boston College:"Boston College officially will introduce its new football coach tomorrow morning. The words of praise for 43-year-old Jeff Jagodzinski will flow like holiday libations at The Heights. Jagodzinski is the young, energetic offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers, a former position coach with the Atlanta Falcons, and, of course, a former offensive coordinator at BC under Tom O'Brien, who ..."


Florida State
FSU survives low intensity:"The intensity and energy that fueled Florida State's recent string of blowouts was missing in the first half against High Point on Monday."

Echefu stars as FSU defeats High Point :"Uche Echefu's Florida State teammates have been giving him a hard time. "

Thornton brandishes new weapon »

Unheralded youngsters making noise »


Duke
McClure delivers for Duke :"David McClure's role on the Duke basketball team hasn't changed over three seasons and two knee surgeries. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski sends him in to grab the loose ball, make the steal, add a 3-pointer or sneak in a fast-break bucket. "

Firestarter: DeMarcus Nelson has been the spark that gets Duke going:"For Duke fans with good long-term memories, their fondest recollections of plays involving DeMarcus Nelson are from short range — rim-rattling dunks and the like. "


North Carolina
Williams to face one of his favorites:"Roy Williams has led teams to the Final Four five times during his career as a head coach. But when Williams speaks about his basketball coaching career, he enjoys talking about another group of four just as much: the four toughest competitors he's been around. "

A Mentor's Pride and Joy: Tar Heels' Williams will coach against one of his favorite former players tonight


Georgia Tech
FEELING REJECTED? :"Ra'Sean Dickey, getting a start at center Monday night, blocks a shot by Centenary's Larry Logan. The Jackets rolled to a win in their final tuneup before playing rival Georgia."

Looking long at big plays:"Tech's late-season offensive swoon connected to inability to complete long passes."

Jackets seek better ending:" Georgia Tech's 9-6 loss to Wake Forest in the Dec. 2 ACC championship game in Jacksonville was so disappointing tailback Tashard Choice can hardly talk about it, much less bring himself to look at the game film."

Georgia Tech notebook: Yellow Jackets pumped for bowl

Wake Forest
Changing Gears: Deacons trying a slower tempo

Tide Turned: Football team no longer a reason for Wake Forest fans to sing the blues


Virginia Tech
Backup QB at Tech faces alcohol issue

Hokies' Whitaker in rehab program

Virgnia Tech's Whitaker won't go to bowl


Virginia
U.VA. NOTES


Clemson
Chason giving the Tigers a big leg up:"A bad season nearly ruined Clemson’s punter, but he has emerged as a weapon."

Taylor looking good to return in bowl - :" J-back however will not be used; team holds scrimmage with younger players."


Miami
Time off helps 'Canes recharge and recuperate :"The Hurricanes have used the three-week break between the regular season and bowl practices to get healthy, and it appears UM will regain the services of four injured starters when it faces Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl on Dec. 31. "

Cristobal to be named FIU's next coach:"University of Miami offensive line coach Mario Cristobal is expected to sign a contract today and take over the Golden Panthers program. Cristobal is expected to become Florida International's head coach this morning. Cristobal, 36, is expected to sign a contract, and FIU has scheduled a news conference this afternoon announcing the move, according to a source. "

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: BC got their man. Welcome, Coach Jagodzinski

Getting your mind right:
DEI can't afford to drive away Dale Earnhardt Jr. :

Teresa Earnhardt said it's time for her stepson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to make an important decision.
"Right now the ball's in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality," the CEO of Dale Earnhardt Inc. told the Wall Street Journal.

What is she thinking about? JR drives that ship, not you madam. If you don't believe it, let him leave and watch your DEI fold like a cheap suit.

Michael Wilbon - A Hittin' Image:"If Commissioner David Stern does not send the message that the NBA has zero tolerance for fighting, it's incredibly bad business for a league whose image is already scrutinized."

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Sorry, Carmelo, old baggage can weigh down new penalties

Bowls build toward BCS: Raleigh News and Observer staff writer J.P. Giglio breaks down the highs and lows of college football's holiday season.

Combines help give NC an edge in Shrine Bowls :"Off-season combines have helped North Carolina take control of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, according to Eastern Alamance coach John Kirby, who spent the past year evaluating talent at several of those combines as an assistant coach for the annual all-star game. "

Former FSU QB sues Titans after mascot run-in:"Ex-Saints quarterback Adrian McPherson is suing the Tennessee Titans because their mascot hit him with a golf cart before the second half of an August exhibition."


The conference headlines:
ACC Report Card

The Great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - What Can He Sell?:"You asked how Randy Shannon would sell the program to recruits and it's really a..." Get over there!

From our friends at StateFans Nation:
Coach Lowe on WPTF: Two Football Players Joining the Team
Football Stat Relevance
NC State’s Coaching Salaries
Get over there!!!

Boston College
BC set to name Jagodzinski football coach:"When he set out to find a new football coach, Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo indicated Tom O'Brien's successor had to be, above all else, "a great fit" at the university. "

Jagodzinski hiring careful step forward for Boston College:"Boston College officially will introduce its new football coach tomorrow morning. The words of praise for 43-year-old Jeff Jagodzinski will flow like holiday libations at The Heights. Jagodzinski is the young, energetic offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers, a former position coach with the Atlanta Falcons, and, of course, a former offensive coordinator at BC under Tom O'Brien, who ..."


Florida State
FSU survives low intensity:"The intensity and energy that fueled Florida State's recent string of blowouts was missing in the first half against High Point on Monday."

Echefu stars as FSU defeats High Point :"Uche Echefu's Florida State teammates have been giving him a hard time. "

Thornton brandishes new weapon »

Unheralded youngsters making noise »


Duke
McClure delivers for Duke :"David McClure's role on the Duke basketball team hasn't changed over three seasons and two knee surgeries. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski sends him in to grab the loose ball, make the steal, add a 3-pointer or sneak in a fast-break bucket. "

Firestarter: DeMarcus Nelson has been the spark that gets Duke going:"For Duke fans with good long-term memories, their fondest recollections of plays involving DeMarcus Nelson are from short range — rim-rattling dunks and the like. "


North Carolina
Williams to face one of his favorites:"Roy Williams has led teams to the Final Four five times during his career as a head coach. But when Williams speaks about his basketball coaching career, he enjoys talking about another group of four just as much: the four toughest competitors he's been around. "

A Mentor's Pride and Joy: Tar Heels' Williams will coach against one of his favorite former players tonight


Georgia Tech
FEELING REJECTED? :"Ra'Sean Dickey, getting a start at center Monday night, blocks a shot by Centenary's Larry Logan. The Jackets rolled to a win in their final tuneup before playing rival Georgia."

Looking long at big plays:"Tech's late-season offensive swoon connected to inability to complete long passes."

Jackets seek better ending:" Georgia Tech's 9-6 loss to Wake Forest in the Dec. 2 ACC championship game in Jacksonville was so disappointing tailback Tashard Choice can hardly talk about it, much less bring himself to look at the game film."

Georgia Tech notebook: Yellow Jackets pumped for bowl

Wake Forest
Changing Gears: Deacons trying a slower tempo

Tide Turned: Football team no longer a reason for Wake Forest fans to sing the blues


Virginia Tech
Backup QB at Tech faces alcohol issue

Hokies' Whitaker in rehab program

Virgnia Tech's Whitaker won't go to bowl


Virginia
U.VA. NOTES


Clemson
Chason giving the Tigers a big leg up:"A bad season nearly ruined Clemson’s punter, but he has emerged as a weapon."

Taylor looking good to return in bowl - :" J-back however will not be used; team holds scrimmage with younger players."


Miami
Time off helps 'Canes recharge and recuperate :"The Hurricanes have used the three-week break between the regular season and bowl practices to get healthy, and it appears UM will regain the services of four injured starters when it faces Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl on Dec. 31. "

Cristobal to be named FIU's next coach:"University of Miami offensive line coach Mario Cristobal is expected to sign a contract today and take over the Golden Panthers program. Cristobal is expected to become Florida International's head coach this morning. Cristobal, 36, is expected to sign a contract, and FIU has scheduled a news conference this afternoon announcing the move, according to a source. "

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Appy, happy again!!! Congrats.

Getting Your Mind Right:
Mountaineers prove too big a hurdle for UMass:"When Appalachian State running back Kevin Richardson arrived for the press conference following the Mountaineers' 28-17 victory over a never-say-die Massachusetts team in the Division 1-AA final Friday night, he walked in carrying the championship trophy."

ASU does it again

Fun's Over: ASU coaches are late on recruiting trail

Steelers' Parker motivated by his past

NBA waits to dole out penalties:"The NBA most likely will wait until today before ruling on penalties resulting from the brawl between the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. " Is Carmelo a punck or what? He swats at the guy from behind and then backpeddles to New Jersey! More from the Baltimore Sun -Anthony's star takes a hit

Commentary: All for Isiah's ego: "It is testimony to Isiah Thomas' narcissistic powers of manipulation to witness the Knicks blithely consume his vigilante coaching philosophy.."

.500 teams don't merit bowl bids :"Notes and observations as the year -- and the college football season -- begins to wind down."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - MSM-N.C. State Report Card: "Since we didn’t run one in the Sunday edition of the Star-News, I decided to put my Mount St. Mary’s-N.C. State report card on the blog."

Bob Lipper of the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Victory is first of many steps left for Hokies

Aaron McFarling: Closure achieved, Virginia Tech hoops must move on

Steve Ellis column: Expect another Bowden reinvention »


The Conference Headlines:
From the great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog-What Shall We Call Him?:"From reading some of your comments while sifting through your questions I've..." Get over there!

From our friends at StateFansNation:
Swofford Loves His Heels
Reflections on the Coaching Search
Checking in on State’s BBall Recruits
Get over there!!!


Virginia Tech
Deacons are beaten by Hokies in ACC opener :" Skeen's last-gasp shot to tie at buzzer falls short."

Tech's kickoff specialist will be sidelined for bowl

Georgia, Hokies differ in bowl plan

Lawsuit: Vick kept seeing underage girl - Marcus....you big dummy!!!


Boston College
Century mark for BC: "By halftime, the outcome of Boston College's 101-68 victory over Sacred Heart yesterday had been rendered a moot point. "

BC athletic director DeFilippo completes interviews:"Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo completed the interview process for a football coach to replace Tom O'Brien with a trip yesterday to New York to speak with Giants quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride, according to sources familiar with the situation."


Florida State
FSU free to talk to Fisher:" The obstacles - at least in terms of other coaching jobs - have apparently been cleared for LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and Florida State to crunch the numbers if Fisher is indeed the Seminoles' top offensive-coordinator candidate, as some have..."

Bowden can reinvent his 'Noles again:"Terry Bowden calls it one of his dad's strong suits."

'Noles return to practice field after finals, recruiting »


Miami
Clemente sparks Hurricanes :"Miami guard Denis Clemente had been waiting patiently to crack the starting lineup. And even though coach Frank Haith said he doesn't put much emphasis on who is on the floor at the tip-off, he admitted that Clemente's quick start against Stetson on Saturday was something he'd like to see more of. "

Beason, Olsen uncertain about return :"Linebacker Jon Beason and tight end Greg Olsen are undecided about whether they'll return to the University of Miami next season for their senior seasons. "


Virginia
No Leitao, No Problem for Virginia

Cavs answer the call


Clemson
Tigers’ tease may be for real this season - We shall see.....we've seen this all before from Clemson.

Bowden mum on money :"Coach declines to continue verbal jabs with Spurrier regarding raises."

Waters gets his strength at home :"With one brother in jail and as another awaits trial, Clemson senior focuses on NFL dreams."


Georgia Tech
Jackets wait for Morrow's shot to show up

Tech's tourney fate lies just ahead:" Late December feels like March right now at Georgia Tech."

WHEELER PONDERS LEAP TO NFL :"Georgia Tech's junior linebacker Philip Wheeler (above, harassing Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon) has sent an exploratory letter to the NFL asking where he might go in the April draft if he enters it. Wheeler, a team leader in tackles and assists, says he has not yet received a response."

Choice: 'I'm not done yet':"Tech running back happy, productive after transfering from Oklahoma, refuses to look back."