The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

SEC, ACC produce 17 first-round picks : Well...lets be honest - The SEC had 11, the ACC had six. 17 out of the first 31 picks is not bad!!!

From The ACC Insider - ACC Football With Brad Dopke, Part I: "This is the first in a three-part series with college football guru Brad Dopke. Part I will focus on Tom O'Brien and N.C. State. Although the subject of criticism among a contingent of Wolfpack fans, N.C. State and Lee Fowler will remain united through 2013."

More from the ACC Insider - N.C. State Gives Fowler An Extension: "Although the subject of criticism among a contingent of Wolfpack fans, N.C. State and Lee Fowler will remain united through 2013. "

Gordon wins, gets showered with debris: "Gordon showered with debris after latest win
Jeff Gordon didn't know what to do after winning Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeeday. That, in itself, was a little curious." Gotta love 'Dega!

Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe: "Changed route: "Maybe Randy Moss will morph into Troy Brown. But the public perception of the Patriots is forever changed."

Earnhardt may be preparing to leave DEI

Undrafted Leak'happy to be a Bear': Shameful that kid didn't get drafted. I'm no football expert so I'll leave it to the Basketbloggers to educate me: Is there really that much difference between Quinn and Leak? One gets drafted in the first round and the other goes undrafted? One wins a national title and the other gets his brains beaten in at bowl time by the guy who went #1. To me, I saw two QB's with unspectacular arms and average athleticism, although I would give the edge to Quinn. However, is the edge as great as the draft would have you believe? Educate me!!!

The conference headlines:

Georgia Tech

NEW LION IN TIGER TOWN : "Former Georgia Tech star Calvin Johnson, the Lions' top pick in the NFL draft, smiles as the Detroit crowd applauds after his introduction at a Tigers baseball game Sunday. The receiver threw out the ceremonial first pitch."

Ball, Johnson reunited? : "Former Jackets quarterback will try out for Lions as a receiver/kick returner." I think that's a good move for him.

Duke

Devils: Give Spanarkel his due :"There are 13 retired basketball jerseys at Duke and Jim Spanarkel's No. 34 isn't among them. Why not? For certain, the criteria the Blue Devils have used in retiring numbers is admirable -- dating back to the first on May 1, 1952 when then director of athletics Eddie Cameron showcased Dick Groat's No. 10 to the most-recent pair of J.J. Redick's No. 4 and Shelden Williams' No. 23."

Magic's Grant Hill ponders playing future: "Although the Orlando Magic got swept in the opening round, they accomplished the first step in their rebuilding process by returning to the playoffs."

Wake Forest

Wake Forest's Gattis picked in fifth round after sleepless night

NC State

N.C. State's Tyler selected by Kansas City in third round : "Tank Tyler was the only player from a North Carolina school taken during the first day of the NFL draft, with the Kansas City Chiefs selecting the N.C. State defensive lineman in the third round Saturday night. "

Davis, Harris are drafted: "Both Wolfpack standouts are selected in the fourth round."

Boston College

BC plugs hole on offense with Bicknell Jr.:"The evolving story that has been the Boston College offensive line took another turn yesterday when coach Jeff Jagodzinski hired Jack Bicknell Jr. as offensive line coach."

Spring is back in Ryan's step for final BC fling: "Each day was tough, not because of what he did, but what he couldn't do. The pain was always there. Sometimes piercing, sometimes throbbing. Always there."

Maryland

College Football: For Terrapins, Quarterback Battle Is Just One of Several

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech prospects in the NFL draft

NFL draft: On the clock

Hyman pleas no contest

Virginia

Despite combine snub, UVa's Hamilton still turns heads

A different time in football

Clemson

Recruiting Myrtle Beach kicker headed to Clemson:"LOYALTY WON OUT for Myrtle Beach kicker/punter Spencer Benton (6-foot-3, 185 pounds), who committed to Clemson on Thursday over advances from USC and Duke."

Gaddis stands by decision to leave: "Defensive back C.J. Gaddis wanted the message delivered in bold type, with a larger headline font size if necessary."

Tigers report 7 NCAA violations

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: The Brain Chaser!!!


Getting your mind right:

The 'Brain Chaser': "Forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu, above, has been studying the brains of several deceased football players and believes he has proven that repeated concussions lead to early-onset dementia."


A "two for" from Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star -
More from Tom O'Brien: "The N.C. State football coach spoke on several issues at the Wolfpack Club stop Tuesday.


Early Entries And UNC:"Brandan Wright became the 15th UNC player to leave erarly for the NBA. How have the other 14 faired in their decisions?"
Get over there!!


Hardships mold Willis:"Linebacker has overcome rough upbringing, brother's death
Faced with a question he didn't want to answer, Patrick Willis treated it the same way he would a running back: He made contact and drove it into the ground."


Earnhardt Jr. offer not from DEI


Kentucky Speedway won't seek Cup race: Not yet......they need a race!


NHL has dilemma with next TV deal:"Versus or ESPN -- money or visibility."





The conference headlines:

Young, Singletary eye NBA:"The lure of the NBA continues to tempt some of the ACC's finest basketball players."


NC State

O'Brien uniting the Pack:"Tom O'Brien shook a few hands Tuesday night at Wilson's, the Wilmington stop on the Wolfpack Club Caravan, but that's nothing compared with the reaching out he did to former N.C. State football alumni."



Virginia

Cav's Singletary won't hire an agent:"Singletary's junior season ended March 18 in Columbus, Ohio, where he dropped to the court in anguish after missing a last-second 3-point attempt in Virginia's 77-74 loss to Tennessee in the NCAA basketball tournament's second round. That might have been Singletary's final appearance in a U.Va. uniform."

A different time in football




Georgia Tech

Tech's Young enters draft, won't hire agent

YOUNG'S CHOICE NOT EASY : "Thaddeus Young's calculations about jumping to the NBA aren't as simple as they might appear, writes Mark Bradley."


Clemson

Waters rising in the NFL:"The starting line is where Clemson linebacker Anthony Waters’ football career came full circle. Three weeks ago, Waters ran a 40-yard dash for a herd of pro scouts at a campus workout."

Basketball Mays set to test NBA waters:"Clemson junior forward James Mays is expected to declare for the NBA draft but not hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of his return for next season."


North Carolina

A Different World: Wright may miss Heels more than they'll miss him :"Brandan Wright's decision to become a millionaire rather than a sophomore will change North Carolina's basketball status, but not dramatically. "

Wright's exit might not affect UNC very much:"Before getting knee-deep in Brandan Wright's decision to turn pro and how it affects North Carolina, understand this: I hate early entries. "

Heels: Playing time up for grabs


Maryland

Expansion plan revealed:"Stadium would hold about 60,000 fans; facilities to improve"

Tracking the Terps blog: UM salary comparison


Miami

Stacking Them Up: "While I'm firmly opposed to preseason rankings, especially ones made during..." Get over there!

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: We barely got to know you.....

Getting your mind right:

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News-Observer - Exit creates opportunities for Tar Heels: The nature of athletics is such that each loss equates to a gain, sometimes two or three gains.

Frank Descenzo of the Durham Herald Sun - Is anyone shocked by decision?: "For those who are dear to trivia, let it be known that Brandan Wright scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds, went 6-of-6 from the free-throw line and played 26 minutes in his last game for the University of North Carolina."

Football coaches eye delay of text ban: "Some college football coaches say the NCAA should find a middle ground on a proposed text messaging ban."

NCAA proposal irks some coaches

Mountaineers searching for foes: "Appalachian State officials frustrated in attempts to fill football schedule." Step right up, big time Division I schools.......who wants to play the two time defending I-AA Champs!?!?!?!?

Also from SFN, Why TOB Left BC. Get over there!

The conference headlines:

Bobcats Have to Be Proud: From our friends at StateFnasNation, a picture of the great Michael Jordan. Mike, Mike, Mike. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Get over there!

North Carolina

Wright says goodbye Tar Heels, hello NBA:"Taking care of mother trumps staying put for UNC freshman. As Brandan Wright lay awake at night, his lists of positives and negatives about leaving for the NBA draft after his freshman season at North Carolina swirled in his head."

It's the Wright time :"Night after night, North Carolina freshman Brandan Wright lay in his bed, weighing the positives and negatives of leaving early for the NBA. In the end, the positives won out -- by at least $2.5 million. "

Tar Heels face challenge filling Wright's void: "Brandan Wright began closing the door on his college basketball career Monday when he announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft. But in doing so, he opened another door for some of his North Carolina teammates." Who knows.....they may end up better off without him in the long run. Without Wright, Carolina should, we say should, win the conference by 2 or 3 games next year. Having said that.....they should have won the conference by 3 or 4 games THIS year. Should be interesting....

Wright PC Quotes + Audio : " North Carolina freshman Brandan Wright and head coach Roy Williams met with the media Monday afternoon to discuss Wright's decision to enter the 2007 NBA Draft."

Virginia Tech

Holland hurries to Hokies' aid

NASCAR driver Ward Burton notes sense of connection to Tech: "NASCAR driver Ward Burton, a father with one daughter in college and another headed there soon, visited Virginia Tech to show his support. "

Miami

Talent scouts know the value of UM pedigree : "Similar to the way Band-Aid and Kleenex have brand recognition, NFL coaches, scouts and executives admit they also bank on familiarity in scouting college talent. "

From the great Omar Kelly Blog:

Searching for Safety: "As has been the trend lately I'm really bogged down with some time consuming..."

Coming & Going: "It appears that one of the most important Hurricanes will be returning next..."

Get over there!!

From the "Eye on the U" Blog: Reaction to Reddick - Get over there!

Reddick likely out for 2007 after surgery: "University of Miami safety Anthony Reddick underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee Monday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He likely will miss the 2007 football season."

Wake Forest

Paul has surgery on foot

Clemson

The NFL's Gaines:" Gaines Adams made a career of picking -- picking up blockers, picking off an occasional fumble, picking himself up off of sacked quarterbacks. "

Georgia Tech

Johnson blog: Should his draft position sink? - Get over there!

Florida State

'Noles add seventh '08 recruit: "Adrian Mincey would like to see his stepson wear either the number 1 or 7 on his Florida State jersey."

Booker: NFL knows FSU misused his talent :"Lorenzo Booker is banking on one game. He's also banking on the faith that everyone understands what went on all those other game days in his otherwise underwhelming Florida State career."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer- Producing skill players isn't an ACC specialty :"Lack of NFL stars at point-producing positions has been product of college coaching. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - VT's Beamer Talks About Tragedy: "Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer spoke Thursday about the tragic events that took place Monday on Tech's campus. Read most of the transcript of his 18-minute teleconference here. "

The Roanoke News Sports Times Cast - Virgina Tech tragedy

Hit or miss: "There's no foolproof method to determine which quarterbacks will succeed in the NFL. "

Bonds homers make believer of manager Bochy


From our friends at StateFansNation:
Hokie Hope (Outstanding)
Barnes Says No to Kentucky, Gets Raise
NFL Draft Around the Corner
Get over there!!!


The conference headlines:
Duke
Radio Free Coach K revealing :"Meet Radio Mike Krzyzewski, casually dressed and armed with a microphone that reaches 7.6 million paid listeners on XM Satellite Radio every week. You've rarely heard the 60-year-old Duke coach like this -- opinionated, personal."

Coach G leery of facing Devils; players enthusiastic about game:" Gail Goestenkors still refers to Duke as we. "

QB Lewis on display today at spring game :"As Duke quarterback Thad Lewis has matured, the coaching staff has thrown more at him. In today's annual spring game, Lewis won't be shy about throwing more at his receivers. "

'Coach P' getting to know her new team:" As Joanne P. McCallie prepared to make her first official remarks as Duke's women's basketball coach Friday afternoon, she couldn't stop smiling."

Boston College
Turner appears latest to leave BC:"Boston College's spring football drills got a little bumpier this week when offensive line coach Jim Turner apparently decided to leave his alma mater. "


Clemson
The silent aggressor: "As legend has it, Gaines Adams had just one Division I-A scholarship to choose from when his eight-man prep football career ended."


Maryland
All draft signs go for Terps' Wilson: "Cornerback viewed as 2nd-round pick."

Is Maryland DB-U?


Georgia Tech
Among Receivers, Johnson's a Catch

Calvin Johnson heads class of wide receivers



Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Go Hokies ... enough said

Notebook Plus: After spring-game cancellation Hokies’ staff points toward June

Stinespring: ‘There’s nobody that hasn’t been touched here.’

Coaches reflect on tragedy


Virginia
UVa Insider: Cavalier spring game as lackluster as ever

Cavaliers, Pearman receptive to return

Cavaliers lose backup kicker


Florida State
Changes have Bowden excited: "The sign at the entrance of the Florida State practice fields reads: "enthusiasm." Painted on a sign that hangs from the tower where the practices' periods are tallied is the word "persistence.""

FSU keeps heat on offense »

Bowden announces lineup »


Miami
Troubled Bryant will transfer : "James Bryant's rocky career at Miami has come to a halt."

Solid citizens moving up draft boards :"Defending his name has been as challenging as covering opposing receivers for UM's Brandon Meriweather."

Coming & Going: "It appears that one of the most important Hurricanes will be returning next..."

Position Breakdowns: LB: "When Micheal Barrow took the job as Miami's linebacker coach the first thing..."

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

The Weekend Smoke from the Stogie Guys - Stogie Reviews: Nat Sherman Suave De Witt

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: Va. Tech fans, teams heal as one

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer- Hope hangs by a thread: "Strange as it sounds, Duke finally is on the verge of winning a football game. It will happen in Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, when the Blue Devils stage their intrasquad spring game. "

Lawyer: Chatman did not freely resign;'Pokey Chatman was given two hours to resign or be fired, says her attorney, arguing the former Louisiana State University women's basketball coach is entitled to damages and compensation for the final two years of her contract. "I don't believe her consent to the resignation was fairly obtained or freely given," attorney Mary Olive Pierson said." That's going to end poorly....

Dale Jr.: No offer made yet: "Driver downplays report that he has been promised 51% of DEI
Dale Earnhardt Jr. fended off questions Thursday that an offer had been made by Dale Earnhardt Inc. to give him 51 percent ownership of the company."

The conference headlines:
ACC, ECU: 'Today, we are all Hokies' :"Today, we are all Hokies." That's the message the ACC is sending during its spring championship season."

ACC to Honor Victims

Virginia Tech

Va. town weeps for fallen 'star':"Jarrett Lane, slain in Blacksburg, was so admirable even the adults of Narrows looked up to him."

Tech hat auction open til May 3

Days after tragedy, Hokies take court

Coaches reflect on tragedy

Beamer alters priorities

Beamer comforts students at Va. Tech

Beamer stresses recovery :"Yes, Frank Beamer would have liked to watch his quarterbacks throw, his offensive linemen block, his defenders cover."

NC State

Wolfpack's QB race is wide open:"Daniel Evans doesn't lack confidence. "

Clemson

Drug link unlikely to hurt Adams: "Former Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams was one of three projected top-10 draft picks to have reportedly admitted using marijuana to NFL teams."

Georgia Tech

CALVIN CONTROVERSY :"A report has surfaced claiming that former Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson is one of three highly touted college players who admitted to marijuana use at the NFL Combine. The Pro Football Weekly report raises questions over whether Johnson position in the upcoming draft could be affected. "

Gailey defends Johnson:"Coach says report of Johnson admitting pot use should not affect receiver's draft status."

Florida State

Bowden announces lineup:"Florida State coach Bobby Bowden shared his first-team lineup and enthusiasm for... "

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!


PHOTO: New Duke Women's Coach, Joanne P. McCallie. Nice jacket....

Getting your mind right:

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - On Monday, everyone became a Hokie: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing."

Killer Delivers Angry Diatribe in Videotape: "Two days after the worst killing spree in modern U.S. history, the shooter again assaulted Virginia Tech - though this time it was in videos and photographs."

Cho's Taped Manifesto

NBC Broadcasts An Eerie Epilogue

Bob Lipper of the Richmond Times Dispatch - To Glennon, football will help healing

NASCAR to Display Va. Tech Logos on Cars : "NASCAR will allow race cars to display the Virginia Tech logo for the next three weeks in tribute to the victims of this week's shootings at the school." That's cool....

Dascenzo: Good book, great player : "The more I leafed through "Pistol, The Life Of Pete Maravich," by Mark Kriegel, the more I was taken back to that humid day in late June 1969."

LSU defensive end says he will transfer to Appalachian State: Good pick up by Appy.

Sports Briefs: Panel says college coaches can't send text messages




The conference headlines:

Virginia Tech

Delaney not hesitant to attend Va. Tech


Duke
Devils rally with McCallie: " On Wednesday, Duke hired Michigan State coach Joanne P. McCallie to take over its women's basketball program following Gail Goestenkors' departure for Texas."

Devils, Eagles court history?: "Duke and N.C. Central are putting the finishing touches on an agreement to face each other in men's basketball for the fourth consecutive season -- this time for real. " And they should. They ought to play home and home....it would do a lot to heal that community.




Miami

New rule could let UM forward King return :"Hurricanes forward Anthony King might be granted another opportunity to play his senior season. "


Florida State

Defensive recruits rush to FSU: "Florida State's offense has created plenty of buzz since January with a mostly new coaching staff and wide-open competition at quarterback. Now it's the football program's defense that is making noise - in recruiting."

Demps on recruiting fast track :"College football powers with strong track programs have a head start in the recruiting race for Jeff Demps, Groveland South Lake's speedy running back. "




NC State

From our Friends at StateFansNation:

Valentine: Diva of the College Game

Spring Football Attendance

WizOdds: ‘NCAA Lacks Text Appeal’

Diamond Update

Get over there!!!!


North Carolina

Dailey finds a new vantage: "When the 2006 football season ended, Joe Dailey thought long and hard about his future. It nearly led him away from North Carolina."

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Let's go Hokies!!!

Getting your mind right:

Grief Overtakes Games: "Virginia Tech postpones all athletic events until Friday, cancels spring football and turns Cassell Coliseum into the center of campus grief."

Bob Lipper of the Richmond Times Dispatch: Hokies Nation is unnerved by bloodshed

After escape, new perspective: "Lives are changed after students escape gunman."

The killer: Who was he?: "Learning more about the man who became a killer at Virginia Tech."

Coming face to face with death: "A recount of events from a survivor."

Spurrier's leap into flag fray a mighty act: "I had hoped to catch up with South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier on Tuesday. I wanted to see his to-do list." Better keep winning, Steve.... you better keep winning. Read some discussion on the matter from some of South Carolina's best and brightest.

Rick Scoppe of the Greenville News - Spurrier on Confederate Flag: "Well, well, well ... it seems the Head Ball Coach has decided to weigh in ... "

The conference headlines:
Lineup set for Acc-Big Ten Challenge :"Duke and Wisconsin will play each other for the first time, and North Carolina and Ohio State will play each other for the second straight time to highlight the Big Ten/ACC Challenge that will tip off in November." What is the point in playing this anymore. How about an ACC/Big East or SEC Challenge?

Virginia Tech

Hokies put families first: "Beamer cancels rest of spring football and spring game."

Time for reflection: "Cassell Coliseum turns into a gathering place for a mourning campus."

Sports could lift spirits at Va. Tech: "The games will go on, just more somberly. Despite the shooting deaths of 33 students and faculty at the Virginia Tech campus, the University of Miami baseball team learned Tuesday it will still travel to Blacksburg, Va., to play the Hokies in a three-game weekend series."

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News: This is my hope: Folks will fill every seat.

Duke

Ellis Island award for Krzyzewski:"The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation honored Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski on Tuesday by making him one of three people to receive the sixth annual Ellis Island Family Heritage Award."

Duke coaching search focuses on two candidates: "After being rebuffed by Cal coach Joanne Boyle last week, Duke has zeroed in on two new candidates in its search for a replacement for Gail Goestenkors."

Duke boasts improved offensive line
Duke has featured the same 11 starters on offense this spring that were the starters last season, but the Blue Devils believe that's only the starting point.

Florida State

FSU lands regarded safety: "Florida State made important steps on the practice field to become better this spring. But just as impressive has been the success FSU has enjoyed in recruiting since the end of spring practice."

FSU's offense no longer is a punch line :"I already miss Jeff Bowden. "

Fisher says performance is offensive :"Jimbo Fisher is, above all else, a critic. He's a teacher, a mentor, a disciplinarian and an offensive architect. Primarily, though, Florida State's new offensive coordinator knows critique."

Miami

UM recruit to leave behind quiet life on Georgia Island : "The ferry rides home are usually quiet. Allen Bailey loves the quiet. He stares at the water, silent. "

From the Eye on the U Blog, This and That. Get over there!

NC State

Packers' Robinson now on electronic monitoring: "The former N.C. State star will finish the final 45 days of his jail sentence working at a hospital."

Virginia

Blue skies for Hall

Clemson

Season ticket policy changing: "The delicate issue of changing Clemson’s football season ticket distribution policy may be coming to a head soon."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: The thoughts and prayers of the Basketbloggers are with you all....

Getting your mind right:

At least 33 killed in shootings at Virginia Tech

Interactive map: See the shooting sites and view a timeline

From the Washington Post - A Campus in Chaos: "As news of the ensuing tragedy spread on the Virgina Tech campus Monday, quarterback Ike Whitaker found himself near the epicenter of the second shooting spree."

Students search for answers

Coroner confirms student's death

Tech's response questioned

The conference headlines:

ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Amaker is setting lofty goals at Harvard: "He said the right things, acknowledged the right people, and at the end, when those who had come yesterday to see him begin a new era in Harvard men's basketball started to filter out of the Murr Center, Tommy Amaker cut to the basics, sitting in a circle with members of his team. "

Amaker is setting lofty goals at Harvard: "He said the right things, acknowledged the right people, and at the end, when those who had come yesterday to see him begin a new era in Harvard men's basketball started to filter out of the Murr Center, Tommy Amaker cut to the basics, sitting in a circle with members of his team. "

Famed recruiter enlisting help to start academy:"Sonny Vaccaro has serious power, and he's not afraid to use it. "

Virginia Tech
Coaches frantically find athletes: "All Tech coaches contacted say their athletes were not harmed in the shootings."

'I Was Kind of On the Move': Backup QB near sight of shootings.

Hokies' 'O' again impresses

Maryland
Ex-Terp Cephas Is Dead At Age 29: Played on the National Championship team....tragic.

Terps Q&A with Heather A. Dinich

Georgia Tech

SKILLS AND WHEELS : "The Jackets are seeking to find a way to take advantage of Rashaun Grant's open-field running skills. He gained 67 yards on five carries in the team's final spring scrimmage."

Dublin star likes Jackets: "OL Nick McRae enjoyed visit to last spring scrimmage; will decide in May."

Johnson's workout impresses Bucs

North Carolina State

From StateFansNation:

Johnny Thomas’ Athleticism

ACC’s NFL Draft Picks & 1st Rounders

‘07 ACC / Big 10 Match-Ups Set

What Went Wrong?

Get over there!!!

North Carolina

Yates worth wait for UNC football: Kid looked very good at the Spring game. Might not be an automatic thing for the younger Paulus when he arrives this summer.

UNC football freshmen: You're here to play:"North Carolina's football coaches spent Monday, the final day of spring practice at UNC, showing players what to work on during the summer."

History says Davis faces an uphill battle:"Sooner or later, North Carolina will play in a big bowl. I mean, I think. In my career here, I've seen the Tar Heels win three NCAA basketball titles, two in New Orleans in 1982 and '93 and one in St. Louis in 2005. I watched Jim Valvano run over the court at The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1983 after his N.C. State basketball team had upset Houston to win the NCAA title. "

Virginia

Singletary has options

Blue skies for Hall

Bestwick still fighting

Duke

Far from over for Duke lacrosse team: "Their lives are shredded, perhaps beyond repair, after languishing in legal limbo for 13 months, hated and condemned while everyone else gradually came to recognize what they had steadfastly been clinging to all along: the truth."

Miami

Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - Position Breakdowns: LB: "When Micheal Barrow took the job as Miami's linebacker coach the first thing..." Get over there!!!

Clemson

Tigers regain air of success: "Downfield passing game shows improvement during spring workouts: If Clemson’s offense has its druthers, the larger number of long balls thrown this spring will be no passing fancy."

Something to Harp on: "Sadat Chambers tackles James Davis during Saturday's Orange and White game at Clemson's Memorial Stadium. Playbook tucked under his arm, Cullen Harper walked away from spring ball Saturday afternoon at peace — and with more than a piece of the starting quarterbacking job."

Florida State

Kelly big surprise for 'Noles: "Spring is for surprises and Florida State had its share of them during 15 practices that ended on Saturday with the spring game."

'Noles land three for '08, including two from Wakulla »

Local players, FSU commitments ranked among top 100 »

Gear Head Central
Time for NASCAR to Give Scott His Due :"With AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer taking the week off, AP Sports Writer Chris Jenkins offers up the latest edition of Gas & Go."

We're off today.......

....sorry, but I'm in a retreat all day and won't have time to post. A little something to hold you over until the AM:




Jackie Robinson: Breaking the Color Barrier:"In 1947, Jackie Robinson cleared a path for minority athletes by becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball. The Brooklyn Dodgers' infielder played on six World Series teams."


Successful Spring: Wake Forest's Grobe says he is pleased with practice results. The casualness with which Wake Forest approaches spring football is striking. Practices start at varying times, if at all. For the second straight season the Deacons didn't use all their 15 days allotted by the NCAA.Some players are overweight. The coaches say they won't worry about the extra baggage until preseason practices begin in August.

'Noles land three for '08, including two from Wakulla: "The presence of Derrick Brooks and Ernie Sims on the sidelines during the spring game served as a reminder of the great linebacker tradition at Florida State."

Coaches look to summer at FSU »

Progress still up in the air at FSU »

UNC QBs look better in spring game:" North Carolina's quarterbacks struggled to complete any passes during their first practice of the spring. With T.J. Yates leading the way, that wasn't the case Saturday in the team's annual spring football game. Yates completed 10 of 15 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns in front of the largest spring crowd at Kenan Stadium in recent memory. "


Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - More On State's Spring Game: "There were enough positives at N.C. State's spring football game to give fans reason to count the days until the season starts Sept. 1. "

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys: Stogie Reviews: La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 4. Get over there!

NCAA reverses football time changes: "New rules mimic old ones; committee also looking at 40-second play clock."

Gillispie on fast track at Kentucky, real fast: "New coach juggles several challenges during first week on job. "

IT WAS FUN: Oklahoma City will lose Hornets to New Orleans soon

Schools slowly price out fans from ballparks:"Brace yourself baseball fans, the college game is slowly pricing you out of the market."

The conference headlines:

NC State
Pack on a mission to serve others :"N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien and a dozen Wolfpack players visit Raleigh Rescue Mission to 'give something back.' Athletes serve food, say hello, pose for photos, sign footballs and listen to a few stories. "

From our friends at StateFansNation:

Red and White From State (lots of good spring practice articles)

Truth Emerging Re: Harris’ Traffic Stop

Recruiting’s dirty game / NCS + TOB + CTC Comments (Updated 11:20am)

SouthPark ACC

Get over there!!!!

Wake Forest

Skinner is sure to be center of attention :"Deacons' quarterback was totally unheard of at this time last season."

Maryland

Terrapins' backups are front and center: "Absence of starters depletes offensive line."

Virginia Tech

Robertson doing the right thing: "Beamer gives Virginia Tech lineman a chance to atone for missteps, warns he must stay on track"

Brown all right with move to left tackle

Clemson

Defensive end not a done deal: "After recording four sacks to tie a Clemson freshman record in 2006, it was just assumed that Ricky Sapp was the heir apparent to Gaines Adams’ throne at defensive end. His four sacks did rank second on the team despite the fact he was Adams’ backup."

Duke

Nightmare over, Duke players still can't forget: "Lacrosse team struggles to focus on game in wake of assault case."

Georgia Tech

DOES THE NBA DRAFT BECKON? : "Georgia Tech basketball standouts Thaddeus Young (left) and Javaris Crittenton have until April 29 to decide whether they will enter their names in the NBA draft or not. Tech head coach Paul Hewitt says he doesn't know which way either of the freshmen is leaning."

Florida State

Fisher's lessons just beginning:"A work in progress."

FSU basketball teams hold awards banquets »

Miami

Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog: UM Nuggets Return: "In the past two weeks I've gone back and forth with who should be Miami's..." Get over there!

Eye on the U Blog - Spring Hardware. Get over there!!

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Vindicated? Surely....but did you (or teammates) say something to her that, perhaps, prompted this entire mess? Hmmmmmm.....

Getting your mind right:
Attorney general drops charges in Duke lacrosse case : "State Attorney General Roy Cooper closed the book on the Duke lacrosse rape case Wednesday by declaring defendants David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann innocent and dismissing all charges.

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun - At Duke, the lack of caution serves as a cautionary tale

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer: Wright needs to take stock, run to NBA:"Brandan Wright is having a hard time deciding whether to stay or go." All Brandan Wright needs to do is do what he wants to. We'd probably take the money, but if he wants to be a kid a little longer, so be it.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Tar Heels' road won't be easy: "This week's decisions by Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson to return to school for the 2007-08 season were enough to solidly position North Carolina as the preseason basketball favorite in the ACC." Indeed. If that team looses more than four games next year and doesn't make the Final Four........

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Into each program a little rain must fall: "One month ago, Sidney Lowe was the toast of the town."

Toyota's success growing

Meet Dale Earnhardt Jr., Car Owner :"Dale Earnhardt Jr. stood silently against the glass at JR Motorsports, pensively observing the hustle and bustle inside his brand new race shop."

Wow....a crackdown on "Chinglish" by the Chinese government - A Clear Message: Chinese officials are spreading the word about using proper English for Olympics :"Along with spitting, run-down housing and bad manners, add unintelligible English to the list of things that organizers of the 2008 Beijing Olympics want to ban.Municipal officials promised yesterday to crack down on awkward, Chinese-inflected English, known as "Chinglish," and asked the public to help police bad grammar and faulty syntax. "

A little pub for the home school: Winston-Salem State adds three to its basketball class

The conference headlines:

North Carolina
Mum is the Wright word right now : "Brandan Wright rarely shows emotion or gets excited on the basketball court. His coach says he's approaching the biggest decision of his life -- whether to enter the NBA Draft or come back to North Carolina for his sophomore season -- with the same attitude."

Blake knows recruits : "North Carolina recruiting coordinator John Blake first started wooing players when he was a nose guard at Oklahoma. Twenty-five years later, Blake helped head coach Butch Davis sign a top-20 recruiting class. "

Duke

As first reported on the Basketblog yesterday, Harvard hires Amaker

More from the Boston Globe - Amaker to take over for Crimson

Spring feels different year later in Durham: "Lacrosse team elicits sympathy, not scorn."

Boyle shocks Duke by turning down coaching job: "In a surprising move, Cal coach Joanne Boyle didn't take Duke up on its offer to have her replace women's basketball coach Gail Goestenkors." Cal Berkley is a pretty good school in a nicer locale than Durham, NC. Why are we surprised?

NC State

From our friends at StateFansNation - Top 10 College Basketball Coaches

Florida State

ACC figures out Richardson: "Participation in a third of Florida State's spring football practices was not enough for D'Vontrey Richardson to seriously enter the quarterback competition."

Weatherford looks sharp »

Miami

The Hurricanes's Blog gives us position breakdowns- Position Breakdown: DT: "Clint Hurtt is searching for a true war daddy to man the middle of the defense's..." Get over there!!!

From the Eye of the Hurricane Blog:

Newsy hoops banquet wrap-up
Vanilla Spring
What did they learn/accomplish this spring?
In the belly of the beast

Get over there!!!!

Wake Forest

Swinton announces his transfer from WFU : " Sophomore is third player this spring to leave Deacs." Interesting.....perhaps WSSU can use him.

Georgia Tech

Hewitt uncertain of Young, Crittenton's plans

Virginia Tech

TECH NOTES

Krabbendam leaves Tech

QBs see contact during drills

Brown all right with move to left tackle:"The move to the showcase spot on the Hokies' line comes after spending two season at right tackle."

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Tommy Amaker gets offer from Harvard: "The former Seton Hall and Michigan coach is expected to accept." That's a very interesting offer....not a bad situation at all for either side.

Players' parents ask Duke to pay legal fees:"Estimates go as high as $3M; no decision has been made."

Families' wait is almost over

Controversy steals shining moment: "Rutgers team voices hurt; Imus' remarks speak to struggle facing female athletes."

Andrew Jones of Wilmington Star: Hansbrough, Lawson Make Right Decisions: "UNC basketball players Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson announced Tuesday evening at the team's annual banquet they are returning to the Tar Heels next season. Both players made wise decisions. "

Don Imus loses 2 advertisers: The demise begins....and rightfully so. What an idiot.

Imus' lucrative franchise could be in peril

Earnhardt Jr., DEI on clock

Goodell gets toughThe NFL commissioner suspends 'Pacman' Jones for the season and Chris Henry for 8 games, then reveals a more stringent conduct policy.

Ready to cash in: "Texas star Kevin Durant will pay off big for the NBA team that gets him. "

The conference headlines:

North Carolina

Underclassmen Hansbrough, Lawson returning to UNC: "Usually soft-spoken center Tyler Hansbrough stepped to the podium and appeared to catch assistant coach Joe Holladay off guard Tuesday night at North Carolina's basketball awards ceremony."

Heels get good news : "All-America forward Tyler Hansbrough announced he would return for his junior season at North Carolina along with point guard Ty Lawson, left. Freshman forward Brandan Wright has yet to make a decision."

Hansbrough, Lawson pick another season at UNC over NBA draft: "It was designed to be a night to celebrate the accomplishments of North Carolina's 2006-07 men's basketball team. It turned into amateur comedy night at the Smith Center, with an emphasis on "amateur." "

Duke

Krzyzewski takes a look at himself :"Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski already has spent time this offseason remembering the lessons he learned 12 years ago. He's also doing what he did back in 1995, the year he took a long sabbatical to recover from back surgery and exhaustion: He's rethinking how he does his job."

Wake Forest

Grobe gives Deacons day off from spring practice

WFU, Duke among Patterson's suitors

Virginia

Sports Focus: U.Va. Football

Virginia Tech

Sports Focus: Virginia Tech Football

Rare start: "On Tuesday afternoon, the Virginia Tech offense was able to do something very few squads have accomplished -- producing yards against the Hokies' own stellar defense."

NC State

From StateFansNation

Beasley to K State? Maybe, Maybe Not. (Updated 12pm)

Small Fowler Comment From The Amato Article

First ‘08 Version of Bracketology has NC State as a #2 Seed (hmmmmmmmm)

Georgia Tech

CB Marius to leave school:"Touted member of 2006 signing class returns home, will give up football, mother says."

Recruiting: Tech has special guest

Florida State

'Noles defensive tackles try to meet expectations: "Pretty good."

Secondary stepping up its game »

Bowden, Crist review the troops »

Miami

A Little This and That: "Not only is Miami's first round streak alive and well, but some so-called..."

What Did We Learn?: "I'm just a sports writer, what the heck do I know! I've been battling with..."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star asks the ridiculous: Is UNC's Williams A Hall Of Famer? "UNC coach Roy Williams recently learned he'll be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next September. The question: Is he deserving of the honor after just 19 seasons as a head coach?" That's a lot of wins, a lot of conference titles, a national title and pretty high graduation rate.

Durant expected to announce move to NBA today: Can't blame him....that's a lot of money on the line.....Nike money!!!

Cal women's hoops coach visits Duke: "California women's basketball coach Joanne Boyle, who has confirmed interest in the Duke job, was on the Blue Devils' campus on Monday."

Federal court: Jury should hear case against UNC soccer coach : "Jury should hear the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former North Carolina soccer player against her coach, a federal appeals court ruled Monday."

Sprinter pleads guilty: "Montgomery had role in finance plot." Sad.....

Black-college basketball is focus of film :" Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, former WSSU star, is assisting as co-producer."

Fletcher's Stairway to Success: "Redskins linebacker London Fletcher found salvation as a youth at the E.J. Kovacic Rec Center in Cleveland and despite a childhood of sorrow, overcame his environment to become an NFL star. " Great read.

The conference headlines:

North Carolina

Heels guard staying :"Wayne Ellington will return to UNC for his sophomore season. But whether teammates Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Brandan Wright return with him remains to be seen. Those decisions may come as soon as tonight." We're sorry, but was there ever a doubt?!?!? At what point during this season did Wayne Ellington become a legitimate "one and done" kind of player? We must have missed it....

UNC's Reynolds says tough practice is what he needs

Maryland

Hey....remember this guy - 'Jewish Jordan' still keeping the faith: "Tamir Goodman hasn't lived up to the hype, but he is true to his beliefs."

Logan-El reconsiders UM: "Ex-Forestville star who jilted Terps will ask Penn State to release him from scholarship."

Virginia

U.VA. NOTES

Peerman getting noticed:"Cedric Peerman is holding off a pair of freshmen for the Virginia starting tailback position."

Clemson

Powell has surgery on torn knee tendon: "Clemson reserve power forward Julius Powell underwent surgery Monday to repair a partially torn patella tendon in his left knee."

Georgia Tech

Sylvester piling up offers: "Blog: Jackets among the high-profile suitors for Union Grove linebacker."

Yellow Jackets still searching for corners

Florida State

Look who's behind center for the 'Noles: "The quarterback field became a bit crowded during Florida State's practice on Monday."

Secondary stepping up its game »

Miami
DT Lewis is quick, happy to commit :"Last season was Jeremy Lewis' first year of playing organized football, but it appears the Palm Beach Lakes standout is a quick learner. "

Hurricanes' King awaits voting: "Miami senior Anthony King will find out next week if he will be eligible to return next season, when the NCAA votes on a proposal to increase the maximum number of games played for a medical redshirt from 20 percent to 30 percent of a team's games for a season."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Keep your heads up, Eagles!!!

Getting your mind right:
A bitter end for BC: "It will take a long time before the Boston College hockey team will be able to set aside the bitter disappointment of Saturday night's 3-1 loss to Michigan State in the NCAA Frozen Four championship in St. Louis."

JACKIE MACMULLAN of the Boston Globe - Again, out of their reach:"The Boston College Eagles had not lost a hockey game in 55 days and for 49 minutes 53 seconds they were on course for the perfect ending. "

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: How will Terps' QB drama end? Tune in this fall to find out

David Castillo of the Tallassee Democrat - Minor Adjustments for Line Resulting in Success

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Big Change For Coach G: "Former Duke women's basketball Gail Goestenkors wanted a new challenge, but she leaves behind a tremendous legacy. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Meltdown U.: "North Carolina's basketball teams turned falling apart in big games into an art form last week. "

Milton Kent: Kentucky proposal limiting private schools' recruiting worth watching

Cashing In: Women's basketball coaches in greater demand, driving salaries higher: Gotta start putting more fannies in the seats to justify those salaries, ladies.

Big Influence: Grambling's Robinson did more than just coach football

Humble Origins: Johnson not your average Masters champ

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Sad realization hits: Bonds rounding third, coming home


The conference headlines:
Clemson
Purnell denies Arkansas report: "Clemson basketball coach Oliver Purnell refuted a television report Sunday indicating he has interviewed for the vacant Arkansas job." That's interesting.....that is a better basketball job than Clemson. Very interesting.

Tigers gain sixth 2008 commitment: "CLEMSON GAINED ITS sixth commitment for the class of 2008 Saturday when tight end Nic DiLillo (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) of Madison, Ohio, made his pledge while on an unofficial visit."

Clemson still kicking itself in field goal department:" Here’s the kicker about Clemson’s continuing field goal anxieties: new kicker, same problem."


Georgia Tech
Tech clicks on offense: "Jackets' new coordinator, quarterback impress at final scrimmage of spring practice."

Tech moves on without Johnson:" Calvin Johnson was there, but for once, Georgia Tech didn't need him."

tech vent :Chan's mistake was not only Bennett sitting on the bench but not utilizing Reggie in slot, WR, HB, etc. Reggie was an athlete under-utilized.

Three things Tech learned this spring

Recruiting: Tech has special guest

Jackets have new look on offense

Tech linebackers still learning


Florida State
Garnet and Gold game will showcase new FSU team: "Go to the beach. Work in the garden or wash your car."

Dawsey's message has been well-received :"New Florida State wide receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey has all kinds of credibility with his players. He was an All-American at FSU and Sports Illustrated's NFL rookie of the year. He played seven NFL seasons, which his players well know."

Amato fine with assistant job at FSU:" For the first time in seven years, Chuck Amato is buried at the bottom of all the big plot lines, practically out of view. "

Little things will add up for FSU »

Brown a key pass-rusher for 'Noles »

Running backs must work on holding the ball »

Carter bruised up, but OK »


Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Tech's Holland needs to bring it now

VA. TECH NOTES

Wang tackles big starting job

Sports Focus: Virginia Tech Football

For Hokies' Collins, It's Been a Season of Cope

Greenberg Is In a State of Perpetual Agony


Miami
From the great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog:
Splitting Hairs: "One of the few things I've discovered about Randy Shannon in my six years of.."
Bold Predictions:"For this blog entry I feel pretty good about myself so I'm going to have a..."
Get over there!!!

Defense dominates a vanilla spring finale :"New offensive coordinator Patrick Nix wouldn't take the credit -- or better yet the blame -- for the Miami offense that was on display at Saturday's CanesFest scrimmage. "

UM spring report card

Quarterback spot focus of attention :" It's been impossible to get anyone with the Hurricanes' football team to utter Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman's names for a month."


North Carolina
UNC looks towards 2007-08 : "Even now, nearly a week later and the NCAA Tournament in the books, it’s probably hard for North Carolina to believe its season really ended Sunday night."

Tar Heels want to do what they do well: "North Carolina football coach Butch Davis wants his new team to have a strong offensive identity this fall. He just doesn't know what it is, yet. "


Maryland
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Terps' Steffy Opens Spring As No. 1 QB


Virginia
UVa Insider: Key to UVa football season may lie in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Santi looks to get grip