Bleacher Report - Articles by Jeffrey Fann

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson: A Preview of the ACC Championship Game

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:46:03 -0500

It's ACC Championship game week! It's Georgia Tech vs Clemson for the right to go the Orange Bowl. Both teams are coming off bitterly disappointing losses to their in state arch rivals. Georgia Tech lost 30-24 to the Georgia Bulldogs and the Clemson Tigers lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks 34-17. Despite the losses the two teams have had an exciting rivalry the last decade and this should be a close competitive game.

I don't think last Saturday's results will play much role in the upcoming game. Clemson hasn't shown the ability to power run this season the way Georgia did against Georgia Tech. Clemson will typically line the quarterback up in the shotgun, and run from that formation. For Clemson a stiff South Carolina defense stuffed them. Georgia Tech's defense has been inconsistent at best, and got sliced apart by the Bulldogs run game. Neither team is likely to take advantage of the other the way the Bulldogs and and Gamecocks did. So what do I see as the keys to the game?

How does Clemson handle Georgia Tech's triple option?

This is an interesting question. Clemson will be the first team to see Georgia Tech's offense twice in the same season and three times in the last 14 months. Certainly that will help the Tiger's preparation, but I also think that Yellow Jackets offense has become much more diverse in the last year. Josh Nesbitt is an improved passer and Paul Johnson is not afraid to throw it deep, specifically to all-ACC receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Tigers have looked disturbingly soft up the middle in recent weeks. Virginia and South Carolina had success running simple quarterback draws. Nesbitt suffered an apparent ankle injury against Georgia, and was out most of the 2nd quarter. When he returned he appeared around 80%-90%. He looked a step slow, but the Jackets could still move the ball. With all do respect to backup Jaybo Shaw if he plays the Jacket's can't win this game. He simply isn't much of a running threat, and Clemson's athletic ends Ricky Sapp and Da'quan Bowers can just sit on the edges.

Can Georgia Tech's defense stop Kyle Parker, C.J Spiller, and Clemson offense?

I don't think so. Early in the year the Clemson's offense was C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, and an inexperienced Parker at QB. Since then TE Michael Palmer and WR Xavier Dye have become part of the passing offense. Andre Ellington can contribute at RB resting Spiller. The Georgia Tech defense had a some decent games giving only seven points to North Carolina and nine to Virginia, but in large part this unit has been a disappointment. I'm not sold on Dave Wommack as a defensive coordinator either. I have not been impressed with his job over the last two years. I'm not convinced he can come up with game plan that can slow the Clemson team. If the Tigers can handle Yellow Jacket DE Derrick Morgan, they'll be able to move the ball on Georgia Tech.

Ok neither team will be able to stop the other so what will be the difference?

Dabo Swinney has done a great job this year and is a very good motivator. As discussed he's improved the Clemson offense since early in the year, but it is stilled ranked only 74th in the nation. They will score points, but they can't match Paul Johnson's triple option offense. Miami has been the only team this season that's really slowed the Georgia Tech offense for a whole game. Paul Johnson is a master at in-game adjustments, and has never lost two games in row while at Georgia Tech. The Jacket's beat every team they lost to last year except LSU whom they didn't play. If you had success against him once he usually finds something the next time around. He hasn't lost to Clemson, but the Tigers have given Georgia Tech some very tough games. I give Paul Johnson the edge over Dabo Swinney in the coaching department and that will be the difference.

Throw it all out the window if Nesbitt can't go or is less than 80% for some reason. Let's assume Josh Nesbitt is fairly healthy which reports Monday say he is.

I like the Jackets in a moderately high scoring affair 31-27.

This article is also featured at All About Sports .

Ranking the ACC after Week 13 of College Football Action

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:26:46 -0500

Most of the ACC's top teams came up with poor performances this weekend. Clemson, Georgia Tech and North Carolina all lost.

This was embarrassing weekend for the ACC against SEC. What can you say? The ACC championship game is the de-facto game for 6th place in the SEC.

The ACC blew a big chance to gain some national respect and will face at least a month, until the bowl season, of the rest of country questioning its football credibility.

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1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-2, 7-1) - Last Week 1

The Jackets have proved up to this point that they are the ACC's best team, but losing to a mediocre Georgia team at home 30-24 proves they are not a truly elite team. The Jackets' powerful rushing offense has been masking a defensively flawed team all season.

Note to head coach Paul Johnson get a new defensive coordinator. Dave Wommack lost this game for Georgia Tech, long before that last drive stalled. I would have averaged eight yards a carry running between those gaping holes Saturday night.

2) Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3, 6-2) - Last Week 4

The Hokies ended the season solidly by blowing away their in state rival Virginia. I can't put the Hokies at No. 1 just yet. They haven't beaten a quality team since Oct. 10 when they defeated Boston College. That doesn't mean they can't finish the year in the top spot though.

They had 483 yards of total offense with nearly 300 on the ground. Now the Hokies get ready for a Gator or Chick-fil-A Bowl appearance. I don't think they fall lower than either of those. I'm thinking they are returning to Atlanta.

3) Miami Hurricanes (9-3, 5-3) - Last Week 5

At least one ACC team decided to beat a non-conference opponent today. Miami looked rock solid today with a 31-10 win over a decent South Florida team. The defense held South Florida to 220 total yards and the offense had more than 400. Now the Canes wait for their bowl bid. I think they end up in the Gator but we will have to see the result of the GT\Clemson game, because GT can't fall below Miami if they lose the ACCCG.

4) Clemson Tigers (8-4, 6-2) - Last Week 2

The Tigers were an even bigger no-show against their SEC rival South Carolina than Georgia Tech was losing 34-17. They gave up 223 yards on the ground to a Gamecocks squad that has struggled running the ball all season.

This is not a good sign before facing Georgia Tech's strong running game. Fortunately for Clemson, the Jackets' defense is not nearly as good as South Carolina's. The Tigers only had 48 yards running against South Carolina. Rushing yards will come much easier against Georgia Tech.

5) North Carolina Tar Heels (8-4, 4-4) - Last Week 3

The Tar Heels completed the fall from last week's top three teams with a dismal performance losing to a bad NC State team 28-27. The Heels dominated statistically out gaining the Wolfpack 481 yards to 335 yards but still lost their third straight to the Wolfpack. This game will keep the Heels from one of the upper-tier ACC Bowl games.

6) Boston College Eagles (8-4, 5-3) - Last Week 6

In spite of all the obstacles they had to face, Boston College has completed, in my opinion, the most surprising season of any ACC team. Frank Spaziani should get some ACC Coach of the Year votes. They beat Maryland only 19-17, but so what? Eagle fans should be very pleased with this season.

7) Florida State Seminoles (6-6, 4-4) - Last Week 7

Today was just more evidence how far this once great program has fallen. Florida dismantled FSU 37-10 in a game that wasn't even that close. The Noles didn't look like they belonged on the same field as the Gators.

Florida dominated in every fashion, and after the game Bobby Bowden said he has some soul searching to do before deciding on his future at Florida State. On one hand I understand Bowden wanting to return FSU to some semblance of its former glory, and on the other hand he has to realize they can't move forward with him there.

8) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-7, 3-5) - Last Week 10

Quarterback Riley Skinner goes out a winner at Wake Forest with a 45-34 victory over the Duke Blue Devils. All that you have to know is he led Wake Forest to the Orange Bowl. That's amazing in itself.

9) North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-7, 2-6) - Last Week 9

The Wolfpack salvaged something out of the season by knocking off in-state rival North Carolina Saturday. Russel Wilson threw four touchdown passes today and pretty much was a one man show this season for NC State. I'm curious, does anyone if he comes back next year or does he play baseball? I know what head coach Tom O'Brien is hoping for.

10) Duke Blue Devils (5-7, 3-5) - Last Week 8

Thaddeus Lewis was his usual brilliant self. He threw for 387 yards today and three touchdowns. Duke lost its final four games, and won't go bowling this year, but they are inching closer and closer towards that goal.

11) Virginia Cavaliers (3-9, 2-6) - Last Week 11

That was probably Al Groh's last game at Virginia. They were in it for awhile against the Hokies, but eventually lost 42-13. Time to move on, Cavaliers.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-10, 1-7) - Last Week 12

Was this Ralph Freidgen's last season in Maryland? It was a nightmare 2-10 year, but I think the Fridge gets another year to try and get things on track. The Terps won eight games as recently as last season, but they might want to throw this season away. They lost 19-17 to Boston College Saturday.

Clemson-South Carolina Football: No. 15 Tigers Manhandled in Columbia

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:43:15 -0500

Clemson is still going to the ACC championship. That's the good news. The bad news is the Tigers got beat in every way by a very mediocre South Carolina team.

After C.J. Spiller returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Gamecocks scored 24 straight points in a 34-17 victory. The most frustrating part of the game was hearing the ESECPN announcers fall all over each other discussing the SEC's perceived speed advantage over the ACC.

Frankly, that had absolutely nothing to do with the result. This had everything to do with one team being heaped with praise for several weeks and the other having enough of it. Credit Steve Spurrier and South Carolina for playing harder and more physical than Clemson. The Tigers just couldn't match Carolina's level of intensity.

What does this mean for Clemson's ACC title hopes? I still have to see how Georgia Tech plays against Georgia. If the Jackets lose today, the result for Clemson may be a wash. The ACC's best teams losing to middling SEC teams. That's not good for the conference's perception.

If the Jackets do win, what should worry Clemson's fans is that Kevin Steele's defense is not playing its best football at the end of the year. Virginia had some success running the ball last week, and South Carolina is a poor running team but had 224 running yards today. Certainly Georgia Tech's formidable rushing attack has taken notice.

Clemson recovered nicely after a bad performance against Maryland; let's see how the Tigers come back after this ugly effort.

This article is also featured at All About Sports.

Paul Johnson and Dabo Swinney Prove Their Critics Wrong

Jeffrey Fann — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:31:24 -0500

Regardless of what happens against their rivals South Carolina and Georgia Saturday, the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will meet in the ACC Championship Game for the right to represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl.

Paul Johnson coaches Georgia Tech, and Dabo Swinney coaches Clemson. If you've followed these two coaches over the last one-and-a-half to two years, you know they had a lot of critics doubting whether each could succeed at his respective school.

Let's start with Paul Johnson.

Johnson had always been a nice coach. The early part of his career was highlighted by winning two I-AA national titles in 1985-1986 as offensive coordinator of the Georgia Southern Eagles. Back then he ran his version of the option offense with a guy named Tracy Ham. Ham was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks college football has ever seen.

Johnson had successful offensive coordinator stints at Hawaii and Navy, setting all kinds of school records along the way. He went back to Georgia Southern as head coach and won two more I-AA championships. He moved on to be head coach of the Naval Academy, where Navy had their most successful run of football since the 1960s. Navy beat Notre Dame for the first time in over 40 years while Johnson was there.

Come on though; Georgia Southern and Navy aren't big-time college football. How could his throwback triple option offense succeed at a BCS school? Georgia Tech gave him a shot, and the rest is history.

Critics said you couldn't run the option anymore in major college football; the defenses were too fast. If it did succeed for a little while, defenses would figure it out. Fans would be bored by the offense. This experiment was doomed to fail.

Paul Johnson, ever confident in his offense and abilities, proved his critics all wrong. All he's done while at Georgia Tech is win 19 of his first 24 games for a .792 winning percentage. His offense is second in the country in rushing and first in the ACC in total offense. Apparently defenses didn't figure it out the second time around.

He's taken a Georgia Tech program mired in mediocrity and has them ranked in the top 10 and in the midst of their best season since the 1990 national championship season. Georgia Tech fans love him. Anyone care to doubt him anymore?

Let's talk about Dabo Swinney now.

Swinney was moving right along in his career pretty well. He was coaching wide receivers and tight ends at Alabama for most of latter part of the '90s, but then he hit a road bump. When he was fired in 2001 with the rest of the Alabama staff, he worked in real estate for nearly two years.

Tommy Bowden gave him the chance to get back into coaching, and in 2003 Swinney joined the Clemson staff as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. He would develop a reputation as a very good recruiter and assistant coach.

When Bowden departed Clemson in 2008, Swinney was named interim head coach. The college football world figured Swinney was just a short-term solution until the Tigers could find a more experienced head coach.

Swinney, ever energetic, began the Tiger Walk (Clemson players arm in arm walking toward the end zone during pregame) and the "All In" rallying cry. Opposing fans at best found Swinney harmless and at worst a coach wasting time with motivational gimmicks.

After a 4-3 finish and a Gator Bowl appearance, Swinney was given the reins of the Clemson program. Most still felt this was a mistake. He just didn't have enough experience.

Like Johnson, Swinney proved his critics wrong. A loss to Maryland early left many skeptical, but Swinney rallied the troops, and the Tigers have won six straight games. Clemson won its first ACC title of any sort in nearly 20 years by capturing the ACC's Atlantic Division. This is something Bowden could never accomplish.

If you doubt Swinney's coaching ability, you're making a mistake. He and offensive coordinator Billy Napier made adjustments to a struggling offense to get the ball into C.J Spiller's hands and get the tight ends more involved in the passing game. Clemson, known for its roller coaster-like play, is playing its most consistent football in many years.

These are two head coaches that believe in themselves and their players and now have their teams playing for an ACC championship.

This article is also featured at All About Sports .

Ranking the ACC After Week 12 of College Football Action

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:59:18 -0500

Congratulations to the Clemson Tigers. They won the ACC's Atlantic Division Saturday. They will face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the ACC Championship game. I can't wait for that one!

North Carolina continues to play the best football in the conference outside of the two division winners. They went to Boston College and ended the Eagles faint hopes of winning the Atlantic Division.

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1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-1, 7-1) - Last Week 1

The Jackets were off this week getting some much needed rest. Next week is the showdown with in-state rival the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Dawgs will be coming in off a embarrassing home loss to a mediocre Kentucky team. If the Yellow Jackets are truly an elite team, they'll beat UGA.

2) Clemson Tigers (8-3, 6-2) - Last Week 2

Time for Tiger fans to make the trip to Tampa and the ACCCG! Clemson didn't play especially well against a bad Virginia team. In particular, the defense gave up 21 points in the first half.

It's nothing to be too worried about, though. The Tigers didn't need their A game, and knowing that Boston College had already lost clinching the division for Clemson probably took the edge off. They'll be ready for their in-state rival South Carolina next week.

3) North Carolina Tar Heels (8-3, 4-3) - Last Week 3

Is North Carolina playing well or what? They went on the road and hammered a decent Boston College team 31-13. The UNC defense held BC to under 200 yards, forced 6 turnovers, and scored 2 touchdowns.

The Tar Heels' recent play has moved them into the upper tier of ACC Bowls. They face a reeling NC State team next week.

4) Virginia Tech Hokies (8-3, 5-2) - Last Week 4

The Hokies pounded NC State 38-10 on Senior Day in Blacksburg. Running back Ryan Williams had another big day. He had 120 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

The defense was solid. NC State only had 259 yards of total offense and just 14 yards on the ground. Virginia Tech gets to put Al Groh and Virginia out of their misery next week.

5) Miami Hurricanes (8-3, 5-3) - Last Week 5

Miami beat Duke 34-16, but the game was much closer than the score indicates. Duke led 16-13 going into the 4th quarter before the Canes had a 21-point final period. The Hurricanes did have nearly 500 yards of total offense.

Hey, city of Miami, why don't you support the best Hurricanes team in years? There were only 38,200 in attendance. It's clear the top five ACC teams have really separated themselves from the rest of the conference.

6) Boston College Eagles (7-4, 4-3) - Last Week 6

For Boston College to even be in the discussion for an ACC Division title this late into the season is a testament to the job Frank Spaziani and his staff this year. They ran into red-hot North Carolina team today, and were just overmatched in the 31-13 loss.

Montel Harris had yet another 100 yard game. Ryan Williams, Jonathan Dwyer, and C.J Spiller are the ACC backs that get most of the publicity, but Harris is a fine running back in his own right.

If the Eagles can go into College Park and beat Maryland, they would have a remarkable eight-win regular season with a chance at nine total wins.

7) Florida State Seminoles (6-5, 4-4) - Last Week 7

The Noles were 32 seconds away from what would have been humiliating defeat at the hands of the Maryland Terrapins, but they pulled out a 29-26 victory. The good news is that Florida State locked up a bowl bid.

The bad news is they play the Florida Gators next week. The Seminoles won, but this is not a good team.

Oddly enough they have won four of their last five games, but does anyone really feel this is a team that's improved over the course of the year? I don't.

I can't remember when I saw a worse Florida State defense. They gave up over 400 yards of offense today to Maryland.

8) Duke Blue Devils (5-6, 3-4) - Last Week 8

Sadly Duke's shot a bowl is over. Asking them to defeat Georgia Tech or Miami was just too much to ask. Thaddeus Lewis had over 300 yards passing in the losing effort.

What's next for the Dukies? The face Wake Forest next week, and a 6-6 season would still be a nice accomplishment.

9) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-7, 2-5) - Last Week 10

Wake Forest had a week off to think about what could have been this season. There have been five losses by three points or less.

The Deacs will try finish the season on a positive note, and hope the Virginia Cavaliers don't try to make a run at Jim Grobe. Wake plays the Duke Blue Devils next week.

10) North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-7, 1-6) - Last Week 9

The Wolfpack have won one$ game since September, and are one of the most disappointing teams in the ACC. Today they lost by four touchdowns in the 38-10 loss to Virginia Tech. I think NC State fans need to start questioning the direction of this program.

That's three straight losing seasons by head coach Tom O'Brien. Coaches like Dabo Swinney and Paul Johnson have their teams in the Championship game in only their second seasons, while the NC State appears to be gradually getting worse.

11) Virginia Cavaliers (3-8, 2-5) - Last Week 11

The Cavaliers gave it their all. QB Jameel Sewell in particular played his heart out. He spent the entire second half running for his life; often extending plays far beyond what they should have went.

In the end, Clemson was just to good for the Cavs. I spoke with a Virginia fan at the game that said he expected the game at Virginia to be half-full of Hokie fans. ouch...

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-9, 1-6) - Last Week 12

The Terrapins nearly pulled out a tremendous win at Florida State, but at the end of the day it was just their sixth straight loss.

They try to salvage something out of the season when Boston College comes to College Park for the Terps' final game of the season.

Oppurtunity Awaits Georgia Tech Basketball in Puerto Rico

Jeffrey Fann — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:47 -0500

In the last four years, Georgia Tech has lost more than 40 ACC games. The Jackets are coming of an ugly 12-19 season. They won only two ACC games.

For Paul Hewitt and the Yellow Jackets, the final four from the 2003-2004 season seems like a distant memory.

The good news is that Hewitt brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the country highlighted by consensus top-five player Derrick Favors. The Jackets benefited from the return of All-ACC forward Gani Lawal. Lawal decided to forgo the NBA draft and play his junior season at Tech.

The Jackets also get back defensive specialist D'Andre Bell from a spinal injury that sidelined him all of last year.

The parts seem in place for the Yellow Jackets to make a big turnaround from last year's disastrous season. The Yellow Jackets are already 1-0 on the young season after a 100-59 hammering of Florida A&M. The Jackets get a big step up in competition this weekend.

They are one of three teams ranked in the top 25 participating in the eight-team Puerto Rico Tip-off tournament . Some people aren't really big fans of preseason basketball tournaments, but I think they are great way for teams to play good non-conference opponents and build for the rest of the season.

If you remember in 2003 an unheralded Georgia Tech team won the preseason NIT, and beat No. 1 ranked Connecticut in the process. They went on the to the Final Four that year.

This year's field features a top-10 Villanova squad, and top 25 teams Georgia Tech and Dayton. Kansas St, Ole Miss, Boston University, Indiana, and George Mason are also in the field.

The Yellow Jackets will open with a Dayton Flyer team that returns four starters off a team that is the Atlantic-10 favorite and coming of a 27-win season.

The winner of this game will face the winner of the Villanova-George Mason matchup.

As you can see we are going find in a real hurry if this Georgia Tech team is going to make a real push the NCAAs this year. They don't have to win the tournament, but I'd feel good about a 2-1 finish with a couple good non-conference wins.

The tournament starts Thursday at 11:30 AM with the Jackets and Dayton as the first game.

This article is also featured at All About Sports.

Dabo Swinney and Clemson Will Win the ACC's Atlantic Division Saturday

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:59:47 -0500

Clemson had just lost two games in a row. There was a respectable, but still disappointing loss to a very good TCU Horned Frogs teams. After that there was the inexplicable defeat at the hands of the ACC's worst team the Maryland Terrapins 24-21. It looked maybe like Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was in over his head. The Tigers were 2-3 overall and 1-2 in ACC, and it seemed like the same ole inconsistent team from Clemson.

The defense was pretty good, but the offense was struggling to the say the least. QB Kyle Parker's progress had stalled. Outside of Jacoby Ford the receivers were non-existent, and there was even talk of in-fighting between head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Billy Napier. Then something happened that I don't think many people expected, Clemson got on a roll, a really big roll.

An offense that had scored more 30 points only once in their first five games, now hasn't scored less than 38 in their last five games. C.J. Spiller a fringe Heisman candidate when the season started has moved himself into nearly everybody's Top Five Heisman list. Spiller has been spectacular during Clemson's run, and the Tigers are finding creative ways to get him the ball.He threw, ran, and caught a TD in Clemson's last game. T

he receivers are starting to make plays too. First TE Michael Palmer became more involved with the passing game, now WR Xavier Dye is also playing a big part of the offense. Dye's case is interesting as early in the year he was the verge of quitting the team, and Swinney convinced him to stay. Now Clemson is one victory away, winning the ACC Atlantic Division and the right to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for the ACC Championship. When things go wrong, the coach takes most of the blame, but when things go right the head coach gets most of the credit. In this case, head coach Dabo Swinney deserves a lot of credit.

Many felt Dabo Swinney was to inexperienced to lead a program like the Clemson Tigers, but he has handled the early adversity of the 2-3 start perfectly. The Tigers haven't lost since. I wasn't that surprised when Clemson went to Miami and won, or when they defeated Florida State. What did really prove to me that this was a different Clemson team from years past was the game at NC State. There was no let down after the big FSU win. The Tigers went to Raleigh and won by 20, 43-23. There's a focus on this team that was never seen during Tommy Bowden's tenure. With the ACC Atlantic Division in their sites, the Tigers didn't flinch, and they won't this weekend when they play the Virginia Cavaliers. They will win their first ACC football Title of any sort since 1991.

This article is also featured All About Sports.

Ranking the ACC after Week 11 of College Football Action

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:16:57 -0500

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have clinched the ACC's Coastal Division with their win over the Duke Blue Devils Saturday. Congratulations to them! The Clemson Tigers only need to beat lowly Virginia to join them in the Championship game.

North Carolina has been playing great football the last month and defeated the Miami Hurricanes this weekend.

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1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-1, 7-1) - Last Week 1

The Yellow Jackets spotted the Duke Blue Devils 10 points, then scored 49 straight unanswered points. The Georgia Tech offense is not just good; it's one of the best offensive attacks in the country.

Today they had 519 yards of total offense that included better than 200 in the air. They can run it, but when needed the Jackets can take it to the air.

If the defense plays with the consistency they showed today, holding the Blue Devils to under 300 yards and only 25 on the ground, this team can finish the season 13-1.

2) Clemson Tigers (7-3, 5-2) - Last Week 2

The Clemson Tigers picked the right time of season to get hot. C.J. Spiller became the first Tiger to throw, run and receive for a touchdown in a game. The offense hasn't scored less than 38 points in a game since the first week in October.

Time to give some credit to head coach Dabo Swinney. He has Clemson on the verge of their first Atlantic Division title. All they have to do is beat the Virginia Cavaliers next week at home. That shouldn't be any problem for a team playing as well as Clemson is.

3) North Carolina Tar Heels (7-3, 3-3) - Last Week 6

Since their loss to Florida State a few weeks ago, the North Carolina Tar Heels have really turned their season around. They are now playing like the team many thought could threaten for an ACC Division Title.

The Heels defeated the Miami Hurricanes 33-24 on Saturday. The defense came up with four interceptions, and the offense, while not spectacular, is light years ahead of the way it played earlier in the year.

Next up for the Heels is a tricky game at Boston College. North Carolina can't win the division, but they can keep improving their bowl status.

4) Virginia Tech Hokies (7-3, 4-2) - Last Week 4

The Hokies have now officially entered the cupcake portion of their schedule. They beat Maryland 36-9 in College Park. RB Ryan Williams had another 100 yard rushing game, and QB Tyrod Taylor had 268 yards and 3 touchdown throws.

The Hokies get to pick up their eighth win of the year next week when NC State comes to Blacksburg. This not a vintage Frank Beamer squad, but they are a solid team.

5) Miami Hurricanes (7-3, 4-3) - Last Week 3

After Miami survived their brutal early schedule, I thought the sky was the limit for this team, but the Canes are now limping to the finish line. As well as Jacory Harris has played most of the year; its apparent if you can get pressure on him, you can force him into mistakes.

The Tar Heels were the recipient of four Harris passes in their game Satruday. The Canes are improved, but the U is not quite back. They get a reeling Duke team next week, and can still finish with a 10-win season.

6) Boston College Eagles (7-3, 4-2) - Last Week 5

Boston is probably the least impressive looking of any of the top 6 teams in the ACC, but that's not their problem. They just keep winning. This time a 14-10 win at Virginia, that keeps their slim Atlantic Division title hopes alive.

Montel Harris had 151 yards rushing. He's been the Eagles best most consistent player. They get North Carolina next week at home in a game critical to the ACC's bowl pecking order.

7) Florida State Seminoles (5-5, 3-5) - Last Week 8

The Seminoles went into Winston-Salem and won 41-28 over Wake Forest. The Deacs had given the Noles a lot of trouble in recent years. The game keeps Florida State's bowl hopes alive. Redshirt freshman QB EJ Manuel played solidly. filling in for injured Nole starter Christian Ponder.

Manuel threw and ran for a touchdown. A win next week against Maryland would lock up a bowl bid. They better beat the Terps for that bid, because after that is a game with top-ranked Florida.

8) Duke Blue Devils (5-5, 3-3) - Last Week 7

For the Blue Devils, a great season would be getting to a bowl. It's starting to slip away. The Blue Devils were no match for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. A 10-0 start early for Duke gave them some hope, but then the Jackets' offensive attack overwhelmed them.

Duke must win their final two games to get to a bowl. Next is a game at Miami for the Blue Devils. Whether they make a bowl or not, the Blue Devils have become respectable, and that's still saying something.

9) North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-6, 1-5) - Last Week 9

This has to be a bitterly disappointing season for the Wolfpack. In Raleigh, the Clemson Tigers just hammered them in yet another game where they gave up more than 30 points.

The defense has been terrible. The offense has been inconsistent at best. They play at Virginia Tech next, then North Carolina. The Wolfpack will be spending bowl season at home.

10) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-7, 2-5) - Last Week 10

After playing a number of close games and losing this year, the Deacs just seemed to run out of gas in their loss to Florida State.

It wasn't that long ago (2006) that Wake Forest won the ACC Championship and the Deacs were getting used to going to bowl games, but this year there is no chance at any bowl game.

QB Riley Skinner was in tears after the game. That's a shame. He's been a very good quarterback, that has led the Deacs to some great wins the last few years.

11) Virginia Cavaliers (3-7, 2-4) - Last Week 11

Al Groh's days are numbered. They fought hard in a 14-10 loss, but couldn't come up with a win in their game with Boston College.

The Cavaliers can still play the role of spoiler. They go to Clemson next week and can severely damage the Tigers division hopes.

I don't see how they can win there though. They can only hope for bad weather, some turnovers, and that the Tigers are looking past them.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-8, 1-5) - Last Week 12

Did Ralph Friedgen really have three consecutive 10-win seasons in the early part of the decade at Maryland? This team is a total disaster and barely showed up in their loss to Virginia Tech.

At least they'll help Florida State get bowl eligible next week.

Georgia Tech-Clemson: The Best Possible ACC Championship Game

Jeffrey Fann — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:24:49 -0500

ACC Football has an image problem.

Critics say there have been a lack of big non-conference wins. There have been some ugly losses. There isn't a dominant team. There aren't any Heisman players.

The ACC Championship game is poorly attended with usually at least one mediocre team. There is a chance this season that if the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets can both win the rest of their games this year, it could produce the ACC's most anticipated Championship Game yet.

How you ask?

Let's start with the teams themselves. At 9-1 right now Georgia Tech could enter the ACC Championship as the first ACC team with less than two losses. The Yellow Jackets could potentially finish year 11-1 and mostly like ranked somewhere from No. 4 to No. 7.

Clemson right is now 6-3 and right at or on the edge of the Top 25 depending on what poll you look at. If they finish 9-3, they will be ranked in the 15-20 range. On only one previous occasion has the ACC had both teams ranked in the Top 20.

Then there are the fans who would come to the game.

With all do respect to Boston College and Wake Forest, who each played one of the teams in the last three championship games, they just don't bring in a lot of fans.

Boston College is simply too far away and Wake Forest has one of the smallest alumni bases in America. I guarantee Clemson brings anywhere from 30,000-35,000 fans to Tampa Bay for this game.

Georgia Tech would also do quite well. While the Wake Forest-Georgia Tech ACC Championship was widely criticized for poor attendance, Georgia Tech brought at least 25,000 fans.

I know. I was there.

The Yellow Jacket fans outnumbered Deacs fans by four to one in that game. Expect another 30,000-35,000 Jacket supporters if they get to the championship. That's probably around 60,000 fans in attendance not just tickets sold.

What about star power?

Clemson would boast RB C.J. Spiller. Spiller may not win the Heisman, but he should get invited to New York and is a legitimate top five candidate for the award.

Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer is the reigning ACC Offensive player of the year, and Georgia Tech QB Josh Nesbitt is quickly becoming known as one the best clutch players in college football.

We haven't even got to the Clemson-Georgia Tech Rivalry.

This is a rivalry I called the South's best kept secret back in September, due to the history of close and competitive games, that I chronicled in that article.

Including this year, nine of the last 11 games have been decided by 10 points or less. A tight exciting ball game is virtually guaranteed. The last two ACC games were two touchdown (or more) blowouts by Virginia Tech over Boston College.

Georgia Tech still has to beat the Duke Blue Devils in Durham. That's no easy task with the Blue Devils improvement this year. They also have to play archrival Georgia.

There is still plenty of work to be done for the Yellow Jackets, but a Paul Johnson 11-1 Jackets team would make one great championship participant.

Clemson has a tricky game at NC State, then a game they should win at home with Virginia, before a final date with their archrival South Carolina.

If Dabo Swinney get's his team to 9-3, there wouldn't be a single Clemson fan who isn't all in. The Tigers haven't sniffed an ACC Championship since 1991, and their fanbase would be ecstatic at the surprising season.

Two excited fanbases, plenty of star players, highly ranked teams— what more would you want in a championship game?

Ranking the ACC After Week 10

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:54:02 -0500

Both the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Clemson Tigers played sloppy at times, but continued to move one step closer to an ACC Championship game meeting.

Virginia Tech picked up a nice non-conference win over East Carolina, and Duke's bowl march hit a road bump with a loss at North Carolina.

A non-ACC note, congrats to Navy to officially ending the Notre Dame BCS talk.

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1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-1, 6-1) - Last Week 1

I'm still in disbelief that Paul Johnson went for it on 4th-and-1 against Wake Forest in the Jackets 30-27 OT over Wake Forest. With the season in the balance, Johnson said forget conventional wisdom. QB Josh Nesbitt gets the first down, then scores on the next play. Jackets win move to number seven in the country, and everything is right in Yellow Jacket land. Now that's what truly becomes scary. The Jackets didn't play well overall, but Johnson showed absolutely no fear, and the ultimate confidence in his team and offense. The Jackets still ran for over 400 yards, and can clinch the ACC Coastal Division with a win next week over a dangerous Duke Blue Devil team.

2) Clemson Tigers (6-3, 4-2) - Last Week 2

When you can miss three extra points and two field goals, and still beat Florida State by 16, then you are doing something right. The Tigers have to clean up the special teams, but Clemson is perfectly capable of winning the ACC. They erased a 17-6 deficit to the Noles, and dominated the second half with a tremendous defensive effort. C.J. Spiller had 165 yards rushing, and if he doesn't get invited to New York as one of the country's five best players something is wrong. Next week is where Clemson and Dabo Swinney can virtually accomplish what Tommy Bowden never did. If the Tigers beat NC State, they'll win the Atlantic Division. I don't see them losing at home the following week to Virginia.

3) Miami Hurricanes (7-2, 4-2) - Last Week 3

If the Canes don't make it to the ACC Championship, they can only blame themselves for blowing a home game to the Clemson Tigers. Make no mistake though, this is a very good team. The Canes crushed Virginia 52-17, and ran up over 500 yards of offense. The defense held Virginia to 149 total yards. A game at North Carolina next week will play a large role in the ACC's bowl selection for both teams.

4) Virginia Tech Hokies (6-3, 3-2) - Last Week 5

This is not a vintage Hokie team. They toughed out a 16-3 victory over East Carolina. It was good victory, but something is missing from this squad. Maybe the Hokies are still recovering from the hangover of the two straight losses to Georgia Tech and North Carolina. It's just not usual to see Virginia Tech anywhere but the best or second best team in the ACC. I don't think many can argue they should be any higher than fourth this season. A big bright spot is the play of RB Ryan Williams. Williams leads the conference in rushing. Next up for the Hokies is the ACC's worst team Maryland. I don't think Virginia will have any trouble in College Park.

5) Boston College Eagles (6-3, 3-2) - Last Week 4

The Eagles are coming off a bye week. They have to keep winning to have any shot at the ACC's Atlantic division, and then hope for a Clemson loss. Whether that happens or not, the Eagles are having a solid season.

6) North Carolina Tar Heels (6-3, 2-3) - Last Week 8

Ryan Houston has started to play like one of the conference's best running backs. After pounding out several important runs against Virginia Tech, Houston ran for 164 yards against the Duke Blue Devils. The Tar Heels number one ranked ACC defense held the prolific Duke passing offense to only 113 yards through the air. The Heels can really help their bowl status if they can beat Miami next week.

7) Duke Blue Devils (5-4, 3-2) - Last Week 7

You can't penalize Duke too much for a 19-6 loss in Chapel Hill to the Tar Heels. There's not question the Blue Devils are a greatly improved team, but they are still needing those two elusive victories to get bowl eligible. To do that the Blue Devils will have to beat either Georgia Tech or Miami. Wow... that's going to be tough. Duke should find passing yards much easier to come by against the Yellow Jackets. The Jackets are ranked number 98 in the country in pass efficiency. They can certainly give Georgia Tech a game. It will be stopping the Paul Johnson's league leading offense that will be the problem.

8) Florida State Seminoles (4-5, 2-5) - Last Week 6

We knew about Florida's defensive issues, but it's the offense that fell apart against Clemson. Christian Ponder threw four interceptions, and the offense only scored seven points in the second half. Ponder may have still been suffering from a rib injury, because he didn't look like his usual self. If the Noles don't score 40 a game they aren't winning. This once great program is falling apart, and now has to win two out of its last three games to get bowl eligible. The Noles aren't beating Florida, so they will have to win at Wake Forest and beat Maryland at home.

9) North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-5, 1-4) - Last Week 11

I don't if know if beating Maryland 38-31 says very much, other than the Wolfpack still haven't quit on the season. The offense rolled up 482 total yards against the Terps, and QB Russell Wilson threw three touchdowns. They Pack hasn't given up less than 30 points since September 19, and with Clemson and C.J Spiller coming to Raleigh, that doesn't look good for NC State. Still there is enough offensive firepower, that if Tigers are looking past NC State, the Pack could make it interesting.

10) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-6, 2-4) - Last Week 10

Wake Forest has been the most snake bit team in the ACC this year. They lost their fifth game decided by three points or less. That's part of the game though you have to finish off games, and Deacs just aren't doing it. What can you say? IF Wake Forest doesn't get to a bowl game, it's one them. They have beat both Florida State next week and Duke Nov. 28, to get there.

11) Virginia Cavaliers (3-6, 2-3) - Last Week 9

Start the Al Groh watch... In the Cavs last three games they've been outscored 114-43. The offense is a mess, and the defense that had been stiff earlier in the year is getting clobbered at the point of attack. If Virginia runs the table they can get bowl eligible. That's would be a minor with miracle with Boston College, Clemson, and Virginia Tech left.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-7, 1-4) - Last Week 12

When you are 2-7, your starting RB Da'Rel Scott is injured, your starting QB Chris Turner gets injured, and you have no chance for a bowl your left playing pride. That's all the Terps have got this season. How did they beat Clemson again?

Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers Will Likely Miss Florida State Game

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:23:57 -0500

One of Clemson's best defensive players will probably not be available for their showdown with the Florida State Seminoles. Tigernet.com is reporting that defensive end Da'Quan Bowers has suffered a strained MCL as well as a PCL sprain.

Malliciah Goodman, Andre Branch, and Kevin Alexander are the players that will have to step in if Bowers can't play. This is a potentially huge blow to the Clemson Tigers. Bowers is an athletic freak capable of playing sideline to sideline. Florida State brings the ACC's number one offense to Death Valley, averaging 443 yards of offense per game.

The Tigers control their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic, and can get one step closer with a win over Florida State. The loss of Bowers will put extra strain on Kevin Steele's defense.

Florida State has their own injury concerns. Quarterback Christian Ponder suffered bruised ribs in the Noles game with NC State. I'm thinking if he can throw it, he'll play.

This is article is also featured at All About Sports

Ranking the ACC after Week 9 of College Football action

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:24:48 -0400

This was a wild week in the ACC. North Carolina went on the road to Blacksburg and pulled off a stunning upset over Virginia Tech.

Wake Forest nearly pulled off a stunning upset of their own over Miami, and Georgia Tech went on the road to SEC country to play Vanderbilt, and dropped 56 points on the Commodores.

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1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-1, 5-1) - Last Week 1

The Yellow Jackets offense is starting to border on unstoppable. Vanderbilt shouldn't be confused with any of the SEC's best teams, but they do have credible defense, one that was ranked 34th in the country. Vandy only was giving up only 320 yards and 17 pts a game. Georgia Tech had a whopping 597 yards of total offense, 404 on the ground, and those 56 points we already mentioned. Jonathan Dwyer had 186 rushing.

Now about that defense that surrendered nearly 400 yards and 31 points, to a poor Vandy offense. Upcoming opponents Wake Forest and Duke have better quarterbacks and better offenses. The Jackets need to clean it up on that side of the ball.

2) Clemson Tigers (5-3, 3-2) - Last Week 3

The Tigers have now won 3 games in row, scoring 127 points. The earlier offensive troubles appear a thing of the past. Coastal Carolina didn't provide much opposition, but Clemson looked sharp in a non-conference tune up before the showdown with Florida State.

Clemson isn't as explosive as Georgia Tech on offense, but is there any team playing better on both sides of the ball at the moment in the ACC? Next week C.J. Spiller needs to have huge game if he wants to keep his remote Heisman chances alive.

3) Miami Hurricanes (6-2, 3-2) - Last Week 4

The Hurricanes were outplayed by Wake Forest for approximately 59 minutes Saturday, but they found a way to survive and escape Winston Salem with a 28-27 victory. The Canes seemed to be suffering a hangover from the previous week's loss to Clemson, and gave up 555 yards of offense to the Deacs. Jacory Harris threw two fourth quarter touchdowns to rally Miami for the win. The Canes must keep watching, waiting and hoping for a Georgia Tech loss, to get back in the Coastal race. Next week is Virginia for the Canes.

4) Boston College Eagles (6-3, 3-2) - Last Week 5

Team turmoil just keeps trucking along. There were Off-season injuries, and transfers. This week there a couple of more transfers. The Eagles had to play a dangerous Central Michigan team, and won easily 31-10. Running back Montel Harris has been the ACC's best-kept secret this season. He had another solid game finishing with 136 yards on the ground. Like Miami, BC needs to keep winning, and hoping. In their case, Boston College needs a Clemson loss to have a shot at the Atlantic division title. A Bye week is up for BC, where I'm sure they'll be rooting for Florida State next Saturday.

5) Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3, 3-2) - Last Week 2

What was that Thursday night? That was one of the most inexplicable losses of the ACC season, the Hokies losing to a previously winless in the ACC North Carolina team. Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech spent a lot of time complaining about Georgia Tech's blocking schemes, and just didn't look ready to play the resilient Heels. Beamer and Bud Foster might want to figure out why their once vaunted defense has given up over 450 rushing yards in their last 2 games. The Hokies have a soft finish to the schedule and 10-win season is still possible, but any chance of an ACC Championship is virtually gone.

6) Florida State Seminoles (4-4, 2-3) - Last Week 6

The Florida State offense is very good. It had 45 points and 555 total yards against the NC State Wolfpack. The Florida State defense is very bad. It gave up 42 points and 538 total yards. The Noles won and that's what counts. For Florida State it is what it is. They will have to outscore opponents, because the defense can't stop anyone. If they win at Clemson next week, they still have a shot at the Atlantic Division title, but will need Boston College to lose another ACC game.

7) Duke Blue Devils (5-3, 3-1) - Last Week 7

Duke went on the road and won at Virginia 28-17. They've won 3 games in row, and are 2 games away from getting bowl eligible. This is a good team that can throw the ball as well as team in the ACC. The Blue Devils have what could be a very entertaining matchup with the North Carolina Tar Heels next week. The winner of that can start thinking about where they want to spend the Holidays. If Duke wins, do they dare set their sights higher than just a bowl with Georgia Tech after the Heels? They will be 4-1 in the ACC with a victory over UNC.

8) North Carolina Tar Heels (5-3, 1-3) - Last Week 9

I didn't think North Carolina had any chance to beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Boy was I wrong. The Tar Heels went right into the lion's den and came out with a 20-17 victory, where literally they were more physical than the Hokies. Quarterback T.J. Yates has been inconsistent at best this season played an efficient game and threw 2 touchdowns. They won't win the ACC barring a minor miracle, but the Tar Heels may have salvaged their season. The game with Duke should be a really good one.

9) Virginia Cavaliers (3-5, 2-2) - Last Week 9

The Cavs had a nice little 3 game winning streak that came to an end last week against Georgia Tech. Now that the Cavs have now lost to Duke to drop to 3-5, the fire Al Groh calls can start again. With Miami, Boston College, Clemson, and Virginia Tech left on the schedule, the Cavaliers will have a very difficult time getting that 6th win they need to get bowl eligible. It's time that for this program to move forward, a new coach is needed.

10) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-5, 2-3) - Last Week 10

The Deacs nearly defeated the Miami Hurricanes dropping a 28-27 decision. Wake really had no business losing the game. They were the better team for nearly the entire contest. In the end though it was just another close loss for the Deacs. They've now lost 4 games by 3 points or less. The status of quarterback Riley Skinner is unknown. He had a great game throwing for 349 yards, but left the game late with an apparent concussion. If he plays next week Wake Forest can take advantage of a Georgia Tech defense that has had trouble teams that run a lot of mis-direction plays. The Deacs are good enough to throw a scare in the Jackets. They'll need Skinner to do it.

11) North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-5, 0-4) - Last Week 11

Quarterback Russel Wilson threw 5 touchdowns and had 349 yards passing. The Wolfpack still lost because their defense is simply horrendous. That's five straight games that NC State has given up more than 30 points. They are the only winless team in the ACC, and they don't seem to be improving. Tom O' Brien would be one my 3 finalists for the worst coaching job this season in the ACC. Ralph Friedgen of Maryland and Al Groh of Virginia would be other 2.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-6, 1-3) - Last Week 12

The Terps didn't lose this week. That's the good news. The loser of next week's game with NC State will put a stranglehold on the bottom position on this list.

Clemson Rolls Over Coastal Carolina, Now Readies for Florida State

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:45:47 -0400

In Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, the Tigers destroyed homecoming opponent Coastal Carolina 49-3. The game started a slow for Clemson. With a steady light rain falling Kyle Parker threw an interception on Clemson's first drive.

That would be the last time this game had any doubt. Using a dominant defensive performance that only yielded 170 total, the Tigers did exactly what they were supposed to against an FBS opponent. That hasn't always been the case in the ACC this year.

About the only thing that didn't go the Tigers way was that they couldn't add to C.J. Spiller's Heisman Trophy campaign. He only had 5 carries for 27 yards and touchdown. Spiller spent most of the game resting his slightly re-aggravated turf toe injury. For Florida State fans wondering about Spiller, he should be near 100 percent next week for that showdown.

We now have a team that's scored 38, 40, and 49 in their last three games, about to play the worst Florida State defense in over 25 years. Creative play calling and more consistency all around have replaced those offensive woes evident in the Maryland loss Wide Receiver Jacoby Ford threw a touchdown pass in the game.

Running backs Andre Ellington and Jaime Harper had 150 yards rushing between each other. I expect the Tigers to have no trouble scoring against the Seminole defense.

The problem will be slowing down a prolific FSU offense guided by QB Christian Ponder. Ponder has been outstanding this season. If the Tigers can beat Florida State they will move one step closer to winning the ACC's Atlantic division.

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Can Clemson Separate Itself From the Tommy Bowden Era?

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:34:18 -0400

This past Saturday the Tigers came up with a what could be a groundbreaking victory for Head Coach Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers. Swinney's team took a 40-37 victory over the Top 10 ranked Miami Hurricanes.

The Atlantic Division is now Clemson's to lose. Win out and they are headed to the ACC Championship.

In all his years at Clemson, Tommy Bowden couldn't get Clemson there. This is one of the biggest reasons that led to Bowden's departure last year. Clemson hasn't won an ACC Title of any sort since 1991. It's something their fans are desperately seeking.

So far this season, Dabo Swinney has done some things that have to be encouraging to Clemson fans.

After a near devastating loss to arguably the ACC's worst team the Maryland Terrapins, Swinney faced his first bit of real adversity as Clemson head coach last Saturday. He handled it well.

Swinney and offensive coordinator Billy Napier made some nice adjustments on offense. They are throwing to the tight ends Michael Palmer and Dwayne Allen more, and most importantly they are finding ways to get the ball into the hands of their biggest playmakers, WR Jacoby Ford and RB C.J. Spiller.

The Miami Hurricanes will have visions of No. 28 in their dreams after Spiller went for over 300 all-purpose yards against them. It was truly a great win for the Tigers, but they've been down this road before.

In addition to Bowden never making an ACC Championship game, his teams were known for mind numbing inconsistency. In 2006 Clemson beat No. 13 Georgia Tech to start the year 7-1. They went on to lose four of their last five.

In 2007 with the Atlantic Division a home win away, the Tigers lost 20-17 to Matt Ryan and the Boston College Eagles. Go back even further in 2004 and after the Tigers defeated a No. 11 Hurricanes team down in Miami, they promptly lost to Duke the next week.

Bowden's shadow of inconsistency and blown ACC Championship opportunities still hovers over the Clemson program.

The Tigers and Swinney can wipe away all the years of frustration over the next four weeks and truly separate themselves from the Bowden era.

They control their own destiny in the Atlantic Division. They should be favored in each one of their remaining ACC games.

After an out of conference breather with Coastal Carolina, the Tigers get a dangerous Florida State team, but the game is in Death Valley. Then there is a trip to defensively challenged NC State, and then a home game with a mediocre Virginia team.

The Tigers are playing their best football of the year, and now they have the chance to close the door on the Tommy Bowden era, by going out and winning the ACC's Atlantic Division.

This article is also featured at All About Sports

College Football, Week Eight: Ranking the ACC

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:43:01 -0400

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Clemson Tigers took giant steps to locking down their respective divisions. Clemson's victory over Miami has set up each to control their own destiny. Win out in the ACC and it will be a Georgia Tech/Clemson ACC Championship game.

Wake Forest losing to Navy? That's not good for conference resume or the Deacs bowl chances.

In the rain, and the road coming off a emotional win over Virginia Tech, it would not have surprised me if the Jackets had struggled with Virginia. Paul Johnson would have of none of that. Overcoming some sloppy early play, the Yellow Jackets roll over the Cavaliers 34-9. Georgia Tech had over 350 yards rushing.

Anthony Allen and Jonathan Dwyer both had over 100 yards rushing, and the defense held Virginia to 198 total yards. The offense is playing well, the defense is playing well, and now the schedule really gets easier. Next week is Vanderbilt. An ACC Coastal Division title is there for the taking for Georgia Tech. Paul Johnson says Thanks Clemson!

2) Virginia Tech Hokies (5-2, 3-1)—Position last week: third

The Hokies are still licking their wounds after last week's loss to Georgia Tech. They get a reeling North Carolina team on Thursday night in Blacksburg. That's doesn't bode well for the Tar Heels.

3) Clemson Tigers (4-3, 3-2)—Position last week: sixth

The Tigers went down to Miami and pulled out head coach Dabo Swinney's first big ACC win. After the Maryland loss, the Tigers could have packed it in. Credit to Swinney for righting the ship quickly. C.J. Spiller was simply incredible for Clemson and the Canes had no answer for the all everything player.

Clemson has been down this road before. Win when they are not supposed to, lose when they are not supposed to, get in contention for the Atlantic and let it slip away. Clemson and Swinney have a real opportunity to separate themselves from the Tommy Bowden era Tiger teams. The Atlantic is Clemson's to lose.

4) Miami Hurricanes (5-2, 2-2)—Position last week: first

With the Coastal Division title within Miami's grasp and still an outside chance at the National Title game, the Hurricanes laid a big fat egg at home in losing to Clemson 40-37.

The Hurricanes were helpless to contain C.J. Spiller, and while the offense was fine the defense got burned time and time again giving up over 300 yards passing. The Canes now have to hope for a Georgia Tech loss to get back in the Coastal race.

5) Boston College Eagles (5-3, 3-2)—Position last week: fourth

The worst thing about BC losing to Notre Dame is that it keeps the Irish in line for an undeserved BCS bid. While WR Rich Gunnel had 179 yards receiving for the Eagles, star RB Montel Harris only had 38 yards on the ground. With Clemson's win over Miami the Eagles are on the outside looking in for the Atlantic Division title and have to hope for Tiger loss somewhere.

6) Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 1-3)—Position last week: ninth

Down 24-6 in the third quarter Florida State looked finished, done, stick a fork in them. Then FSU went to work in rallying for a season saving 30-27 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels. Christian Ponder is playing quarterback as well anyone in the ACC. He threw for 395 yards and led the great comeback. The defense still looks shaky, but FSU is still in the Atlantic race, if barely. They get North Carolina State at home next.

7) Duke Blue Devils (4-3, 2-1)—Position last week: 10th

Break out the Blue Devils! It might be time for head coach David Cutcliffe to get a couple of ACC coach of the year votes. QB Thaddeus Lewis is just shredding apart defenses at the moment.

He threw for 371 yards against Maryland. The defense held Maryland to only 249 yards and 13 points. The Blue Devils inch closer to that first bowl bid since 1994. Duke goes on the road to face Virginia next Saturday, in a game where the loser will find it very difficult to make a bowl.

8) Virginia Cavaliers (3-4, 2-1)—Position last week: seventh

The Cavaliers could have really established themselves as a contender in the Coastal Division, but Georgia Tech ran all over the Cavs. No tremendous shame in that. The Yellow Jackets are a very good team, and Virginia is just not equipped to beat a team like that right now.

There are just not enough playmakers on offense. If the Cavs want to make a bowl, they better beat Duke next week.

9) North Carolina Tar Heels (4-3, 0-3)—Position last week: fifth

I wanted to believe the Tar Heels were close to being a real ACC force. I kept them my top five in my ACC rankings, because if they could just find a little offense this could be an eight or nine win team.

It's time to face facts, the defense is overrated and QB T.J Yates and the offense struggle to move the ball consistently. UNC fans have to be disappointed in coach Butch Davis and this team. They should be better.

They will start the ACC 0-4, because they aren't going to Blacksburg and winning a night game Thursday. It's just not going happen or could it? Nah... That would be truly shocking.

10) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-3, 2-2)—Position last week: eighth

The Deacs lost to Navy Saturday. Navy runs the triple option. Navy had 338 yards on the ground. How many yards will Georgia Tech run for when the Deacs play the Yellow Jackets, 500? Wake Forest has not played well the last two weeks. They got thumped by Clemson last week now this.

The end of the season provides a brutal finish for the Deacs. There's Miami, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and resurgent Duke squad left to play in that order. Wake Forest picked a bad time to start going in the wrong direction.

11) North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-4, 0-3)—Position last week: 11th

The Wolfpack only gave 17 points on defense to BYE Week, after giving up over 100 points the last two weeks. Seriously the Noles explosive offense might score 70 on this defense when they play Saturday.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-6, 1-3)—Position last week: 12th

The Terrapins are still mathematically alive for a bowl bid after a 17-13 loss to Duke, but I don't see them making one without a miracle. The Terps are on BYE this week. The season can't end soon enough for Maryland.

Clemson-Miami Will Play Big Role in Deciding ACC Divisions

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:26:01 -0400

When all is said and done in the ACC this year, there may not be another game that affects both divisions as much as this one does.

The Miami Hurricanes were the biggest beneficiaries of Georgia Tech's win over Virginia Tech last Saturday night. That evened Miami in the loss column with Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech with one loss is also there. If all three teams win out, Miami will win the ACC Coastal due to the fact the BCS rankings will determine the division winner.

Miami is ahead of Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech right now, and it should stay that way if they all win out. Sorry, Virginia. If you're in the mix, nothing could be worse for the ACC than for a team that lost to William and Mary winning one of the divisions.

Miami has gotten past the most difficult part of their schedule, and there aren't many teams left for the Canes that have a legitimate chance of pulling an upset. The Clemson Tigers are one of those few teams left that could push Miami. How, you ask? It's Clemson's defense.

While I think North Carolina has a tremendous defense, I don't think any team in the ACC is faster sideline-to-sideline than the Tigers. De'quan Bowers and Rickey Sapp had Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner under constant pressure last Saturday in a dominant defensive performance. Earlier this year they held Boston College to 54 total yards. It's a defense that is ranked second in the ACC and 11th in the nation.

I know it was wet in Blacksburg, but the Hokies' defensive front gave the Canes plenty of trouble. Oklahoma as well had some success controlling a potent Miami offense. The Tigers are better that Virginia Tech on defense, and have as much pure talent on defense as the Sooners—though maybe not the depth. This is a team that is 10 points from being 6-0.

The offense of the Tigers also have big-time player C.J. Spiller, who is capable of scoring anytime he touches the ball. Wake Forest is not Miami, but that was the best the Tigers have looked on offense since the second half of the Georgia Tech game.

Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are starting to look more comfortable running the ball, and TE Michael Palmer has given QB Kyle Parker another option to throw to. After the near-devastating loss to Maryland, the Tigers recovered nicely to play their best game of the season against Wake Forest.

How important is this game to Tigers and the Atlantic Division? The Tigers have two losses in the ACC, and if they get a third they'll have to hope Boston College loses another ACC game. The Eagles' last three ACC games are at Virginia, North Carolina at home, and at Maryland. That isn't murderers' row.

If the Tigers can spring the upset and run the table, they own the tiebreaker over Boston College. With a win here, Clemson is in great position to make a run at the Atlantic Division.

I'm not predicting an upset, but if Arkansas can go to Gainesville and nearly upset Florida, then certainly Clemson can compete with Miami and make a game of it. If Georgia Tech gets by Virginia Saturday at noon, then Yellow Jacket nation will be the biggest Clemson fans around.

This article is also featured at All About Sports

Ranking the ACC after Week Seven of College Football action.

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:17:57 -0400

They are going to build a statue of Paul Johnson on the Georgia Tech campus if he keeps winning like this. After a 28-23 over the Virginia Tech Hokies, the Jackets could be on their way to their best season since 1990. Welcome back Clemson Tigers and Virginia Cavaliers, those were two rock solid wins; Clemson over Wake and Virginia beating Maryland.

By the way both divisions are as wide open as they were when the season started.

1) Miami Hurricanes (5-1, 2-1). Last week's position: second.

The Hurricances were a little bit sluggish in a 27-7 victory over a bad Central Florida team. It doesn't matter though. With Georgia Techs win over Virginia Tech, the Canes control their own destiny in the ACC.

Of slight concern to the Canes should be the six sacks they gave up to UCF. The Clemson Tigers who are Miami's next opponent have a far better defensive front than Central Florida. Jacory Harris continues to play well at quarterback. He went 20-26 for 293 yards and a TD in the victory.

2) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-1, 4-1). Last week's position: third.

If Georgia Tech can play defense like that, they are one of the top six or seven teams in the country. They don't need spectacular defense, they just need good solid defense, and that's exactly what they got Saturday night in the victory over the Hokies.

They gained over 300 yards rushing, and Josh Nesbitt is looking like one of the most fiery competitors at quarterback this side of Tim Tebow. With opposing defenses focusing on stopping RB Jonathan Dwyer, Nesbitt has carried this team.

You won't see better better half time adjustments that what Paul Johnson against Bud Foster's defense. This was a landmark win for the Yellow Jackets. Next is a resurgent Virginia squad in Charlottesville. The Jackets haven't won there since 1990.

3) Virginia Tech Hokies (5-2, 3-1). Last week's position: first.

The Yellow Jackets were supposed to be the last road bump, for the Hokies on their way to an ACC Title and possible National Title game. Something happened, that you just don't see very often with the Hokies. They were not the more physical team as Georgia Tech literally imposed their offensive will on Virginia Tech in the second half.

This was a lot like the Alabama game. The Hokie defense just wore down as the game went on. This was a tough environment for Virgina Tech to go to, and they are by no means out of the ACC race. One slip up by the Jackets and the Hokies can still control their own destiny. Their schedule is not very tough the rest of the way.

4) Boston College Eagles (5-2, 3-2). Last week's position: sixth.

Boston College made a nice recovery after the loss last week to Virginia Tech by whipping the North Carolina State Wolfpack 52-20. The offense racked up 480 yards, and RB Montel Harris went crazy running for 264 yards and five touchdowns. Harris has quietly been one of the ACC's best three or four backs this season.

The Eagles step out of conference the next two weeks with a game at Notre Dame and then at home with Central Michigan. The Eagles can just sit back and watch the Atlantic Division carnage during those two weeks. Coach Frank Spaziani has done a fine job this season.

5) North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2, 0-2). Last week's position: fifth.

The Tar Heels have had a week of rest to prepare for Florida State Thursday night. The Noles and Heels are a combined 0-5 in the ACC, and both are in desperate need of a win. Florida State’s QB Christian Ponder and the Nole’s prolific offense will challenge North Carolina’s stout defense. The Noles defense on the other hand might just be what the doctor ordered for a struggling Heel offense.

6) Clemson Tigers (3-3, 2-2). Last week's position: seventh.

Now that's how you come off a Bye week with your best performance of the season, a 38-3 win over a pretty good Wake Forest team. I went to Clemson to catch this one, and if there's a faster sideline to sideline defense in the ACC I haven't seen it. C.J. Spiller was his usual spectacular self, running for 106 yards and two touchdowns. T

The Tigers might have finally a second receiver to Jacoby Ford with TE Michael Palmer. He had four catches for 49 yards and a TD. Clemson will travel to Miami this week. If the offense plays as well as it did today, to complement one of the ACC's best defenses, the Tigers can push Miami.

7) Virginia Cavaliers (3-3, 2-0). Last week's position: eighth.

The Virginia Cavaliers are your Coastal Division leaders. Let that sink in.

They are ahead of Miami, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech. Can the Cavs really hold on? Well I doubt it they haven't played any of those top 20 teams yet. Nonetheless this has been a remarkable turn around for the Cavaliers.

This week they beat Maryland 20-9. The defense has only given up 19 points in its last three games. Right now Virginia is still very much under the radar. If they beat Georgia Tech next week that will really catch people's attention.

8) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-3, 2-2). Last week's position: fourth.

The Deacs never had a chance in Death Valley. It started with ill advised on sides pooch kick that Clemson recovered, and led to a touchdown, and just never stopped. Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner spent most of the afternoon running for his life, and the Deacons only gained 178 total yards.

In the wild Atlantic the Deacs had an opportunity to distance themselves from the rest of the conference. It wasn't meant to be in the 38-3 loss. With Miami and Georgia Tech still on the schedule, the Deacs Atlantic division hopes may have ended today. I think they may have ended, but who knows in the Atlantic.

9) Florida State Seminoles (2-4, 0-3). Last week's position: ninth.

The Seminoles are still removing the tire marks after getting run over by Georgia Tech last week. They face the North Carolina Tar Heels Thursday night, with the season pretty much on the line. If FSU loses, Bobby Bowden may not want to go back to Tallahassee.

10) Duke Blue Devils (3-3, 1-1). Last week's position: tenth.

The Blue Devils bowl game quest continues Saturday when Maryland come to Durham. Do you think Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis is licking his chops readying to play that awful Maryland defense?

11) North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-4, 0-3). Last week's position: eleventh.

If you are a North Carolina State fan, you really have to start wondering about head coach Tom O' Brien. This is O' Brien's third season at NC St, with All-ACC QB Russel Wilson at the helm, and the Wolfpack are not getting any better. They have two straight-losing seasons under O' Brien and this year the Pack were expected to a major player in the ACC.

They are now 0-3 in the ACC after getting crushed at Boston College. The defense has been terrible the last two weeks, giving up a whopping 101 points to Duke and BC.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-5, 1-2). Last week's position: twelfth.

The Terps haven't quit and fought gamely in a 20-9 loss to Virginia, but fact is they just don't have much talent at Maryland. QB Chris Turner completed less than 50% and the Terps had four turnovers. It would be a miracle if Maryland made it to a bowl game.

A dangerous game at Duke is next.

What Happened Between Clemson Coaches Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier?

Jeffrey Fann — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:03:04 -0400

The hot topic coming out about Clemson this week was the rumored altercation between head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Billy Napier at last Wednesday's practice.

This has turned into an Internet mini-sensation.

There are reports of Swinney changing up to 25 of Napier's calls per game, and that during the final Clemson drive of the Maryland game, Dabo signaled a different call from Napier and didn't change the protection scheme, which resulted in a sack of quarterback Kyle Parker.

The reports go even so far as to claim that Napier is often unaware that Dabo is even changing the call. These are stemming from a handful of independent websites that I won't link because they are unsubstantiated rumors, but they did create enough of a buzz to have Swinney answer questions about it in this week's press conference.

In that regard, it became a legitimate story. What really happened then?

During Swinney's press conference he addressed the alleged rift. This has really been blown out of proportion.

Sounds like just a couple of coaches getting into it after a tough loss.

For Clemson, this is a good sign in my opinion. When losing becomes acceptable and coaches are satisfied with moral victories, you might as well hang it up and go home.

Both coaches stated the situation is old news. I can accept that and expect a highly-motivated Clemson squad Saturday against Wake Forest in a must-win situation.

The Tigers still are in the middle of the wide-open Atlantic Division race and can probably even afford a loss the following week at Miami. They can't afford to lose to Wake Forest.

ACC Football's Mid-Season Report

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:27:22 -0400

The College Football season is just about halfway over, and the ACC has had it shares of highs and lows. The Atlantic Division looks awful but is up for grabs. The Coastal Division has three top 20 teams, but could be virtually decided by the end of the weekend.

So how did the first half look?

Best Team: Virginia Tech Hokies

They led Alabama in the second half. They beat a good Nebraska team, and they are the only team to beat Miami.

The Hokies are still the class of the ACC, and now there are whispers of being a darkhorse national title contender. A road game at Georgia Tech is probably all that stands in the way of winning the ACC Coastal.

Biggest Surprise: Miami Hurricanes

If you thought Miami could go better than 2-2 in their first four games raise your hand. If you did, chances are you're a Hurricane fan, because no one else did. A season that started with Randy Shannon on the hot seat now looks like it could end with 10 or 11 wins.

Biggest Disappointment: Florida State Seminoles

At the start of the year, I thought Florida State was the second best team in the ACC behind Virginia Tech. In the first half no team lost more ACC or total games.

The Bobby Bowden saga is actually kind of sad to watch. Defense is merely suggestion. This was the school that produced the likes of Derrick Brooks and Deion Sanders. Times have changed.

Best Win: Miami Hurricanes 21, Oklahoma Sooners 20

This was one of the ACC's best wins in years. In prime time, playing a premier collegiate program, the Canes defeated the No. 8 ranked Sooners.

Miami fell behind 10-0 early, but never lost their poise, and stormed back for what could be a landmark victory for the Cane's program.

Worst Loss: William & Mary 26, Virginia 14

This loss wasn't just bad. It was humiliating for Virginia and the ACC.

William & Mary isn't even one of the historically better FCS programs. The Cavs committed seven turnovers in the double-digit defeat.

Give credit to Virginia though. They are on a nice little two-game winning streak, when it looked like they could have ended being one of the worst ACC teams ever seen.

Offensive MVP: Jacory Harris, Miami Hurricanes

Harris has been the catalyst behind Miami's resurgence. Last year he was a skinny freshman that couldn't win the starting quarterback job. This year he could be leading the best Canes team in years.

Best Newcomer: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech Hokies

With the season ending injury to Darren Evans, the Hokies were looking for someone to fill in. They found that someone in Ryan Williams.

He's already gained 764 yards on the ground and is first in the ACC and sixth in the nation in rushing. Can you imagine him and Evans in the same backfield next year?

Defensive MVP: Robert Quinn, North Carolina Tar Heels

On the ACC's number one defense, Robert Quinn has really stood out. He leads the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss. He also already has 20 solo tackles, nearly equalling his total of last year. Now if the Tar Heels could just find an offense.

Most Improved Player: Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

At the end of last season, Josh Nesbitt seemed to get a handle on Paul Johnson's triple option offense, but questions remained about his passing ability.

If you've watched Georgia Tech this year, you've seen Nesbitt become a real threat throwing the football. He is second in the ACC in passing efficiency, and leads the ACC with 11 yards per completion.

Coach of the First Half: Randy Shannon

It was behind Shannon's leadership that the Canes navigated a brutal start to the season to become a top 15 team. I've said it before. Parting ways with offensive coordinator Patrick Nix and hiring Mark Whipple were great moves.

Coastal Division Winner: Virginia Tech Hokies

It's pretty simple for Virginia Tech. If they win at Georgia Tech, they will hold the tiebreaker over Miami and Georgia Tech. North Carolina could push the Hokies, but that game is in Blacksburg, where the Hokies have been outstanding.

Atlantic Division Winner: Boston College Eagles

The Atlantic is a wide-open mess of mediocre teams. Clemson has a win over BC, but already has two ACC losses and has to play at Miami.

FSU and NC State are a combined 0-5 in the ACC, and does anyone really think Maryland can go on a run?

Wake Forest still has Miami and Georgia Tech to play.

The Eagles win this by default, because they have the easiest schedule left. Atlantic Division teams should be shooting for a 5-3 finish, as that will be conference record that wins the division.

ACC Winner: Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech, Miami, or Georgia Tech will be favorites playing any team from the Atlantic Division, and the Hokies are the best of the bunch.

Williams leads the rushing the attack, and Tyrod Taylor has really improved at quarterback. Bud Foster still coaches the defense, and Frank Beamer is still the head coach. What's not to like?

This article is also featured at All About Sports

Ranking the ACC After Week 6 of College Football.

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:55:10 -0400

Georgia Tech won a wild one in Tallahassee over the reeling Florida State Seminoles. Virginia Tech looked impressive in blowing out Boston College.

This sets up one of the ACC's biggest games of the season next week.

Virginia Tech is looking to get into the national title chase, and Georgia Tech wants to get back in the thick of the Coastal Division race.

The Virginia Cavaliers suddenly are playing a whole lot better, and smoked the Big 10's Indiana Hoosiers.

Previous All About SportsBlog Rankings
Pre-season |Wk 1|Wk 2|Wk 3 |Wk 4|Wk 5

1) Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1, 3-0) - Last week 1

The Hokies are starting to look scary good. That was a decent Boston College team they thumped 48-14 this past weekend.

Tyrod Taylor continues to improve as quarterback and led the Hokies to 441 total yards of offense, with 206 yards in the air and 235 on the ground. Ryan Williams had 159 rushing himself.

The defense, looking like a typical Bud Foster defense, held BC to only 163 total yards. Next week is an ACC showdown with offensively red-hot Georgia Tech.

2) Miami Hurricanes (4-1, 2-1) - Last Week 2

The Canes finally played a non-ranked opponent this week. Miami did what good teams do. Against Florida A&M they got up early then just cruised in the 48-16 win.

Miami also put up 470 yards of offense. Jacory Harris had an efficient game and was 16-for-24 with 217 yards passing and two touchdowns. Central Florida next week should be another breather for Miami, as the Canes will root big time for the Yellow Jackets to beat the Hokies.

3) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-1, 3-1) - Last Week 3

Paul Johnson and the Yellow Jackets wanted a legitimate shot at the ACC Coastal Division. Next week they get that opportunity against Virginia Tech.

Win and they are tied with Miami and Virginia Tech in the loss column, and the Coastal race would just be getting started. Oddly enough, Virginia would be the first place team.

Josh Nesbitt is playing outstanding football at quarterback. His recent ability to throw the ball will help open things up for the running game. The Jackets took everything the Noles had and still won 49-44.

The defense has to be concern though. Dave Wommack better figure something out on the defensive side of the ball. His defense has been downright awful at times this year.

4) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-2, 2-1) - Last Week 6

It's a big drop from the No. 3 team Georgia Tech to the No. 4 Wake Forest team. The Atlantic division is pretty bad, and the Deacs have as good a shot as anyone to win it. They came away with a 42-32 win over Maryland.

Riley Skinner had another big game throwing for 360 yards and four touchdowns. If Jacory Harris wasn't having such a good season, Skinner is probably your All-ACC First Team quarterback. Wake Forest is second in the ACC in total offense averaging 426 yards a game. A pivotal game is next week at Clemson.

5) North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2, 0-2) - Last Week 7

The Tar Heels are a tough team to figure out. How good are they really? The offense still has plenty of issues. In spite of beating Georgia Southern 42-12, the Heels only had 289 yards of total offense and punted six times.

North Carolina's defense is ranked No. 1 in the ACC and No. 5 in the nation. If the Heels are to make any noise in the ACC Coastal this year they can't fall to 0-3 in conference.

They face FSU on a Thursday Oct. 22. I still think this can be a really good team. The defense is great, they just need a little offense to go along with it.

6) Boston College Eagles (4-2, 2-2) - Last Week 4

The Eagles never had a chance in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech. They were down 34-0 at the half.

Coach Frank Spaziani might just want to forget this one and move on. BC only had 45 yards rushing and 118 yards passing. If Boston College can comeback and defeat NC State next week at home, they'd still be in very solid position to contend for the Atlantic Division title.

7) Clemson Tigers (2-3, 1-2) - Last Week 9

In the Atlantic Division, if you don't play, you move up in the rankings. If the Tigers can find any semblance of an offense, they can still be a big factor in the Atlantic.

They cannot afford a loss to Wake Forest Saturday. I'd suggest getting the ball into the hands of C.J. Spiller as much as possible.

8) Virginia Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0) - Last Week 11

What has gotten into the Cavaliers? A 47-point, 536 yard explosion against Indiana was not something I expected.

This offense came in ranked 117th in nation. Jameel Sewelllooks locked in at quarterback, and Mikell Simpson had four touchdown runs. The Cavs have a winnable home game at Maryland next week.

That gives them a decent chance to get to 3-3, and 2-0 in the conference. A Virginia Tech loss, and the Virginia Cavaliers would sit atop the Coastal Division. This was unthinkable a month ago. Question for Cav fans ... If the Cavaliers make it to a bowl, do you want Al Groh to stay?

9) Florida State Seminoles (2-4, 0-3) - Last Week 8

How do you lose scoring 44 points, gain over 500 yards on offense, and score touchdowns the first five times you have the ball?

When you play defense as badly as Florida State, that's how.

I never thought I'd see a Mickey Andrews defense ranked 108th in the nation and dead last in the ACC. Still, this team hasn't lost a game by more than 10 points, and isn't that far from being 4-2, or 5-1.

The Noles only have two more home games. Outside of a game at Florida, there isn't a game left for FSU they can't win. A 5-1 finish wouldn't shock me, but neither would 1-5. Christian Ponder is as good as advertised at quarterback.

More hard questions are going to hit Bobby Bowden about his future this week. Next game is with UNC in just under two weeks.

10) Duke Blue Devils (3-3, 1-1) - Last Week 12

The Blue Devils went to NC State and pounded the Wolfpack 49-28 to even their record at 3-3. Just another indication of how much better the Coastal Division is over the Atlantic Division.

Thaddeous Lewis had a monster game throwing for 459 yards. I guess he didn't like how head coach David Cutcliffe was starting to split the QB duties with backup Sean Renfree.

I bet the Blue Devils wish they could have back that loss to Richmond. That could be the difference between Duke going to a bowl game or not. The Blue Devils are going to give teams headaches all year with that solid passing offense they have.

In two weeks, they get Maryland at home.

11) North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-3, 0-2) - Last Week 6

This was supposed to be a darkhorse ACC title contender? Are they really the ACC's 11th best team?

After getting creamed by Duke at home, how can I have them higher? Other teams are just playing better.

They have now lost two games in a row, and in the stats mean nothing category, they are ranked second in the ACC in defense. The Blue Devils just dropped over 500 yards of offense on them.

This team has got work to do to get bowl eligible. Other than a home win over Pittsburgh, they have no other wins of note. Their next two games are on the road at Boston College and at Florida State. Two wins and they can win the Atlantic, two losses and they probably won't go to a bowl game.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-4, 1-1) - Last Week 10

Well the Terps were back to being the Terps. Wake Forest scored 42 points and ran up over 500 yards of offense on them.

Did some ACC defenses just take the week off?

Maryland's 102nd ranked defense has been taking most of the season off. They get surging Virginia at home next week.

Looking Back at my Five College Football Surprise Team Predictions

Jeffrey Fann — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:29:43 -0400

We are nearly halfway through with the college football season. Wow, it goes so fast! Let's see how well some of my preseason predictions were.

I'd like to see more people own to up to their predictions. I am here to do it.

In May, I named five teams that I said could surprise on my blog and here on Bleacher Report.

There is still time for these teams to change their season good or bad, here are the early returns.

We'll have an accuracy rating of Hit or Miss.

Clemson Tigers

Most people were on the fence about new head Dabo Swinney when the season started. Was he too inexperienced? I felt Swinney was a strong motivator and recruiter, and if he could get the offense going, Clemson could be one of the better teams in the ACC.

So far, it's not going that way. I expected a loss to Georgia Tech, and maybe TCU, but the Maryland loss has really sent this season in the wrong direction. There's still time to turn it around, but Swinney's offense is struggling—to say the least. Kyle Parker is not progressing as quickly as hoped at quarterback, and the there aren't many plays being made by anyone on offense not named C.J Spiller or Jacoby Ford.

Accuracy Rating: Miss

Auburn Tigers

Like Swinney, many folks were on the fence about new Tigers coach Gene Chizik. All Chizik has done is get the Tigers off to a 5-0 start, with a 2-0 start in the SEC.

As times, the offense last year was as bad as the offense this year is good. Chris Todd has a quarterback rating of 160.8 with 12 touchdown passes and only one interception. Running Back Ben Tate has 540 yards rushing, and the offense is averaging 41 points a game. With Arkansas and Kentucky next, Auburn could be 7-0 before a date with LSU.

Accuracy Rating - Hit

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish aren't blowing people away, but they are winning and that's what counts. They are sitting at 4-1 after five games. The offense is currently 10th in the nation.

Quarterback Jimmy Clauson seems to finally be coming into his own. He's completing 67 percent of his passes and has over 1500 yards passing. Golden Tate is one of the country's better receivers. He already has 602 yards on the year.

There are still landmines on the schedule, with USC and a surprising Boston College team in the next two weeks, but other than that the schedule is manageable. I'm calling this one a hit for now.

Accuracy Rating - Hit

Michigan Wolverines

I said the winner of the Notre Dame\Michigan game would win eight-plus games, and I'm sticking to it. Michigan is the only team to beat the Irish so far, and comes in at 4-1.

Rich Rodriguez has found his quarterback of the future with Tate Forcier. Only a freshman, Forcier has been solid and is only going to get better.

Questions remain about a defense that ranks 91st in the nation, but after the 3-9 disaster last season, the Wolverines are on their way to more than doubling that win total.

Accuracy Rating - Hit

California Golden Bears

OK, I missed this one badly. I really thought Jeff Tedford's bunch was going to take the next step up to BCS contender, but like clockwork the Bears didn't reach their lofty expectations.

The Bears have been outscored 72-6 in their last two games, both losses to Oregon and USC. A backfield with Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen is only ranked 41st in the country. What's gone wrong?

The passing game has not been good. Kevin Riley has a passer rating in the 70s for his last two games. He has not thrown a touchdown in either game. He's completed just 17 of his last 71 passes. The chance of making it to the Rose Bowl is now virtually gone. Tedford will have to rally the troops before the season becomes a total loss.

Accuracy Rating - Miss

Ranking the ACC after Week 5 of College Football action.

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:54:00 -0400

What a win for the Miami Hurricanes over the Oklahoma Sooners! Congratulations to the Canes on a great win for their program and the ACC. Georgia Tech stepped out of conference and went on the road to play at the SEC's Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Yellow Jackets picked up a solid win there. UNC and Clemson are close to playing themselves out of their division races.

Previous Rankings
Pre-season |Wk 1|Wk 2|Wk 3 |Wk 4

1) Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1, 2-0) - Last Week 1
The Hokies got the expected letdown against Duke after their route of Miami last week, but still defeated the Blue Devils 34-26. Right now the top 3 teams on this list are starting to separate themselves from the pack, and the Hokies still lead the way. The key to Virginia Tech’s season has always been the development of QB Tyrod Taylor and Saturday he had 327 yards through the air. The defense though outside of last week has look suspect especially to the pass. Thaddeus Lewis of Duke threw for 359 yards. Next up for the Hokies is a resurgent Boston College team that no one can overlook.

2) Miami Hurricanes (3-1, 2-1) - Last Week 3
Miami moving ahead of Georgia Tech is not a slight on the Yellow Jackets at all. Paul Johnson’s boys are starting to put it together, but when you beat the Oklahoma Sooners 21-20, and start the year 3-1 after playing 4 teams that were ranked when you played them, then you deserve some respect. The defense is flying around like its 1991. The schedule gets much easier now. Take a look at Miami’s schedule, there’s not a team left that the Canes won’t be favored against. Randy Shannon did a tremendous job getting the Hurricanes ready after the tough loss last week in Blacksburg. Jacory Harris is the ACC's offensive MVP so far this season.

3) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-1, 2-1) - Last Week 2
Somebody learned how to throw the football. Josh Nesbitt had his best game throwing the football since he’s been at Georgia Tech. He was 11 out 14 for 266 yards and 1 TD. We will have to see if Nesbitt can deliver this on a consistent basis, but he just gave ACC Defensive coordinators a whole lot to think about now. Keep an eye on WR on Stephen Hill. He’s become a valuable compliment to WR Demaryous Thomas. A comfortable 42-31 win over decent SEC team Mississippi St in Starkville, has been one of the ACC’s better wins this year. Up next is a reeling Florida State team. Everyone knows the Noles though are perfectly capable of turning it on at any time. The tackling in the Miss. State was a little sloppy so the Jackets will want to clean that up.

4) Boston College Eagles (4-1, 2-1) - Last Week 6
From surprise to ACC Atlantic Contenders the Eagles are making believers out of everyone. The Eagles played an inspired game against FSU; motivated by the great news that former linebacker Mark Herzlich is virtually cancer free. RB Montel Harris had a very good game running for 179 yards on 25 carries. 25 year old freshman David Shinskie is looking better and better each week at quarterback. He threw for 203 yards and 2 TDs. Frank Spaziani has done an outstanding job so far in his first year as head coach of BC.

5) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-2, 1-1) - Last Week 9
As usual Jim Grobe and the Deacs are the team few people talk about, but after defeating NC State they are right in the thick of the ACC Atlantic race. Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner threw for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns. Skinner has never received the notoriety he deserves. He's one good quarterback. The Deacs have a critical home game with Maryland next week. Wake Forest needs to keep the momentum going against the Terps in a game that now looks much tougher than it did a week ago.

6) North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1) - Last Week 4
Just when you thought NC State ready to stamp itself as the Atlantic division favorite, they up and lose. Russel Wilson threw his first interception in over a year, and the Wolfpack gave up 361 yards in the air. I think we are starting to see what the Wolfpack will be this year. With Wilson at quarterback, they will usually put points on the board, but this team isn't capable of overwhelming any of the decent opponents on their schedule. They should be able to handle Duke next week though.

7) North Carolina Tar Heels (3-2, 0-2) - Last Week 5
What’s wrong with the Tar Heels on offense? Losing at Georgia Tech was one thing, but losing at home to a Virginia team with a possible lame duck coach was just inexcusable. This was a team that supposed to contend in the Coastal, but is virtually out of the division race in the first week of October. When your leading rusher only gains 25 yards, and your entire offense has only 174 total, it doesn’t matter how good your defense is. The Heels have a chance to get well with FCS team Georgia Southern upcoming.

8) Florida State Seminoles (2-3, 0-2) - Last Week 8
More inconsistent play from Florida State. Get down 21-6 1st half, and then tie it up at 21 in the 2nd half only to lose. What can you say? I still think this team is one of the more talented in the ACC, but they just don’t play sound fundamental football. Good enough to come within a play of beating a strong Miami team, good enough to crush BYU on the road, but bad enough to lose 3 times in their first 5 games. They could come out next week and beat Georgia Tech by 2 touchdowns or lose by 2 touchdowns. It might be time for Bobby Bowden to just ease into retirement and let someone else just sort this mess out.

9) Clemson Tigers (2-3, 1-2) - Last Week 7
The more things change the more they stay the same at Clemson. Tommy Bowdon is gone, but the Tigers came up with their first inexplicable loss of the Dabo Swinney era, a 21-24 loss to Maryland. These were kind of games that drove Tiger fans crazy in the past. It’s far to early to call this a trend of any sort for Swinney, but it’s going to be a rough 2 weeks until the Tigers next game against Wake Forest. I checked out the Clemson message board after the game, and one describes what I read… meltdown. The offense needs work. It needs a lot of work.

10) Maryland Terrapins (2-3, 1-0) - Last Week 11
Left for dead the, the Terps came up with by far their best performance of the season, a 24-21 victory over the Clemson Tigers. The much-maligned Maryland defense held Clemson to 274 total yards and only 81 on the ground. Maryland QB Chris Turner was an efficient 19 for 26 for 215 yards. In spite of the rough start to the season, Maryland is the only undefeated team in the Atlantic Division. With a game at Wake Forest next week, the Terps have an opportunity to really turn their season around. A 2-0 start would shockingly have Maryland in very solid position in the Atlantic.

11) Virginia Cavaliers (1-3, 1-0) - Last Week 12
Left for dead the, the Cavaliers came up with by far their best performance of the season, a 16-3 win at North Carolina. Hmm.. That sentence sounds familiar. Just as shocking as Maryland the Cavaliers find themselves and Virginia Tech as the only in conference undefeated teams in the ACC Coastal Division. A defense that hadn't held any opponent to less than 26 points, only gives up 3 points and 174 yards to UNC. I said last week I thought Virginia would upset someone, but I didn't see it coming this soon. Running back Mikell Simpson had 100 yards rushing. A winnable game with Indiana is next.

12) Duke Blue Devils (2-3, 0-1) - Last Week 10
Duke played a very respectable game against Virginia Tech this past week. The passing game looked crisp going for 359 yards against the Hokies. Did you know the Dukies lead the ACC in passing yardage per game at 285 yards, and are 16th in the nation in the same category? Right now I could interchange any of the bottom three teams 10-12. One of them will make a bowl game. Which one will it be?

The Honeymoon is Over for Clemson's Dabo Swinney

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:17:00 -0400

Last year Dabo Swinney went 4-3 in the seven games he coached, but he beat South Carolina and got Clemson to the Gator Bowl. This year the Tigers lost to then #15 ranked Georgia Tech, but made a spirited comeback from down 24-7 to nearly win in a 30-27 loss. Top 20 TCU was an opportunity for Clemson to make a statement. They didn't; and lost 14-10, but the defense looked good and Clemson was still very much in the ACC race. You could sense Tiger fans getting a little nervous, but still they were still mostly "All In" with Dabo Swinney.

Then came an absolutely inexcusable 24-21 loss to Maryland. The Terps hadn't given up less than 32 points in any of their first four games. Suddenly the Tigers made the Terps look like they had an actual defense, scoring only 21 points, missing FG after FG, and failing time after time in the redzone. Ralph Friedgen even gift wrapped a possession for the Tigers by going for it on 4th down inside his 40 late in the game. The Tigers couldn't convert.

Mr. Swinney say hello to your first week answering tough questions, dealing with unabated criticism, and getting to face for the first time some really angry Clemson fans.

They are going show you know no mercy now. You have just lost to a team the LA Times called the worst in Division 1 football. Offensive coordinator Billy Napier you might as well get prepared for it too. It's your offense that is unable to score points with playmakers like Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller on your team.

With a BYE week coming up, before playing Wake Forest, the scrutiny you two are about feel is going unlike anything you've ever known. Those open practices, beating South Carolina, forget it, because the honeymoon is over.

Is Clemson out of the ACC race? Mathematically no. Guess what, though. You are staring up at the Maryland Terrapins now. You have to beat both NC State and Florida State and hope for some luck. A season that started with the promise of tougher football, a chance at contending in the ACC is now on the brink of spiraling out of control.

I think the question of the week is who is going to have a tougher week?

Will it be Butch Davis at UNC after losing to Virginia or Swinney. Davis and Swinney better get ready for what's about to ensue.

Clemson loses to TCU: Where do the Tigers go from here?

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:12:24 -0400

Since arriving at Clemson, Head Coach Dabo Swinney still has yet to beat a ranked team. The Tigers were not able to defeat the No. 15 ranked TCU Horned Frogs in a 14-10 loss.

This is the kind of victory that has eluded Swinney, and one I felt would have been important to the team's development. A couple of things first, TCU is really good team. There isn't anyone left on the Tiger's schedule that play defense as good as Gary Patterson's squad.

The defeat did raise some questions though that we will try to answer.

Why can't Clemson beat a ranked team under Swinney?

Last season Clemson lost to Florida State, Georgia Tech, and this year Georgia Tech again, and TCU so far. I'd throw in the Nebraska loss in the Gator Bowl. The Cornhuskers were a fringe top 25 team. The Tigers lost them all. Shouldn't there have been a win or two in there somewhere?

Without going into each game, this has been a mentally fragile team since the Alabama loss last year. Cullen Harper struggled last year at QB, and Kyle Parker is only in his first year starting. Usually these kinds of games are close, and if your offense can't get it done in crunch time you aren't going to win. It doesn't help that the Tigers don't have much of a receiving corp. The Tigers just aren't getting contributions from the other receivers outside Jacoby Ford. You still haven't seen the best of QB Kyle Parker. His progress has slowed, but I'm expecting him to improve. This win will come.

What's wrong with the offense?

In the previous question I alluded to the problem. There just isn't anyone to throw the ball to. The receivers outside of Ford aren't creating separation. That's why C.J Spiller is such a part of the passing game. He's easily one of the two best pass catchers on the team. I think Swinney and OC Billy Napier need to utilize TE Michael Palmer more. He has the best hands of any of the receivers including Ford. As long as the passing game sputters, teams will start to stack the line daring Clemson to throw. If the Tigers struggle against a bad Maryland defense, then Swinney might have offensive overhaul on his hands.

Can the Tiger's still win the Atlantic Division?

Sure why not? Florida State has talent, but can't bring consistent effort. NC State and QB Russel Wilson seem to be getting their offense going, but does anyone really think the Wolfpack won't lose at least a couple of ACC games?

Wake Forest and BC already have Atlantic division losses. Clemson's defense under Kevin Steele has been outstanding. They just need to get the offense going. TCU's defense can make a lot good offenses look bad. Had the Tiger's beat them, I would have made them the Atlantic Division favorites, but there's still time make corrections. Take care of Maryland then the Tigers get a week off before Wake Forest at home. They are still very much alive in the ACC Atlantic.

This article is also featured at All About Sports

Ranking the ACC after Week 4 of College Football Action

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:48:38 -0400

Pop! That's the sound of Miami's bubble bursting after running into an absolute buzzsaw in Blacksburg. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Hokies are still the team to beat in the ACC. Georgia Tech has a nice win over North Carolina, and what the heck is up with Florida State losing badly to South Florida?

Previous Rankings

Pre-season

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

1) Virginia Tech Hokies (3-1, 1-0) - Last Week 1

That was impressive, Virginia Tech. Scratch FSU's win over BYU as the ACC's best performance this year, because this was better.

Miami came in red hot, with all the national hype. Virginia Tech's defense looked like its worst in years.

A 31-7 beating of the Canes later, and Hokies remain the ACC's best team, just like they've been most of the last half decade. The Hokies defense held Miami's offense to only 209 total yards, and 59 on the ground.

You can say the weather affected Miami, but Virginia Tech was on a mission today.

2) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-1, 2-1) - Last Week 5

Paul Johnson had to be pleased with the Jackets performance in a 24-7 win over previously unbeaten North Carolina. Georgia Tech churned out 317 yards on the ground, in their best game of the year.

Tech's defense only gave up 154 total yards. Johnson and DC Dave Wommack switched from a 4-2-5 defense to a 4-3-4, and simplified the defensive playcalling. It seemed to work.

Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer who had been off to a slow start, had 158 yards rushing. Next week, the Jackets step out of the conference to play Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are a team Georgia Tech can't overlook.

3) Miami Hurricanes (2-1, 2-1) - Last Week 2

It was a bad loss to Virginia Tech, but I'm willing to give the Canes the benefit of the doubt. That was a really motivated, angry Hokie squad Miami ran into. The Hurricanes will be factor all season in the ACC Coastal.

They just have to hope someone will knock off the Hokies. Not much more to add on this one for Miami. Randy Shannon should just throw away the tape and get ready for Oklahoma next week.

4) North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-1, 0-0) - Last Week 8

NC State makes the biggest move of the week. The Wolfpack had a solid 38-31 win over one of the Big East's top teams, the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Since a 7-3 loss to South Carolina that doesn't look so bad now, the Pack is averaging an astonishing 49 points a game.

NC State quarterback Russell Wilson had 322 yards passing and extended his NCAA record of passes without an interception to 364.

Suddenly, with FSU trying to find some consistency, and Clemson trying to find an offense, the Wolfpack could be the Atlantic's team to beat.

5) North Carolina Tar Heels (3-1, 0-1) - Last Week 3

North Carolina has a better defense that what it showed today. They gave up 406 total yards today, and couldn't get Georgia Tech off the field.

The Yellow Jackets held the ball for 42 minutes. That didn't help an offense that didn't play well at all. The Heels had just 17 rushing yards and 8 first downs.

With Virginia coming to Chapel Hill next week, North Carolina has an opportunity to get the offensive problems corrected. I would start by continuing to get the ball WR Erik Highsmith who looks like a star in the making.

With Virginia Tech and Miami left to play down the road, the Heels are not out of the ACC Coastal race by any stretch.

This article is also featured at: All About Sports

6) Boston College Eagles (3-1, 1-1) - Last Week 7

Boston College continues to be the most surprising team in the ACC. With all the off-season issues they've had and the trouble finding a quarterback, Frank Spaziani's squad could have easily packed it in this season.

Instead, the Eagles find themselves 3-1. Even though BC surrendered 496 total yards to Wake Forest, they stopped the Deacs from scoring in overtime.

QB Dave Shinskie had three TD tosses. If BC beats Florida State next week, I think you could argue the Eagles are one of the nation's most surprising teams.

7) Clemson Tigers (2-2, 1-1) - Last Week 6

No shame in the Tigers losing to a solid TCU team. Head Coach Dabo Swinney has still never beaten a ranked team, though.

A win here, I think could have given Clemson some real momentum for season, instead the Tigers have to figure out what's the problem with the offense.

QB Kyle Parker's development seems to have stalled. Jacoby Ford is the only Clemson receiver who's played with any consistency so far.

The defense is rock solid, but if the Tigers want to contend in the ACC, the offense will need to be more than just C.J Spiller and Ford. Clemson's offense should get well against an atrocious Maryland defense next week.

8) Florida State Seminoles (2-2, 0-1) - Last Week 4

What is wrong the Noles? After blowing out BYU last week, Florida State was simply a no-show against a South Florida team that just wanted it more.

The Noles only had 19 rushing yards. That's completely unacceptable for a team that was supposed to have one of the ACC's best offensive lines.

I was totally wrong about the Noles. I thought they were on the verge of returning to the Seminoles of old. There's talent at Florida State, but these guys just don't play with any sense of urgency or heart at times.

If Noles played as hard as BC did, they'd be 4-0. It'll be an interesting game next week when the two hook up.

9) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-2, 0-1) - Last Week 9

It's not real clear which way the Deacs are headed. Wake Forest has wins over Elon and Stanford and closes losses to Baylor and BC.

Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner had 354 yards through the air against BC, and Wake Forest had 142 on the ground.

It was a pretty good effort on the offensive side of the ball, until Wake fumbled inside the BC five in overtime. Next up for Wake is an NC State team that is rolling on offense.

10) Duke Blue Devils (2-2, 0-0) - Last Week 10

Duke evened its record to 2-2 with a 49-14 win over FCS school North Carolina Central. Duke had 487 yards of total offense and the defense held the Eagles to 181 yards.

Freshman running back Desmond Scott had 100 yards rushing. The Blue Devils get a major step up in competition when Virginia Tech comes to Durham next week.

11) Maryland Terrapins (1-3, 0-0) - Last Week 11

Wow, Maryland is awful. I thought it would be a rough season for the Terps, but I can't believe a Ralph Friedgen-coached team is this bad.

You have only 28 yards rushing against a mediocre Rutgers team and you have Da'rel Scott as your running back? The defense is downright one of the worst in Division 1 football. It's going to a long season in College Park.

12) Virginia Cavaliers (0-3, 0-0) - Last Week 12

How's the Cavs' coaching search is going? They get to play an angry UNC team next week.

This article is also featured at: All About Sports

Key Week Four Games Will Prove Pivotal In the ACC Coastal Race

Jeffrey Fann — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:41:00 -0400

When the 2009 season is complete, college football fans may look at two Week Four ACC Coastal matchups as the games that turned the Coastal division title chase into the most competitive four-team race in college football.

No. 22 North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech

What a win means for North Carolina:

The Tar Heels have been flying under radar during the early part of the season, but they are 3-0. I'm not sure if the nation is quite yet sold on Butch Davis's squad. A win on the road at Georgia Tech would establish UNC as a legitimate ACC Title threat. They would also have a likely 6-0 start and top 15 ranking before a major showdown with Florida State. After the Jackets the Heels face a struggling Virginia team, and FCS team Georgia Southern, so you see Georgia Tech is all that stands between the Heels and their best start since Mack Brown roamed the sidelines. Even with a loss, the Tar Heels will hardly be out of the Coastal race. They will still have the opportunity to play Virginia Tech and Miami later in the season.

What a win means for Georgia Tech:

This is the season for Georgia Tech. As I wrote on the Raycom Sports Georgia Tech blog, This is an absolute must win for the Jackets. A week ago Georgia Tech was ranked in the top 15 and this week they are fighting for their Coastal division lives. Last year Virginia Tech won the Coastal Division with three losses. It's a long season, but I simply don't see a three-loss division champion this year. Miami, Virginia Tech and North Carolina are too good of teams to have that happen. If Georgia Tech loses Saturday that will drop them to 1-2 in the ACC, with losses already to Miami and UNC. Even if they beat Virginia Tech, that's just too much to overcome. If Jackets can defeat UNC, then throw them right back in the thick of the ACC. Paul Johnson and Defensive coordinator Dave Wommack are already working on switching defensive schemes from the 4-2-5 to the simpler 4-3-4. After the Miami offense ripped the Georgia Tech defense apart something had to be done. If the Jackets lose, they can start making reservations to a middle to lower tier ACC bowl, because there won't be any ACC Title.

No. 11 Virginia Tech versus No. 9 Miami

What a win means for Virginia Tech:

Virginia Tech has been the ACC's dominant team the last several years. They are coming off a last-second win over a good Nebraska Cornhusker team and putting the Alabama loss behind them. For the Hokies the game with Canes is one of the few really tough ones they play. While Virginia Tech played a strong OOC schedule, they get a break in the ACC. They avoid both Clemson and Florida State from the Atlantic Division, and get Miami and North Carolina at home. Miami is coming in red hot, and will really challenge a Bud Foster defense, that is uncharacteristically ranked 77th in the nation, and is 107th in the nation against the run. The Hokies give up almost 200 yards rushing a game. If the Hokies win, they remain the team to beat in the ACC.

What a win means for Miami:

Beating Florida State was a great start. Then the Canes defeat Georgia Tech handily, and now people are really starting to wonder is the U back? I'm not quite ready to say that yet. Miami is a very good team, but FSU is a schizophrenic squad, and the Yellow Jackets have all kinds of defensive issues. Go to Blacksburg and win, any remaining doubters including myself will have to admit the U is indeed back. What I will say is that quarterback Jacory Harris is the real deal. Nobody in the ACC is playing the quarterback position better than he is. Randy Shannon's hiring of new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple has been nothing short of one of the best off season moves by any head coach in the ACC. Whipple's play calling has been light years of ahead of the previous offensive coordinator Partick Nix's. If the Hurricanes beat Virginia Tech, it will setup a monster game with the Oklahoma Sooners. That will be the biggest game they will have seen in Miami in nearly a decade, and the Canes will be the front runners in the ACC Coastal race.

Opportunity Awaits the Clemson Tigers this Saturday Against TCU

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:23:00 -0400

This Saturday the Clemson Tigers take on the No. 15 Texas Christian Horned Frogs. Head coach Dabo Swinney got the Tigers to a bowl last season, he beat rival South Carolina, and he's got the Tigers off to a promising 2-1 start. What Swinney has not done yet is beat a ranked team. The Tigers and Swinney get that opportunity this weekend.

Why does this game matter?

It's only an over ranked mid-major Mountain West opponent. If you've watched any college football the last five years you know that programs like Boise St., Utah, BYU, Fresno St., and TCU among others are as legitimate as any major college programs in the country.

Already this year BYU beat Oklahoma, and Boise St. defeated Oregon. I've read where the Tigers lockerroom TVs had a countdown to the TCU game. So you know it matters to the Tigers team. I believe this is the kind of game that could catapult the Tiger's season, but it won't be easy.

TCU has won 16 of their last 18 games, with victories during that span over Virginia, Boise St, BYU, and Stanford. They are coached by Gary Patterson, and have been full time since the end of 2000.

Patterson has won over 70 percent of his games. The Horned Frogs are a very well coached squad, and possess one the nation's toughest defenses. You know the Horned Frogs look at this game as an opportunity too. TCU relishes any chance to try and beat a major conference team.

What you'll see in this game are some of the most talented defensive ends in the country. Clemson's Ricky Sapp looks fully healed and was named ACC defensive player of week. Opposite of Sapp is the athletic Da'quan Bowers. TCU comes back with Jerry Hughes. At 6-2, 257 pounds, Hughes had 15 sacks last year, and is capable of disrupting offenses all by himself.

Clemson comes in playing some great defense under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele too. They held Boston College to 54 total yards last week. Quarterback Kyle Parker did not have a great game. He threw two interceptions, but I wouldn't be overly concerned. Parker's best days are ahead of him. C.J. Spiller has been suffering a bit of a toe injury, but is expected to play.

If the Tiger's can defeat TCU, it will be best team that the Tiger's under Swinney have beaten. It's not a conference game, but they will have earned that early season signature win.

After TCU, the Tigers have a two winnable games at Maryland then at home against Wake Forest. The Tigers could be 5-1 with a top 20 ranking with a monster showdown down in Miami.

Before we get ahead of ourselves though it starts with a strong TCU squad this weekend. Clemson the opportunity is there to make a statement for the ACC and your team.

Ranking the ACC After Week Three of College Football Action

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:10:00 -0400

Now that's more like it for the ACC. Virginia Tech and Florida State gave the ACC two very strong out of conference wins this week.

Virginia Tech beats a good Nebraska team, and Florida State pounds a solid BYU squad by 26 in Provo. Not all was good news for the ACC, as Maryland loses to Middle Tennessee for the second straight year.

Previous Rankings

Pre-season

Wk 1

Wk 2

1) Virginia Tech Hokies (2-1, 0-0). Last Week: 2

No ACC team has played tougher out of conference schedule in the early part of the season than the Hokies. First Alabama, then a decent matchup with Marshall, and then a rapidly rebuilding Nebraska squad.

The Hokies pull out the win over the Cornhuskers, 16-15, with a Tyrod Taylor 11-yard touchdown pass to Dyrell Roberts with 21 seconds left.

Nebraska had more yards on offense, more first downs, and ran more plays, and Virginia Tech still found a way to win. The Hokies usually get better as the season progress, and have a major showdown with Miami next week in Blacksburg.

2) Miami Hurricanes (2-0, 2-0). Last Week: 3

I'm convinced; Miami is for real, and quarterback Jacory Harris is on his way to become a star. The Hurricanes dismantled the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in every phase of the game this Thursday night. The offense looked crisp, and the defense held the Jackets to 95 yards rushing.

I didn't think there was any way Miami could start better than 2-2, and they already have the two wins so far. The winner of the Miami/Virginia Tech game becomes the early Coastal favorite, though a loss eliminates neither.

3) North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0, 0-0). Last Week: 4

So far, the Heels defense has been carrying them. They have only given up 33 points through three games. If the offense starts to come around, then suddenly the Heels become an extremely dangerous team that no one is talking about.

I like what I saw on Saturday—a 31-17 victory over East Carolina. The Heels had 285 yards passing and 148 on the ground in a balanced attack.

Next week the Heels head to Atlanta where they face a Georgia Tech team with all kinds of defensive line issues. Expect UNC quarterback T.J. Yates to take it to the air early and often.

4) Florida State Seminoles (2-1, 0-1). Last Week: 7

Which team is Florida State—the one that gave up 34 to Miami in a loss, or the one that struggled with Jacksonville State, or the one that produced the ACC's best win of the season?

FSU had a 54-28 win over the No. 7-ranked BYU team that had an 18-game home winning streak to boot. The Noles churned out 514 yards of offense and 313 on the ground.

Any team that is capable of a performance like that is capable of winning the ACC. South Florida is up next and we will see which Noles team shows up.

5) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-1, 1-1). Last Week: 1

It's seems odd to say it, but if Georgia Tech doesn't win next week against North Carolina at home, they will be virtually eliminated from the ACC Coastal race before October. They simply ran into a buzzsaw in Miami, and couldn't match the Canes' intensity.

I'm really not that worried about the offense. It will have better games, but it does need work. What really worries me is the defensive line. It was a concern before the season started and now it's a major problem.

Miami manhandled Tech up front. What's defensive coordinator Dave Wommack going to come up with to get pressure on opposing QB's?

He better think of something quick, because right now with the exception of DE Derrick Morgan, the rest of the D-line are a liability on every single down.

Starting DE Robert Hall looks like he'll be out several weeks with a knee injury. That's more bad news for the struggling D-line.

6) Clemson Tigers (2-1, 1-1). Last Week: 5

Clemson did nothing to warrant a drop in the rankings. It was only a product of the impressive FSU win that got the Tigers leap-frogged. I think the Tigers are headed very much in the right direction.

QB Kyle Parker struggled a little bit Saturday, but the Tigers didn't really need him because the defense played lights-out against Boston College in a 25-7 victory.

Kevin Steele's defense only gave up four first downs and 54 yards in total. Up next is BCS Buster TCU. I expected a victory over BC, but if Clemson beats TCU, they could really get rolling.

7) Boston College Eagles (2-1, 0-1). Last Week: 6

I'm not really sure what to think of Boston College at this point. I think defensively this is a pretty solid team.

They held Clemson to 253 total yards, but couldn't muster anything on offense. Justin Tuggle got the majority of the time at quarterback but threw three interceptions.

Ask me about Boston College this time next week after an important game with Wake Forest. Neither Wake or BC will contend for an ACC Title, but this game could determine bowl pecking order later this year.

8) North Carolina State Wolfpack (2-1, 0-0). Last Week: 8

The Wolfpack seemed to have worked out their offensive issues. After scoring only three points in their first game against South Carolina, NC State managed 110 in their last two.

It was against two FCS schools, but with the way some ACC schools have struggled with FCS teams you can't totally dismiss it. Saturday was 45-14 win over Gardner-Webb.

Russell Wilson set the NCAA record for the most passes thrown without an interception as well. The Wolfpack get a good test next week with the Pitt Panthers coming to Raleigh.

9) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-1, 0-0). Last Week: 9

The Deacs followed up last week's win over Stanford with an easy victory over FCS school Elon 35-7.

Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner was 14-20 for 289 yards and one touchdown in an efficient game. The gap between the No. 9 team on this list and No. 10 is pretty big.

Looking for what should be a competitive but under the radar game next week? Try Boston College vs. Wake Forest in Boston.

10) Duke Blue Devils (1-2, 0-0). Last Week: 10

Maybe Duke, Maryland, and Virginia should just engage in a round robin pillow fight. I think you can just interchange the three for the bottom three ACC positions.

At least Duke has a Division I win to its credit. Duke was no match for a good Kansas squad in a 44-16 loss.

What's interesting for Duke is what is developing at the QB position. Sean Renfree is getting much more playing time, and was 14-of-23 for 115 yards and a TD today. Thad Lewis is still starting, but Renfree is getting plenty of opportunities.

11) Maryland Terrapins (1-2, 0-0). Last Week: 11

Maryland's defense is terrible. The 32 points they gave up to Middle Tennessee is the fewest points they have given up this year in a 32-31 loss to the Blue Raiders. That's two years in a row the Terps have lost to Middle Tennessee.

Maryland wasn't expected to be good, but I don't think anyone thought they'd be this bad. A mediocre Rutgers squad comes to College Park next week.

12) Virginia Cavaliers (0-3, 0-0) - Last Week 12

I'll give the Cavs credit for one thing: They haven't quit. Virginia actually showed they have a pulse in their 37-34 loss to a pretty decent Southern Miss team.

Quarterback Jameel Sewell had 312 yards passing in a good effort. Maybe just maybe the Cavs team is starting to pick up their new spread offense.

They get a bye week to regroup before a game with North Carolina. It's not like the Cavs will go on without a win. I don't see that happening.

They are going to upset somebody later this year.

What's Wrong With The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets?

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:34:00 -0400

Well I just returned from Miami, and I have been thinking about what I was going to write after witnessing the 33-17 victory for Canes over the Jackets. If you saw the game you know it wasn't that close.

A week ago I wrote an article, where I thought the Jackets were still on track for an ACC title, and that the second half of the Clemson game was just a hiccup. Unfortunately it wasn't just hiccup and now the Yellow Jackets are facing a must win situation against North Carolina next Saturday or face being eliminated from the ACC race before October.

What the heck the happened down there? Are the Canes that good? Have teams figured out Paul Johnson's offense? Was Miami just highly motivated to beat Georgia Tech? Are the Jackets holes defensively just too big to cover up? Is it a combination of all of the above?

I think that the root of all Techs' problems are defensively. What started as a late season concern last year, giving up 42 to Georgia then 38 to LSU, is now a full-blown major Achilles heel. Clemson scored 27 and Miami scored 33. The Canes probably could have dropped 50 on Georgia Tech had it not been for their own miscues.

That fact is the Yellow Jackets are not creating pressure on the quarterback with their front four. Opposing teams have it pretty simple, double-team DE Derrick Morgan if necessary and let the other three guys beat you. Jason Peters, Ben Anderson, and Robert Hall aren't getting it done so far. It's not really their fault either. None of them are over 275 lbs. They just don't have the size to make a dent in a good offensive line.

Jacory Harris sat in the pocket so long Thursday night, he could scan the field several times over, make sandwich, and call his mom before throwing the ball. I couldn't understand why Johnson and Defensive Coordinator Dave Wommack didn't blitz more. You were getting burnt dropping 5-6 guys in coverage, so at least try to create some pressure, and if you get beat downfield so what. That is what was happening anyways.

Frankly, I'm starting to wonder about Wommack. I haven't really seen where he's done anything special in his one and a years at Tech. Unless the scheme changes or the personal changes, I'm getting visions of 1999 where the Jackets would give up points as fast as they could score them.

Miami played a very good game defensively, but I am not as concerned about the Jacket's offense as defense. Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt actually threw the ball pretty well, but offensively you'll sometimes have games like that. Just the previous week against Clemson they ran for 301, so here I think they just got behind early, and the triple option offense just isn't suited for playing from behind. I know the Jackets came from 16 down last year at UGA, but I don't think that's going to happen often.

If the offense struggles again against UNC next week, then I may start really being worried about the offense. Poor Jonathan Dwyer, those Heisman hopes are just about history.

I just have to go back to the defensive line, though. They played awful against Miami. If Wommack can't figure how to mask his issues at defensive line, Georgia Tech is going to find itself on the wrong end of three or four more games this year.

Last thought on this game, Miami is a very good team. Jacory Harris is playing as well as any offensive player in the conference. Do you realize and this is a big if, if Miami beats Virginia Tech and Oklahoma in their next two games, they are a legitimate national title contender.

Are the Clemson Tigers Contenders or Pretenders in the Atlantic Divison?

Jeffrey Fann — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:04:02 -0400

Coming off a rally that just came up short against Georgia Tech last Thursday night in a 30-27 loss, the Clemson Tigers next face the Boston College Eagles.

After that the Tigers will play a very solid TCU Horned Frogs team. If the Tigers can win both of these games they will sit 3-1, a game at a struggling Maryland squad and a winnable home game with Wake Forest before heading to Miami.

If the Tigers could get to 5-1 in late October. that would do the Clemson fans just fine. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though, the two next weeks will determine if Clemson is contender or pretender.

Boston has played very well in the early going of the season. There have been two easy wins over Northeastern and Kent State. Head Coach Frank Spaziani has managed the difficult quarterback situation about as well as possible.

He's been rotating redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle and true freshman Dave Shinskie, but he has yet to name a starter for Saturday's game. They will face a Clemson defense that at times has been dominant this season. In particular, I think the corner backs Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor have played very in Clemson's first two games.

The BC defense has only given up seven points so far this season, but facing a Clemson team with the playmakers like C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford is something they haven't seen yet. It will be a big challenge for the Eagle defense. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker is coming right along. I don't think you have seen his best yet either.

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney did make one big change for this game along the offensive line. Right tackle Cory Lambert, who had struggle facing defensive end Derrick Morgan of Georgia Tech will be replaced by Landon Walker at right tackle. It's a position to watch as Walker was not performing well in practices earlier in the year.

If Clemson is going to contend in this year's Atlantic, BC is a game they have to win at home.

This Eagles team is better than people anticipated so far, but Clemson can't afford a loss. With FSU struggling, NC State and Wake Forest already with losses, and Maryland looking awful, the Atlantic is there for the taking.

We'll see if the Tigers are ready to step forward.

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