Category: ACC News

Updated ACC Football Standings, Poll and BCS Rankings through Week 10

Updated ACC Football Standings, Poll and BCS Rankings through Week 10


Standings
Finally. We’re at a point in the season where at least one of the division champs could potentially be set in stone.

Wake Forest (4-2 in conference play) travels to Clemson (5-1) Saturday. With a win, the Tigers wrap up the Atlantic and head to their second ACC Title Game in three years under Dabo. After the shellacking Georgia Tech gave them two weeks ago, don’t be surprised if they come out guns blazing and completely focused, especially knowing the division is on the line. If the Deacs somehow, someway win at Death Valley, it puts them in the drivers seat assuming they handle business in their final ACC game the following week.

The Coastal Division has what can easily be considered it’s biggest game thus far with the two ranked front-runners squaring off in Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. The winner of this has a near direct path to the title game unless Virginia somehow runs the table (which would actually put the Cavaliers in the title game).

Rankings
With Nebraska and South Carolina losing this weekend, Clemson and Virginia Tech reaped the benefits with both sliding up a few spots to give the ACC two Top 10 teams. The Tigers are #9 in the AP and #10 in the Coaches while the Hokies are #10 in the AP and #9 in the Coaches. Georgia Tech finds itself back in the Top 20, coming in at twentieth while Florida State is slowly working its way back near the Top 25.

Nov 07, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Miami QB Jacory Harris

Week 8 ACC Blitz Football Power Poll Rankings

Not a ton changed from last week’s poll; Clemson and Virginia Tech kept their spots at the top. Miami and Wake Forest saw a move up, while Georgia Tech slid after losing their second game in a row.

1)Clemson (8-0, 5-0)
This Tiger team seems to look better and better each week. They carved up a good Tar Heel defense to the tune of 450 yards and six offensive TD’s. QB Tajh Boyd officially gained recognition in the Heisman race after throwing for 367 yards and 5 TD’s while rushing for another (tied a school record for TD responsibility). The Heels continually shot themselves in the foot, committing six turnovers to go along with nine penalties.

Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas

Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas and Virginia Tech held steady at #2.

2)Virginia Tech (7-1, 3-1)
Hokie QB Logan Thomas and RB David Wilson had standout games in their 30-14 win over Boston College. Given, the Eagles aren’t exactly a powerhouse in the ACC this year but they still tout one of the better defeneses. Tech is now in the drivers seat in the Coastal with Georgia Tech losing again. A loss by the Jackets against undefeated Clemson squad (who handed VT their only loss) this weekend would all but wrap things up for the Hokies.

3)Wake Forest (5-2, 4-1)
The Deacons nearly blew their chances at an unexpected Atlantic title run against Duke, need a late 66 yard TD pass to go ahead for good. While a near loss to the Blue Devils would normally drop a team a spot or two, Wake is still sitting at (4-1) in conference play. The showdown with Clemson in a few weeks is getting bigger and bigger.

4)Miami (4-3, 2-2)
The Canes continue to look better and better. Their defense held high-octane Georgia Tech to under 300 total yards and just seven points in their 24-7 win. The close losses to (now #11) Kansas State, and (now #12) Virginia Tech are easier to stomach with those two showing themselves as two of the better teams in the country.

5)Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2)
Going from just outside the Top 10 and undefeated to more than likely being out of the Coastal race has to be a tough pill to swallow for Jacket fans. First Virginia, and now Miami have figured out a way to completely shutdown Coach Johnsons option attack. And things don’t look to get much better this weekend with #5 Clemson rolling into town. History is on the Techs side though – the last time Clemson was (8-0), it was GT that upset them and derailed a perfect season.

6)Florida State (4-3, 2-2)
Back to back conference wins have to be healing at least some of the wounds of that three game slide. The Noles look as if they’ve regained early season form, dominating both Duke and Maryland. QB E.J. Manuel threw for 264 yards and RB’s Freeman and Thomas combined for almost 200 yards rushing. A visit by lowly NC State will likely move FSU to 3-2 in ACC play, keeping them on the fringe of being in contention (but not likely).

7)North Carolina (5-3, 1-3)
A season of promise is quickly melting away. The Heels started off (5-1), with their only loss being a nail-biter to Georgia Tech. Saturdays debacle in Death Valley was a different story. After hanging around for the first half, the Tigers blew up for 35 points in the third quarter en route to a 59-38 win. Six turnovers didn’t help. Things get easier this week against Wake in what is a very winnable game (and by easier, I mean a (5-2) Wake Forest team as opposed to (8-0) Clemson).

8)Virginia (4-3, 1-2)
For a bried second, I really thought coming into the NC State game that the Cavs had turned a corner after the win against Georgia Tech. The defense looked stout, the offense played well. Fast forward to post-28-14 loss and it’s back to the old Virginia. They turned the ball over four times, three by QB David Watford. Their path in conference play doesn’t get any easier, with a trip to Miami looming Thursday.

8)NC State (4-3, 1-2)
The Pack sport easily one of the best defensive backs in the country in David Amerson. He came in leading the nation in INT’s and added to his total with two more, one of which he returned for a game-clinching TD. QB Mike Glennon is having a good year, but it’s going to take a few more wins to see a move up the list, which might be hard to do with Florida State and Clemson still on the schedule.

10)Maryland (2-5, 1-3)
The Terps must have a touch of schizophrenia. They go from looking great (hanging with Clemson, and Georgia Tech) to flat out looking terrible (38-3 loss to Temple, and 41-16 loss to FSU). With almost not offensive identity, it’s hard to justify having them much higher than tenth. The defense once again surrendered huge numbers, with the Seminoles gaining nearly 500 yards of offense and putting up 41 points.

11)Duke (3-4, 1-2)
The Blue Devils, surprisingly enough, are a total of three points away from being (5-2) and (2-1) in conference play. Atlantic challenger Wake Forest needed a late TD to pull ahead, and intercepted QB Sean Renfrees pass to seal the game. Unfortunately for Duke, they still Have the heavy hitters of the Coastal left on their plate. Although, it’s easy to see them being a landmine for at least one team.

12)Boston College (1-6, 0-4)
You almost have to start feeling for the Eagles at some point. Things weren’t pretty in their 30-14 loss Virginia Tech. QB Chase Rettig had no retaliation for Hokies QB Logan Thomas and RB David Wilson, both of which lit up the BC defense. The lone bright spot was once again LB Luke Kuechly, who added to his nation leading average.

Oct 26, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Clemson DE Kourtnei Brown

League Office Announces Week 8 ACC Football Players of the Week

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clemson sophomore quarterback Tajh Boyd, senior offensive tackle Landon Walker, and senior defensive end Kourtnei Brown headline a list of eight players named as the ACC Football Players of the Week, announced by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday. Boyd, the Offensive Back of the Week, tied a Clemson record with five passing touchdowns and an ACC record with six total scores in Clemson’s 59-38 win over North Carolina. Brown scored two touchdowns, one on an interception return and the second on a fumble return, and was named the Defensive Lineman of the Week. Walker played 82 total snaps and had five knockdown blocks in the win and was named the Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Miami’s Sean Spence had a team-high 10 tackles in the Hurricanes’ 24-7 win over Georgia Tech, and was named the Linebacker of the Week for the third straight week. NC State’s David Amerson, the national leader in interceptions with eight, recorded two more in the Wolfpack’s 28-14 win over Virginia and was named the Defensive Back of the Week for the second time this season. Wake Forest’s Chris Givens was named the Receiver of the Week for the third time this season for his 147-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 24-23 win over Duke.

NC State CB David Amerson

NC State CB David Amerson had two more INT's, bringing his total to eight.


North Carolina’s T.J. Thorpe, the Specialist of the Week, returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown. Florida State running back Devonta Freeman notched his second consecutive 100-yard performance and was named the Rookie of the Week.

OFFENSIVE BACK – Tajh Boyd, Clemson, QB, So., 6-1, 225, Hampton, Va. Boyd completed 27 of 46 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns in leading Clemson to 59 points against North Carolina. He also had a rushing touchdown and finished with 375 yards of total offense. Boyd tied the Clemson record for touchdown passes in a game with five and he threw them to five different Tigers. He tied an ACC record for touchdown responsibility with six total, and also tied the Clemson record as Woody Dantzler had six against NC State in 2001. Boyd’s touchdown pass total is now at 24 for the season, tied for the most in the nation and just three off the Clemson single season record just eight games into the season.

RECEIVER – Chris Givens, Wake Forest, WR, Jr., 6-0, 195, Wylie, Tx. Givens caught six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns in Wake Forest’s 24-23 win over Duke. Givens caught a 26-yard scoring pass from QB Tanner Price that put the Deacons ahead 7-0 in the first quarter. After Wake Forest fell behind 23-17 in the fourth quarter, Givens caught a pass on a curl route and turned it into a 66-yard touchdown catch, avoiding blockers and side-stepping a diving defender. Five of his six catches resulted in first downs. In addition, Givens rushed the ball once for 13 yards and a first down. Givens recorded his 23rd straight game with a reception, tied a school record with his fourth consecutive 100-yard receiving game, and also caught a scoring pass for the fifth straight game.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Landon Walker, Clemson, T, Sr., 6-6, 305, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Walker had a 93 percent grade and five knockdown blocks in Clemson’s 59-38 win over North Carolina. He played 82 total snaps as he helped the Tigers score 59 points, the most points Clemson has scored in the history of the series with North Carolina and the most points for any Clemson team in an ACC game since 2001. Walker did not allow a sack, an important stat as the Tigers threw the ball 46 times when he was in the game.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Kourtnei Brown, Clemson, DE, Sr., 6-6, 255, Charlotte, N.C. Brown had two defensive returns for touchdowns in Clemson’s 59-38 win over North Carolina. He made a leaping interception and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown to give Clemson a 24-10 lead, and picked up a fumble and ran 26 yards for a score in the third quarter, making him the first Clemson defensive player since 1954 to score two touchdowns in the same game. He was only the third FBS player to score two touchdowns by interception return and fumble return in the same game in the last 12 years. Later, Brown had his hands in on a third turnover as he deflected a pass that was intercepted by a teammate. He was also credited with two tackles. Brown was named National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Foundation.

LINEBACKER – Sean Spence, Miami, LB, Sr., 6-0, 224, Miami, Fla. Sean Spence was again the Canes’ leader on defense. The prolific linebacker played in the middle against the Yellow Jackets and racked up 10 tackles to lead all Miami players. The senior had six solo stops and a tackle for a loss of two yards. As the defensive captain, Spence helped hold Georgia Tech—one of the nation’s most potent offenses—to a season-low seven points, 35.9 off of its average.

DEFENSIVE BACK – David Amerson, NC State, CB, So., 6-3, 194, Greensboro, N.C. The national leader in interceptions, Amerson added to his gaudy pickoff numbers with a pair of interceptions against the Cavaliers. He returned his second interception 12 yards for a touchdown that more or less iced the victory for the Wolfpack. That was NC State’s first interception return for a TD this season. A sophomore cornerback from Greensboro, N.C., Amerson also recorded six tackles and returned a kickoff 25 yards. Amerson now has eight interceptions on the season, tying the school record, set in 1937 and tied in 1938, both times by Art Rooney. Amerson now has two interceptions in a single game three times in 2011, and has done so in each of the Pack’s last two games.

SPECIALIST – T.J. Thorpe, North Carolina, WR, Fr., 6-0, 190, Durham, N.C. Freshman T.J. Thorpe returned a third quarter kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, just the second 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in school history, the other coming by Tyrell Godwin at Stanford in 1998. Thorpe becomes just the 15th player in ACC history to return a kick 100 yards, and he finished with 182 yards on four returns, two yards shy of the single-game school record. Thorpe leads the ACC and stands 15th in the country in kickoff return average.

ROOKIE – Devonta Freeman, Florida State, RB, Fr., 5-8, 200, Miami, Fla. Freeman became the first true freshman running back at Florida State to string together consecutive 100-yard rushing performances when he gutted the Maryland defense for 100 yards on 11 carries (9.1 ypc), including a 41-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, which matched the longest run from scrimmage by the Seminoles this season. Coming off a 109-yard performance at Duke, Freeman was instrumental in the Seminoles’ second half dominance against the Terrapins, carrying seven times for 78 yards. FSU controlled the second half clock (17 minutes) by grinding out 198 yards on 29 carries.

Oct 25, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Updated ACC Football Standings, Poll and BCS Rankings through Week 8

Updated ACC Football Standings, Poll and BCS Rankings through Week 8

Standings
Different week, same story: Clemson and Wake Forest won again, distancing themselves from the rest of the Atlantic, and the Coastal continued to stay murky with four teams sitting at two conference losses.

Hosting (5-2) North Carolina, the Tigers did what they’ve done in nearly every game this season – go into halftime uncomfortably close and proceed to pull away (or in this case blow out) the other team for a win. They rattled off 35 (yes, 35) third quarter points on their way to a 59-38 victory behind a 6 TD performance from QB Tajh Boyd. The Deacons on the other hand had to play catch up against Duke after blowing a 17-0 lead. QB Riley Skinner hit Chris Givens for a long TD late in the fourth to put them up for good. Florida State and NC State both won their conference slates, keeping them at only two losses, but the Atlantic is pretty much a two-horse race at this point.

Week 9 match-ups will prove to be crucial as Clemson is on the road at Georgia Tech and Wake travels to North Carolina. A loss by the Tigers and win by the Deacs would setup a MASSIVELY important bout between the two Nov. 12th, with both teams sitting at one conference loss a piece.

On the Coastal side, Virginia Tech rode strong games by QB Logan Thomas and RB David Wilson in their 30-14 win against Boston College. Their lone conference loss is a respectable one to undefeated Clemson and with the way the rest of the division is playing lately, it looks as if that might be the only ‘L’ they’ll be seeing. Georgia Tech continued it’s slide, losing it’s second game in a row at the hands of a resurgent Miami team, 24-7. The Jackets were held to just 211 total yards of offense. A loss to Clemson next week almost certainly eliminates them from contention. Miami on the other hand sits at only two conference losses, but would need the Hokies to drop two more since they own the tie-breaker over the Canes.

Virginia is the interesting wild card. They have two conference losses, but have already defeated Georgia Tech and with a win against Miami this Thursday night, they find themselves in a position to make a run at the Coastal. Wins against Maryland, Duke and Florida State would setup a winner-take-all against Virginia Tech to end the season.

Complete Updated ACC Football Standings

Rankings
The ACC counteracted a positive move by Clemson with a negative with Georgia Tech dropping completely out of the polls.

The Tigers moved up two spots in both the AP and Coaches polls to #6 following losses by Wisconsin and Oklahoma. They also moved up in the BCS Rankings, coming in at #5 thanks to a strong strength of schedule. It’s not a stretch to think they have a legitimate shot at playing for the national title.

Winning out, including the conference championship game against what looks like Virginia Tech (#12 in the polls and BCS), would put them at 13-0. Again, the SOS would come into play likely helping to leap-frog them over Boise State. LSU and Alabama (#1 and #2 in the BCS) have to play one another, guaranteeing a move up of at least one spot there and Oklahoma State (#3) has to play AT former top dog Oklahoma.

It’s all ‘if’ at this point, but we’re late enough in the season for these scenarios to be thought about. God knows the ACC needs it after years of ridicule.

Complete BCS and Top 25 Poll Rankings

Oct 24, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Virginia WR Matt Snyder

Week 8 ACC Football Injury Updates

Thanks to HD over at ESPN for compiling this list:

BOSTON COLLEGE
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DL Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)

Probable
OG Nate Richman (back)

North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard

North Carolina will need the services of fab-fresh RB Giovani Bernard this week against #8 Clemson.


CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee

DUKE
Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S August Campbell (leg)

Questionable
C Dave Harding (leg)
C Brian Moore (arm)
WR Donovan Varner (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)

Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)

Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)

FLORIDA STATE
Out
OT Andrew Datko (shoulder)
OG David Spurlock (knee)
OG Henry Orelus (head)
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
DT Darious Cummings (hand)
DT Moses McCray (knee)

Questionable
WR Rashad Greene (ankle)

Out for season
DT Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
RB Chris Thompson (back)

GEORGIA TECH
Probable
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB

Out

Tyler Morgan, LS

Out for the season

Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S

MARYLAND
Out for the season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh

Out
DL Justin Anderson
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Shaquan Virgil

Doubtful
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Kenny Tate

Questionable
DL Andre Monroe

Probable
OL Pete White

MIAMI
Out
Luther Robinson – Lower Extremity
Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter – Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott – Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for the season
Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan – Lower Extremity
Cory White – Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter – Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles – Upper Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Curtis Byrd, FB Knee
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee

Questionable
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle

Probable
Giovani Bernard, TB Hip
A.J. Blue, TB Ankle
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Cam Holland, C Back
Jonathan Smith, S Ankle

NC STATE
Out for the season
Jarvis Byrd, CB – knee
Mustafa Greene, HB – foot
Sterling Lucas, LB – knee

Out
Taylor Gentry, FB – foot
Jake Kahut, DE – knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE – shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT – foot
Curtis Underwood, HB – foot

Questionable
D.J. Green, LB – abdomen
J.R. Sweezy, DT – foot

VIRGINIA
Out
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Diamonte Bailey (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)

Doubtful
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)

Questionable
Brian Oden (lower extremity)

Probable
Luke Bowanko (lower extremity)
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Jake McGee (lower extremity)
Clifton Richardson (lower extremity)
Michael Rocco (trunk)

VIRGINIA TECH
Out for the Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)

Out
Eric Martin (shoulder)
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
David Wang (foot)

Doubtful
Jayron Hosley (hamstring)

WAKE FOREST
Probable
RB Josh Harris (leg)
TE Andrew Parker (ankle)
DT Tristan Dorty (ankle)
C Garrick Williams (ankle)
NT Duke Mosby (illness)

Out
NT Ramon Booi (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)

Out for the season
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)

Oct 21, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Virginia WR Snyder breaks foot in practice

Virginia WR Snyder breaks foot in practice

From ESPN.

ACC Blogger

Virginia senior receiver Matt Snyder, a team captain and former walk-on, broke a bone in his left foot and will be out “several weeks,” coach Mike London said on his weekly teleconference.

London said Snyder was running a route in Tuesday’s practice, and he broke a bone when he turned. It was a non-contact injury, but he’s having outpatient surgery on Friday to put a screw in it. It’s a significant loss to Virginia’s offense, as Snyder is a smart player, one of the team’s best blockers, and the third-leading receiver on the team.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how upset we are for the young man that something like this has occurred to him. He’s devastated as you could imagine. But the type of guy Matt is, he’s trying to find a silver lining; ‘Hey, Coach, now I can get with the young receivers and get them coached up,’ and things like that. I don’t know how long he’s going to be out — six, eight weeks. I don’t know. I’m not a doctor.”

Snyder has 19 catches this year, and 15 of them have resulted in a first down. He was competing as a grad student, and had five starts in six games. He also had three plays of at least 20 yards.

London said the team will embrace the “next man up” mentality, and younger players such as Ray Keys, Miles Gooch, Darius Jennings, and Dominique Terrell will have to increase their roles. Tim Smith was listed as a potential starter with Snyder on this week’s depth chart, with Jennings the backup.

Oct 20, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Clemson LB Tony Steward suffers torn ACL

Clemson LB Tony Steward suffers torn ACL

From Tigernet.com

Clemson, SC—Clemson freshman linebacker Tony Steward suffered a torn ACL during practice on Tuesday and will be lost for the remainder of the 2011 season. Steward suffered the injury during a special teams drill.

Steward had played in five of the first seven games for the 7-0 Tigers and had five tackles and a pass deflection in 36 defensive plays. Steward was a first-team USA Today All-America linebacker out of Pedro Menendez High School in Hastings, FL.

“Tony suffered the injury while back-peddling in practice on a punt drill on Tuesday,” said Clemson Head Coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile. “It is not the same knee he injured in high school (also a torn ACL). He will rehab and be ready to go in the summer. He is a hard worker and I know will be ready for next year.

“We plan to apply for a medical hardship to get the year back. We realize it will take a special waiver to have that granted by the NCAA.”

Oct 20, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Miami DT Micanor Regis suspended one game

Miami DT Micanor Regis suspended one game

From ESPN.

Miami senior defensive tackle Micanor Regis has been suspended for Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech (No. 22 BCS, No. 20 AP) after he punched a North Carolina player in the groin last weekend, the school announced Wednesday.

“Micanor’s actions in the North Carolina game will not be tolerated,” first-year coach Al Golden said in a statement. “We expect our players to represent our program with class on and off the field, and when they do not, there are consequences. Quite honestly I’m embarrassed and I just apologized to Coach [Everett] Withers and shared that sentiment.

“We do not teach, nor will we ever condone this type of behavior in our football program.”

Regis, who has started all six games for Miami, was caught on video punching North Carolina receiver Dwight Jones as he was tackled in the third quarter. Miami won the game, 30-24, and earned its first ACC win of the season.

“I’m truly sorry for my foolish actions Saturday during the North Carolina game,” Regis said in a prepared statement. “It was hurtful, wrong and embarrassing to both football programs, to both schools and to the millions of college football fans that were watching. Specifically, I want to apologize to Dwight Jones, Coach Withers and the entire UNC football team. I am hoping and praying that you all forgive me for my actions.”

Regis has 25 tackles this season, including three for losses and one sack. Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech is critical to Miami’s chances of staying in the Coastal Division race, as the Hurricanes have two conference losses and the Yellow Jackets have one.

Video

Oct 20, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Week 7 ACC Blitz Football Power Poll Rankings

Week 7 ACC Blitz Football Power Poll Rankings

With Week 7 in the books, it’s time for the ACC Blitz Power Poll.

1)Clemson (7-0, 4-0)
Week 7 saw a trap game at Maryland that nearly, well, trapped the Tigers but they walked away still sitting undefeated, overcoming two 18-point deficits to win 56-45. Very rarely does a team have the chance to say they have TWO legitimate Heisman candidates (QB Tajh Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins). This Tiger squad seems nearly unstoppable on offense. On the defensive side, they have their slip-ups but as TE Dwayne Allen put it “If we need to score 50 to win, we’ll score 50″.

2)Virginia Tech (6-1, 2-1)
Their game against Wake Forest wasn’t supposed to be a cakewalk. The Deacs came in undefeated in ACC play, and Tech already had one loss (granted it was to #8 Clemson). For anyone worried the Hokies were facing a down year, it’s not looking that way. After a dismal first quarter, they outscored Wake 38-7 to move to (2-1) in conference play and keep themselves in the Coastal race.

3)Georgia Tech (6-1, 3-1)
After absolutely annilihating their first three opponents, the Jackets next three games (all ACC foes for the record) were uncomfortably close and it seemed like just a matter of time before someone reveresed that fortune. Virginia answered that call, winning 24-21. Things don’t get much easier for Tech, with a suddenly resurgent Miami up next and games against Clemson and Virginia Tech on tap after.

4)Wake Forest (4-2, 3-1)
While Clemson is getting the tag as surprise team of the year, there could be a case for Wake as well. No one saw a (3-1) conference start with a win over Florida State. Given, the other two wins were against Atlantic bottom-feeders NC State and Boston College. They failed their first ‘real’ test miserably, getting stomped by Virginia Tech. But that doesn’t warrant a drop – yet. Games against North Carolina and Clemson will be a tell-all.

5)Miami (3-3, 1-2)
Many of you will probably scoff at Miami being #5, but a quick look and their season shows this team is a legit contender – if it can stay out of its own way. Their three losses are by a combined 15 points (two of them to ranked teams). QB Jacory Harris has 8 TD’s and no INT’s in his last three games,and RB Lamar Miller is having an All-ACC year.

Boston College LB Luke Kuechly

Boston College LB Luke Kuechly is having another standout year for the Eagles.


6)North Carolina (5-2, 1-2)
Given the adversity the Heels have seen, a (5-2) record isn’t too shabby. Especially when you consider both losses were by seven points or less, and one was to a Top 25 team. Freshman RB Giovani Bernard is going to be a SUPERSTAR and Sophomore QB Bryn Renner is holding his own, throwing for nearly 1,600 yards and completing 75% of his passes.

7)Virginia (4-2, 1-1)
It was only a matter of time before Coach London’s turn around of this program got a marquee win, and that it did against previously undefeated and #12 ranked Georgia Tech. The offense racked up over 400 yards of offense (not exactly a huge feat against the Jackets) but was impressive – scratch that – REMARKABLE was the Cavalier defense holding Tech to under 300 total yards.

8)Florida State (3-3, 1-2)
The Seminoles have to be the hardest team to judge in the ACC this week. They looked like the Florida State of old in their first two games, and played #1 Oklahoma and #8 Clemson tough in those losses, follow that up with a loss to Wake Forest, and then turn around and pummel Duke 41-16. The jury is still out but a dominate performance against Maryland this week would push them up.

9)Maryland (2-4, 1-2)
This Terp squad is much better than their record indicates. Three of their losses were to ranked teams (West Virginia, Georgia Tech and Clemson). They may have found their new superstar. QB C.J. Brown lit up Clemson on the ground for 164 Yards, and threw for three TD’s, nearly giving Maryland an upset of the undefeated Tigers.

10)NC State (3-3, 0-2)
The Pack, like Maryland, is a better team than their record states. Other than being blown out at Cincinnati (who is 5-1 by the way), their other two losses were by a TD against Georgia Tech (6-1) and Wake Forest (4-2). In short – silver lining is their losees were against opponents with a combined record of (15-4). WR T.J. Graham is quietly having a monster year. QB Mike Glennon isn’t putting up All-ACC numbers but knows how to move his squad down the field, averaging 32 points a game (fyi: has a 4-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio).

11)Duke (3-3, 1-1)
Coming into the 2011 season, no one expected the Blue Devils to make much noise in the ACC. But everyone DID expect (myself included) was a standout season from QB Sean Renfree, especially with his uber talented receivers in Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon. Things aren’t going to get much easier with games against Virginia Tech, Miami, Virginia, UNC, and Georgia Tech on tap.

12)Boston College (1-5, 0-3)
There aren’t too many bright spots to point to this season for the Eagles other than RB Montel Harris becoming their all-time leading rusher and LB Luke Kuechly averaging 100 tackles per game. But even that celebration is cut short with the news that Harris is likely done for the season. They hung tough in losses against Northwestern and Wake Forest, but the loss to Duke and blowout losses at Clemson and UCF really showed the lack of offensive identity on this team.

Oct 18, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Clemson WR Sammy Watkins

League Office Announces Week 7 ACC Football Players of the Week

From The ACC League Office.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clemson freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins and Miami linebacker Sean Spence headline a list of seven players named as the ACC Football Players of the Week, announced by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday. Watkins was named the Rookie and the Receiver of the Week for his play in the 56-45 win at Maryland, the second time this season he has picked up dual honors in the same week. It is the seventh award overall – four rookie and three receiver – for the true freshman from Fort Myers, Fla. Miami’s Sean Spence was named the Linebacker of the Week for the second straight week for his performance in the Hurricanes’ 30-24 win at North Carolina.

Clemson RB Andre Ellington

Clemson RB Andre Ellington had 212 Yards rushing to help the Tigers pull out a win after being down 18 to Maryland. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Watkins is joined by teammate Andre Ellington, the Offensive Back of the Week, who compiled a career-high 212 yards on the ground in the win at Maryland. Virginia’s Anthony Mihota, the Offensive Lineman of the Week, led an offensive line that helped Cavalier running backs amass 272 yards in a 24-21 win over No. 12 Georgia Tech. His teammate, Matt Conrath, was named the Defensive Lineman of the Week for his career-high nine tackles and a blocked field goal in the first quarter.

Georgia Tech’s Rod Sweeting, the Defensive Back of the Week, intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it for a touchdown. It was his third interception in the last four games. Florida State’s Dustin Hopkins, the Specialist of the Week, connected on his school-record 109th straight extra point conversion and hit two field goals in the Seminoles’ 41-16 win over Duke.

OFFENSIVE BACK – Andre Ellington, Clemson, RB, Jr., 5-10, 190, Monks Corner, S.C. Ellington had a career high 212 rushing yards in 22 attempts to lead Clemson’s 306-yard ground attack in the win at Maryland. Ellington started the day strong with 60 yards rushing in the first quarter. He then iced the game with a 44-yard run for Clemson’s final score of the night. Ellington had five rushes of 10 yards or more, as Clemson scored its highest point total against an ACC team in 12 years.

RECEIVER and ROOKIE – Sammy Watkins, Clemson, WR, Fr., 6-1, 200, Fort Myers, Fla. The true freshman from Ft. Myers, Fla. had a school record 345 all-purpose yards against Maryland, the fourth highest total in ACC history. He had five kickoff returns for 207 yards, eight catches for 105 yards and a 33-yard rush in his only carry. The 207 kickoff return yards included an 89-yard return for a touchdown to put Clemson in the lead in the fourth quarter, 49-45, and a 70-yard return that set up a score in the first half. He also had two touchdown receptions, giving him nine for the year, third best in the nation. Watkins tied the Clemson freshman record for touchdowns in a game with three and set the school record for receiving yards in a season by a freshman with 728.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Anthony Mihota, Virginia, C, Sr., 6-4, 285, Fredericksburg, Va. Mihota had the best performance of a stellar effort by the Virginia offensive line in the team’s 24-21 upset of No. 12 Georgia Tech. Mihota graded out at 95 percent while playing all 66 plays for the Cavaliers. He had nine knock down blocks during the game. Mihota helped to open the holes that allowed Virginia to rush for 272 yards and roll up 407 yards of total offense against the Yellow Jackets. It was UVa’s best rushing total since the 2004 season. With UVa leading 24-21, Mihota and the offensive line helped the Cavaliers run out the clock late in the game (the last 5:58), holding a 10:59 to 4:01 time of possession advantage in the fourth quarter.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN -Matt Conrath, Virginia, DT, Sr., 6-7, 280, Oak Lawn, Ill. Conrath had a career-high nine tackles and blocked a field goal in Virginia’s 24-21 upset against 12th-ranked Georgia Tech. He was credited with one tackle for loss. Conrath helped keep the Yellow Jackets’ high-powered offense in check, holding Georgia Tech to a season-low 296 yards of total offense and 272 rushing yards. In the fourth quarter, holding a 24-21 lead, UVa held Georgia Tech to seven rushing yards and 10 yards of total offense on two possessions.

LINEBACKER – Sean Spence, Miami, LB, Sr., 6-0, 224, Miami, Fla. Senior linebacker Sean Spence led all defensive players with 14 tackles, including a crucial sack late in the fourth quarter for a loss of seven yards. The Miami native finished the game with 1.5 tackles for loss for seven yards. Spence has been the anchor of the defense all season and has amassed 55 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss for 33 yards, three sacks for 23 yards and a forced fumble.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Rod Sweeting, Georgia Tech, CB, Jr., 6-0, 184, Locust Grove, Ga. Sweeting recorded his third interception over the last four games to move into a tie for 31st nationally. More importantly, his 32-yard INT return – Sweeting’s first career pick-six – tied the score with Virginia 14-14 in the second quarter. Sweeting had five tackles and a half-tackle for loss on the day.

SPECIALIST – Dustin Hopkins, Florida State, K, Jr., 6-2, 190, Houston, Tx. With four successful PATs against Duke, Hopkins established a new FSU school record, pushing his streak of conversions to 109. It snapped a record held by Derek Schmidt (108, 1984-86) for the past 26 seasons. Hopkins also converted a pair of field goals against the Blue Devils, including a 48-yarder into the wind at the end of the first half, which extended his streak of successful FG attempts to 17. That’s one field goal shy of Graham Gano’s career record 18 consecutive FG’s. In addition to his placement kicks, the Hopkins-led Seminoles lead the ACC in Kickoff Coverage with a 49.5 net average. Hopkins is one of three kickers in the NCAA’s FBS who has not missed a kick this year, making all 24 PATs and all 10 field goals.

Oct 18, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Florida State CB/PR Greg Reid

Updated ACC Football Standings, Poll and BCS Rankings through Week 7


Standings
Following the trend from last weeks action, the Atlantic Division took another step toward settling down while the Coastal is nothing short of a, well, cluster you know what.

Maryland nearly derailed Clemson’s perfect season, going up by 18 point TWICE only to see the Tigers come storming back for a 56-45 victory. The Tigers now sit at (4-0) in conference play. Wake Forest, has been the one team to really surprise people this season. They came into Week 7 (3-0) in ACC play but finally lost a conference game, getting waxed by Virginia Tech. Despite the loss, they are still in the hunt for the Atlantic crown, with Clemson being the one game they have circled. Florida State finally got a conference win, but sitting at two losses already all but eliminates them from contention with the way Clemson and Wake are playing.

Just when you think the Coastal picture was starting to clear up some, Virginia goes and upsets undefeated Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech hammers (3-0) Wake. Four teams (yes FOUR) now sit with only one ACC loss. It’s fair to expect Duke to eventually drop a few more. With the way Virginia is playing, ruling them out wouldn’t exactly be the smartest thing. And the Techs of Georgia and Virginia seem to be on a collision course to decide the fate of the division. But there’s a catch – the Yellow Jackets still have to play Clemson, who handed the Hokies their only conference loss.

The ACC might not be at the level of the Big XII and SEC this season, but at least it’s entertaining.

Complete Updated Standings here.

Rankings
After a thrilling come from behind victory, Clemson moved to (7-0) on the season and kept it’s spot at #8 in both polls. Virginia Tech moved up to #16 in the AP and #14 in the Coaches after their pounding of then (4-1) Wake Forest. Georgia Tech fell to #20 in the AP and #19 in the Coaches after their loss to Virginia.

Complete BCS and Top 25 Poll Rankings here.

Don’t forget to check out how ACC teams stack up in the latest BCS Standings.

Oct 17, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Three ACC teams in Top 25 of first BCS Rankings

Three ACC teams in Top 25 of first BCS Rankings

It’s that time of the season again where we get our first look at the complete BCS standings and rankings.

The first edition rolled out tonight with the usual big boys at the top. LSU grabbed the number one spot just ahead of Alabama, followed by Big XII rivals Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. BCS buster Boise State rounds out the Top 5.

Clemson QB Tajh Boyd

Clemson QB Tajh Boyd has led the Tigers to a (7-0) record and #7 ranking in the BCS.

What does come as a surprise is the fact that the ACC landed three teams in the Top 25.

Clemson holds the honor of being the highest rated ACC member at seventh thanks to a perfect 7-0 start combined with a very respectful strength of schedule. The Tigers are in the drivers seat to the Conference Championship Game and are believed by many to have an outside shot at actually sliding into the national title picture.

Virginia Tech is sitting just outside the Top 10 at twelfth. The Hokies lone loss came at the hands of Clemson. They have a very favorable schedule from here on out, and are in position to grab the Coastal Division title if they win out, earning themselves a shot at a BCS Bowl in the conference title game.

Finally, despite losing to unranked Virginia this weekend, Georgia Tech still managed to find itself in the rankings at number twenty-two. With the Coastal looking like a two-horse race, showdowns against Clemson and Virginia Tech will have a huge impact on their BCS Bowl hopes.



Two BCS Bowl Bids for the ACC?
While the ACC does get an automatic BCS Bowl bid for the Conference Championship Game winner, it’s the at-large possibility that’s the most intriguing. With Clemson in the Top 10, and Virginia Tech just on the outside, both teams winning out creates an interesting scenario: a rematch in the ACCCG between (12-0) Clemson and (11-1) Virginia Tech.

Obviously if Clemson manages to win that and move to (13-0), they’re not only guaranteed the BCS bid but more than likely looking at a national title scenario, and a two-loss Hokie team wouldn’t stand much of a chance of an at-large bid.

It’s a Virginia Tech win that might actually grab the ACC two BCS bids. They would find themselves in the Orange Bowl and the BCS panel would still have a very attractive (12-1) Clemson squad that sat in the Top 10 most of the season.

Just a little something to think about…..

Oct 16, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
League Office Announces Week 6 ACC Football Players of the Week

League Office Announces Week 6 ACC Football Players of the Week

Official release from The ACC.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Virginia Tech sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas and senior offensive tackle Blake DeChristopher headline a list of nine players named as the ACC Football Players of the Week, announced by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday. Thomas threw for 310 yards, completing 23 of 25 passes and three touchdowns in the Hokies’ 35-30 win over Miami and was named the Offensive Back of the Week for his performance. DeChristopher was a major part of an offense that put up almost 500 total yards and he picked up honors as the Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Clemson had two award winners for its 36-14 win over Boston College. Chandler Catanzaro was named the Specialist of the Week for connecting on all five of his field goal attempts, including two from more than 40 yards. Sammy Watkins hauled in seven catches for 152 yards and was named the Rookie of the Week, the third time he won the honor this season and his fifth weekly award overall.

Wake Forest’s Chris Givens picks up his second straight Receiver of the Week award for his performance in the Demon Deacons’ 35-30 win over Florida State. Maryland’s Joe Vellano was named the Defensive Lineman of the Week for the second time this season after compiling 20 tackles in a 21-16 loss at Georgia Tech. Miami’s Sean Spence and North Carolina’s Zach Brown were named Co-Linebackers of the Week, and NC State’s David Amerson was named the Defensive Back of the Week for his two-interception game in a 38-24 win over Central Michigan.

Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas

Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas was nearly perfect in a win against Miami.

OFFENSIVE BACK – Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech, QB, So., 6-6, 254, Lynchburg, Va. Thomas completed 23 of 25 passes for a career-high 310 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. His incomplete passes were a dropped pass by David Wilson and a flip to Wilson to avoid a sack. He also rushed for a career-high two scores, including the game-winner. He had more touchdown passes (3) than incompletions (2) and his completion percentage of 92 percent is the highest for any quarterback under coach Frank Beamer in 301 games (minimum 20 attempts). The next closest was 80 percent by Grant Noel (16-of-20 versus UConn in 2001).

RECEIVER – Chris Givens, Wake Forest, WR, Jr., 6-0, 195, Wylie, Tx. Givens caught six passes for 101 yards in Wake Forest’s 35-30 win over Florida State on Saturday. Givens had one touchdown catch, a 22-yard scoring pass from Tanner Price late in the second quarter that staked the Demon Deacons to a 16-7 lead. Givens had three receptions for 86 yards in the second quarter with all three catches leading to first downs. He had catches for 40, 24 and 22 yards. Four of his six catches on Saturday were for first downs.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, T, Sr., 6-5, 311, Midlothian, Va. DeChristopher led an offensive line that put up nearly 500 yards of total offense in Tech’s win over Miami. The All-ACC tackle played all 66 snaps, grading out at 93 percent with a team-high eight knockdown blocks.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Joe Vellano, Maryland, DT, Jr., 6-2, 285, Rexford, N.Y. Vellano was all over the field for Maryland in its 21-16 loss to No. 13 Georgia Tech, racking up a career-high 20 tackles, including 14 solo stops and a tackle for loss, as the Terps held the triple option in check. Vellano, whose previous high of 10 stops came in the 2010 season opener, became just the fifth defensive player in the nation to post 20 or more tackles, though he is the only lineman in the FBS to register more than 15 stops in a game in 2011. The junior is one of just six Maryland players to reach the 20-tackle plateau since 1990, including the only defensive lineman. The last time a Maryland player made 20 tackles was Oct. 6, 2007, when Dave Philistin had 21 against Georgia Tech. “I think we had probably one of the most outstanding performances that I know I have ever seen out of a defensive lineman,” head coach Randy Edsall said Sunday after watching the game film.

CO-LINEBACKER – Sean Spence, Miami, LB, Sr., 6-0, 224, Miami, Fla. Spence continued his defensive dominance with a team-best 13 tackles in the loss to Virginia Tech. Spence, who now has a team-best 41 total tackles this year despite missing the opener, also recorded 2.0 tackles for a loss against the Hokies. Spence ranks second in the ACC with a 10.6 tackles per game average.

CO-LINEBACKER – Zach Brown, North Carolina, LB, Sr., 6-2, 230, Columbia, Md. Alternating between outside linebacker and middle linebacker, senior Zach Brown posted a game-high 11 tackles and recorded his first interception of the season in Carolina’s 14-7 win over Louisville. Brown, the team leader with 42 tackles, had to call the defensive plays with Kevin Reddick out with an ankle injury. The Tar Heels shut out the Cardinals for three quarters and held Louisville to 273 yards, including just 85 in the second half.

DEFENSIVE BACK – David Amerson, NC State, CB, So., 6-3, 194, Greensboro, N.C. Amerson increased his ACC-leading interception total to six with a pair of picks against the Chippewas. He returned them for 28 yards in total returns. The last time an NC State player had as many as six or more interceptions in a season was 1998, when Lloyd Harrison had seven. In addition to the two picks, Amerson also had five tackles, including three solo hits.

ROOKIE – Sammy Watkins, Clemson, WR, Fr., 6-1, 200, Fort Myers, Fla. Watkins had seven receptions for 152 yards in the win over Boston College. He did not score a touchdown, but had two receptions that set up scores, including a 62-yard catch when he was covered closely by a Boston College cornerback. Saturday was Watkins’s third game of at least 140 receiving yards. He is now second in Clemson history in career 140-yard receiving games. Only Perry Tuttle has more with four games of at least 140 yards.

SPECIALIST – Chandler Catanzaro, Clemson, PK, So., 6-2, 200, Greenville, S.C. Catanzaro won the Leather Helmet Award as the overall MVP of the Clemson vs. Boston College game. Catanzaro booted five field goals in the game, just one off the Clemson single game record. He was a perfect 5-5 on field goals, the first Tiger to make at least five since 2009 when Richard Jackson had six in a win over Boston College. Catanzaro made field goals of 38, 42, 18, 20 and 47 yards. He was 2-2 on field goals of at least 40 yards and is 5-6 on field goals of that length this year. He was named National Kicker of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards.

Oct 11, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Updated ACC Football Standings & Poll Rankings through Week 6

Updated ACC Football Standings & Poll Rankings through Week 6

Standings
How many people can *honestly* say they saw this coming through six weeks of play?: Wake Forest sitting at 3-0 and Florida State at (gasp!) 0-2. I think everyone, myself included, had the loser of the Clemson-Florida State match-up in the number two spot with Maryland, Wake, Boston College and NC State battling it out to stay somewhat relevant at number three. The Tigers of Dabo continued their unexpected run at a perfect season with a 22 point pounding of Boston College, moving them to 3-0. The Deacs win against the Noles tied them with Clemson at 3-0 in ACC play.

On the Coastal side, there’s not much of a surprise. Georgia Tech squeezed by Maryland to move to 3-0. Virginia Tech, who started 0-1 in conference play, held on against a tougher-than-expected Miami squad to move to 1-1 and with two of their tougher games behind them (L to Clemson and W against Miami), they’re in a good position to challenge the other Tech for the top spot. Duke should enjoy it’s number two standing while it can. When conference play starts to wind down, odds are the Techs will be battling it out for a spot in the ACC Championship Game. On a side note, don’t overlook North Carolina. They have quietly compiled a 5-1 record with their only loss being a seven point one to leader Georgia Tech.

Complete Updated Standings here.

Rankings
The ACC continued to represent somewhat strong in the latest national polls, with three teams making an appearance. Clemson moved to (6-0) with a dominant 36-14 win against Boston College but stayed put at #8 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. Georgia Tech, who is also undefeated (6-0) after getting by a scrappy Maryland team, is sitting at #12 in both polls. Virginia Tech pulled out a gutsy win against Miami in what was easily one of the best games of the weekend, bringing their record to 5-1 and earning a #19 spot in the AP and #17 in the Coaches.

North Carolina and Wake Forest, who are both off to 5-1 starts, received votes and are a win or two away from cracking their way into the Top 25. Florida State, who started the season in the Top 5, fell out of the rankings, marking the first time since 1982 that no Florida team is ranked.

Complete Top 25 Polls here.

Oct 10, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
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