#6 VIRGINIA TECH plays Boston College in the ACC Championship Game—how about that-the former Big East schools have taken 3 of 6 title game spots since its inception (and don’t forget—Virginia Tech played Miami in a defacto championship game their first year in the league).
Another league aside: Atlantic gets an A+ while the Coastal earns a C-… the ACC’s Atlantic Division finished the regular season a composite 45-27, the Coastal broke even at 36-36.
Offensive player of the year: Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan—racked up a slew of yardage while singlehandedly delivered a pair of clutch wins for Boston College. Runners up: Georgia Tech runningback Tashard Choice-the only 1,000 yard rusher in the league this fall while Duke wide receiver Eron Riley averaged over 20 yards per catch and scored nine touchdowns for Duke.
Defensive player of the year: Virginia defensive end Chris Long—focal point of the Cavs defense, made many a game-changing play (like the safety in their one point win over Maryland). Runners up: Maryland linebacker Erin Henderson averaged over 11 tackles a game, recovered four fumbles and was a force all over the field, Wake forest defensive back Alphonso Smith returned three of his interceptions for touchdowns.
Coach of the year: Al Groh—after one week the Cavaliers had 5-7 written all over them; Groh got them through some early season growing pains and navigated the offense around the midseason injury of main offensive threat Cedric Peerman to contend for a Coastal division crown. Runners up—not to be local… but Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer and Maryland’s Ralph Friedgen each answered different difficult challenges this fall; Beamer’s Hokies had to play in the shadow of April’s campus tragedy (and got better as the year progressed despite an offensive line that took two months to gel) while Friedgen’s Terps bounced back from heartbreaking losses, a three game losing streak and an offensive line that suffered serious injury problems all season.
Matchup I look forward to next year: Maryland visiting Virginia featuring a duel of promising tailbacks Mikkell Simpson and DaRell Scott.
Now to the championship game…: the Hokies and Eagles hooked up in one of the more memorable Thursday night games of the season, with BC scoring twice in the final four minutes to remain unbeaten and keep Matt Ryan in the Heisman forefront. What a difference a month makes—since then the Eagles have gone 2-2, allowing 27 points to Florida State and 42 to Maryland; while the Hokies have won four in a row by an average score of 36-15.
Case for Virginia Tech: that the Hokies lead the ACC in fewest points and yards allowed is not a major shock—but did you know Virginia Tech is tops in offensive and defensive passing efficiency? The Hokies are also second in the ACC in sacks while Boston College is last in the league defending the pass and has committed the most penalties in the conference..
Case for Boston College: the Eagles won in Blacksburg—one would expect they’d fare better on a neutral field. BC is #1 in pass protection (fewest sacks allowed) while the Hokies are last in the ACC in sacks allowed. The Eagles also possess a premier passer in Matt Ryan (3,953 yards and 28 touchdowns) while Andre Callender (over 1500 yards combined rushing and passing).
HOKIES edge the Eagles, 24-20.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
REDSKINS NATION MOURNS...
By week thirteen of the NFL season, what was once fresh becomes mundane--the weekly rhythm seems to give the schedule its own momentum: Monday-recap with press conference, Tuesday-day off + Gibbs show, etc...the past few days have been like nothing the Redskins have ever dealt with in their 75-year history.
We received an email from the team at 10:07 Monday morning letting us know Sean Taylor had been shot... there was shock, uncertainty and then hope on a rollercoaster Monday, followed by another surprise Tuesday at 6am--ESPN radio wasn't leading with "Sean Taylor is in critical condition" as had been the case all night, but Bob Piccosi led his update by saying the Redskin safety had died.
I never met Sean Taylor and did not have the opportunity to interview the 24-year old, but the gist of what I've heard about the University of Miami product can be summed up as "a very dedicated, talented professional whose personal life was turning the corner in a positive manner".
It is a tragedy anytime a young person's life ends violently. It's doubly so because, according to everything I've been told by a multitude of sources, Taylor had turned a new leaf and was on track to not just to be a great player but a fine young man. At 24 he had so many years not just with the Redskins but with his family--and do we ever get over losing somebody so young? Maryland great Len Bias died tragically at the age of 22--that moment in our lives is seven months away from it's 22nd anniversary...and many of us are still hurting on some level.
This grips me because sports is supposed to be "fun"-- an escape from reality...sudden-death overtime merely means your team is finished for the week. Elimination simply makes us turn to our hopes for next season. We turn to the sports pages and the games to avoid problems, to avoid death--and when we see somebody so young die in such a manner- there's no place else to go.
I feel for the adolescent girl who copes with his parent's divorce by rooting for a reunion between the Redskins and playoffs; I feel for the young man whose "big brother" model has been struck down. I feel for a region that won't know how to cheer for its favorite team when the games resume; I feel for kids whose #21 jersey will no longer mean the same thing.
I feel for a team and organization that has to grieve mid-stream while preparing for two games over the next nine days that are extremely crucial to something extremely unimportant in the grand scheme of things. I feel for a group of men who will be forever incomplete, a band of brothers who didn't get a chance to say goodbye to a good friend. Our pain is more abstract than those who knew Sean Taylor well.
I feel for parents who have outlived their son--and a father who made his career protecting others as a police officer but was powerless to save his child. I feel for a daughter that will never know her daddy; I feel for a young woman who won't grow old with the man of her dreams.
Our grief is window-dressing compared to what Sean Taylor's family will go through every day for the rest of their lives.
Where do we go from here? Start like we did today--by waking up and hurting just a little bit less than yesterday.
We received an email from the team at 10:07 Monday morning letting us know Sean Taylor had been shot... there was shock, uncertainty and then hope on a rollercoaster Monday, followed by another surprise Tuesday at 6am--ESPN radio wasn't leading with "Sean Taylor is in critical condition" as had been the case all night, but Bob Piccosi led his update by saying the Redskin safety had died.
I never met Sean Taylor and did not have the opportunity to interview the 24-year old, but the gist of what I've heard about the University of Miami product can be summed up as "a very dedicated, talented professional whose personal life was turning the corner in a positive manner".
It is a tragedy anytime a young person's life ends violently. It's doubly so because, according to everything I've been told by a multitude of sources, Taylor had turned a new leaf and was on track to not just to be a great player but a fine young man. At 24 he had so many years not just with the Redskins but with his family--and do we ever get over losing somebody so young? Maryland great Len Bias died tragically at the age of 22--that moment in our lives is seven months away from it's 22nd anniversary...and many of us are still hurting on some level.
This grips me because sports is supposed to be "fun"-- an escape from reality...sudden-death overtime merely means your team is finished for the week. Elimination simply makes us turn to our hopes for next season. We turn to the sports pages and the games to avoid problems, to avoid death--and when we see somebody so young die in such a manner- there's no place else to go.
I feel for the adolescent girl who copes with his parent's divorce by rooting for a reunion between the Redskins and playoffs; I feel for the young man whose "big brother" model has been struck down. I feel for a region that won't know how to cheer for its favorite team when the games resume; I feel for kids whose #21 jersey will no longer mean the same thing.
I feel for a team and organization that has to grieve mid-stream while preparing for two games over the next nine days that are extremely crucial to something extremely unimportant in the grand scheme of things. I feel for a group of men who will be forever incomplete, a band of brothers who didn't get a chance to say goodbye to a good friend. Our pain is more abstract than those who knew Sean Taylor well.
I feel for parents who have outlived their son--and a father who made his career protecting others as a police officer but was powerless to save his child. I feel for a daughter that will never know her daddy; I feel for a young woman who won't grow old with the man of her dreams.
Our grief is window-dressing compared to what Sean Taylor's family will go through every day for the rest of their lives.
Where do we go from here? Start like we did today--by waking up and hurting just a little bit less than yesterday.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
REDSKIN SEAN TAYLOR DIES AT 24 FROM GUNSHOT WOUNDS...
THE LATEST ON REDSKIN SAFETY SEAN TAYLOR FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
MIAMI (AP) - Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has died in
a Florida hospital, one day after being shot at his home.
Taylor's former lawyer, Richard Sharpstein, says he received the
news this morning from Taylor's father.
Sharpstein calls Taylor's death a "tremendously sad and
unnecessary event." He says the player was a "wonderful, humble,
talented young man, and had a huge life in front of him."
Doctors had been encouraged last night when Taylor squeezed a
nurse's hand. But Sharpstein said he was told Taylor never regained
consciousness after being transported to the hospital.
Police are still investigating the shooting as a possible armed
robbery.
MIAMI (AP) - Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has died in
a Florida hospital, one day after being shot at his home.
Taylor's former lawyer, Richard Sharpstein, says he received the
news this morning from Taylor's father.
Sharpstein calls Taylor's death a "tremendously sad and
unnecessary event." He says the player was a "wonderful, humble,
talented young man, and had a huge life in front of him."
Doctors had been encouraged last night when Taylor squeezed a
nurse's hand. But Sharpstein said he was told Taylor never regained
consciousness after being transported to the hospital.
Police are still investigating the shooting as a possible armed
robbery.
Monday, November 26, 2007
College Football Corner--Hand him the Heisman...and History...
Over the years the Heisman Trophy has seen more than a few odd turns and upsets, from 1956 when Paul Hornung took home the honor despite playing for a 2-8 Notre Dame team to Ohio State's Archie Griffin winning in1975 despite not even being named Big Ten MVP to Florida State's Chris Weinke given a career-achievement award in 2000 over Oklahoma's Josh Heupel.
This year the award should go to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow: while a sophomore has never won the honor(Herschel Walker finished second in 1981) today is a different era where the nation's best usually depart after three seasons. And Tebow is enjoying a phenomenal year-- completing almost seventy percent of his passes, almost 4000 total yards (3132 rushing plus 838 passing) from scrimmage, 29 touchdown passes(with only six interceptions) plus 22 touchdown runs. And he's done it in the spotlight of a defending national champion playing in arguably the toughest conference in the nation. History should be made in New York this December.
VIRGINIA TECH won the Commonwealth Clash, outscoring VIRGINIA 33-21 in Charlottesville. The Cavaliers were actually taking control of the contest, forcing back to back three and outs by the Hokies--with under a minute to play Jameel Sewell had UVa about ten to fifteen yards out of field goal range and a potential four point halftime lead when Brandon Flowers picked off Sewell. Three plays later Sean Glennon found Eddie Royal on a 39 yard touchdown pass, and the Hokies would take the lead for good.
HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS-- After a season operating behind a patchwork offensive line, Branden Ore rumbled for a season high 147 yards rushing. 147 was a Hokie magic number as Eddie Royal tallied that amount receiving.Defensively the difference maker Orion Martin-- the junior notched two sacks and broke up a pair of passes.
CAVALIER COMMENDATIONS-- Mikkell Simpson ran for 81yards while catching six passes against a defense keyed on his every move; while DE Chris Long tallied one and a half sacks in the face of continual double-teams, Clint Sintim was able to break free for three sacks of his own.
MARYLAND clinched a bowl berth with a 37-0 shutout of North Carolina State. A three touchdown second quarter gave the Terps a nice cushion entering halftime and unlike previous games (Wake Forest,Virginia) made a double digit second half lead stand--after a three and out to begin the third quarter, they scored on three straight possessions.Major props to a team that never gave up despite a multitude of injuries (specifically on a mangled offensive line)--after three straight losses the 4-5 Terps looked like they were in trouble; instead they're making holiday plans.
UPSIDE-- the Terrapin ground game posted 249 yards rushing, DaRell Scott leading the way with 89 yards while Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore each scored a pairof touchdowns. Chris Turner even got into the act with 40 yards of his own-- and the sophomore continues to grow in his starting role with a turnover-free game. Defensively, Dave Philistin shined with ten tackles and his first career interception--and led a unit that held the Wolfpack to ten yards rushing.
DOWNSIDE-- just one sack in 45 passing attempts? One would have hoped the defensive line would have generated a little more pressure. Other than that,the Terps were as dominant as they've been all year.
This year the award should go to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow: while a sophomore has never won the honor(Herschel Walker finished second in 1981) today is a different era where the nation's best usually depart after three seasons. And Tebow is enjoying a phenomenal year-- completing almost seventy percent of his passes, almost 4000 total yards (3132 rushing plus 838 passing) from scrimmage, 29 touchdown passes(with only six interceptions) plus 22 touchdown runs. And he's done it in the spotlight of a defending national champion playing in arguably the toughest conference in the nation. History should be made in New York this December.
VIRGINIA TECH won the Commonwealth Clash, outscoring VIRGINIA 33-21 in Charlottesville. The Cavaliers were actually taking control of the contest, forcing back to back three and outs by the Hokies--with under a minute to play Jameel Sewell had UVa about ten to fifteen yards out of field goal range and a potential four point halftime lead when Brandon Flowers picked off Sewell. Three plays later Sean Glennon found Eddie Royal on a 39 yard touchdown pass, and the Hokies would take the lead for good.
HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS-- After a season operating behind a patchwork offensive line, Branden Ore rumbled for a season high 147 yards rushing. 147 was a Hokie magic number as Eddie Royal tallied that amount receiving.Defensively the difference maker Orion Martin-- the junior notched two sacks and broke up a pair of passes.
CAVALIER COMMENDATIONS-- Mikkell Simpson ran for 81yards while catching six passes against a defense keyed on his every move; while DE Chris Long tallied one and a half sacks in the face of continual double-teams, Clint Sintim was able to break free for three sacks of his own.
MARYLAND clinched a bowl berth with a 37-0 shutout of North Carolina State. A three touchdown second quarter gave the Terps a nice cushion entering halftime and unlike previous games (Wake Forest,Virginia) made a double digit second half lead stand--after a three and out to begin the third quarter, they scored on three straight possessions.Major props to a team that never gave up despite a multitude of injuries (specifically on a mangled offensive line)--after three straight losses the 4-5 Terps looked like they were in trouble; instead they're making holiday plans.
UPSIDE-- the Terrapin ground game posted 249 yards rushing, DaRell Scott leading the way with 89 yards while Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore each scored a pairof touchdowns. Chris Turner even got into the act with 40 yards of his own-- and the sophomore continues to grow in his starting role with a turnover-free game. Defensively, Dave Philistin shined with ten tackles and his first career interception--and led a unit that held the Wolfpack to ten yards rushing.
DOWNSIDE-- just one sack in 45 passing attempts? One would have hoped the defensive line would have generated a little more pressure. Other than that,the Terps were as dominant as they've been all year.
Friday, November 23, 2007
College Football Corner--Intrastate Showdown, Commwealth Clash or Dominion Duel?
I’ve often wondered exactly what Virginia is…a state, dominion or a commonwealth? Regardless, this weeks matchup between Virginia and Virginia Tech brings together two vastly different residents together with the ACC Coastal Division up for grabs. A brief breakdown:
School names: University of Virginia has a graceful ease about it. Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University reminds one of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. EDGE: UVA.
Colors: Blue and Orange versus Maroon and Orange… EDGE-TECH as long as they don’t wear those uniforms with odd-colored shoulders.
Nicknames and mascots: Cavaliers has a nice antebellum feel to it, but isn’t the Mascot the ex-Tampa Bay “Bucco Bruce”? (hey, Bucco Bruce’s family has to eat, and the NFL doesn’t dole out 401k’s to logos and/or mascots). Fighting Gobblers/Hokies is family and merchandise friendly. EDGE: TECH.
Campus towns: I’ve never been to Charlottesville when it wasn’t sunny, and I’ve never been to Blacksburg when it wasn’t cloudy. EDGE: UVA-can’t beat sunny and 70 in January.
Stadium food: They don’t serve it at Scott Stadium, but you just know UVa’s wine and cheese reputation garners snickers (the laugh not the snack). And I’ve gone on record with the Tech Turkey Leg. EDGE: TECH.
Founders: Virginia-Thomas Jefferson. Tough to top the guy who wrote the Declaration of Independence. George Washington’s the only Virginian who can trump TJ---although Roanoke’s Wayne Newton is making strides…
#8 VIRGINIA TECH expects to be here; after starting the season ranked 9th in the nation the Hokies struggled behind a mangled offensive line and an unsure quarterback situation. But since the team’s month off (games with William & Mary, Ohio and Duke resembling a mid-semester break) they’ve gotten healther and have run the ball better (Branden Ore’s averaged 76 yards a game the last four weeks after talling 53 ypg the first two months)—while at quarterback coach Frank Beamer’s been able to successfully mix the strengths of Tyrod Taylor (playing the role of Tim Tebow) and Sean Glennon (in the role of Chris Leak). But the bedrock this year’s team’s built on remains Beamerball—special teams that produces points and a defense that ranks first in the ACC.
#16 VIRGINIA was not expected to be here until recently: the Cavaliers were seen as a sinking ship through September, the beneficiary of a soft non-conference schedule in October and a collection of cardiac kids throughout the fall, but somehow Al Groh has this team one win away from a division title. Credit a defense that puts premium pressure on the passer (Chris Long leads the ACC with 12 sacks) and an offense that hasn’t missed a beat despite losing Cedric Peerman (on track to contend for conference player of the year honors) to a season-ending injury.
The Hokies have played a slightly tougher conference schedule (their cross-over ACC opponents Boston College, Clemson and Florida State are a combined 24-9 while the Cavaliers beat up on the combined 17-16 North Carolina State, Maryland and Wake Forest)—and although this game is in Charlottesville, Tech is very comfortable with this stage. HOKIES 26, CAVALIERS 21.
MARYLAND’s recent series with North Carolina State has been as thrilling as you could ask for in the ACC, with six of their last seven meetings decided by a touchdown or less and more than a few games carrying major importance:
In 2001, The Terps rallied to win 23-19 and clinch the ACC championship. 2003 saw Nick Novak make up for a missed extra point with a last-second field goal. The Wolfpack claimed a bowl berth in 2005 by beating Maryland 20-14 in a matchup of five-win teams—just like this year.
NC State averages 40 passes and 30 runs a game; Daniel Evans spreads the ball around (five receivers with 30+ catches) but throws a lot of short stuff—(under 11 yards per completion). Jamelle Eugene is a poor man’s version of UVa’s Mikkell Simpson—a moderate threat as a runner and receiver.
Maryland looks to open things up against the ACC’s 10th ranked defense; while Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore have been hampered by injuries lately they should get healthy against the Wolfpack. Chris Turner’s education continues with another positive step forward.
TERPS 34, Wolfpack 21.
School names: University of Virginia has a graceful ease about it. Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University reminds one of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. EDGE: UVA.
Colors: Blue and Orange versus Maroon and Orange… EDGE-TECH as long as they don’t wear those uniforms with odd-colored shoulders.
Nicknames and mascots: Cavaliers has a nice antebellum feel to it, but isn’t the Mascot the ex-Tampa Bay “Bucco Bruce”? (hey, Bucco Bruce’s family has to eat, and the NFL doesn’t dole out 401k’s to logos and/or mascots). Fighting Gobblers/Hokies is family and merchandise friendly. EDGE: TECH.
Campus towns: I’ve never been to Charlottesville when it wasn’t sunny, and I’ve never been to Blacksburg when it wasn’t cloudy. EDGE: UVA-can’t beat sunny and 70 in January.
Stadium food: They don’t serve it at Scott Stadium, but you just know UVa’s wine and cheese reputation garners snickers (the laugh not the snack). And I’ve gone on record with the Tech Turkey Leg. EDGE: TECH.
Founders: Virginia-Thomas Jefferson. Tough to top the guy who wrote the Declaration of Independence. George Washington’s the only Virginian who can trump TJ---although Roanoke’s Wayne Newton is making strides…
#8 VIRGINIA TECH expects to be here; after starting the season ranked 9th in the nation the Hokies struggled behind a mangled offensive line and an unsure quarterback situation. But since the team’s month off (games with William & Mary, Ohio and Duke resembling a mid-semester break) they’ve gotten healther and have run the ball better (Branden Ore’s averaged 76 yards a game the last four weeks after talling 53 ypg the first two months)—while at quarterback coach Frank Beamer’s been able to successfully mix the strengths of Tyrod Taylor (playing the role of Tim Tebow) and Sean Glennon (in the role of Chris Leak). But the bedrock this year’s team’s built on remains Beamerball—special teams that produces points and a defense that ranks first in the ACC.
#16 VIRGINIA was not expected to be here until recently: the Cavaliers were seen as a sinking ship through September, the beneficiary of a soft non-conference schedule in October and a collection of cardiac kids throughout the fall, but somehow Al Groh has this team one win away from a division title. Credit a defense that puts premium pressure on the passer (Chris Long leads the ACC with 12 sacks) and an offense that hasn’t missed a beat despite losing Cedric Peerman (on track to contend for conference player of the year honors) to a season-ending injury.
The Hokies have played a slightly tougher conference schedule (their cross-over ACC opponents Boston College, Clemson and Florida State are a combined 24-9 while the Cavaliers beat up on the combined 17-16 North Carolina State, Maryland and Wake Forest)—and although this game is in Charlottesville, Tech is very comfortable with this stage. HOKIES 26, CAVALIERS 21.
MARYLAND’s recent series with North Carolina State has been as thrilling as you could ask for in the ACC, with six of their last seven meetings decided by a touchdown or less and more than a few games carrying major importance:
In 2001, The Terps rallied to win 23-19 and clinch the ACC championship. 2003 saw Nick Novak make up for a missed extra point with a last-second field goal. The Wolfpack claimed a bowl berth in 2005 by beating Maryland 20-14 in a matchup of five-win teams—just like this year.
NC State averages 40 passes and 30 runs a game; Daniel Evans spreads the ball around (five receivers with 30+ catches) but throws a lot of short stuff—(under 11 yards per completion). Jamelle Eugene is a poor man’s version of UVa’s Mikkell Simpson—a moderate threat as a runner and receiver.
Maryland looks to open things up against the ACC’s 10th ranked defense; while Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore have been hampered by injuries lately they should get healthy against the Wolfpack. Chris Turner’s education continues with another positive step forward.
TERPS 34, Wolfpack 21.
Monday, November 19, 2007
College Football Corner--Seperating Contenders from Pretenders...
While September is show-me month in college football and October is moving month, November is the finishing kick month—where the remaining contenders in the mix play for the right to be elite. Unfortunately this year, we’ve seen the vast majority of contenders play their way out of position. The latest to abdicate: #2 Oregon and 3rd rated Oklahoma after both lost their starting quarterbacks to injury in losses to Arizona and Texas Tech.
Remaining teams in the mix each have rivalry games pending include: #1 LSU, who faces Arkansas Saturday with a spot in the SEC title game already locked up; #2 Kansas and 3rd ranked Missouri play Saturday for a berth in the Big 12 title game; #4 West Virginia (Pitt) and 6th rated Arizona State (Arizona) try not to look past inferior opposition while hoping for someone to slip; #5 Ohio State can't leapfrog anyone as their season's done-the Buckeyes are simply waiting for somebody to stumble. If there's anything we've learned from this fall, it's don't expect the road to smooth out anytime soon.
#8 VIRGINIA TECH set up a Commonwealth showdown for the ACC Coastal Division title by beating Miami 44-14. Woe are the Hurricanes—outscored 92-14 in back to back losses to the Hokies and Virginia—it’s hard to recall they controlled their own destiny one month ago.
UPSIDE---It’s always nice to be able to run in November, and the Hokies were able to pound out 182 yards on the ground—Branden Ore tallying 81 of them with two scores. It’s been said “if you have two starting quarterbacks, you have no starting quarterbacks” —but coach Frank Beamer has been able to alternate Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon effectively; Glennon passed for 171 yards and a touchdown while Taylor added 38 yards rushing. Defensively the Hokies tallied 3 takeaways and 5 sacks—nice effort by linebacker Vince Hall (11 tackles).
DOWNSIDE—penalties continue to blemish otherwise solid efforts (7 for 34 Saturday) …while one might be concerned the Hokies allowed Miami back in the game after taking a 17-0 lead.
MARYLAND saw it’s postseason hopes go back on life support with a 24-16 loss at Florida State. Perhaps it was the presence of EXECUTIVE coach Chuck Amato that put the Terps in a win or else position Saturday against North Carolina State (and even a win wouldn’t guarantee a bowl berth—Miami if they upset Boston College could snag the ACC’s eighth and final tie-in).
UPSIDE—Darrius Heyward-Bey caught 5 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown; he’s had a rough season trying to be the Terps’ lone receiving threat with one quarterback who got hurt and another learning on the job. Chris Turner would love to have some of his throws back—but despite being lifted for two series late in the first half fared well under the glare of a hostile environment.
DOWNSIDE—The Terps couldn’t contain FSU runningback Preston Parker (133 yards rushing and a touchdown) and were able to recover just one of five Seminole fumbles. Jordan Steffy saw his first action since his concussion against Rutgers, and the rust showed: 1 for 3 passing for one yard plus 2 rushes for minus 7 yards.
Remaining teams in the mix each have rivalry games pending include: #1 LSU, who faces Arkansas Saturday with a spot in the SEC title game already locked up; #2 Kansas and 3rd ranked Missouri play Saturday for a berth in the Big 12 title game; #4 West Virginia (Pitt) and 6th rated Arizona State (Arizona) try not to look past inferior opposition while hoping for someone to slip; #5 Ohio State can't leapfrog anyone as their season's done-the Buckeyes are simply waiting for somebody to stumble. If there's anything we've learned from this fall, it's don't expect the road to smooth out anytime soon.
#8 VIRGINIA TECH set up a Commonwealth showdown for the ACC Coastal Division title by beating Miami 44-14. Woe are the Hurricanes—outscored 92-14 in back to back losses to the Hokies and Virginia—it’s hard to recall they controlled their own destiny one month ago.
UPSIDE---It’s always nice to be able to run in November, and the Hokies were able to pound out 182 yards on the ground—Branden Ore tallying 81 of them with two scores. It’s been said “if you have two starting quarterbacks, you have no starting quarterbacks” —but coach Frank Beamer has been able to alternate Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon effectively; Glennon passed for 171 yards and a touchdown while Taylor added 38 yards rushing. Defensively the Hokies tallied 3 takeaways and 5 sacks—nice effort by linebacker Vince Hall (11 tackles).
DOWNSIDE—penalties continue to blemish otherwise solid efforts (7 for 34 Saturday) …while one might be concerned the Hokies allowed Miami back in the game after taking a 17-0 lead.
MARYLAND saw it’s postseason hopes go back on life support with a 24-16 loss at Florida State. Perhaps it was the presence of EXECUTIVE coach Chuck Amato that put the Terps in a win or else position Saturday against North Carolina State (and even a win wouldn’t guarantee a bowl berth—Miami if they upset Boston College could snag the ACC’s eighth and final tie-in).
UPSIDE—Darrius Heyward-Bey caught 5 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown; he’s had a rough season trying to be the Terps’ lone receiving threat with one quarterback who got hurt and another learning on the job. Chris Turner would love to have some of his throws back—but despite being lifted for two series late in the first half fared well under the glare of a hostile environment.
DOWNSIDE—The Terps couldn’t contain FSU runningback Preston Parker (133 yards rushing and a touchdown) and were able to recover just one of five Seminole fumbles. Jordan Steffy saw his first action since his concussion against Rutgers, and the rust showed: 1 for 3 passing for one yard plus 2 rushes for minus 7 yards.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Presto's Picks...Bowl Bubble and postseason possibilities...
It’s not March Madness—but there is a battle for postseason bids involving half of the ACC. Six wins are needed for bowl eligibility, but not all six-win seasons are created equally. Florida State went bowling at 6-6 last year; one would think that a Wake Forest just on the basis of not traveling as well as other schools would need seven wins to continue play during the holidays.
Three schools are 6-4: Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Florida State…each plays just one more ACC game before squaring off against an SEC foe to wrap up the season (Wake meets 5-5 Vanderbilt, Tech takes on 8-2 Georgia, FSU faces 7-3 Florida) so you would have to think Saturday's games are must-win (Yellowjackets with the easiest path as they have a home game against North Carolina). Miami, North Carolina State and Maryland are all 5-5; while the Hurricanes name might get them in with six victories they have the toughest schedule of those on the Bowl bubble (games at 8-2 Virginia Tech and 8-2 Boston College). The Terps task? Back to back road games in a place they’ve never won (Tallahassee) and against a school coming on as of late (NC St. has won four straight).
#10 VIRGINIA TECH vs Miami—for the latter half of the 1990’s this matchup decided the Big East championship, and in 2004 their game decided the ACC title. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, whatever ground the program seemed to be making at the beginning of the season during a 4-1 start has evaporated with four losses in five games—a span in which the usually tough Miami D has coughed up 29 points a game. Coach Randy Shannon’s offense has had problems as well, failing to pass for 100 yards in three of their last four outings (and that’s with sack yardage not counting against the passing total).
Meanwhile, the Hokies are coming off solid efforts against Georgia Tech and Florida State—Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon are both playing well, the defense is making big plays (nine takeaways in their games with the Yellowjackets and Seminoles) and the special teams is on the verge of another big “Beamerball” weekend. HOKIES handle the Hurricanes 32-14.
MARYLAND at Florida State—what has happened to the Seminoles? Coach Bobby Bowden’s program has slowly receded since they won the 1999 National championship—finishing 8-5 and 7-6 the past two seasons…five and six loss seasons-in Tallahassee? What’s doubly distressing this fall is the fact that coach Bobby Bowden shook up his staff in the offseason and 2007 appears to be more of the same.
About the FSU shakeup—former North Carolina State coach Chuck Amato is listed as an “Executive Head Coach/Linebackers”. Thanks to the Redskins I’ve heard of “assistant head” and “associate head” coaches, but never an “executive”—what exactly does that mean? Does he get monogrammed shirts? What’s next, a “judicial” or “legislative” head coach?
What’s the best thing about the Terps this week? No new season-ending injuries to report; the two-deep had more changes than Menudo. Chris Turner comes off a 337 yard passing performance and looks like the Turner of Rutgers/Georgia Tech—four pass plays of 40+ yards in the win over BC …and the Seminoles pass defense ranks 10th in the ACC. Likewise, the Terps secondary will be have their hands full with FSU’s deep passing game. Brace yourself for big plays on both ends of the field. TERPS come up short to the Seminoles 24-20.
NAVY tops Northern Illinois, JMU tames Towson, RICHMOND gets by William & Mary, HOWARD’s defeated by Delaware State.
Last week: 7-2…Season: 54-24.
Three schools are 6-4: Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Florida State…each plays just one more ACC game before squaring off against an SEC foe to wrap up the season (Wake meets 5-5 Vanderbilt, Tech takes on 8-2 Georgia, FSU faces 7-3 Florida) so you would have to think Saturday's games are must-win (Yellowjackets with the easiest path as they have a home game against North Carolina). Miami, North Carolina State and Maryland are all 5-5; while the Hurricanes name might get them in with six victories they have the toughest schedule of those on the Bowl bubble (games at 8-2 Virginia Tech and 8-2 Boston College). The Terps task? Back to back road games in a place they’ve never won (Tallahassee) and against a school coming on as of late (NC St. has won four straight).
#10 VIRGINIA TECH vs Miami—for the latter half of the 1990’s this matchup decided the Big East championship, and in 2004 their game decided the ACC title. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, whatever ground the program seemed to be making at the beginning of the season during a 4-1 start has evaporated with four losses in five games—a span in which the usually tough Miami D has coughed up 29 points a game. Coach Randy Shannon’s offense has had problems as well, failing to pass for 100 yards in three of their last four outings (and that’s with sack yardage not counting against the passing total).
Meanwhile, the Hokies are coming off solid efforts against Georgia Tech and Florida State—Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon are both playing well, the defense is making big plays (nine takeaways in their games with the Yellowjackets and Seminoles) and the special teams is on the verge of another big “Beamerball” weekend. HOKIES handle the Hurricanes 32-14.
MARYLAND at Florida State—what has happened to the Seminoles? Coach Bobby Bowden’s program has slowly receded since they won the 1999 National championship—finishing 8-5 and 7-6 the past two seasons…five and six loss seasons-in Tallahassee? What’s doubly distressing this fall is the fact that coach Bobby Bowden shook up his staff in the offseason and 2007 appears to be more of the same.
About the FSU shakeup—former North Carolina State coach Chuck Amato is listed as an “Executive Head Coach/Linebackers”. Thanks to the Redskins I’ve heard of “assistant head” and “associate head” coaches, but never an “executive”—what exactly does that mean? Does he get monogrammed shirts? What’s next, a “judicial” or “legislative” head coach?
What’s the best thing about the Terps this week? No new season-ending injuries to report; the two-deep had more changes than Menudo. Chris Turner comes off a 337 yard passing performance and looks like the Turner of Rutgers/Georgia Tech—four pass plays of 40+ yards in the win over BC …and the Seminoles pass defense ranks 10th in the ACC. Likewise, the Terps secondary will be have their hands full with FSU’s deep passing game. Brace yourself for big plays on both ends of the field. TERPS come up short to the Seminoles 24-20.
NAVY tops Northern Illinois, JMU tames Towson, RICHMOND gets by William & Mary, HOWARD’s defeated by Delaware State.
Last week: 7-2…Season: 54-24.
Monday, November 12, 2007
College Football Corner- Division delineation?
When the ACC expanded to 12 teams a few years ago, the league split its membership into two divisions--Maryland is in the Atlantic while Virginia Tech and Virginia reside in the Coastal.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, how are things shaping up? The Atlantic schools are a cumulative 38-21 with a 21-18 league record while the Coastal Division is 32-29 (18-21 in the ACC). While 1-9 Duke does bring the Coastal down, all six Atlantic teams remain in bowl contention and four have shots at winning league records (Virginia and Virginia Tech are the only Coastal schools with fewer than four ACC losses)-- and the two winners of the ACC Championship game have come from the Atlantic (Florida State in 2005, Wake Forest last year). Add the rebuilding track Miami and North Carolina are both on and it may be advantage-Atlantic for some time.
#11 VIRGINIA TECH exorcised ghosts of years past as coach Frank Beamer finally notches a victory over Bobby Bowden in the Hokies 40-21 triumph over Florida State.
This sets up a November 24th battle with Virginia for the ACC Coastal Division championship regardless of what happens this week against Miami.
UPSIDE—Tyrod Taylor tallies 296 total yards and three touchdowns after Sean Glennon stumbled off the field after taking a shot to the helmet. Taylor stretched the Seminole defense with his arm as well as his feet, averaging over 20 yards per completion. The Hokie defense stepped up in the fourth quarter with an interception return for a TD (one of three takeaways on the day) and a safety.
DOWNSIDE— Branden Ore reverted to his early season-form, gaining just 40 yards on 16 carries. The Hokies were fortunate to avoid losing any of their three fumbles but had an interception returned for a score during the Seminoles rally. Penalties persist as a problem, with the team earning 7 flags for 60 yards.
MARYLAND kept its dimming postseason hopes alive with a 42-35 win over Boston College in final home game for the senior class. What would could have been a disastrous November now has possibilities; if they had lost the all minds in College Park would have been fully fixed on basketball.
UPSIDE— Start with a ground game behind Lance Ball (109 yards and a touchdown) and a patchwork offensive line that battled one of the nations best in stopping the run. Add in a very well-called game by Coach Friedgen (the reverse to Darrius Heyward-Bey was pure genius) that challenged the Eagle secondary deep (4 pass plays of more than 40 yards)…but you need a triggerman like Chris Turner to execute it all and the sophomore did (21-27, 337 yards and 3 touchdowns). Defensively the much-maligned pass rush (last in the ACC entering the game) made life very uncomfortable for BC QB Matt Ryan, notching four sacks while intercepting a pair of passes.
DOWNSIDE— the injuries continue to mount as Keon Lattimore misses his final game at Byrd with a bad hamstring. The Terrapin defense could never find an answer for Eagles tight end Ryan Purvis (10 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns), although there’s no shame in allowing 421 yards passing to Heisman candidate Matt Ryan. Can’t wait to see this week’s injury report.
VIRGINIA closed the Orange Bowl in classic fashion, shutting out the Hurricanes 48-0 after taking a 14-0 first quarter and 31-0 halftime leads. What’s more a shell of its former self- the decrepit stadium or the underachieving program?
UPSIDE—Mikkell Simpson tallied 93 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving with a pair of touchdowns, continuing to fill in adequately for the injured Cedric Peerman. By the way, what is the deal with Cavalier tight ends? Tom Phillips leads UVa in receiving with 4 catches for 77 yards. Defensively, the Cavs hold the Canes to 95 yards rushing while putting plenty of pressure on the pocket; sacking Kyle Wright four times and notching three interceptions.
DOWNSIDE—when a missed 33 yard field goal and 3 penalties is all you can scour from a 48 point win, what is there to do?...Virginia entertains Virginia Tech in less than two weeks.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, how are things shaping up? The Atlantic schools are a cumulative 38-21 with a 21-18 league record while the Coastal Division is 32-29 (18-21 in the ACC). While 1-9 Duke does bring the Coastal down, all six Atlantic teams remain in bowl contention and four have shots at winning league records (Virginia and Virginia Tech are the only Coastal schools with fewer than four ACC losses)-- and the two winners of the ACC Championship game have come from the Atlantic (Florida State in 2005, Wake Forest last year). Add the rebuilding track Miami and North Carolina are both on and it may be advantage-Atlantic for some time.
#11 VIRGINIA TECH exorcised ghosts of years past as coach Frank Beamer finally notches a victory over Bobby Bowden in the Hokies 40-21 triumph over Florida State.
This sets up a November 24th battle with Virginia for the ACC Coastal Division championship regardless of what happens this week against Miami.
UPSIDE—Tyrod Taylor tallies 296 total yards and three touchdowns after Sean Glennon stumbled off the field after taking a shot to the helmet. Taylor stretched the Seminole defense with his arm as well as his feet, averaging over 20 yards per completion. The Hokie defense stepped up in the fourth quarter with an interception return for a TD (one of three takeaways on the day) and a safety.
DOWNSIDE— Branden Ore reverted to his early season-form, gaining just 40 yards on 16 carries. The Hokies were fortunate to avoid losing any of their three fumbles but had an interception returned for a score during the Seminoles rally. Penalties persist as a problem, with the team earning 7 flags for 60 yards.
MARYLAND kept its dimming postseason hopes alive with a 42-35 win over Boston College in final home game for the senior class. What would could have been a disastrous November now has possibilities; if they had lost the all minds in College Park would have been fully fixed on basketball.
UPSIDE— Start with a ground game behind Lance Ball (109 yards and a touchdown) and a patchwork offensive line that battled one of the nations best in stopping the run. Add in a very well-called game by Coach Friedgen (the reverse to Darrius Heyward-Bey was pure genius) that challenged the Eagle secondary deep (4 pass plays of more than 40 yards)…but you need a triggerman like Chris Turner to execute it all and the sophomore did (21-27, 337 yards and 3 touchdowns). Defensively the much-maligned pass rush (last in the ACC entering the game) made life very uncomfortable for BC QB Matt Ryan, notching four sacks while intercepting a pair of passes.
DOWNSIDE— the injuries continue to mount as Keon Lattimore misses his final game at Byrd with a bad hamstring. The Terrapin defense could never find an answer for Eagles tight end Ryan Purvis (10 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns), although there’s no shame in allowing 421 yards passing to Heisman candidate Matt Ryan. Can’t wait to see this week’s injury report.
VIRGINIA closed the Orange Bowl in classic fashion, shutting out the Hurricanes 48-0 after taking a 14-0 first quarter and 31-0 halftime leads. What’s more a shell of its former self- the decrepit stadium or the underachieving program?
UPSIDE—Mikkell Simpson tallied 93 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving with a pair of touchdowns, continuing to fill in adequately for the injured Cedric Peerman. By the way, what is the deal with Cavalier tight ends? Tom Phillips leads UVa in receiving with 4 catches for 77 yards. Defensively, the Cavs hold the Canes to 95 yards rushing while putting plenty of pressure on the pocket; sacking Kyle Wright four times and notching three interceptions.
DOWNSIDE—when a missed 33 yard field goal and 3 penalties is all you can scour from a 48 point win, what is there to do?...Virginia entertains Virginia Tech in less than two weeks.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Presto's Picks...Grand Stage gets final curtain...
The Orange Bowl is closing. For four decades, this was a college and pro football mecca. Now it’s merely a decrepit shell of its former self that is going quietly into the night. From the 1960’s through the 90’s this was the home of a multitude of memorable games—from Joe Namath and the Jets upset in Super Bowl III to Nebraska’s unsuccessful two-point conversion in 1984 (giving birth to the Miami monster), from both Pittsburgh-Dallas Superbowls in the 1970’s to its focal point in college football’s championship picture (the 1985, 87, 90, 91 and 93 winners took NCAA titles)—this was the grand gridiron stage of its time.
The two best games at the “OB”?...
NCAA: November, 1984…Boston College beats the Hurricanes 47-45 on a last second touchdown pass from Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan (Bernie Kosar would also be overshadowed two years later by John Elway’s 98 yard drive), all but clinching the Heisman Trophy.
NFL: January 1982…San Diego defeats the Dolphins 41-38 in the Divisional Playoffs thanks to 13 catches from Kellen Winslow (the Chargers tight end blocked a field goal and had to be carried off the field after the game)—and who could forget the hook-and-lateral play from Don Strock to Duriel Harris to Tony Nathan?
#11 VIRGINIA TECH vs Florida State—who will start at quarterback, Sean Glennon or Tyrod Taylor? The season-long question of polish versus potential—thank goodness the offensive line is finally coming around: last week against a very good run defense, the Hokies gained a season high 185 yards against Georgia Tech. The Seminoles are coming off a huge upset of #2 Boston College (in Chesnut Hill) and have allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing in five of their nine games this fall (including -27 to Colorado). HOKIES hold on, 27-18.
MARYLAND vs #8 Boston College—one would think the Terps would have to win their final three games to secure a bowl berth—and the combined record of their final three opponents is 18-9… and they don’t start lightly—BC is the highest ranked team in the ACC. The Eagles boast the league’s number one defense against the run- not good news for the suddenly mortal Keon Lattimore (80 yards on 29 carries his last two games). After a spectacular splash Chris Turner has had problems, going from an average of 135 yards passing his first three halves at the helm—but under 90 since—and he’s turned the ball over three times during the losing streak. While the offense will be challenged, the defense will have its hands full trying to contain Heisman candidate Matt Ryan (2848 yards and 21 TD’s passing)—but the sleeper on this Eagle team is runningback Andre Callender (658 yards rushing plus 378 yards receiving and 12 total touchdowns)—as Virginia Tech learned last month. TERPS tumble 35-16.
#21 VIRGINIA at Miami—the “Cardiac Cavaliers” (patent pending) control their own destiny in the ACC Coastal Divison race: a win Saturday or November 24th against Virginia Tech punches UVa’s ticket to Jacksonville for December first’s championship game. Bad news—runningback Cedric Peerman’s done for the year with a foot injury; good news—Mikkell Simpson hasn’t reproduced Peerman’s presence on the ground but has been a very effective receiver out of the backfield (while still running the football decently). The Hurricanes have stumbled as of late (three losses in four games by a combined 12 points)—and Randy Shannon’s program remains a year or two away from making their mark in the ACC.
CAVALIERS close the “OB” in OT, 23-17.
NAVY becomes bowl-eligible by beating North Texas, GEORGETOWN falls to Colgate, HOWARD beats Bethune-Cookman, CATHOLIC falls to Bridgewater State, JAMES MADISON over William & Mary, RICHMOND slips to Delaware.
Last Week: 4-4 Season: 47-22.
The two best games at the “OB”?...
NCAA: November, 1984…Boston College beats the Hurricanes 47-45 on a last second touchdown pass from Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan (Bernie Kosar would also be overshadowed two years later by John Elway’s 98 yard drive), all but clinching the Heisman Trophy.
NFL: January 1982…San Diego defeats the Dolphins 41-38 in the Divisional Playoffs thanks to 13 catches from Kellen Winslow (the Chargers tight end blocked a field goal and had to be carried off the field after the game)—and who could forget the hook-and-lateral play from Don Strock to Duriel Harris to Tony Nathan?
#11 VIRGINIA TECH vs Florida State—who will start at quarterback, Sean Glennon or Tyrod Taylor? The season-long question of polish versus potential—thank goodness the offensive line is finally coming around: last week against a very good run defense, the Hokies gained a season high 185 yards against Georgia Tech. The Seminoles are coming off a huge upset of #2 Boston College (in Chesnut Hill) and have allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing in five of their nine games this fall (including -27 to Colorado). HOKIES hold on, 27-18.
MARYLAND vs #8 Boston College—one would think the Terps would have to win their final three games to secure a bowl berth—and the combined record of their final three opponents is 18-9… and they don’t start lightly—BC is the highest ranked team in the ACC. The Eagles boast the league’s number one defense against the run- not good news for the suddenly mortal Keon Lattimore (80 yards on 29 carries his last two games). After a spectacular splash Chris Turner has had problems, going from an average of 135 yards passing his first three halves at the helm—but under 90 since—and he’s turned the ball over three times during the losing streak. While the offense will be challenged, the defense will have its hands full trying to contain Heisman candidate Matt Ryan (2848 yards and 21 TD’s passing)—but the sleeper on this Eagle team is runningback Andre Callender (658 yards rushing plus 378 yards receiving and 12 total touchdowns)—as Virginia Tech learned last month. TERPS tumble 35-16.
#21 VIRGINIA at Miami—the “Cardiac Cavaliers” (patent pending) control their own destiny in the ACC Coastal Divison race: a win Saturday or November 24th against Virginia Tech punches UVa’s ticket to Jacksonville for December first’s championship game. Bad news—runningback Cedric Peerman’s done for the year with a foot injury; good news—Mikkell Simpson hasn’t reproduced Peerman’s presence on the ground but has been a very effective receiver out of the backfield (while still running the football decently). The Hurricanes have stumbled as of late (three losses in four games by a combined 12 points)—and Randy Shannon’s program remains a year or two away from making their mark in the ACC.
CAVALIERS close the “OB” in OT, 23-17.
NAVY becomes bowl-eligible by beating North Texas, GEORGETOWN falls to Colgate, HOWARD beats Bethune-Cookman, CATHOLIC falls to Bridgewater State, JAMES MADISON over William & Mary, RICHMOND slips to Delaware.
Last Week: 4-4 Season: 47-22.
Monday, November 5, 2007
College Football Corner--Conspiracy in South Bend?
Congratulations to Navy for ending nearly half a century of frustration in their 46-44 triple overtime triumph over Notre Dame—the Midshipmen have come close more than a few times since 1963, and it was nice to see Paul Johnson’s crew get it done in South Bend. Credit an option offense run to perfection—257 yards on 66 carries keeping the Fighting Irish on their heels—and how about that call in the 3rd OT—a 25 yard pass from Kaipo-Noa Kaheauku-Enhada to Reggie Campbell for the go-ahead score.
But was another reason for Navy’s victory? The Fighting Irish threw the ball only 27 times against a school that allowed 434 passing yards to Delaware the week before. And what was the deal with Notre Dame passing up a 41-yard field goal with under a minute to play? Don’t even talk to me about the fullback dive into the line for the game-tying two point conversion. Just where did Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis earn his reputation in the NFL? New England. Where did Patriots coach Bill Belichick grow up? You guessed it –Annapolis, where his father was a long-time assistant football coach—at NAVY. Conspiracy? I leave you to judge…but if I mysteriously disappear—you know what went down.
MARYLAND’s margin of error got ever so slimmer with a 16-13 loss at North Carolina. After winning six of seven games decided by a touchdown or less last year, the Terps are 1-3 in such games this fall—and on the precipice of postseason elimination. Coach Ralph Friedgen’s team now has to win their final three games (a 6 win team qualifies for a bowl but will likely be left out) against #8 Boston College, Florida State (the school that just ended BC’s unbeaten run) and North Carolina State (Wolfpack have won three straight).
UPSIDE—the defense held the Tar Heels in check all afternoon: 16 points, 259 total yards and 3 turnovers. Linebacker Erin Henderson notched 11 tackles and a fumble recovery while the underrated Dave Philistin added 10 stops. Kevin Barnes remains a ballhawk, tallying his fourth interception of the season. On offense Lance Ball continues to be a force with 69 yards rushing- his 6th straight 50-yard effort despite not getting more than 17 carries in any of those games, while Chris Turner’s impressed me with his downfield emphasis (just 3 passes last Saturday went to his runningbacks).
DOWNSIDE—Keon Lattimore had his roughest day of the season, gaining just 29 yards on 13 carries. The Terps committed 9 penalties and turned the ball over twice (once during a return of a Tar Heel fumble) while a hobbled offensive line remains a mess medically.
VIRGINIA’s dream season continues as Sam Swank misses a last-second field goal in the Cavaliers’ 17-16 win over Wake Forest. Six of the Cavaliers’ eight wins this fall have come by less than a touchdown—the last four by a combined six points. Coach Al Groh’s team needs just a win over Virginia Tech November 24th to clinch a trip to the ACC Championship game.
UPSIDE—Jameel Sewell threw for 225 yards while adding 47 yards rushing—despite minimal support from his running game. Mikkell Simpson continues to shine in relief of the injured Cedric Peerman, tallying 112 combined yards and a touchdown. The defense held the Demon Deacons to 2.8 yards a carry and under ten yards per completion—and when Wake was in the red zone, the Cavaliers held firm—forcing three field goals of under 32 yards.
DOWNSIDE—the Cavaliers running game, a strength all season, gained just 3.3 yards per carry—and that was with Jameel Sewell’s scrambles factored in. One also has to wonder how long the good fortune will stay in Charlottesville—they visit Miami Saturday.
But was another reason for Navy’s victory? The Fighting Irish threw the ball only 27 times against a school that allowed 434 passing yards to Delaware the week before. And what was the deal with Notre Dame passing up a 41-yard field goal with under a minute to play? Don’t even talk to me about the fullback dive into the line for the game-tying two point conversion. Just where did Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis earn his reputation in the NFL? New England. Where did Patriots coach Bill Belichick grow up? You guessed it –Annapolis, where his father was a long-time assistant football coach—at NAVY. Conspiracy? I leave you to judge…but if I mysteriously disappear—you know what went down.
MARYLAND’s margin of error got ever so slimmer with a 16-13 loss at North Carolina. After winning six of seven games decided by a touchdown or less last year, the Terps are 1-3 in such games this fall—and on the precipice of postseason elimination. Coach Ralph Friedgen’s team now has to win their final three games (a 6 win team qualifies for a bowl but will likely be left out) against #8 Boston College, Florida State (the school that just ended BC’s unbeaten run) and North Carolina State (Wolfpack have won three straight).
UPSIDE—the defense held the Tar Heels in check all afternoon: 16 points, 259 total yards and 3 turnovers. Linebacker Erin Henderson notched 11 tackles and a fumble recovery while the underrated Dave Philistin added 10 stops. Kevin Barnes remains a ballhawk, tallying his fourth interception of the season. On offense Lance Ball continues to be a force with 69 yards rushing- his 6th straight 50-yard effort despite not getting more than 17 carries in any of those games, while Chris Turner’s impressed me with his downfield emphasis (just 3 passes last Saturday went to his runningbacks).
DOWNSIDE—Keon Lattimore had his roughest day of the season, gaining just 29 yards on 13 carries. The Terps committed 9 penalties and turned the ball over twice (once during a return of a Tar Heel fumble) while a hobbled offensive line remains a mess medically.
VIRGINIA’s dream season continues as Sam Swank misses a last-second field goal in the Cavaliers’ 17-16 win over Wake Forest. Six of the Cavaliers’ eight wins this fall have come by less than a touchdown—the last four by a combined six points. Coach Al Groh’s team needs just a win over Virginia Tech November 24th to clinch a trip to the ACC Championship game.
UPSIDE—Jameel Sewell threw for 225 yards while adding 47 yards rushing—despite minimal support from his running game. Mikkell Simpson continues to shine in relief of the injured Cedric Peerman, tallying 112 combined yards and a touchdown. The defense held the Demon Deacons to 2.8 yards a carry and under ten yards per completion—and when Wake was in the red zone, the Cavaliers held firm—forcing three field goals of under 32 yards.
DOWNSIDE—the Cavaliers running game, a strength all season, gained just 3.3 yards per carry—and that was with Jameel Sewell’s scrambles factored in. One also has to wonder how long the good fortune will stay in Charlottesville—they visit Miami Saturday.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Presto's Picks--Losing your shirt...
Now there’s a game-replica jersey I’d want to buy. Virginia Tech routed Georgia Tech 27-3 thanks to 296 yards passing from Sean Glennon. The junior threw two touchdown passes while running for a third wearing a makeshift jersey provided by the home team after his top went missing earlier in the day…this uniform had Glennon’s name written in magic marker on the back. Coming soon to a Target near you!
UPSIDE— Glennon fired 40 and 71 yard touchdown strikes, stretching the field for a running game finally falling into place. Branden Ore continued his resurgence, tallying 86 yards rushing while Jahre Cheeseman adds 84 on the ground. The defense, after giving up two late scores to Boston College the week before, held the Yellowjackets in check and out of the endzone all evening. Five interceptions—two by Victor Harris—was the exclamation point in a bounce-back victory.
DOWNSIDE---Ten penalties and a fumble keep this from a perfect week—oh, and can we get better security on equipment matters?
MARYLAND at North Carolina—I’m waiting for coach Ralph Friedgen to go to a four man front—on offense. Yes, things are getting that bad in the trenches- and although everyone has injuries, this year’s team is decimated up front (if only Jared Gaither and Donald Woods had stayed in College Park). UNC is an extremely young team, with a freshman starting quarterback in TJ Yates (3rd in the ACC in passing efficiency) and the primary running chores shared by freshmen Johnny White and Anthony Elzy. The Tar Heels might be 2-6, but this is a team that has gotten quite a bit better as the season’s progressed; four of their six defeats have come by a touchdown or less and their last four losses are to teams currently in the Top 25.
The Terps are reaching a point of no return; the team has to win three of their final four games to wrap up a bowl berth (6-6 qualifies but won’t get it done with enough other “name” ACC schools that travel well likely to land around there). After back to back 17 point efforts, the offense looks to break out against a Tar Heel defense rated 9th in the ACC—and next to last in defensive passer rating. Terps tame the Tar Heels 17-13.
VIRGINIA vs #21 Wake Forest—so much for my “Cardiac Cavaliers” t-shirts I was considering mass-producing. Both teams bring 4-1 ACC records to Charlottesville Saturday—the Demon Deacons defeat coming to #2 Boston College in September, the Cavaliers loss coming to sub-500 North Carolina State last weekend.
Runningback Cedric Peerman appears to be on the shelf longer than expected; he’s doubtful for Saturday and some reports have him missing the rest of the regular season. Good thing Mikkail Simpson has filled in ably the last two weeks.
Wake Forest provides an interesting matchup; the Demon Deacon misdirection is a mess to defend (as Maryland learned earlier this year)--Chris Long’s speed might work against in him his pursuit of quarterback Riley Skinner. UVa’s defense will have to contend with emerging freshman Josh Adams (4th in the ACC in rushing). Cavaliers crumble 21-19.
NAVY notches its first win over Notre Dame since the 1960’s, GEORGETOWN nips Marist, HOWARD over South Carolina State, CATHOLIC tops Guilford, JAMES MADISON falls to Delaware, RICHMOND over Villanova.
UPSIDE— Glennon fired 40 and 71 yard touchdown strikes, stretching the field for a running game finally falling into place. Branden Ore continued his resurgence, tallying 86 yards rushing while Jahre Cheeseman adds 84 on the ground. The defense, after giving up two late scores to Boston College the week before, held the Yellowjackets in check and out of the endzone all evening. Five interceptions—two by Victor Harris—was the exclamation point in a bounce-back victory.
DOWNSIDE---Ten penalties and a fumble keep this from a perfect week—oh, and can we get better security on equipment matters?
MARYLAND at North Carolina—I’m waiting for coach Ralph Friedgen to go to a four man front—on offense. Yes, things are getting that bad in the trenches- and although everyone has injuries, this year’s team is decimated up front (if only Jared Gaither and Donald Woods had stayed in College Park). UNC is an extremely young team, with a freshman starting quarterback in TJ Yates (3rd in the ACC in passing efficiency) and the primary running chores shared by freshmen Johnny White and Anthony Elzy. The Tar Heels might be 2-6, but this is a team that has gotten quite a bit better as the season’s progressed; four of their six defeats have come by a touchdown or less and their last four losses are to teams currently in the Top 25.
The Terps are reaching a point of no return; the team has to win three of their final four games to wrap up a bowl berth (6-6 qualifies but won’t get it done with enough other “name” ACC schools that travel well likely to land around there). After back to back 17 point efforts, the offense looks to break out against a Tar Heel defense rated 9th in the ACC—and next to last in defensive passer rating. Terps tame the Tar Heels 17-13.
VIRGINIA vs #21 Wake Forest—so much for my “Cardiac Cavaliers” t-shirts I was considering mass-producing. Both teams bring 4-1 ACC records to Charlottesville Saturday—the Demon Deacons defeat coming to #2 Boston College in September, the Cavaliers loss coming to sub-500 North Carolina State last weekend.
Runningback Cedric Peerman appears to be on the shelf longer than expected; he’s doubtful for Saturday and some reports have him missing the rest of the regular season. Good thing Mikkail Simpson has filled in ably the last two weeks.
Wake Forest provides an interesting matchup; the Demon Deacon misdirection is a mess to defend (as Maryland learned earlier this year)--Chris Long’s speed might work against in him his pursuit of quarterback Riley Skinner. UVa’s defense will have to contend with emerging freshman Josh Adams (4th in the ACC in rushing). Cavaliers crumble 21-19.
NAVY notches its first win over Notre Dame since the 1960’s, GEORGETOWN nips Marist, HOWARD over South Carolina State, CATHOLIC tops Guilford, JAMES MADISON falls to Delaware, RICHMOND over Villanova.
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