#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.
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