College Football Corner-- Division Delusions...

The start of conference play used to mean the beginning of round-robins (or near-round robins for the Big Ten, Pac Ten and SEC) where everybody played everyone as a precursor to the HUGE November games (Oklahoma-Nebraska, Ohio State-Michigan, Texas-Texas A&M, USC-UCLA) that more often than not decided who would play where January 1st. The Superconference Era ushered in the 90's brought Divisional alignments into the fray; and while some leagues do it right others are lost.

The SEC's East and West make sense (each division has two non-competers, Vandy-Ky and Miss-Miss St) as does the Big XII North and South (although things will change with Colorado and Nebraska departing). Meanwhile, the ACC does divisions a disservice. While "Atlantic" and "Coastal" are cute names (if they expanded further I'd assume they'd title a third division "Conference").

I'm all about geography-- and one should divvy up the schools north and south. Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami and Florida State should all be division rivals--as should Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Throw Boston College, North Carolina and Duke into the north while placing NC State and Wake Forest in the south (the Wolfpack-Clemson rivalry is the ACC's best kept secret)... and you have a functioning league. I hope the Big Ten will do the same smart thing and place Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue and Indiana in the east while having Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Northwestern, Illinois and Wisconsin in the west.

Maryland enters its bye week with twice the wins they had in 2009--thanks to a gritty come from behind 21-16 win over Duke. Coach Ralph Friedgen said this was exactly the kind of game that they would have lost last year. Terrapin Triumphs-- no turnovers again... and one huge interception by Antwine Perez in the end zone that set up the team's first TD of the night. He doesn't make the pick- Duke goes up 12-0 and the Terps maybe never catch fire. Tony Logan added an 84 yard touchdown to his punt return resume and Da'Rell Scott turned a swing pass into a 71 yard score... add a 44 yard catch by Torrey Smith and one can see explosive plays as a huge part of the Maryland Menu this fall. Terrapin Troubles-- the team converted just 4 of 14 third downs... 7 penalties doesn't help things, especially multiple false starts. Next up-- October 16th at Clemson.

Virginia put the Chardonnay and Brie away quickly as the Cavaliers were roasted by Florida State 34-14. Much was made about this fall being the 15th anniversary of UVa's incredible upset of the Seminoles--it's amazing how far both schools have fallen in the last five years. Cavalier Congrats-- Kris Burd notched 118 yards receiving... including a 76 yard TD pass. Jimmy Howell averaged 43 yards per punt. The Sauvignon Blanc served at Kippy and Buffy's tailgate was rather crisp. Cavalier Catastrophes-- 25 yards rushing. 9 penalties. 3 for 13 on third down while allowing the Seminoles to move the chains at will (10 for 16). Next up-- Saturday at Georgia Tech.

Virginia Tech rallied from 17 points down on the road to reassert itself as the team to beat in the ACC... outscoring North Carolina State 41-30. The win also means there are no more unbeaten schools in the conference--I'm not saying there should be a national title contender every year from this league, but it's nice to dream. Hokie Highlights-- a running game that churned out 317 yards... special teams opened the second half with a 96 yard kickoff return for a touchdown (BEAMER BALL!)... Tyrod Taylor threw three touchdown passes and split his 12 completions among 8 receivers... Jayron Hosley notched three interceptions: the first set up the first VT touchdown, the second was in the endzone right before halftime and the third set up the game-clinching score. Hokie Humblings-- the sluggish starts continue, regardless of the opponent as the Hokies fell behind early...4 of 12 on third down... and a missed extra point? Next up-- Saturday against Central Michigan.