College Football Corner-- ACCepting change.

Having covered college football and basketball for the better part of the last twenty years, and having attended Syracuse during the heyday of the Big East, it's with a heavy heart I accept the Orange's move from the Big East to the ACC. Yeah, Pitt's going along as well... but SU was a founding member and cornerstone of a pretty fantastic basketball league and occasionally relevent football conference. It will be tough going from founder to tenant... especially in a league that pillaged the Big East--setting things in motion for the current situation. How do you go to cocktail parties and mix with Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College-- knowing they left you high and dry when they had the chance? I'll miss the "old days"-- but I'm sure there were those back in 1978 refusing to think of baskeball being played inside a domed football stadium. There may have even been those who thought Syracuse was idiotic to abandon it's interweaving home and home rivalries with Colgate, St. Bonaventure, Canisius and Siena to join a group of Catholic schools- most of which didn't field a football team. So as we think fondly of the 1980's and 90's... there's an exciting new world to think about. I'm just hoping they have the divisions make sense.

Alma Mater Update-- as the athletic department was embarking a new direction... the football team was getting waxed by USC 38-17. On the bright side we had a great gamewatching crowd... although my wings to drumstick ratio was 5 to 7 (to be expected after last years ridiculous run). Unfortunately the inability of the first hitter to bring down the ballcarrier proved detrimental. The Orange are on their way- but not there yet. And wasn't it great to have Gus Johnson on the FX broadcast? He's enthusiastic-- but come on.

Maryland (1-1) fell 17 points down at the half before allowing an opening drive touchdown in teh second half to West Virginia, before storming back only to come up short 37-31. Over the first two games the team's seen its ceiling, but also has learned what it needs to do to reach that ceiling. Terrapin Triumphs-- Davin Meggett rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown... Matt Furstenburg continues to be a move the chains threat with 7 catches and 70 yards...the defense tallied three takeaways. Terrapin Troubles-- 7 penalties for 75 yards... Danny O'Brien threw three interceptions--one a pick-six and the other a game-sealer. The defense didn't force a Mountaineer punt until the third quarter... and after tightening things up allowed a 14 play, 65 yard drive to set up West Virginia's final points of the day. Next up-- Saturday against Temple.

Virginia (2-1) came up short in Chapel Hill... turnovers tormenting Mike London's Cavaliers in a 28-17 loss to North Carolina. This week's Kippy and Buffy Tailgating reccomendation: Kung Fu Riesling with Horseradish Cheddar on Triscuits. Cavalier Congrats-- Kevin Parks nets 98 yards rushing on just 14 carries.... Kris Burd tallies 7 catches for 110 yards... the defense held Tar Heels to 3-12 on third down. Cavalier Concerns-- three turnovers allowed a UNC team that was outgained by 67 yards to win by double digits... 6 penalties for 58 yards wasn't helpful either. Next up-- Saturday against Southern Miss.

#13 Virginia Tech (3-0) won its first three games for the first time since 2006... after allowing the customary opening score the Hokies staggered their way to an underwhelming 26-7 triumph over Arkansas State. But an unbeaten Show Me Month is what a program that has national dreams like VT needs. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson remains the breadwinner on the ground... rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown... the defense held the Red Wolves to 64 yards on 31 carries... sacked Ryan Aplin three times and held them to 4 of 15 on third down. Hokie Humblings-- what is it with sluggish starts and the Hokies lately? This is cute now against non-league teams, but one would think there'd be different consequences come ACC time. Thirty-three yards per punt? Beamer Ball?!? Two interceptions thrown by Logan Thomas continues to show he has a ways to progress during his career-- and this season. Next Up--Saturday at Marshall.