College Football Corner...after further review..

Well, where was I?...Sorry to my legions of readers for the lack of Presto's Picks and College Football Corners the last few weeks--but now we are back to wrap up the season in fine fashion.

My 20th high school reunion was over Thanksgiving weekend--and unfortunately other responsibilities kept me in DC--and I can't help but view my high school days within the context of the recent college football season...filled with possibilities, disappointments, unrealistic expectations and the occasional pleasant surprises--with plenty of lessons learned and forgotten.

(Alma mater update--while I don't know how the Manchester High School West football team fared, I was in the stands at Notre Dame Stadium for Syracuse's improbable 24-23 upset of the Irish--and although the Orange will have to find a new coach to reinvent a once-proud program...SU hoops is off and running to an excellent start)

Maryland wrapped up its inconsistent regular season with a 28-21 loss to Boston College...the team's first loss during the day as well as their first defeat against a ranked opponent. TERRAPIN TRIUMPHS--Chris Turner threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns while running for another score...Torry Smith and Danny Oquendo each tallied more than 100 yards receiving...the defense held BC to just 143 yards passing (less than 10 yards per completion)... TERRAPIN TROUBLES--it's very difficult to win if you can't run or stop the run...and the Terps were outgained on the ground 175 to minus 6...as the tailback tandem of DaRell Scott and Davin Meggett was limited to 23 yards on 16 carries...meanwhile, the defense failed to generate a takeaway and 7 penalties for 73 yards won't make anyone in College Park happy.


Virginia Tech's 17-14 win over Virginia reminds me of what these two schools have achieved in recent memory...: somehow the Hokies despite their limitations find a way to win while for everything the Cavaliers do--somehow Al Groh's team comes up short.


HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--how much of a dual threat is Tyrod Taylor? 137 yards rushing plus 137 passing wraps up a fine regular season...as a team Va Tech tallied 216 yards on the ground and held the ball for 36+ minutes...
HOKIE HUMBLINGS--despite being the better team for four quarters, they still needed a late field goal to beat a team that went 0-6 against I-A competition outside of October...


CAVALIER CONGRATS--in a year where Cedric Peerman fought injuries and Mikkell Simpson fought ineffectiveness, converted cornerback Vic Hall rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns...CAVALIER CATASTROPHES--in a year where Marc Verica threw interceptions by the bunches (16 over 10 games), one last pick while UVa was in field goal range ended the team's final opportunity to tie the game up.

College Football Corner--timing is everything...

The biggest surprise from this past weekend was the fact there were no major surprises-- believe it or not the highest ranked team to lose was #17 North Carolina. With a handful of weeks left (2) before the conference championship games we're treated to a slew of "rivalry games"--as the Big Ten wraps up most of its play this week. Why? There are still two more weekends before the BCS wraps up...and if the last two years have taught us anything--it's that the extra time off between the regular season finale and the bowl doesn't really help (thank you Ohio State for being a test case). The Pac Ten and Big East have extended their schedules into December...I'm not saying the Big Ten should do that, but couldn't they consider playing the Saturday after Thanksgiving?

MARYLAND needed a last-minute field goal to keep its ACC hopes alive...a 17-with 15 victory over North Carolina returns the Terps to the top 25. TERRAPIN TRIUMPHS--Da'Rel Scott led the way with 129 yards rushing while Davin Meggett added 86 on the ground...allowing the offense to control the ball for over 40 minutes...the defense held the Tar Heels to 1 of 11 on third down and tallied two takeaways...TERRAPIN TROUBLES-- two big plays almost ruined an afternoon of dominance: a longsnap that sailed over the head of punter Travis Balz resulted in a UNC safety and a 56-yard pass from Cameron Sexton to Cooper Arnold for a Tar Heel touchdown...Maryland has been burned by the big play more than once this year--and Saturday it almost cost them.

Presto's Picks--hot potatoes and destinies deferred...

Who didn't like playing the game hot potato as a kid? If you held on to the ball too long, you were out--very simple rules with little room for debate. I thought hot potato was passe--perhaps it had been legislated out of gym classes like dodgeball (my favorite version of the game was "Hospital Bombardment" where each team had a "doctor" who could bring downed teammates back to base where they could return to the game) for being cruel to kids' self-esteem. I was wrong, because the ACC has been playing hot potato all fall. Each week a new team has the lead and destiny in its own hands--only to pass it to someone else...but don't worry, you very well might get the ball back next week.

VIRGINIA TECH was unstoppable on Thursday nights, right? Isn't Miami still in rebuilding mode and realistically a year away from being a major player in the conference? The Hokies 16-14 loss to the Hurricanes may herald the arrival of a monster that will be atop the ACC standings for some time (two freshman qb's). HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--the quarterback tandem of Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor completed 12 of 20 passes for 173 yards...while rushing for two touchdowns...only 3 penalties on the night. HOKIE HUMBLINGS--2 of 11 on third down conversions...77 yards rushing on 38 carries...minus one yard on punt returns for the entire game--Beamer Ball, where art thou?

MARYLAND vs 17th ranked North Carolina--believe it or not, the Terrapins remain in control of their destiny despite two conference losses because both of those defeats (UVa & Va Tech) came to Coastal Division teams. UNC also controls its own destiny after the Hokies Thursday night loss. The Tar Heels boast a turnover-happy secondary led by Trimane Gibbons (6 interceptions)...and may be boosted by the potential return at QB for TJ Yates--although Cameron Sexton has been playing rather well as of late. I won't even waste any more time trying to figure out a Terrapin team that's 3-3 against unranked teams while 3-0 against schools in the Top 25...but form will hold...Terps triumph 20-18.

NAVY falls to Notre Dame, GEORGETOWN falls at Fordham, HOWARD slips to Bethune-Cookman, Richmond defeats Delaware, James Madison over William & Mary.

Presto's Picks...Thursday Night's must-see show...

Thursday night has long been a magnet for stellar television...from Hill Street Blues to Cheers to Friends to 30 Rock, no shortage of Emmy winners have graced this evening's tube (even Bosom Buddies with Tom Hanks way back when). The only organization that can compare to NBC's stellar track record over the years on Thursday night is programming from Blacksburg. Virginia Tech under coach Frank Beamer is 15-3 in that primetime slot (hey, even NBC had Grand) with more than a few major beatdowns to his team's credit (think 55-6 over Maryland a few years ago). The Hokies embrace Thursday Night Football like no other team--and from a planning standpoint coach Beamer doesn't overprepare or underprepare his team...much like a souffle he gets it just right...and the fans get a delicious treat.

VIRGINIA TECH at Miami--despite back to back stumbles against Florida State and Boston College, the Hokies control their own destiny (Seminoles and Eagles are in the other division) as far as a trip to Tampa is concerned...despite not knowing if Tyrod Taylor or Sean Glennon will be their quarterback. It will be interesting to see how Miami will try to limit Darren Evans (fresh off a school-record 253 yards against Maryland)...the Hurricanes have won four straight and are riding a freshman quarterback tandem of Jacory Harris and Robert Marve--both have contributed greatly in this stretch but the Hokie defense should have some fun with their inexperience...Beamerball comes up big, 23-10.



REST OF THE PICKS TOMORROW--

College Football Corner--playoff possibilities...

The voters have spoken! One day after saying on ESPN he'd push for a college football playoff, Barack Obama was voted president...although I don't think there was a direct cause and effect, it's beyond time we've decided the national title on the field.

How would one determine the playoff participants? Beyond just having the top two or four teams play off one could have the six BCS conferences (Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, Pac Ten, ACC and Big East) send conference winners plus add two wildcards.

I would just as soon allow 11 conference winners with 5 at large teams voted on by a tournament committee (like NCAA hoops)...I mean if the TCUs and Tulsas can take the big boys checks for buyout games--why can't they get a seat at the table when it matters?

Round one would take place Saturday December 13th with a quarterfinal quadruple-header taking center stage January 1st...semifinal play would take place the following Saturday with the championship game being played during the bye week between the conference title games and Super Bowl. Yes, it would force athletes of a small portion of schools to compete into the second semester, but doesn't basketball ask the same thing? Just think of the hype--and the crescendo to the college football season that would be out there.



VIRGINIA saw its November backslide continue with a 28-17 loss at Wake Forest...it's difficult to imagine this was the team that actually led the ACC Atlantic Division just nine days ago. CAVALIER CATASTROPHES-- where to begin? For starters the offense began the day with 3 straight three and outs, followed by an interception and then another three play possession. Total damage: 14 plays--minus one yard and a two-touchdown deficit...and that was just the first quarter. Another long touchdown drive by Wake plus an interception returned for another score led to a 28-3 halftime deficit. The team's problems on third down persist (2 of 11)...and at 5-5 the team needs to split remaining games against Clemson and Virginia Tech to keep postseason hopes alive.

Presto's Picks--Terps trampled...

Somehow a trip to Blacksburg on a Thursday night is always an ill-advised journey. The Hokies improved to 15-3 in ESPN's signature primetime contest with a 23-13 win over Maryland that wasn't as close as the score appeared. HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--Darren Evans rushed for a school-record 253 yards and a touchdown...while the offense kept the ball for over 37 minutes. TERRAPIN TROUBLES-- Chris Turner (19-34, 240 yards and a touchdown) had little help from his running game...as DaRel Scott and Davin Meggett combined to gain 14 yards on 14 carries...and the team converted just 2 of 11 third down situations.

VIRGINIA at Wake Forest... the Cavaliers try to contain a Demon Deacon misdirection offense that averages less than three yards a carry; their quarterback Riley Skinner lives with short passing (less than 10 yards per completion) and the team's best player is injured kicker Sam Swank. Defensively the Deacons were playing well--before coughing up 30 points to Duke (and I don't care if the Blue Devils are 4-4; they are still Duke). Can the Cavaliers bounce back from a less than stellar effort against Miami (a game they should have won)? Cedric Peerman's production will be pivotal as always; his three 100-yard performances all came during UVa's October run of four straight wins--in the other four games where he averaged 44 yards per game the Cavs went 1-3. UVa escapes on a blocked extra point, 12-11.


Georgetown slips to Marist, Richmond over Hofstra, William & Mary mauls Northeastern.

THURSDAY NIGHT: 1-0.

OVERALL: 45-17.

Presto's Picks...a Thursday Night Special...

MARYLAND at VIRGINIA TECH-- this has been a Bizarro season for the ACC where each week the highest ranked teams fall victim to upset...Virginia Tech's opening week loss to East Carolina set the example followed by Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina and Boston College. Maryland tries to break the cycle with a trip to Blacksburg this week.

The Hokies quarterback situation is less than ideal, with sprained ankles making Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon question marks. The usual special teams advantage enjoyed by the Hokies may be lessened by the fact that the Terps have had over a week to focus on the kicking game. The deciding factor in this game very may well be a concession item-- the Smoked Turkey Leg available around and about Lane Stadium...not only is this item extremely delicious it can also be used as a weapon to ward off those trying to steal your seat...Hokies by a leg, 24-21.


Last week: 4-2.

Overall: 44-17.

College Football Corner--Welcome to Closing Month...

As I've said in this space previously, September is "Show Me Month" while October is "Moving Month". And although both provide quite a journey, its all setting up thirty magnificent days--November is "Closing Month"...where teams that have showed possibilities and have moved into position close in on championship seasons. Names will be made and seasons will be remembered because of what happens in November-- think Michigan-Ohio State and Auburn-Alabama (shame on the Big 12 for allowing Oklahoma-Nebraska to wither away from the spotlight it once shared)... although there are big games all season, November magnifies the measly and makes the memorable magnificent.

VIRGINIA began Closing Month with an underwhelming 24-17 overtime loss to Miami. The Cavaliers' loss to the Hurricanes was a photo-negative of their win over North Carolina two weeks previously; instead of waking up from a game-long slumber and tying the contest right before the end of regulation--the Cavs allowed a game-tying touchdown with under a minute remaining before falling in overtime. CAVALIER CONGRATULATIONS-- Marc Verica had his second interception-free game in three weeks...throwing for 240 yards...DL Alex Field notched two sacks on the afternoon--and the defense tallied three takeaways. CAVALIER CATASTROPHES--the offense converted just 3 of 14 third down opportunities... two missed field goals in the second half cost UVa in the end... after shutting down the Hurricanes' attack for most of the afternoon, the defense allowed a 15 play, 95 march over 7+ minutes in the fourth quarter that resulted in a game-tying score.

Redskins Report--Burgundy and Gold States...

Election time has the Redskins looking more than just a potential contender--at 6-2 its the team's best start since 2000...and before one starts to measure the drapes in the oval office of the Playoff House, remember that year ended in a mess--from hanging chads to an 8-8 finish... with the removal of Norv Turner from office the centerpiece...

(Halloween aside--another awesome costume...Gene Frenkle, the late cowbell player for Blue Oyster Cult)

The 2008 race has seen the home candidate post plenty of primary victories, a fairly gaffe-free strategy (no interceptions yet for Jason Campbell) and a groundbreaking campaign by Clinton (on pace for over 1800 yards) Portis. Will they close in on the NFC East Nomination or fall the way of Mitt Romney/Howard Dean in an early-favorite disappearing act?

Lets just say the 25-17 win over Detroit was far from a nomination-clinching victory-- from converting fewer than 50% of their third downs to 8 penalties to a pair of fumbles...two weeks ago they dodged the bullet of Clinton Portis' late fumble, while three weeks ago they weren't so fortunate against St Louis.

Pittsburgh comes to Fed Ex Field Monday evening--the first MNF tilt between the two clubs since 1973...both of the Steelers losses have come to NFC East teams (Phi, NYG) and they've gotten beaten up in both games--allowing 14 sacks and scoring just 20 points... runningback Willie Parker remains a question mark for the tilt--he's been banged up since early September. On the Skins side, Santana Moss is questionable--and his absence would allow the Steelers top flight run defense ample opportunity to lock down on Clinton Portis.

Something about Monday night and the Skins--the result often defies description (from the win over Dallas in '05 to the loss against Tennessee 8 years ago)...when in doubt, go with the polls...and as Preston's Perspective is picking Obama to receive 306 electoral votes--(the road team wins before the non-incumbent party takes the White House)--the Steelers expose a few gaps in Jim Zorn's campaign strategy, 27-23 (plus the District).

College Football Corner: Tricks and Treats...

Halloween is always a fun time of year because although people are often not what they seem-- at least on October 31st their phonyness is up front...

Favorite Costume--Hoosiers' Hickory Huskers --the entire team in tow(with Gene Hackman holding the book)...what was the deal with proliferation of Santa and Santa Helper costumes? I think it's a cheap way to double up on holiday outfits..."yeah, this year why don't we go as...Pilgrims?"

Major Masquerades--Auburn, Tennessee and Wisconsin ...all three schools have gone from high preseason hopes to getting a rock Charlie Brown-style...

Speaking of Getting a Rock--the Big East and ACC both find themselves with no national title hopefuls (Florida State the only one-loss school in either league) as the "basketball leagues" live up to their names...

Alma Mater Update--Syracuse at 1-6 plays Louisville...from hiring a Wisconsin assistant to implement the west coast offense (west coast of Lake Michigan, maybe) to the erosion of team speed in the secondary (are they wearing ankle-weights during the games?) the Orange have been dressed up as a Division I-A program for four years under coach Greg Robinson... and have had more stylistic changes (multiple uniform alterations) than substantive improvements (8-34 anyone?)...



VIRGINIA vs Miami--last year the Cavaliers closed the Orange Bowl with a 48-0 thumping of the Hurricanes...(you don't come into the OB like that!)...last year I thought the Canes were perhaps a year away from being major contenders in the ACC--they've been less than overwhelming in recent wins over Central Florida, Duke and Wake Forest. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers blew through an October schedule to re-set expectations...instead of postseason play being a pipe dream, coach Al Groh's team is thinking ACC title. Will this be the week Marc Verica's interceptions finally cost the Cavaliers? UVa rallies again, 20-16.

NAVY tops Temple, HOWARD humbles Norfolk State, GEORGETOWN slips to Lehigh, JAMES MADISON defeats Delaware, RICHMOND rips Hofstra, WILLIAM & MARY tops Towson.