Presto's Picks-- HURRICANE WARNING!

Attention, Hokies: you now have another bully on the block in the ACC Coastal Division. Bad news for the wannabees waiting for Virginia Tech to slip up. A tougher road ahead for Butch Davis at North Carolina (the sleeping giant of the ACC) as the Tar Heels build towards title contender. Miami's back with speed, skill and swagger. The 20th ranked Hurricanes 33-17 dismantling of #14 Georgia Tech puts the rest of the league on notice that the U is on track to contend for the division championship after some market correction during the late Larry Coker/early Randy Shannon era.

A private institution always has a tougher path when rebuilding (walk-ons face a higher tuition than those at state schools)...and behind Jacory Harris it looks as though the Canes' growing pains are a thing of the past.

Superlative issue--in the papers #20 Miami's home win over #14 Georgia Tech was referred to as a stunner/shocker. Hello? It's week three...with limited samples available to evaluate teams...thus the rankings aren't nearly as exact as they will be a month from now. And it's IN SOUTH BEACH. Ever hear of home field? Quality win? Certainly. Shocker? Hardly.

Alma Mater Update: Syracuse continues its roundabout quest for a Big Ten championship by hosting Northwestern--after a heartbreaking loss to Minnesota and a thumping at Penn State (the loss in Happy Valley effectively eliminated the Orange from the Rose Bowl race). But Big Ten schools aren't created equally...and Northwestern may be more mildcat than Wildcat after wins over Towson and Eastern Michigan.

MARYLAND vs Middle Tennessee State-- the Terps lost in Mufreesboro last fall...there is no record of fried dill pickle chips consumed before, during or after said contest. Two big concerns -- offensive line cohesion and tackling. Eight of the ten linemen in the team's two-deep lineup are freshmen (some true freshmen) and sophomores-- they need to grow up in a hurry (3.5 yards per carry, 7 sacks and 16 tackles for loss allowed). Defensively plays need to be made... last week the D made hits without finishing the deal--if they can't contain the Blue Raiders spread option, they'll definitely be in a pickle. Terps triumph 27-22.

# 13 VIRGINIA TECH vs #20 Nebraska-- how far along is Bo Pellini in restoring the Big Red Glory that made the Huskers' stadium the third most populous place in the state during home games? His team's already taking one page from the time-honored Tom Osborne tradition...routing lower level teams--ripping Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic by a combined 87-12. Hokies handle the Huskers 20-18.

VIRGINIA at Southern Mississippi-- out of 120 Division I-A teams, coach Al Groh's team ranks 112th in total offense, 113th in passing, 116th in time of possession and 117th in sacks allowed. Clearly UVa has been spending too much time focusing on perfecting their 99th rated running game. Cavs crumble, 36-14.


NAVY falls to Pitt... GEORGETOWN slips to Yale... RICHMOND over Hofstra... WILLIAM & MARY tops Norfolk State. Last week: 6-1. Overall: 8-4.