Six seasons into the double-digit member ACC, the trend continues: the three schools taken from the Big East are a combined 19-8 and on track to leave the rest of the conference in the dust. Even with Georgia Tech the likely Coastal Division winner-- the power trio of Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech are assured of combining for half of the ACC title game participants. And that doesn't include 2004--when Miami and Virginia Tech battled on the final Saturday of the season in a defacto championship game. The three schools have also boasted more than their share of first team ACC all stars and postseason honors in their brief tenure-- last year BC had the league's defensive player of the year while Miami had the ACC's top defensive rookie. Good news for the league as a whole, as the Boston and Miami markets (plus VT's defacto DC market presence)... while the biggest loser may be Florida State-- no longer able to use the ACC as it's little playpen.
Alma Mater Update-- saw Syracuse's 37-10 loss at then #13 Pitt last weekend... a few ruminations: Heinz Field is a beautiful place to watch a game... and the weather was perfect. The Orange kept things close before Greg Paulus tossed a pick six to wrap up the first half-- and then the SU defense allowed the Panthers to reach the end zone on their first second half drive. The Orange touchdown? Aided and abetted by four defensive pass interference penalties. Let's move to hoops, please.
#20 Virginia Tech at Maryland-- during this week's conference call, coach Ralph Friedgen said his team was basically a handful of plays away from a 7-2 record. While that might be somewhat accurate the Terps are a six points away from 0-9. Can a Maryland defense that's allowed 30+ points in six of nine games slow down a Hokie attack that sometimes acts as its own regulator (19ppg since October 15th)? Will a Terrapin offense that hasn't been able to get out of its own way this fall (most turnovers in the ACC) be able to dent a Virginia Tech defense that's more than held its own this fall? Wait for the TV timeouts to leave your seat-- as both special teams have shown a propensity for big plays this year. Hokies more than a few plays better than the Terps...24-13.
Virginia vs Boston College-- the November of the Cavaliers discontent continues with the Atlantic Division contending Eagles stopping by Charlottesville... although the rhythm of the season would suggest a UVa triumph-- coach Al Groh's team lost three straight before winning three in a row before dropping their last three. Cavaliers come up short, 20-15.
Navy defeats Delaware, Georgetown falls to Richmond, Howard slips to Bethune-Cookman, James Madison slips to UMass and William & Mary tops New Hampshire.
Last Week: 2-1.
Overall: 44-19.
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